Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad

‘Abdul-Basit ‘Abdel-Samad (1927 – 30 November 1988) (Arabic; عبد الباسط عبد الصمد), was an Egyptian Qari. His mother was an Egyptian Arab and his father was of Kurdish descent.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. His rise to fame in Egypt soon took place across the Muslim world. 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 tone in which the listener is able to feel the words being recited. His legacy remains unmatched in the Muslim world, as Qur'an reciters attempt to imitate his unique style.

Travels

Abdul-Basit travelled extensively outside Egypt; in 1961, he 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, not 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 he has been survived by his three sons (from oldest to the youngest): Yasir, Hisham, and Tariq. Following his father's footsteps, Yasir also became a Qari.