Qu’ran
Holy book of Islam
Adhan
Muslim call to prayer
Quarter-tones
Melodic interval smaller than a semitone
Sufism
Mystical form of Islam that is more accepting of music in a religious context
Tarab
Transcendent emotional experience
Maqam
Arabic mode/melodic bases
Taqsim
Non-pulsatile variations
Iqa’
Rhythmic pattern
Suite
A series of songs and isntrumental pieces with some unifying characteristics
Takht
An ensemble of instruments
‘Ud
Fretless, pear-shaped lute
Tanbur
Long-necked, fretted lute
Rabab
Spike fiddle
Qanun
Plucked trapezoidal zither
Nay
End-blown not chapter flute
Darabukkah
Goblet-shaped drum played with fingers
Riqq
Tambourine