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The arts of recitation and musical knowledge are not easily encapsulated in a single description. What can be offered is merely a glimpse into the musical expertise involved in recitation, emphasizing that appreciating this art demands not only refined taste but also a basic understanding of music.
Familiarity is crucial; otherwise, one may marvel at a melodious voice without comprehending the skill and nuances demonstrated by the artist or reciter. The presentation here provides only a brief introduction. It is important not to take any statement at face value.
Speech can be categorized into two types: suitable and unsuitable. Heavenly speech constitutes divine revelation, while human speech is termed poetry. The miracle of Allah’s word lies in its distinctiveness from poetry; it does not adhere to the same metrics, rhyme schemes, or rhythms that characterize poetry. Each verse stands independently as a constant miracle and perfect in its own right, not needing the support of preceding or subsequent verses to achieve perfection. In contrast, irregular speech refers to everyday speech lacking in guided principles or knowledge. Suitable speech can be harmonized with music, whereas unsuitable speech cannot even entertain the idea.
The human throat produces seven tones, which have been mirrored in musical instruments. Vowels can be monosyllabic or bisyllabic, each with its own temporal duration—some lasting one second, others extending to one and a half seconds. When a singer or speaker articulates a word, they infuse various sounds into its letters, enhancing the acoustic beauty of the word.
In the music of the Indian subcontinent, nine ragas form the foundation, with five considered fundamental. In the Arab world, these are known as “Maqam,” similarly categorized into nine essential forms. Both Raag and Maqam describe atmospheres and emotions, with some expressing sorrow, happiness, challenge, sadness, or other human qualities through sound. Each raga or maqam conveys a distinct feeling and ambiance, enriching the musical experience with its evocative qualities.
Tajweed, the art of Quranic recitation, not only encompasses mastering the seven traditional methods of Quranic recitation but also emphasizes precise pronunciation of each letter from its origin. Even a minor mispronunciation can significantly affect the recitation’s integrity, regardless of emphasis on intonation and rhythm.
In Egypt, reciters dedicate themselves not only to Tajweed but also to mastering “maqams” (melodic modes) through extensive practice with music instructors. In Arabic music and particularly in recitation, transitioning smoothly between “maqams” is considered a significant achievement. This skill involves seamlessly shifting between musical scales within a single breath, a feat requiring years of practice to maintain the purity of sound. Any deviation risks disrupting the acoustical beauty crucial to the art of recitation.
Choosing the appropriate “maqam” for a verse depends on its emotional context. For instance, verses evoking sadness and grief are best recited in “Maqam Saba”, where the reciter’s voice reflects sorrow and lament. Similarly, verses depicting happiness or good news are recited in “Maqam Ajam”, enhancing their joyful themes. Renowned reciters like Sheikh Abdul Basit elevate these “maqams” to profound emotional heights, infusing their recitations with nuanced expressions that resonate deeply with listeners.
Maqam Saba
“I do swear by the Day of Judgment! And I do swear by the self-reproaching soul! Do people think We cannot reassemble their bones? Yes ˹indeed˺! We are ˹most˺ capable of restoring ˹even˺ their very fingertips.”
(Al-Qiyamah 1-3)( Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran)
Maqam Hijaz
“So she conceived him and withdrew with him to a remote place. Then the pains of labor drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She cried, “Alas! I wish I had died before this, and was a thing long forgotten!”
(Maryam 22-23) ( Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran)
Maqam Ajam
“Then We developed the drop into a clinging clot, then developed the clot into a lump ˹of flesh˺, then developed the lump into bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation.1 So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.”
(Al-Mu’minun 14) ( Dr. Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran)
The notion that musical knowledge is exclusively for entertainment or singing is misguided. Understanding music theory enhances not only singing but also the art of recitation, where it complements and enriches the delivery of Quranic verses. Drawing an analogy, dismissing music theory because it’s associated with singers like Nasibu Lal or Michael Jackson is akin to deeming glassware impermissible solely because it can be used for alcohol consumption. Such oversimplifications overlook the broader applications and benefits of music theory in various artistic and cultural contexts.
