The Beauty of Naat: Praising the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
What is Naat?
Islamic poetry has long been a cherished form of expressing faith, devotion, and spiritual emotions...
- Hamd: Praises Allah (SWT) and glorifies His mercy and greatness.
- Naat: Dedicated to honoring Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
- Manaqabat: Celebrates Islamic saints and revered figures.
- Nagma: Spiritual songs of love and faith.
- Manajaat: Supplications in poetic form.
- Rubayat: Four-line poems conveying deep wisdom.
- Sufi Kalam: Mystical poetry focused on divine love and spiritual purification.
Naat holds a very special place in Muslim hearts as it reflects deep love for the Prophet (ﷺ)...
The Origin of Naat
The tradition of composing Naat lyrics began during the Prophet’s (ﷺ) lifetime...
"And indeed, you (O Muhammad) are upon an exalted standard of character."
Abu Talib – The First Naat Poet
Abu Talib, uncle of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was one of the first Naat composers, defending the Prophet (ﷺ)...
Naat Lyrics During the Prophet’s Lifetime
Hassān ibn Thābit (RA)
Known as the "Poet of the Prophet (ﷺ)", he composed powerful verses defending Islam.
"Ridicule them (the disbelievers) in your poetry, for Jibrīl (Gabriel) is with you."
Other Sahabah
- Abdullah ibn Rawāhah (RA): Inspired Muslim armies.
- Abu Dujānah (RA): Recited Naats during battles.
- Jābir ibn Samurah (RA): Praised the Prophet’s (ﷺ) beauty.
Naat in Early Islam & Beyond
Early Poets
- Imam Hasan al-Basri (RA): His Naats reflect love for the Prophet (ﷺ).
- Imam al-Shāfiʿī (RA): Emphasized love for Ahl al-Bayt.
Abbasid & Andalusian Period
Imam al-Būsīrī (RA) wrote the famous Qasidah al-Burdah, a landmark in Naat poetry.
Naat in Urdu & the Indian Subcontinent
Many renowned poets contributed to Urdu and Persian Naat including:
- Amīr Khusro (RA)
- Mawlānā Jāmī (RA)
- Pir Syed Naseer ud Din Naseer
- Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
- Muhammad Ali Zahoori
- Mazhar Warisi
- Wasif Ali Wasif
- Iqbal Azeem
- Ashfaq Ahmad Ghauri
- Hafeez Taib
- Professor Muhammad Tahir Siddiqi
- Tahir Sultani
- Syed Aal-e-Rasool Hasnain Mian Nazmi
- Shafiq Raipuri
- Muhammad Tauseef Haider
- Mohsin Naqvi
- Hanif Asri
- Syed Muhammad Hussain al-Saqalain
- Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Noori
- Hazrat Adeeb Raipuri
Modern Naat Poets (19th–21st Century)
- Pir Syed Naseer ud Din Naseer
- Imam Ahmad Raza Khan
- Hafeez Taib
- Wasif Ali Wasif
- Mazhar Warisi
- Mohsin Naqvi
Global Reach of Naat
Arabic Nasheed
Artists like Maher Zain and Ahmed Bukhatir produce renowned Arabic nasheeds.
English Nasheed
Popular artists include Harris J, Raef, and Maher Zain among others.