Born around 120 A.H. in Kufa, Iraq, into a non-Arab Persian family, Al-Kisāʾī was deeply committed to learning despite his background. His journey into Islamic scholarship began in Iraq, where he was given the nickname “Al-Kisāʾī” after performing Iḥrām (ritual consecration) in a “kisāʾ” (cloak or wrap). He learned Quranic recitation from numerous prominent scholars of his time, including Imam Ḥamzah ibn Habīb and other famous reciters like ʿĀṣim and Shuʿbah. Al-Kisāʾī passed away in 189 A.H., leaving behind a rich intellectual heritage.

Imam Al-Kisāʾī was not only a master in Quranic recitation but also an expert in Arabic grammar. In fact, he was so renowned in both fields that the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid considered him one of his most esteemed teachers. He also taught both the caliph’s sons, al-Amin and al-Ma’mun.

As a prominent reciter from Kufa, al-Kisāʾī introduced innovative intonations and subtle variations that enriched the expressive capacity of Qur’ānic recitation. His style, which skillfully blends technical precision with aesthetic beauty, has been influential among scholars devoted to exploring the full linguistic depth of the sacred text.

Narrators and their Biographies

• Al-Dūrī (of al-Kisāʾī):
  Distinct from the ad-Dūrī associated with Abū ʿAmr, this transmitter focused on preserving al-Kisāʾī’s rhythmic innovations. His careful recording of the recitation has ensured that the unique vocal qualities of the method are passed down accurately.

Abū al-Ḥārith:
Emphasizing grammatical and phonetic details, Abū al-Ḥārith complemented al-Dūrī’s work by ensuring a comprehensive transmission of al-Kisāʾī’s method. Their combined efforts have secured the place of this distinctive reading within the classical tradition.