Roots and studies
Sheikh Muhammad Ayyub, may Allah have mercy on him, was born in Makkah and grew up there. He memorised the Qur'an while still a boy and devoted his life to the Book of Allah. He studied at the Islamic University of Madinah, particularly at its College of the Holy Qur'an, and deepened his knowledge of the Qur'anic sciences there. He later taught himself and passed his knowledge on to many students.
Imam of the Prophet's Mosque
For years Sheikh Muhammad Ayyub led prayers in the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi) in Madinah, especially the tarawih prayers in Ramadan. Many people who prayed in Madinah during those years remember his voice with great love – in the quiet nights close to the resting place of the Prophet ﷺ.
His recitation was also recorded by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an in Madinah. That recording is still widely used today, and many people listen to it while reading and learning.
He passed away in Madinah in 2016. The news of his death moved many Muslims who had grown up with his recitation.
His style
Muhammad Ayyub's recitation is gentle, flowing and has a special lightness. He read at a comfortable, fairly brisk pace without any loss of precision. His voice has a soft, friendly colour, and his melody feels natural and unforced. In his recitation you sense the familiarity of someone who spent his entire life with the Qur'an.
What you can learn from him
For people who want to revise portions they have already memorised, his recitation is especially valuable. His flowing delivery helps you hear larger passages as a whole and feel the connection between the verses. At the same time his tajweed is reliable, so he is a good model to follow.
His life is a reminder of how blessed it is to devote oneself to the Qur'an: as a learner, as a teacher and as an imam. May Allah have mercy on him, make his grave wide and full of light, and gather him with the people of the Qur'an.