QURANIC LISTENING EXERCISE INSTRUCTIONS
You have now read primary and secondary sources concerning the
nature of revelation, the orality of the Quran, and the early responses
of the Quran. Now there follows five consecutive sections in which you
will have the chance to develop your own responses to the oral
recitation of Quranic sections.
First, listen to three different recitations of the opening sūra (chapter) of the Quran, called the Fātiha
(or, “The Opening”). We have provided transliterations of the Arabic
and translations into English to help you, but please try to focus on
the recitation itself. As you listen to these recitations, consider
which one has the greatest impact on you? Why? What are some of the
differences in style? What meaning, reaction, or mood is each aiming to
convey? Take note of your reactions.
Second,
respond to discussion questions concerning these recitations. You may
have to return to the recitations and listen to them several times
(though this is not required).
Third, read the summary of the Etiquettes of Quran Recitation written
by Muhammad al-Ghazālī (d. 1111), a formative and influential Muslim
theologian, philosopher, jurist and Sufi thinker. After reading it, we
encourage you to reflect on the recitations to which you just listened,
as you will have the opportunity to respond once more to them in the
fifth consecutive section.
Fourth,
listen to a modern-day performance of a Quranic recitation. This will
differ greatly from the more traditional recitations of the Fātiha. Keep in mind both those recitations and al-Ghazālī’s piece when listening to it.
Fifth,
and finally, respond to the discussion questions concerning
al-Ghazālī’s piece and the previous, more modern Quranic recitation. You
will be asked to evaluate all of the recitations based on al-Ghazālī’s
piece, so take some notes as you read the piece and listen to the
recitation (and re-listen to the previous ones, if you so choose).
