Feb 18 • 06:19 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Sheikh Abbas Muqadami.. The Voice of Ramadan in Saudi Memory

Sheikh Abbas Muqadami is celebrated as a significant figure in Saudi Quranic recitation, associated with the cultural memory of Ramadan.

Sheikh Abbas Muqadami, born in 1920, is recognized as a pillar of the Hijazi school of Quranic recitation and one of the leading figures of Saudi Quranic readers, who shaped the auditory consciousness of generations in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His unique voice, which combines sweetness with dignity, transcended the mosque, becoming integral to the broader social fabric during Ramadan, where his recitations were woven into the rituals of the month. Over time, Muqadami's vocal presence grew into a collective memory, often evoked at the arrival of the holy month, making him a defining element of the spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan in the region.

Originating from a rich Hijazi background where memorization of the Quran was done orally and refined through long tutelage, Muqadami grew up surrounded by the distinctive Hijazi maqamat. He memorized the Quran as a child and learned under notable scholars of the Hijaz, perfecting his recitation style, which is characterized by its strength and precision. His contributions to Quranic recitation helped to establish a tradition that resonates deeply within Saudi cultural and religious life, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Muqadami’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable vocal talent; he embodies an era when the art of Quranic recitation was not only a skill but a revered cultural practice. His impact is felt in the soundscapes of Ramadan in cities across the Hijaz and throughout Saudi Arabia, reminding communities of their shared spiritual heritage and the central role of Quranic recitation in their cultural identity, particularly during the sacred observance of fasting and reflection.

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