Jazak Allah khair, very interesting. When did the mujawwad technique originate? Did the Sahaba, for example, recite murattal during the prayer and mujawwad on other occasions such as in gatherings or did this originate at a later date?
Murattal and mujawwad styles are two genres or expressions of recitations. Murattal style is a faster, quicker, and more flowy style. The emphasis is on continuation, with short pauses in between, and not a lot of repetitions. There is not a lot of variation in melody / maqam; reciters recite consistently in the same tune. It is a more accessible style in that it has a lower requirement in terms of vocal ability. Most people will recite in murattal. E.g of reciters who recite in murattal: Sudais, Shuraim, etc. Mujawwad is a slower paced style. Reciters tend to go back and repeat the verses, often changing the maqam or qiraat as they are repeating the verses. The ending of the ayat can also have its own unique melody. It is a more advanced style which requires a greater skill set for the reciter in terms of vocal ability and breath control (sometimes a few ayaats in one breath). There is also a more conscious effort on the part of the reciter to convey the meaning of what is being recited through their voice. The listener also needs to be able to have an understanding of what is going on to fully appreciate the depth of the recitation. The context is more like for a public recitation where the qari is in front and reciting and there is more of an emphasis on beautifying one’s recitation. E.g. of reciters: Minshawi, Abdul Basit Abdul Samad. I guess there are also regional differences across both styles. Some qaris can be unique in that speed wise they recite in murattal but are more mujawwad in terms of their creative expression (i.e. they vary a lot between maqamat, e.g. al Afasy)
What is the history of the mujawwad technique of recitation? Is this something that came from sahaba or is it a later development? Is it recited in the same way as murattal but slower or are there other elements that distinguish it too?
