What is Maqamat Quran, Maqamat Meaning & Is Maqamat Haram

Overview of Maqamat in Quran Recitation

Maqamat refers to the vocal melodic modes used when reciting the Quran. It adds melodic beauty and rhythm to Quranic recitation. Various maqamat have been developed over the centuries by master Quran reciters and incorporated into different styles of recitation.

What is the Meaning of Maqamat?

• Maqam (plural maqamat) literally means place, location, or position in Arabic.
• In the context of Quran recitation, maqam refers to the unique vocal patterns and melodic formulas that bring out the beauty, rhythm, and melody of the Quran’s sound.
• The maqamat provides emotional depth and a spiritual ambiance to Quranic recitation. Each maqam evokes a distinctive mood or atmosphere.
• Knowing and applying the various maqamat is an integral part of the science of Quranic recitation, known as tajweed. Mastering the correct application of maqamat takes years of vocal training for a reciter.

Origins and Development of Maqamat

• The foundations of maqamat were laid down by the early makharij (Quran recitation) experts who documented tajweed rules.
• Over the centuries, expert Quran reciters further developed these modal frameworks and improvised on them to create the various maqamat used today.
• The long-established melodic modes of Arabic music influenced the maqamat. But they were adapted to fit the unique sublime status of Quranic verses.
• Today there are several recognized schools of maqamat recitation bearing the names of their founding masters such as the Hijazi, Shami, Misri, and Andalusi styles.

Key Maqamat Used in Quran Recitation

There are varying traditions of maqamat in different schools of Quran recitation. But some major maqamat commonly identified by experts are:

Bayati Maqam

• The Bayati maqam is one of the most widely used and popular maqamat in Quran recitation.
• It is characterized by a serious, sober, and reflective tone. The Bayati evokes feelings of nostalgia and deep thought.
• Due to its reflective mood, it is very well suited for reciting long passages of Quranic wisdom and parables. This maqam frequently occurs in the recitation of many eminent Quran masters.

Rast Maqam

• The Rast maqam conveys a bright, inspirational, and energetic mood.
• It employs vibrant tones and emphasizes the higher pitches. For this reason, it is also called Al ‘Alya or the ‘high’ maqam.
• The Rast maqam brings out feelings of power and grandeur. It is typically used for powerful Quranic verses and passages with major events.

Saba Maqam

• The Saba maqam is known for its gentle, fluid, and sad tone. It evokes feelings of tenderness and grief.
• Due to its soft-flowing pace, it is very well suited to eloquent passages of the Quran, including the poetic surahs at the end of the Quran.
• The Saba maqam is also used extensively in reciting sections describing scenes of nature, paradise, and divine mercy.

Nahawand Maqam

• The Nahawand maqam occupies a middle tone level neither too high nor too low. It strikes a balance between sober reflection and softness.
• It can flexibly express multiple moods from excitement to grief. For this reason, it is the most versatile maqam used extensively across long sections of the Quran.
• It is the parent scale of several other maqamat giving it a foundational status.

Hijaz Maqam

• The Hijaz maqam is derived from the major scale in Arabic music. It has a wide range between its lowest and highest notes.
• Due to this broad scale, it can be used for verse passages of very different natures from serene to forceful.
• It is frequently employed in the recitation of many eminent scholars for its versatility and resonance.

Are Maqamat Permissible or Haram in Islam?

The question arises whether using musical melodic modes like maqamat with Quran recitation is permissible in Islam or an unlawful innovation (haram bid’ah)?

Evidence for Permissibility of Maqamat

• The maqamat modal system originated early in Islamic history as part of authentic recitation styles like the Hijazi method.
• The maqamat framework follows the natural sound pattern and lyrical rhythm of Quranic Arabic recitation. It does not impose an alien musical tune on the Quran.
• Applying the maqamat course requires meticulous knowledge and adherence to the rules of tajweed in recitation. It is an intricate skill acquired through years of training under expert Alazhari PhD scholars.
• Many eminent Islamic scholars and recitation masters have endorsed the proper use of maqamat as an authentic tradition and spiritual art form.

Views Against Maqamat as Bid’ah (Innovation)

• Some traditionalist scholars regard any addition of musical tones to Quran recitation as an unlawful innovation (bid’ah) in religion.
• They argue that the Quran was revealed in unaccompanied spoken form without any melodic content. Adding musical modes is distorting its original purity.
• Some critics feel extensive use of maqamat shifts focus away from the meaning to the musical appeal of recitation. This defeats the purpose of the message-oriented Quran.
• However, such criticisms are directed at the excessive use of maqamat solely for musical appeal. They don’t reject the authentic frameworks themselves.

Balance Between Opposing Views

• As with many issues, the mainstream view takes a balanced approach avoiding extremes on either end.
• The correct use of maqamat passed down from early masters, is accepted as enhancing the beauty and impact of recitation.
• However, turning recitation into an abstract musical performance devoid of meaning is clearly forbidden.
• The purpose of maqamat should be to highlight the timeless message and lyrical power of the Quran, not musical entertainment alone.

Benefits of Learning Maqamat al-Qur’an

Mastering maqamat and reciting the Quran melodiously has many benefits:

• Brings out the Quran’s true essence and deeper meaning
• Creates a strong emotional impact and experience
• Allows Chanter to fully engage with and immerse in the recitation
• Produces a harmonious, beautiful, and calming effect on the listener
• Improves concentration, memorization, and understanding of the Holy Quran
• Provides spiritual tranquility and closeness to Allah for the reciter and the listener
• Develops the ability to recite the Quran for tarawih and other prayers in a most beautiful manner

Learning Maqamat at Qiratul Quran Institute

Qiratul Quran Institute teaches the authorized frameworks of maqamat application along with the rules of tajweed under expert instructors.

Foundational Tajweed Rules

• The prerequisite for learning maqamat is gaining expertise in the makharij or articulation points of Quranic letters along with basic tajweed rules of recitation.
• At Qiratul Quran Institute, students are first trained intensively in tajweed foundations covering areas like:

Makharij and sifaat of letters

• Rules of nun saakinah, mim saakinah, idghaam, iqlab, ikhfa etc
• Proper pronunciation of letters
• Rules of waqf and ibtidaa
• Observance of timings and durations of letters

Authentic Maqamat Frameworks

After gaining mastery of tajweed rules, students are introduced systematically to the authentic frameworks of maqamat.

• The original scales, tone levels, and vocal patterns of each maqam are taught in detail.
• Students are trained to recognize the appropriate maqam for different Quranic passages based on meaning and cadence.
• Extensive listening practice is done to distinguish the arrangements of different maqamat.
• Students then learn to apply the maqamat in their recitation under instructor guidance and feedback.

Balance of Rules and Practice

• Learning the maqamat requires both extensive theory and rigorous practice.
• At Qiratul Quran Institute, lessons involve a balanced mix of teaching rules of maqamat and their practical application through demonstrations, listening, and student recitations.
• Recordings of eminent Quran reciters using various maqamat are studied. But the bounds of moderation are also stressed.
• The aim is to produce experts in maqamat recitation while upholding the sacred status of the Quran first and foremost.

In summary, maqamat al-Qur’an provides a structured framework for melodious Quran recitation without compromising the original text. By learning maqamat through institutes like the Qiratul Quran, one can attain expertise in reciting the Holy Quran most beautifully. The maqamat recitation touches hearts and amplifies the divine essence of the glorious verses of the Holy Book.