Childhood and studies
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais grew up in Saudi Arabia and had memorised the entire Qur'an while still a boy. He studied the Islamic sciences, Shariah in particular, and continued his studies all the way to a doctorate. Besides his role as an imam, he is therefore also a trained scholar who teaches and preaches.
Imam of the Sacred Mosque
Since 1984 Sheikh Al-Sudais has been one of the imams of the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) in Makkah. Since then he has led prayers there and delivered Friday sermons. The Ramadan nights are especially well known, when he leads the tarawih and qiyam prayers; many people around the world associate Ramadan with his voice broadcast from Makkah. His supplications at the completion of the Qur'an (du'a khatm al-Qur'an) touch countless hearts every year.
For many years he also carried responsibility in the administration of the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
His style
Al-Sudais's recitation is instantly recognisable. His voice is bright and penetrating, his pace rather brisk but always clear. Characteristic of his recitation is a particular emotion: in verses about the mercy of Allah, the Hereafter or the Judgement, you can often hear how deeply the words move him. That sincerity passes on to those listening.
His recordings of the entire Qur'an are widely available, both as studio recordings and as recordings of prayers in the Sacred Mosque.
What you can learn from him
Al-Sudais is especially good for experiencing the Qur'an in the rhythm of prayer – the way it is recited in Makkah night after night. For memorisation, many value his recordings because his brisk, even pace helps you revise longer passages as a whole. If you are a beginner, he pairs well with a slower reciter: first practise carefully, then revise fluently with him.
May Allah preserve him and reward him for his long service at the Sacred Mosque.