About the project
Ha Dong (’26) is a junior at Amherst College, triple majoring in Neuroscience, Physics, and Mathematics. His interest in this project grew naturally from the environment he’s part of. As an active member of the Dar al-Islam themehouse and living among peers who engage deeply with Islamic practices, he began noticing how the sound of Quranic recitation holds a unique presence—both personal and communal. This project is an attempt to explore that soundscape, understanding not just the recitation itself but its ability to connect, teach, and resonate across different experiences.
Acknowledgement
The author sincerely thanks Prof. Jeffers Engelhardt for his invaluable insights and support throughout this project.
Special appreciation goes to Ahmad Ziada and Zakaria Shenwari, whose advice and encouragement greatly enriched the research into Quranic recitation, adding depth to the exploration of this profound practice.
The author is deeply grateful to Omar Dar for his generosity and the time he devoted to sharing his experiences and vision, which provided a meaningful foundation for this work.
Warm thanks to the wonderful kids at the Salam Institute, whose energy and dedication inspired the project and underscored the importance of preserving and celebrating traditions.
The author also extends gratitude to the members of the Soundscape class and his friends, Connor Barnes, Rose Omar, Suhela Anika, Raffay Tabassum, and Ali Sbeih, whose thoughtful input and discussions were invaluable in shaping this project.
Contact
Email: hdong26@amherst.edu // dongngocha1502@gmail.com
Phone: 4134729240