THE QUR’ANIC STUDIES IN THAILAND: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE QUR’AN RECITATION IN BANGKOK

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate various approaches to the Qur’an recitation in Muslim communities in Bangkok. The field study has been undertaken by using interviewing and observing methods. The data has been collected from 4 institutions teaching the recitation of the Qur’an. They are a household based religious teaching group, Ridwanool Islam School, Muslim Association of Qur’an Reciter of Thailand, and Jamaattableek Centre in Minburi.

The Qur’an recitation has long been developed in Islam as a branch of the Qur’anic studies. It is essential to the understanding of Islam as well as to the preservation of the art of recitation and religious belief.

The study reveals that the teaching of the Qur’an recitation in the household based religious teaching group and Ridwanool Islam School is aimed at religious understanding and practice, whereas the aim of the Muslim Association of Reciter of Thailand and the Jamaattableek Centre in Minburi is to preserve the Qur’anic art of recitation and memorization. Thus, all the 4 institutions play an active role in preserving the Qur’anic studies and Islam in Thailand.