Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad


‘Abdul-Basit ‘Abdel-Samad, or Abd ul-Basit Abd us-Samad, or Abdul Basit Muhammad Abdus Samad was an Egyptian Quran reciter and is regarded as one of the best reciters of the Quran of his time. He had won three world Qira'at competitions in the early 1970s. ‘Abdus-Samad was one of the first huffaz to make commercial recordings of his recitations, and the first president of the Reciters' Union in Egypt. At 10, Abdul Basit finished learning the entire Quran by heart in his village. He also learned 7 styles of Quran recitation by the age of 12 and the 10 styles by 14.. He gained the reputation of being called the Golden Throat and the Voice of Heaven due to his melodious style, remarkable breath control, and unique emotional and engaging tone. His legacy remains unmatched as Qur'an reciters attempt to imitate his unique style.

Travels

Abdul Basit travelled extensively inside and outside Egypt. He recited at the Sacred Mosque, the Haram Mosque of Mecca several times. In 1961, he also recited at the Badshahi Masjid, in Lahore, Pakistan as well as reciting in one of the biggest Madrasash's.

Illness and death

He died of an illness due to an accident. Most sources claim he died in a car crash, which has been disproved. Seven days before his death, 'Abdus-Samad was admitted to one of the best hospitals in London. The burial attracted thousands of people and was attended by officials from Islamic countries. The exact date of his death has been confirmed to be on 30 November 1988, and his surviving relatives included : Yasir, Hisham, and Tariq. Following his father's footsteps, Yasir also became a Qari. In 2006, a mosque in his native village of Armant in Luxor, Southern Egypt, was opened under his name. رحم الله عبد الباسط وجميع قراء القران