The world of Quran recitation is a rich and diverse art woven with threads of talent and devotion. The most accomplished Quran reciters have not only perfected Tajweed and vocalization, but they have also transformed into global ambassadors of the Quran’s beauty and wisdom, reaching the hearts and minds of 2+ billion people worldwide.
The Quran’s rhythmic beauty, elegant language, and spiritual depth have inspired countless individuals to seek out the most talented reciters. These reciters, often referred to as “Qaris” (القراء), possess a unique combination of vocal abilities, mastery of Tajweed, and a deep understanding of the Quran’s message.
In this article, we will delve into the world of the Quran recitation and examine whether it is required in Islam. Then, we will see some of the best Quran reciters, highlighting their unique styles and referring to websites and YouTube channels where their recordings can be found.
Table of Contents
Is Reciting The Quran A requirement In Islam?
Yes, reciting the Quran is a requirement in Islam and a direct command from Allah and His Messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is evident in both the Quran and the Prophetic tradition (the Sunnah).
The Quran encourages Reciting the Quran Well:
Allah says:
“Recite the Quran ˹properly˺ in a measured way”
“وَرَتِّلِ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ تَرْتِيلًا”
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“. Reciting the Quran properly entails learning Tajweed rules and listening to skilled Quran reciters.
In The Prophetic Tradition (The Sunnah) encourages Reciting the Quran Well:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the importance of chanting the Quran. This is only possible once the person knows and follows Tajweed rules. This is also a requirement for Quran reciters to use excellent vocal performance when reciting the Quran.
In this regard, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“He does not belong to us who does not chant the Quran.”
“لَيْسَ مِنَّا مَنْ لَمْ يَتَغَنَّ بِالْقُرْآنِ”
In this hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that a good Muslim is one who chants the Quran, that is, one who makes an effort to recite the Quran in a clear, beautiful voice.
Best Voices In Reading The Quran In The World:
Now let’s move to some of the most renowned Quran reciters, known for their beautiful voices and mastery of the Quran. The following is just a small sample of the many talented Quran reciters worldwide. We can safely categorize them into 2 groups: classic and contemporary reciters.
A. Classic Quran Reciters:
There are several well-versed, highly admired Quran reciters (Qaris) who lived in the 20th century. That’s why they are called classic Qaris. However, they still have millions and millions of fans throughout the Muslim world. They include:
1- Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary (الشيخ محمود خليل الحصري) (1917-1980):
Sheikh Al-Husary, an Egyptian reciter, is a legendary figure in the realm of Quran recitation. He was known for his deep voice and impeccable recitation style with a very good command of Tajweed rules. Al-Husary’s recordings are widely used for Quranic memorization and recitation throughout the Muslim world.
He received many prizes and titles from numerous prominent Islamic figures and institutions. For example, Al-Azhar awarded him the title Sheikh al-Maqāriʾ (شـيخ المقارِئ – Scholar of the Reciting Schools) in 1957.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
You can simply go online to listen to Sheikh Al-Husary:
There is his famous official channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/SheikhElHosary
You can also listen to his recitations on the following quality website:
2- Sheikh Muhammad Siddiq Al-Minshawi (الشيخ محمد صديق المنشاوي) (1920-1969):
Sheikh Al-Minshawi, an Egyptian reciter, was renowned for his animated and emotive recitations. He is a well-liked option for people who prefer a more animated style. His recordings help teach Tajweed since he strongly focuses on clarity and proper pronunciation. Although he died at 49, he has left unique Quran recordings that millions of Muslims benefit from till today.
Sheikh Muhammad Metwaly Al-Sharawy once 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”.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
You can go to the following link on YouTube:
There is also this website where you can find all his recordings:
He also had Al-Mushaf Al-Mualim (المصحف المعلم) with children repeating after him. You can listen to it at:
3- Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdus-Samad (الشيخ عبد الباسط عبد الصمد) (1927-1988):
Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdus-Samad, an Egyptian reciter, is regarded as one of the greatest Quran reciters in history. He has become a well-liked reciter among Muslims all over the world thanks to his distinct and strong voice and accurate Tajweed abilities. He was famous for his unique style, combining the elements of Al-Husary and Al-Minshawi.
He was called the Voice of Heaven (كروان الجنة) and the Golden Throat (صاحب الحنجرة الذهبية) due to his breath control, melodious style, and unique emotional and engaging tone.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
You can use the following link on YouTube:
You can also find his recordings on the following website:
https://mp3quran.net/ar/basit_mjwd
B. Modern Quran Reciters:
With a new generation of reciters emerging to captivate audiences worldwide, the world of Quran recitation has witnessed a remarkable evolution in recent decades. These contemporary reciters bring a fresh perspective to the art of Quran recitation, blending traditional techniques with modern influences to create unique and engaging styles.
This younger generation of highly talented and greatly admired Quran reciters includes:
1- Sheikh Mishary Rashid Alafasy (مشاري راشد العفاسي) [Born In 1976, Alive]:
Sheikh Mishary is a modern-day Kuwaiti Quran recitation icon, known for his clear, melodic voice and his ability to connect with audiences emotionally. His distinctive blend of classical and modern elements has brought him enormous popularity.
His flawless pronunciation and intonation, together with his ability to emotionally connect with listeners, have made him a beloved figure among both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
Online, you can go to his official website where you can find a mine of his great Quran recordings: https://misharialafasy.net/
You can also go to his official channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/Alafasy
2- Sheikh Saad Al-Ghamdi (سعد الغامدي) [Born In 1967, Alive]:
Sheikh Al-Ghamdi, a prominent Saudi Quran reciter, is renowned for his soothing and gentle voice that has captivated listeners around the world. Al-Ghamdi’s recitation style is distinguished by its emotional depth, melody, and clarity.
Both Muslims and non-Muslims adore him for his ability to transmit the message of the Quran in a calm and serene manner.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
You can visit his official channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/sheikhsaadalghamdi
Also, his Quran recordings can be found on the following website:
3- Sheikh Yasser Al Dosari (ياسر الدوسري) [Born In 1980, Alive]:
Sheikh Yasser Al Dosari, a prominent Saudi Quran reciter, has emerged as a rising star in the world of Quranic recitation. Known for his clear, melodious voice and expressive recitation style, Al Dosari has captivated audiences with his ability to convey the Quran’s message with both beauty, depth, and elegance.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
You can listen to his excellent recitations on his official channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Amazing-recitations
The following website is also a good place to go to find his Quran recordings:
https://mp3quran.net/ar/yasser
4- Sheikh Ahmed Al Ajmi (أحمد العجمي) [Born In 1968, Alive]:
Sheikh Ahmed Al Ajmi, a prominent Kuwaiti Quran reciter, is renowned for his beautiful voice and expressive recitation style. Known for his ability to convey the Quran’s message with both emotion and clarity, Al Ajmi has captivated audiences worldwide.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
Al Ajmi Quran recitations can be found on his official YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@AhmadAlAjami
Also, you can listen to his recitations at this website:
On Live Radio:
https://www.liveradiu.com/2022/04/ahmed-agamy.html
5- Sheikh Maher Al-Mu’aiqly (ماهر المعيقلي) [Born In 1969, Alive]:
Sheikh Maher Al-Mu’aiqly is a prominent Saudi Quran reciter known for his expressive and heartfelt recitation style. Al-Mu’aiqly’s recitation is characterized by its emotional depth and rhythmic flow.
He is known for his ability to convey the Quran’s message in a way that resonates with listeners. His recitations are often praised for their ability to evoke a sense of peace, tranquility, and spiritual connection.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
You can listen to his recitations online. Please see the links below:
On YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfbqZ0LoOdE6WB_u38y3cnQ
On Live Radio:
https://www.liveradiu.com/2022/04/maher-almaikulai.html
6- Sheikh Ra’ad Muhammad Al Kurdy (رعد محمد الكردي) [Born In 1991, Alive]:
Ra’ad Mohammad Al Kurdi is a well-renowned Qari and Imam who comes from Kurdistan in Iraq. His distinctive voice and style of reciting the Quran are highly regarded worldwide, making him immensely popular on social media, especially among the youth and the new Muslims. His YouTube clips are highly viewed.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
You can listen to his exceptional Quran recitations on his official channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@RadMohammad
You can also refer to the following website:
7- Sheikh Hazaa’ Al Balushy (هزاع البلوشي) [Born In 1995, Alive]:
In the field of Quranic recitation, Sheikh Hazaa’ Al Balushy, a well-known reciter from Oman, is becoming more and more well-known. Al Balushy, who is well-known for his passionate recitation style and clear, melodic voice, has mesmerized listeners with his ability to communicate the meaning of the Quran with both beauty and depth.
Where To Listen To His Recitation?
His official channel for Quran recitations on YouTube is a perfect place to go to listen to his recordings:
https://www.youtube.com/hazzaalblushi
Also, there is this fine website where you can listen to Sheikh Al Balushy:
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Conclusion:
From the grand mosques of Mecca and Medina to intimate gatherings in homes and mosques worldwide, the voices of these Quran reciters have the power to evoke emotions, inspire reflection, and connect listeners to the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth. Their recitations are not merely performances; they are a spiritual journey that transports both the reciter and the listener to a realm of peace and tranquility.
Whether heard live or on recordings, their recitations have the capacity to uplift hearts, inspire spirits, and promote a sense of oneness among individuals from various origins. For many centuries to come, the legacy of these reciters will be remembered as evidence of the enduring power of the Quran and the beauty of human expression.
