Most Loved Qaaris/Quran Reciters in 2023

Over the years, we have witnessed exceptionally talented Qaaris from all over the world rise to fame through the soulful recitation of the verses of the Quran. The magnificence of the Quranic ayats is rendered even more beautiful by their heart-touching recitation. These gifted Qaaris have touched the hearts of millions of Muslims worldwide, transcending borders and languages.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the most loved Qaaris of 2023 from around the world.

Sheikh Mishary Al Afasy

Mishary Bin Rashid Al Afasy, better known as Imam Mishary, was born in 1976 in Kuwait. His mesmerizing voice has captured the hearts of millions of Muslims, making him one of the most loved Quran reciters in the world. The clarity and the perfect tajweed of Sheikh Mishary have won him the position of the Imam of Masjid Al-Kabir in Kuwait. He is also a favourite among Muslims who wish to learn Quran recitation and Qirat and want to memorise the Quran.

Imam Mishary is also famous for his many stirring Nasheeds. He has won many accolades for his contributions, including the first Arab Creativity Oscar presented by the Arab Creativity Union. 

Sheikh Maher Muaqily

Imam Maher Muaqily was born in Medina, Saudi Arabia, in 1969. His soul-stirring voice has made him a renowned Qaari throughout the world. He is the Imam and Khateeb at the Masjid-al-Haraam Makkah. He has also delivered his duties as Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi.

He gave up his position as a mathematician and turned towards the study and Hifz of the Quran. The power of the internet has made his audio recitations available to a global audience. The recordings of his Quran recitations are a treasure trove immensely valued by listeners everywhere.

Imam Maher’s poignant rendition of the Quran has made him among the most well-known Qaaris in 2023.

Abdur-Rahman as-Sudais

Sheikh Abdur-Rahman As-Sudais was born in 1960 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is one of the nine imams of the Masjid Al-Haram and one of the most renowned Qaaris in the world. He also holds the position of President of affairs of the two Holy Mosques. Imam Sudais is also the Commander-in-Chief of the forces responsible for the security of the two Haramain. 

Imam Sudais memorised the Holy Quran at the tender age of 12 years. By the age of 24, he had started Imamat at Masjid-al-Haram in Makkah. His partner, Imam Shuraim, accompanies him in leading the Taraweeh prayers every year. They are both known as “Twins of The Haram.” 

In 2005, the Dubai International Holy Qur’an Award Organising Committee (DIHQA) named him the “Islamic Personality of the Year” at its 9th annual event. This was in recognition of his devotion to the Quran and Islam.

The soothing voice of Imam Sudais has made him a beloved Qari among Muslims worldwide.

Sa’ud ash-Shuraym

Imam Sa’ud ash-Shuraym was born in 1966 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has a sweet, melodic voice, making him very well-known around the world.

Imam Shuraym started delivering the Friday khutbah in 1991, beginning his role as an influential preacher. His education included the study of Islamic fundamental laws, while he also holds a Ph.D. in Shariah from Umm al-Qura University. He also served as a professor of Islamic law, using his expertise to contribute to the field of Islamic education.

His long career as the Imam of Masjid-al-Haraam came to an end when he stepped down from the position in 2022.  

Hani ar-Rifai 

Sheikh Hani ar-Rifai was born in 1974 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is a respected Quran reciter and a beloved figure revered for his melodious recitations of the Quran. His moving Qiraat has helped him gain widespread love and admiration from listeners around the world. 

Imam Rifai, a father of 5, is the khateeb of Anani Masjid in Jeddah, where his heart-touching recitations attract a considerable number of believers.

Sheikh Rifai completed his Hifz-e-Quran by the tender age of 12 and then went on to get a specialization in Islamic studies at the King Abdulaziz University. He has served as the director of legal affairs at the King Faisal Hospital in Jeddah.

Mahmoud Al-Hussary

Mahmoud Al-Hussary, a distinguished and exceptionally talented Quran reciter, has earned immense respect in the Islamic world for his beautiful recitations. Born in Egypt in 1917, he completed his Hifz by the age of 8. 

He had an outstanding career throughout his life, serving Islam in various capacities; as a reciter, a moazzin, and a supervisor in charge of Quran recitation at different mosques. He served at the Al-Hussain Masjid in Cairo for 29 years. 

He had an illustrious career at Al-Azhar University, contributing to the development of different styles of Quran recital. He was elected to the position of the President of the Islamic World League of Qur'an Reciters in the year 1967.

He passed away in Kuwait in 1980 after having recited the Quran in both the Haramain in Makkah And Madinah. His recitations continue to be cherished by those seeking solace in the verses of the Quran.

Yasser Al-Dosari 

The exceptionally talented Saudi Arabian Qari, Yasser Al-Dosari, was born in Riyadh in 1981. He completed his doctorate from the Sharia Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University. 

His profoundly moving Quranic recitations are a spiritual experience that has touched the hearts of many. His enchanting vocals and his impeccable tajweed continue to keep his listeners spellbound. 

Yasser Al-Dosari has an enduring commitment to Islam, and the Quran has helped take him to unparalleled heights of fame. He serves as the Imam and Preacher at the Dakhil Masjid, Riyadh. He is employed at King Saud University and Prince Sultan University, teaching the Quran.

 Ahmad Ali Al-Ajmi

Imam Ahmed Al-Ajmi hails from Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Born in the year 1968, he acquired a doctorate in Quran interpretation from the Lahore University in Pakistan. 

He started his career as Imam of Al Moghira Masjid in 1984 and then went on to become Imam at the Al Ahmad Bin Fahd masjid in Khobar. He is serving as the Imam of King Fahd Masjid in Jeddah.

Saad al Ghamidi

Saad Al Ghamidi, born in 1967 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is a renowned Qari and expert of Tajwid. He has served as an Imam at many masjids across the world, including in the US, UK, and Austria. He is currently employed as the Imam of Kanoo Masjid in Dammam.

Imam Ghamidi creates an ethereal experience for his listeners with his heartfelt recitations of the Quran. His contribution to Islam goes beyond his enchanting rendition of the verses. He has played a significant role in giving interpretations of Islamic theology and teachings.

Saad Al-Ghamidi’s powerful style of recitation continues to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners worldwide.

Bandar Baleela

Sheikh Bandar Baleela, a leading Imam in Masjid Al Haram, Makkah, was born in 1975. He acquired his masters in Fiqh from the Umm-ul Qura University and a Ph.D. from the Islamic University of Madinah. 

He has been a part of the faculty at Al-Taif University, imparting his knowledge of Fiqh. 

Owing to his heartfelt Quran recitation, Sheikh Baleela was appointed Imam and Khateeb at multiple masjids throughout Makkah and Al-Aziziya. He was then appointed Imam at the Masjid-al-Haram Makkah, and since 2013, he has been leading Taraweeh prayers there.

Final Word  

The resonance of these enchanting voices has left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless listeners. These beautiful and heart-touching Quran recitations have moved many souls. The recitations of all these esteemed Qaaris can be accessed on online platforms like YouTube, Spotify, SoundCloud, and many other apps. These platforms provide listeners with the chance to immerse in the beauty of the Quran through the voices of these dedicated reciters. 

Luckily, most of these Qaaris can be found on the ever-popular Quranly App. Quranly is proving exceptionally useful to listeners who wish to recite along with their favourite Qaaris. This gives them a chance to learn the correct tajweed and master their recitation skills.

This extremely useful app has helped unite global audiences with the captivating voices of these Qaaris. It has allowed people from diverse backgrounds to share in the rich beauty of these qiraats. The listeners can now find solace in these soulful renditions and access them whenever they want through the Quranly app. 

The app also allows users to access translations in multiple languages and even read the Tafseer for a deeper understanding of the ayats. The comprehensive search function allows for a simple way to locate relevant verses, making Quranly an indispensable app in the fast-paced world today. 

Vocabulary List:

Tajweed:  the set of rules governing the way in which the words of the Koran should be pronounced during its recitation

Qirat: recitation of the Quran

Nasheed: song without musical instruments with lyrics that praise Allah

Khateeb: a person who delivers the sermon (khuṭbah) during the Friday prayer and Eid prayers.

Imamat: leading congregational prayers

Khutbah: religious sermon