halaq

Halaq, also spelled halaqa or halqa, is a traditional Islamic term for a study circle or gathering of learners. The word comes from Arabic halaqa, meaning circle or ring, reflecting the common arrangement of participants seated in a circle around a teacher. The term halaq is used to describe informal and formal educational sessions across the Muslim world.

A halaqa may focus on Qur’an-related work, such as memorization (hifz) and recitation with proper pronunciation (tajweed). It can also cover studies in hadith, tafsir (Qur’anic interpretation), fiqh (jurisprudence), creed (aqidah), Arabic grammar, and related religious sciences. The content and emphasis vary by tradition, region, and the educator’s expertise.

Typically, a halaqa is led by a qualified teacher—an alim, ustadh, or shaykh—who facilitates study, discussion, and practice. Sessions are commonly held in mosques, madrasas, private homes, or community centers and can be daily, weekly, or occasional. They may be organized as mixed-gender or gender-segregated activities, depending on local norms.

Historically, halaqas have been central to Islamic education, serving as a flexible way to transmit knowledge outside formal schools. In contemporary communities, halaqas also operate online or in hybrid formats, broadening access to learners who cannot attend in person.

In short, halaq is a circle-based method of Islamic learning rooted in tradition, adaptable to different curricula, and found across many cultures within the Muslim world.