Dates & Background:

Approximate Life: Born in Medina (c. mid–2nd century AH, roughly late 8th century CE) and died around 189 AH (circa 805 CE).
Teachers & Training: Rooted in the Medinan tradition, Nafi‘ learned within a milieu closely connected to the Prophet’s companions. Although specific teacher names are not always recorded, his training reflected the early, precise practices of Quranic recitation in Medina.

What He Was Famous For & Characteristics:
• Renowned for a clear, harmonious, and measured style of recitation.
• Emphasized balanced vowel elongation and strict adherence to the rules of tajwīd.
• His method became a model of clarity and musicality.

Popularity:
• His recitation spread widely; most notably, his method reached North and West Africa through one of his principal transmitters.

Narrators (Rawīyān):

Warsh:

Life: Traditionally said to have been born in the early generations of transmitters and to have died around 213 AH (roughly 828 CE).
Characteristics: His rendition is celebrated for its rich, melodic quality and clarity. Warsh’s transmission became the standard in Morocco, Algeria, and other parts of West Africa.

Qalun:

Life & Training: Qalun, the other key transmitter, faithfully preserved Nafi‘’s articulation and rhythmic nuances.

Characteristics: His narration is noted for its precise adherence to the recitational rules laid down by Nafi‘ and was disseminated widely in regions valuing strict phonetic precision.