Question

Assalamualikum !
I have noticed some of the accomplished Qaris sometimes recite few ayahs with really heavy (low frequency) sound. Is this one of the ways Hafs 'an 'Asim or other pioneers of Tajweed recited, or is this modern Qaris' performance of their great skills? Also, can this skill (changing the voice) be developed or one has to be born with? Thank you for teaching us the greatest science of all, the science of Qur'an.

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu-llahi wa barakatuhu.

The Prophet, , ordered us to beautify the Qur’an with our voices, so surely the intonation you are referring to is an attempt to do that.  We prefer to stick with your analysis, that it is “modern Qaris' performance of their great skills” since there is no indication that there was transmission of this method of beautifying from the Prophet, . 

The skill is part inherent as to how deep your voice can go, and part developed.  Our suggestion is to make dua’ that Allah give you the ability to recite the Qur’an in the way that is pleasing to Him instead of trying to imitate a particular qaari’. 

A few words of importance:  It is not proper to change the tone of your voice during a lengthening (medd).  Some mistakenly think this is part of beautifying, but it is not.  When beautifying the Qur’an with our voices, we should be sure that we aren’t losing the articulation points and characteristics of the letters in the process.  Moving the body and head while reciting are not part of beautifying the Qur’an and more importantly, not part of the sunnah.  Verily the Prophet, , warned about going overboard in the recitation of the Qur’an.  In a hadeeth related by Al-Imaam Maalik, An-Nisaa’ee Al-Bayhaqee, and At-Tabaraanee, he said, , “Recite the Qur'an with the tone of the Arabs and their sound, and beware of the tone of those that are wicked and those that do major sins, for verily there will come groups after me that repeat the Qur’an as the repeating of songs, monasticism, and wailing; it does not go beyond their throats, their hearts are spellbound, as well as the hearts of those that like their matter.” 

And you are welcome.  May Allah make us all of the best of the Prophet's nation, those who learn the Qur'an and teach it.