The Better Prize

            When reading Sells’ Approaching the Qur’an, the beauty and the power of the scripture when spoken in Arabic was mentioned frequently.  The oral tradition of this religious is always stressed.   In fact, “the written word of its scripture has always been secondary to a strong tradition of oral transmission and aural presence of scripture…” (Graham 1987: 79)  I never really grasped how the recitation of the Qur'an could differ to the oral readings of the Bible I listened to during church.  Well, Nabiollah provided me with a rude awakening.

            Koran by Heart is a documentary of a worldwide competition for the recitation of the Qur’an.  Nabiollah’s portion of the oral contest left me completely entranced (and many of the audience and judges).  I was in awe and captivated by every sound.  Now this is the compelling nature that Sells and Graham were describing.  I see why the Qur'an is meant to be communicated in the Arabic language.  There is a mysterious pull of the rhythm, pronunciation, and sounds that leave a listener captivated.  And the Holy Qur’an competition in Cairo brings students from ore than 70 students who share the same determination in perfecting the Islamic word.  However, I wonder if just memorization fully captures the Qur’an – the gap of comprehension still exists.

            Yes, Nabiollah’s voice was almost like an enchantment but he is almost illiterate.  Djamal cannot communicate in Arabic.  Other contestants are not well versed in the language as well.  They are simply memorizing but not understanding the religious text they rehearsed countless times.  This makes me wonder if they themselves truly grasp the words Mohammed heard from God.  I believe that the recitation of the Qur’an is rather empty and almost worthless when one does not know the meaning behind the words that are leaving his or her mouth.

            “From first to last the Koran is essentially a book to be heard, not read.” (Graham 1987: 80)  It is no doubt that the book is being heard, but in question is one’s true comprehension of this sacred book.  Memorizing 600 pages is an accomplishment.  Although, knowing and capturing the words in heart, body, and soul is definitely the better prize.