Final answer:
Islamic music is distinguished by its modal system, based on maqamat, which creates a unique sound through scales and modes that guide melody and rhythm without focusing on harmony. Timbre describes the unique quality of sound that differentiates one instrument from another.
Step-by-step explanation:
The musical element that distinguishes Islamic music from other regions/cultures of the world is the modal system. Islamic music is based on maqamat, which are scales or modes that dictate the pitches and the pattern of movement between them.
In a general sense, rhythm refers to the pattern of beats or a sequence of sounds in time, while melody involves the succession of notes that make up the main tune of a piece of music. Timbre is a term that refers to the quality or color of a sound that distinguishes one voice or instrument from another. When certain notes are played together and they sound pleasing or stable, we describe this as harmonious.