Before the variations were finally committed entirely to writing, the Quran was preserved by recitation from one generation to the next. Quranic recitation or qirāʼa (قراءات) is an enduring tradition that lies at the heart of Muslim spiritual life. Defined by the meticulous rules of tajwīd (تجويد ), it preserves the original pronunciation and meaning of the Quran while allowing reciters to imbue the verses with a melodic quality. This combination of precision and emotional expression makes recitation a unique auditory experience, distinct from both speech and music. It serves as both an act of worship and a cultural practice, carrying deep personal and communal significance.
This project seeks to document how this sacred practice is experienced, taught, and preserved within Muslim communities in the Connecticut River Valley. Through two films, The Students and The Teachers, the project delves into the interplay of faith, education, and cultural continuity in a setting shaped by diversity and change.
The Students follows Ahmad Ziada, a student and community leader, as he navigates his dual roles on and off campus. From leading daily prayers at Amherst College to hosting Quranic circles at the Hampshire Mosque, Ahmad’s story exemplifies how young Muslims engage with their faith and share their knowledge with others.
The Teachers focuses on the Salam Institute, a pioneering program for Quranic memorization founded by Omar Dar, a resident scholar at Masjid Baitussalaam in Springfield, Massachusetts. It shows respect to teachers’ efforts to make Quranic education accessible to children with little or no background in Arabic, while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of maintaining this tradition in a multicultural environment.
At its core, the project is an exploration of how Quranic recitation becomes a bridge between generations, a thread binding disparate cultures, and a cornerstone of identity for a global faith community. Rather than offering definitive answers, it invites viewers to listen, reflect, and consider the ways sound shapes faith and community life.