Resonance of Islamic World’s Challenges in 20th-Century Urdu Nā‘at Poetry

بیسویں صدی کے اردونعتیہ کلام میں عالمِ اسلام کے مسائل کی بازگشت

Abstract

In the early 20th century, the decline and challenges faced by the Muslim world found a profound echo in Urdu Nā‘tiyah shā‘irī, a genre dedicated to the praise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This article underscores the significant emphasis placed on the sociopolitical struggles of the Muslim Ummah within the Nā‘at compositions of esteemed poets such as Altaf Hussain Hali, Hafeez Taib, Naeem Siddiqui, Syed Matloob Ali Zaidi, Shorish Kashmiri, Naaz Sethi, Syed Ameen Gilani, and others.  The contemporary Muslim world continues to grapple with internal and external crises, particularly in regions like Kashmir, Palestine, Ṣūmālīā, Lubnān, Iritriyā, Afghānistān, and Miyānmār. Colonial powers have historically exploited Muslim nations through conspiracies, exacerbating their struggles. In the present scenario, Ghazza lies in ruins, while innocent Muslim lives are being lost in Palestine and Kashmir. 

In response to these adversities, contemporary Nā‘tiyah shā‘irī serves as a beacon of hope, celebrating the grandeur and resilience of the Muslim Ummah. Poets continue to inspire the faithful by invoking the spiritual and historical magnificence of Islam. Syed Matloob Ali Zaidi poignantly warns that if the violence and bloodshed in Kashmir persist, this land—once akin to paradise—will be reduced to ashes. 

Furthermore, the article delves into the historical roots of Nā‘tiyah literature, tracing its origins back to Ṭubbā Ḥimyarī, an ancient king of Yaman. Even before the advent of Islam, he was influenced by divine prophecies foretelling the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and he composed verses in his praise and honor. 

This study highlights how Nā‘tiyah shā‘irī has evolved as a powerful literary tradition, intertwining devotion with the socio-political consciousness of the Muslim world.