Dates & Background:

Approximate Life: Traditionally placed in the late 1st century AH with a death around 152 AH (circa 768 CE).

Imam Hamzah became a leading figure in the recitation of the Quran in Kufa after the death of Asim. He dedicated his life to teaching the Quran and was known for his beautiful, precise style of recitation. Ash-Shāṭibī said: And Ḥamzah, who was a righteous pious man. A patient imām who recited the Qur-ān with tartīl.

Imam Abu Hanifa once told Imam Hamzah, “Allah has favored you with two things that we cannot compete with: the Qur’an and the laws of inheritance.” This statement highlights Imam Hamzah’s mastery not only in the recitation of the Qur’an but also in the intricate knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in matters of inheritance (Faraid).

Teachers & Training: A product of the Kufa tradition, Hamzah studied under prominent local scholars who emphasized rigorous adherence to the linguistic and recitational norms of the Quran.

What He Was Famous For & Characteristics:
• His recitation is particularly noted for its precision in pronouncing challenging consonants and vowels.
• The style is marked by a strict and systematic application of tajwīd rules and a unique rhythmic cadence that set it apart from other readings.

Popularity:
• His method was especially influential in Iraq and parts of the eastern Islamic world, where his attention to linguistic detail was highly prized.

Narrators (Rawīyān):

• Khalaf:
  • Characteristics: Khalaf’s rendition is characterized by its methodical precision and a pleasing musicality, qualities that made his transmission a respected model of Hamzah’s approach.
• Khallād:
  • Characteristics: Known for his disciplined transmission, Khallād carefully preserved the intricate details of Hamzah’s recitational method, ensuring its fidelity across generations.