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Sunday Open Thread | Old School Egyptian Reciters

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Bismillah

One of the customs of the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) was to listen to others read the Qur’an. In an incident recorded in Saheeh al-Bukhari, ibn Mas’ud (radi Allahu anhu) recited a portion of Surah an-Nisaa to the Prophet (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) while in another narration, he (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) listened to the recitation of Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (radi Allahu anhu), and he said to him, “If only you could have seen me when I was listening to your recitation yesterday.”

Shaykh Munajjid of IslamQA says about listening to the Qur’an, “your listening to the Qur’an on CD, or from a tape recorder or on the radio or TV, comes under the same ruling (i.e., it is mustahabb/recommended), whether that is at home, in the car, on the bus  or in any other appropriate place. So long as you focus on it and do not listen to it whilst doing something else, you will be rewarded for listening.”

When I ask someone who their favorite reciter is, usually they respond saying Mishary al-Efasi or Abu Bakr al-Shatry or Muhammad al-Luhaidan (may Allah preserve them). All of these reciters are great mashaAllah but for me, I love old school Egyptian reciters. Emphasis on the old school.

I’m talking about Hosary, Minshawi, Tablawi, Abdus-Samad, and Mustafa Isma’il to name a few (may Allah have mercy on them and accept their deeds). I love their style of recitation because it is slow, measured and with impeccable tajweed.

Before I share a few of my favorite videos, I just wanted to address something you will hear in one of these videos and many other videos from Egypt. I’m not sure where this originated from but Egyptians (and a lot of other cultures) tend to scream/yell after the reciter finishes reading an ayah. I understand that it is from their awe of the ayat, but we should instead listen to the Qur’an in the way that Allah azza wa jal instructed us to:

وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

“When the Qur’an is recited, listen attentively to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy” (7:204)

So do not let this deter you from reflecting and enjoying Qur’anic recitations. may Allah guide us to recite, reflect and listen to the Qur’an in the best way. Ameen.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite recitations:

Shaykh Hosary (rahimahullah), Surah Baqarah 90-96

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZvctUE3umg]

Shaykh Hosary (rahimahullah), Surah Nuh

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOWt8hgnLk&feature=related]

Shaykh Mustafa Isma’il (rahimahullah), Surah Israa 20-29

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vHMB1FvkSs&feature=related]

Shaykh Muhammad Sideeq Minshawi (rahimahullah), Surah Ahzab 17-19, then 38-44

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8MWFjjRe3o&feature=related]

Shaykh Muhammad Sideeq Minshawi (rahimahullah), Surah Israa 9-12

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpm0NfA2AFw&feature=related]

Shaykh Abdul Basit Abdus-Samad (rahimahullah), Surah Dhuha and Surah Sharh

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21uUVi6O4uU]

How about you?

Amatullah is a student of the Qur'an and its language. She completed the 2007 Ta'leem program at Al-Huda Institute in Canada and studied Qur'an, Tajwid (science of recitation) and Arabic in Cairo. Through her writings, she hopes to share the practical guidance taught to us by Allah and His Messenger and how to make spirituality an active part of our lives. She has a Bachelors in Social Work and will be completing the Masters program in 2014 inshaAllah. Her experience includes working with immigrant seniors, refugee settlement and accessibility for people with disabilities.

52 Comments

52 Comments

  1. Amatullah

    January 2, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    I purposely left out a bunch of my favorite videos because there is a lot of ‘yelling’ and I don’t want to scare anyone :) Also keep in mind that these recitations are 30, 40, 50+ yrs old so it is more of an old custom.

    • bintyb

      January 2, 2011 at 3:15 AM

      Assalaamu’alaykum. Great post. Please share your favourite ones.. I think most people are used to the “shouting” thing that happens after a verse is read, it happens in most cultures i think lol.. So we won’t get scared! :)

    • Idrees Ally

      January 24, 2011 at 11:48 AM

      Yeah it’s a bit of a strange custom which unfortunately seems to have gained ground outside of the egyptian context. Allah knows best how it developed, but it seems that part of it might be an exaggeration of a noble practice which we know from the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) … we know from a hadith that he used to ask for Allah’s mercy when an ayah mentioned His mercy, and used to ask for forgiveness when he came across an ayah mentioning the punishment … and so on. so there was a natural emotional response to the ayat which expressed itself audibly on the tongue. So Allahu a’lam but it’s possible that the yelling is an exaggeration of that … mixed in of course with other questionable elements. I don’t like the yelling but just offering a possible excuse for those who do it … and of course Allah is the best of judges :) The challenge to us is to try to maintain the Prophet’s sunnah and try to have an emotional connection and emotional response to the ayat that we recite.

      It’s interesting how deep that culture is … Sh. Mustafa Ismail mentioned once (or maybe someone mentioned abt him) that when he went to Turkey for the first time to recite, he thought the ppl didn’t appreciate the Quran b/c they didn’t give a similar response … but then he looked up and realized that the ppl were crying … he realized that they did appreciate it and became very fond of reciting in Turkey afterwards. A Qari from Egypt was once at our place (in Toronto) … he mentioned a similar thing … he thought that ppl in Toronto don’t appreciate recitation b/c of their (perceived) lack of response.

      Idrees

      • ANMB

        January 24, 2011 at 4:45 PM

        as salaam ‘alaikum,

        Actually, it is not “yelling and screaming”, it is more of an verbal applaud from the audience to the reciter. And it is described in the fascinating book by Kristina Nelson, “The Art of Reciting the Qur’an:

        http://books.google.com/books?id=J404uEnS9_AC&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+art+of+reciting+the+quran+nelson&source=bl&ots=1K2sJ9DG_W&sig=eyH3DS3ooqdZPZhpAAPkmMZ3Pmw&hl=en&ei=7P89TYiHM4O78gaGlv2xCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q&f=false

        I will glance through my copy and post the page numbers, soon, insha’Allah.

        JAK
        ASA
        ANMB

        • Amatullah

          January 25, 2011 at 6:18 AM

          wa alaykum salam wa rahmatullah,

          I know what they are saying when they raise their voices, and I understand why they are doing it, but it still is – by definition – yelling. Allahu a’lam.

          Jazaak Allahu khayran Idrees for your input.

          • ANMB

            January 25, 2011 at 9:46 AM

            When choosing the word “yell” to describe the interactive response of the audience to Qur’anic recitation, the word has a negative association with it, implying anger, pain, protest or opposition, which is certainly not the case and why I, and others, disagree with the choice of wording to describe the emotional enthusiasm voiced (loudly) from the listeners to the reciter.

            Definition:

            Noun
            S: (n) cry, outcry, call, yell, shout, vociferation (a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition) “the speaker was interrupted by loud cries from the rear of the audience”
            S: (n) cry, yell (a loud utterance of emotion (especially when inarticulate)) “a cry of rage”; “a yell of pain”

            Verb
            S: (v) shout, shout out, cry, call, yell, scream, holler, hollo, squall (utter a sudden loud cry) “she cried with pain when the doctor inserted the needle”; “I yelled to her from the window but she couldn’t hear me”
            S: (v) yell, scream (utter or declare in a very loud voice) “You don’t have to yell–I can hear you just fine”

            http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=yell

            wa Allahu ‘alim.

        • ANMB

          January 25, 2011 at 6:44 AM

          “The Art of Reciting the Qur’an aims at redirecting that focus toward a deeper understanding of the Qur’an as a fundamentally oral phenomenon. Focusing on the Egyptian context, and examining Muslim attitudes toward the Qur’an, the institutions that regulate its recitation, and performer-audience expectations and interaction.”

          – backcover

          * * *

          In contrast to the private and devotional nature of the murattal style, the mujawwad recitation is reserved for public occasions. It is directed to, and largely dependent upon, an audience, for the mujawwad reciter seeks to involve the listeners. Mujawwad recitation is identified with male professionals who, if not highly trained, are at least highly conscious of the aesthetic effect of their performance. The dramatic use of register and sectioning of the text [she is referring to maqaamat and repetetion] and a conscious use of vocal artistry and melody heighten the listener’s emotional involvement.

          Introduction
          xxiv

          * * *

          [i will have to read through the book some more (as my schedule allows) and post relevant excerpts as related to the reciter and audience’s expectations and interactions, insha’Allah.]

  2. bintyb

    January 2, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Also, I think as you get more into tajweed, you naturally start listening to the egyption qurra more.

    I wonder if any of the mashaikh could answer the following question… about the ruling of maqaamaat etc when reciting the Qur’an.

    Wassalaamu’alaykum wa rahmatullah.

    • abu abdullah

      January 2, 2011 at 10:30 AM

      Though, 10 years ago, while learning tajweed we were advised to learn with abdul basit’s fantamarveloustic style of recitation, mashallah, which we did do without knowing ANY rules in the begining,
      however yb and other traditional scholars are not ok with using maqamat reading the mushaf, from the ilmsummit experience. I don’t remember the ruling’s wordings though. 50:30 verse should bring enough haybah to our hearts to focus on ANYTHING else which isn’t from rasulullah’s sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam style.
      Good post. barak Allah feek.
      wallahu ‘alam.

    • Idrees Ally

      January 24, 2011 at 3:27 PM

      there’s nothing wrong with maqamat but like with anything one shouldn’t be excessive and go to extremes … there’s no clear cut line when it comes to defining “extreme” but one shouldn’t be reciting with excessive musicality to the point where one is playing w/ their voice just for the sake of playing w/ their voice … the goal is simply to beautify the recitation as we are commanded to do by our beloved nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) … and it goes without saying that one has to recite w/ proper tajweed. as shaykh yahya clarified below, they help to bring out the emotions of the ayat and deliver the meanings to the heart.

      http://www.ReciteinTune.com

    • Ali

      February 10, 2011 at 11:56 PM

      Asalamu alaykum,

      The purposeful use of maqamaat is forbidden, this is because these scales are musical in nature. This does not mean that reciting beautifully is not permissible. It just means that we are not to use musical scales to make our recitations better. Keep in mind that many reciters did not actually study maqamaat, such as Khaleel al hussary (this is a fact attested to by Sheikh d. Isa Al Ma3saraawee [head of reciters in Egypt] and Sheikh d. Ayman Swayd [one of the most knowledgeable scholar of recitation today/ most copies of the Jazariyyah are from the one he edited himself].

      If you can understand arabic then look online for the discussion these two Sheikhs have on the topic.

      The use of maqaamaat in Quran is something that has just started in the 20th century and because of that sometimes you will find recitation will be more like a concert than the reciting of Allah’s words.

      Interesting fact: All the maqaamaat have foreign origins (most, if not all are from Persia). So if someone were to allow maqaamaat then allowing recitation according to Western musical scales should be permissible as well.

      Jazaka Allahu khairaa.

      • ANMB

        February 11, 2011 at 6:54 AM

        wa alalikum as salaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh Br. Ali,

        Actually, I recently spoke a student of Sheikh al-Ma3saraawee about this issue for further clarification, because I believe that maqaamat is permissable, and the field of maqaamat has become a scientific discipline, just as medicine has.

        The student, Sheikh Khalid, is an incredibly trained professional Qari in the 7 and 10 Qir’aat, masha’Allah; as well as graduating from an-Alzhari Sheikh with a Ph.D. in Hanafi Fiqh. And I personally feel that only a trained faqih would be best to determine if the issue itself is actually halal, or makrooh or haram. Although the two Sheikh’s are very knowledgeable in Qir’aat, I am unaware, and I could be wrong, that they are not trained as fuqaahah. As we know in usool-al-fiqh, there are different classifications:

        http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543314

        http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503544390&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaEAskTheScholar

        Shiekh/Dr. Khalid stated that the widely referenced tv discussion was in order to clarify statements of Sheikh al-Ma3saraawee that have been sadly misunderstood. And that the arguments against maqaamat are extremely weak due to the hadith referenced as being graded weak, and that until definitive proof is brought making it haraam, then it is permissable as long as the rules of tajweed are adhered to. THat

        When I mentioned that I believed that the pre-Islamic poetry, including the famous mu’allaqat (the famous 7 pre-Islamic poems that hung on the Ka’aaba) were also recited/sung, he agreed. And I also read that the maqaamat actually came out of the poetry readings themselves. He also commented that “music” is different from maqaamat, and was unable to clarify what he meant by that, since we had to discontinue the conversation.

        As I delve more into it, I will post relevant findings of the various perspectives.

        JAK
        ASA
        Sr. ANMB

        • Ali

          February 12, 2011 at 1:28 AM

          Wa alaykumusalam

          A few points I wish to make

          1. It is true that music and Maqaamaat are different. Music is the name for the field of things that deal with “auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner ” according to Princeton. Maqaamaat are musical scales, they are the same as the major and minor scales in Western Music, both of which function as musical scales which are “a series of notes differing in pitch according to a specific scheme” according to Princeton.

          They are different but that does not change the fact that maqaamaat are a section of Music just as melodies and rhythms are.

          People are quick to dismiss the relationship between Maqaamaat and Music, because Music is Western and the maqaamaat are not. Whereas we find that the maqaamaat are as central to Middle Eastern music as scales (c major, d minor, etc.) are to Western Music.

          2. Shaykh Ayman work on the maqaamaat البيان لحكم قراءة القرآن الكريم بالألحان where he mentions the status of the maqaamaat in Islamic Law was approved by other qurra, and follows the ruling made by Shaykh our eminence عبد العزيز بن باز may Allah have mercy on him. Shaykh Abdul Azeez is more than qualified to give a legal verdict. Sheikh Masarawi also agrees with this verdict. Any claim that this verdict came from Scholars that are unqualified in giving fatwa is unfounded and made purely from ignorance.

          This verdict was not only given by Shaykh Abdul Azeez but many other highly qualified scholars.

          3. Pre-Arabic Poetry was sung, there is little doubt about that. However, it is impossible for the maqamaat to have originated from them. Firstly we find that the maqaamaat are deeply influenced by Persian Dastgah melodies and are likely to have their origins in them (as well as other non-arab cultures). This is easily seen by the fact that the two systems are very similar. Someone may claim that the Arab maqaamaat influenced the Dastgah melodies; however the refutation is simple as the Dastgah is merely an aged form of Sassanid music which preceded the Arab maqamat.

          The first mention of maqamat comes in the fourteenth century while باربد جهرمی wrote about a 7 musical modal system سرود خسروانى .

          Someone may still claim that the maqamat come from pre Islamic Arabs. They will then claim that it was passed down through the reading of the Quran, instruments, and singing. It is impossible for it to be passed on through the reading of the Quran because of the fact that we have record of any reciter from the time of the early Muslims who intentionally passed on the melody he would recite in. This is proven by the fact that no teacher with an ijaazah passes on the melody of his teacher. We can use this to infer that his teacher did not do the same, and so on until we end up to the Prophet (ï·º). They will then claim that the melodies were passed on inadvertently, but this is disproved by the fact that no scholar of recitation has categorized different melodies of reciters, instead we see that maqaamaat were only codified within 19th and 20th centuries. This is also disproved from the fact that students can greatly differ from their teachers in their style of recitation. Further information can be taken from history books.

          We have definitive proof the the maqaamaat have origins in foreign music. This is more than enough proof to show that the application of these things is a clear innovation and has no place in the recitation of the holy words of Allah our creator. We are to use our natural voices.

          jazakillahu khairan

          I pray to Allah that you have changed your stance on this issue.

          • ANMB

            February 13, 2011 at 12:45 PM

            wa alaikum as salaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh,

            It seems that my last three responses are being denied for publication – for reasons unkown, although MM states in FAQ that, “In general, we will not remove comments that are simply not in agreement with our views” .

            At any rate, I would like to continue this discussion, and you may contact me directly via email at ayesha_nicole@hotmail.com

            JAK
            ASA

      • Amatullah

        February 13, 2011 at 7:36 PM

        sister ANMB,

        I am sorry about your comments, sometimes if they are too long or have too many links, they are automatically deleted by wordpress because it assumes that it is spam. No one deleted your comments.

        • ANMB

          February 14, 2011 at 8:32 AM

          Ahhh, I knew there was a reasonable explanation, and I could not figure out why shorter posts would show, but the longer ones would not. I even emailed MM a few days ago asking about it, because it did not make any sense, considering the MM policy of allowing various viewpoints and “freedom of expression”.

          Which is directly tied to my point to begin with; with regard to the fiqh of music, and by extension, maqaamat, there are differing opinions in the madhaahib, as debated by Scholars throughout Islamic history. For example, in a Q & A on islamonline [dot] net with Sheikh/Dr. Muhammad al-Shinqiti (Mauritanian Scholar, specialized in fiqh):

          Question:
          Are there any scholars who say that listening to music with a positive message is permissable, whether it be a nasheed or any other song?

          Answer:
          Yes, of course there are. Music, even coupled with instruments, was common in the first century after Hijra. Authentic hadiths have been reported from some companions, namely Mu’awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan and Abdullah ibn Ja’far (may Allah be pleased with both of them), state that they listened to music coupled with instruments. In addition, some hadiths confirm the permissibility of using musical instruments.

          Among the famous scholars of the tabi’een (companions’ successors/ second Muslim generation) who was known for his opinion on the permissibility of using musical instruments is Arwa ibn Uthaynah, may Allah bless his soul.

          Al-Mawardi, a famous shafi’e scholar, is quoted to have said: “The people of Hijaz (Makkah and Madinah) kept on permitting (singing) in most days of the year even in the days when dhikr and worship is highly emphasized.”

          Other scholars who are well-known for their views on singing and music are Ibn Hazm and Ibn Al-‘Arabi. ”

          And a more detailed discussion on “Singing & Music: Islamic View”, by Sheikh/Dr. Yusef al-Qaradawi, shows the various opinions as well:
          http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Islamonline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503544202

          * * *

          So, I believe that there is a strong link between the Scholars that allow the use of music, to that of maqaamat; and for those who deem music, as haraam, so are maqaaat, such as Ibn Baaz, and others. I also wonder what other Scholars’ opinions (and what country were they educated in, their specialty, and madhaab followed) did Sheikh Ayman reference in his book? And how does it compare to what Sheikh Hussary wrote about in his book?

          Therefore, we should be respectful and tolerant to those who choose to follow other rulings stating that it is permissable. The following article is a nice explanation of ikhtilaaf in Shar’ia:

          “We follow only the Qur’an and Sunnah”
          http://www.suhaibwebb.com/islam-studies/islamic-law/%E2%80%9Cwe-follow-only-the-qur%E2%80%99an-and-sunnah%E2%80%9D/

          Jazaakum Allahu khaira.

          • Ali

            February 18, 2011 at 1:34 AM

            Asalamu Alaykum

            The issue of music being permissible or not is of no importance in this discussion. Without exception all scholars agree that the use of music in the recitation of Quran is unacceptable. This is true for those who allow music and those who do not. The way practitioners of maqaamaat in the Quran attempt to get around this is by claiming that the maqaamaat are not a part of music (although the maqaamaat clearly are).

            Jazakumullahu khairan

  3. BM

    January 2, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    Also, I think as you get more into tajweed, you naturally start listening to the egyption qurra more.

    This is true. If someone wants to 100% perfect their tajweed, makhraaj etcetra, then he or she should listen to Egyptian Qurra.

    Regarding the Egyptian Qurra, I think they are suitable for three purposes:

    01. Learning tajweed and makhraaj.
    02. Reciting Quran in formal occasions; like marriage ceremony.
    03. Regular listening.

    But since the Egyptian style of recitation is very slow, I am not sure if it is possible for an imam to make Quran khatm in taraweeh if he recites in Egyptian way.

    As for me, I was introduced to Sudais-Shuraim when I was 5. I was so enthralled by their recitation that I subconsciously started imitating them. Probably this is why I never developed my own unique style of recitation. Although copying is not something to be proud about, I recite like Sheikh Shuraim. Here is a sample ;)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLsRqq0B2w8

    My favorite reciters are (most favorite first)

    Sheikh Shuraim >> Sheikh Sudais > Sheikh Adel Al Kaalbani > Sheikh Salah Al Budair

  4. Purana Madrasa Fan

    January 2, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    AA

    I’m also a Sh Shuraim fan. He is awesome Masha Allah. I literally get goosebumps from his recitation. BM, if you wanna enjoy a sample, search for the Surah Maryam he recited in 2009 Taraweeh at Makkah. You’ll enjoy it!! Insha Allah.

    As for this post, i’m also a great fan of these type (Mujawwad, i guess) recitations. Jazak Allah Khair.

    If you want to hear more of this, especially from AbdulBaset AbdulSamad [Mujawwad]

    http://quranicaudio.com/quran/50

    Especially checkout Chapter 56. Surah Waqiah, Chapter 76. Surat Al-Insan, Chapter 55. Surat Ar-Rahman, Chapter 36 Surat Ya-Seen [which are among my favorites].

    Also, checkout Mahmood Al Banna [most probably egyptian] recitation of Surah Al Imran verse 189 onwards..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcQDkLR8PJE

    PS: Pls do not say people are shouting. I guess after the recitation of the Ayah, they praise the recitation as it has effected them or they liked it so much that they can not conceal the expression. And Allah SWT knows best.

    Jazak Allah Khair.

  5. nasiba

    January 2, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Here’s my favorite recitations by Sheikh Tablwai (rahimullah):

    Surah alFatiha and the beginning portion of Surah AlBaqarah http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tablawi&aq=f

    Surah AlHaqqah
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpZlU16JAw0

    Enjoy :)

  6. mohamed

    January 2, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Asalamu alaikum
    Thanks for the videos.
    While I was young, My grandad brought this cassettes for Quran from Mecca.
    My mother used to listen to them but We did not know the reciter until my twenties at university.
    His name is Ali bin Jabir. His style is awesome
    I do still listen to him and it brings this childhood memory.
    He brings understanding of the quran closer too.
    I listen to others as well suc as Saad Ghamdi, Shuraim/sudais and etc…

    • Amatullah

      January 2, 2011 at 5:42 PM

      Shaykh Ali Jaber (rahimahullah) is one of my favorite reciters as well.

      • ANMB

        February 11, 2011 at 11:55 AM

        Sheikh Ali Jaber, ra, was an incredible reciter. And I hope you enjoy listening to this:

        الشيخ مشاري العفاسي يقلد الشيخ علي جابر والشيخ محمد أيوب (1)
        Sheikh Mishary Alafasy imitating Ali Sheikh Jaber and Sheikh Muhammad Ayub (1)

        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0yQanejbYQ&feature=related

        And more from Sheikh Ali Jaber:
        http://www.alijaber.net/

  7. ahmad b

    January 2, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Awesome thread! I agree, the old school egyptian qurra are in a league of their own masha’Allah. My favourites are Muhammad Siddiq Al Minshawi and Abdul-Basit. They usually take turns being my favourites lol. I’ll listen to an amazing Minshawi recitation and I’ll pronounce him favourite. Then I’ll listen to an old Abdul Basit recitation and he’ll jump to my number one spot.
    Here are a few of my favourite recitations:

    Minshawi: (I played this for a non-muslim friend and he thought it was amazing!)
    http://quran-e-majeed.com/quran-audio/qari-mohammed-siddiq-al-minshawi/Qiraat%20Surah%20Raad%20No%201.mp3

    Abdul Basit:
    http://quran-e-majeed.com/quran-audio/qari-abdul-basit-abdul-samad/Qiraat%20Surah%20Tawba_15.mp3

    Turn off any download managers in order to listen without downloading.

    • qumajid

      January 7, 2011 at 4:53 AM

      Salam Alaikom to all

      Beautiful recitations sites

      Recently updated

      These are some very emotional beautiful Quranic recitations i have found
      and figured I should share them with you.

      These are the Best sites I know for learning to recite the Qur’an…you
      can download so much with it…….Enjoy.


      Send these links to all Muslims Earn uncountable profit.

      May Allah reward you for your efforts in making these downloads.

      Jazaki Allahu khair

  8. Abdullah

    January 2, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Here is a great website of the entire Quran with Shaykh Mensawi with the sound of child after repeating, which I love to listen to – someone told me they thought it was done by changing the sound and is not a child though, regardless, may Allah have mercy on him and all the reciters:

    http://audio.islamweb.net/audio/index.php?page=allsoura&qid=464

    check under
    المصحف المعلم

    I love the recitation by Shaykh Menshawi above from Surah Ahzab 17-19, then 38-44.

  9. Yahya Ibrahim

    January 2, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Bismillah,

    People listen up,
    The Quran’s script and calligraphy was beautified in Istanbul,
    The Quran’s recitation was beautifed in Al-Azhar.

    No place teaches either better…even to this day.

    For those who do not know…to have your recitation prodcast on The Quran Radio Channel in egypt is the TOP Award to a reciter.
    The recitations of 99% of the well know reciters today do not make the cut and are rejected year after year…including our Sh. Shuraim and others.
    Sh. Hudhaifi’s recording of Qaloon was accepted but not his hafs, from what I remember, wa Allahu a’laam.

    The only one from the whole of Morroco was Kooshi Uyoon…like out of thousands!

    My favs are:
    Al-Banna…deep, sorrowful and measured with perfect intonation
    Al-Husary…clear, well paced and melodious
    Minshawi reads with at-Tahzeen style…inducing sorrow…awesome.

    The Maqamat (Key tones) are an important part of the art of recitation but are not required as Tajweed is required. They beautiful and expound the meaning…nothing more.

    Al-Hajaj Hindawi and Abdul Fatah al-Tarouti are the best at it today …although they are broadcast only in their live events…and have not been accepted as regular reciters.

    y I

  10. Tahmid

    January 2, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Salam, I have listened to most of the famous Egyptian reciters like Shaykh Husary but I still prefer Mishary Rashid, I think he has perhaps the most amazing voice of all the current Quran reciters, Can someone please tell me is there anything wrong with his recitation because some people say his tajweed is not good but my masjid imam said there is nothing wrong with Mishary rashid’s tajweed.

    • Qasym

      January 3, 2011 at 10:48 PM

      whoever told you that there is something wrong with afasy’s tajweed doesn’t know the definition of tajweed:)

    • Atif

      January 4, 2011 at 10:32 AM

      Sh. Mishary (may Allah preserve him) has some slight differences from the way Egyptian Qurra recite a couple letters (I think he knows about them but probably can’t help it, because I notice he only does that sometimes). In any case, whoever has a problem with Sh. Mishary’s recitation has a problem with the one(s) who gave him his ijaza!

  11. Uthman

    January 2, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Here is a recitation by Shaykh Albani(rahimahullah u ta3ala) that I love!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqpsgxAylWs

  12. M

    January 3, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Asalamualikum,
    Another good one is Sheikh Rifaat (Allahyirhamu) he is amazing MashAllah.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQSiqWrA4Ws

    For perfect tajweed and learning purposes, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Akhdar is amazing to learn from because he has perfect tajweed without any influnce by accents (egyptian, algerian, syrian, etc.). He is the teacher of the Huffath (those who have memorized the Quran and work on their tajweed/ other qiraat or ways to recite the Quran) in Medina! He is listed as one of the reciters at http://tanzil.net/#2:30 Tanzil.net (which also has Abdel Basit, Al-Minshawi, etc.)

    Asalamualikum

  13. Me

    January 4, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Sheikh Saleh As-Sahood is one of my favorite recitors:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a0YTDgEgHc

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPhDwUyt7KM

  14. Bakhaf

    January 5, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    My favs are Qatami, luhaidain, khalid jaleel, yasir dosari, maher al muaqily, and salman utaybi…

  15. Saif

    January 5, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    Assalamu Alaikum,

    My favourite is definitely Shaykh-ul-Qurra Al-Husary. The clarity is amazing (especially in the loss less format that can be found on the internet).

    Recently, however, I can’t get this out of my head (contains Iraqi style as well at 4:50). It’s a lesson in Arabic by Shaykh Al-Azzawi.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x15TrlrxXA&feature=related

    • ANMB

      January 25, 2011 at 11:19 AM

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      Last Update: 08/17/2010; 1:56AM EST

      So far we have following recitation sets and more on the way:

      Sheikh Mahmud Khalil Al-Husary شيخ محمود خليل الحصري

      Al-Muallim – flac*

      Al-Murattal – flac

      Al-Muallim – mp3

      Al-Murattal – mp3

      Al-Mujawwad – mp3

      Riwayat Warsh an Nafi – mp3

      Riwayat Qalun an Nafi – mp3

      Riwayat Doory an Nafi – mp3

      Al-Murattal Radio Qahira – mp3

      Al-Mujawwad Mushtarak – mp3

      Live Qur’an Recitations – mp3

      Video – mp4

      Software – exe

      Biography – doc

      Sheikh Muhammad Siddiq Al-Minshawy شيخ محمد صديق المنشاوي

      Al-Murattal – flac

      Al-Mujawwad – flac

      Sheikh Abdulbasit Abdussamad شيخ عبد الباسط عبد الصمد

      Al-Murattal – flac

      Al-Mujawwad – flac

      Sheikh Abdurrahman Al-Hudhaify شيخ علي بن عبد الرحمن الحذيفي

      Al-Murattal – flac

      Sheikh Abu Bakr Ash-Shatiry شيخ أبو بكر الشاطري

      Al-Murattal – flac

      Sheikh Mahir Al-Muayqli شيخ ماهر المعيقلي

      Al-Murattal (in Prayer) – flac

      Al-Murattal (in Prayer) – mp3

      Sheikh Khalifa At-Tinaiji شيخ خليفة الطنيجي New!

      Al-Muallim Juz 29 & 30 – flac

      Al-Muallim Juz 29 & 30 – mp3

      Sheikh Abdullah Basfar شيخ عبد الله بن علي بصفر

      Al-Murattal (rare) – mp3

      * Please note that “flac” stands for free lossless audio codec, which means true lossless or original quality audio that matches the quality of studio recorded audio CDs. These special audio files can be played with a free player Foobar2000 on Windows XP/Vista/7.

      For any suggestions, inquiries and support please email us.

      http://losslessquran.com/

  16. A.I.

    January 5, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Below are two clips from an interview (in Arabic) of Shaykh Ayman Suwayid (a scholar and qir’aat teacher) who explains the nature and origins of these Maqamaat, and why the use of Maqamaat in Qur’an recitation is impermissible:

    part 1

    part 2

    Later on in the same interview, Shaykh Saad Al-Ghamidi calls in and also denounces the use of the maqamaat and the harm it does to one’s tadabbur (contemplation) of the actual meanings of the Qur’an. Please see mark 4:04 in this clip of the same interview.

    Wassalam,
    Asim

    • ANMB

      January 24, 2011 at 4:57 PM

      wa ‘alaikum as salaam –

      There are different opinions on the issue of maqaamat, and each Scholar has their daleel. For example:

      Post #6:

      a7kam al-qiraàt alquràn of Shaykh Mahmood Khalil Husary and his ma3a Alquran Alkarim (specially this) has a detailed section on Maqamat. He elaborates much more the affirmative position (more that Shaykh Ayman Rahimahu Alllahu in tibyaan fi qiraat alquran bial7aan).

      Shaykh Husary was one of the great Tajweed and Quran scholars of the last century. He mentions that everyone agrees that if one were to change a rule of Tajweed due to the maqamat then it would be Haram. The difference is when the rules and letters are not changed. His personal opinion is against it; however, he does mentioned that it may be Makruh when one reads with Maqamat and does not change any of the rules.

      Wallahu Ta3ala A3lam.

      http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/showthread.php?18834-Learn-Maqamat-How-to-read-the-Holy-Quran-beautifully

      JAK
      ASA
      ANMB

      • Ali

        February 11, 2011 at 12:25 AM

        Asalamualaikom

        Brother ANMB, Shaykh Ayman does agree on the point that someone reciting according to the rules of tajweed (completely and not missing anything) and using the maqaamaat is makruh (at the very LEAST).

        To say there is a difference of opinion makes it seem like the side for maqaamaat has real evidence and can be acceptable. In actuality all the arguments made for maqaamaat are very weak (they are addressed in the videos posted by Brother A.I.). The common ones are
        1. The Prophet ï·º encouraged reading the Quran beautifully (various ahadith for this) and therefore we can use maqaamaat to help us
        2. The Maqaamaat came from voices not instruments
        3. The Maqaamaat originated in the Quran itself (May Allah save us from this ignorant claim)

        Jazakallahu khairaa

    • Ali

      February 11, 2011 at 12:07 AM

      Jazaakallahu khairan for this.

  17. Hassan

    January 6, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    Imagine how sahabah or even better, prophet Muhammad would have recited. Unfortunately we have only recordings in past century

  18. Tamim

    January 7, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONEo4o7YdZk

    I think people think that somehow it is not possible or at least abnormal to recite with the styles that are like Afasy etc. which are melodious and change tone a lot, and yet still achieve the same tajweed that Sh. Hossary and others do. I had the pleasure of praying Taraweeh behind this Sheikh above, a really young guy with an amazing voice and great tajweed. It was one of his students (yes, he is that young and still has students) who in turn became my teacher who told me to imitate the tajweed as Hossary read it. Yet both of them read in the similar styles melodiously as Sheikh Afasy and others. And for the record both are Bahraini.

    • Amatullah

      January 7, 2011 at 7:27 PM

      I don’t think people think that…There are many reciters who have great tajweed and recite in that way. Shaykh Hodaify, Shaykh Basfar, Imam Haroon Baqai…

  19. New Qari in Saudi

    January 8, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    This brother s mashaAllah the “latest qari” in Saudi. His name is AbdulWali Al-Arkani. He is originally from Berma. heck him out on you tube.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi9xKAMz0mE
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6XEV429pJ0

    What do you guys think?

  20. Idrees Ally

    January 24, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Thanks for posting Sr. Amatullah. The old school Egyptian style of recitation is simply amazing, and it’s sad that this art of recitation hasn’t really crossed over fully to North America … many ppl like you mentioned only know of the more famous murattal reciters.

    Alhamdulillah we’ve started a new initiative (www.ReciteinTune.com) … a website focused on voice and tune training for Quranic recitation … so that ppl can learn to recite beautifully. Alhamdulillah we have resources in English for learning tajweed … so this aims to go a step further to help ppl learn how to beautify their voice in recitation. Hopefully by these efforts we can develop Qurra in the west who know not only the sciences of tajweed and qira’at, but also have the ability to recite beautifully and deliver the message of the Quran directly to ppl’s hearts.

    Pls check out the site … recently we finished a short video course on the maqamat … will be relaunching it soon inshaAllah!

    • abu abdullah

      January 24, 2011 at 3:41 PM

      Salamualaikum, Do we have resources in English for learning more than one Qir’a? Please share if you know any. Islamweb.net is amazing anyways in arabic mash Allah.

      • ANMB

        January 24, 2011 at 5:05 PM

        wa ‘alaikum as salaam . . once one has mastered one qir’aat, then they move on to another.

        The 10 Qir’aat (menu tab at top of page)
        http://abouttajweed.com/

        JAK
        ASA

        • abu abdullah

          January 25, 2011 at 7:12 AM

          that was beautiful ANMB. jazak Allah khayr. i really appreciate it. I was using islamweb.net until now and would ask my friends around who know arabic better to translate to me a certain rule. But you MUST have a teacher to learn it properly to listen from you .

          • AbdulAzeez

            February 11, 2011 at 12:46 AM

            As Salamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,

            You made a very nice statement about teachers. For the recitation of the Quran teachers are absolutely required. AboutTajweed is an excellent website run by a very knowledgeable team. Unfortunately they cannot keep up with the immense number of questions they receive, and they have yet to complete lessons for all the Qiraat. I have an english book that explains the Qiraat delivered to us by the way of the Shatibiyya that I can email. My email address is
            nafi.abdulazeez@gmail.com
            If you have questions about the Qiraat you could also email here as well. I will answer questions if I know the answer.

            Jazakumullahu khairan

    • Ali

      February 11, 2011 at 12:34 AM

      Asalamualaikom

      Please do not do that. We praise Allah for not having the Maqaamaat in English speaking places. Please consider the fact that we have no records of the reciters in the past teaching melodies. Those who recite beautifully do so by the will of Allah. We are to decorate our voices, not foreign musical tunes from instruments. Beautiful recitation comes from Allah through practice, imitation, and natural ability.

      Jazakallahu khairaa

  21. MuslimAmerican

    January 24, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ7DyLyuglU

    Listen to one of the Shaikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad’s best recitation, in his young age.

  22. MAQ

    June 27, 2012 at 1:06 AM

    If don’t agree what Sheikh Ayman said, read this
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_maqam this is Ayenul Yeqeen

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