The nation-wide tour organised by Quranica.com, which germinated from a unique event at the Edinburgh Festival in 2005, now have showcase events in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester. They aim to “open the door to exploration of the Qur’an” in a time where interest in the West has probably never been so intense.

Sohaib Saeed, an articulate Master of Ceremonies on the night, provided an excellent introduction to the themes of Revelation, the Prophet (upon him be peace and blessings) and the nature of the Qur’an as an immensely self-aware scripture. The discussion of these themes would be periodically interjected by the focus of the event itself – the rendering of The Recital into the recitation.

Sheikh Muhammad Rif'at, a Turkish reciter; Sheikh Yaqoub Kutkut, an expert in the science of recitation of Jordanian origin; Muhammad Abdul-Rahman and Hammad al-Rahman Fahim all graced the excited audience with their presence reflecting at once the diversity and curious universality of their endeavour.

The simultaneous presentation of the English interpretation of the Qur’an during the recitation itself created a serene atmosphere of reflection and tranquillity. As the ears fed on the recitation, the eyes devoured the meanings, bringing to the mind a most fulfilling intellectual and spiritual harmony.

It’s an experience difficult to do justice to in a few words but is best summed up perhaps, by Dr Kristina Nelson herself, who continues to be enthralled with the fervour of the faithful:

“Enjoy yourselves and expect something beautiful.”

For samples of Quranic recitations from the event please click here.

To read part of Christina Nelson's book click here.