Egypt Marks Anniversary of Renowned Qari Sheikh Mahmud Ali Al-Banna’s Passing
Egypt’s Al-Azhar Global Center for Electronic Fatwa and the Ministry of Religious Endowments (Awqaf) have issued statements commemorating the 39th anniversary of the death of Sheikh Mahmud Ali Al-Banna, a renowned Egyptian qari, who passed away on July 20, 1985.
“Sheikh Al-Banna was a towering figure in the art of Quran recitation, known for his heartfelt and reverent style,” Al-Azhar said in its statement, adding that he was "one of the rare and prominent reciters in Egypt and across the world."
According to the center, Sheikh Al-Banna left behind a rich legacy of Quranic audio recordings and pioneered a distinct school of recitation. He was instrumental in founding the Egyptian Reciters’ Union and served as its deputy chairman when it was established in 1984.
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“May God have mercy on Sheikh Al-Banna and bless him and all who listened to his recitations, wherever they may be,” the statement concluded.
The Awqaf Ministry also honored his memory, describing him as "a model of discipline and dedication in service to the Quran."
Born in 1926, Sheikh Al-Banna passed away at the age of 59 after decades of contribution to Quranic education and public recitation.
The ministry highlighted his early entry into national religious life, joining Egyptian Radio in 1948 at the age of 22—making him one of the youngest licensed reciters of his time.
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His voice, the statement said, was "distinguished by the richness of maqamat, sincerity in delivery, and a rare ability to move listeners emotionally."
Sheikh Al-Banna regularly led Ramadan night prayers at major Egyptian mosques such as Al-Ahmadi Mosque in Tanta and Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo. He also represented Egypt in numerous international Quranic forums, with his voice echoing in revered sites including the Two Holy Mosques, Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, and mosques across Europe and Asia.
The ministry described him as “a symbol of dignity, order, and devotion to the Holy Quran.”
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