Ishq Mein Tere Koh-e-Gham - عشق میں تیرے كوہ غم

Qawwali at Noor Cultural Centre, Toronto

عشق میں تیرے كوہ غم سر پہ لیا جو ہو سو ہو

عیش و نشاط زندگی چھوڑ دیا جو ھو سو ھو

لاگ كی آگ لگتے ھی بمبا نمد یہ جل گیا

رخت وجود و جان و تن كچھ نہ بچا جو ھو سو ھو

عقل كے مدرسے سے اٹھ، عشق كے مدرسے میں آ

جام فنا و بیخودی اب تو پیا جو ھو سو ھو

Hazrat Shah Niyaz (1742-1834).

Posted again after the comment from Asif Hasnain from Vienna.

"Just beautiful, both the kalaam and the rendition. Transports the listener. The power of love of music, of the creator, of life, of the eternal. Thank you for this wonderful post, which I came across just now. " Asif Hasnain.

There was a beautiful mood created that night which can be felt through this particular ghazal. Both the qawwals and the audience were in heaven and feeding off each other. The style (andaaz-e-bayan) takes me back to other recitals I heard during my childhood.
______________________________________
Qawwali Recital at The Noor Cultural Centre, Toronto - 2008
Kalam: Hazrat Shah Niyaz (1742-1834).

Ishq mein tere koh-e-gham sar pe liya jo ho so ho
aesh-o-nishaat-e-zindagi chhord diya jo ho so ho

Laag ki aag lagte hi, Bamba namad yeh jal gaya
Rakht-e-wojood-e-jaano tak kuchh na bacha jo ho so ho

Aql ke Madrase se uth, Ishq ke Maikade mein aa
Jaame Fanaa-o-Bekhudi ab to Piya jo ho so ho

Hijr ki jo museebatein, arz kiin uske rubaru
Naazo adaa se muskura, kehne lagaa jo ho so ho

Hasti ke is saraab mein, Raat ki Raat bas rahe
Subhe Adam Huaa Numoo, Paaon Uthaa jo ho so ho
________________________________________


Translation: Saqib Mumtaz
Mountains of agony, i bear in your love now, come what may.
The luxuries of life, i forsake now, come what may.

In the fervor of love, the threads of being seared,
the fabric of body, form, self; all charred now, come what may.

Rise from the seminary of reason, enter the tavern of love
From chalice of annihilation and selflessness, drink now, come what may.

The pangs of seperation, I bared before the beloved
With an airy smile said, "now, come what may."

In the mirage of this body, I seek the night only
And if Adam appears with the morning, I could raise the feet, come what may!

Thanks to Zahid Khan & Atique Azad and last but least the
Noor Cultural Centre

Chaap Tilak by Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwal Ensemble (2008)

Chaap Tilak is probably one of the all time popular kalams of Hazrat Amir Khusrau. Every qawwal has probably sung it due to its popular appeal.

This soulful rendition is special because it contains many appropriately inserted verses of poetry.

Similar to other forms of folk singing, qawwali has has an earthy and raw sound in the way it is sung.  No one recital of a specific poetry is exactly similar to the other due to the constant improvisation, so sit back and enjoy this one.



The Poetry and Translation that are all part of this rendition

Meri Aankhon Se Mere Dil Mein Uttar Kar Daikho - anyone know the poet?
______________________________________________________
Mir Taqi Mir

'Mir' in Neem Baaz Aankhon Mien
Saari Masti Sharaab ki Si Hai.

Eng Trans:
'Mir' in Those Half Open Eyes
The Intoxication is Just Like Sharaab.
____________________________________
Hazrat Amir Khusrau

Chhap tilak sab cheeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Chhap tilak sab cheeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Prem bhatee ka madhva pilaikay
Matvali kar leeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Gori gori bayyan, hari hari churiyan
Bayyan pakar dhar leeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Bal bal jaaon mein toray rang rajwa
Apni see kar leeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Khusrau Nijaam kay bal bal jayyiye
Mohay Suhaagan keeni ray mosay naina milaikay
Chhap tilak sab cheeni ray mosay naina milaikay

Eng Trans:

You've taken away my looks, my identity, by just a glance.
By making me drink the wine of love-potion,
You've intoxicated me by just a glance;
My fair, delicate wrists with green bangles in them,
Have been held tightly by you with just a glance.
I give my life to you, Oh my cloth-dyer,
You've dyed me in yourself, by just a glance.
I give my whole life to you Oh, Nijam,
You've made me your bride, by just a glance.
____________________________________
Hazrat Sultan Bahu

Alif Allah Chambe Dee Bootee
Murshid Man Wich Laee Hoo

Nafee Asbaat Da Panee Milia
Har Rage Har Jaee Hoo

Eng Trans: (JR Puri)

My Master has Planted in My Heart
The Jasmine of Allah's Name

Both My Denial that the Creation is Real
And My Embracing of God, the only Reality
Have Nourished The Seedling Down to its Core

___________________________________________
Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (604-672A.H) had touched the story of 'Ruh' 'Spirit' or 'Soul' by stating the pangs of departing 'Ruh' or 'Spirit' from its real source.

Bishno az nay Chun Heekayat Meekunad
Az Juda’i ha Shikayat Meekunad

Eng trans:

Listen to the flute, how it relates the story
Complaining about the Separation (from the real source)
___________________________________________
Baba Bulleh Shah

Ilmon Bas Kar Oo Yaar
Tainu Ikkoi Alaf Darkar

Eng Trans:

Forget the pride in your knowlege, O friend.
One ‘Alif’ is all you need (for unity with the Devine)
___________________________________________
Kabir Das

Sun Kabira, Bansuri Kahe Niraalee Baat
Nagar Dhandora Peet-ti, Hai Chhoota Pee Ka Saath

Eng Trans:(Farah Aziz)

Listen Kabir, to the flute's unique lament
announcing everywhere that it is parted from the beloved
______________________________________________

Ganj-e-Shakar Ke Laal Nizamuddin

From amongst the treasures left behind by Amir Khusrau, this is one kalam that is especially dear to my heart.

The following two renditions were added today to this older post:
1. By the full 11.09 min version Nizami brothers


2. A clip of the more classical rendition by Farid Ayaz from Sufi Eternal Vol 2.


this (full) version may be downloaded here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sufieternalvol2
------------------
The following is a shorter recital from the mehfil in Ottawa which was hosted by our friends Dr. Arshad Saeed, Javed Somra & Mustafa Hamid.

Ganj-e-Shakar Key Laal Nijamuddin




If any of you would like to share anything to do with Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, Hazrat Fariduddin Chishti or the Chishti order of sufis I'd be very interested to hear more.

-----------
Sazad Barshan-e-to Alam Panahi
Nizamuddin Mehboob e Illahi

Ganj-e-Shakar Laal Nijamuddin
Chisht Nagar Mein Bhaag Rachayo

Khwaja Moinuddin, Khwaja Qutabuddin
Prem Ke Rung Ki Rain Chardhaiyo

Dhan Dhan Bhaag, Unkey Mori Sajni
Jin Aiyso Sundar Preetam Payo

Pir Nijamuddin, Chakar Khilardi
Bayyan Pakard Mora Ghungta Utthayo

Sees Mukhat Haatam Pichkari
Morey Aangan Hori khaelan Aayo

Khaelo re Chishti o Holi Khaelo
Khwaja Nijam ke Bhaes Mein Aayo

---------------

Qawwali at The Noor Cultural Centre, Toronto - Farid Ayaz Ensemble - April 12, 2008

Clip of the finale: MAST QALANDAR


The qawwalis are still ringing in our ears today and what a wonderful time we had that evening at the Noor Centre.



I am sure that it was tremendously rewarding for all of you in Toronto to see people enjoying, feeling the warmth in the companionship with Pakistanis, Indians, Arabs and main stream Canadians listening to classical qawwali.

The qawwals were at their peak and were feeding off the great responsive audience. I must say that many of the listeners were of the zinda-dil variety and helped make the evening such a roaring success. The Noor Centre must be pleased with the outcome of the event as well. Kudos to them for taking on the event and the risk that came with it initially. It is sure to bring them goodwill and more positive feedback. Due to the work of Zahid Khan, Atique and the Noor team of friends you were able fill the hall. That always helps build confidence to arrange other such events in the future.

All around I think it was a real win-win situation for all involved. Bravo!

A big thanks to you all...Mast Qalandars.
AK

Nami Danam Chi Manzil - Amir Khusrau's Love Poetry

Nami Daanam Chi Manzil


Namida Nam Che Manzil from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

Amir Khusrau's Love Poetry sung by Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwals

Nami danam chi manzil bood shab jaay ki man boodam;
Baharsu raqs-e bismil bood shab jaay ki man boodam.
Pari paikar nigaar-e sarw qadde laala rukhsare;
Sarapa aafat-e dil bood shab jaay ki man boodam.
Khuda khud meer-e majlis bood andar laamakan Khusrau;
Muhammad shamm-e mehfil bood shab jaay ki man boodam.

Translation:

I wonder what was the place where I was last night,
All around me were half-slaughtered victims of love,
tossing about in agony.
There was a nymph-like beloved with cypress-like form
and tulip-like face,
Ruthlessly playing havoc with the hearts of the lovers.
God himself was the master of ceremonies in that heavenly court,
oh Khusrau, where (the face of) the Prophet too was shedding light
like a candle.

(trans. S.A.H.Abidi)

http://www.alif-india.com/love.html

--

Khawaja-e-Khwajgan Moinuddin Chishty

Khawaja-e-Khwajgan Moinuddin, Kuchh Humara Bhi Dhyan hai Ke Nahin from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

Khawaja Moinuddin Chishty ki tareef mein. kalam sung by Farid and Abu qawwal party

Khawaja-e-Khwajgan Moinuddin, Kuchh Humara Bhi Dhyan hai Ke Nahin
Aasmaan ke nahin, Zameen ke nahin
Tum se chhootey to phir kaheen ke nahin

.................


Samaa, bayaad Munshi Raziuddin - Karachi - July 2008

Qaul - Mun Kunto Moala

Qaul - Mun Kunto Moala from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.


Another beautiful rendition of "Mun Kunto Moala", (Manqabat) in praise of Hazrat Ali (R).

The word "moala" means leader in this context. I have been asked about this on a few occasions...therefore the explanation.

At an evening of qawwali organized by Canada Pakistan Association

The above is in a higher resolution than youtube allows, therefore better quality of viewing and sound (though unfortunately the sound is not from the mixer but the video microphone)....

Rumi's Sufi Poetry - Na Man Behooda Girde

Rumi's Sufi Poetry - Na Man Behooda
Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad sing with passion and feeling. They are both intense and gentle in their recital. Seems like the culture of Iran meets Turkey and then meets Pakistan in this video.

Rumi Poetry - Na Man Behooda Girde Koocha-e-Bazar from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

Na man behooda girde kocha wa bazaar megardam
Mazaj-e-ashiqee daram paye dildar megardam

Khudaya rahm kon bar man
Pareeshan waar megardam

Khata karam gonahgaram
Ba hale zaar megardam

Sharabe showq menosham
Ba girde yaar megardam

Sukhan mastana megoyam
Walay hooshyaar megardam...

English Translation:Farah Aziz, UK

No I am not roaming aimlessly around the streets and bazaar
I am a lover searching for his beloved

God have mercy on me
I am walking around troubled

I have done wrong and sinned
and am walking around wounded

I have drunk the wine of desire
and am strolling around beloved

Though I may seem drunk
I am quite sober...

My thanks to Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Qawwals for keeping
this kala alive in the hearts and minds of sufi music lovers,
and to all those who helped to make this evening possible.

Zeehaal-e-Miskeen, Amir Khusrau Poetry sung by Farid Ayaz Qawwal

The unique thing about this poem is that it is a macaronic, written in Persian and Brij Bhasha. In the first verse, the first line is in Persian, the second in Brij Bhasha, the third in Persian again, and the fourth in Brij Bhasha. In the remaining verses, the first two lines are in Persian, the last two in Brij Bhasha. The poem showcases Amir Khusrau's mastery over both languages.


Zeehaal-e-Miskeen by Amir Khusrau, Sung by Farid Ayaz Qawwal from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

Zeehaal-e miskeen makun taghaful,
duraye naina banaye batiyan;
ki taab-e hijran nadaram ay jaan,
na leho kaahe lagaye chhatiyan.

Shaban-e hijran daraz chun zulf
wa roz-e waslat cho umr kotah;
Sakhi piya ko jo main na dekhun
to kaise kaatun andheri ratiyan.

Yakayak az dil do chashm-e jadoo
basad farebam baburd taskin;
Kise pari hai jo jaa sunaave
piyare pi ko hamaari batiyan.

Cho shama sozan cho zarra hairan
hamesha giryan be ishq aan meh;
Na neend naina na ang chaina
na aap aaven na bhejen patiyan.

__________________________________________

English Translation:(M. Rehman)


The English translation is:

Do not overlook my misery by blandishing your eyes,
and weaving tales; My patience has over-brimmed,

O sweetheart, why do you not take me to your bosom.
Long like curls in the night of separation,
short like life on the day of our union;

My dear, how will I pass the dark dungeon night
without your face before.

Suddenly, using a thousand tricks,
the enchanting eyes robbed me of my tranquil mind;

Who would care to go and report this matter to my darling?
Tossed and bewildered, like a flickering candle,
I roam about in the fire of love;

Sleepless eyes, restless body,
neither comes she, nor any message.
______________________________________________________

Quote from : http://www.desichatpk.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23

Piya Ghar Aya - Bulleh Shah sung by Farid Ayaz

Baba Bulleh Shah practiced the Sufi tradition of Punjabi poetry. At a time of strife between people of different faiths (Muslims and Sikhs) Bulla was a beacon of hope in Kasoor, Punjab. He believed in peace and resolution of conflict without violence and was equally respected by both faiths.

The recital that you see in the video below is part of the "Spirit of the Sufis" event in Montreal from April 2007.


Piya Ghar Aya from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

May Roo ba Roo'ey Yaar Hoo'n

Qawwals:Munshi Raziuddin and sons
Kalaam: Unknown
Posted by Arif Khan on YouTube.com

Another great masterpiece from the great qawwals. Arif Khan sahib posted 5 minutes only, leaving the listeners unsatiated. Please write to him to post the entire qawwali, you may also leave a comment here to the same effect.

Sakhi Ka Sey Kahoon Mohey Laaj Lagey

The following is a clip from "Spirit of the Sufis" (April 2007 in Montreal).

This Khusrau kalam is so full of love and affection. The Purbi makes it particularly sweet to my ears. Hope you all enjoy it.


Sakhi Ka Sey Kahoon Mohey Laaj Lagey from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

Beautiful Alaap to "Merey Baney Ki Baat Na Poonccho"

Sometimes the Alaap to a classical style qawwali is the most beautiful part even though it may not be the climax or be very intense. Here is an example that I really loved. "Merey Baney Ki Baat Na Poonccho" in the praise of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

Please leave your comments about the kalam (poetry) or the andaaz (style).

Qawali - Kabhee Abshaar Kabhee Phuaar

Attempts to do justice in words to an artistic performance are feeble at best, but I will attempt it regardless. This was the third time that I have been priveleged to listen to Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammad Qawal and hamnawa in the last 1 year, and every time the experience has been more pleasureable than the last. I must commend the organizers at the Center for a superbly arranged event this time as well.

Farid Ayaz and Abu Mohammad have been able to combine great poetry with great singing to deliver a transportive experience to the listener. However, it is their obvious devotion to the art of Qawali itself, as well as to the poetry and the deeper meanings they are able to convey so simply and beautifully, that makes listening to them such a powerful experience. For a few hours, one is taken away to another place and time, where the realities of our prosaic existence do not intrude, and our minds are soothed by the glorious words flowing around us. And it ends all too soon and we go back to a daily existence that is made perhaps a little more bearable as we think back to the experience and the other places it took us...

I must end on a note of praise for the people of Toronto, who participated in a manner which would have made Khusrau proud...

Qawwali recital in 2007 - "Spirit of the Sufis"

Last year there was a similar Tour of Canada. The four hour event in Montreal was entitled "Spirit of the Sufis". A set of two CDs of this recording was produced with the help of Kabir Cultural Centre. Enjoy listening below:



Farid Ayaz Ensemble, Live in Concert at the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, Montreal.

A high quality recording. The set of two CDs may be purchased for a price

of CA $20 plus shipping payable by draft or money order to:

Kabir Cultural Centre
472 Grosvenor Avenue
Westmount QC
H3Y 2S4
Canada

Shipping by Canada Post: $5 - Canada, $8 - USA,
Shipping by Mail : $10 - Worlwide

Naghma-e-Qudusi, Allah Hoo (Intense recital)

View pretty intense qawwali recital on video by Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad

: Allah Hoo

Farid Ayaz Qawwal's 2008 Tour of Canada

Farid Ayaz qawwal, Abu Muhammad and ensemble will be performing in Canada during April 2008. Here are their tour dates and schedule:

Tour of Canada - April 2008

April 3 - 7.00 pm
Orleans Theatre, 255 Centrum Bould., Ottawa
Admission: $30 : Information: 613-692-3017, 613-692-6790

April 5 - 7.00 pm
Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, Loyola Campus, Concordia University
7141 Sherbrook St. W.
Parking: On Loyola campus
Admission: $20 (Seniors/Students), $25, $50 Tickets at www.admission.com Tel: (514) 790-1245
Information: (514) 586-3148, (514) 695-3264

April 7 - 8.00 pm - Farshi Mehfil at Brossard.
Information: (514) 586-3148

April 11 - 8.00 pm
Private Mehfil in the Toronto area.

April 12 - 7.00 pm
Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive,

Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1K1 , Phone: (416) 444-7148

April 13 - 8.00 pm
Private Mehfil in the Toronto area.

In order to book your own event on any of the free days between April 6 to April 10 please contact: (514) 586-3148

Geet Govind (in Raag Khat) & Qaul Qalbana (Hamd)

Credits: bohotkhoob on youtube



Late Munshi Raziuddin with Fareed Ayaz, Nasiruddeen Saami, Ali Akbar Khan(Tabla), Ghlulam Akram, Abu Mohammad, Sri Indal laljee (sarangi).

Munshiji first presents the Sanskrit Epic Geet Govind in Raag Khat followed by Amir Khusrau's famous Qaul Qalbana hamd in Arabic/Persian.

For the interested, Raag Shahana from the same session can be enjoyed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pXHWP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB6xbe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clNUay

BBC urdu hosts an evening with Farid Ayaz

A one hour qawwali program with Farid Ayaz and brothers. Starts with khabraum raseedah imshub. Climaxes with Sakhi ka say kahoon (starting at the 19th minute). Other qawwalis include khabarey tahiyyur-e ishq sun, mo se bol na bol, and rung.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/entertainment/story/2006/06/060623_fareed_ayaz_video.shtml

Kudos to Arif Ali Khan sahib

Kudos to Arif Ali Khan Montreali for keeping the tradition of qawwali alive and thriving here in Canada. We are looking forward, with bated breath, to listen to Farid Ayaz ensemble once again in Ottawa. An article of interest is posted here for the Qawwali aficionados :

The Art of Qawwali

Arshad Saeed
Ottawa, ON