Rogayah Sulong

Rogayah Sulong (also spelled Ruqoyah Sulong) was a celebrated Malaysian Qariah (female Quran reciter) from Terengganu, Malaysia, born circa 1942–1943. Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, she became renowned for her melodious and precise recitations, particularly in the classical Hafs riwāyah. She first gained national recognition by winning the Malaysian Tilawah al-Qur’an competition seven times and achieved international acclaim by securing top honors in the women’s division of the International Quran Recital Competition in 1966, 1973, 1974, and 1978. Known as “Datuk” after receiving state and national honors, she was awarded significant titles including “Tokoh Wanita Terengganu” in 2010 and a Maulidur Rasul state award in 2011. Her dedication to Quranic arts continued into her later years as she taught tajwīd and tarannum to students across Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak, and even neighboring countries. She also played a key role in training future generations of qari’ and qariah, with many of her students succeeding in regional and international recitation competitions. Rogayah Sulong passed away on August 9, 2023, at the age of 81 in Kuala Terengganu. Her passing marked the end of an era in Malaysian Quranic recitation, with her legacy continuing through her students and recordings.