Indian Prime Minister Modi Highlights the Legacy of Hazrat Amir Khusro, the Herald of a Shared Civilization: A 25-Year Tribute at Jahan-e-Khusrau

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 4 March 2025 Muzaffar Ali’s Silver Jubilee Event In Delhi Honours Amir Khusro’s Contributions To Music, Poetry, And Sufi Spirituality, With Prime Minister Modi Praising His Role In Blending Sufi Teachings With India’s Rich Cultural Heritage. ------ Muzaffar Ali, a renowned filmmaker and cultural figure, organized the Jahan-e-Khusro event to celebrate Amir Khusro's timeless musical poetry. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, which began on February 28 at Sunder Nursery in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the event and praised Hazrat Amir Khusro’s legacy, highlighting his significant role in blending Sufi teachings with Indian spirituality. Modi also emphasized Khusro’s admiration for India, its intellectual achievements, and the importance of Sanskrit. The Prime Minister recognized the unique identity of the Sufi tradition in India, which harmonized Quranic teachings with Vedic principles, and celebrated how Sufi and classical music contributed to the nation’s culture. He honoured the contributions of Sufi saints, such as Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, and their role in fostering unity through devotional music. Modi also praised the Jahan-e-Khusro event for its role in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and acknowledged the efforts of Muzaffar Ali and the Rumi Foundation in making the event a success. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering at Jahan-e-Khusrau, the Sufi music festival, held at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi. (PTI) ----- In his speech, Modi referenced the Sufi tradition’s ability to bridge spiritual and geographical boundaries, recalling his visit to Afghanistan and quoting Rumi’s philosophy. He concluded by expressing appreciation for the event, which promotes spiritual love and cultural unity. It has become a matter of great interest for many to know about Hazrat Amir Khusro, his life, works, and the immense contributions he made to the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual fabric of India. Amir Khusro, who is regarded as one of the most iconic figures in Indian history, is celebrated not only for his poetry but also for his innovations in music, his promotion of unity among diverse communities, and his influence in shaping the rich cultural heritage of the subcontinent. His legacy spans centuries, and his influence continues to resonate in various forms, especially in the realms of Sufi music, poetry, and literature. Given the growing curiosity about his life and work, I decided to translate an article by Dr. Shahbaz Hasibi, which was published in the Urdu daily newspaper Inquilab on 28 February 2025. Dr. Hasibi's article provides an in-depth exploration of Hazrat Amir Khusro's life, highlighting the cultural synthesis he embodied, his contributions to the development of languages like Urdu, and his impact on the arts and spirituality. The article also discusses how Khusro, through his unique blend of Persian, Hindavi, and Braj Bhasha in his poetry, became a symbol of India's composite culture and an enduring figure in the world of Sufi mysticism. By translating this article, I aim to share with the readers the profound insights Dr. Shahbaz Hasibi has presented on Hazrat Amir Khusro's remarkable legacy. The translation offers readers a deeper understanding of his poetic genius, his role in shaping Sufi music and devotional traditions, and his contributions to fostering spiritual and cultural unity in India. It also sheds light on Khusro’s unwavering devotion to his spiritual guide, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, and how this deep connection influenced his works. Through this translation, readers can appreciate not only the historical significance of Amir Khusro but also the spiritual, literary, and musical dimensions that made him an unparalleled figure in the history of South Asia. Khusro’s poetry and music, especially his Qawwalis and Ghazals, continue to inspire generations, and it is crucial to recognize his role as a torchbearer of the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the East. PM Narendra Modi being presented a memento by Jahan-e-Khusrau founder Muzaffar Ali and his wife Meera Ali in New Delhi on Friday. (ANI) ------- Amir Khusro: The Herald of a Shared Civilization By Dr. Shahbaz Hasibi Translated from Urdu into English by New Age Islam Amir Khusro's full name was Abu'l Hasan Yamin al-Din Khusro. He was born in 1253 in Patiali (now in Uttar Pradesh, India). His father, Amir Saif al-Din Mahmood, was of Turkic descent and had migrated from Balkh to India, while his mother was Indian. This blend of cultures was prominently reflected in his personality, poetry, and art. He was raised in a scholarly and religious environment, which played an important role in his intellectual development. Amir Khusro was not only a Sufi poet but was also regarded as a symbol of India's composite culture. He was a beloved disciple of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, and his poetry prominently reflects a Sufi tone. He wrote poetry in Persian, Hindavi, and Braj Bhasha, and experimented with various poetic forms such as Ghazals, Masnavi, Qatta, Dohvati, and Tarkib-Band. His Thumris and songs are still popular today. Amir Khusro's language was extremely charming, meaningful, and full of craftsmanship. Professor Sharif al-Hassan Qasmi believes that “the concept of mother tongue and pride in it is a gift of Amir Khusro.” Since his mother was Indian, he wrote poetry in his mother tongue, Hindavi, which later contributed to the development of the Urdu language. Amir Khusro was not just a poet but also a great innovator in music. He is also known as the inventor of the sitar, Tabla, and the Indian style of music. He introduced several new ragas into Indian classical music, among which "Qawwali" gained special fame. Qawwali and Tarana are still considered to be his contributions and are an important genre of Sufi music. Amir Khusro was a prominent figure in the courts of many kings. He remained associated with the courts of rulers like Ghiyas al-Din Balban, Jalal al-Din Firuz Khalji, Ala al-Din Khalji, and Muhammad bin Tughlaq. His poetry reflects elements of courtly literature and social reforms. Amir Khusro's works include several Masnavis and prose collections. Some of his famous works are: Tuhfat al-Sighar, Wasat al-Hayat, Ghurrat al-Kamal, Baqiyyat Naqiyyah, Qissa Chahar Darwish, Nihayat al-Kamal, Hasht-Bahisht, Quran al-Sa'dayn, Nah-Safar, Diwan-e-Ghazaliyat. Hams Khusro (which includes Masnavis like Matal al-Anwar, Shirin-o-Khusro, Majnun-o-Laila, Aina-e-Sikandari, and Hasht-Bahisht). Zihāl-e-Miskīn Makun Taghāful (written in Persian and Hindavi, still famous today): "Do not ignore the plight of the poor (Miskīn)." This line is a plea for compassion and understanding for those in distress, expressing deep empathy and spirituality. "Chhāp Talak Sab Chīn Līyeh: (written in Braj Bhasha, a beautiful expression of Sufi love): "I have given away everything, even my mark (identity), for the sake of love." This line is a profound expression of selfless love, where the lover surrenders all personal attachments and identity in devotion to the beloved or the divine. Aaj Ranjha Ghar Aave Ga (written in folk style, colourful and rooted in local traditions): "Today, Ranjha will come home." This line is drawn from the famous Punjabi love story of Heer and Ranjha, conveying the excitement and anticipation of a lover's return, filled with local flavour and folk significance. Zihāl-E-Miskīn Makun Taghāful: This is a unique poem written in a blend of Persian and Hindavi: "Do not ignore the plight of the poor (Miskīn), Turning away your eyes, making excuses, For I cannot bear the separation, O soul, Why do you not take me into your embrace?" This poem beautifully reflects the themes of love, separation, and the pain of longing. The fusion of Persian and Hindavi here creates a new literary form. In this Ghazal, Amir Khusro wrote the first line of each verse in Persian, while the second lines were written in the contemporary Persian and Hindavi of that era. In short, the meaning of the poem can be understood as follows: Amir Khusro is pleading with his beloved not to ignore the state of this poor heart, to not turn away and make excuses, for he can no longer endure the pain of separation. He longs to be embraced by his beloved, questioning why they do not pull him close. Shabān-E-Hijrāñ Derāz Chūn Zulf O Roz-E-Wisāl Chūn Umr-E-Kūtāh Sakhī! Piyāko Jo Maiñ Nah Dekhūñ To Kaise Kāṭūñ Andherī Ratiyān. The nights of separation are as long as the tresses of my beloved, while the days of union are as short as life itself, O friend! How can I pass these dark nights if I do not see my beloved? Judā'ī Kī Rātīn Zulf Kī Mānand Derāz Aur Wisāl Ke Din Umr Kī Mānand Mukhtasar Hai. Ae Dūst! Maḥbūb Ko Dekhay Baghair Yeh Andherī Rātīn Kaise Kāṭūñ. The nights of separation are long like the tresses of my beloved, and the days of union are as short as life. O friend! How can I pass these dark nights without seeing my beloved? Yekā'ik Az Dil Do Chashm-E-Jādū Bi-Sad-Firībam Baburdat-Sakīn / Kise Paṛī Hai Jo Jāsnāwe Piyāre Piy Ko Hamārī Baṭīyān, Palk Jhapakte Maiñ Woh Dūsā Sīr Ānkhain Mere Dil Kā Sukoon Le Uṛīñ. Suddenly, two magical eyes, full of deception, steal my peace from my heart / Who has the time to go and tell my beloved about my condition, when in the blink of an eye, those other enchanting eyes steal my heart's peace? Chūn Sham'a Sozān, Chūn Zarrah Jīrān, Hameshā Garyān, Ba 'Ishq Ān Mā / Na Nīnd Nainān, Na Ang Cheinān, Na Āp Āweñ, Na Bhejeñ Pati'ān. Like a burning candle, like a speck of dust, always weeping, for love of Him / Neither sleep in my eyes, nor comfort in my body, and the matter is that neither does He come, nor does He send any message. Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi said about him: "If Khusro were in Persia, he would have been the greatest poet in their language." Chhāp Talak Sab Chīn Līye. This is a famous Sufi poem that expresses the depth of true love. Hazrat Amir Khusro says that by locking eyes with me, you took away my very identity, meaning you took my form away from me. Through this gaze, the form of worldly love transformed into divine love within me, and I began to see the form of my beloved in my own. Prem Bhatī Kā Madhwāplāī Ke, Matwālī Kar Lī Nī Mō Se Nainā Milāī Ke. One special thing that is passed down from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through a chain of spiritual masters is the drink from the "Hauz al-Kawthar" (the fountain of abundance). Hazrat Amir Khusro says that his spiritual guide also made him drink that drink with a glance of his eyes. Khusro Nizām Ke Bal Bal Jā'ō, Mōhe Sahāgan Kī Nī Rahe Mōse Nainā Milāī Ke. Hazrat Khusro says, "I would sacrifice myself for my spiritual guide because I always feel the presence of true love within me in the form of worldly love, and this state is like a married woman who always has her husband with her." This poem is a masterpiece of Sufi music and is still sung with great passion in various gatherings today. The poet of the East, Dr. Iqbal, also praised his art, saying: "Khusro has connected the literary tastes of the East and the West like a bridge." ----- Urdu Article: Amir Khusro: The Herald of a Shared Civilization امیر خسرو: مشترکہ تہذیب کے نقیب URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-culture/pm-modi-civilization-jahan-khusrau-khusroo/d/134773 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism