Damascus, (SANA)- Religious recitation in Damascus has a special peculiarity, unmatched in any other Islamic cities, as the most ancient inhabited city in the world has known this kind of art for 300 years now.

Such recitation was first introduced by the eminent Muslim scholar Sheikh Abdul Ghani Nabulsi, and later became deeply-rooted in the traditions of the city.

The major themes of recitation are praying to God Almighty, observing Islamic values and inciting good deeds. Sheik al-Nabulsi set the basis for the rituals of religious and Quranic recitation at Omayyad Mosque in Damascus to become later a tradition in all other Syrian cities.

These rituals include Azan (mass call to prayers) Suras (Chapters) from the Holy Quran to assert glorification and oneness of the God, as well as religious Stanzas.

Religious recitation dates back to the pre-Islamic era (al-Jahiliya), where eulogy and tribute had been a prominent feature in the Arabic poetry.

Prophetic eulogy poetry started in the life of the Prophet Mohammad. Poets used to glorify and praise the message and characteristics of the Prophet Mohammad, said Hamed Dawood, a member of the Damascus-based Religious Reciters Association.

The Association was formed in 1954. In 1974, a presidential decree was issued to organize its work, being the only group which performs religious recitation at Omayyad Mosque.

 It marks all religious occasions like al-Mawlid al-Nabawi (Birthday of the Prophet Mohammad), Middle of Shaban, Eid al-Fitr (Lesser Bairam, or the Feast Marking the End of the fasting month of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (Greater Bairam or the Feast of Sacrifice), al-Isra and al-Miraj (Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Mohammad).

Recitation is performed to the tunes of traditional, classic musical instruments, and is usually accompanied by certain types of dances, most notably al-Mawlawiya dance, which is one of the Sufi ways to come close to the God.

Haifa Said /F.Zahra