Roots and training
Sheikh Idris Abkar grew up in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. As a child he began studying in the Qur'an circles of the mosques in his city, and he memorised the entire Qur'an at a young age. He was blessed to learn from several experienced teachers of recitation, who trained him in tajweed and in the art of recitation.
His work
Idris Abkar began leading prayers early in various mosques in Jeddah, and his voice soon became known beyond the city. In Ramadan he was invited to several countries to lead the tarawih prayers, in the Gulf region but also in Africa and Asia. He later served as an imam at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, one of the largest and best-known mosques in the United Arab Emirates. His recordings of the Qur'an are widely available and can be heard in many apps.
His style
Idris Abkar's recitation is gentle, clear and marked by great humility. His voice is soft and bright, his pace calm. He uses melody carefully, and in many places you sense a quiet emotion, especially in verses about Allah's mercy and the Hereafter. His tajweed is clean and his pronunciation distinct, so he is easy to follow along on the page.
Many people find his recitation comforting: it does not demand, it invites you to become still and listen.
What you can learn from him
Idris Abkar is a wonderful companion for quiet moments – in the evening, after prayer, or when the heart needs comfort. Listen to him and follow the translation; his gentle manner makes it easy to open yourself to the meaning.
His recitation also works well for memorisation, because he reads clearly and evenly. His path is an encouragement for young people too: he started as a child in the Qur'an circles of his neighbourhood – and today his voice reaches people in many countries.
May Allah preserve him and accept his recitation.