Mahfel Discovers Great Quranic Potential in Society: Senior Qari
In an interview with IQNA, Ahmad Abolqassemi, a prominent Iranian qari, pointed out how the program has become a cultural and media phenomenon and its impact on people’s lives, and talked about the program’s vision for continuing this growing path.
Known for showcasing Quranic recitations and promoting Islamic teachings, the Mahfel TV Show is a well-regarded Iranian television series appreciated by audiences worldwide.
It is broadcast on IRIB’s TV 3 channel just before sunset every day during the holy month of Ramadan, offering a spiritual oasis for viewers as they prepare to break their fast.
With a primary focus on the Quran, the program aims to enrich the brief moments of respite for fasting individuals through insightful discussions and captivating recitations.
In his interview with IQNA, Abolqassemi said Mahfel has been on a growing path.
“If I were to compare the features of the fourth season of Mahfel with other seasons, I would have to say that our approach this season has shifted more towards how to attract people to the Quran. That is, we are no longer simply looking to introduce the Quran or showcase talents, but rather we want to show how a cultural and Quranic event can draw people to this divine book. This program is moving in the direction of how to use popular capacities and real stories to show the impact of the Quran on people’s lives.”
He added, “Until two or three years ago, when the program had not yet been broadcast, I also had ideas about the Quranic activity and the impact of the Quran. But in the very subjects that come to the program, I realized that the world of the Quran is much larger and deeper than anyone can think. The examples that are found are sometimes surprising. For example, last year we had a person who we did not understand until the end how he found and extracted verses. He was Mr. Musazadeh, a very strange subject, and I think a documentary about him is also being made by some friends. This shows that the Quran has undiscovered capacities that can make us wonder, and this is beyond our imagination.”
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Abolqassemi continued, “In addition, in the fourth season, great personalities were introduced that perhaps we did not know how much devotion to the Quran they had until now. (These are) people who, simply by hearing a verse, a sentence, or a phrase from the Quran, have undergone such a transformation in their lives that today they think better than those of us who have been active in the field of the Quran for years and have a deeper sense of the Quran. This is very attractive and instructive for me as a Quran reciter. Sometimes I regret why I did not have this deep understanding myself earlier? But then I realize that this is also part of the blessing of the Quran that everyone benefits from according to their own circumstances.”
He said Mahfel is also very attractive to him. “As I sit here, although we do not know the subjects completely in advance and we accompany them moment by moment, I feel that when these events are so attractive to me, who has worked in this field for a lifetime, they can certainly be attractive to the general audience as well. This attraction comes from the honesty in the expression, the realness of the subjects, and their deep connection with the divine word. I hope that God willing, dear viewers will be satisfied with these efforts.”
As for those contributing to Mahfel, he said nearly two hundred people are present in this program and for a whole year, in cities, provinces, villages, virtual spaces and even foreign trips, they are looking for talent and subjects to introduce these Quranic blessings that exist in Iran and the world.
“This breadth of activity shows the breadth and depth of the program’s view of the Quran and its impact.”
Asked about the energy and love sees in people for the program, and a prospect of expanding the program and covering a wider range of society, he said, “This is a very good question and it goes back to the discussion of continuity and development of the program. I don’t know exactly what the future plans are for (the prorgam), but what is quite clear is the energy and love we see in people for the program. You see, our audience outside the studio has a lot to say. Even the day I went outside for a short moment, I saw about 10 centimeters of snow. I was really embarrassed by this situation that people had come and were present in the hall in this cold and conditions. Some of these dear people even left from the cities, for example, from Kashan, and arrived here at eight in the morning. When did they leave? Four in the morning! This love and interest that we see in the people shows that the gathering has room to be implemented much better and to cover more segments of society.”
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Abolqassemi expressed hope that “God will not take this success away from us and that we can take a step towards promoting Quranic culture with each other’s help.”
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