Nasheeds

Soulful

Nader khan

Live Performances

Nader Khan

The Urdu Playlist

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

Nader Khan's Podcast

Islam

Jashn

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

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.  

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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.

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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.

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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)

Many apologies for the lack of a podcast in the recent weeks.The recent opening of SeekersHub Toronto (<a href="http://SeekersHub.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://SeekersHub.org</a>), and the intense Ramadan programming there had kept my wife and I very busy.

So now, I'm back, and will do my best to be more regular, insha'Allah.

This song is an English translation by Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad, of an originally Turkish song by Yunus <a href="http://Emre.In" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emre.In</a> his mastery of the English language, he has managed to maintain rhyme and meter of the Turkish original.

I'd always found one of the popular tunes for this song especially captivating, and had written a song called "The Quest" to this tune on the first album.This song follows the original tune and song structure more closely.

The song is essentially an exercise in intercession, through all the things and people one considers as held close by God.

The recording for both the lead vocals and the voice layering backing vocals was done with Blue's Yeti Pro microphone, mounted upside down on a boom microphone stand, straight into my Mac's GarageBand. I'm *really* liking this microphone.

Here are the full lyrics ::

With the rocks and mountains high, Let me call, my Lord, on Thee.
At the dawn with birds that fly, Let me call, my Lord, on Thee.

With Isa, raised on high, With Musa on Sinai,
With the rod that he holds by, Let me call, my Lord, on Thee.

With thankful praise addressed to God With the Koran’s ‘Say: He is God’,
With bare feet, head uncovered, Let me call, my Lord, on Thee.

With Eyub in suffering drear With Yaqoub shedding many a tear
With Muhammad, loved so dear,Let me call, my Lord, on Thee.

With this song, Yunus regales, Singing with the nightingales,
With the Truth’s most loving slaves, Let me call, my Lord, on Thee.

::: For booking inquiries, please contact <a href="mailto:bookings@naderkhan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bookings@naderkhan.com</a> :::
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Nader Khan :: (Let Me Call) My Lord On Thee :: by Sidi Muhtar Holland

JAN 26/2012 :: Nader Khan ( http://naderkhan.com ) singing "Jashné Amadé Rasül" 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 )

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.

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:
"The prayer's been accepted."

When the face of Mustafa was finally unveiled 
The stars became concealed, and the moon shied away
Rays of light spread in all directions, overpowering everything
Having Mustafa among us gave our lives meaning
O Halima, in your lap has arrived
An Emissary to both worlds

Tunes of joy played everywhere
Songs of happiness were sung for all
"Sallay 'Alaa" echoed in all directions  
Today the Beloved of God is born
And Jibril himself then proclaimed to the universe:
"This is the Emissary of God"


For booking enquiries please contact bookings@naderkhan.com

Nader Khan - The Emissary Comes [Jashné Amadé Rasül]

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]

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

Hasbi Rabbi

For Ramadhan and For My Parents - Surah Al Qadr

Zhikr of "La Ilaha Ilallah" (There is no God but Allah) as led by Sidi Moutasem Atiya of Al-Madina Institute. www.almadinainstitute.org. 

dhikr of La Ilaha Ilallah

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

Ya Rasulullah

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 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: 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: Arabic

INSPIRATION:
This recitation of the 99 revealed names of God in the Islamic tradition was placed at the beginning of this album as a practical expression of BismiLlah ar-Rahman as-Rahim, the oft repeated formulaic beginning of all chapters of the Qur’an, save one. The phrase is popularly translated into English as “In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful“, and has been devoutly repeated by Muslims throughout the ages and across the continents at the beginning of any undertaking.

This recitation is also the very first one that I had ever done in a formal gathering of dhikr, at the December 1997 Deen Intensive Program at a winter campsite 2 hours north of Toronto. It was a clear, cold night. The multitudinous stars of an Ontario country sky lit up the crisp foot-high snow all around us. We were in a large, log cabin with subdued lighting, in the company of Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Shaykh Jamal Dhahabi, Shaykh Abdullah Al Kadi, and Shaykh Talal Ahdab. Also present were Sidi Nazim Baksh, Sidi Abdul-Rehman Malik, and many devoted students of sacred sciences and spiritual matters in the Islamic tradition. My recitation was followed by Shaykh Jamal’s recitation of the second chapter of the Burdah, and Shaykh Hamza’s moving commentary on it. It was a very special evening that remains vivid in the minds of all those present.

A recording of my performance from that session is still floating around somewhere on the internet.
___________________________________

TRANSLATION:

He is God, besides Whom there’s no other god

The All Beneficent, The Most Merciful, The King, The Sovereign, The Most Holy, The Source of Peace, The Guarantor, The Guardian, The Almighty

The Powerful, The Tremendous, The Creator, The Maker

The Fashioner of Forms, The Ever Forgiving, The All Compelling Subduer, The Bestower, The Ever Providing

The Opener, The All Knowing, The Restrainer, The Expander, The Abaser, The Exalter, The Giver of Honor, The Giver of Dishonor, The All Hearing, The All Seeing, The Judge, The Supremely Just, The Subtly Kind

The All Aware, The Forbearing, The Magnificent, The All Forgiving, The Grateful, The Sublimely Exalted

The Great, The Preserver, The Nourisher, The Reckoner, The Majestic, the Generous, The Watchful, The Responsive

The All Encompassing, The Wise, The Loving, The All Glorious, The Raiser of the Dead, The Witness, The Real

The Trustee, The Strong

The Steadfast, The Protecting Friend, The All Praiseworthy, The Accounter

The Initiator of all, The Reinstater Who Brings Back All, The Giver of Life, The Bringer of Death, The Ever Living, The Self Subsisting Sustainer of All, The Perceiver, The Magnificent, The All Inclusive One, The Indivisible, The Self Sufficient

The All Powerful

The All Determiner, The Expediter, The Delayer, The First, The Last, The Manifest, The Hidden, The Patron, The Self Exalted

The Most Kind and Righteous, The Ever Relenting, The Avenger, The Pardoner, The Compassionate, The Owner of All Sovereignty, The Lord of Majesty and Generosity

The Equitable, The Gatherer, The All Rich, The Enricher, The Withholder, The Distressor, The Benefactor, The Light, The Guide, The Originator, The Ever Enduring, The Inheritor of All, The Infallible Teacher

The Timelessly Patient, Sublime be His Majesty.
___________________________________
Translation © Nader Khan 2008 All Rights Reserved

01 - TAKE MY HAND - PreviewClips - The Most Beautiful Names [Arabic]

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 - The Emissary Comes [Jashné Amadé Rasül]

Nader Khan's SoundCloud