Wednesday, September 9, marks the anniversary of the death of Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif, the former head of Egypt’s Quranic recitation councils and one of the prominent scholars of Quranic recitation in the modern era.
Born in 1936 in Cairo’s El-Demerdash district, Sheikh Abdelhakim grew up in a family that cherished the Quran. His early connection with the Quran developed into a lifelong scholarly journey dedicated to memorization, Tajweed, Qira’at, and teaching.
Who Was Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif?
Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif completed the memorization of the Quran before reaching the age of thirteen.
In 1950, he joined the Quranic Recitations Institute at Al-Azhar, where he studied Tajweed and different Quranic recitations under leading scholars of Al-Azhar.
Over the years, he became known for his knowledge, precision, and devotion to the Quranic sciences.
His Career in Quranic Education
Sheikh Abdelhakim devoted his life to teaching the Quran and its sciences.
He worked as a teacher in Al-Azhar institutes at different educational levels and later taught at the Higher Institute of Quranic Recitations.
He also worked as an inspector of Al-Azhar institutes before retiring in 1997.
His educational contribution extended beyond formal teaching, as he helped prepare generations of Quran reciters and specialists in Quranic sciences in Egypt and abroad.
Leading Prayers in Major Cairo Mosques
Sheikh Abdelhakim served as an imam at several major mosques in Cairo.
Among the mosques where he served as an imam were:
- Al-Hegini Mosque in Shubra.
- Sayyida Nafisa Mosque.
- Sayyida Sakina Mosque.
- Al-Azhar Mosque.
Through his work in these institutions, he contributed to Quranic education and the dissemination of knowledge about Quranic recitation.
His Contributions to Quranic Recitation
Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif left a significant scholarly and audio legacy in the field of Quranic recitation.
His legacy included Quran recordings featuring different recitation traditions, radio programs, and specialized educational recordings focused on Qira’at.
He also authored works that contributed to the study and teaching of the Quran and its recitation sciences.
His Role in Training Quran Reciters
One of Sheikh Abdelhakim’s most important contributions was his role in teaching Quranic recitation and training generations of reciters and specialists.
Many students in Egypt and abroad benefited from his knowledge, allowing his scholarly influence to continue through his students and the knowledge they transmitted to later generations.
When Did Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif Die?
Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif passed away on Friday evening, September 9, 2016, corresponding to 7 Dhu al-Hijjah 1437 AH.
He was approximately 80 years old.
His funeral was held the following day from Al-Azhar Mosque, attended by scholars, Quran reciters, students, and many people who admired his lifelong service to the Quran and its sciences.
Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif’s Legacy
The legacy of Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif remains closely associated with decades of service to Quran memorization, Tajweed, and Quranic recitation.
His recordings, writings, and students continue to represent an important part of his scholarly legacy, preserving his contribution to Quranic education and the modern tradition of Quranic recitation.
Who was Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif?
He was a prominent modern scholar of Quranic recitation and the former head of Egypt’s Quranic recitation councils.
When was Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif born?
He was born in 1936 in Cairo’s El-Demerdash district.
When did Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif die?
He passed away on September 9, 2016, at approximately 80 years of age.
Where was his funeral held?
His funeral departed from Al-Azhar Mosque the day after his death.
What was Sheikh Abdelhakim Abdelatif known for?
He was known for teaching the Quran, Tajweed, and Qira’at, training Quran reciters, leading prayers, and producing scholarly and audio works related to Quranic recitation
