The Creation of Muḥammad’s Qualities through Contemporary Chant in Syria and Lebanon [Englisch]

Weinrich, Ines

Abstract

This chapter deals with Arabic praise poetry for the Prophet (mada'ih nabawiyya). In contrast to studying poetry in text compilations, it examines poetry as it is performed during commemorative celebrations that mark the Muslim liturgical year. Its main source is the audio material that stems from a fieldwork conducted in urban Sunni milieus in Syria and Lebanon between 2009 and 2013. Following the material turn in Religious Studiesk with a special emphasis on 'sensational forms' (Birgit Meyer), I argue that messages are not only created by poetic texts and poetic imagery but by performance practices as well. Two different musical categories, qasida form and song, are identified. They differ in compositorial form, performance technique, ways to involve the audience, and means to emphasise ley words and messages. The qasida form reflects the idiom of the Arab classical art music tradition, whereas the song often overlaps with the folk music idiom. Whereas the qualities of the Prophet as the Beloved one and intercessor are stressed in both musical categories, the different idioms serve to create a relationship with the Prophet that is marked by two poles, namely elevation and intimacy. The commemorative events that punctuate the liturgical year do not portray a historic figure that is aloof from daily life. Rather, they bridge distance and create closeness. Both identified idioms, classical and folk idiom, work together in portraying Muhammad as an object of veneration and close companion and, finally, a support each individual participant in the celebration can hope for at Judgement Day.