Imam Nafiʽ al-Madani (701–785 CE) was one of the seven primary Quran reciters and a major figure in the field of Qira’at. His full name was Abu Ruwaym Nafiʽ ibn Abdurrahman ibn Abi Nuʽaym al-Madani. Born in the year 70 AH (689 CE) in the city of Medina, he belonged to the Tabi’un generation, who were the followers of the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). Nafiʽ was originally from Isfahan and was known for his knowledge of the Quranic recitations and the Arabic language.
Imam Nafiʽ was a prominent Quran reciter in Medina and was highly revered by the scholars of his time. He learned the Quranic recitation from seventy of the Tabi’un, including the famous reciter Abu Ja’far al-Madani. Imam Nafiʽ’s recitation was passed down through two major narrators, Qalun and Warsh, whose methods of recitation are still widely practiced in different parts of the Muslim world today.
Imam Nafiʽ was highly respected for his impeccable articulation and melodious voice. It was said that whenever he spoke, the fragrance of musk would emanate from his mouth. When asked if he used perfume before reciting, he replied, “No, but I saw the Prophet ﷺ in a dream, and he recited into my mouth, and since then, this fragrance has remained.”
This recitation is widely practiced in regions like Libya and parts of Tunisia.
His full name was Abu Musa ‘Isa ibn Mina, but he was known by his nickname Qalun, which means “good” in Roman. Qalun was born in Medina and was one of the most prominent students of Imam Nafiʽ. He was known for his clear and precise recitation, which is still followed by many Muslims. Qalun passed away in the year 220 AH.
Read MoreKnown for the popular recitation, used predominantly in North and West Africa.
Uthman ibn Sa’id al-Qutbi, known as Warsh, was another significant student of Imam Nafiʽ. He was born in Egypt in 110 AH (728 CE) and was sent by his teacher to spread the recitation method of Imam Nafiʽ in Egypt and North Africa. Warsh’s recitation became the most popular in these regions. Warsh passed away in the year 197 AH.
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