Encyclopedia of Islam

tafsir

, or scriptural 

exegesis. This Islamic “science” has helped Mus-

lims both maintain the integrity of God’s revela-

tions in their original language and make them a 

part of their lives in times and places quite distant 

from seventh-century Arabia, even in modern 

Europe and the Americas.

The artful recitation of the Quran, known 

as  tajwid and tartil, is another way in which the 

Quran has been incorporated into the life of the 

Muslim community. The Quran can be recited 

by individuals in order to gain divine blessing 

(

baraka

) and forgiveness, but recitations are also 

performed on formal occasions such as at large 

assemblies and during funerals and mourning 

rites. Quran reciters can attain a reputation com-

parable to that of opera stars, and several coun-

tries hold national Quran recital competitions. 

Recorded recitations of the Quran are available 

in all the electronic media, making it possible 

for Muslims to listen to them at home, work, or 

while traveling. In addition to artful recitation,