Zain bhikha

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Nader

This is where the ongoing podcasts will be added.  Stay tuned for more free downloads.

Nader Khan's Podcast

Forever

Which Of Allah's Favours Can You Deny (Drum)

The very first Al Maqasid (2014) was a powerful experience.  Set in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania, it was a spiritual awakening for people new to such experiences, and a deep revival for old hands.

In a moment before one of the evening sessions, Shaykh Yahya Rhodus asked me to sing something in Urdu.  Before I could begin, he asked me to share the refrain with everyone, and translate it for them. I shared the refrain of a very famous Urdu naat by Ustadh Muzaffar Warsi, "Tu Kuja Man Kuja" (Translation and transliteration of the refrain is shared below. A full translation and transliteration of these words that had everyone swaying, can be found at https://naderkhan.com/discography/water/ ).

There was something very special going on in this moment - everyone was as if drunk in the love of the Prophet (ﷺ).  After I shared the refrain, nobody had to encourage anyone to join in - it was a spontaneous eruption of love, where everyone sang together.  People of every conceivable racial background were swaying back and forth singing in Urdu, in love of the Prophet.  Some were weeping in longing.  Others were smiling ear to ear in celebration.

I am very grateful to have shared this beautiful moment with them.  And I am very grateful to Sidi Ahmed Zaman for having the presence of mind to capture it, and to Sidi Mohammad Najeeb Ahmed for sharing it with me.

If you listen carefully, you can clearly make out voices of Shaykh Yahya Rhodus, Maulana Abdurrahman, Shaykh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes, and others.

My wife had a creative epiphany and suggested I try out a specific Yemeni tune for this Naat.  I played around with it for a couple of weeks, decided to sing it here.  Those who've heard others reciting it will find this rendition to be *very* different - I hope they still like it.

A studio version of this track is available on the WATER album (rel. 2015), on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, etc.

This was the longest I'd spent translating *any* Urdu naat.  I found it exceedingly difficult, and I couldn't have done it without my wife and superhero manager Dr. Bano Murtuja.

---
Tu Amir-e-Haram, mae faqir-e-ajam
Tere gun, aur yeh lab, main talab hi talab. 
Tu ataa hi ataa, mae khata hi khata
Tu kuja man kuja, tu kuja man kuja

You: The Leader of the sacred sanctuary, Me: the needy of the ignorant.
Your praise and these lips? I crave and crave. 
You give and give. I err and err.
O, where are you, and where am I! O, where are you, and where am I!

Urdu original by Muzaffar Warsi
Translation © Nader Khan & Bano Murtuja 2013, All Rights Reserved

Image of the Prophet's tomb and mosque from http://alfatihoun.edaama.org/

Nader Khan -- "Where Are You, and Where Am I" -- Al Maqasid Retreat

This track was recorded for the background of an upcoming fundraising video for Islamic Relief.
The poetry is from one of Pakistan's most famous contemporary Na'at composers, Hazrat Muhammad Ali Zahoori.  The tune is in the Arabic mode of Bayat.The rhythm and beat are unusual for the Western Ear - it's a 7/8, and is used in Indian and some Arabic music.
The beat had to be recorded live (I used a Nepalese Tribal Madal drum for this).

[NOTE: Booking requests are not processed through this website.  To book Nader Khan, please contact "bookings@naderkhan.com"]


Salam Upon The Prophet

The Qasida Burda is arguably the most often recited and widely memorized poem in the world, in any language.The first chapter is about love, and the soul's sincere yearning for the beloved.  It has been rendered here in the Arabic Maqam of Hijaz, in a tune inspired from a popular rendition of Yunus Emre's song in Turkish, "Cagirayim Mevlam Seni".

TECHNICAL NOTES:I've recorded it here in Apple's GarageBand, using a Blue Yeti USB microphone.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION:Coming soon...

For booking inquiries, please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

Qasida Burda: Chapter 1 - On Love & Yearning. Sung by Nader Khan.

Muhammad

I was recently commissioned to record a rendition of this famous poem by Allama Iqbal, Pakistan's national poet.  The song is going to be included on the soundtrack for a documentary film about Major Muhammad Abbas Ali, founder of Muslim Welfare Centre in the Greater Toronto Area, a soldier who dedicated his life to the service of the needy.

I recorded this in Logic X through a Yeti Pro microphone.  I also used an EditorsKeys Studio Series portable vocal booth. This version has some light tambourine percussion -- the version decided upon by the director for the documentary does not have a tambourine.

Nader Khan -- Lab Pe Aati Hai Dua (Allama Iqbal)

A clip from an all-Arabic mawlid medley by Nader Khan & The BlackSmiths, featuring the tail end of "Qamarun", followed by "Khairal Bariyya" and a spirited rendition of "Ya Imam Ar Rusli".

The BlackSmiths are: Taleb Ahmed on a 12 inch daff and backing vocals, Dean Morrison on the cajon, Salman Khan on a 22 inch daff, and Ahmed Ali on the tabla.

The clapping and ululating is from an enthusiastic and spirited audience.

Nader Khan & The BlackSmiths performing live 03/2015 -- Qamarun, KhairalBariyya, YaImamArRusli

A live rendition of Shahe Madina by Sidi Nader Khan & ‪The BlackSmiths‬.

The BlackSmiths are: Taleb Ahmed on a 12 inch daff and backing vocals, Dean Morrison on the cajon, Salman Khan on a 22 inch daff, and Ahmed Ali on the tabla.


Nader Khan & The BlackSmiths performing live 03/2015 -- Shahe Madina

This piece was written immediately following the RIS 2009 conference in Toronto, in December 2009.  It was inspired by Imam Zaid Shakir.

I'd originally composed it as a poem, but Shaykh Faraz encouraged me to set it to a tune and record it.  I recorded it with Blue Microphones' Yeti Pro - the best USB microphone I've used thus far.  It's rich capture of sound is ... very cool.

I've kept this recording Acapella on purpose, as I intended for the listener to focus on the lyrics.  I also wanted to hear the recording quality of this new microphone up close without distractions.

::: For booking inquiries, please contact bookings@naderkhan.com :::

Nader Khan :: Audience

After working on this selection of songs for six and a half years, I'm incredibly excited and grateful to be able to share them with you.  This album reflects a significant growth for me, as a singer and songwriter.  Combining my lyrics with those of my teachers, and drawing on diverse musical genres from Jazz, Blues and Hard Rock, to Arabic, Indian, Turkish and East African music, I have pushed myself way out of my comfort zone into unfamiliar genres and completely new territory as an artist.  I hope you enjoy listening to them even more than I did composing them, arranging them, and recording them.  

---------------------
WATER

100% OF THE SALES REVENUE FROM THIS ALBUM WILL GO TO WATERAID CANADA.

Until 2016, revenue generated will be directed specifically to their current project in the Monze region of Zambia. This project hopes to reach 42,000 people with access to safe water, and over 40,000 people with access to improved sanitation and hygiene education. Upon the completion of this project, WaterAid Canada will redirect any further funds from the sale of this album based on their expertise.

THIS PROJECT IS INTENDED TO BE A SADAQA JARIYA FOR ALL WHO PARTICIPATE INCLUDING ALL WHO PURCHASE THE CD. SOME KEY INDIVIDUALS INVESTED AS SADAQA JARIYA FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR LOVED ONES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.

Please make fatiha and send Salawat on the Beloved Messenger (peace be upon him) on behalf of; the Muslims of Edmonton Canada, The late Tahira Arif Hussain, Syed Hussain, Rabia Sultan, Abdul Majeed Khan, Ghulam Omer, Nayeem Unissa Begum, Syed Taher Mohamed, Sardar Begum, Haji Mohammad Hussain Bhatti, Mustafa Abdul Rahim Assaqqaf and Anonymous Donor.

---------------------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Thanks go to my parents Nasir Mohammed Khan and Sultana Fatima, my parents-in-law Hafiz Muhammad Sagir and Nasreen Akhtar, my brothers Yasir and Zaker Khan, my sister-in-law Sufia Lodhi, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, Sidi Nazim Baksh, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Imam Zaid Shakir, Shaykh Muhammad Mendes, Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad, Shaykh Nuh Keller, Shaykh Tevfik Aydoner, Syed Mustafa Gilani, Sidi Muhtar Holland, Nermin Moufti, Umar Shahzad, Hamid Abdurrahim, Yasin Dusuroth, Tom Hamza Robertson, Mona Hayder, Mostafa Azzam, Sulayma Hassan, my niece Zara-Noor Khan, my children Nurah, Mustafa, Fatima and Zahra who get me to practice again and again, and my wife Dr Bano Murtuja - who has made all of this happen. A full list of Acknowledgements, Associate Producers and prayer requests can be found at WWW.NADERKHAN.COM

Album Sponsors include Bukhari Institute and SeekersHub Toronto.

---------------------
ALBULM CREDITS:

LYRICS: Nader Khan (Presence, Echoes, Witness, Take My Hand - Part II, As Though You See Him), Imām Ahmad Razā Khān (Qasīda é Nūr, Jashn é  mad é Rasūl), Shaykh Hamza Yusuf (Spring’s Gift), Imam Zaid Shakir (A Moment In Your Love), Yunus Emré / Muhtar Holland (My Lord On Thee), Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad (Pray My Lord), Shaykh Muhammad Mendes (Zikr In Minor Pentatonic), Shaykh Umar Al Yāfi (Supplication for Rain), Imām Al Busīrī (Qasīda Al Muhammadiya), Ustad Muzaffer Warsi (Tū Kujā Man Kujā)

VOCALS: Nader Khan 
PRODUCER: Hamid Abdurrahim (OK-HAAM)
MIXING ENGINEER: Hamid Abdurrahim
MASTERING ENGINEER: Hamid Abdurrahim
ASSISTANT MASTERING ENGINEER: Rodney C Daniel aka Yoda
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Dr. Bano Murtuja, Nader Khan
ASSISTANT PRODUCER: Altonio Bateman (A Moment In Your Love)
RECORDING, MIXING, MASTERING: 44 Pennyweight Studio, Morphius Records / Lord Baltimore Recording studio
ALBUM COMPOSITION: Nader Khan
ARRANGEMENT: Nader Khan, Hamid Abdurrahim, Eboni Coger (harmonies on Presence)
PERCUSSION AND RHYTHM: Nader Khan, Hamid Abdurrahim
ALBUM ARTWORK: Nermin Moufti
WEBSITE: Nermin Moufti, Usman Khalid, Umar Shahzad
PHOTOGRAPHY: Yasin Dusoruth

WATER

A Moment In Your Love

01 - A Moment In Your Love (WATER, rel. 2015)

Qasida Muhammadiya

02 - Qasida Muhammadiya (WATER, rel. 2015)

03 - Tu Kuja Man Kuja (WATER, rel. 2015)

04 - Take My Hand II (WATER, rel. 2015)

05 - WATER - Echoes (WATER, rel. 2015)

I don't recall *exactly* when it was, that I heard this Urdu Na'at in praise of The Beloved of God, May God bless him and give him peace, during in my childhood.  I do remember being very young, and in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in my parents' home.  I also remember that it was being rendered by a person who became my absolute favourite Na'at reciter later in life - the late Hazrat Khursheed Ahmed, may he be enveloped in Divine Mercy.

This was my earliest memory of an introduction to the tradition of praising the Prophet, Sall Allahu 'alaihi wa sallam.  This na'at remains one of my all-time favourite ones to this day.  I hope you all like it too.

This particular recording was recorded live at blessed evening in November 2009, at the Ta'leef Collective in Fremont California.

::: For booking inquiries, please contact bookings@naderkhan.com :::


khusravi achhi lagi na sarvari achhi lagi
hum faqiron ko madinay ki gali achhi lagi
-----We neither liked kingship nor did we like leadership,
-----For us faqirs, we only liked the alleyways of Madinah.

Dur thay to zindagi bay rang thi, bay kayf thi
Unkay Kuchay mein gae to, zindagi achhi lagi
-----When we were distant, our lives were devoid of colour or meaning 
-----Upon arriving at the narrow lanes of his neighbourhood, our life is more likeable.

mae na jaaun ga kahin bhi dar nabi ka chhodh kar
mujh ko ku-e-Mustafa ki chaakri achhi lagi
-----I will never go anywhere, abandoning the Prophet’s threshold.
-----I’ve found joy in serving the streets of Mustafa.

naaz kar tu aye Halima, sarvar-e-kawnayn par
gar lagi achhi to teri, jhopdi achhi lagi
-----Gloat, O Halima, over the Master of both universes
-----Of all the mud huts, it is yours that he liked most.


Nader Khan - Madinay Ki Gali

In 2011, I had a wonderful opportunity to re-record a classic song called "You Are Very Special". Originally released 15 years ago, I revisited this song with my old friend and producer, Craig Marais who's new melody was groundbreaking and amazingly emotional.  To make it more "special", I invited FaceBook fans to send pictures of their loved ones to make a unique home video featuring faces from around the world. You can view this video on our official YouTube site at www.youtube.com/zainbhikhastudios. Please stay in touch on www.zainbhikha.com or on facebook at www.facebook.com/zainbhikhaofficial  

You Are Very Special ('11 version)

Recorded at SeekersHub (<a href="http://SeekersHub.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://SeekersHub.org</a>): Nader Khan singing "Balaghal Ula Bi Kamalihi"&#13;
A translation of the first verse reads:&#13;
"The destinations are not distant from anyone,&#13;
Nor is it a matter of proximity&#13;
It ennobles whomever it wishes to&#13;
Such is the matter of the Beloved's threshold."&#13;
&#13;
For a full English translation, see http://naderkhan.com/2011/12/02/nader-khan-singing-balaghal-ula-bi-kamalihi/

Nader Khan: Exaltation Through Perfection [Balaghal Ula Bi Kamalihi]

JAN 19/2012 :: Nader Khan ( http://naderkhan.com ) singing "Zahay Muqaddar" at the weekly gathering of Celebrating The Beloved : Praising The Prophet, at SeekersHub ( http://SeekersHub.org/ ), every Thursday at 8:30PM. The gathering is also webcasted live through SeekersHub's online classroom. For more information, check ( http://SeekersHub.org/programs )

Ennobled Destiny [Zahé Muqaddar] is a classic Urdu naat about journeying to the Sacred Sanctuary of Madina, the tomb of The Prophet, peace be upon him.

For booking enquiries please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

Nader Khan - Ennobled Destiny [Zahé Muqaddar]

FEB 14/2012 :: Nürul Huda - a traditional qasida sung here in a classical Syrian tune.  This is a rough recording from earlier tonight.  Hope you all like it.

For booking enquiries please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

Nader Khan - The Light of Guidance [Nürul Huda]

UPDATE - AUG 10/2012

Many apologies for the delay in posting the translation - I've managed to complete an initial draft (*only of the 6 verses recited here - it's actually a very long poem) and am only posting it here to give the listeners a taste of the sublime meanings behind these blessed words that were composed about a century ago.  So, this translation is a work in progress.  I'm going to try and refine it further in the coming weeks.  Your comments and suggestions on improving it are welcome.


LYRICS - REFRAIN:
subha taiba mein hui bat-ta hai baada nur ka
sadqa lene nur ka aaya hai taaraa nur ka

LYRICS - VERSES:
baagh e taiba mein suhaana phool phoola nur ka
mast buein, bulbulein padti hain kalima nur ka

tere hi maathay raha ae jaan sehraa nur ka
bakht jaaga nur ka, chamkaa sitaara nur ka

taray hi janib hae paanchon waqt sajda nur ka
rukh hai qibla nur ka, abru hai ka’ba nur ka

tere aagay khaak par jhuktaa hai maathaa nur ka
nur nay paaya tere sajday say seema nur ka

chaand jhuk jaata jidhar ungli uthaate mahd mein
kya hi chalta thaa ishaaron par khilona nur ka

teri nasl-e-pak mein hai bachchaa bachchaa nur ka
tu hai ‘ayn-e-nur tera sab gharaana nur ka



TRANSLATION - REFRAIN:
Dawn has broken in Taiba, grants of light are being handed out
A star is spotted arriving to receive it’s alms of light

TRANSLATION - VERSES:
An enchanting flower has just bloomed in the garden of Taiba
As heady, intoxicating fragrances permeate, the Bulbuls chant the Proclamation of Light (Muhammadun RasüluLlah)

To you, O Beloved, belongs the credit for all the blessings of this light
Through you, light’s destiny was made fortuitous, light’s fame spread everywhere

Towards you, light prostrates itself all five times
Your visage is its Qibla, your brow, its Ka’ba.

In your presence, light lowers its forehead upon clay and dirt
It’s through this prostration, that light attains its glow.

The moon would lower itself as you’d point to it while in your cradle
What a wonderfully obedient toy of light it was, obeying your every gesture

In your blessed, pure progeny, every child is a child of light
You’re the very essence of light, indeed your entire household is one of light

Translation © Nader Khan, August 2012, All Rights Reserved.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

FEB 23/2012 :: A clip from the weekly gathering of Celebrating The Beloved at SeekersHub Toronto [http://SeekersHub.org], of Nader Khan [http://naderkhan.com] singing the well known classic naat, The Ode of Light [Qasida-e-Nur].

The gathering takes place every Thursday at 8:30PM EST, and is also webcasted live through SeekersHub's online classroom. For more information, check [http://SeekersHub.org/programs].

SeekersHub is an Islamic learning centre in the Greater Toronto Area, committed to providing a wide spectrum of free learning opportunities and spiritual activities that are open and welcoming to all individuals.

Help us continue to provide education without barriers through your ongoing monthly support or a one-time donation: http://seekershub.org/support-us/

Nader Khan - The Ode Of Light [Qasida-e-Nür]

I Remember your smile - Zain Bhikha

JUN 28/2012 :: A clip from the weekly gathering of Celebrating The Beloved at SeekersHub Toronto [http://SeekersHub.org], of Nader Khan [http://naderkhan.com] singing the Urdu Naat, "I stand silently in the court of Mustafa" [Main chup khada hua hün darbar-e-Mustafa mein].

This was originally rendered by my favourite Naat reciter, Ustadh Khursheed Ahmad.  From a recording of his rendition, the poet seems to be someone named "Ejaz", but I'm not sure of a last name.  If someone can educate me on that, I'd very much appreciate it.

My apologies for not uploading something for a while - preparing for, and receiving a new baby girl had kept me busy.  Insha'Allah, I'll try to be more regular with sharing more recordings.

Nader Khan -- I Stand Silently In The Court of Mustafa

A remix of one of the tracks from the album 'From God's Beauty', sung by Manaqib Nashids.

Manaqib - Muhammad the Greatest (English and Arabic)

Sala alayk Allah

AUG 10/2012 :: Nader Khan ( http://naderkhan.com ) singing "Jashné Amadé Rasül" at Celebrate Mercy's Ramadan 2012 webcast.

"The Emissary Comes" [Jashné Amadé Rasül] is a Naat that is almost never missed out on in Mawlid gatherings during Rabi' Al Awwal - the month of the birth of the Prophet, peace be upon him.

LYRICS (Urdu):
Jashne Amade Rasul, Allah hi Allah
Bibi Amina ke phul, Allah hi Allah

Haqq La ilaha ill Allah, La ilaha ill Allah
Haqq La ilaha ill Allah, La ilaha ill Allah

Jab kay sarkar tashrif laane lagay
Hur-o-ghilman bhi khushiyan mananay lagay
Amina dekh kar muskuranay lagin
Havva maryam bhi khushiyan manaanay lagin
Amina bibi sab say yeh kehnay lagin
dua ho gai Qabul

Chehra e Mustafa jab dikhaya gaya
Chhup gae taaray aur chand sharma gaya
Har taraf nur ki raushni chha gai
Mustafa kya milay, zindagi mil gai
Ae Halima teri gode mein aa gae
Dono aalam kay rasul 

Shadiyaanay khushi kay bajaae gae
Shaad kay naghmay sab ko sunaae gae
Har taraf shor Sallay Alaa ho gaya
Aaj paeda Habib-e-Khuda ho gaya
phir to Jibril nay bhi yeh Aelaan kiya
Yeh Khuda kay hain rasul


TRANSLATION:
Celebrate the arrival of the Emissary
The delicate flower of Lady Aminah

Truth: There's no deity besides The One God
There's no deity besides The One God

As our master was about to arrive
The maidens and attendants of paradise started to cheer
Amina, upon seeing him, began to smile
Even Eve and Mary joined in the celebration
Lady Amina announced to all:
"A prayer has been answered."

When the face of Mustafa was finally unveiled 
The stars hid themselves, and the moon shied away
Rays of light spread in all directions, overpowering everything
Through having Mustafa, our lives became worthwhile 
O Halima, in your lap has arrived
An Emissary to both worlds

Tunes of joy were played everywhere
Songs of happiness were sung for all to hear
In all directions echoed the call of "Sallay 'Alaa" 
For today was born the Beloved of God
And Jibril himself then proclaimed to the universe:
"This is the Emissary of God"


For booking enquiries please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

Nader Khan - Celebrate The Arrival of The Emissary [Jashné Amadé Rasül] - from CM Video

Nader Khan, singing a soulful "sequel" to the title track of his first album, in a pure A Capella style.  This is a recording from a live performance for the FeedME Campaign [http://www.SeekersWorks.org/], from November 2012.

This soon-to-be released single is titled "Take My Hand, Part 2".


-----------------------------------

Campaign Page: http://SeekersWorks.org -- Please support the campaign by hosting a FeedME Concert, by collecting $10 from 10 friends, and by sharing this video with others

-----------------------------------

10 DOLLARS FROM 10 PEOPLE — It's a pretty simple concept. Find 10 people who will help you fight hunger in the GTA by giving you at least $10. Before you know it, you've raised $100 to fight hunger in the GTA. We need you to do this today. We also need 499 other people to do the same. Welcome to FeedME 2012.

- [More Info: http://www.SeekersWorks.org/]

WHY SHOULD I CARE?
1. Faith is Feeding Others: Faith in the Islamic tradition, as in almost all others, is intrinsically tied to relieving difficulties of others. "He hasn't believed, who sleeps at night being satiated while his neighbour is hungry", said our Beloved Messenger, (God bless him and give him peace).

2. Manifesting Mercy: The most effective way for us to teach others about our Beloved Messenger (God bless him and give him peace), is by mirroring him, his mercy towards everything in the universe, and his concern for the wellbeing of others, in our conduct with others.

3. Give to Receive: The Prophet (God bless him and give him peace), taught us: "Be merciful to those on the Earth, and The One Above will have mercy on you." We are in constant need of God's Mercy, one of the most effective ways of receiving Divine Mercy is by exhibiting mercy towards others.

4. The Facts: Just take a look at where things are at in our own city.
• 17% of Mississauga lives below the poverty line. That's almost 1 in 5 residents. That's 125,000 people in Mississauga alone. Almost half of these are children!
68% of food bank clients are families with children.
• For the families using food banks, 78% of their monthly income is spent on rent.
• A $5 donation feeds an adult for 10 days.
• $25 provides 100 meals to hungry children, families, and seniors. $50 provides 200 meals. $100 provides 400 meals.
• $250 covers the cost of cleaning, sorting and distributing 1 tonne (2,000 lbs) of food to the hungry.
• $500 provides distribution of 7-10 days of nutritious food each month to a family of four for one year.

- [More Info: http://www.SeekersWorks.org/]

FUNDRAISING 101:
1. Focus on the positive, and on how much their contribution can help.
2. Smile. Genuinely and sincerely. People are much more responsive to being approached with a positive disposition.
3. Be confident — you're not asking for yourself. You are providing people with a powerful opportunity to get closer to God by helping those in need.
4. Share your success of how far we've already come.

And most importantly,

5. Ask God for His assistance before speaking with anyone about the campaign.

- [More Info: http://www.SeekersWorks.org/]


______________________________

Nader Khan - Take My Hand, Part 2 - A Capella

JANUARY 12/2013 :: Little Mustafa ibn Nader Khan writes his first song in praise of The Beloved of God.

It was recorded the very next day.

I think it's the scent of Rabi' Al Awwal in the air. Ever since early afternoon, he'd been insistent on writing and recording a song about the Prophet, peace be upon him.

May Allah make him a means to guide people to Him, and to the love of His Beloved, peace be upon him.

RasulAllah - by Mustafa Khan

This is one of my favourite Naats that I've recently reconnected with.  

A Naat (here referring specifically to the A Capella devotional art form in South Asia, as opposed to the wider definition of praising The Prophet, peace be upon him) is one of the easiest things to record, since there's nothing used besides pure human voice.  So, there's no concerns about, for example, ensuring that the drums aren't drowning out the voice, or aren't overloading the microphone.

The only concern is having a safe distance to the microphone so one can get a clean recording without it getting too loud and clipping or buzzing in the recording, or too low to capture a full sound of the vocals.

Using the SoundCloud app for iPhone was really useful. It allowed me to visually monitor voice levels being received by the iPhone before I even began recording.  It also bypassed using any of the high-in-demand storage space on the iPhone, and uploaded immediately as a private file straight to my SoundCloud account.

This was recorded live at the weekly Circle Of Light gathering at SeekersHub Toronto [http://SeekersHub.org]. When I got home, I downloaded it to my Mac, did some minor postproduction edits in GarageBand.

As for the Naat itself, it's mostly pretty accessible and simple Urdu.  There are only a couple of uncommon words.  I've tried to translate it in a manner that captures the intended meaning of the words to the best of my ability.  Alternative translation suggestions are welcome.

---------------------------------------------

Madinan nights, Madinan words
Amongst lives lived, *this* is true living.
And what a life it is!

An era has gone by since he's passed through
The meandering alleyways of Taiba The Blessed.
Even now there lingers therein
The sweet fragrance of his blessed perspiration.

This wound is from Taiba The Blessed, 
Getting afflicted with it is not destined for just anyone.
Let no one dare to even try
Sewing up this precious wound.

Just by casting his blessed gaze,
He intoxicates us completely out of our senses.
He doesn't even trouble the drunkard
With the task of actually drinking.

When one can no longer find 
Words worthy of conveying one's praise
How then may one even attempt
To praise Medina the blessed?

---------------------------------------------

© Translation Copyright Nader Khan March 2013, All Rights Reserved

Nader Khan [ #iPhoneStudio ] -- Madinan Nights

This recording is the second in my #iPhoneStudio series.  It was recorded on an iPhone 5 placed about 12 inches away from me. The *only* postproduction that I've done on this is a fade-in and a fade-out.  Everything else here is intact from the original raw audio.

Again, a beautiful Naat expressing love and longing for the Beloved of God, peace be upon him.

I've included the lyrics and an attempt at translation below.

-----------------------------------------------------

Ya Muhammad Muhammad (SAW) mein kehta raha,
Noor kay motiyon ki ladi ban gaee,
Ayaton sey milata raha ayatayn,
Phir jo dekha to Naat e Nabi (SAW) ban gaye.

Jab chidah tazkira husn e sarkar ka,
Wad-Duha pad liya, wal-Qamar keh dia,
Sooraton kee tilawat bhi hoti rahi,
Naat bhi ban gayi baat bhi ban gayi.

Jo bhi ansoo bahe merey Mehboob kay,
Sab key sab abr e rehmat kay cheentay banay,
Chah gaee raat jab zulf lehra gaee,
Jab tabasum kiya chandani ban gaee.

Yeh to maana kay jannat hai bagh e haseen,
Khoobsoorat hey sab khuld ki sar zameen,
Husn e jannat ko phir jab samayta gaya,
Sarwar e ambiya ki galee ban gaee.

-----------------------------------------------------

O Muhammad, Muhammad, I chanted away,
The words turned into a string of luminous pearls.
And I I kept on reciting verse after the verse, 
It became a Prophetic description unfurled

When the topic arose of my master's beauty
I recited verses that begin with "the sun" and "the moon".
As chapters of the book were being recited away,
I got my poem praising him, and secured my salvation as well.

All the tears that flowed from my beloved's eyes
They became droplets from the rainclouds of mercy
It seemed night cast itself as his hair blew this way.
And when he smiled, it was moonlight itself.

Of course paradise is the garden of beauty.
How stunningly exquisite is the land of that world! 
But when the beauty of paradise was gathered together,
It became an alleyway that led to the Leader of The Prophets.

© Translation Copyright Nader Khan 2013, All Rights Reserved

Nader Khan [ #iPhoneStudio ] - "O Muhammad, Muhammad, I Chanted Away"

This recording is the third one in my #iPhoneStudio series, and the very first one in which live drumming is recorded with the singing.  Just like the previous one, this was recorded on an iPhone 5 placed about 12 inches away from me. The *only* postproduction that I've done on this is a fade-in and a fade-out.  Everything else here is intact from the original raw audio.

It was recorded at the most recent weekly "Circle Of Light" gathering of remembrance and reflection at SeekersHub Toronto [http://SeekersHub.org].

"Jalla man qad sawwarak" is a classical Levantian devotional piece, sung in the "Bayati" mode, with what's to the Western ear, an unusual 7/8 beat (referred to in Arabic music as "dawar Hindi").  Personally, I *really* enjoy singing in this beat and in this mode.  Singing a piece with both of these together, is something else.

The English translation of the Arabic lines was done by Sidi Amjad Tarsin (Muslim Chaplain at The University of Toronto), and proofread by Sidi Ghuydar Bashmaf, a gifted singer of Islamic devotional songs, and Shaykh Faraz Rabbani, a scholar of Islamic law, Executive Director of SeekersHub Global, and someone whom I regard as my best friend.

I've added lines in Urdu and English to this piece.  The lines in Urdu are from two separate poets: the first two are from Muhammad Zahuri, and the last two are from Syed Iqbal Azîm.

The first two lines in English, are an attempt at conveying the translation of the famous couplet by the Prophet's Companion, Sayyidna Hassan ibn Thabit, while remaining within the meter of the song:
“More beautiful than you, my eye has never seen,
And more perfect than you, no woman ever gave birth to;
You were created free from any flaw whatsoever,
As though you were created just the way you wanted”.  
[Diwan Hassan ibn Thabit]

The last two lines came to me as part of a larger poem, while attending an event in Toronto where two eminent scholars were talking about the Prophet, May God bless him and give him peace, always and eternally.


ARABIC:

Glorious is He, Who's fashioned you, A radiant full moon, out of water and clay.
And He enabled in your appearance, A joy for all those who behold it.

Be gentle and merciful to your lover, Who has melted in the heat of his painful groans.
I ask God to protect you, From the eyes of the envious.

O my Beloved I ask you by the Prophet, Put an end to this fondness,
What has befallen me is enough, Of your barring and delaying.

My mind is captivated in your love, And my heart is drawn to you,
And your love, O my master, A joy for all those who behold it!

URDU:

I send salutations to the daybreaks and the evenings of the Prophet's mosque
O Prophet, I send salutations to the ones who serve your servants.

It's not at all possible to describe your character with this tongue of mine,
O emperor of the masses, O crowned one of the emissaries.

ENGLISH:

No eye has seen such beauty as thine, no dame has born such a one so fine
You're created free of flaw, as if by your own design

More generous theres never been, more beautiful was never seen
I surrender at your doorstep, all my dunya and my deen

© Translation Copyright Nader Khan 2013, All Rights Reserved

Nader Khan [ #iPhoneStudio ] - "Glorious is He, Who's Fashioned You"

LANGUAGE: English

SONGWRITER: Nader Khan

INSPIRATION: 
A song of repentance, based on the very first couplet of Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi`s famous poetic compilation, the “Mathnawi”; a section of the litany “Hizb al Kabir” composed by the founder of the Shadhili Sufi order, Imam Abul-Hasan al Shadhili; the “Ode of Repentance” from the poetic compendium of the renowned Sufi scholar Shaykh Muhammad ibn Al-Habib (where the first two Arabic lines come from); and a few other readings.

The “covenant” being referred to in this song, is found in the seventh chapter of the Holy Qur’an, "The Heights" ("Al A'raf") , verse 172, but can also be taken to refer to any oath, promise, or responsibility. This event is sometimes referred to in Persian Islamic literature as “Ruz-e-alast” (the day of “alast”). The prayer at the end of the song is the prayer of Adam and Eve as they accept responsibility for their misjudgment, also from same chapter of the Qur’an, in verse 23.

LYRICS:
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06 - The Sound Of Tears (TAKE MY HAND, rel. 2008)

LANGUAGE: English

SONGWRITER: Nader Khan

INSPIRATION: 
A song based on a story cited by Imam Ghazali in his book “Duties of Brotherhood in Islam”, translated into English by Muhtar Holland. The story is of two friends from a pre-Islamic Jewish community, and deals with their lifestyle of devotion and worship, how one of them goes astray, and how his friend takes him by the hand, back to his original path.

LYRICS:
Take my hand, come with me
Take your time, but don’t you see
That your ways, won’t set you free
Take my hand, come with me

Take a look, inside the door
Of my heart, you’ll see for sure
That my love, for you is pure
Take my hand, come with me

I won’t judge, won’t put you down
While you lie, down on the ground
Take your time, I’ll hang around
Take my hand, come with me

I don’t know how I would fare
If your trials, I was to bear
But your burden, do let me share
Take my hand, come with me

Take this hate out of your heart
It’s alright that we’ve grown apart
Let’s give this thing a brand new start
Take my hand, come with me

Turn your anger, your glowing rage
Against yourself, break out of the cage
Write your story, on a brand new page
Take my hand, come with me

I won’t shout, I’ll stay composed
This is where, you need me most
It’s not too late, the door hasn’t closed
Take my hand, come with me

And if i stumble, as I walk with you
I’ll take your hand, oh I’ll come with you
I’ll need your strength, to pull me through
But now take my hand, and now come with me
___________________________________
© Nader Khan 2008 All Rights Reserved

04 - TAKE MY HAND - PreviewClips - Take My Hand [English]

LANGUAGE: Urdu/Arabic/Farsi

SONGWRITER: Popular

INSPIRATION:
An Urdu song in praise of the Prophet and well-known in the Indian subcontinent. Current rendition is based on a version composed by the Indian music director Ravindra Jain and sung by Mohammad Aziz for the popular 1990 Indian movie “Henna”. The familiar opening rubai was reportedly composed by Shaykh Sa’di Shirazi.
___________________________________

LYRICS:
Ya sahibul jamalu wa ya sayyadul bashar
Min wajhikal muniro laqad nawwarul qamar
La yumkinuth thana`uka ma kaana haqquhu
Ba’daz Khuda, buzurg toi, qissa-e-mukhtasar

Marhaba Sayyadi, Makki Madaniyy-ul Arabi
Dil-o-jaan baad fidayat che ajab khush laqabi

Hoke mayus tere dar se savali na gaya
Khali haath aaya magar lawt ke khaali na gaya
Hai tu hi afzal-ul-insan tu mehbub-e-khuda
Ae Quraishi, O Bani Hashmi, O Muttalabi
Sayyadi anta habibi wa tabib-e-qalbi

Marhaba Sayyadi, Makki Madaniyy-ul Arabi

Kab ata hoga mujhe zawq-e-sanakhwan-e-nabi
Ae qamar, ye meri koshish kisi qabil to nahin
Meri khatir to ye nisbat bhi bohot hai mawla
Mae kahaan, varna kahaan zikr-e-khuda, naat-e-nabi
Dil-o-jaan baad fidayat che ajab khush laqabi

Marhaba Sayyadi, Makki Madaniyy-ul Arabi
___________________________________

TRANSLATION:
O possessor of beauty! O leader of mankind
It is from your enlightened countenance that the moon is illumined
It is not possible to praise you in a befitting manner
In short, after God, you are the greatest

Welcome, my Leigelord, O Makkan and Medinan of the Arabs
How wondrous! May my heart and soul be your ransom, O sweet-titled-one

Never has a questioner turned away from your threshold in a state of despair
Though he arrived empty handed, he didn’t depart empty handed
You are the best among men, the beloved of God
O Quraishite, O Hashimite, O Muttalabite
My Leigelord, you are my beloved, and the healer of my heart

Welcome, my Leigelord, O Makkan and Medinan of the Arabs

When will I taste the refinement of being one who truly praises the Prophet
O Qamar, this meagre attempt of mine is not worth anything at all
For my sake, this association is sufficient, my Lord
Who am I to be endowed with the remembrance of God, and the praise of His Prophet
How wondrous! May my heart and soul be your ransom, O sweet-titled-one

Welcome, my Leigelord, O Makkan and Medinan of the Arabs /
___________________________________
Translation © Nader Khan 2008 All Rights Reserved

02 - TAKE MY HAND - PreviewClips - Marhaba [Urdu, Arabic, Farsi]

LANGUAGE: Urdu

SONGWRITER: Muhammad Iqbal Naqibi

INSPIRATION:
This qawwali was masterfully delivered time and again by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. It is rendered here more as a song than a pure qawwali. The various tangential improvisations that are expected in a qawwali have been kept to a minimum. I’ve also opted to use an opening verse that was presented in a television rendition by the Indian singer Toshi Sabri.
___________________________________

LYRICS:
Hava khilaf thi, lekin chiragh khub jala
Khuda bhi hone ke kya kya sabut deta hai

Tere hi nam se har ibteda hai
Tere hi nam tak har inteha hai
Teri hamd o sana, alhamdu liLlah
Ke Tu mere Muhammad ka Khuda hai

Ye zamin jab na thi, ye jahan jab na tha
Chand suraj na thay, asman jab na tha
Raz-e-haq bhi kisi par ayan jab na tha
Tab na tha kuch yahan, tha magar Tu hi Tu

Kawnain ka masjud hai, ma’bud hai Tu
Har shai Teri shahid hai ke mash-hud hai Tu
Har ek ke lab par hai Teri hamd o sana
Har soz mein, har saaz mein mawjud hai Tu

Tu jo har aan nai shaan dikha deta hai
Dida-e-shawq ko hairan bana deta hai
Dali dali Teri takhliq ke gun gati hai
Patta patta Teri qudrat ka pata deta hai

La ilaha Teri shan ya wahdahu
Tu khayaal-o-tajassus, Tu hi arzu
Ankh ki roshni, dil ki avaz Tu

Khaliq-e-kul hai Tu, is mein kya guftagu
Sare alam ko hai Teri hi justaju
Teri jalvagari hai ayan charsu
Tha bhi Tu, hai bhi Tu, hoga bhi Tu hi Tu
___________________________________

TRANSLATION:
The wind was hostile, but the lantern did burn ever so intensely
How wondrously strange are the affirmations that God presents, of His own existence

From Your name is every beginning
Unto Your name is every ending
To praise You is to say that all praise is for You alone
You are, after all, the God of Muhammad

When this land was not, and neither was this earth
When the moon and the sun were not, and neither was this universe
When the secret of Reality hadn’t yet been bestowed upon anyone
Then, there was nothing here, save You

You’re the one prostrated to, and worshipped in both existences
Every thing attests to Your existence, ergo You are The Witnessed
It’s Your praise and extolling that is on the lips of everyone
You are Existent in every rhythm and in every tune

You Who manifests a novel majesty ever so frequently
You thereby bewilder eyes that are anticipating an experience of Your manifestations
Every branch sings the praise of Your creative feat
Every leaf is a sign that points towards Your supreme power

That there isn’t another god is of Your majesty, O Peerless One
It’s but You Who occupy my imagination, my curiosity, my aspiration
You are the light in my eyes, the voice in my heart

You are the Creator of every thing, without doubt
The entire universe is busied with it’s seeking of You
Your sublime manifestations are evident in all directions
You were Beginninglessly Eternal then, are Ever Present now, and will forever be Endlessly Eternal
___________________________________
Translation © Nader Khan 2008 All Rights Reserved

07 - TAKE MY HAND - PreviewClips - Allah Hu [Urdu]

LANGUAGE: Urdu

SONGWRITER: Sayid Iqbal Azim

INSPIRATION: 
This naat was rendered to popular acceptance by the Pakistani Qur’an reciter and Naat performer, Qari Waheed Zafar Qasmi, and enjoys a strong emotional attachment all across the Indian subcontinent. The current rendition presents it in a typically Arabic tune of the hijaz mode.
___________________________________

LYRICS:
Faslon ko takalluf hai hum se agar
Ham bhi bebas nahin, besahara nahin
Khud unhin ko pukarenge hum dur se, 
Raaste mein agar paun thak jaaenge

Jaise hi sabz gumbad nazar aaega
Bandagi ka qarina badal jaaega
Sar jhukane ki fursat milegi kise
Khud hi aankhon se sajde tapak jaaenge

Hum madine mein tanha nikal jaaenge
Aur galiyon mein qasdan bhatak jaaenge
Hum vahaan jaake vaapas nahin aaenge
Dhundte dhundte log thak jaaenge

Naam unka jahaan bhi liya jaaega
Zikr unka jahaan bhi kiya jaaege
Nur hi nur sinon mein bhar jaaega
Saari mehfil mein jalve lapak jaaenge

Ae madine ke zaair khuda ke liye
Dastaan-e-safar mujh ko yun mat suna
Dil tadap jaaega. Baat badh jaaegi
Mere mohtat aansu chhalak jaaenge

Unki chashm-e-karam ko hai iski khabar
Kis musafir ko hai kitna shawq-e-safar
Hum ko Iqbal jab bhi ijazat mili
Hum bhi aaqa ke durbar tak jaaenge
___________________________________

TRANSLATION:
If distances prove themselves to be pretentious towards us
We are neither helpless, nor are we without support
We shall entreat Him ourselves
Should our feet grow weary along the path

The moment the green dome becomes visible
Slave hood shall manifest itself differently
Who will have respite to bow their heads
Prostrations, of their own accord, shall trickle from the very eyes

We will go out in Madina, bereft of familiar company
And deliberately lose our way in its streets
Having reached there, we shall not return
Be it that looking for us, people grow weary

His name, wheresoever it shall be mentioned
His remembrance, wheresoever it shall be made
Light, and yet more light, shall fill up the breasts of those gathered
Spiritual manifestations shall leap out upon the entire gathering

O Visitor of Madina, for God’s sake
Do not thus share your journey’s narrative
The heart will grow restless, anxious; the matter shall exceed all bounds
My guarded tears shall spill forth

His magnanimous insight is well informed
As to which traveler harbours how much aspiration for his journey
Whensoever it may be that we be granted permission, O Iqbal
We too shall pay a visit unto the court of the Liege-lord
___________________________________
Translation © Nader Khan 2008 All Rights Reserved

05 - TAKE MY HAND - PreviewClips - Faslon Ko Takalluf [Urdu]

LANGUAGE: Arabic

SONGWRITER: Popular

INSPIRATION: 
Imam Muslim narrates in his Sahih, that Imam Ali said, “By the One Who split the grain (with growth) and created man, the Unlettered Prophet’s promise (Allah bless him and grant him peace) to me is: none shall love me except for a believer and none shall hate me except for a hypocrite.” Shaykh Muhammad Zahid, out of concern that I could be misunderstood, advised me to add the line “Kullu man sara `ala darbihimu” to the song when he first heard me perform it. It took him almost 10 seconds to compose a line that matched the song both in rhythm, and in propriety. This has been the first song that all my children have heard as soon as they were born, and today it’s their lullaby of choice.
___________________________________

LYRICS:
Inna fil jannati nahran min laban
Li `Aliyyin wa Husainin wa Hasan

Kullu man kana muhibban lahumu
Kullu man sara `ala darbihimu
Yadkhulu ljannata min ghairi hazan

Hubbu ahlil bayti fardun `indana
Wa bi hathal hubbi la nakhshal mihan
___________________________________

TRANSLATION:
Surely, in paradise, is a river of milk
For Ali, and Hussain, and Hasan

Whosoever loves them
Whosoever goes forth upon their path
Enters paradise without experiencing any sadness

Love of the People of the Prophetic Household is incumbent upon us
And because of this love, we do not fear tribulations
___________________________________
Translation © Nader Khan 2008 All Rights Reserved

03 - TAKE MY HAND - PreviewClips - Ahl Al Bayt [Arabic]

Nader Khan (नादेर खान / نادر خان) is a Canadian singer-songwriter, recording artist, producer, arts educator, and musicologist, with a specific focus on traditional and contemporary Islamic devotional/Sufi music. Over the last 25 years, he has toured and performed across the world (Canada, United States, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom, Norway, Guyana, Trinidad, Mexico, Australia, Malaysia, and Singapore), in solo performances, and on tours with other internationally renowned artists. Nader has also spearheaded various social justice initiatives that promote local and international relief efforts through Islamic devotional music, arts, and youth engagement.

Nader is also an executive producer for STORIES FROM THE SEERAH, a new podcast covering the entire Seerah of The Prophet (ﷺ) in a rarely-experienced level of detail, expertly narrated by the renowned Seerah teacher, Dr. Bano Murtuja. It’s designed for 6-15 year olds, but people of all ages are getting hooked on it. Subscribe today at http://StoriesFromTheSeerah.SuperCast.com.

To book Nader, individually or with the Blacksmiths, or to get more information about his albums, performances, workshops and upcoming projects, email Bano@naderkhan.com.

Nader Khan - Ennobled Destiny [Zahé Muqaddar]

Nader Khan's SoundCloud