By Khuram Shahzad MADINAH, Jun 10 (APP):An extensive academic and missionary profile has been released for the globally renowned Quranic scholar His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Qarafi, who serves as a permanent Imam at the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). Known for his serene, soulful, and deeply moving recitation style widely described as "Al-Sawt Al-Naddi" (the sweet, melodious voice) Dr. Al-Qarafi’s journey marks a remarkable transition from local historical mosques to …
From Miqat Mosque to Masjid an-Nabawi: Profile of Dr. Abdullah released following permanent appointment as imam
By Khuram Shahzad
MADINAH, Jun 10 (APP):An extensive academic and missionary profile has been released for the globally renowned Quranic scholar His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al-Qarafi, who serves as a permanent Imam at the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi). Known for his serene, soulful, and deeply moving recitation style widely described as “Al-Sawt Al-Naddi” (the sweet, melodious voice) Dr. Al-Qarafi’s journey marks a remarkable transition from local historical mosques to one of Islam’s holiest podiums.
According to official documents, Dr. Al-Qarafi is a highly respected authority on contemporary Islamic sciences and the art of Quranic recitation (Qira’at). He earned his PhD in Quranic Studies from the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, where he currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of the Holy Quran (Kulliyah al-Quran al-Karim).
He holds the highest levels of authentic chains of transmission (Isnad) in the Hafs ‘an ‘Asim recitation style, having mastered his craft under Madinah’s elite scholars, including Sheikh Al-Muqri Saif Al-Rahman bin Hafiz, as well as the city’s senior grand reciters, Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Akhdar, Sheikh Abdul-Rafi Radwan, and Sheikh Hazim Said Haidar.
Prior to his historic appointment at the Prophet’s Mosque, Dr. Al-Qarafi built a distinguished legacy leading prayers across Madinah’s most significant historical landmarks. He served as the permanent Imam and Khatib of the famous Miqat Mosque (Dhul Hulayfah) and led Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers at the historic Quba Mosque, the Qiblatain Mosque, and the Al-Muhajireen Mosque.
His exceptional qualifications led to his initial selection to lead Taraweeh prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque in 1445 AH, which was followed by a royal decree appointing him as a permanent, full-time Imam starting in 1446 AH. His profound academic background and emotionally resonant recitations continue to be widely praised by international pilgrims and the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques.
