In the realm of Islamic studies, Tajweed holds an outstanding position, as it involves detail-oriented adherence to the rules of pronunciation, articulation, and intonation, thus ensuring the preservation of the true meaning and beauty of the Quran. Learning Tajweed is a journey that enhances the spiritual experience of reciting the Quran.
To start this journey, your first step is to choose the right reciter(s) to learn from. These reciters, known as Qaris (القراء), have special skills in Tajweed and possess beautiful voices that captivate the heart and soul of the listener. In this article, we will see why you need to listen first to Quran reciters, and we will examine some of the best reciters in the Muslim world.
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Why Do You Need To Listen First To Quran Reciters?
Before learning Tajweed rules or memorizing the Quran, you need to listen to well-versed Quran reciters. Why is this vital? Let’s see below just two reasons for this.
1- The Quran Is An Oral Tradition:
In essence, the Quran is an ORAL revelation. It was revealed from Allah, Almighty to Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to his companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), and then to all mankind through the oral form. Writing down the Quran was a later supplementary stage done to reinforce its preservation.
The very word “قرآن” (Quran) means, in Arabic, that it is to be read and recited rather than written down. The word قرآن is from the verb قرأ which means “to read” or “to recite”. So the very word “Quran” emphasizes the need to listen to the Quran being recited.
In this context, there is a direct command from Allah to recite the Quran properly:
“Recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way”
“وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا”
Here, in this part of the verse, Allah commands Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all Muslims who follow his example to recite the Quran “properly“, exactly in the same way it was revealed. Then, these rules of reciting the Quran properly were called Tajweed rules which were developed as a separate science later on.
2- Listening To The Quran Is A Highly Spiritual Experience:
Listening to the Quran in itself has the spiritual power to deepen the connection with it as Allah’s direct word. It also makes believers enhance their already strong faith, making it even stronger.
In this regard, Allah says:
“The ˹true˺ believers are only those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord.”
” إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ ءَايَـٰتُهُۥ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَـٰنًۭا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ “
In this verse, Allah makes it clear that the true believers in Allah are those whose faith grows stronger, the more they listen to the Quran recitations.
The Best Reciters To Learn Tajweed From:
There have been several well-versed Quran reciters in the Muslim world to whom Muslims turn to learn how to read the Quran properly. Even after they have passed away, they continue to be a mine of the spiritual beauty and academic study of the Quran.
Let’s see four of the best reciters of modern times to have had an amazing impact on the Islamic world and to whom millions of Muslims turn to learn Tajweed:
1- Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary (1917-1980):
Sheikh Al-Husary is widely considered one of the best Quran reciters of all time. His voice is known for its captivating beauty and emotional depth. He is usually the first reciter that most Muslims refer to when they start to learn Tajweed.
Some Of The Major Milestones In His Life As A Quran Reciter:
1- Al-Husary memorized the entire Quran by age 8 and started reciting at public gatherings by age 12.
2- Al-Azhar awarded him the title Sheikh al-Maqāriʾ (شـيخ المقارِئ – Scholar of the Reciting Schools) in 1957.
3- In 1967, he was elected the President of the Islamic World League of Quran Reciters.
4- He recited the Quran in front of the American Congress, the United Nations in 1977, and at Buckingham Palace in 1978.
5- He had 10 published books about the Quran.
6- His last public recitals were at the Kaaba in Mecca and Masjid al Nabawi [the Prophet’s Mosque] in Medina.
His Style In Reciting The Quran:
Sheikh Al-Husary was a strong proponent of preserving the Qiraat art-form in its original scheme (tarteel). The roots of tarteel deal basically with the Quranic text and not the musical rhythms. That’s why Al-Husary’s recordings are extensively used for Quranic memorization and recitation throughout the Muslim world.
Where To Listen To His Recordings:
There are some websites you can always refer to in order to listen to Sheikh Al-Husary:
There is his famous channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/SheikhElHosary
You can also listen to his recitations on the following quality website:
2- Sheikh Mustafa Ismail (1905-1978):
Sheikh Mustafa Ismail was and still is renowned for his clear and melodious recitation. He is a favourite reciter among those seeking to learn Tajweed. Let’s see some of his achievements as a Qari.
Some Of The Major Milestones In His Life As A Quran Reciter:
1- He completed his hifdh (the Quran memorization) at the age of 10.
2- in 1915, the young 10-year-old Mustafa Ismail became a celebrity reciter in his village, as his voice started to draw listeners.
3- In 1947, he became Al-Azhar‘s reciter, a prestigious post.
4- In 1977, he travelled to Jerusalem and recited the Quran inside the Al-Aqsa mosque.
His Style In Reciting The Quran:
Sheikh Mustafa Ismail had a unique style; he recited the Quran in a particular fashion, employing the Arabic maqamat [the Arabic system of melodic modes] to illustrate the words of Allah to the listener.
In this regard, The prominent Egyptian composer Muhammad Abdel-Wahab once said:
“He [Sheikh Mustafa Ismail] was big in his art, he was big in the management of his voice, and was the only reciter who surprised listeners with unexpected maqam routes.”
“[هو] كبير في فنه، وإدارة صوته، وهو المقرئ الوحيد الذي يفاجئ المستمع بمسارات مقامية غير متوقعة”.
Sheikh Mustafa Ismail’s emphasis on correct pronunciation and adherence to Tajweed rules makes him an excellent guide for beginners and intermediate Tajweed learners.
Where To Listen To His Recordings:
There is his famous channel on YouTube:
You can also listen to his recitations on this website:
https://mp3quran.net/ar/mustafa
3- Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad (1927-1988):
Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad is considered one of the best Quran reciters who have ever lived. His unique and powerful voice, coupled with his correct Tajweed skills, has made him a beloved reciter among Muslims worldwide.
His grandfather, father, and 2 siblings were all Quran reciters, well-versed in Tajweed in their village. So he was from a family deeply rooted in reciting and memorizing the Quran.
Some Of The Major Milestones In His Life As A Quran Reciter:
1- At the age of 10, Abdul Basit finished memorizing the Quran.
2- At the age of 12, requests came from all the cities and villages of Qena Governorate (where he used to live with his family) to have this young boy recite the Quran.
3- He also travelled to Jerusalem and recited the Quran in the Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron in Palestine.
4- He received many prizes and medals from numerous prominent Islamic figures and heads of state throughout the Muslim world, both before and after his death in 1988.
His Style In Reciting The Quran:
Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad belongs to the “Egyptian Reciting Style”. This style is often characterized by its melodic beauty and emotional depth, and it is a distinct and highly admired approach to the recitation of the Quran. This style has gained global recognition for its unique blend of artistic expression, technical precision and spiritual connection.
He came to be called the Golden Throat (صاحب الحنجرة الذهبية) and the Voice of Heaven (كروان الجنة) due to his melodious style, breath control, and unique emotional and engaging tone.
Where To Listen To His Recordings:
On YouTube:
You can also find his recordings on the following website:
https://mp3quran.net/ar/basit_mjwd
4- Sheikh Muhammad Siddiq El-Minshawi (1920-1969):
Sheikh Al-Minshawi belongs to a family of traditional Huffaz (those who memorize the Quran), Calligraphers, and Qaris. He was known for his expressive and energetic recitation. He is a popular choice for those who enjoy a more animated style. His emphasis on clarity and correct pronunciation makes his recordings valuable for learning Tajweed.
Some Of The Major Milestones In His Life As A Quran Reciter:
1- He memorized the Quran when he was 8 years old.
2- He helped children with the recitation of the Quran.
3- His status as a Qari was lofty: He held the title Sheikh al-Maqâri (شـيخ المقارِئ)
4- He was the author of many books on various aspects of the Quran
5- Although he died at 49, he has left unique sets of Quran recordings that millions of Muslims benefit from till today.
Sheikh Muhammad Metwaly Al-Sharawy said about him:
“He [Sheikh Al-Minshawi] and his other … companions are sailing on the boat of the holy Quran, which will go on sailing until the last day of this worldly life.”
“إنه ورفاقه … الآخرون يركبون مركبًا ويبحرون في بحر القرآن الكريم، ولن يتوقف هذا المركب عن الإبحار حتى يرث الله -سبحانه وتعالى- الأرض ومن عليها”.
His Style In Reciting The Quran:
Al Minshawi’s recitations continue to be among the most well-known recitations of the Quran due to his accurate Tajweed and style.
He was nicknamed Al-Saut Al-Baki (“الصوت الباكي” - ”The Crying Voice”) as his voice was full of emotions and deep thoughtful sadness with a touch of sweetness and elegance. He tended towards a more animated style in reciting the Quran.
Where To Listen To His Recordings:
On YouTube:
There is also this beautiful website where you can find all his recordings:
He also used to have Al-Mushaf Al-Mualim (المصحف المعلم) with children repeating after him. You can listen to it at:
Having examined those noble Quran reciters, just imagine how many rewards each of them receives every single minute, even after they pass away, as their recordings are used over and over again by millions and millions of Muslims all around the world to learn Tajweed rules so that they can learn how to recite the Quran properly.
Read more about Tajweed Institute: Choosing The Right Tajweed Institute
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Conclusion:
To sum up, learning Tajweed is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and consistent practice. By listening to and emulating the recitations of these noble Quran reciters, you can develop a deep understanding of Tajweed and discover the beauty and spiritual significance of the Quran.
In addition to these renowned reciters, many other talented reciters can provide valuable guidance in learning Tajweed. The key to choosing the right reciter is to find one whose voice resonates with you and whose recitation style aligns with your learning goals.
