Expert Highlights Balance Between Emotional Recitation, Technical Precision

IQNA – An recitation expert says qaris need to create a balance between having an emotional and technical recitation, especially in Quran competitions.

Majid Bavardi, a member of the panel of arbiters at the 47th National Quran Competition organized by Iran's Awqaf and Charity Affairs Organization, emphasized the importance of balancing emotional engagement with technical precision during Quran recitation in competitive settings.

Speaking to IQNA, Bavardi noted that in non-competitive Quranic gatherings, reciters often rely on creating an emotional connection with their audience.

“During public recitations, the enthusiasm and interaction from the audience play a significant role in motivating the reciter, enhancing the overall experience,” he explained.

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He added that in such settings, the primary objective is to foster a general familiarity with the Quran among attendees, many of whom may not have in-depth knowledge of Arabic grammar or Quranic recitation techniques. “In these scenarios, strict adherence to technical rules isn’t typically expected from the reciter,” Bavardi said.

However, he clarified that the dynamics shift significantly during competitions. In these formal settings, the performance is evaluated not only based on the audience's emotional response but also on strict technical standards.

“In competitions, expert judges meticulously assess technical aspects such as ‘Waqf and Ibtida’ (pausing and starting), Tajweed, Sawt (melodious voice), and Lahn (rhythm). Even minor mistakes in these areas can result in point deductions, regardless of how captivating the performance may appear to the audience,” he noted.

Bavardi stressed the need for offering "meaning-focused recitation" in competitive contexts, urging participants to not only master technical skills but also to deeply understand the meanings and messages conveyed by the verses.

“A proficient reciter must have a strong grasp of the verse’s meaning, enabling them to apply correct emphasis, tonal variations, and emotional delivery that align with the context—whether it’s a verse of promise, warning, or questioning,” he said.

He further elaborated that this approach ensures both technical accuracy and an emotional resonance that satisfies the judges' criteria.

The National Quran Competition in Iran, one of the country's most prestigious Quranic events, serves as a platform to identify and nurture Quranic talent, with winners often advancing to represent Iran in international Quran competitions.

The competition was held last month in Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Province.

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