KARACHI: Hazoori Chahti Hoon — a collection of Na’at by poet Parveen Javed was launched in a ceremony held at the Arts Council here on Tuesday.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr Farman Fatehpuri. The speakers included Prof Pirzada Qasim, Prof Saher Ansari, Afaq Siddiqui and Khalid Aliq.

An article by noted Na’at poet Aasi Karnali was read out by Qamer Zaidi. It described Perveen’s poetry simple and immensely poetic. Another article by Na’at poet Hanif Afgar, tracing the noble art of ‘Na’at-goi’ from Arabic and Persian poetry, was presented by Majid Khalid.

Elderly poet Raghib Moradabadi paid his compliments in poetic form, so did Taabish Dehlavi, the noted nonagenarian whose couplets in his absence were read out by Yaamin Akhtar.

The highest merit of the Na’at collection from Parveen, as pointed out by all the speakers, was its title filled with devotion, humility and reverence.

Dr Farman Fatehpuri traced the origin of Na’at — devotional poetry in respect of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — in Arabic literature and quoted some master pieces in this genre from Saadi, Iqbal and others and termed it the ‘noblest’ form of poetry.

Launching of a Na’at collection, to Pirzada Qasim, was the most pious and a memorable event of the evening. Parveen, a known ghazal poet, preferred to present her Na’ats first and expressed her most ardent desire for her Na’ats to be presented before the noblest among all the noble souls in Madina. “There are three stages to achieve the goal — a genuine desire, self-confidence and complete faith —, said Dr Pirzada. Spirituality comes through these stages and the soul finds solace and tranquillity.

Prof Saher Ansari, while admiring Parveen’s Na’ats, also referred to the rich contribution made by women poets in the genre of Na’at. Parveen has composed Na’ats in different forms, from ghazal to rubaiat and Haiku and did admirable justice to every poetic form.

It was also a pleasant occasion to hear the silver-toned Muniba Shaikh reciting Parveen’s Na’at in her resonant voice. Sarver Javed was the last to speak. He warmly welcomed and thanked the audience. — Hasan Abidi