Launch of the program for teaching the ten readings of the Quran at the Grand Mosque
Launch of the program for teaching the ten readings of the Quran at the Grand Mosque
In a pioneering step reflecting the utmost care for the Holy Quran, the General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque launched a program for teaching the Quran according to the ten canonical readings ( Qira'at). This blessed program, held within the precincts of the Grand Mosque, aims to teach the Holy Quran and perfect its recitation according to the highest scholarly standards. This launch comes in implementation of the directives of His Excellency the President of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Professor Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, and is part of a package of strategic initiatives adopted by the Presidency to care for and venerate the Holy Quran in the hearts of Muslims.
The historical context of Quranic education in the Holy Mosque of Mecca
Historically, the Grand Mosque in Mecca is considered the first school in Islam, where the first circles of learning and recitation of the Holy Quran began during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his noble companions. This great legacy has continued through the centuries, with the arcades of the Holy Mosque in Mecca remaining a beacon radiating with the light of knowledge and learning. The revival and development of Quranic recitation programs, specifically the ten canonical readings transmitted to us through an unbroken chain of narrators back to the Prophet (peace be upon him), is a continuation of this rich historical heritage. The science of Quranic readings represents a fundamental pillar in preserving the Quranic text and the diversity of its recitation styles, reflecting the richness of the Arabic language and the breadth of Islamic law.
Participation of a select group of imams from the Two Holy Mosques
is distinguished The program for teaching the ten canonical readings of the Quran by the participation of prominent imams from the Two Holy Mosques, lending it a unique scholarly and spiritual character. These eminent scholars strive to provide a leading educational service aimed at perfecting recitation and disseminating the established canonical readings of the Quran among a select group of male and female students who benefit from these daily sessions. This dedicated effort directly contributes to strengthening the educational and guidance role of the Grand Mosque and highlighting its scholarly and outreach mission on a global scale.
Local and international impact of the program
Locally, this program aligns with the developmental objectives of the Two Holy Mosques' services system, which aims to provide high-quality education befitting the sanctity of the place and the grandeur of the Quranic message. It also contributes to enriching the religious and cultural experience of pilgrims, visitors, and Umrah performers, thus fulfilling the Kingdom's vision for serving the guests of God. Regionally and internationally, the program has a profound impact, solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a global authority in Quranic education and related sciences. By graduating skilled memorizers and reciters, the Kingdom disseminates its moderate and balanced approach throughout the Muslim world.
Preparing a moderate Quranic generation
The Presidency of Religious Affairs has affirmed that this ongoing program is not merely a series of isolated sessions, but rather an institutional project aimed at cultivating a generation of readers and memorizers of the Holy Quran—a generation imbued with the ethics and tolerant, moderate values of the Quran. Establishing a culture of Quran memorization and encouraging its study within the precincts of the Grand Mosque is among the greatest acts of devotion and the noblest deeds that serve Islam and Muslims, ensuring the continued transmission of this sacred knowledge from generation to generation with the highest degree of proficiency and accuracy.
