Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary Named Global Quranic Personality at Dubai Award
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Late Egyptian reciter honoured at the 28th Dubai International Holy Quran Award, with public voting now open for Most Beautiful Quranic Voice 2026.
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A legendary voice in Quran recitation is being honoured on the global stage.
The late Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Husary has been named the Global Quranic Personality at the 28th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award — a recognition of his lifelong impact on Quran recitation and Tajweed.
Why He Was Chosen
Organisers said the title recognises Al-Husary’s deep knowledge of the Holy Quran and his lasting influence across the Islamic world.
He was the first reciter to record a complete murattal recitation of the entire Mushaf. He also helped shape modern Tajweed methodology and built what officials describe as a “unique school” of recitation that continues to guide generations today.
In a post on X, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum described him as one of the most prominent reciters of the modern era and among the most widely followed voices worldwide.
$1 Million Title to Be Awarded March 2
The Global Quranic Personality title comes with a $1 million prize and will be formally presented during a ceremony on March 2.
On the same night, winners of the $1 million Most Beautiful Quran Recitation award — both male and female categories — will also be announced.
Public voting is now open for the 2026 edition, with six finalists competing for the title of Most Beautiful Quranic Voice. Votes can be cast via quran.gov.ae.
A Legacy That Reached the World
Born in 1917 in Egypt, Al-Husary memorised the Quran before the age of eight and later studied the ten Qira’at at Al-Azhar.
Throughout his career, he held major roles including Chief of Egyptian Reciters and head of the Mushaf Revision Committee. He also served as President of the World Union of Quran Reciters.
He was the first to recite the Quran at the United Nations in 1977 and later recited at the White House and US Congress, where he was received by former US President Jimmy Carter.
His voice was also the first broadcast on Quran Radio in 1964.
Sheikh Al-Husary passed away in 1980 — but decades later, his recordings and teachings still shape how millions around the world learn and recite the Quran.