Reciter Spotlight: Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdus-Samad

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Sheikh Abdul Basit Abdus-Samad (1927–1988) is often called the king of Quranic reciters. His mujawwad recordings — slow, melodic, emotionally profound — remain foundational listening for memorizers who want to internalize the rhythm, breath control, and tajweed of the classical Egyptian school.

Biography

Born in Armant, Upper Egypt in 1927, Abdul Basit memorized the Quran by age ten. He was the first reciter in history to record the complete Quran in the mujawwad (slow, melodic) style, and the first to record it in murattal (measured) as well. He won Egypt’s Quran recitation competition three years in a row (1951–1953) and served as Egypt’s official international reciter, traveling to Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UK, the US, and dozens of other countries. He received Egypt’s Order of the Republic.

Unlike many reciters who specialize in one style, Abdul Basit was a master of all seven qira’at and could switch between them effortlessly. His voice range — capable of holding a single note for 45 seconds without audible breath — made him a reference point for vocal technique itself.

Why memorizers choose him

Deep, unhurried madd that models natural elongation so precisely you can time it by ear.

Textbook tajweed without stiffness — rules obeyed but not mechanical.

Emotional resonance that makes verses stick in the heart as well as the mind.

Breath control — memorizers who shadow him learn to manage their own breathing mid-verse.

Mujawwad vs. murattal — pick intentionally

Mujawwad is slower and more melodic. Ideal for deep memorization passes where you want to absorb the rhythm. Not ideal for daily revision (too slow).

Murattal is steady. Use his murattal recordings for first-pass memorization when you want the Egyptian school’s clarity without extreme elongation.

Best surahs to start with

Surah An-Nas, Al-Falaq, Al-Ikhlas — short but deeply moving; your first exposure to mujawwad style.

Surah Ad-Dhuha + Al-Inshirah — a classical pairing often recited together.

Surah Maryam — his rendition is a reference recording among hufaaz worldwide.

Who should pair him with another reciter

+ Al-Husary for a different Egyptian-school voice on review days.

+ Al-Sudais for a Saudi-school contrast and faster review pace.

Keep reading

Best Quran Reciters for Memorization

Reciter: Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary

Tajweed Rules Guide