IECRC (USA & Canada)

Volume 1, Issue 1 (Part 3)

May 31, 2003 / Rabi’ul Awwal 29, 1424

A Naat is a Holy recitation praising the most blessed and exalted of all creatures, the appointed guide and perfect model for humanity, the one to whom the trees bowed and shaded, the beloved of Allah, Muhammad (may his sweet soul be blessed and given peace). This recitation is always delivered in a respectful, humble manner so the reciter becomes only the Words. Not a star nor a voice, not even a personality. These heartfelt descriptions and words of praise are intentionally written to arouse the feeling of love for the most perfect of humans (may Allah Exalted and Great bless him and give him peace).

In those auspicious days when he (peace and blessings be on him) was migrating from Mecca Sharif to Medina Monawwara, the people of Madina Monawwara anxiously watched and waited for his arrival. At long last, the glorious moment arrived and the children joyfully sang:

Tala’al-Badru ‘alayna

Min thaniyyatil-wada’

Wajaba al-shukru alayna,

Ma da’a lillahi da’

Oh the white moon rose over us

from the valley of Wada’

and we owe it to show gratefulness

where the call is to Allah.

Ayyuha al-mab’uthu fina

Ji’ta bil amril mutaa

Ji’ta sharrafta al-Madinah

Marhabanya khayra da’

Oh you who were raised amongst us

coming with a work to be obeyed

you have brought to this city noble-ness

welcome! Best call to Allah’s Way.

The original references reliably report the participation of girls between the ages of 5 and 13 years. Furthermore, it has also been reported by the historians that there were some women who welcomed the Holy Prophet Muhammad (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) by joining in the reciting. It is also well documented and known how much the Holy Prophet enjoyed this display of love and affection toward him (may his sweet soul be blessed and given peace).

About poetry, the Hadith is:

What’s good therein is good,

What is bad is bad.

In listening to these Holy recitations, Insha Allah, the level of our knowledge of and love for this jewel among gems (may his sweet soul be blessed and given peace) will grow and guide us to the Love of Allah, Glorious is His Majesty!

Say:If you do love Allah, follow me

Allah will love you and forgive your sins, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Ale Imran 3: 31]

Shaikh Shahab Ud-Din Suhrawardi (may his soul be blessed) said:

For those intent with Love of Allah,

Hearing is an aid to perfection.

So let us all aim for perfection in nearness and obedience to our Lord and Creator, Exalted is He.

Khadija Jamal Locks

Sister Khadija is a resident of Los Angeles, CA. She has written “The Wealth of the Inheritors”, published by Nuqoosh Press, Lahore, Pakistan. She is currently working on a book on the subject of Islamic stories for children.