Mumbai: The Islam Gymkhana at Marine Lines hosted a distinctive literary event this week, featuring non-Muslim poets presenting naats, or panegyric poems, in praise of Prophet Muhammad. The programme, titled “Prophet for All,” was part of the commemoration of the 1500th birth anniversary of the Prophet on September 5.
The event, now in its fourth year, is organized by Urdu Caravan and coordinated by poet Sagar Tripathi. Tripathi, who has been writing Urdu poetry for decades, said it felt natural to include naats once he began exploring the language. He emphasized that the Prophet’s message is universal, describing him as “Rahmatulil Aalmeen, mercy for the world.”
Participants included poets from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Medical practitioner Dr. Laxman Sharma Wahid shared how his study of Urdu and exposure to the Prophet’s life led him to compose devotional verses. His first poetry collection includes several naats. Poet Anushka Nikam noted that her initial understanding of the Prophet was limited until she consulted Muslim mentors and studied his life. She explained that learning about the Prophet’s mission inspired her to write in his praise.
Another poet, Hira Lal, said his attraction to Urdu poetry during his college years deepened when he began listening to naatiya kalam. This inspired him to write verses dedicated to the Prophet, which he described as a privilege to share with audiences at such gatherings.
Organizers believe the event strengthens understanding of Urdu literary traditions while highlighting the universal appeal of the Prophet’s qualities. “A naatiya mushaira is common when Muslim poets participate, but giving this platform exclusively to non-Muslim poets makes it rare and meaningful,” said Urdu Caravan’s Farid Khan.
