Why Abdul Basit’s Quran Recitations Are So Influential
During his more than half a century of activities as a qari, Abdul Basit Abdul Samad (January 1, 1927- November 30, 1988) recited the Quran in many countries and, as he said himself, his recitations caused hundreds of people to embrace Islam.
As an eminent qari, Abdul Basit had certain characteristics. For example he attached special value to Quran recitation and was committed to say prayers before every recitation. This would help him recite the Quran with a special spirituality. Some of his best recitations were performed before the morning prayers, which is considered to be the best time spiritually. The place of recitation was also important. For example he recited Surahs Al-Hashr and At-Takwir at the Al-Kadhimiya holy shrine and this performance is considered to be among his best.
The voice of Master Abdul Basit is unique and that is why anyone seeking to imitate him tries to make his voice sound like Abdul Basit’s. His style can be described as Sahl and Mumtana, that is to say it was an inimitably easy style or one that is simple and unattainable. His recitation does not have the complexities of the recitations of Mustafa Ismail, Kamil Yusuf Bahtimi, Mohamed Umran, Sheikh Rif’at, or others. Abdul Basit recited directly and mostly without rises and falls.
Another point about his recitations is that he was committed to fully observing the rules of Qira’at and avoiding extremes. If one seeks to become a good qari and build a good base in recitation of the Quran, the best role model for him could be Abdul Basit. One’s voice may not be as beautiful as his but he can learn the Lahn and atmosphere of recitation from Master Abdul Baist.
Abdul Basit has a series of Quran recitations performed in Quranic circles, one performed in studio and also a series of Tarteel recitations.
In his recitations, Master Abdul Basit has mastery over the meanings and also belief in the verses and in the sublime status of the Quran, which distinguishes the recitations of a qari. He used all his talents and skills in performing an effective recitation that touches the listener.
What follows is one of his memorable recitations of Al-Balad and Ash-Shams Surahs:
