Tahlilchi

Tahlilchi is a term used in some Muslim communities to refer to a person who leads or participates in the recitation of tahlil and associated prayers during religious gatherings, especially at funerals or periods of mourning. The tahlil itself involves reciting phrases that affirm the oneness of God and invoke blessings upon the Prophet, often along with selected Qur’anic verses and supplications.

In practice, a tahlilchi may read or chant the tahlil, guide others through du’a (supplications), and coordinate the sequence of readings and remarks during a gathering. The role can be filled by a trained religious scholar, an imam, or a lay participant who has familiarity with local customs. Duties vary by community and occasion, but the overall aim is to lead communal remembrance, comfort mourners, and preserve traditional prayers.

Cultural context: The role is found in various Muslim communities, including parts of South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with regional variations in language, form, and emphasis. The title or term for the role may differ by country or language, and in some places the same functions are carried out without a specific title.

See also: Tahlil, Islamic funeral rites, Remembrance of God in Islam.