Zubair Qureshi
The softness and kindness with which the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) treated everyone—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—had a lasting impact on the non-Muslims of not only his age but generations after generations are inspired by his magnanimity.
Even today, we see a large number of non-Muslim poets writing soulful poems in praise of the Prophet (PBUH). These views were expressed by the Presidential award winning Christian poet Nazir Qaisar while presiding over a seminar in connection with 12 Rabiul Awwal held at the PAL auditorium.
Chairperson of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Dr Najiba Arif had organized the event titled “Non-Muslims’ Poetry in Praise of Holy Prophet (PBUH).” Poets Dr Riaz Majeed and Prof Ehsan Akbar were guests of honour on the occasion.
Nazir Qaisar said the Holy Prophet‘s (PBUH) was the embodiment of blessing and no matter what the creed or colour of a visitor was, he treated everyone with love and kindness. His doors were open for all. “We also need to follow that golden example and keep our doors open for everyone. Only then peace will dawn on this country and most of our problems will be solved,” he said.
While speaking about the non-Muslim poets’ poetic tributes to Holy Prophet (PBUH), Nazir Qaisar said Urdu literature is full of such kalam as is written in praise of the Prophet (PBUH) by the Hindu, Sikh and Christian (and also from other religions) poets. This testifies how immensely they are touched by the Prophet’s life and his message of love for all.
It may be mentioned here that in 1992, Nazir Qaisar’s poetry anthology “Ay Hawa Mauzan Ho” (O Breeze, Call for Prayer) was published. That book is regarded as one of the early Naatia kalam by a non-Muslim poet. He also referred to Allama Iqbal’s famous kalam in praise of Guru Nanak.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr Riaz Majeed said the non-Muslim poets’ kalam had a special status in Urdu Naatia Kalam and is always kept in high esteem. He also praised Dr Najiba Arif for organizing such an important and unique event highlighting contributions of the non-Muslim poets in Naat.
Prof Ehsan Akbar also paid compliments to the PAL for organizing a ‘different but very important’ seminar on an important subject. This will encourage other non-Muslim writers and poets too, to write in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Our poets and writers also eulogize other faiths and their founders. He said in the subcontinent, Islam was spread through preaching and the Hindus and followers of other religions were highly influenced and impressed by the soft-spoken Muslim preachers and their sincerity towards them. Among the non-Muslim Naatgo poets Dr Satyapal Anand is the first who ventured to write in praise and eulogy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said Prof Ehsan Akbar. Dr Najiba Arif in her welcome address mentioned a number of non-Muslim poets such as Kali Das, Raja Makhan Lal, Kishan Parshad, Dalu Ram Kaiseri and others. On the occasion, she also remembered and expressed her grief over the death of eminent poet, writer and critic Dr Tauseef Tabassum who passed away recently in Islamabad.
