Ibn Kathir Al-Makki and Abu Amr Al-Basri
readings
Level: advanced
readers
rdg-005
وَلَقَدۡ يَسَّرۡنَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِلذِّكۡرِ فَهَلۡ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ
— القمر 17
Abdullah ibn Kathir Al-Makki (d. 120H):
Learned from the Companion Ibn Al-Sa'ib and from Mujahid. Imam of Mecca's reading. Narrators: Al-Bazzi and Qunbul.
Features: Madd al-sila (extending ha' al-kinaya in certain words); obligatory basmala between surahs; strengthening certain words.
Abu Amr ibn Al-Ala' Al-Basri (d. 154H):
Learned from Mujahid, Yahya ibn Ya'mar, Sa'id ibn Jubayr. Imam of Arabic language and reading in Basra. Narrators: Al-Duri and Al-Susi.
Features: Al-idgham al-kabir (assimilation of similar, neighboring, and paired letters); imala in many words.
Source: Al-Nashr (1/124); Ibn Mujahid; Al-Dymati, Al-Ittihaf
Question: What is the most distinctive feature of Abu Amr Al-Basri's reading?
Answer: Al-idgham al-kabir — extensive assimilation of similar, neighboring, and paired letters compared to other readers.