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 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. 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."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).

[edit] Excerpts

By Allama Iqbal:

In the Muslim's heart there is the Home for Muhammad All our glory is from the name of Muhammad

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

If you are loyal to Muhammad 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)
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, leader of the two worlds
And of Man and the jinn,
Leader also of the Arabs
And non-Arabs and their kin,
Our Prophet , 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

[edit] 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)

[edit] See also

• Naat, Naats, MP3
• Naat Videos & Adios
• MP3 Naat
• Naat
• Hamd
• Durood
• Nasheed−
• Islamic music
• Alhaj Muhammad Owais Raza Qadri
• Aamir Liaquat Hussain
• Khursheed Ahmad
• Muhammad Farooq
• Nusrullah Khan Noori
• Junaid Jamshed
• Syed Sabih uddin Rehmani
• Tanwir Phool (see www.allaboutreligions.blogspot.com)
• Over 700 MP3 Naats.

[edit] References

[[Naat MP3 Naats]http://www.tauheed-sunnat.com/sunnat/taxonomy/vocabulary/15+18 Collection http://www.tauheed-sunnat.com/sunnat/taxonomy/vocabulary/15+18 ] [Naats Collection http://www.naatonline.com/ ]