Khalaf al-Bazzār al-Kūfī, also known as Abu Muhammad Khalaf ibn Hishām (150-229 AH), was a renowned Qur’anic scholar and reciter from Baghdad. His contribution to Qur’anic recitation is significant, as he is not only known for being a transmitter of the recitation method of Hamzah az-Zaiyyāt but also for establishing his own unique method of recitation, which is considered one of the ten canonical qirā’āt (recitations) of the Qur’an. His own recitation became widely recognized and accepted, making him an important figure in the tradition of Qur’anic recitation.
Khalaf. born 150 AH, was a native of Kufa, Iraq, and grew up in a scholarly environment. He traveled to Baghdad, where he became well-known for his expertise in recitation. Khalaf learned under the tutelage of several scholars, including Hamzah az-Zaiyyāt, whose method of recitation he transmitted. He was also known for his strong knowledge of Arabic grammar and linguistics. His method is distinct from Hamzah’s, though he was a transmitter of Hamzah’s recitation. Khalaf’s two primary students, Isḥāq ibn Ibrahīm al-Merwazī and Idrīs ibn Abd al-Karīm al-Ḥaddād played crucial roles in transmitting and preserving his unique recitation.
Khalaf al-Bazzār memorized the entire Qur’an by the age of 10, which laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to the art of Qur’anic recitation.
In his later years, when his hearing began to decline, his son Muhammad continued to teach using his father’s methods.
Ishaaq ibn Ibraheem ibn 'Uthman Al-Merwazī, later known as Al-Baghdaadi, was a prominent transmitter of Khalaf’s method of Qur'anic recitation. He was born in Merv but later moved to Baghdad, where he became a key figure in the preservation and transmission of Khalaf's recitation. Ishaaq was known for his precision in Qur'anic recitation and was highly regarded for his knowledge. He passed away in 286 AH.
Read MoreAl-Dhahabi referred to him as "the Qur'an reciter of Iraq."
Idrees bin Abdul Kareem Al-Haddad was a renowned reciter, teacher, and scholar of the Qur'an. Born in 199 AH, he lived to the age of 93 and passed away on the day of Eid Al-Adha in 292 AH. He is known as a narrator of Khalaf Al-Ashir. He narrated hadith from several key figures, such as Ahmad bin Hanbal and Yahya bin Ma'een, and taught prominent students like Ibn Shanbudh and Abu Al-Qasim Al-Tabarani.
Read More
At QiraatHub, we provide structured courses for students who wish to learn Khalaf Al Bazzar’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.
Begin your study of Khalaf Al Ashir’s Qiraat with QiraatHub’s comprehensive resources. Enroll in our courses and access a world of learning to perfect your recitation.
Your gateway to mastering the ten Qiraat—explore authentic resources and connect with a supportive learning community.