History of Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary in Timeline

Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil al-Hussary, or Al-Hussary, was a highly respected Egyptian Qari known for his precise Qur'an recitation. He memorized the entire Qur'an by the age of 8 and began public recitations at 12. In 1944, he won Egypt Radio's prestigious Qur'an Recitation competition. Along with Al-Minshawy, Abdul Basit, and Mustafa Ismail, Al-Hussary is considered one of the most influential reciters in the modern Islamic world.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 1917: Birth of Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil al-Hussary

In September 1917, Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil al-Hussary was born. He later became a renowned Egyptian qāriʾ known for his accurate recitation of the Qur'an.

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February 1944: First Appearance on Egypt's Official Qur'an Radio Station

On February 16, 1944, Al-Hussary made his first appearance as a reciter on Egypt's official Qur'an radio station, marking the start of his prominent career in radio broadcasting.

1944: Winning Egypt Radio's Qu'ran Recitation Competition

In 1944, Al-Hussary won the Egypt Radio's Qu'ran Recitation competition, surpassing 200 participants, including prominent reciters, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1945: Appointment as Reciter at the Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque

In 1945, al-Hussary was appointed as a reciter at the Ahmad al-Badawi mosque, which was a significant role in his religious career.

August 1948: Nomination as Mu'adhin of the Sidi Hamza Mosque

On August 7, 1948, al-Hussary was nominated as mu'adhin of the Sidi Hamza Mosque and later became a muqriʾ at the same mosque, further establishing his religious roles.

1955: Appointment to the Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo

In 1955, Al-Hussary was appointed to the Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo, where he remained in service for 29 years until his death, marking a significant period in his career.

1957: Awarded Shaykh al-Maqāriʾ Title

In 1957, Al-Azhar awarded him the title Shaykh al-Maqāriʾ, and he was appointed to the board of Islamic research on Hadith and the Qur'an at Al-Azhar, recognizing his scholarly contributions.

1960: Led Department at al-Ḥadīth bi-Jāmiʿ al-Buḥūth al-ʾIslāmiyya

In 1960, Al-Hussary led the department of al-Ḥadīth bi-Jāmiʿ al-Buḥūth al-ʾIslāmiyya for correcting Qur'anic codexes in the al-Azhar libraries, contributing to the preservation of the Qur'an.

1960: Travels to Pakistan and India

In 1960, Al-Hussary traveled to Pakistan and India as the first Egyptian qāriʾ to recite at a conference with Jawaharlal Nehru and Gamal Abdul Nasir, marking his international recognition.

1961: Recorded Ḥafs ʿan ʿĀṣim

In 1961, Al-Hussary recorded the Qur'anic text in the style of Ḥafs ʿan ʿĀṣim, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of different Qur'an recital styles.

1964: Recorded Warsh ʿan Nāfiʾ

In 1964, Al-Hussary recorded the Qur'anic text in the style of Warsh ʿan Nāfiʾ, adding to his contributions in preserving and broadcasting various Qur'anic recitation styles.

1967: Recipient of Egyptian Medal of Honour and President of Islamic World League

In 1967, Al-Hussary received the Egyptian Medal of Honour for Arts and Sciences, First Grade, and was elected the President of the Islamic World League of Qur'an Reciters, highlighting his recognition on both national and international levels.

1968: Recorded Qālān ʿan Nāfiʾ, ad-Dūrī ʿan Abi ʿAmr and al-Muṣḥaf al-Muʿallim

In 1968, Al-Hussary recorded the Qur'an in the styles of Qālān ʿan Nāfiʾ and ad-Dūrī ʿan Abi ʿAmr and recorded the Qu'ran in the style known as al-Muṣḥaf al-Muʿallim, further contributing to Qur'anic pedagogy.

1976: Participation in the World of Islam Festival in London

In 1976, Al-Hussary was invited to participate in the World of Islam Festival in London, showcasing his international presence and recognition.

1977: Recitation at the United Nations

In 1977, Al-Hussary recited the Qur'an at the United Nations, demonstrating his global impact and recognition.

1978: Recitation at Buckingham Palace

In 1978, Al-Hussary recited the Qur'an at Buckingham Palace, highlighting his international prominence and recognition.

November 1980: Death of Al-Hussary

In November 1980, Al-Hussary died of liver failure during a trip to Kuwait. His last public recitals were at the Kaaba in Mecca and Masjid al Nabawi in Medina.

November 1980: Death of Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil al-Hussary

In November 1980, Al-Hussary passed away, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential Qur'an reciters in the Islamic world.

1980: Legacy and Charitable Contributions

In 1980, at the time of his death, Al-Hussary allocated a third of his wealth to build a mosque on Al-Ajuzah Street in Cairo and provided for expenses for his mosque in Tanta, three Islamic institutes, and a Qur'an memorization center in his village.

October 2005: Inauguration of Al-Hosary Mosque in 6th of October City

In October 2005, Al-Hosary, the largest mosque in 6th of October City, was inaugurated in Al-Hussary's honor by the Shaykh al-Hussary Society, and it included an orphanage, a Qur'anic institute, and auditoriums.