Mark wrote: <> Hi, Faruq, To my understanding, the basic definition of Tilawat is "to follow." Its use as a reference to reading or chanting is similar to the English expression, "Follow along with me as we read." <>
Dear Mark and Faruq, What I found intriguing about the definitions presented by Faruq from the "ALMONJED" - Arabic to Arabic Dictionary; is that the obvious intent of the translation for talavat is the 4th option: to read. If this is a translation of the Guardian, we already know from Ruhiyyih Khanum's account in the Priceless Pearl that he did not necessarily choose the most common usage but often a less familiar definition - IF it conveyed the appropriate intent. In consideration of the implication that we are to engage in personal devotions privately and also, that congregational prayer is forbidden it hardly seems likely that the translation of talavat would suggest "following along" as another reads. We are fortunate to have in our community a woman (American) with a lovely a cappella voice. She often "chants" prayers in English. Generally Holy Days, because she prefers to experiment beforehand with a melody that will complement the text. While I agree that chanting suggest melody, I also feel that there is an element of emotion and drama, if you will, to be considered. I'm not talking about evangelical melodrama, here... For several years we were blessed to have a trained stage actress in the Anchorage community, Rowena Currington. There was not a dry eye in the house when she recited the Tablet of Carmel. Please remember her in your prayers. Lovingly, Sandra ---------- You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://list.jccc.net/cgi-bin/lyris.pl?enter=bahai-st news://list.jccc.net/bahai-st http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist (public) http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] (public)
