Ebrahim Moosa – Cii Broadcasting (24-07-12)

Anybody who has been there will confirm its mystical powers. Spend barely a few minutes on the Musalla leading a Jamaah in Salaah and you’ll sure know all about it.  Feet shake, hearts quiver, voices falter, expectations conquer and tension mounts.

For any Haafiz leading Musallees in Salaah, the Musalla can truly be an intimidating place. And whilst its challenges remain even for the most experienced of Imams, for the starter it can be altogether more daunting.

All eyes of the congregation are transfixed on the young Imam as he takes his position in the forefront. And as he begins his recital, hundreds of pairs of ears are equally attentive.

Most Hufaaz honoured with such a responsibility have no qualms about its challenges and would painstakingly prepare for hours in advance, in trepidation at their appointment. But when it comes to the mystical musalla, preparation alone is not always sufficient. Mistakes occur at the most unexpected junctures and whilst excessive mistakes could be a symptom of poor dhor(revision), nobody is exempt from unforeseen error.

Thus, when mistakes predictably, do occur, what transpires therefrom has to be managed very sensitively. The Haafiz has to be cautious not to lose his concentration completely whilst the sami’ (listener) has to ensure that he does not become the means for this ‘tragedy’ to occur.

Speaking to Cii recently, veteran Qari, Yousuf Noorbhai profiled the ideal Sami’ (listener and corrector) to be a very matured person. “He definitely would not look at that 15-16 years old boy and, as a much older person, expects him to be on your level.” Qari Noorbhai advised all correctors to be patient and remove any arrogance from their correction of the mistakes of the Huffaaz.”Let me not show that I know my Quraan and he doesn’t. And not even give him time to breathe. Don’t just pounce upon him like a lion that’s getting raw meat.”

He says such insensitive correction can be very detrimental to a Haafiz’s concentration and motivation. “So the young man is now excited – instead of reading from the first para he is now reading from the 28th or 29th para because you are confusing him.” Instead, he advises correctors to be more supportive and understanding. “(The Haafiz) should hear from your tone that you are not angry, you are not aggressive. Because luqmah(correction) is given in Masjids by some people who I am not afraid to say are very aggressive. They want to show the people this poor young man does not know his Quraan.”

For the quivering young Haafiz now being ‘hunted,’ the antics surrounding the Musalla may all sound a bit too intimidating. But all hope is not lost. Reassures Qari Noorbhai, “As a reader, just be patient.”

ebmoosa@ciibroadcasting.com