Arabic Maqam Theory - A Brief Introduction - Oud for Guitarists
A full maqam is rarely just a scale; it is a pathway through different ajnas .
In the context of the Arabic maqam (melodic modes), are specific sets of three, four, or five notes—technically referred to as trichords, tetrachords, and pentachords—that possess a distinct "flavor" or character.
In a broader linguistic sense, is the plural of jins , which translates to "kind," "sort," or "species".
In a linguistic context, it refers to a category of things sharing common characteristics. For example, in biology or logic, it refers to a genus or a class of beings.
While the specific word "Ajnas" may not appear frequently as a name in the Quran, its root (J-N-S) appears in the text. The concept of things being created in "pairs" or "kinds" is a recurring theme in Islamic theology, emphasizing the diversity of Allah's creation.