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Studies in Comparative Religion
Memory, Music, and Religion: Morocco's Mystical Chanters
Brings new insights to the study of the religious function of memory
Why do religious communities remember some events and not others? Why do some kinds of music find a continuing place in worship while others seem to lose their appeal? Why is it that the Islamic tradition is understood so narrowly, even by some Muslims, when in fact it has a broadly textured history of belief and practice? In Memory, Music, and Religion, Earle H. Waugh addresses such probing questions while exploring a rich vein of Islam in Morocco―the mystical chanters. In this book, a detailed study of the interplay between memory, music, and religion, Waugh opens new areas of thought, particularly regarding a theme that cuts across religious the role of memory in religious formation.
Since the glorious days of Andalusia, Muslim poetic and musical traditions have found a vibrant home among Moroccan Sufis. Through rituals of dhikr, or remembrance, the old forms of music and word blend into a new form of worship for today. In this study, Waugh probes the depths of religious memory within Islam and notes the singular importance of memory in comprehending the meaning and styles of music. Showing how the powerful tradition of music nurtures the Muslim soul, Waugh brings new insights to the study of the religious function of memory.
Why do religious communities remember some events and not others? Why do some kinds of music find a continuing place in worship while others seem to lose their appeal? Why is it that the Islamic tradition is understood so narrowly, even by some Muslims, when in fact it has a broadly textured history of belief and practice? In Memory, Music, and Religion, Earle H. Waugh addresses such probing questions while exploring a rich vein of Islam in Morocco―the mystical chanters. In this book, a detailed study of the interplay between memory, music, and religion, Waugh opens new areas of thought, particularly regarding a theme that cuts across religious the role of memory in religious formation.
Since the glorious days of Andalusia, Muslim poetic and musical traditions have found a vibrant home among Moroccan Sufis. Through rituals of dhikr, or remembrance, the old forms of music and word blend into a new form of worship for today. In this study, Waugh probes the depths of religious memory within Islam and notes the singular importance of memory in comprehending the meaning and styles of music. Showing how the powerful tradition of music nurtures the Muslim soul, Waugh brings new insights to the study of the religious function of memory.
- GenresIslamNonfictionHistory
280 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 21, 2025
Waugh’s Memory, Music, and Religion: Morocco's Mystical Chanters offers a deep ethnographic and historical exploration of the role of musical chanting within Moroccan Sufi religious culture. Waugh examines how memory and music intertwine in these mystical chant traditions, revealing the ways in which oral performances serve not only as vehicles for spiritual experience but also as expressions of cultural identity and historical consciousness.
Central to Waugh’s analysis is the munshid tradition—groups of religious chanters whose songs and performances embody centuries of Islamic mysticism and Moroccan cultural heritage. By focusing on these chanters’ repertoires and life histories, Waugh illuminates how religious music functions as a tool for collective remembrance, preserving and reshaping spiritual and social histories in the present moment.
Waugh also situates these musical practices within the broader framework of Sufi mysticism, where chanting (dhikr) constitutes a meditative, transformative act aimed at spiritual union with the divine. The book articulates how memory in such contexts is not merely cognitive recall but an embodied, performative process that connects past, present, and future in the communal religious experience.
Through meticulous fieldwork and close textual analysis, Waugh challenges the marginalization of Moroccan chanting traditions within academic and popular understandings of Islamic religion. His study highlights the chanters’ significance in shaping Moroccan national identity and religious culture, while also addressing broader questions about how religious communities choose to remember, forget, or rework their histories through ritual and music.
Overall, Memory, Music, and Religion is a richly detailed, insightful work that contributes to fields as diverse as ethnomusicology, religious studies, and cultural anthropology. It unveils how Morocco’s mystical chanters exemplify the power of music and memory to sustain spiritual life and cultural continuity across generations.
Central to Waugh’s analysis is the munshid tradition—groups of religious chanters whose songs and performances embody centuries of Islamic mysticism and Moroccan cultural heritage. By focusing on these chanters’ repertoires and life histories, Waugh illuminates how religious music functions as a tool for collective remembrance, preserving and reshaping spiritual and social histories in the present moment.
Waugh also situates these musical practices within the broader framework of Sufi mysticism, where chanting (dhikr) constitutes a meditative, transformative act aimed at spiritual union with the divine. The book articulates how memory in such contexts is not merely cognitive recall but an embodied, performative process that connects past, present, and future in the communal religious experience.
Through meticulous fieldwork and close textual analysis, Waugh challenges the marginalization of Moroccan chanting traditions within academic and popular understandings of Islamic religion. His study highlights the chanters’ significance in shaping Moroccan national identity and religious culture, while also addressing broader questions about how religious communities choose to remember, forget, or rework their histories through ritual and music.
Overall, Memory, Music, and Religion is a richly detailed, insightful work that contributes to fields as diverse as ethnomusicology, religious studies, and cultural anthropology. It unveils how Morocco’s mystical chanters exemplify the power of music and memory to sustain spiritual life and cultural continuity across generations.
February 17, 2022
This is my first book by Ms Archer and I guarantee it won't be my last. This is the first installment of A Series of Worthy Young Ladies series and what a brilliant start it is! The premise of the book drew me in. Six matrons of society, mourning the fact of not having any daughters of their own, come together to help launch young ladies into society. Six matching making mamas, so to speak! This makes for a delightfully fun and charming story, I'd say! The first victim, that is to say candidate, is Miss Georgiana Wilcox. Georgiana is an intelligent and beautiful young lady, but when it comes to knowing how to portray herself in society, she is at a loss. This is where Lady Mendleton comes in, one of the six matrons, who is sponsoring her. When she arrives in London, she catches the eye of Jasper, son of Lady Mendelton. Jasper is a shy, introvert that works for the crown. This was a thoroughly charming story filled with intrigue and mystery and wonderfully delightful characters. I enjoyed the build up of the romance between Jasper and Georgiana - they were so perfect together. Such a fun and captivating story! This is one series I fully intend to follow!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 18, 2022
A fun read with a lot of mix up situations.
I enjoyed Georgina and Jasper's story, and liked how she was a strong heroine with her own mind. A great historical romance read and I will be reading more from this author!
I enjoyed Georgina and Jasper's story, and liked how she was a strong heroine with her own mind. A great historical romance read and I will be reading more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews