Egypt

Aesthetics

How something looks or sounds — its style or vibe.

Arab World

Countries where Arabic is the main language and culture.

Azan

The Muslim call to prayer (not considered music).

Diaspora

When people move away from their homeland but keep their culture alive.

Florid

Fancy, decorative, full of musical runs or extra notes.

Imam

The leader of prayer in a mosque.

Madh (genre)

A song or poem that praises the Prophet Muhammad.

Maqam

The Arabic version of a musical scale or mode.

Melisma / Melismatic

Singing many notes on one syllable.

Mizmar

A loud, double-reed wind instrument (like an oboe).

Mosque

The Muslim place of worship.

Recitation (religious)

Reading or chanting the Qur’an — not considered music because it’s for worship, not entertainment.

Sufism

A spiritual, mystical form of Islam focused on love, devotion, and connection to God.

Tabla

A pair of hand drums used in Middle Eastern and South Asian music.

Through-composed

A song that keeps changing — no repeating parts like chorus or verse.

‘Ud (Oud)

A pear-shaped string instrument (like an old guitar).

Zaffa

A wedding march or procession with drums, horns, and dancing.

Sacred

Religious, used for worship, prayer, or devotion. (like Azan or Qur’an recitation). Not considered music.

Secular 

non-religious, every day or fun music (weddings, parties, love songs) , Can express joy, love, or culture, Uses instruments and rhythm.

Azan structure

Sung/recited 5 times a day to call Muslims to prayer, Uses melisma (many notes per word) and specific maqams (scales), No instruments, just the voice.

Azan why it different from music

Its purpose is religious, not entertainment. Meant to remind and inspire, not to perform.