Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed attendees, I will remind you in this speech of the late Mimoun Benayada, Mustapha Jabbara, Sidi Omar, Si El Alami, and of the gentlemen Ghol Abdeljabbar, Si Lakhdar Bouali, Abdallah Nahari, and Al‑Madhbouhi.
Just as writing has its own art, speech has its own art as well.
One who masters the first may master the second — or may not.
Most famous writers were not great speakers.
Writing reaches the mind through thought, while spoken words reach the heart only through the ear — which has its own sensitivity that must be satisfied.
The feeling produced by listening is not the same as that produced by reading.
Among us, spoken words have a stronger impact than written ones, because they pulse with life, emotion, and express the orator’s feelings.
Here, I speak of the art of oratory in Ahfir, not in its academic definition, but in its simple meaning: speech that pleases people or affects them, whether in religious, political, or festive contexts.
Festive Oratory
In celebratory speeches, no one disputes the place of Abdeljabbar Ghol and the late Mimoun Benayada, thanks to their powerful voices, elegant presence, beautiful tone, and flawless diction.
During Throne Day celebrations, they could speak for an entire day without hesitation, coughing, or notes.
Whatever our differences regarding the content of their speeches, no one can deny that eloquence was their talent — as poetry and singing are.
Political Oratory
In politics, oratory did not progress due to censorship and suppression of opposing voices.
In this field, no one rivaled the late Mustapha Jabbara.
I am not speaking of his boldness in criticizing officials in Al‑Bouq — many did that — but of his talent and art of speech.
Religious Oratory
In religious oratory, which Islam made part of preaching and a means to address issues concerning Muslims, sermons were often shallow due to pressure from authorities and the tendency of preachers to avoid risk.
Then came Abdallah Nahari, Lakhdar Bouali, and Al‑Madhbouhi, who became known for trying to make their sermons more connected to current events.
A special kind of speaker
Another speaker, but of a special kind: not in front of crowds, but effective on an individual level.
With his slightly hoarse voice, he convinces you to contribute to feeding the poor.
Through his personal effort, he not only preserved the corner at the intersection of Martyrs Street and Sidi Brahim, but made it a starting point for the renewal of religious youth activities and chants in Ahfir.
Allah Allah, Si Omar!
And we must mention the late Al‑Alami, the muezzin
Muezzins will have the longest necks on the Day of Judgment when people are overwhelmed by sweat — a reward for raising their voices with the remembrance of God, heard by near and far.
Everything that heard their call will testify for them.
The call to prayer is, linguistically, an announcement; and religiously, an announcement of prayer time with specific phrases.
The call of the late Al‑Alami was distinguished by repetition and tarji‘: pronouncing the two testimonies twice, then repeating them again with extended voice.
By Amar Jalloul – 2012
