An Egyptian Qari Whose Voice Painted Meanings
Yesterday, November 11, marked the anniversary of al-Sha’ashaei’s demise.
He and Sheikh Mohammed Rif’at are referred to as spiritual fathers of Egypt’s top qaris.
While he came to prominence in the 1950s, his recorded Quran recitations are still used as a good source for those seeking to learn the nuances and skills of recitation.
Sha’ashaei was born on March 21, 1890 in the village of Sha’asha in Egypt’s Menoufia Governorate.
He started learning Quran recitation with his father at an early age and went to Ahmadiya Mosque in Tanta to enhance his Quranic skills.
In 1916, he joined the Al-Azhar Islamic Center in Cairo to study Quranic sciences.
He soon became known as a prominent qari in Cairo and beyond. He awould also be invited to recite the Quran in government ceremonies, including in memorials for a number of former prime ministers.
Sha’ashaei was also famous for his Ibtihal and Tawasheeh recitation but in 1930, he decided to devote his time to Quran recitation only.
In 1934, he joined Egypt’s radio. He was the second Quran reciter to do so after Sheikh Mohammed Rif’at.
In 1948 he went to Mecca on Hajj pilgrimage and became the first qari to recite the Quran at the Grand Mosque, Prophet’s Mosque and the Arafat desert usig a megaphone.
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He later served as the official Quran reciter of two major mosques in Cairo.
He died on November 11, 1962 at the age of 72. A large number of people, including government officials attended his funeral. His son has also followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an eminent qari.
Sheikh Ali Guma’a, Egypt’s former Mufti, believes that Sheikh Sha’ashaei had a God-given talent for Quran recitation.
Master Sha’ashaei painted the meanings of the Quran with his voice like a paintbrush, he says, adding that his recitations are like an album containing paintings of the verses of the Quran.
Following footage is the only video-clip featuring a Quran recitation by Sha’ashaei. It was recorded at Abdein Palace in Cairo in the month of Ramadan of 1958.
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