Question

Assaalamu'alaykum,

I read your brief history of Sheikh Mahmood al Husary with deep interest.
How do the qurra get their rhythm? I've listened to many qurra, but until now I have yet to find someone who can really intone Al Quran like Sheikh Husary does.
JazakAllahu khairan.

Answer

Wa alaikum assalaam wa rahmatu Allahi wa barakatuh.

The rhythm should be based on the single vowel count, and the sign of a truly great reciter is that his/her vowel counts are equal and his/her mudood of similar types are consistently equal and based on the required multiple of a single vowel count.  In his book on tajweed, Ahkaam Qiraa’ati-l-Qur’aan al-Kareem, Ash-Sheikh Al-Husary warned about those who lengthen more than what is prescribed for a vowel count or a medd length, exaggerating in their attempt to embellish the recitation.  He stated that they maybe subtracting or adding to Allah’s book in doing this.  It is therefore clear that he was keen on not adding or subtracting to Allah’s book and wanted to give everything its correct measure.  May Allah be merciful to him and grant him reward for all who benefit from the useful knowledge he passed on.  

Wa iyyakum wa-l-muslimeen.