Naat a tradition of praise of prophet and an Art of melody

A Na`at is a Persian named for a poetry that is said in praise of prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) . Naat was one of the most popular form of peotry among Muslims, Although prophet Himself liked other form of poetry but since the love of devotes for Muslims the Naat has become the most favourite poetry.

Many of the famous scholars in the earlier days of Islam wrote Naat. Naat is sung with great joy and love of the prophet. It was considered an art. Only recently it has become a rather orthodex form of activity however it is a peaceful affair and people love attending and arranging Naat Khuwanis (A kind of concert of Naats) People who recite Naat are known as Naat-Khuwan or Sana-Khuwan.

History of Naat
It is difficult to trace the history of Naat Khawani since no authenticated record of when it actually got initiated can be found. Though on a more regularized basis 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 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 Muhammad (PBUH). 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].

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.”Anwaar-e-Hira” and “Qindeel-e-Hira” are notable Naatia collections in Urdu language,by Pakistani poet Tanwir Phool,published by Hira Foundation and Jahan-e-Hamd Publications respectively.

In the Arabi 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).

Some verses of famous Naats.

Al-Busiri
My Lord, send prayers and peace always and forever Upon Your beloved, the best out of all of Creations.

Muhammad is the Master of the two worlds and the two groups (men and jinn), And the Guide of both the Arabs and the non-Arabs.

He is our Prophet, commanding the right and forbidding the wrong, and there is none,More true in word, saying “Yes” (meaning this is permitted) or “No” (meaning this is haram).

He is the Habib (beloved) of the One, from whom we have hopes of intercession (shafa)In (from) all the woes that have descended upon the humans.

He called us to the path of Allah, and those who cling to himHave held the rope of Allah so tight, that it would never break.

from Qasida Burda

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

Tanwir Phool

You are the Best
Of all creatures
None is Greater than You
Except Allah
Adam knows You
Jesus knows You
You are the First
You are the Last
The Holy Qur’aan
Is Your refulgence
For ever

(“Qindeel-e-Hira”,page 146)

Download Some of the most Popular Naats

Qasida Burda Sharif Arabic Naat

Wasalle Allah Alla Noor (Farsi) Persian Naat

Ishq-E-Ahmad Chahye Urdu Naat

Madene Ka Safar Hai Urdu Naat