The Impact of Sound and Melody on Conveying Meaning in the First 24 Verses of Surah Al-Haqqah: Analysis of the Recitations by Four Prominent Egyptian Qaris (Reciters)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor Faculty of Quran and Hadith, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

3 Senior expert in Qur'anic and Hadith sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University.

Abstract

One of the key aspects of beautiful Quranic recitation is the mastery of sound and melody (sawt wa lahn). This skill becomes truly valuable when it contributes to the accurate conveyance of Quranic meanings. Since one of the miraculous dimensions of the Quran is its rhythm and auditory harmony, the proper utilization of Arabic musical elements and tanghim techniques can profoundly influence listeners. Specialized vocal techniques, such as intonational alignment (muwākaba) and dynamic vocal stress (nabr), enhance the impact of recitation. Among the Quranic chapters, Surah Al-Haqqah stands out for its unique portrayal of the Day of Judgment. Prominent Egyptian Quranic masters, including Mustafa Ismail, Abdul Basit Moḥammad Abdus-Samad, Moḥammad Abdul Aziz Hassan, and Shahat Moḥammad Anwar, have rendered the most quantitatively and qualitatively significant recitations of this chapter, as documented in archives such as Iran Seda. Their mastery in vividly illustrating the verses of this Surah has been particularly notable. This study analyzes the melodic modes (maqamat) and recitation techniques employed by these select Qaris to evaluate their recitations and identify the overarching characteristics of impactful Quranic recitation in conveying the meanings of Surah Al-Haqqah. The Qaris utilized melodic modes such as Bayat, Saba, Hijaz, Rast, and Sikah, which effectively correspond to the terrifying imagery and themes of the Day of Judgment depicted in the chapter. Conversely, they avoided modes such as Kurd, Nahawand, and Chahargah, as these are less suited to the thematic gravity of the Surah.

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Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 December 2023
  • Revise Date: 12 February 2024
  • Accept Date: 13 April 2024

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