Mizan Institute

What is Mizan Institute?

Mizan Institute is a Cape Town-based Islamic education centre that teaches Muslims how to read and understand the Quran in its original language — Arabic.

Most Muslims recite the Quran in Arabic during prayer, but many don't actually understand what the words mean. Mizan exists to change that. Their courses are designed for ordinary adults — people with jobs, families, and no prior knowledge of Arabic — who want to connect more deeply with their faith.

What they teach:

The flagship course is a full-year Arabic programme that starts from absolute zero. By the end of the year, students can read Quranic Arabic and begin to understand the meaning of what they recite. For those who complete the first year, there are advanced classes that go deeper into Islamic sciences and in-depth study of specific Surahs (chapters of the Quran).

They also run shorter programmes — like a 10-week introductory Arabic course — for people who want to try before committing to a full year.

How classes work:

Classes are held on Sundays at Mountview Mosque in Cape Town, making it easy to fit around a normal working week. Every class is also available online via Zoom with recordings uploaded afterwards, so students who can't attend in person don't miss out.

Who it's for:

Anyone. Mizan deliberately keeps fees affordable and offers financial assistance to those who can't pay. Families registering together get household discounts. The focus is on making this accessible to the whole community, not just those who can afford private tuition.

In short: Mizan is for the Muslim who prays every day but wants to finally understand what they're saying — taught in a structured, welcoming environment by knowledgeable teachers.

Subjects & Programmes

Arabic Language, Other, Islamic Studies, Fiqh