Hassan-bin-Thabit Center for Research in Na’t Literature
Mission
To promote the Muslim’s love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Na’t poetry and Na’tiya literature (literary work) while enhancing and preserving the hundreds years old Na’t culture and heritage.
Vision
To build a strong foundation for conducting study, research, literary critique, and appreciation of Na'tiya literature, particularly in academic circles and universities which will be helpful in integrating Na't into academic courses in a systematic way.
Introduction Na't is a vocal expression of devotion and love for our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is recognized as the world's greatest teacher and leader. It is lyrical poetry that stands for admiration and adoration of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Occasionally, Qur'anic verses are also taken to honor him in the presence of the Divine. Sometimes it resembles the blessings and greetings that the angelic hosts bring, and other times it is like the good news that is contained in the celestial writings.
The word "Na't" has been expressed in a variety of ways throughout history. Even his companions (Sahaba and Sahabiyyat), who were equally noble, contributed significantly to developing the Na't reciting tradition. Particularly, Hazrat Hassan-bin-Thabit excelled in this area and established a model standard.
Since the beginning of the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) prophetic mission and up to the present day, Na't recitation has been a part of the literary and poetic traditions of many different cultures and languages, including; Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Hindi, Turkish, and Punjabi literature. The word "Na't" has a special place in each of these languages, and each of these languages has a long history of preserving it with the highest devotion.
It is a significant literary genre in the modern age which has also been acknowledged as a unique and noteworthy feature of contemporary Urdu writing. However, it is difficult to work on Na't since it calls for an innate personality trait, rhetorical ability, and an in-depth understanding of the personality characteristics and life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). While being completely familiar with every aspect of the Prophet's (PBUH) dedication, qualities, and character is also mandatory in this respect.
The promotion of Na’t literature, its composition, recitation, and organizing Na’t gatherings have continued for centuries. From the local neighbourhoods to research institutions and universities, work on Na’t literature is being conducted at various levels.
Minhaj University Lahore holds the distinction in Pakistan for its rapid growth and progress, as evident in its prospectus for private educational institutions. It is also unique among universities worldwide for the dedicated department on Naat literature and research, named the "Hassan- bin-Thabit Center for Research in Na’t Literature." On 04th November 2021, Prof. Dr. Hassan Mohi-ud-Din Qadri (Chairman of Supreme Council, Tehreek Minhaj-ul-Quran) formally inaugurated the center in the presence of highly distinguished and prominent personalities representing Na't literature from across the country.
The visionary intellectual and methodological guidance of Sheikh-ul-Islam Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Minhaj University Lahore, and the personal interest of Deputy Chairman Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri have made the center highly active and productive in a concise period.
To promote the Muslim’s love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Na’t poetry and Na’tiya literature (literary work) while enhancing and preserving the hundreds years old Na’t culture and heritage.
