Qur’anic recitation conveys scripture through virtuosic melodies, delicate vocal ornaments, and expert pronunciation of classical Arabic. Indonesian reciter Hajjah Maria Ulfah demonstrates the nuances of recitation, discusses how it is taught to young students, and shares a look inside local and international recitation competitions. Moderating the discussion is Anne Rasmussen of the College of William and Mary and author of Women, the Recited Qur’an, and Islamic Music in Indonesia. This event was organized by the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies at George Mason’s Fairfax Campus on November 4, 2016.
*For more on the role of Qur’an in Indonesian culture and female reciters, see Anne Rasmussen’s piece on Maydan, “The Recited Qur’an in Indonesian Daily Life and Culture.”