Elements of supplication and invocation in the Naat poetry of non-Muslim Naat poets

Abstract

Naat, as a distinguished genre of Urdu poetry, has traditionally served as an expression of devotion, reverence, and spiritual attachment to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). One of its most significant thematic dimensions is istighasa, the act of supplication, appeal, and seeking intercession in moments of distress. Historically, istighasa in Naat has been rooted in the belief in the Prophet’s mercy, spiritual authority, and his role as a source of guidance and solace for humanity. While this tradition is commonly associated with Muslim devotional poetry, it is noteworthy that several non-Muslim Urdu poets have also engaged deeply with this poetic and spiritual mode of expression. This paper explores the lesser studied phenomenon of istighasa in the Naatiya poetry of prominent non-Muslim Urdu poets. It highlights how these poets, despite belonging to different religious backgrounds, express profound reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and present heartfelt appeals before him. Their poetic invocations transcend religious boundaries and reflect a shared human longing for compassion, justice, and spiritual refuge. Through a close textual analysis, the study examines various dimensions of istighasa including emotional intensity, ethical admiration, symbolic devotion, and universal humanitarian appeal in selected Naats composed by renowned non-Muslim poets of Urdu literature.