halaqas

Halaqas, plural of halaqa, are traditional Islamic study circles in which participants gather to learn, discuss, and reflect on religious texts and ideas. The format and content can vary, but the circle is typically led by a teacher or scholar and held in mosques, homes, schools, or community centers. Participants may include men and women, with local norms shaping accessibility and seating arrangements.

The core practice often centers on reading a text—such as the Quran, hadith collections, fiqh, or theology—followed by commentary, questions, and discussion. Some halaqas emphasize dhikr (remembrance of God) and spiritual practices associated with Sufism, while others focus on exegesis, jurisprudence, or philosophical topics. In many settings, teaching is oral and dialogic, with emphasis on explanations, corroboration, and critical inquiry. Halaqas have historically supported memorization and transmission of knowledge within an oral culture, sometimes noting chains of transmission or reliance on established authorities.

Variations in structure reflect regional and institutional differences. Some halaqas are informal and open to the general public; others operate as structured curricula within madrasas or religious centers. They may occur weekly, monthly, or as ongoing programs, and can be led by men or women depending on community norms.

The impact of halaqas includes community building, ongoing religious education, and personal spiritual development. They serve as accessible forums for applying religious knowledge to daily life, while practices and topics can differ widely to reflect local authorities, cultural contexts, and contemporary concerns.