Turkish parliament has approved an article of a government-sponsored bill that aims to amend the country's educational system, paving the way for an elective course on the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad in schools, amidst heated debates between the opposition and the government, Today’s Zaman reported.

Debates over Article 9 of the compulsory education bill, seeking to increase the duration of compulsory education from eight years to 12, started on Thursday. The ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) proposed article was approved amidst heated debates between the ruling and main opposition party. The proposal was approved by 306 out of 391 deputies.

According to the approved article, an elective course on the Islamic holy book the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad will be available at middle schools and high schools.