Hajjah Maria Ulfah is a prominent Quran reciter from Indonesia and the first woman to win an international Quran recitation competition.
Early Life and Education
Ulfah is a native of Indonesia and has been reciting the Quran since childhood. Born in Lamongan Regency, East Java, on December 21, 1955, Maria Ulfah was introduced to Qur’an recitation by her father, Haji Mudhoffar.
In 1981, she married Mukhtar Ikhsan, a pulmonologist and respiratory physician and lecturer at the medical school of the University of Indonesia. She has three children: Ahmad Nabries, Mohammad Labib, and Rifky Mubarak.
Career
Maria Ulfah is known for her beautiful voice and ability to convey the emotion and meaning of the Quranic verses. She has popularised the Egyptian style of recitation, and currently serves as Director of the Women’s Department at Institut Ilmu Al-Qur’an in Jakarta. She also lectures at the Islamic University of Indonesia.
In 2002, Ulfah became the first woman to win the International Quran Recitation Competition in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, a prestigious event that attracts top Quran reciters from around the world.
Since her victory, Ulfah has become a role model for Muslim women and has inspired many to pursue Quran recitation as a profession. In addition to her work as a Quran reciter, Ulfah is also a well-respected teacher of the Quranic sciences, and has taught students from around the globe.
Throughout her career, Ulfah has worked to promote the Quranic teachings and preserve the traditional art of Quranic recitation. She has traveled extensively, giving lectures and performances in various countries, and has been recognized for her contributions to Islamic culture and spirituality.
Ulfah is highly regarded in the Muslim community and her work has been praised by scholars and religious leaders around the world. She continues to be a leading figure in the world of Quran recitation and is an inspiration to Muslims everywhere.
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