Roots and training
Sheikh Ahmed Al-Ajmi comes from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and has served mainly in the area around Al-Khobar. He memorised the Qur'an and received an ijazah in recitation. Alongside this he devoted himself to studying the Islamic sciences, especially Qur'anic exegesis.
His work
For many years Al-Ajmi led prayers in mosques in his home region. Especially in the nights of Ramadan, many people came to pray behind him. His complete murattal recording of the Qur'an spread far beyond Saudi Arabia and is heard today in many countries. He has also been invited to recite and lead prayers in other countries.
His style
Ahmed Al-Ajmi's voice is full, deep and powerful. It has a particular resonance that makes it instantly recognisable. He recites at a calm, sustained pace and uses melody expressively: in verses about the greatness of Allah or the Hereafter his voice becomes urgent, in verses of mercy it turns soft and consoling. Throughout, his tajweed is careful and his pronunciation distinct.
Many listeners describe his recitation as especially moving, because you have the impression that he feels the meaning of each verse as he recites it.
What you can learn from him
Al-Ajmi is a good companion for anyone who wants to listen to the Qur'an with feeling and reflection. As you listen, notice how his voice changes with the content – it can help you pay closer attention to the meaning when you read yourself. Ideally, follow the translation or the tafsir as you listen.
His recordings also work well for memorisation, because he reads calmly and every word can be heard clearly. If you are just starting tajweed, you can combine him with a teaching reciter who reads more slowly.
May Allah preserve him and keep making his voice a path by which people find the Qur'an.