Biography:
Abdullah ibn Kathir Al-Makki (d. 120H) — Imam of readers in Mecca. Of Persian origin, born and lived his entire life in Mecca within the Hijaz region. Among the senior Followers (Tabi'in).
Teachers and chain: Learned directly from the Companion Abdullah ibn Al-Sa'ib Al-Makhzumi, and from Mujahid ibn Jabr. One of the highest chains to the Prophet ﷺ.
Principal narrators:
- Al-Bazzi (d. 250H): Ahmad ibn Muhammad Al-Bazzi — muadhdhin of Al-Masjid Al-Haram
- Qunbul (d. 291H): Muhammad ibn Abd Al-Rahman Al-Makhzumi Al-Makki
Key features: Madd al-sila al-kubra (extending ha' al-kinaya before hamza); obligatory basmala between surahs (unique among the seven); distinctive tashdid in certain words.
Question: What is Ibn Kathir Al-Makki's unique feature regarding the basmala between surahs?
Answer: He is the only one of the seven who makes the basmala obligatory between every two surahs — while for others it is recommended or merely permissible.