Naat

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A Na`at (Persian: نعت) is a poetry that specifically praises the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Many of the famous scholars in the earlier days of Islam wrote Naat. People who recite Naat are known as Naat-Khuwan or Sana-Khuwan.

[edit] History

It is difficult to trace the history of Naat Khawani since no authenticated record of when did it actually got initiated can be founded. Though on a more regularized basis Prophet Muhammad's companion Hassan ibn Thabit started this work. He was also known as Shair-e-Darbaar-e-Risalat. Even before accepting Islam he was a poet, but after embracing Islam he gave a new turn to his poetry and started writing Naats in honor of Prophet Muhammad. ^[1] He was famous for his poetry that defended Muhammad in response to rival poets that attacked him and his religion. Therefore Hassan is known as the first Sana-Khawaan (Naat reciter) of that time. After that many a poets followed this trend who totally dedicated themselves for writing Naats.

Islamic poetry is rich in the praise of Prophet Muhammad. Rarely is there any Muslim poet who is without any piece written on him. This is mainly inspired from the Islamic traditions that each act of veneration would result in ten times the blessing of God on the praiser.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Language

Commonly the term Naat-Shareef (Exalted Poetry) is reserved and used for the poetry in the praise of Muhammad written in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic.

In the Arabic language, Naat is usually referred as Madih (praise), or simply as Nasheed (poetry) or Anasheed (plural). The latter two terms can describe any type of religious poetry.

Anasheed or Naat usually is not accompanied by musical instruments. However some scholars have allowed the use of daf (small drum). Usually poetry that is accompanied with musical instruments are called Ghinaa (music).

[edit] Excerpts

By Allama Iqbal:

In the Muslim's heart there is the Home for Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) All our glory is from the name of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)

1.From Asrar-i-Khudi (edited slightly)

If you are loyal to Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) Then we are yours, This universe is nothing - The Tablet and Pen is yours.

2. From Jawab-i-Shikwah (edited slightly)

Sheikh Saadi: Gracious of disposition,
Of elegant form (Muhammad ((Sallallahu alaihi wasallam))!)
The Prophet of the people,
The intercessor of nations
The Prelate of Prophets,
Leader in the path (Of Religion!)
The Faithful of God, the place of descent of Gabriel^[2]

[edit] Al-Busiri

Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), leader of the two worlds
And of Man and the jinn,
Leader also of the Arabs
And non-Arabs and their kin,
Our Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam), Commander of Right,
Prohibits evil's way ^[3]

from Qasida Burda edited slightly

[edit] Shah Abdul Lateef Bhitai

Oh Moon, never mind if
I tell you the truth
Sometimes you are dim
Sometimes you are bright
Still, your brightness is not equal
To an atom of the dust
From the foot of Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)

[edit] See also

• Hamd
• Durood
• Nasheed−
• Islamic music
• Alhaj Muhammad Owais Raza Qadri
• Aamir Liaquat Hussain
• Khursheed Ahmad
• Muhammad Farooq
• Nusrullah Khan Noori
• Junaid Jamshed

[edit] References

[Naats Collection http://www.naatonline.com/]