Qur’ān recitation : a tradition of oral performance and transmission

Abstract

Oral performance by means of recitation of the Qur'?n is at the center of Islamic corporate and individual piety. The Qur'?n is recited during the daily ?al?t prayer services; nightly during the Ramadan fasting month; in special recitation sessions frequently convened in mosques, schools, and other places; and on many special occasions, such as the openings of businesses, schools, legislative sessions, at weddings, circumcisions, funerals, and other times. Individual Muslims also recite the Qur'?n, for religious merit, for reflection on its meaning, and for spiritual refreshment. The Qur'?n is recited in competitions in some regions of the Muslim world and champions earn fame and, potentially, wealth, because professional reciters of high standing can command substantial fees for their performances and their followers eagerly buy tape cassettes.