Roots
Sheikh Hani Ar-Rifai comes from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and grew up in a family that placed great importance on learning the Qur'an. He memorised the Qur'an and devoted himself to the study of recitation and the Islamic sciences.
His work
Ar-Rifai is the imam and preacher of a mosque in Jeddah. Especially on Ramadan nights his mosque is full of people who want to pray behind him and listen to his supplications (du'a). His murattal recordings of the Qur'an are widely available, and his recitation is among those offered in well-known Qur'an apps with word-by-word timing – in our player, too, you can follow him verse by verse.
His style
What distinguishes Hani Ar-Rifai's recitation is its great emotional depth. His voice is warm and soft, and you can often hear how deeply the verses move him – at times his voice breaks with emotion. That sincerity passes on to the listener: many people say that his recitation was the first time they truly paused. He is especially known for his long, heartfelt supplications in the witr prayer (qunut), in which he calls on Allah with great humility.
Despite this emotion, his recitation remains clear and his tajweed careful; his pace is calm and easy to follow.
What you can learn from him
Hani Ar-Rifai reminds us that the Qur'an wants not only to be read but to be felt. When you listen to him, try to follow the meaning of the verses – then you understand why certain passages move him so much. It can help you find more khushu', inner devotion, in your own reading.
His recordings are also good for following along, because he reads calmly and distinctly. And his supplications can inspire your own du'a: honest, humble and full of hope in Allah's mercy.
May Allah preserve him and accept his tears and prayers.