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Document Details :

Title: Music as a Means of Dialogue with/by Muslims
Author(s): DASTMALCHIAN, Amir
Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue
Volume: 26    Issue: 1   Date: 2016   
Pages: 92-110
DOI: 10.2143/SID.26.1.3194368

Abstract :
This article explores the idea of music being used in interreligious engagements involving Muslims, both so non-Muslims can be aware of Muslim sensitivities and so Muslims can positively contribute to such types of engagement. After explaining Muslim reservations, I identify four genres of sound art (Qur'an recitation, the call to prayer, liturgical chants, and eulogy chants) which are deeply engrained in the Islamic tradition such that Muslims are united in attesting to their sacredness. I explain a little about the important features of the sacred music of the Islamic tradition and note that the type of Muslims who risk being left out of dialogue are the same Muslims who are most sensitive regarding music. I argue that Muslims can be both engaged and engaging through the use of music, without their musical sensitivities being side lined.

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