In a moment that will be treasured in our memories for years to come, we at Royal Tikka-Oman were blessed with the presence of one of Pakistan’s most illustrious sons, Sheikh Qari Saad Nomani. The air seemed to vibrate with spiritual energy as this master of Quranic recitation graced our humble establishment.
Sheikh Muhammad Saad Nomani is not just a Qari (reciter of the Quran); he is a phenomenon that has elevated Pakistan’s name in the Islamic world. Renowned as the “Miracle Reciter,” Sheikh Nomani has captivated hearts across continents with his divine gift of Quranic recitation. His ability transcends ordinary talent, reaching into the realm of the extraordinary that leaves listeners in awe of the beauty of the Holy Quran.
The recitation of the Quran is not merely reading; it is an art form that Allah Himself has emphasized in His divine words. In Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:4), Allah commands us to “recite the Quran with measured rhythmic recitation (Tarteel).” This beautiful instruction highlights the importance of reciting the Quran with proper pronunciation, rhythm, and reflection.
The Noble Quran in Surah Al-Isra (17:106) states, “And it is a Quran which We have divided into parts, in order that you might recite it to people at intervals. And We have revealed it by stages.” This verse emphasizes the careful, measured approach to recitation that allows both the reciter and the listener to absorb its profound meanings.
Through proper Tajweed (the rules governing pronunciation during recitation), the beauty of the Quranic language is preserved as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah mentions in the Quran, “Those to whom We have given the Book recite it with its true recital” (2:121), indicating that proper recitation is a blessing and responsibility for those who understand its significance.
What distinguishes Sheikh Saad Nomani in this divine art is his unparalleled ability to imitate 99 renowned Qaris and Imams from around the Islamic world. This extraordinary gift makes him unique on the face of the earth today – no other reciter has mastered such a diverse range of styles and techniques.
From the resonant, soul-stirring tones of Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais of Makkah to the melodious, heart-touching cadences of Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaify of Madinah, Sheikh Nomani can transform his voice to embody the distinctive styles of the most revered reciters of our time and those who came before.
His voice is like a divine instrument that can produce infinite variations of beauty. When Sheikh Nomani recites, it is as though the listener is transported across time and space – one moment in the Grand Mosque of Makkah, the next in the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and then to the historic recitation halls of Egypt, Turkey, or Indonesia.
This remarkable ability doesn’t merely showcase his technical prowess; it serves as a bridge connecting Muslims to the diverse traditions of Quranic recitation that have flourished across different regions of the Islamic world. His voice becomes a unifying force, a reminder that despite our differences, we are bound by the same divine words.
The perfect pitch, the impeccable command of maqamat (melodic modes), the precise articulation of each letter, and the emotional expressiveness that characterizes each style – Sheikh Nomani masters them all with a humility that reminds us that his gift is indeed from Allah.
As a Pakistani citizen, witnessing the global reverence for Sheikh Saad Nomani fills our hearts with immense pride. He stands as a testament to the rich Islamic heritage and tradition of Quranic excellence that Pakistan has nurtured over generations.
During his visit, we had the honor of requesting Sheikh Nomani to consider establishing madrasas where he could pass on his exceptional gift to future generations of Qaris. The preservation of this divine art requires not only appreciation but also transmission to ensure that the beauty of Quranic recitation continues to touch hearts across generations.
As Sheikh Nomani departed from Royal Tikka-Oman, he left behind not just memories but inspiration. His presence reminded us that when a person dedicates themselves to mastering the recitation of Allah’s words with sincerity and devotion, they become a living embodiment of the Quran’s beauty.
In a world often divided by differences, the universal language of Quranic recitation as exemplified by Sheikh Saad Nomani brings us together in collective awe of the divine. Pakistan has given the world many gifts, but perhaps none as spiritually enriching as this master reciter who carries within his voice the echoes of 99 others, all united in service to the words of Allah.
May Allah continue to bless Sheikh Qari Saad Nomani as he carries forward this sacred tradition, and may his voice continue to serve as a bridge between hearts and the divine message of the Holy Quran. For in his recitation, we don’t just hear words – we experience the living miracle that is the Quran, as fresh and powerful today as when it was first revealed. At the end I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Syed Fayyaz Shah and my beloved brother, Sheikh Somi, who invited me to Syed Fayyaz Shah’s dinner. It would not be proper to proceed with this meeting without acknowledging them, as the credit for this gathering truly belongs to them.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=O25IyE8XCXlhC72U&v=V_lKNF0VI1Q&feature=youtu.be
