Khadija Magardie and Esa Conning The art of qiraat or recitation of Islams holy book, the Quran, is as old as the Quran itself. Muslims regard the Quran, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the seventh century, as the pure, unadulterated Word of God and place strict injunctions on the believers to both recite and relay its words without error. Naturally, there was no pen and paper, let alone Sony minidisks, when the Quran was revealed. The simplest way of preserving the book was through recitation. And the earliest converts to Islam were all by-hearters setting in motion a skill highly valued by Muslims: being able to recite the Quran accurately, and to memorise its words. Where Britney Spears concerts may be the hallmark of popular culture in some societies, qiraat has enjoyed its own popularity in most parts of the Muslim world in many cases, as part of a wider Islamisation of popular culture. In Saudi Arabia it is the only alternative to music, which is outlawed as haraam or religiously forbidden. Qiraat and its performers, like the famous Egyptian qari (reciter) Abdul-Basit, occupy cult status in many societies. Because of the spiritual connection that comes with it, several people have reported being moved to convert to Islam merely by hearing the Quran recited. In some puritanical quarters which even forbid string instruments as being un-Islamic, the haunting poetry of the Quran may be the only beauty people ever hear. Technically, qiraat is not a novel means of prayer that only the few can perform Muslims recite passages from the holy book five times a day, and are encouraged to do so in a melodious voice and as accurately as possible called tajweed. But it nevertheless is no easy task. Aside from having to navigate the complex circumlocutions of the Arabic language (Muslims believe the Quran must only be recited in its original language, to preserve its purity), there are issues of resonance, pronunciation, diction and breathing.
Five internationally acclaimed qaris from Iran have perfected the skill and are in South Africa to impart their talent. Their visit coincides with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, where qiraat takes place more frequently in mosques around the country. Since its 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran has enjoyed a popular revival of qiraat, notching up over 35 international Quran recitations.
The details The qaris will be visiting several mosques in Johannesburg and Cape Town until the December 23. For info contact: Mr Shirzadi at the Iranian embassy on (012) 342-5880/1