very musical and follow traditional theoretical
models of music theory. In particular, the orna-
mental style (tajwid) of Quranic recitation is
especially melodic, elaborate, and vocally artis-
tic. The resulting combination of Quranic text
conveyed in beautiful voice can produce ecstatic
responses in listeners, and indeed, major mUez-
zins often enjoy a huge fan base and even hold
starlike status.
Music in the world of Islam is as diverse as the
Muslim cultures that have given rise to it. Even
in the case of aFghanistan, where the taliban
applied Islam to destroy music, a musical revival
is underway with the new Islamic government. At
present, we can find examples of Islamic musical
expression ranging from the very traditional to
rock and rap. In the future we can expect a musi-
cal panorama increasingly reflective of the various
areas of the world where Muslims have made their
homes.
See also qawwali; Umm kUlthoUm.
Kenneth S. HabibFurther reading: Henry George Farmer, The Science of
Music in Islam, 2 vols. (1925–66. Reprint, Frankfurt:
Institute for the History of Arabic-Islamic Science,
1997); Kristina Nelson, The Art of Reciting the Qur’an
(Austin: University of Texas Press, 1985); Amnon
Shiloah, Music in the World of Islam (Detroit: Wayne
State University Press, 1995); Lawrence E. Sullivan, ed.
Enchanting Powers: Music in the World’s Religions (Cam-
bridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1997).Drums on display at a shop in Marrakesh, Morocco (Federico R. Campo)
music 505 J