The Sonic Beauty of the Holy Qur’ān
The Holy Qur’ān is a matchless blessing in its sonic beauty and elegance. It is the only book in the world whose recitation not only inspires awe of Allāh and spiritual tranquility but also offers an exquisite auditory delight. Its recitation brings a sweetness and melodic eloquence to the tongue, while for listeners, it becomes a captivating auditory experience. The sonic beauty of the Qur’ān’s recitation invigorates both heart and mind, sending waves of joy and peace through the soul and body. When the majesty of the divine word meets the beauty of the human voice, its impact and message capture the hearts of all who hear it.
Beauty and Impact of Recitation
✔ The Impact of Beautiful Recitation:
The melodious recitation of the Qur’ān affects both the reciter and the listener.
✔ A beautiful and rhythmic recitation brings joy and delight to the heart, like a waterfall’s enchanting melody that sweetens the soul.
✔ A skilled reciter, knowingly or unknowingly, conveys the splendor of the Qur’ān through their voice, transferring its beauty to the listeners’ hearts and minds.
The Qur’ān’s Sonic Beauty Through History
Since the early days of Islam, the artistic beauty and miraculous power of the Qur’ān’s recitation have captivated hearts. A clear example is found in the story of Ḥaḍrat ʿUmar (may Allāh be pleased with him):
“When I heard the Qur’ān, I was overcome with emotion, began to cry, and accepted Islam.”
(Source: Qur’ān Majīd ke Fanī Maḥāsin, p. 56)
Even a declared enemy like Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah could not help but acknowledge the Qur’ān’s beauty:
“By Allāh! There is a sweetness in this Qur’ān. It is fresh and full of life. It surpasses everything, and nothing can surpass it.”
(Source: Qur’ān Majīd ke Fanī Maḥāsin, p. 56)
Praise from Non-Muslim Orientalists
The Qur’ān’s sonic beauty has also captivated non-Muslim scholars and Orientalists:
✔ A.J. Arberry, a prominent 20th-century Orientalist, wrote:
“When I hear the recitation of the Qur’ān, it feels as though I am listening to a song. This sweet melody has a continuous rhythm that seems like the beating of the heart.”
(Source: Qur’ān Majīd ke Fanī Maḥāsin, p. 56)
✔ Shiv K. Kumar, a Hindu author, openly acknowledged the musicality and melodious flow of the Qur’ān.
The Qur’ān’s Sonic Miracle: The Story of Qārī ʿAbd al-Bāsiṭ
The celebrated Egyptian Qārī, ʿAbd al-Bāsiṭ (may Allāh have mercy upon him), had many renowned recitations whose miraculous impact has been recorded.
✔ An Incident in Russia:
During a visit to America, he was asked about the miracles of the Qur’ān. He narrated an event:
In a meeting in Russia, he recited Sūrah Ṭā Hā. During the recitation, some atheists began to weep. When asked why, they said:
“We did not understand the words, but the voice and the words had such a profound impact that our hearts softened, and tears flowed from our eyes.”
Qārī ʿAbd al-Bāsiṭ (may Allāh have mercy upon him) remarked:
“This is the miracle of the Qur’ān—it melts hearts with its effect, even if the listener does not understand its language or meanings.”
Summary
The sonic system of the Qur’ān is a unique miracle, not only based on human vocal skill but on the natural musicality and rhythm inherent in the divine words and diacritical marks themselves. Its recitation offers a pure, unparalleled, and soul-stirring musicality that enchants listeners—whether they understand Arabic or not. This is why even those unfamiliar with Arabic are left in awe and ecstasy when they hear the recitation of the Qur’ān.
The Holy Qur’ān is a matchless blessing in its sonic beauty and elegance. It is the only book in the world whose recitation not only inspires awe of Allāh and spiritual tranquility but also offers an exquisite auditory delight. Its recitation brings a sweetness and melodic eloquence to the tongue, while for listeners, it becomes a captivating auditory experience. The sonic beauty of the Qur’ān’s recitation invigorates both heart and mind, sending waves of joy and peace through the soul and body. When the majesty of the divine word meets the beauty of the human voice, its impact and message capture the hearts of all who hear it.
Beauty and Impact of Recitation
✔ The Impact of Beautiful Recitation:
The melodious recitation of the Qur’ān affects both the reciter and the listener.
✔ A beautiful and rhythmic recitation brings joy and delight to the heart, like a waterfall’s enchanting melody that sweetens the soul.
✔ A skilled reciter, knowingly or unknowingly, conveys the splendor of the Qur’ān through their voice, transferring its beauty to the listeners’ hearts and minds.
The Qur’ān’s Sonic Beauty Through History
Since the early days of Islam, the artistic beauty and miraculous power of the Qur’ān’s recitation have captivated hearts. A clear example is found in the story of Ḥaḍrat ʿUmar (may Allāh be pleased with him):
“When I heard the Qur’ān, I was overcome with emotion, began to cry, and accepted Islam.”
(Source: Qur’ān Majīd ke Fanī Maḥāsin, p. 56)
Even a declared enemy like Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah could not help but acknowledge the Qur’ān’s beauty:
“By Allāh! There is a sweetness in this Qur’ān. It is fresh and full of life. It surpasses everything, and nothing can surpass it.”
(Source: Qur’ān Majīd ke Fanī Maḥāsin, p. 56)
Praise from Non-Muslim Orientalists
The Qur’ān’s sonic beauty has also captivated non-Muslim scholars and Orientalists:
✔ A.J. Arberry, a prominent 20th-century Orientalist, wrote:
“When I hear the recitation of the Qur’ān, it feels as though I am listening to a song. This sweet melody has a continuous rhythm that seems like the beating of the heart.”
(Source: Qur’ān Majīd ke Fanī Maḥāsin, p. 56)
✔ Shiv K. Kumar, a Hindu author, openly acknowledged the musicality and melodious flow of the Qur’ān.
The Qur’ān’s Sonic Miracle: The Story of Qārī ʿAbd al-Bāsiṭ
The celebrated Egyptian Qārī, ʿAbd al-Bāsiṭ (may Allāh have mercy upon him), had many renowned recitations whose miraculous impact has been recorded.
✔ An Incident in Russia:
During a visit to America, he was asked about the miracles of the Qur’ān. He narrated an event:
In a meeting in Russia, he recited Sūrah Ṭā Hā. During the recitation, some atheists began to weep. When asked why, they said:
“We did not understand the words, but the voice and the words had such a profound impact that our hearts softened, and tears flowed from our eyes.”
Qārī ʿAbd al-Bāsiṭ (may Allāh have mercy upon him) remarked:
“This is the miracle of the Qur’ān—it melts hearts with its effect, even if the listener does not understand its language or meanings.”
Summary
The sonic system of the Qur’ān is a unique miracle, not only based on human vocal skill but on the natural musicality and rhythm inherent in the divine words and diacritical marks themselves. Its recitation offers a pure, unparalleled, and soul-stirring musicality that enchants listeners—whether they understand Arabic or not. This is why even those unfamiliar with Arabic are left in awe and ecstasy when they hear the recitation of the Qur’ān.
