As we celebrate our 63rd Republic Day, let’s take a look at some Muslim contribution to patriotic songs in India over the years. The list is not exhaustive and considers only the more popular ones. 1 ‘Watan ki raah mein … Continue reading
Qawwali muqabila
Qawwali originated in dargahs and remains closely associated with it but there is a whole world of Qawwali that exists outside the dargahs, no I am not talking about Bollywood Qawwalis. Qawwali muqabilas are popular in small towns and usually … Continue reading
Asrar-ul-Haq Majaz – A Journey of Love, Hope and Nationalism
THE year was 1935. The union hall of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was brimming with students and the atmosphere was electric. A young man in sherwani stands up. He runs his hand through his long locks, and recites his poem … Continue reading
Ganga-Jamni tahzeeb
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan signing “Hari Om Tatsat” Shakar-Shambhu signing “Man Kunto Maula” Photo by http://blog.soulcocina.com
Reading Iqbal
Growing up as a Muslim in India I had ambivalent feelings about Iqbal. One wants to sing ‘saare jahaan se accha…” from the top of his lung but then how do I reconcile the fact he was the first person … Continue reading
Muslims in India are as diverse as India herself. Islam in India – a movie in two parts by Prashun Bhaumik.
Islam in India- a movie
Indian Sufism
Kaagaa sab tan khaiyo, chun chun khaiyo maans, Do nenan mat khaiyo, mohe piyaa milan ki aas (O crow eat my body and every morsel of my flesh But pray eat not my eyes for they wait for the sight … Continue reading
A picture of greatness
This picture arrived in my inbox few days ago. Amazing to see some of the biggest names of literature and intellectuals all in one group picture. I didn’t have the chance to find out where and when this picture was … Continue reading
Music of Nagore
Nagore is famous for Sufi saint Syed Abdul Qadir popularly known as Qadir Vali. Syed Abdul Qadir born in Manikpur in present day UP in the year 1504 (910 hijri). Around the age of 18 he left home seeking a … Continue reading
