Yousuf Noorbhai – Quran AYousuf (Yusuf) Noorbhai, also spelled Yousuf Noorbhai or Qari Yusuf Noorbhai, was a renowned South African Quran reciter and imam originally from Isipingo, KwaZulu-Natal. He served as the long-time Imam of the Nur-ul-Islam Mosque in Lenasia and was a celebrated teacher and Tajwīd mentor throughout his life. He memorized the Quran and held Ijāzahs in the ten Qirā’āt, earning a certificate in Tajwīd signed by Egyptian Qari Mahmood Khalil Al-Husri.
Noorbhai was known for his exceptionally meticulous Tajwīd, slow, steady murattal pace, and spiritually powerful delivery that moved listeners emotionally. His recorded public recitations include full Juz’ sets and long surahs like Ya‑Seen, Saba’, Al-Kahf, and Maryam. Recognized as “a pillar of strength” by students and community leaders, he also led Taraweeh and taught Qirā’āt for over 25 years. He passed away in Cape Town in July 2016 after a long illness, leaving behind a deep legacy of audio recordings, community impact, and a generation of kufr-ready reciters trained under him.
South Africa