nasheed

Nasheed/Burdah playlist

Nader khan

Live Performances

Qaseeda

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Qasida

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

Nader Khan's Podcast

A traditional poem (qasida) describing love of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the poet's desire to visit his blessed grave in Madina. This was sung at SeekersHub in Toronto during one of the blessed nights of remembrance. The masterful Nader Khan is also singing and playing the drum.

Al-Salamu 'Ala

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.

This is a set of lyrics that I've been trying to set a tune to, for well over 3 years now.It was originally intended to be on the first album, but to a very different tune.It's a good thing I waited - this is the most satisfied I've been.

The lyrics were originally composed by Shaykh Abdul-Hakeem Murad and he had titled the poem as "Lamiyyat Al Ajam".Those who know what a "Lamiyya" is, will get the subtle wit of his title.

This recording was done to test out the sound setup at the new SeekersHub (http://seekershub.org) in Mississauga, Ontario.I've used a wired Shure SM-58 microphone, plugged into a Fender Passport 500 PA system - probably the best one there is for a musician on the road, in the affordable range.

It was recorded on Shaykh Faraz's iPhone 4 as a movie.I extracted the sound file in Apple's GarageBand, added in a "Live Performance" affect, and voila.

For booking inquiries, please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

NaderKhan - Pray My Lord by Shaykh Abdul-Hakeem Murad - Unplugged Acapella

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 set of lyrics was originally composed as a poem by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf.

This recording is from a live performance at the Ta'leef Collective in Fremont California, in November 2009.

It was recorded live using a Canon Powershot SX 20i - not sure about the specs of the sound system at Ta'leef that day.

For booking inquiries, please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

Nader Khan Sings "Springs Gift", By Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

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)

The Qasida Muhammadiya is one of the most famous shorter compositions by Imam Busiri, in praise of The Prophet Muhammad, Allah bless him and give him peace.

This recording is from the weekly gathering of celebrating The Prophet, at SeekersHub Toronto [http://www.SeekersHub.org], on September 15th 2011.

I've used an Edirol R-09 recorder, mounted on a tripod about two feet away from me. The microphone on this was excellent at capturing the feel of the gathering in stereo sound. In post-production, I've just added the "Live Performance" effect in GarageBand.

Nader Khan: The Muhammadan Ode ("Qasida Muhammadiya")

This poem in praise of The Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, is one of my favourites.  This past Thursday (October 6th, 2011), we sang it again at SeekersHub Toronto, in an East African style.

NaderKhan: The Muhammadan Ode ("Qasida Muhammadiya") in an East African style

The Fuqara of Sidi Hamza  sining the Burda in London Masjid with Shaykh BaBikr and many other Shuyukh London 2011

Dhikr/Hadra Qasa'id -every Saturday 8pm - Come Visit us see address
Qadiri Budshishi Zawiya, Birmingham - UK  
1 Jenkins St, Small Heath, Birmingham  B10 0QH
0753-5654-125   or email islam2jannat@yahoo.co.uk

Mawlid-london-main

Hada recorded at Working Masjid in Surrey 2011  - The Fuqara from Paris were also there too

Dhikr/Hadra Qasa'id -every Saturday 8pm - Come Visit us see address
Qadiri Budshishi Zawiya, Birmingham - UK  
1 Jenkins St, Small Heath, Birmingham  B10 0QH
0753-5654-125   or email islam2jannat@yahoo.co.uk

Woking Hadra 4

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]

By Madrasah Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiah's Qasidah team named Muhibbeen.

Produced by Me(youseek).

To be aired on Irsyad Radio very soon. Tune in to Irsyad Radio! 
http://radio.irsyad.sg

Qasidah Burdah by Muhibbeen

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]

A rough second-draft of a planned rendition for sometime in the near future.

This classic and popular Urdu piece in praise of the Beloved Medinan Emperor is very dear to me for many reasons.  Hope you all enjoy it.

Nader Khan -- The Emperor of Madina [Shah-e-Madina]

7th April 2012:: A clip from the recent performance at "Creativity & The Spiritual Path - Kuala Lampur", which was held at the Islamic Museum of Malaysia.

This is a work in progress.  The lyrics were composed by Shaykh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes from Atlanta, Georgia.

Zikr & Blues -- Nader Khan at the Islamic Museum in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia

"Best of Madeehul Mustafa Live in Singapore"

A compilation of live recordings of Madeehul Mustafa performances in singapore by Crew Selawat.

Recording and Mastering : Crew Selawat. 

06 Thobali_TholamaAsykuwalami

رائعة جدا للمنشد المتألق عبد الرحمن ابو شعر (أبو محمود)

ربي الخالق يا ذا المنة استديو _ Rabi Ya Al Khaleq

Qasaid medley.

Qasaid: Ma Rahati & Al Ku-usul Hashimiyya

Qasaid (Ma Rahati & Al Ku-usul Hashimiyya)

Mudh Sha-ati Dhatul 'Aliyya sung by The Keighley Munshids.

A qasida penned by Shaykh Abdurrahman ash-Shagouri.

Mudh Sha-ati Dhatul 'Aliyya

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"

Qasida: Aya Muridallah by Shaykh Ahmad al-Alawi

Starts with couplets from Darat Bimajla Abha and Iyhi Naseem al-Ashaar


Aya Muridallah

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"

This recording is the fourth one in my #iPhoneStudio series. 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, and a very slight echo/reverb effect. 

It was recorded at the most recent weekly "Circle Of Light" gathering of remembrance and reflection at SeekersHub Toronto [SeekersHub.org].

This is a set of lyrics that I'd been struggling to set a tune to, for well over 3 years -- this tune was composed as my wife and I stood in line with Imam Afroz Ali for a coach to take us to the airport in Melbourne, Australia after the SeekersRetreat back in April 2011.  It was originally intended to be on the first album, but to a very different tune.  It's a good thing I waited - this is the most satisfied I've been with a tune for it.

The lyrics were originally composed by Shaykh Abdul-Hakeem Murad and he had titled the poem as "Lamiyyat Al Ajam". Those who know what a "Lamiyya" is, will get the subtle wit of his title.

I'd posted an earlier recording of this track on this SoundCloud page.  I believe that the recording quality on this rendition is much better.  You're welcome to judge for yourselves: https://soundcloud.com/naderkhanofficial/naderkhan-pray-my-lord.

The first line from the opening words was penned by the gifted poetess Mona Haydar [https://soundcloud.com/monahaydar], who gave me permission to use her words without hesitation.

For booking inquiries, please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

Nader Khan [ #iPhoneStudio ] - PrayMyLord - Live Acapella

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.
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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
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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 /
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Translation © Nader Khan 2008 All Rights Reserved

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

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: The Muhammadan Ode ("Qasida Muhammadiya")

Nader Khan's SoundCloud