Question

Assalamu Aleikum wa rahmatu lilahi wa barakat.

I have a question regarding the style of recitation. I know that Qaris have
their own style that characterize and differentiate their reading from other
Qaris. Is it a problem if a Qari copies (copy as in reading the same way) the
style of recitation of another Qari?

Ma Salam

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh.

The first thing for us to note is that the Qur’an has been passed down from generation to generation by learning from and “copying” the teaching sheikh; and this is the basis for learning the Qur’an.  In this way, copying the teaching sheikh is not only recommended, it is needed to continue to pass down the Qur’an to those after us correctly.

Listening to recordings of recitation though, may not lead to the same correct “copying” and some caution should be taken that we don’t copy an unintended mistake, or something less than perfect.  For example, if a reciter extended a four or five count lengthening to eight counts in a recording, this, of course, should not be copied.  Another example that should not be copied is if a sound that should be lengthened, as in the most complete ghunnah with the  or  with a shaddah on them, was cut short.

Other than this, copying a sheikh in his recitation is something to be encouraged. The best and most important way of doing this is by reciting to and being corrected by a sheikh who has a chain of transmission back to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah upon him.