What Distinguishes Sheikh Rafaat from Other Egyptian Quran Reciters
Rafaat (1882-1950) was born in Cairo and lost his ability to see the world before turning 6 due to a disease. This disease was a turning point in his life. There are several blind individuals among the brilliant qaris of Egypt including Sheikh Muhammed Abdulaziz Hasan, Mohamed Omran, Mahmood Ramadan, and Muhammad Mahmood Rafaat. Technical points of recitation are the sole aspects when studying the works of these qaris; rather their recitations bear a special spiritual feeling and this is more prominent in the works of Rafaat.
He is known as Emir Al-Qurra as his recitation style is different from others. The main difference is in melody. It seems that other reciters have a typical dialect while Rafaat has a poetic one. He seems to be reciting poetry when he recites.
His recitations are systematic and that is why they are lasting and unforgettable.
There is a miracle in his melodious recitations that cannot be found in other Egyptian qaris. One can say he is the top qari among all Egyptian Quran reciters.
While being simple, Sheikh Rafaat’s recitation is such that every message and every beauty can be found in it. This effectiveness in his recitations is very important.
A musician once said Sheikh Rafaat’s recitations are such that one would think he has written musical notes and is now reading from the notes.
It may seem like an exaggeration when it is said Sheikh Rafaat was a Quran recitation genius in the 20th century, but when one gets acquainted with the depth of his recitations, he would realize that Sheikh Rafaat was a real genius.
And he achieved such a status without having gone to a university. He reached that position thanks to his efforts.
