Qari Sadaqat Ali’s Recitation of Holy Qur’an
Mesmerizes California Audience
By Abdus Sattar Ghazali

Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali

The Islamic Educational & Cultural Research Center of Hayward, California, hosted the world-renowned reciter of the Holy Quran, Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali, at two events in Sacramento and Fremont during the Nov 27-28 weekend. The events were part of the IECRC program to provide an opportunity to the young generation of American Muslims to connect with the Islamic traditions. The events attracted large crowds and people made it a point to bring their children to the event to acquaint them with the Islamic environment, teachings and traditions.

Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali, a disciple of internationally known late Qari Abdul Basit Abdul Samad of Egypt, recites for Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan and has represented Pakistan in world Qirat recitals in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, USA, Europe and many other countries.
The IECRC’s event in Sacramento was held on Nov. 27 at the Valley High School located in the heart of the city. Welcoming the audience, Sharaaz Khan Qadri, the IECRC Directos, said the objective of the solemn evening was “to help uplift the human spirit from the general rundown of everyday life.” Imam Muhammad Ali of Yuba City thanked Dr. Mohammad Ahmed Qadri, Founder of IECRC, for initiating this significant and unforgettable event in Sacramento.

Yuba Cit y Imam Muhammad Ali welcomes Qari Sadaqat

The second event in the same spirit was held in Fremont on the following day - Sunday, November 28 at the centrally located Munoz Hall of Fremont, which is also the regular home of IECRC’s weekly Fremont Dhikr sessions. The Fremont event was emceed by Akhtar Shah, President of Pakistan Association.
Qari Sadaqat's awe-inspiring, reverberating recitations from the Holy Qur’an in various modes (Qirats) at both events revealed his admirable proficiency and excellence in his field.
He followed his powerful Qur’an recitals with heartfelt recitations of naats, i.e. poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet. Amongst the many beautiful pieces he presented in Arabic, Punjabi, and Urdu were famous couplets from Baba Bulle Shah and Hazrat Sultan Bahu, both well known and well loved Sufi Saints of the 17th century CE of what is now Punjab. The melodious method of _expression of the Qari pierced the hearts of the listeners who were moved to tears and apparent excitement.

The gifted Qari concluded with a most touching recitation of the famous Burdah Shareef of 13th century poet Imam Shareefuddin Mohammad Al-Busiri of Egypt.

Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali recites in Sacramento

The events also featured delightful Naat recitations from other guests, including women and children. Those presenting a recitation included Imam Muhammad Ali of Yuba City, Shahid Hussain of Yuba City, Naveed Iqbal of Sacramento, Sisters Nazia and Saima of Yuba City, Sister Salma Sultan, Abdul Karim Rydhan, Mohammad Arif, Zahid Chaudhry, and Mohammad Sultan of the Bay Area.

Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali recites while IECRC directors Ayyaz Yousaf Qadri (right)and Sharaaz Khan Qadri watch.

Children also participated in the Naat recitations and included Abdullah Ayyaz, Abdur Rahman Ayyaz, Hamza Chaudhry, Zahara Chaudhry, Noorain Chaudhry, Zainab Chaudhry and Sahar Khan.
The evenings concluded with the beautiful Salaam-e-Raza (salutations to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and prayers for the welfare of the local community and humanity at large. All attendees then enjoyed the traditional Langar-e-Qadriya dinner.
Mr. Ayyaz Yousaf Qadri, Managing Director of IECRC thanked all those who attended and help organize the events including Sister Riffat Saeed of IECRC Alameda. He especially thanked Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali who traveled from afar to share his treasures through his poignant performance. Sharaaz Khan Qadri and Shaanawaz Khan Qadri, the key organizers of the Sacramento event also thanked the attendees for their presence.
During his stay in the San Francisco Bay Area, Qari Sadaqat Ali also elated the devotees at the Bayview Mosque on in San Francisco. This event, arranged by Tariq Chaudhry of the San Franciso Mosque, was also a huge success with throngs of people coming to listen to the Qari’s heartwarming performance.

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