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Egypt · Music · Normal
What is the name of the Arabic maqam (melodic mode) that is most closely associated with the call to prayer (adhan) and evokes spirituality and transcendence in Egyptian music?
Answer: Maqam Hijaz — Maqam Hijaz is characterized by its distinctive augmented-second interval (the 'Hijaz step'), giving it an instantly recognizable Eastern, soulful quality — it is the maqam most commonly used for the adhan across the Arab world because of its capacity to convey religious awe and longing.
- A Maqam Rast
- B Maqam Hijaz ✓
- C Maqam Bayati
- D Maqam Saba
Maqam Hijaz is characterized by its distinctive augmented-second interval (the 'Hijaz step'), giving it an instantly recognizable Eastern, soulful quality — it is the maqam most commonly used for the adhan across the Arab world because of its capacity to convey religious awe and longing.