Roots and studies
Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaify grew up in Saudi Arabia, memorised the Qur'an and dedicated his life to studying the Islamic sciences and the readings of the Qur'an. He earned higher academic degrees and taught for many years. He is one of those scholars who not only recite beautifully but command the transmission of recitation with great care and depth.
Imam of the Prophet's Mosque
For decades Sheikh Al-Hudhaify has been imam and preacher of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid An-Nabawi) in Madinah. For many generations of pilgrims and visitors to Madinah, his voice is inseparable from the mosque of the Prophet ﷺ.
His work with the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur'an in Madinah, which publishes the well-known Madinah Mushaf, is especially significant. He recorded the Qur'an for the Complex, including in the reading of Qalun from Nafi', and took part in the work on this Mushaf. In this way his voice accompanies the printed Qur'an that is distributed to many parts of the world.
His style
Al-Hudhaify's recitation is calm, even and full of dignity. His voice is gentle and clear; he reads without haste and without outward ornament. Every word is distinct, and the rules of recitation are kept with a scholar's precision. It is exactly this simplicity that makes his recitation so powerful: you feel you are listening to someone who reads the Qur'an with awe and deep understanding.
What you can learn from him
Al-Hudhaify is a valuable model for anyone who wants to learn to read cleanly and calmly. His even pace is good for following along and repeating, and his recordings are particularly reliable when it comes to correct pronunciation. If you are interested in the different readings, his Qalun recording offers a lovely way into another transmission of the Qur'an.
May Allah preserve him and richly reward him for his long service at the mosque of the Prophet ﷺ and to the Book of Allah.