For many centuries, the Quran has passed the test of time as one of the undiluted, most read and memorized religious books in the world. Knowing how to read the Quran and learning to master it are two different aspects. Everyone can recite the Quran but not everyone can master the act of reciting it with perfection. Ten of the famous reciters of the Quran are
1..
Name: Mishary Rashid Alafasy (مشاري بن راشد العفاسي)
Born: Kuwait City, Kuwait
He is probably the most famous reciter of the century. He won the first Arab Creativity Oscar on October 25, 2008, organized by the Arab creativity Union in Egypt. He also won “About.com readers’ choice award” in 2012.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
2.
Name: Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz as-Sudais (عَبْدُ ٱلْرَّحْمَن إبْن عَبْدُ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلسُّدَيْس)
Born: 1960 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
He is the imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and well-known qāriʾ (reciter of the Qur’an).
He won the “Islamic Personality of the Year” award in 2005 held by the Dubai International Holy Qur’an Awards.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
3.
Name: Abdul Basit Muhammad Abdus Samad
Born: 1927 Armant, Hermonthis, Egypt
Died: 1988 (aged 60–61) Cairo, Egypt
He is best known as the “Golden Throat” and the “Voice of Heaven” due to his melodious style, remarkable breath control and unique tone in which the listener can feel the words being recited. He had won three world Qira’at competitions in the early 1970s. He was one of the first huffaz to make commercial recordings of his recitations. He also learned the Quran recitation in 10 styles.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
4.
Name: Saud ibn Ibrahim ibn Muhammad al-Shuraim ( سعود بن ابراهيم بن محمد الشريم)
Born: 19 January 1964 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
He is one of the Imams and khatibs of the Grand Masjid (Masjid al-Haram) in Makkah and a world-renowned qari. He is best known as a researcher in Fiqh. He is one of the notable scholars of Saudi Arabia and leading the Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan in Mecca since 1991.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
5.
Name: Saad Al Ghamidi (Arabic: سعد الغامدي)
Born: 1967 Dammam, Saudi Arabia
He is a Quran reciter and an imam. He is mostly known for his work in Tajweed. He has performed many recordings of Quran verses that are known throughout the world and broadcast by TV channels as well as by the radio stations and on the internet.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
6.
Name: Abu Bakr Ibn Mohamed Al Shatri
Born: 1970 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
He has led prayers in many Saudi mosques. He is currently the imam of Al Furkane Mosque in Hay Annassim, Jeddah. He has participated in numerous Islamic conferences and events in many Muslim countries.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
7.
Name: Maher Al Mueaqly
Born: 7 January 1969 Medina, Saudi Arabia
He is the Reader and imam of Masjid Al-Haram. He learned the Qur’an at a young age and continued to pursue a mathematics degree which he achieved in Medinah. Later, he went to Makkah to become a scholar and taught at the school of Balaat. He became a well-loved speaker and preacher and became the advisor to Prince Abdul-Majid in Makkah.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
8.
Name: Sheikh Ahmad Al-Ajmi
Born: 24 February 1968 Khobar, Saudi Arabia
He is one of the outstanding reciter of the Holy Quran. He first led prayers in 1984 in Al Moghira Ben Chooba Mosque and currently he is leading prayers in Jeddah’s Holy Mosque.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
9.
Name: Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali
Born: Pakistan
He is well known for his program “Aao Quraan Parhein” (Let us read the Quran) that was especially aimed to help children with their reading and pronunciation skills. The program was a huge success on the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV). He also participated in more than 200 international and national contests.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
10.
Name: Waheed Zafar Qasmi
Born: Uttar Pradesh, India
He is a well-known Qari and can recite na`at (poetry in praise of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad) both in Urdu and Arabic languages. He participated in several Qira’at competition all around the world and has won 4 international Qira’at competition.
To listen to his recitation, click here.
