Visually-impaired Iraqi teen captivates with Quran recitation and musical talent

ANBAR – Bushra Abdul Jabbar, an 18-year-old from Ramadi, has gained attention for her talents in Quran recitation and music, despite being born blind. She developed these skills while living in Turkey during her family’s 10-year displacement. During this time, Bushra learned to play the “Diwan Saz,” a traditional Kurdish string instrument, and became proficient in Quran recitation using Braille.

The Diwan Saz, part of a broader family of lute-like instruments, is commonly played in folk and classical music traditions across the Middle East. Bushra discovered her musical talent during a free course she attended in Turkey, where she also learned Turkish.

“I lived in Turkey for 10 years, learned Turkish, and discovered my talent for playing the Diwan Saz through a free course,” she told 964media. “I continued my education there, learning Quran recitation using Braille.”

Many Iraqis were displaced following the ISIS assault in 2014, which saw the group seize large parts of northern and western Iraq, including cities like Mosul, Ramadi, and Fallujah.

Currently, Bushra is completing her high school education in Iraq, focusing on the literary branch since blind students are not allowed to pursue science subjects. Her family, friends, and social media followers offer her significant support in her journey.

Bushra said she draws inspiration from renowned Quran reciters such as Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad, Sheikh Yasser Al-Dosari, and Iraqi reciter Naamah Hassan. Abdul Basit Abdul Samad, an Egyptian reciter, is known for his powerful voice and remains widely admired across the Muslim world. Yasser Al-Dosari, a Saudi Arabian reciter and imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, is celebrated for his emotional and melodic recitations. Naamah Hassan, an Iraqi reciter, is also well-known for her skilled recitations.

“My family is my main source of support,” Bushra said. “I have many talents, such as singing religious chants and reciting praise poetry. Through my participation in festivals with music, Quran recitation, and chanting, many officials in Anbar came to know me.”

Bushra added that Omar Dabous, head of the Anbar Provincial Council, visited her at home. However, the rest of the government has not provided the support she needs.

One of the poems that inspire her is “Oh mother, what is the shape of the sky, what is light, and what is the moon,” a nasheed by Kuwaiti artist Mishary bin Rashid Alafasy. A nasheed is a type of vocal music often associated with Islamic culture, consisting of moral, religious, or spiritual songs that express themes of praise and devotion.

Bushra’s father, Abdul Jabbar Nafi’, explained that she attended a special institute for the visually-impaired in Turkey, completing her education up to the fourth grade before returning to Iraq. Despite facing societal resistance after her public musical performances, she continues to practice Quran recitation and dreams of becoming an Arabic teacher.

Her family remains her strongest support. “Bushra considers me her eyes,” her father said.