The study circles of the Prophet's Mosque record the highest chains of transmission for the Quran and Sunnah globally

The study circles at the Prophet's Mosque to solidify their position as the most important center of learning in the Islamic world. Recently, they achieved an unprecedented milestone in modern times by possessing the highest unbroken chains of transmission (isnad) back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in teaching the Holy Quran and the purified Sunnah. This achievement not only reflects academic and legal excellence but also embodies the historical and spiritual significance of this sacred place, from which the message of Islam was launched to all of humanity.

The historical importance of isnad (chain of transmission) in Islamic civilization

The system of isnad (chain of transmission) is a unique characteristic of the Muslim community, distinguishing it from other nations, for preserving its religion and the Book of its Lord from distortion or alteration. Since the time of the Prophet, direct transmission (oral transmission) has been the primary means of conveying knowledge. The study circles in the Prophet's Mosque derive their paramount importance from being the natural continuation of the gatherings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his noble companions. Maintaining this unbroken chain of transmission across the centuries in the same blessed geographical location is a miracle in the preservation of human and religious heritage, making these circles a destination for students of knowledge seeking the highest chains of transmission and the blessings of the place.

Details of the highest-ranking Quranic chains of transmission globally

In detail, this achievement lies in the fact that the chain of transmission (isnad) for the recitation of the Holy Quran in the study circles of the Prophet's Mosque is currently among the highest in the world. The greatness of this chain is evident in its unbroken connection; for God Almighty spoke the Quran, and the trustworthy spirit, Gabriel (peace be upon him), heard it from Him and conveyed it with a humble heart to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). From the noble Prophet, it was received by the Companions (may God be pleased with them), then the Successors, and so on through the generations in the early centuries and beyond, until it reached the scholars of the Prophet's Mosque today.

The number of men in the golden chain between the sheikh “Al-Mujaz” in the Prophet’s Mosque and the Prophet - may God bless him and grant him peace - reached only (28) men, which is a record number in the knowledge of readings and chains of transmission, which makes the licenses issued from these circles the closest in chain of transmission to the Prophethood, and the most sought after and reliable in the Islamic world.

Leadership in Prophetic Tradition and Digital Transformation

This excellence is not limited to the Holy Quran alone, but extends to the Prophetic Sunnah as well. The study circles demonstrate an impressive level of reliability in the chain of transmission (isnad) of Sahih al-Bukhari, with the number of men between the transmitter and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reaching 25. This number underscores the rigorous scientific methodology employed by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Prophet's Mosque in selecting scholars and verifying narrations according to the established principles of hadith scholars.

In keeping with the times and expanding its reach, the Department of Quranic Studies and Islamic Texts has not limited itself to in-person instruction. It has also harnessed technology to serve the Quran and Sunnah by offering distance learning programs. The department has opened registration to those wishing to join these blessed programs from all over the world, inviting interested individuals to visit its official social media accounts to learn about the requirements and schedules. This reinforces the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's mission to serve Islam and disseminate sound Islamic knowledge.