Having chums who can play the sitar or recite verse are the new status symbols.

Many began to recite verses from his poem that they seemed to know by heart.

You might recite it quickly as one recites verse (poetry) quickly, or as the dried dates fall down (from the tree).

In another test, a would-be hafiz might be asked to recite verses containing a specific word or phrase.

She instilled in her son a deep love of poetry and literature, recited verse daily and supported him unceasingly in his efforts to write.