The Ultimate Glossary of Naat Terms: Understanding the Language of Devotion
The world of Islamic devotional poetry is rich with linguistic nuances. For a listener or a budding reciter, the terms used in Mehfil-e-Naats can sometimes feel overwhelming. Understanding the difference between a Hamd and a Manqabat, or knowing what a Kalam actually signifies, transforms the listening experience from mere auditory pleasure into deep spiritual comprehension.
This comprehensive glossary defines the essential terms used in the art of Sana-Khawani, offering historical and theological context you won't find in a standard dictionary.
1. The Core Genres of Devotional Poetry
Hamd (حمد)
The word Hamd is derived from Arabic, meaning "praise." In Islamic literature, a Hamd is a poem exclusively dedicated to the praise of Allah (SWT).
Theological Context: It is a traditional etiquette (Adab) in Islamic gatherings to begin with a Hamd before reciting anything else. A Hamd focuses on Allah’s attributes—His mercy, His creative power, and His oneness (Tawhid).
Famous Example: "Koi To Hai Jo Nizam-e-Hasti Chala Raha Hai" by Muzaffar Warsi.
Naat (نعت)
While "Naat" is often used as a general term for all Islamic songs, it specifically refers to poetry written in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Historical Context: The first Naat Khawan was Hazrat Hassan bin Thabit (RA). A Naat describes the physical beauty (Shama’il), the character (Khuluq), and the spiritual status of the Prophet.
Manqabat (منقبت)
A Manqabat is a poem written in praise of the Sahaba (Companions of the Prophet), the Ahl-al-Bayt (the Prophet's family), or the Awliya (Saints/Sufis).
Usage: You will often hear Manqabats dedicated to Hazrat Ali (RA), Hazrat Ghaus-e-Azam, or Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at religious gatherings.
Nasheed (نشيد)
Commonly used in the Arab world, a Nasheed is a vocal piece that can cover various Islamic themes, including brotherhood, the beauty of nature, or moral values. Unlike Naats, which are often strictly poetic, Nasheeds can be more contemporary in their lyrical structure.
2. Technical Poetic Terms
Kalam (کلام)
In common parlance, Kalam simply means "speech" or "words." In the world of Naat, it refers to the entire written work of a poet. When someone asks, "Whose Kalam is this?" they are asking who the poet is.
Significance: A "strong" Kalam is one that is linguistically sound and theologically accurate.
Mukhra (مکھڑا) & Antara (انترا)
These are terms borrowed from the musical traditions of South Asia:
Mukhra: The opening lines or the chorus of a Naat that are repeated after every verse.
Antara: The subsequent verses that provide deeper detail. In a typical recitation, the Antara is often recited at a higher pitch than the Mukhra.
Matla (مطلع) & Maqta (مقطع)
Matla: The first couplet of a Ghazal or Naat where both lines rhyme.
Maqta: The final couplet where the poet often includes their Takhallus (pen name). For example, when you hear "Raza" at the end of a Naat, you are hearing the Maqta of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan’s poem.
3. The Performance and Vocal Vocabulary
Sana-Khawan (ثناء خوان)
A person who recites Naats. While "Naat Khawan" is the popular term, Sana-Khawan is more formal and encompasses the praise of Allah and the Prophet.
Tarannum (ترنم)
This refers to the rhythmic, melodic chanting of poetry without the use of musical instruments. Most traditional Naats are recited in Tarannum. It sits in the delicate space between speaking and singing.
Zikr (ذکر)
In some Naats, especially those in the Sufi tradition, a rhythmic repetition of Allah’s name or the Kalima is used as a background chorus. This is called Zikr-e-Ilahi. It is intended to create a state of spiritual focus.
Wajd (وجد)
Wajd refers to a state of spiritual ecstasy or "finding" oneself in the love of the Divine. Listeners sometimes enter this state during a particularly moving recitation of a Naat or Qawwali.
4. Thematic Terminology
Ishq-e-Rasool (عشق رسول)
This is the driving force behind all Naat Khawani. It translates to "Deep, passionate love for the Messenger." A Naat is considered successful not by how many "likes" it gets, but by how much Ishq-e-Rasool it ignites in the heart of the listener.
Durood-o-Salam (درود و سلام)
Durood is the invocation of blessings upon the Prophet, and Salam is the salutation of peace. Most Naat gatherings conclude with a standing recitation of Salam (e.g., "Ya Nabi Salam 'Alayka").
Madinah-e-Munawwarah (مدینہ منورہ)
The "Illuminated City." A huge percentage of Naat poetry revolves around the longing to visit Medina. Terms like Sabz Gumbad (Green Dome), Rauza-e-Aqdas (The Sacred Tomb), and Taybah are all synonyms or landmarks associated with this theme.
5. Why Understanding This Glossary Matters
For the Listener
When you know the difference between a Matla and a Maqta, you appreciate the poet’s skill. When you recognize a Hamd, you understand the hierarchy of praise. It moves you from being a passive listener to an active, informed devotee.
For the Reciter
A reciter who knows these terms can communicate better with poets and sound technicians. It also ensures that they maintain the Adab of each genre—for instance, not using an overly "poppy" or lighthearted tune for a deeply serious Hamd.
6. Integrating This Knowledge into Your Daily Life
As we look forward to Ramadan 2026 and the various Mehfils that will take place, keep this glossary as a reference. On NaatOnline.in, we aim to be more than just a source for MP3s; we want to be a source of knowledge.
By understanding these terms, you are preserving the Urdu and Persian heritage that has carried the message of Islam for centuries in the East.
