Sohnay da Sohna Rauza

As the month of Ramzan approaches many of us like to listen to Naatiya kalam to help put us in the right mood of devotion. This is the lovely new Friday release from The Dream Journey

 
  Ustad Ameer Ali Khan Murkiyan wale based in Dipalpur, Punjab

I adore his style of singing and cannot get enough <3 nbsp="" p="">

Tou Se Laagi Lagan - Khwaja Moinuddin

Particularly loved the Tarana at the start and the verses of devotion to Khwaja Gharib Nawaz

Taj Muhammad and Shad Muhammad Niazi Qawwal @ T2F, Karachi

Tou Se Laagi Lagan - Raag Darbari
Recital: Taj Muhammad and Shad Muhammad Niazi Qawwal
Tabla & Dholak: Usman Ahmed & Faiz Muhammad

The Dream Journey sessions

The Dream Journey – Discovering musicians across Pakistan (A Non Profit Project)

This project will be the sharing of a special experience in which we hope you will want to participate.

Some of the musicians are established and famous, others are among the brilliant budding talent that adorns Pakistan’s musical scene. Each of the mehfils has a distinct atmosphere and mood, but there is a common thread. We asked each of the musicians to stay close to their respective inherited musical traditions, allowing the singers an opportunity to present some pieces that are rarely heard today.

We are inspired to present the brilliance of this contemporary Pakistani vocal music to a wider audience and seek your financial assistance in making this possible.

contributions may be made at:
PayPal: goo.gl/4VXB0D

Guru Bin Gyan by Maulvi Haider Hassan Vehranwale Qawwal

The experience of listening to this group of singer in Faisalabad last December at such close quarters and in a tiny space was truly intense.

Maulvi saheb is both focused and zealous in his style. The entire party is well coordinated comes together perfectly producing a sound that is near perfection. The beautiful use of Iqbal's verses aptly inserted here is especially noteworthy.

Guru Bin Gyan
Recital: Maulvi Haider Hassan Vehranwale Qawwal and Party
The Dream Journey sessions

Lead vocalists: Maulvi Haider Hassan & Zameer Hassan Khan
Vocaltists: Fakhar Hassan Khan, Tallat Hassan Akhtar & Saqib Hassan
Harmonium: Fakhar Hassan Khan and Zameer Hasan Khan
Tabla and Dhol: Nasir Hasan

The Dream Journey – Discovering musicians across Pakistan (A Non Profit Project)

A film about an exhilarating journey of five friends with a shared passion for discovering and recording musicians in their living environments across Pakistan........

Koi Umeed Bar Nahi Ati - Mirza Ghalib - کوئی امید بر نہیں آتی

Koi Umeed Bar Nahi Aati
Koi Soorat Nazar Nahi Aati

کوئی امّید بر نہیں آتی
کوئی صورت نظر نہیں آتی

There is no hope to be found
There is no resolution to be sought

Moat Ka Aik Din Mo-ayeeyan Hai
Neend Kyun Raat Bar Nahi Ati

موت کا ایک دن معین ھے
نیند کیوں رات بھر نہیں آتی؟
Death is destined to arrive one day
But why does sleep fail to come all night

Agay Ati Thi Hal-e-Dil Pe Hansee
Ab Kisi Baat Per Nahi Ati

آگے آتی تھی حال دل پہ ہنسی
اب کسی بات پر نہیں آتی

Once I was able to laugh at the predicament of my heart
Now I am unable to laugh at anything

Jaanta Hoon Savaab-e-Taa'at-o-Zohad
Per Tabiyaat Udher Nahi Ati

جانتا ہوں ثوابِ طاعت و زہد
پر طبعیت ادھر نہیں آتی
Though I am aware of the rewards of prayer and virtue
But I am prohibited by my disposition

Hai Kuch Aisee Hai Baat Jo Chup Hoon
Warna Kiya Baat Ker Nahi Ati

ہے کچھ ایسی ہی بات جو چپ ہوں
ورنہ کیا بات کر نہیں آتی

This matter is such that I am prevented from speaking of it
Otherwise what is there that I cannot speak of

Kiyon Na Cheekhon ke Yaad Kartay Hein
Meri Aavaaz gar Nahin Aati

کیوں نہ چیخوں کہ یاد کرتے ہیں
میری آواز گر نہیں آتی

Why shouldn’t I shout for I reminisce
Yet my voice fails to produce any sound

Daag-e-dil gar Nazar Nahin Aata
Boo bhi ae Chaaraa-gar Nahin Aati

داغِ دل گر نظر نہیں آتا
بو بھی اے چارہ گر نہیں آتی

Though the wound of my heart cannot be seen
but my healer, even a trace of its smoldering is missing

Hum Wahan Hain Jahan say Hum Ko Bhi
Kuch Hamari Khabar Nahi Ati

ہم وہاں ہیں جہاں سے ہم کو بھی
کچھ ہماری خبر نہیں آتی

I am in such a state, from where even I am
Unable to get any news of myself

Martay Hein Arzoo Mein Marnay Ki
Moat Ati Hai Per Nahi Ati

مرتے ہیں آرزو میں مرنے کی
موت آتی ہے پر نہیں آتی

I am dying of impatience in hope of death
Death appears,yet fails to arrive

Kaba Kis Moun say Jao Gay Ghalib
Sharam Tum Ko Magar Nahi Ati

کعبہ کس منہ سے جاؤ گے غالبؔ

شرم تم کو مگر نہیں آتی

How will you go to Kaaba, O Ghalib!
You do not bear any shame!

----
Trans: http://www.eccentricoptimism.com/?s=diwan and Raza Rumi

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

--

Tajdar-e-Haram : Ghulam Farid Sabri

minno suggested that we include this famous qawwali here so........

Tajdar-e-Haram
(Kingship of the House of God)

qismat mein meri chain say jeena likh day
doobay na kabhi mera safeena likh day
jannat bhi gawara hai magar mere liyeh
ay Qatib-e-tadqeer madina likh day

taajdaar-e-haram ho nigaah-e-karam
hum ghareebon k din bhi sanwar jain gay

chashm-e-rehmat bakusha soo-e-manandaaz nazar
ay qureshi laqabi hashmi o muttalabi

taajdaar-e-haram ho nigaah-e-karam ho karam

Ya Rasool Allah (SAW) ba ahwal e kharab e maa bibiin
Roo ba khaak uftaada am az sharmo isiyan dar zameen
Muznab e choon man na baashad dar tamami ummatat
Rehmatun bar haali ma ya Rehmatan Lil aalamiin (SAW)


taajdaar-e-haram ho nigaah-e-karam

Kya tum se kahun ay Rab ke kunwar (SAW) tum jaanat ho mann ki batiya
kar fursat to aiy Ummi Laqab (SAW) kate na katat hain ab ratiya
tori deed mein sud bud sub pisri kab tak ye rahegi bekhabari
taa hema fighan duzdeeda nazar kabhi sun bhi to lo humri batiya

taajdaar-e-haram ho nigaah-e-karam ho karam

kehna sabah Huzoor (SAW) se ki kehat hai ik gulam
bas ik nazar ho ek nazar ka sawal hai

ya Mustafa (SAW), ya Mujtaba(SAW), irham lana, dast e hama, bechara ra daamaan tui
man asiyam, man ajizam, man bekasam, haale mara, ya shafi e roze jaza (SAW) pursaan tui
ae mushqi be zanbar fishan, ae ke naseem e subh dam, ae charagar, zeeshan nafas
ae moonis e beemar e gham, ae qasid e farkhunda e tujh ko usi gul ki qasam

ey mushq bezam barzisha baiqe naseere subah dam

ey charagar essa nafas ey mulis e beemar e gham
ey qasid e farkhunda pe tujh ko usi gul ki qasam
in nilta ya rihas sabah youman ila ardil haram
baligh salami rouztan fihan Nabi al Mohtaram (SAW)

taajdaar-e-haram ho nigaah-e-karam
hum ghareebon k din bhi sanwar jain gay
hami e beqasa kya kahay ga jahaan
aap ke dar se khaali agar jain ge

koi apna nahi gham ke maray hein hum
aap ke dar pe faryaad laye hein hum
ho nigah e karam warna choukhat pe hum
aap ka naam le le ke mar jain ge

ho nigah e karam...

maikasho aao aao madina chalein
aao madine chalein aao madine chalein...
dukh dard o alam sub kat'te hein hasnain ke sadqe bat'te hein
maikasho aao aao madina chalein
aao madine chalein aao madine chalein...

tajallion ki ajab hai faza madine mein
nigah-e-shouq ki hai intiha madine mein
gham-e-hayat na khouf-e-qaza madine mein
namaaz-e-ishq karin ge adaa madine mein

idhar udhar na bhatak'te phiro khuda ke liyeh
barah-e-rast hai raah-e-khuda madine mein
madein chalein aao madine chalein aao madine chalein
maikasho aao aao madina chalein dast-e-saqi-e-kauser se pene chalein

yaad rakho agar uth gayi ik nazar, jitne khali hein sub jaam bhar jain ge
khouf-e-toofan hai bijlion ka hai dar, sakht mushkil hai aaqa kidhar jain hum
aap he gar na lain ge hamari khabar, hum musibat ke maray kidhar jain ge

taajdar e haram.

http://www.pakizm.com/nusrat/tajdareharam.htm

Sanson ki Maala Pe Simroun Mein Pi Ka Naam

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan recites



Sanson ki Maala Pe Simroun Mein Pi Ka Naam
Apney Man ki Mein Jaanoon Aur Pi Ke Man Ki Ram

With every breath I take, I chant the name of my beloved
I know of my heart, and God knows of the heart of my beloved

Yehi Meri Bandagi hai , Yehi Meri Puja

This is my salutation and this is my prayer

Aik tha Sajan Mandir aur Aik the Preetam Masjid Mein
Mein Prem Ke Rang Mein Aisi dubi ban gaya aik hi Rup

One lover was in the temple and another in the mosque
but to me, immersed in the joy of love, both seemed the same

Prem Ki Mala Japhte Japhte Aaap bani mein Shyam

Chanting on rosary, the name of Shyam (Krishna) , I became him
(Krishna is revered by the patrons of love)

Ham ur nahin kuchhu kam ke
matvare pi ke naam ke, har dam

I am worthless, except that
i surrender to the name of my beloved, all the time

preetaam ka kuch dosh nahi hai woh to hai nirdosh
apney aap se baatein kar ke ho gayee mein badnaam

My beloved is not to be blamed, it is no fault of his
i became infamous only because of talking to myself

In Praise of the Prophet (saw) - Rasool (SAW) ki Tareef Mein - "Arsh e Azam Ka Dulha"

At the beginning of Ramazan it feels so appropriate to sing praise of Rasool Allah (SAW).

What a fabulous recital of this naatia kalam by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. So calm, so collected and yet so absorbed in the qaseeda.

Reference is made to the Arsh (mighty throne) of Allah which is said to rest on eight thousand pillars. The distance between two of the pillars is supposed to be three million miles. Dulha is reference to the Groom (of the heavens) for Muhamamad (SAW). The poetry is flowery as is the norm in naats and the vocabulary used is typically sweet in Urdu. The true magic is in the devotion and love for the Devine of course.

Arsh-e-Azam Ka Dulha from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

Arsh-e-Azam Ka Dulha Bardee Cheez hai

Azmat-e-Shah e Wala Bardi Cheez hai
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai

Jalte hein Jibrael ke par Jiss Maqaam per
Uski Haqeeqaton se Shanasa Wohi to hai
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai

Ibn-e-Yaqoob ko Allah ne Surat bakhshi
Har Nabi ko koi Izzat koi Azmat bakhshi
Aur Eisa ko Masihae ki Dolat bakhshi
Mere Sarkar ko Bepardah Ziarat bakhshi
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai

Yoon to Sare Nabi Mohtaram hein magar
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai
Yoon to Eisa bhi hein Moosa bhi hein Yusuf bhi magar
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai

Aey Farishton, wo Sultan-e-Mairaj hein
Yun jo Daikho gay, Hairan ho jao ge
Zulf Tafseer-e-Wallail bun jaye gi
Chehra Quran Sara Nazar aaye ga
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai

Alam Usay Sajda karey
Arsh-e-Bareen dar per Jhuke
Shah-e-Arab Mehboob-e-rab
Kiss Shan ka Mehmaan hai
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai

Azmat-e-Shah-e-Wala Bardi Cheez hai
Arsh-e-Azam ka Dulha Bardi Cheez hai
Rahbar-e-Deen-o-Dunya Bardi Cheez hai
Shan-e-Sarkar-e-Badha Bardi Cheez hai

Dono Alam ka Aaqa Bardi Cheez hai
Dono Alam ka Aaqa Mohammad Kamli Aala

Imam-ul-Mursalin Kahiyeh ke Mehboob-e-Khuda Kahiyeh
Gunaahgaro ki Khatir Shafa-e-Rooz-e-Jaza Kahiyeh
Khuda ne Khud Pukara hai Imam-ul-Musralin keh ker
Zabaan per Naam jab Aaye to Phir Salle Ala kahiyeh

Darood un per Salaam un per Nabuwwat Khatam un per
Unhein Shams-ud-Doha Kahiyeh, Unhein Badr-ud-Duja Kahiyeh
Muhammad Kamliwala, Dono Alam ka Aaqa Muhammad Kamliwala

Muhammad Mustafa ko Zaat-e-haq ka Aina Kahiyeh
Unhe ko Ibtida Kahiyeh, Unhi ko Intiha Kahiyeh
Muhammad Kamliwala, Dono Alam ka Aaqa Muhammad Kamliwala

Wo har Tareef se Afzal Wo har Tauseef se wala
Shah-e-her-do-Sara Kahiyeh ke Mehboob-e-Khuda Kahiyeh
Muhammad Kamliwala, Dono Alam ka Aaqa, Muhammad Kamliwala

Shams-ud-Doha Badr-ud-Duja, Noor-ul-Huda Khair-ul-Wara
Wo Azmat-e-Insaan Hai, Wo Zeenat-e-Quran Hai
Muhammad Kamliwala, Dono Alam ka Aaqa, Muhammad Kamliwala

Izzat-o-Jah-o-Sarwat Koi Shai Nahi
Sare Aalam ki Daulat Koi Shai Nahi
Taaj o Takht o Hakomat Koi Shai Nahi
Raaj Walon ki Naimat Koi Shai Nahi
Kamliwale ka Sadqa Bardi Cheez hai

Mat dehr ke sagan-e-kamina se Bheek Maang
Har waqt Tajdar-e-Madina se Bheek Maang
Bardi Cheez hai, Kamliwale ka Sadqa Bari Cheez hai

Chand Taron Mei yeh Shan-o-Shouqat Kahan
Ghuncha-o-Gul Mein Aise Haqiqat Kahan
Lal-o-Gauhar ki Yeh Qadr-o-Qeemat Kahan
Meri Loh-e-Jabeen ki yeh Qismat Kahan

Mere dawar Mujhe aur Kya Chahiyeh, iss Se Barhh Ker Mujhe aur Kya Chahiyeh
Aey Munawwar Mujhe aur Kya Chaiyeh, Roz-e-Mehshar Mujhe Kya Chahiyeh

Mustafa ka Sahara Bardi Cheez hai
Bekason ko Bhala aur Kya Chaiyeh,
Astan-e-Habib-e-Khuda Chaiyeh
Aik Jabeen-e-Aqidat ko Kya Chaiyeh, Naqsh-e-Pa Habib-e-Khuda Chaiyeh
Aik Gunahgar ko Aur Kya Chaiyeh, Shah-e-Qounain ka Aasra Chaiyeh
Mustafa ka Sahara Bardi Cheez hai

Kashti ki Baat Hai na Kinare ki Baat hai
Ke Nakhuda ke Sahare ki Baat hai
Hum se Gunahgaro ki Bakhsish Baroz-e-Hashar
Aaqa ke Aik Adna Ishare ki Baat hai

Mustafa ka Sahara Bardi Cheez hai

Mere Haal per Kisi ka yeh Karam Nahi to kya hai
Jahan na o Dagmagai Waheen aa gaya Kinara
Mujhe Aap se Hai Nisbat to Jahan-e-Rang o bo Mein
Mujhe Kya Gharaz ke Dhondo Kisi Ghair ka Sahara
Mustafa ka Sahara Bardi Cheez hai

Aey Sahib-e-Kashti Fikr na ker Sarkar Madad ko Ain ge
Toofano ke Rukh Phir Jate Hein Jab Unki Inayat Hoti hai
Mustafa ka Sahara Bardi Cheez hai

Roz-e-Mehshar Mujhe aur Kya Chaiyeh
Mustafa ka Sahara Bardi Cheez hai

Azmat-e-Shah-e-Wala Bardi Cheez hai
Azmat-e-Shah-e-Wala Bardi Cheez hai

"Ah those red-shot eyes!"

Urdu love poetry par excellence, enjoy.

سرخ آنكھوں میں كاجل كے ڈورے

مكھ پر آنچل سجایا ھوا ہے

یہ بتاؤ كہ كس كے قتل كا

تم نے ساماں بنایا ھوا ہے

تیری آنكھوں كی قاتل ادائیں

كیا عجب سنگ ڈایا ھوا ہے

ھر كوئی دل كا نذرانہ لے كر

تیرےقدموں میں آیا ھوا ھے

آئینہ سامنے تم نہ لاؤ

دوسرا اب ہمیں نہ دكھاؤ

اس لئے آپ نے بالمقابل

اپنا ھمسر بٹھایا ھوا ھے

درد غم  مجھ كو ھے اتنا پیارا

اس سے بڑھ كر نھیں كچھ گوارا

درد انمول شے ھے كسی كے

  مجھ كو صدقے میں آیا ھوا ھے

             

كلام حضرت بیدم شاہ وارثیؒ

Apney Maalik Ka Naam Le Kar, Bazm Ki Iptida Kar Raha Hun

Wazir Khan Masjid, Lahore from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

such simple words to start the day and such a beautifully simple recital obviously sung from the heart. tasveerein is khadim ki li hui hein.

Apney Maalik Ka Mein Naam Le Kar - recital by Jafar Husayn Khan Badauni

Apney Maalik Ka Mein Naam Le Kar
Bazm Ki Iptida Kar Raha Hoon

Ya Khuda Aabru Rakhna Meri
Teri Hamd-o-sana Kar Raha hoon

Tu Nawaaze to Ban Jaye Qismat ..aye moala
Merey Sajdon Ki Kya Haqeeqat

Teri Chaukhat Pey Sar Ko Jhuka Kar ...aye allah
Farz Apna Ada Kar raha hoon

Kanhaiya Yaad Hai Kuchh Bhi Hamari - Farid Ayaz Ensemble

Kanhaya Yad Hai Kuchh Bhi Hamari from Tasawwuf on Vimeo.

Poetry of Nawab Hilm of Hyderabad, Deccan. Raag Des recited at the Hindu Mandir in Montreal. What a wonderful performance by Farid Ayaz & Abu Muhammad Qawwals that has left warm and lasting memories for South Asian Montrealers.

Those who were unable to attend missed a very special event, but can get a feel of it through this video.

The Qawwals' tour of Canada was sponsored by the Kabir Cultural Centre.
____________________________________________________________________

Historic performance of Sufi Devotional Music

On a balmy spring day in April 2008, the South Asian community in Montreal made history by organising a Qawali performance at the local Hindu Mandir . The performance received overwhelming response, and the audience was moved both emotionally and spiritually.

Qawali is traditional, Muslim Sufi music, performed mainly in Pakistan and India. The tradition of this art form in India/Pakistan, dates back to the time of the revered Indian Sufi saint, Amir Khusrau Dehelvi, who wrote verses for Qawali and composed musical renditions that are still very popular to this day. However, the roots of the art of Qawali reach back to 8th century Persia where its early forms were performed as part of the Sufi "Sema" ritual. The Sema is a pivotal ritual of devotional prayer and meditation, common to all Sufi schools. This is performed in a variety of way; whirling, chanting, singing and playing music on special musical instruments like the "ney" (reed flute), are all parts of the Sufi's efforts to search for, and forge, direct connections with the Divine, and reach a state of spiritual ecstasy. Qawali is one such medium of the this quest. The emphasis is on the verses and their hidden meanings, rather than the musical artistry.

In the 13th century, Amir Khusrau, a Sufi devotee of the Chisthi Sufi school, shaped Qawalli by fusing its Persian roots to Indian dialects and musical traditions.
A disciple of Khawaja Nizam-uddin Aulia, one of the many Sufi saints of Northern India to spread their ideas and teachings that originated from the far reaches of the Islamic world of Persia, Central Asia and Turkey. Nizamuddin himself was born in Badayun and traveled at the age of twenty to Pakpattan where be became the disciple of Baba Fariduddin Ganj-e-Shakkar and later became his successor. It was a time of exploration of ideas and search for knowledge. There was a great surge and movement throughout Asia by teachers, scholars, monks, sufis and philosophers who traveled widely exchanging thoughts and sharing teachings. This movement was facilitated by the vigorous trade that was carried out through the length and breath of the region and along the fabled Silk Route.

These ideas and teachings were unique as they were not confined to any one strict religious dogma, but embodied principles of inclusion and openness. The emphasis was on good governance, citizenship, spiritual and moral elevation through meditation and good deeds. Sufism, Buddhism and other similar schools of thought, found purchase in these means of transmission.

Qawalli is a popular and revered form of devotional singing and because of its Sufi soul, rooted in the belief in universality and oneness of all, is enjoyed by people of many religious persuasions in South Asia. The one to bring this art form to Western ears was the great Pakistani Qawal Nusrat Fateh Ali, who pioneered the popularisation of Qawali in North America and Europe. Today there are many Qawali lovers around the world and its popularity is steadily growing. Part of this growing and flowering is the essential message of universal tolerance, love and inclusiveness contained in the lyrics, that is particularly appealing to people world-wide in these turbulent and unsettled times.

In Montreal, an organisation called the Kabir Cultural Center (KCC) named after the famous Indian saint Kabir Das, strives to build bridges through cultural activities to bring the South Asian diaspora closer to the mainstream Canadian community they live within. As part of its efforts, KCC organised a Qawalli performance in 2007 and again in 2008, of the famous Qawals, Farid Ayaz and ensemble of Pakistan. This Qawal "Gharana" or musical family, traces its lineage back to a favourite disciple of Hazrat Amir khusrau, and they maintain and preserve the traditional forms handed down through the generations. Their group has been awarded the highest accolades by the Pakistani Government and their musical genius is acknowledged the world over.

After hearing the spell-binding performance, the Hindu Mandir approached the group for a performance at their temple, to which the group readily agreed and on the 6th of April, history was made by a performance of Sufi, devotional music at the Mandir. The group performed works by Amir Khusrau, their spiritual teacher, and also works by Kabir Das. The audience was enchanted and deeply moved. The performance had special significance because it coincided with the NAVARATRI (New Year's) celebrations. Indeed, what better way to step into a new year but with a message of peace, inter-faith harmony and good-will, and the significance was appreciated by both the performers and the audience.

It was a performance that will be long remembered with the hope that its message will bring the communities of South Asia, closer together and indeed build a bridge that spans ideological, cultural and religious differences.
Kudos to KCC and the Hindu Mandir administration for its foresight and forward looking initiative. Bridges built by steel and concrete, erode with the passage of time, but the ones built in hearts endure and strengthen with love and commitment.

Kiran Omar
________________________________________________________________________

Bhajjan sung by Farid Ayaz Qawwal

It was a fabulous event last evening, followed by a most unlikely double-first today, the first time ever that Farid Ayaz Ensemble has sung in a Hindu temple and the first time that the Hindu Temple in West Island has ever had a Pakistani group (and devout Muslims) singing on their premises.

This later event was even more remarkable for the great appreciation from the audience at the temple, the money showered on the artists and the great fraternity displayed by the Sufi artists in all their singing and communication to the audience. Special thanks go to Arif Bhai and Kiran Behan for bringing the artists from Pakistan and bearing the brunt of all the logistics.

Raghu
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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.

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

Main to Ru baroo-ey Yaar Hoo'n - Zaki Taji Qawwal

Posted by ghulammoin on YouTube

Sargam is superb!

" I actually liked Farid better than Nusrat because of his strong
classical element. His sargam is superb!" - Durga Bor, Cornell
University, Ithaca NY

The following extract from a recital in Tunis is a good example of what she especially liked about them. I too love the classical element that differentiates them from many other qawwals.

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

The best qawwali programme ever!! - April 3 - Ottawa

The best qawwali programme ever!!

This was overwhelmingly the comment from the audience who attended the function.The kalaam rendered that evening was scintillating and touched every one's heart. Farid's performance that evening was par excellence and showed that he was responding to the vibes coming from the crowd.The question being asked is "when are they coming back".

Thank you Arif for being part of this great cultural event.Hopefully we can do it on a much larger scale next time.

Javed Somra