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من تجويد اللسان إلى تجويد الجنان

From improving the tongue to improving the heart

Al Utruj Academy teaches Tajweed and the ten Qira’at through licensed chains of
narration — taught in small Majlis groups, on-site in Blackburn and online worldwide.

View the courses
Understand the sanad
  • Est. November 2022
  • Blackburn, UK
  • Online since 2024

29th in the chain

Second highest Sanad position held in the world. Students would therefore be the 30th link

The bridge methodology

Having benefited from various Shuyookh across the globe obtaining their Ijazaat, the teaching style of Al Utruj Academy is a combination of the Arab and Indian methodologies demanding high standards

Majlis teaching style

Small groups of students maximizing the performance of each individual with a detailed report and gradual progression

On-site & Online

Blackburn (UK), and live from anywhere

About us

A name taken from the citron

Al Utruj Academy began its Qur’an specialisation programme on-site in Blackburn in November 2022, by the grace of the Almighty. In January 2024 the academy opened an online teaching facility, and students now join from well beyond the town.

The example of the believer who recites the Qur'an is like that of a citron. Its fragrance is pleasant and its taste is delightful.

Reported by Bukhari

“Al Utruj” is directly derived  from that narration. The academy carries the name because the work runs in the same order as the hadith: first the tongue is rectified,  leading to the heart’s rectification. Accurate recitation is where everything begins, not where it ends!

Founded

November 2022, on-site in Blackburn, United Kingdom.

Online

January 2024, teaching students across regions and time zones.

Focus

Tajweed and the ten Qira’at, taught to licence standard.

Licences · Sanad

Thirty links back to the
Prophet ﷺ

The shortest chain of narration in Qira’ah today runs through 28 transmitters —
in Hafs, for example. Al Utruj Academy holds the 29th position, the second
highest in the world. A student who completes a licence here becomes
the 30th link in that chain.

Origin

The Prophet ﷺ

The recital as it was given and heard..

1 — 28

Twenty-eight transmitters

The chain preserved intact and unbroken by the Qurra of the Ummah.

29th

Al Utruj Academy

Second highest position held in the world today.

30th

You

On completing your licence with the academy.

Why we teach

Preservation is a responsibility

The Qur’an states that it was revealed and that it will be protected. That protection is carried by the Ummah, and it begins with accurate recitation — preserved and transmitted through specific chains leading back to the Prophet ﷺ, together with its recognised dialects.

Al Utruj Academy exists to facilitate and revive that particular aspect of preservation at a high standard, through structured courses studied with their corresponding reference books.

Mission

Revive the chain

To carry the licences of recital at a very high standard, completing full courses with their reference books, and producing students able to serve the Ummah at large.

Vision

A micro institute with global reach

Personalised teaching shaped around each student's level, learning style and aspirations — delivered on-site town by town across the UK and online worldwide, with partnerships, micro-credentials and modular courses for lifelong study.

Objective

Scholars every community can reach

To develop individuals who can propagate the correct ways of recital, revive the spirituality of recitation, and give every community access to qualified, licensed teachers for the next generation.

Indeed not everyone that recites the Qur'an does it correctly, nor every reciter learned
from an expert.

Imam Khaqani (RA)

Licences and reference books held by our teachers

Standards

Quality decides who teaches here

Every teacher is assessed in theory and in practical recitation before a single class is given. The academy also keeps close connections with experts across the Arab world and the Subcontinent, which lets it combine both teaching methodologies — and stay under the guidance of those experts.

Egypt
Syria
Madinah
Yemen
India
Pakistan
UK

3

Licences minimum

Each teacher holds at least three valid licences in Tajweed & Qira'at, from different teachers. The usual Darul uloom standard is one.*

90

Pass mark out of 100

Applications are only considered above this mark, across both written theory and practical recitation.

2

Methodologies combined

Arab and Subcontinental approaches taught side by side, with every lesson linked back to rectifying the heart.

* Unless the student took from a teacher who has more than five teachers in the field.

Services

Two paths, one
standard

Students are placed by level after an initial assessment. Both routes are studied with their corresponding reference books, on-site or online.

 

Advanced · Specialisation

The ten Qira'at

  • The ten Qira'at
  • Ashāb Al-Silah
  • Ashāb Al-Tawasut
  • Al Basriyayn
  • Ashāb Al-Tūl
  • Any Riwāyah, Al Sughrā

What the course covers

The full recital of the Qur'an with the corresponding books studied, taught to licence standard.

Basic to intermediate

Imāmah / Tajweed

  • The last two Juz' of the Qur'an
  • Tajwīd basics
  • Khutbah training
  • Translation and explanation of the last ten Suwar
  • Selected rules regarding Salāh

Who it suits

Students building a correct foundation in recitation, and those preparing to lead prayer and deliver the khutbah.

How classes run

Taught as a majlis

Reviving the older method of teaching, classes are held in a majlis format rather than a school or madrasah setting, with no building allocated. Quality is prioritised over quantity, and students are placed according to their level.

Small groups

Places are limited so each student is heard and corrected in every session.

Evening slots

Different courses run at different times through the evening.

On-site

Held at a house or class setting in Blackburn, with new towns to follow.

On-site

Held at a house or class setting in Blackburn, with new towns to follow.

How to join

Three steps to a place

Quality is the priority of the institute. Therefore, places are limited. Every student starts their application from a short meeting and an initial assessment from which the Academy will then decide admission for the student.

 

Step one

Send an enquiry

Text or email with your current level of Islamic studies, your age, and whether you want to study on-site or online (depending on your location).

Step two

Recitation assessment

A short listening session of your recitation will be required to identify your current level and to define the steps of progression tailored to your needs.

Step three

Placement and start

If admitted, you will then be placed in the class corresponding to your level, given the reference books, and begin at the agreed upon time.

Student voices

What students say

Feedback from students studying at Al Utruj Academy on different Qira'at routes, on-site and online

My experience studying at Al Utrooj Academy has been truly beneficial and rewarding. I began the course as a beginner with limited understanding of the sciences of Tajweed beyond basic recitation. At the time, my recitation was not the best, and I had not yet understood the depth, precision, and importance of applying Tajweed correctly whilst reciting the Quran. Through the teacher’s guidance and method of teaching, the theoretical aspects of Tajweed were made easy to understand and accessible to all students. Concepts that initially appeared difficult were explained clearly and with patience, and whenever there were matters we did not understand, the teacher was always approachable and willing to explain further until clarity was achieved. This created a comfortable and encouraging environment for learning. Alhamdulillah, since attending these classes, both the teacher and I have witnessed clear improvement in my recitation. The continual correction, advice, and encouragement have greatly assisted me in developing greater confidence and accuracy in applying the rules of Tajweed. A particularly valuable aspect of the course was the detailed progress reports provided by the teacher. These reports allowed me to assess my progress, recognise areas requiring improvement, and measure my development throughout the duration of the course. This was both beneficial and motivating in maintaining consistency in my studies. Attending these classes has also caused me to realise the great importance of reciting the Quran with correct Tajweed. It has increased my appreciation for preserving the proper pronunciation and recitation of the words of Allah, and it has strengthened both my recitation and my connection with the Quran. I am grateful for the knowledge and guidance I have received at Al Utrooj Academy and would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to improve their understanding and recitation of the Quran
Tameem Dewan, Blackburn
My studies with Al Utruj academy and our dear Sheikh Muhammad Dodakia has been an incredibly beneficial and enriching experience. Through the Qiraat Hafs course, we were able to study foundational and advanced texts such as Tuhfatul Atfal, Al-Jazariyyah, and additional works. The course covered both the theoretical and practical aspects of Tajweed and Riwayat Hafs in a structured and comprehensive manner. What made this journey especially valuable was that it went far beyond simply learning the rules of recitation. Alongside the academic rigor, there were immense spiritual benefits gained through the companionship and guidance of our respected teacher, . His insights, wisdom, and sincere dedication provided countless gems and beneficial reminders that deeply impacted us both spiritually and personally. Alhamdulillah, this course has strengthened our connection with the Qur’an and increased our appreciation for the science of Qiraat. We also look forward, InshaAllah, to continuing our studies with our Sheikh as we continue in our pursuit of attaining understanding, mastery and closeness to the word of Allah. I would highly recommend to any student seeking not only excellence in Tajweed and Qiraat, but also a spiritually uplifting learning environment
Muhammad Maqbul Patel, Blackburn & USA
Al Utruj Academy has helped me improve my Tajweed and recitation immensely. The Sheikh identified many mistakes in my recitation that had previously gone unnoticed. Having studied under numerous experts in the field of Qira’ah from different parts of the world, he has gained a broad range of insights and techniques that helped us recognise and improve areas that a teacher trained under only one expert may not easily identify. The course was delivered in great detail, with thoroughness and genuine dedication. Among many areas of improvement I particularly improved in Makharij, Sifaat, the science of Waqf (stopping), and using appropriate tones according to the context of the verses. I highly recommend this academy to anyone who sincerely wants to advance their recitation and deepen their understanding, rather than simply seeking a quick Ijazah.
Abdurrahman (Ibn Mufti Inayatullah), Blackburn
I joined the Hafs class ran by Qari Mouhammad Dodakia at Al Utruj Academy after fortuitously seeing an advert on a friend's Whatsapp status in 2024. At this point I had been out of Deeni education in general for several years, though my level of Arabic was passable. The class combined theoretical study of key texts alongside a completion/khatmah of the Qur'ān in the mainstream riwāyah if Imām Ḥafṣ who narrates from Imām Āsim al-Kūfī. Prior to the commencement of the class, I had felt my Qur'ān recitation was at an acceptable level, while knowing there was much more to learn, but not having access to an institution that could work with my schedule or level. At Al Utruj Academy, I was given direct practical advice on improving my recitation. I was able to rectify mistakes that had crept in over the years and become part of what I thought to be correct. I saw a definite improvement in my practical Tajweed, and others who have heard me recite since have also noticed this. As for the theoretical aspect, again, having studied basic Tajweed before Hifdh class as a child, I incorrectly felt I knew a lot of what there was to know about the topic. Through the teacher's elucidation of key concepts and details while studying the well-renowned texts of Tuḥfatul Aṭfāl and Muqaddimatul Jazariyyah, I was able to gain a deep level of understanding of the rules of Tajweed. A key element was knowledge of the how and why, as opposed to simply the what. I feel I can now confidently impart knowledge to others using correct terminology and definition, where I may previously have been found lacking. The shortness of the chains/isnād possessed by the teacher is an added bonus that many can and should benefit from. In both theory and practice, I found that Qari Mouhammad placed emphasis on not only teaching the individual, but equipping them with the tools and know-how of teaching others, thereby paving the way for the continuation of the 'ilm. Above all, I can say that studying at Al Utruj Academy has, with the Tawfeeq of Allāh, increased my devotion and connection to the Qur'ān. While the other positives are worthy of mention, this is undoubtedly the most priceless, as all other goods stem from it. May Allāh grant divine acceptance to the Academy's work, its supporters, and primarily its founder. May Allāh use it as a means of the revival of the importance of this science within the hearts of the Muslims.
Ammar Ilyasahmed Patel, Bolton

Questions

Before you enquire

Listen before you enrol

Recitations, explanations and course material are published on the academy's YouTube channel — a good way to hear the standard of recital being taught.

Visit the channel

No. There is a basic to intermediate route covering Tajwīd basics, the last two Juz’, khutbah training and selected rules of Salāh, alongside the advanced specialisation in the ten Qira’at. You are placed by level after an assessment.

A sanad is the documented chain of teachers through which a recitation has been transmitted back to the Prophet ﷺ. It matters because it is the mechanism by which the recital itself has been preserved — a licence records that you received it directly, teacher to student, rather than from a book alone.

No building is allocated. Classes are held in a majlis format — the older method of teaching — at a house or class setting in Blackburn, and online. This keeps groups small and the focus on the recitation rather than on facilities.

Yes. The same curriculum, the same reference books and the same teachers, taught live. The online facility opened in January 2024 and students now join from outside Blackburn entirely.

Small classes run at different time slots in the evening, with different slots for different courses. Your slot is confirmed at placement.

Teachers hold at least three valid licences in Tajweed & Qira’at from different teachers, and must pass above 90/100 in both theory and practical recitation before being considered. The academy also works under experts from Egypt, Syria, Madinah, Yemen, India, Pakistan and the UK.

How to join

Three steps to a place

Send a text or an email with your level, your age and whether you would like to
study on-site or online. You will be advised on the right course and the next
available slot.

07745 851038

Qari Mouhammad

07367 573837

Maulana Sufian

Alutrujacademy@gmail.com

Admissions

tajweedunnafs@gmail.com

General enquiries

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