Quran study circles

The knowledge circle (halqa) is a traditional form of teaching in the Islamic education tradition where students and teachers come together in the mosque. These circles have become the fundamental educational institution of the Islamic world since the moment the Prophet Muhammad taught his companions in the mosque. In the Quran study circles at the Prophet's Mosque, students sit in a semi-circle around their teacher; the teacher listens to each student's reading in turn, corrects their mistakes, and teaches the rules of Tajweed. This system is the most reliable method for ensuring the accurate and complete transmission of the Quran from generation to generation. During the Ottoman period, many Quran memorizers were trained in Medina; especially the Prophet's Mosque served as an important center of knowledge in terms of different recitation schools. Today, the Quran study programs conducted at the Prophet's Mosque are organized by the institutions responsible for religious affairs in Saudi Arabia; the number of circles significantly increases during summer vacations and especially during Ramadan. [Source: TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, "Circle" article, islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/halka; "Recitation" article, islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/kiraat]