Ibn Amir Al-Shami – A Great Qiraat Tradition

Imam Ibn ʽAmir ash-Shami (d. 118 AH) was one of the seven primary Quran reciters, known for his expertise in Qira’at. Born in 21 AH in Mecca, he later moved to Damascus, the capital of the Islamic empire at the time. There, he studied under prominent companions such as Abu Darda and Al-Mughira ibn Abi Shihab. Ibn ʽAmir became the chief reciter of Syria during the rule of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz. He is renowned for his high chain of narration, directly connecting him to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through a minimal number of intermediaries, giving his recitation a unique significance. His legacy was preserved primarily through his two narrators, Hisham and Ibn Dhakwan, whose transmissions further popularized his style across the region.

Early Life and Legacy

Imam Ibn ʽAmir ash-Shami was born in Mecca in 21 AH, but he grew up and spent most of his life in Damascus, Syria, which was a center of Islamic scholarship during the Umayyad Caliphate. He studied under several prominent companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including Abu Darda and Al-Mughira ibn Abi Shihab, who influenced his knowledge of Quranic recitations. His recitation style became widely recognized across Syria, and his legacy was preserved through his two main narrators, Hisham and Ibn Dhakwan, who further transmitted his Qira’at to future generations.

Did You Know?

Imam Ibn ʽAmir ash-Shami was the appointed Imam of the famous Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, and his recitation style was the official Qira’at used throughout Syria during the Umayyad period.

Transmission Through Hisham and Ibn Dhakwan

The Qiraat of Ibn Amir Al Shami has two major transmitters

Hisham

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Hisham was one of the teachers of Imam at Tirmidhi, the great scholar of Hadith. 

Hisham Dimashqi

Hisham ibn Ammar was one of the primary narrators of the Qira’at of Ibn ʽAmir. Born in 153 AH in Damascus, he became a prominent scholar and reciter of the Quran. His transmission of the Quranic recitation from Ibn ʽAmir helped preserve the unique style of this Syrian recitation. Hisham passed away in 245 AH.

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Ibn Dhakwan

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Ibn Dhakwan was the Imām of the Umayad Mosque during his time.

Ibn Dhakwan

Ibn Dhakwan (Ibn Zakwan), born in 173 AH (789 CE) in Damascus, was one of the primary narrators of the Qira’at of Ibn ʽAmir. He was the Imām of the Umayad Mosque during his time. He was the Chief Qārī after the death of Ayyūb ibn Tamīm. Ibn Dhakwan passed away in 242 AH (857 CE).

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Learning Ibn Amir's Qiraat at QiraatHub

At QiraatHub, we provide structured courses for students who wish to learn Ibn Amir’s Qiraat. Our expert instructors guide learners through the pronunciation rules, melody, and nuances that define this beautiful style of Quranic recitation. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge, our resources will help you master this tradition.

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Books and PDF Resources

🎙️ Ghashiyah 🌑 Mishary Alafasy in Qiraah Ibn Dhakwan

Surah Fatir by Mishary Alafasy, Ibn Dhakwan an Ibn Amir