Many Qaris recite the Qur’an using musical patterns known as Maqamaat (definition). I found the following rulings about the use of maqamaat in recitation on line, which indicate its impermissibility. The statement of Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd regarding this, that it invalidates a …

Many Qaris recite the Qur’an using musical patterns known as Maqamaat (definition). I found the following rulings about the use of maqamaat in recitation on line, which indicate its impermissibility. The statement of Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd regarding this, that it invalidates a person’s testimony, is quite strict, and Shaykh Abdul-Azeez Ibn Baaz’s view–rahmatullah alayh–is also of prohibition. Do you endorse these fatwas? And if so, is it also prohibited to listen to a Qari if the listener is certain that the Qari is using a Maqaam in the recitation? What would the ruling be if the listener feels the recitation is very melodious, but does not know whether a Maqaam is being used in the recitation or not? 

In the name of Allāh, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Assalāmu ῾alaykum wa Rahmatullāhi Wabarakātuh

We have received your query regarding the permissibility to recite Qurān following the rules of Maqāmāt.

Rasulullah (sallallāhu alaihi wasallam) advised to recite the Holy Qurān in a good and melodious voice. A few Ahādith are as follows:

Rasulullah (sallallāhu alaihi wasallam) has mentioned:

“Beautify the Qurān with your voices”.

(Sunan Abi Dawūd, Vol.1, Pg.207, HM Saeed)^[1]

“Beautify the Qurān with your voice, for verily a melodious voice enhances the beauty of the Qurān”.

(Sunanud Dārimi, Vol.2, Pg.565, Qadimi)^[2]

“The one who does not read the Qurān in a melodious voice is not from amongst us”.

(Sunan Abi Dawūd, Vol.1, Pg.207, HM Saeed)^[3]

“Recite the Qurān according to the tone of the Arabs”.

(Majmauz Zawā’id, Vol.7, Pg.169, Maktaba Qudsi)^[4]

“Allah Ta’ala does not listen to anything as attentive as he listens to a Nabi reciting the Qurān aloud with a beautiful voice”.

 (Sunan Abi Dawūd, Vol.1, Pg.207, HM Saeed)^[5]

It is preferable and praiseworthy to recite Qurān with a melodious voice without compromising on the rules of Tajweed which is necessary. A person should also not follow any musical patterns/ notes whilst reciting Qurān. It is debated amongst the Qurrā whether the Maqāmāt are in actual fact following musical patterns or not. Those who are of the opinion that it is permissible to recite the Qurān with Maqāmāt say “It is merely a compilation of the different ways the Qurrā used to recite in the various areas or to express the meaning behind the verses”.

Since we are not certain regarding the origin of Maqāmāt, we are not in the position to comment or to endorse these Fatāwā. In essence, if a Maqām is in accordance and following musical patterns, it will be impermissible to recite the Qurān in that manner and to listen to it.

And Allāh Ta῾āla Knows Best
Wassalāmu ῾alaykum 

Ml. Rayhaan Docrat,
Student Dārul Iftā

Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Dārul Iftā, Madrasah In῾āmiyyah

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