Shayari

In Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, "Shaayaree," or poetry, essentially comprises couplet, or Sher. The plural for Sher is "Ashaar". The form ghazal is a collection of mulitiple ashaar - each of which should convey a complete thought without any reference to other shayari of the same ghazal. In fact, though belonging to the same ghazal, the different ashaar therein can have completely different meaning and tone relative to one another.

Essential Shaayree vocabulary:

Sher

(Couplet). It consists of two lines (MISRA); first line is called 'MISRA-E-OOLA' and the second is called 'MISRA-E-SANI'. Each verse embodies a single thought or subject (sing) SHER, Shero, Shayari, Shyari, Shayri.

chand

chand ko dekha to kuch yaad aa gaya, dhundla sa chera nazro pe chaa gaya,dhyan s dekha to surat thi apki, naam zaban pe chandni aa gaya.

Bait-ul-Ghazal

The best SHER in a GHAZAL. Kar ghour fikar ismaiy jalwagari hogi yeh sheesha nahee hai khali ismaiy pari hogi

Ghazal

(Ode). The literary meaning of the word 'GHAZAL' is to converse with beloved. Etymologically, it come from the Arabic word "Ghizaal", meaning gazelle. It is a poem containing a minimum of 5 verses and maximum 25. The opening Verse of the GHAZAL is called MATLA and both hemistiches rhyme with one another. The last verse of the GHAZAL is called MAQTA which usually contains the penname of the poet. Most of Persian and Urdu writers have earned fame as GHAZAL writers. GHAZAL is the soul of Urdu literature and most popular form of Urdu poetry.

The following is an example of "sher", composed by Mirza Ghalib:

:"nahii.n ki mujhko qayaamat kaa etiqaad nahii.n":"shab-e-firaaq se roz-e-jazaa ziyaad nahii.n"

:It is not that I do not have faith in (the pains of) the day of judgement:But the night of separation is not less than the day of judgement.

What the poet is trying to say is that he trusts that the day of judgement would be very painful, as it has been described in Qur'an and Hadith; however, this night of separation from his beloved is not less painful than the day of judgement.

A better example of "ghazal" is shown below from two couplets of Baqa Akbarabadi^*, a contemporary of Meer Taqi Meer, from a ghazal written in the classical conversational form, that is, a dialogue between the lover and the beloved. This traditional form as seen in Hafiz Shirazi's works in old Persian poetry, does seldom appear in contemporary Urdu works.

"Kaha main ne! Sila meri wafa ka tujhsey kya nikla?"
"Kaha us ne! Nateeja dil lagane ka, bura nikla?"
"Kaha main ne! Wajah kya thi teri is be-wafaai ki?"
"Kaha us ne! Fida mujhpar koi, tujhsey siwa nikla!"

Said I! What return did my love get back from you?
Said she! Did indeed your heart have a bad experience?
Said I! What caused this unfaithfulness of yours?
Said she! Someone more enchanted than you has shown up!
^*Diwaan e Baqa Akbarabadi, Nizami Press Kanpur India 1932. Kutubkhana Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu. Hyderabad. India.

Fard

Composition of only a single SHER, Shero-Shayari, Shyari, Shayri is called FARD.

merey bachche mujhe boodha nahiN hone daete

Hamd

khafa kiu ho gaye jaanhum ne ayesa kya kar diyadiwali manani thi to patake jala letehamara dil kiu jala diya

Hijv

(Satire). A poem written to condemn or to abuse a person. This form of poetry is considered of low type and which is usually avoided by reputed poets. The exact opposite of HIJV is MADAH which is a poem written in praise of Kings and Patrons.

Husn-e-Matla

Rhyming of the first two lines of a GHAZAL is called HUSN-E-MATLA.

Madah

Poem written in praise of Kings and Patrons.

Manqabat

Poem written in praise of Ahle-E-Bait (the members of the family of Muhammad).

Maqta

The last line of a GHAZAL or a poem which generally contains the poet's pen-name.

Marsiya

A poem written to commemorate the exploits of great men of Islam; usually to describe the battle fought on the plains of Karbala in Iraq by Hazarat Imam Husain and his supporters against the army of Yazid. It is usually a poem of mourning. The famous MARSIYA writers in Urdu are Mir Baberali Anis and Salamatali Dabir. Even a short poem written to mourn the death of a friend can be called MARSIYA. Lord Alfred Tennyson's poem 'In Memoriam' can rightly be called MARSIYA. The sub-parts of MARSIYA are called NOHA and SOZ which means lamentation and burning of (heart) respectively.

Masnawi

A long epic poem describing the battles fought long ago and past events. It may also contain philosophical or ethical themes. The most famous MASNAWIS are Shah-Namah of Firdosi, Masnavi-E-Roomi in Persian language and Zehar-E-Ishq in Urdu.

Matla

The opening SHER of a GHAZAL.

naeem
na kabhi ki thi mohabaatna keya kabhi koi wada thatera dil curaleyn gey humna aesa koi ierda thatere milny se hoi hai shokh zindgiwarna naeem to tabeat ka bada sada tha= Misra =

One line of a couplet, or verse.

Munajat

A lyrical poem as prayer to God.

Musaddas

Each unit consists of 6 lines (Misra). Most famous writer of this type of poem is Maulana Altaf Husain Hali.

Naat

Prerna ShrutiVerses written in praise of Muhammad.Towards understanding “Na’at”

Towards understanding “Na’at” -the “Eulogy” of the holy Prophet of Islam (the choicest blessings of Allah be upon him), its promotion and services rendered by “Na’at Rang”

By Bashir Hussain Nazim, (Pride of Performance).

Na;at lexically is an Arabic word which means to praise an illustrious and most outstanding personality. The Oxford Thesaurus gives us score of equivalent words of praise, like eulogy, commendation, acclamation, tribute, compliment, applause, homage, plaudits, encomium and panegyric.

In Bokhari, the words…Na’at and Thana are mentioned in the chapter of Al-tumaninat-consolation of heart. Hazrat Anas is reported to have eulogized the Prayer of the Messenger of Allah before the companions. His narration is as under:-Kana Anaso yan,ato Lana slaatan Nabiyye. Hazrat Anas used to praise the Prayer of the Prophet Muhammad before us.

In pre-Islamic Arab society, a person possessing venerable habits, morals and character, used to be called “Howa Notatun” meaning that he possessed laudable qualities. In lexicon,other words correspond to Na’at as follows|:- Hamd, Thana and Mad’h. Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Riza Brailvi has used Hamd for praising the Lord of the Lords and the word Na’at for the applause of the chief of the Prophets. As such, in Arabic, Persian, Turkey, Urdu and in other languages of the world, the verses which are composed under the caption of Na’at, do mean the praise, applause and encomium of the holy Prophet Muhammad.

(2)The eulogies of the chief of the Prophets Muhammad are profusely available in the previous and pristine scriptures and some on Muslim poets including Hindus, Sikhs, Parsi and Christians have written lovely and captivating eulogies to pray a glowing and resplendent tribute to the Prophet of Islam.

During the worldly life of the holy Prophet, according to a sane research on the topic, there were more than one hundred and eighty poets from the companions of the holy Prophet who possessed an outstanding station in Arabic literature and poetry. It is taken for granted, that the Caliphs of of |Islam Abu Bakr, the faithful, Umar the great, Ali the gate of the city of knowledge, hazrat Abbas, the uncle of the holy Prophet, HazratHamzah the Lion of God, Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawaha, Ka’ab al Ahbaar and Ka’ab bin Zuhair were the best eulogizers of their Master Muhammad (blessings of Allah be upon him).But Hassaan bin Sabit Ansari enjoyed excellence in the field of eulogization of the Prophet.

Na’at (eulogy) is not only composed in verses, but it is also written in prose. The address of Hazrat Jafar-al-Tayyar pwas the excellent eulogy and encomium in the court of King Negus. Tabaqaat-al-Kubra, Seerat Ibne Hishaam, Shamail-e-Rasool and Dalail-un-|Nubuwwat are the best records of Na’at (eulogy) in Arabic. In Persian language, Maarijun-Nobuwwat, Shawahid-un-Nobuwwat and Madarijun-Nobuwwat are elegant writers of prose. In Urdu language, Khutbaat-e-Madras, Seeratun-Nabi, and Paghambare-Azamo Akhtar are the best specimens of prose, praising and eulogizing the beloved Prophet of Allah the exalted. If the import of Na’at |(eulogy) is applause appreciation, supreme morality and exquisite habits, then the |Lord of the worlds has also eulogized His beloved Prophet saying;-i. And Lo; thou art of a tremendous nature. ii. We sent thou not save as a mercy for the peoples.

(3)iii. Verily in the messenger of Allah, ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last day and remembers Allah much.Durood and Salam also falls in the ambit of Na’at (eulogy) which have specially been ordained by Allah as follows:- Lo; Allah and His angels shower blessings on the Prophet. O ye who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him a worthy salutations. Na’at |(eulogy) is a Divine tradition which has been adopted by the previous prophets (blessings of Allah be upon them), and if seen in the perspective of the history, we see the prominent Apostles and Prophets to eulogise the chief of the Prophets. Adam (peace be upon him) sought forgiveness from Allah by the mediation of Muhammad. Abraham prayed for his advent and erection, Jesus Christ gave good tidings of his coming, Shoaib called him his sweet heart. So it is taken for granted that the lips of David were embellished with his eulogy, he sang songs of his elegance, excellence, dignity and honour and Jacob and Joseph cherished great love for the holy Prophet of Islam, in their bosoms. Actually Na’at is a genere of prose and poetry which s bewitched the heats of the Companions of the holy Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him). Following and emulating the Companions of the Prophet, the Companions of the Companions of the Prophet, the divines, saints, the erudites the scholars, the jurists, the theologians and all lovers of the holy Prophet, composed eulogies according to the degree and height of their imaginative powers. So it may be said rightly and conscientiously that now till the post eternity, the praise of Allah and eulogy of the Prophet shall be shining in the firmament of human hearts. The resplendance and refulgence of eulogies shall, continuously, illuminate the atmospheres of the earth and sky. Na’at (eulogy) shall b e an expression and manifestation of love and affection with the beloved of Allah, and a source of enlightenment of faith, and light of Gnosticism.

(4)While composing a Na’at (eulogy) the verse of an illustrious poet namely Izzat Bukari (mercy of Allah be upon him) must be the cynosure of all the eulogy-writers:- “ there is a sanctuary of reverence underneath the sky, where Junaid Baghdadi and |Bayazid |Bistami, take audience suppressing their breath”.Keeping in view the above verse, every Na’at-writer, should be an embodiment of reverence and respect, keep in mind the station of dignity and honour of his “praised”. He should endeavour to select and choose the appropriate words, should know the style of expression, and do the best efforts for the veneration of the Prophet (blessings of Allah be upon him). Poet should remain within the circle of righteousness. Apart from the above fact and verity, he should make a thorough study of the seerat of the Prophet, should have the knowledge of historical events, knowledge of illustrious Quran, science of the tradition of the Messenger of Allah. His heart should be filled with acute love, and commitment with the holy Prophet. He should be aware of the highest spiritual station of Divine juxtaposition of the beloved Prophet. He should have a complete introduction to the Islamic cores and bearing and well conversant with a Gnostical intuition and insight. For writing captivating and fascinating eulogy, the following requirements are also to be kept in mind:-i. The growth of inner-self. ii. Purification of heart and vision.iii. Purity of soul and spiritiv. Conviction of thoughts and beliefs. v. Healthiness of passions and vi. Submission of heart and vision. But for the par-excellence in diction and lexicon, devotion and affection lofty thoughts, good imaginative power and creative ability, an attractive eulogy cannot be produced.

(5)These requirements cannot be met out without the love of the “Chosen one” kindness of the Lord of the Mejesty and abundance of Durood and worthy salutation. This is a glaring fact that the Na’at-writer of today, cannot excel the Poets of the past in understanding, wisdom, knowledge, comprehensiveness, devotion and submission. The present period, indeed, lacks in the personages like Shaikh Ahmad Jam, Allama Sharafuddin Boseeri, Maulana Abdur Rahman Jami, Sa’adi Sheerazi, Maulana Room and Allama Iqbal. As the promotion and dissemination of zeal and zest of eulogies is concerned, countless efforts have been made by some writers with sincerity and devotion. Some commendable Na’at Numbers have been brought out recently which include “Auj Na’at Number, of Government College, Shahdara, Lahore, and Al-Rasheed Na’at Number in three volumes. These numbers have indeed, been brought out with utmost efforts and serious endeavors. The selections are praise-worthy and commendable. “Na’at Rang” Karachi being brought out by Sayyid Sabih Rahmani has played and is playing a commendable and praise-worthy role in respect of popularization of Na’at genere, not only in Pakistan, but also in all continents of the world. The people of the whole world Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Canada are now very well familiar with the eulogies of the holy Prophet and through the enthusiastic efforts of Sayyid Sabih Rahmani, “Na’at Rang” is immensely popular amongst the people of all continents. Every Issue of |Na’at Rang takes away the hearts of the readers. Its publication and articles on different topics are indeed invaluable which are spreading light and resplendence in the bosoms and hearts of the readers.

(6)“Na’at Rang” is the first and foremost magazine of Pakistan, which makes spiritual feasts of the lovers of the holy Prophet(blessings of Allah the exalted be upon him). The style of presentation of articles is excellent which is the result of hard-working and personal interest of the editor who is very skilled in brining out magazine of outstanding standard and criterion.

The editor of “Na’at Rang” Karachi, Sayyid Sabih Rahmani has been endowed with various outstanding qualities and attributes. He has a melodious voice and recites the eulogy of the Crown of the Apostles (peace be upon them). Apart from bearing the quality of singing the songs of the “Praised of the Universe”, he is a good poet of eulogy. The eulogies written by him are simple in nature, but of great efficacy. His heart is an abode of Divine grace and bosom is the dwelling-place of love of the holy Prophet ( blessings of Allah be upon him). I personally feel that all these blessings and benedictions make circumbulation of his heart and he himself is meant for making the circuits of Kabah of souls and spirits (blessings of Allah be upon him).

In different periods, various persons have had the honour to promote the cause of eulogy and love of the Prophet but Sayyid Sabih Rahmani in this respect, stands on a very high station. During a little span of time, Na’at Rang has gained great popularity because of the fact that the matter and material being published in it is heart-taking, lovely and effective.

If we start counting the attributes of “Na’at Rang” we can plunge into the deepest layer of the sea of Research and take out the pearls of applause for Sayyid Sabih Rahmani in countless number. But we suffice to

(7)

laud the magazine with the saying of Sa’adi Shirazi “The misk speaks itself and not the misk-seller”.

Dear Readers! If you are desirous of enlightening your hearts do purchase and read “Na’at Rang” Allah may protect you all with His might and power.

Nazm

The literary meaning of Nazm is Poetry (cf. Nasr, or Prose) A poem fully dealing with a single subject or thought.

Qafia

Rhyming of the last words of a poem.

Qasida

(Ballad). It is a long poem in Urdu, Persian or Arabic which usually describes battles or written in praise of kings; princes or the poet's patron. There is no limit of verses; it may even go beyond hundred lines.

Qat'a

(Fragments). It has two Ashaar and has a one complete subject. Plural Qita'at.

Radeef

(End rhyme). Each SHER, Shero, Shayari, Shyari, Shayri of GHAZAL in addition to QAFIA may also have RADEEF which is rhyming of more than the last two or three words.

Ruba'i

Persian word for Quatrain. Contains only 4 lines, the third one being different from the other three as it should not have QAFIA and RADEEF. RUBA'I deals with social, philosophical and romantic subjects. In Persian language Umar Khayyam is supposed to be a great poet of RUBAIYY A T whereas in Urdu Yagana, Firaq and Josh are leading poets of this time and Anis, an old time poet.

Salam

(Literal meaning Salutation) It is a kind of poem in which the incidents of Karbala i.e. hardships of Hazarat Imam Husain and his followers are described It is also written in praise of Muhammad, and is recited by standing up.

Sehra

A song sung at the time of tying Sehra during wedding ceremony, praising the bride or the bridegroom and their relatives.

Shehr Ashob

Poem describing a ruined city.

Tah-Tul-Lafz

The manner of reciting a poem; like rhythmic prose i.e. without singing; word for word.

Takhallus

A name adopted by a poet, by which he is known in the literary world.

Tarannum

The manner of reciting a poem in the form of a song.

Wasokht

Literal meaning 'displeasure' or 'disgust'. A kind of poem in which the displeasure and carelessness of a lover is narrated; while relinquishing the beloved.

Geet

Song or hymn.

Mushaira

A symposium of poets; a poet's gathering.

Qawwali

Devotional song expressing the love and oneness with God sung by a group of people to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Now-a-days, it has taken popular form covering subjects of romance, liquor, etc.

Some famous Urdu Poets using Sher
Amir Khusro
Meer
Ghalib
Hasrat Mohani
Iqbal
Faiz Ahmed Faiz