Imam Asim al-Kufi (d. 127 AH / 744 CE) was one of the seven major Quranic reciters and a central figure in the field of Qira’at. His full name was Asim ibn Abi al-Najud al-Kufi, and he was from Kufa, Iraq. Asim was known for his deep knowledge of the Quran and mastery of the Arabic language. He studied under prominent figures, including Abu Abdur-Rahman al-Sulami, who was a student of Uthman ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them). Asim’s recitation style was preserved and transmitted by two narrators, Shu’bah and Hafs, with the latter becoming the most widely accepted recitation in the Muslim world today.
Imam Asim ibn Abi Annajud al-Kufi was a distinguished Quran reciter from among the Successors (Tabi’un), having met 24 of the Prophet’s Companions. Known for his exceptional knowledge of Quranic recitation, Arabic language, and grammar, Imam Asim became the leading Quran reciter of his time. For over 50 years, he served as the Imam of the Quran reciters in Kufa, succeeding his teacher, Abu Abdur-Rahman al-Sulami. Both men, who were blind, were known for their beautiful voices and mastery of the Quran. Imam Asim passed away in 127 AH.
Imam Asim narrated Hadiths from some of the companions, and his narrations are included in the six major Hadith collections.
He recited the whole quran to ˘Āṣim three times in three years of hot summers, cold winters, and rainy seasons.
Shu'bah ibn 'Ayyash Al-Kufi (95-193 A.H.), also known as Abu Bakr, was a prominent imam of the Sunnah. Shu'bah dedicated years to mastering the recitation under Asim. Imam Asim shared with Shu'bah the lineage of his Quranic learning, highlighting the authenticity of their qira'at.
Read MoreHis recitation is considered the most famous and most widely spread recitation of all the Quran.
Hafs ibn Sulayman al-Asadi al-Kufi (90-180 A.H.) was the stepson and most knowledgeable student of Asim. He once noted that his recitation differed from Shu'bah. Asim clarified that he had taught Hafs how he learned through Abu Abdur-Rahman as-Sulami from Ali ibn Abi Talib, while Shu'bah's method came through Zirr ibn Hubaysh from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud.
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