The art of Quranic recitation, known as Tajweed, is a revered practice within the Islamic tradition.
Tajweed is not just about correct pronunciation but also about the beauty, emotion, and spiritual depth conveyed through the recitation; so, Shaykhi Academy has dedicated a course for Tajweed.
Understanding the criteria and qualities that define the best Qaris can provide insight into the dedication and skill required to excel in this sacred art form.
What Is the Qari of the Quran?
A Qari of the Quran is a person who recites the Quran with the proper rules of Tajweed, which are the guidelines governing pronunciation during recitation. Shaykhi Academy’s recitation course teaches the rules of Tajweed to achieve relevant proficiency in Quran recitation.
The term “Qari” is derived from the Arabic word “qara’a,” which means “to read” or “to recite.”
A Qari is trained to recite the Quran in a melodious and accurate manner, ensuring that each letter is pronounced correctly and that the recitation adheres to the traditional rules passed down through generations.
The Best Reciters for Tajweed:
The best reciters for Tajweed are often recognized through a hierarchy based on their mastery of the intricate rules of Quranic recitation, their melodious voice, and their ability to convey the profound meanings of the sacred text.
At the pinnacle of this hierarchy are those who have dedicated years to perfecting their recitation, achieving a level of precision and beauty that sets them apart as exemplary models for students of Tajweed.
The Best Qari for Tajweed:
There are many renowned Qaris (reciters) who are highly respected for their mastery of Tajweed, the set of rules governing the correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quran.
Here are some of the best-known reciters recognized for their expertise in Tajweed:
1- Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad:
Renowned for his unique, powerful, and melodious voice, Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdul Samad is one of the most famous and revered Qaris in the world.
His recitations have a distinctive style that captivates listeners, making them feel the spiritual depth of the Quranic verses.
He has won numerous awards and his recordings are widely used in mosques and households for Quranic study and prayer.
2- Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary:
Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary is known for his precise and clear recitation, which adheres strictly to the rules of Tajweed.
His methodical and accurate style makes him an excellent model for students learning the art of Quranic recitation.
His recordings are considered some of the most reliable resources for studying the proper pronunciation and intonation of the Quran.
3- Sheikh Mohamed Siddiq Al-Minshawi:
Esteemed for his emotional and heartfelt recitations, Sheikh Mohamed Siddiq Al-Minshawi’s voice conveys deep spiritual and emotional resonance.
His recitations are both soothing and powerful, often leaving listeners deeply moved.
He is widely respected for his ability to bring the Quranic verses to life through his expressive and soulful style.
4- Sheikh Saad Al-Ghamdi:
Recognized for his soothing and melodious voice, Sheikh Saad Al-Ghamdi is a popular Qari whose clear and precise pronunciation makes his recitations accessible and enjoyable.
His style is particularly appreciated by those who seek a serene and calming recitation experience, and his recordings are frequently used for meditation and study.
5- Sheikh Mishary Rashid Alafasy:
Sheikh Mishary Rashid Alafasy is a well-known Qari and imam, celebrated for his beautiful and accurate recitations.
His voice is both powerful and soothing, with a clear enunciation that makes his recitations exemplary for learning Tajweed.
He also produces nasheeds (Islamic songs) and has a significant following on social media.
6- Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly:
Known for his serene and captivating voice, Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly is one of the imams at the Holy Mosque in Mecca.
His recitations are marked by their calm and deeply spiritual tone, making them highly cherished by Muslims around the world.
His ability to maintain a consistent and clear pronunciation adds to the beauty of his recitation.
7- Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim:
Respected for his deep and clear recitation, Sheikh Saud Al-Shuraim is another prominent imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
His strong and resonant voice, combined with his precise adherence to Tajweed rules, makes his recitations powerful and spiritually uplifting. His recordings are widely used for prayer and study.
8- Sheikh Ali Jaber:
Sheikh Ali Jaber is known for his emotional depth and precise Tajweed, which makes his recitations widely appreciated among listeners.
His ability to convey the profound meanings of the Quranic verses through his expressive voice adds a unique dimension to his recitations.
He is highly respected for his dedication to the art of Quranic recitation.
9- Sheikh Yasser Al-Dosari:
Famous for his articulate and melodious recitation style, Sheikh Yasser Al-Dosari’s voice is both powerful and soothing.
His clear and precise pronunciation, along with his ability to maintain a harmonious flow, makes his recitations highly appealing.
He is often invited to lead prayers and his recordings are popular for both listening and educational purposes.
10- Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany:
Known for his powerful and clear voice, Sheikh Abdullah Awad Al-Juhany is a regular imam at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
His recitations are characterized by their strength and clarity, making them ideal for large congregations.
His mastery of Tajweed rules and his ability to convey the spiritual essence of the Quran make his recitations deeply impactful and widely revered.
11- Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais:
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais is one of the most prominent imams of the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
Known for his powerful, emotive, and clear recitation, he has a large following worldwide.
His ability to convey the deep meanings of the Quranic verses with precise Tajweed makes his recitations highly inspirational and moving.
12- Sheikh Ahmad Al-Ajmi:
Sheikh Ahmad Al-Ajmi is renowned for his emotionally stirring and melodious recitations.
His ability to infuse his recitations with feeling and devotion, while maintaining strict adherence to the rules of Tajweed, has made him a favorite among many listeners.
13- Sheikh Hani Ar-Rifai:
Known for his heartfelt and highly emotional recitations, Sheikh Hani Ar-Rifai has a distinct style that resonates deeply with listeners.
His ability to convey the spiritual and emotional depth of the Quranic verses makes his recitations particularly powerful.
14- Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Ahmad:
Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Ahmad is known for his soothing and melodious voice, as well as his precise application of Tajweed rules.
His recitations are often described as calming and spiritually uplifting, making them popular for both listening and educational purposes.
15- Sheikh Nasser Al-Qatami:
Sheikh Nasser Al-Qatami is admired for his clear and melodious recitation style. His voice is both powerful and soothing, and his adherence to Tajweed rules makes his recitations exemplary for those learning to recite the Quran correctly.
16- Sheikh Tawfeeq As-Sayegh:
Sheikh Tawfeeq As-Sayegh is known for his unique and emotional recitation style.
His ability to express the emotional and spiritual nuances of the Quranic text, while adhering to the rules of Tajweed, has earned him a wide following.
17- Sheikh Khalil Al-Husary:
Sheikh Khalil Al-Husary, like his namesake Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary, is known for his meticulous and clear recitation style. His recordings are widely used for learning and practicing Tajweed due to their precision and clarity.
18- Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Ossi:
Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Ossi is known for his deep, powerful voice and precise recitation.
His ability to maintain a consistent tone and clear pronunciation while conveying the spiritual depth of the Quranic text makes his recitations highly respected.
19- Sheikh Faris Abbad:
Sheikh Faris Abbad is renowned for his melodious and emotionally engaging recitations.
His adherence to Tajweed rules and his ability to convey the meanings of the Quranic verses through his voice have made him a popular Qari.
20- Sheikh Yasser Al-Qadhi:
Sheikh Yasser Al-Qadhi is known for his articulate and precise recitation style.
His voice is clear and soothing, and his adherence to Tajweed rules makes his recitations exemplary for those learning the proper way to recite the Quran.
How to Become a Qari?
Becoming a Qari, a skilled reciter of the Quran who adheres to the rules of Tajweed, involves a dedicated and systematic approach. Here are the steps typically followed to become a Qari:
1- Learn Arabic:
Since the Quran is in Arabic, a strong command of the Arabic language, including its grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, is essential. The Quranic Arabic course at Shaykhi Academy aims at providing you with Arabic language knowledge that helps you become a Qari.
2- Study Tajweed:
Tajweed refers to the set of rules governing the correct pronunciation and recitation of the Quran.
3- Find a Qualified Teacher:
Learning from a qualified and experienced Qari is crucial. A teacher can provide personalized guidance, correct mistakes, and help you develop the proper recitation techniques.
4- Memorize the Quran (Hifz):
While not all Qaris are Hafiz, memorization helps in becoming familiar with the text and improving recitation. The Quran memorization course at Shaykhi Academy can help you memorize the Quran properly to become a professional Qari.
5- Regular Practice:
Consistent practice is essential for mastering the art of recitation. Regularly reciting the Quran, both in private and in front of a teacher, helps to refine your skills and build confidence.
6- Listen to Renowned Qaris:
Listening to recordings of renowned Qaris can help you understand different styles of recitation and improve your own. Pay attention to their pronunciation, intonation, and emotional expression.
7- Participate in Recitation Competitions:
Participating in local, national, or international Quran recitation competitions can provide valuable experience and exposure. These competitions also offer opportunities to receive feedback from experienced judges.
8- Understand the Meanings:
Understanding the meanings of the Quranic verses you are reciting adds depth to your recitation. It helps you convey the appropriate emotions and intonations, making your recitation more impactful.
9- Develop a Spiritual Connection:
Developing a deep spiritual connection with the Quran enhances your recitation. Approaching the Quran with sincerity, humility, and a sense of devotion reflects in your recitation, making it more heartfelt and moving.
10- Continuous Learning and Improvement:
Continuously seeking knowledge, attending workshops, and learning from other Qaris can help you refine your skills and stay updated with best practices in Quranic recitation.
What Are the Criteria of the Best Qari?
The criteria for determining the best Qari, or Quran reciter, are based on several factors that collectively define the excellence of their recitation. These criteria include:
1- Tajweed Mastery:
The Qari should have a thorough understanding and mastery of Tajweed, the set of rules governing Quranic recitation. This includes correct pronunciation, proper articulation of letters, and adherence to the rules of elongation, pauses, and stops.
2- Beautiful Voice:
A Qari with a melodious and pleasant voice is highly regarded. The ability to modulate the voice appropriately, add emotion, and maintain a balanced tone enhances the beauty of the recitation.
3- Correct Pronunciation:
Pronunciation should be clear and accurate, reflecting a deep knowledge of Arabic phonetics. Each letter should be pronounced correctly from its point of articulation.
4- Fluency and Flow:
The recitation should be fluent, with a smooth and natural flow. Transitions between verses and chapters should be seamless, without hesitations or disruptions.
5- Emotional and Spiritual Connection:
The best Qaris are able to convey the meanings and emotions of the Quranic verses through their recitation. They evoke a sense of awe, reverence, and spiritual connection in listeners.
6- Memorization:
While not a strict requirement, being a Hafiz (one who has memorized the entire Quran) is often considered a sign of dedication and proficiency in Quranic recitation.
7- Consistency:
The Qari should demonstrate consistency in their recitation, maintaining the same level of excellence throughout different recitations and over time.
8- Recognition and Reputation:
The Qari should be recognized and respected within the Muslim community for their recitation skills. Their reputation should be based on merit and the quality of their recitation.
9- Impact on Listeners:
The best Qaris have a profound impact on their listeners, inspiring them with the beauty and depth of the Quranic verses. Their recitations leave a lasting impression and evoke a desire to emulate their style.
10- Contribution to the Art:
Qaris who contribute to the preservation and promotion of Quranic recitation through teaching, recordings, and participation in recitation events are highly esteemed.
Learn the Art of Tajweed with Shaykhi Academy’s Professional tutors:
For those seeking to embark on a journey to master the art of Tajweed, Shaykhi Academy offers comprehensive Tajweed online classes.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these courses provide expert guidance and personalized instruction to help you achieve proficiency in Quranic recitation.
Why Choose Shaykhi Academy?
- Connect with highly qualified native tutors.
- Flexible scheduling to suit your busy lifestyle.
- Affordable classes tailored for all levels.
- Accessible from anywhere around the globe.
Discover Our Range of Courses:
- Arabic Noorani Qaida: Lay a solid foundation for Quranic studies.
- Online Quran Classes for Kids: Engaging lessons for lifelong learning.
- Tajweed Rules for Kids: Learn to recite with confidence.
- Quran Hifz for Kids: Step-by-step guidance to memorize the Quran.
- Quran for Adults: Introduce yourself to Quran reading and Tajweed rules.
- Online Arabic Courses: Master the language of the Quran.
- Islamic Studies: A wide range of topics related to Islam, including theology, law, Quranic studies, Hadith.
Don’t Miss Out on Your Chance to Excel!
Enroll now at Shaykhi Academy and start your transformative journey with Tajweed today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the criteria for becoming a Qari of the Quran are multifaceted, encompassing mastery of Tajweed, a beautiful and melodious voice, correct pronunciation, fluency, and emotional connection to the text.
The Qaris mentioned in this article exemplify these qualities, serving as inspirations for aspiring reciters worldwide.
