Lecture Notes: Quran Recitation Competition and Cultural Reflections

Introduction to Quran Recitation

• Quran is considered the word of God by Muslims.
• It is the third message after the ones given to Jews and Christians.
• Quran contains 114 chapters with varying lengths.
• Recitation involves memorization and adherence to Tajweed rules.

Importance of Tajweed

• Tajweed rules govern rhythm, pronunciation, and origin of voice.
• They ensure the sound of recitation is preserved as it was revealed.
• Melodies in recitation must be improvised and inspired by the moment.

Personal Experiences of Participants

• Nabiollah: Expressed feelings of nervousness before the competition.
• Rifdha: Left Male on August 25; her mother was her supporter, while her father ensured her memorization was perfect. She missed home and family.
• Naaman: Discussed the difficulty and ease of memorization. Believes children who memorize Quran tend to perform better academically.

Judging and Challenges

• Participants are judged on memorization and adherence to Tajweed.
• The memorization process is tested in front of judges like Ibrahim Sha'aysha, a respected figure in the recitation community.
• Stress and tension are common among participants during competitions.

Cultural Elements and Observations

• Participants come from diverse backgrounds, speaking languages such as Tajik, Dhivehi, and Wolof.
• Cultural practices like fasting are tied to religious instructions from the Quran.
• Some participants express a preference for not winning but self-assessment and improvement.

Broader Cultural Reflections

• Maumoon Gayoom: Discusses the moderate practice of Islam in Maldives and changes in women’s clothing over decades influenced by fundamentalist views.
• Education abroad can lead to students returning with more fundamentalist views of Islam.

Final Reflections and Future Aspirations

• Participants like Rifdha express pride and the emotional impact of the competition and journey.
• Emphasis on the importance of education, even if traditional roles like being a housewife are expected.

Conclusion

• Quran recitation competition is not just a test of memory but a deep cultural and religious experience.
• Participants and their communities attach significant emotional and cultural value to the event.
• Achievements in recitation foster personal growth, cultural exchange, and strengthen religious devotion.