Mohd. Rafi and Sufi Songs
By: H.A.K. Walijah
Mohd Rafi
This write-up is definitely in continuation to the Side-B of Devotional Rafi, an article written by Mr. Biman Baura on August 2009 in this Rafi Forum. I would like to continue the topic but in different perspective of Sufi songs which again classified into two sections: a) philosophical; b) qawwali songs. These songs played a very important role in Hindi cinema moving the storyline and displaying the characters various traits in-depth.
Rafi Saab was a genius who appears only once in a lifetime. His mystic voice still enchants all the music lovers and will continue to enchant them forever. Rafi Saab remains immortal through his voice. I would also like to remind that when Rafi Saab was only 7 years old, ignoring the reprimands of his parents, his elder brother saw Rafi following a sufi saint. That sufi saint was singing some devotional number with his Ektara (an instrument with single string). And Rafi was humming the same number while he followed the saint. And to Rafi’s elder brother’s surprise, Rafi was able to reproduce every note (sur) of the devotional number very accurately. Rafi’s brother recognized the God given talent of Rafi Saab who possessed extraordinary voice even though he was very young. Rafi Saab’s brother recognized the extraordinary musical gift that his brother possessed.
At first, let me shed some light on the word Sufism and it’s significance in Hindi Film Music. The word ‘Sufi’ is derived from the Arabic word ’suf’ which means wool and the word suf which refers to the Sufis habit of wearing wool is more popular supposed derivations of the word sufi.
The practice of Sufism is the intention to go towards the Truth, by means of love and devotion. The sufi is one who is a lover of Truth, who by means of love and devotion moves towards the Truth. The musical and ecstatic aspect of Sufism is called Sama.
Sufi songs resemble a path of devotion and love which leads to none other than God himself. A person can strives towards intimate knowledge or communion with God through listening to Sufi Songs. Many of you must be huge fans of Sufi songs. Such songs have unique appeal about them. Sufi songs are mystical and soothe your heart. They are very passionate. Whether it is a romantic song or sad sufi song, you cannot help but notice them and get totally lost in them. Initially, Sufi songs were sung to celebrate love for God. This was a path of devotion. Sufi songs were ore in spiritual mode. Sufi songs were said to be sung in order to commune with God.
Mohd Rafi
The first category of sufi songs belongs to philosophical songs which are huge in collection, There is no need to go over Rafi’s songs, since everyone is familiar about most of Rafi songs. It is very difficult to compile a list of Rafi’s Great philosophical songs, since they are innumerable. Personally, I loved most of the songs of Great Rafi Saab. Some of the most memorable songs with various music directors are mentioned herein:
Main zindagi ka saath (hum dono, 1961); Aadmi musafir hai (apnapan, 1977); Yeh zindagi ke mele (mela, 1948); Dil ka soona saaz tarana (ek naari do roop, 1973); Zamane ne mare jawan kaise kaise (baharon ke sapne, 1967); Na tu zameen ke liya ( daastan, 1974); Chal musafir door hai to ( ganga ki saughandh, 1978); Jaane walon zara mud ke dekho (dosti, 1964); Rahee manwa dukh ki chinta ( dosti, 1964); Naiyaa teri majdhar (awara, 1951); Maajhi chal o maajhi chal ( aya sawan jhoom ke , 1969); Zindabad zindabad aye mohabbat ( mughal-e-azam, 1960); Tu hindu banega na musalaman (dhool ka phool, 1959)
The Side-B of sufi singing is Qawwali which is a Sufi form of devotional music based on the principles of Hindustani classical. It is performed with one or two lead singers, several chorus singers, harmonium, tabla, and dholak. Again this category divided into two sections, namely, devotional and romantic.
Apart from cinema qawwalis, Rafi Saab had sung many private albums which are particularly religious (Islamic) in tone and appeal directly to the heart no matter what sort of religion the listener follows. Again the versatile Rafi Saab proved his mettle (best efforts) as undisputed king of Qawwali arena of Hindi Film Music whether be it Islamic or romantic in nature.
The following list of Filmi Qawwalis which are devotional in tone and are used in hindi films depicting various cinematic situations:
Tere dar pe jhuke mera sar (niyaz aur namaz, 1977); Allah ka naam paak hai ( maan gaye ustad, 1982); Ya khuda soyee kismat jaga de ( mere gareeb nawaz, 1973); Yeh to allah ko khabar, maula ko ( qatilon ke qatil, 1981); Tere dar pe aaya hoon (laila majnu, 1976); Hoke mayoos tere dar se sawali ( laila majnu, 1976); Qayamat hai qayamat yeh kaisi (mr. natwarlal, 1979)
Tu hafiz e quran banega (sultan e hind, 1978); Aye momino niyaz dilao imam ki ( niyaz aur namaz, 1977); Allah hi allah kar pya bhai; Parwar digar e alam (hatim tai); Madad kijiye taajdar madina ( dayar e madina,)
Further, the list continues of Islamic private albums (non-filmi) sung by Rafi Saab in his inimitable style are in huge collection, but I selected a few due to space constraint:
Agar Kamlliwale Ki Rehmat Na Hoti; Ali Mushkil Kusha; Allah Hi Dega; Allah Mere Allah; Badshah E Vilayat Ali Murtuza; Chalo Madine Chalo; Darbare Madina Dekhe; Dawate Rasool; Fazle Rab Hogaya; Haj Ka Mahina Aagaya; Har Ek Shai Se Aala; Hazrate Adam Ka Waqiya; Hazrate Noor Ka Waqiya; Hijrate Rasool; Izzat Khuda Ke Hath Hai; Janabe Ali Se Salam Kehdena; Kamli Wale Hum Pe Karam Kijiye; Kamli Wale Ke Darbar Main; Karam Ho Ya Ali; Khwaja Nirale Mere; Kya Shaan Tumhari Allahu; Labbaik Ya Haram; Mere Aqa Mere Sarkar Madine Wale; Mohammed Ka Naqshe Kadam; Mohre Nabuwwat; Rehmat Ka Khazina Niklega; Sallallaho Ale Vasallam; Soohe Haram Maula Ke Deewane; Sunlo Meri Faryad Khudaya; Tum Par Salam; Ya Mohammed Gham Ke Mare; Ya Nabi Salaam Alaika
The Filmi Romantic Qawwalis are innumerable but again I selected a few due to space constraint, which are:
Parda hai parda (amar akbar Anthony, 1978); Hai agar dushman zamana (Hum Kisise Kum Nahin, 1978); Pal do pal ka saath hamara (Burning Train, 1979); Raaz ki baat kah doon to (Dharma, 1975); Yeh Mana meri jaan (Hanste Zakham 1973); Na to carvan ki talaash hai (Barsaat ki Raat, 1960); Main idhar jaoon ya udhar jaoon; Meri tasveer lekar kya karoge (Kala Samandar, 1961); Aaj kyon hum se parda ( Sadhana, 1958); Jo Yeh Dil Deewana (Dharmputra, 1961); Chandi ka Badan (Taj Mahal, 1963); Mere Dil ke Andar (Phool aur Pathar, 1966)
Jeena to hai usi ka ( Adhikar, 1971); Husne Maghroor ne palkon ko (Sarfarosh); Eid ka din hai ( Deedar E Yaar, 1982)
Rafi Saab was above religious, race, cast, political, national and even commercial differences. He was truly an epitome of national integration and a great human being, blessed with mellifluous voice rather softer than the velvet itself. Rafi Saab had shown great respect toward all religions. We all Indians are very much proud of this great son of India who was an embodiment of goodness, virtue, humility, compassion, and so on.
I would like to conclude with the words of Mohd. Aziz, the famous bollywood singer, an ardent fan and follower of Rafi Saab, who had a deep admiration for the legendary singer Rafi Saab, listening attentively to hundreds of Rafi Saab’s songs, said each one of them was a chapter in the theories of film singing.
Rafi sahab ki tarha koi aur singer ana mumkin nahin ..bcz woh sirf ek bahtareen singer hi nahin balki ek azeem insan the
Rafi Sahab Verstality is matchless. He could have sung any song, low or high pitch, soft song, qawalli, naat, manqabat, hamd, or even bahajans etc. A good article on a different aspect of rafi sahab. Janab Walijah Sahab writing is equivalently marvelous suitable to the title of the write up. Well done Sahab.
I explored some other film qawwalis –
Film – Do chehre – (1977) – aaj ki raat pene de saaqi
singers – rafi, manna dey, minu, hemlata
Music sonik-omi
lyrics bharat vyas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ryAKXw7rd4
film – Phool aur pathar (1966) – mere dil ke andar
singers – rafi saab
music: Ravi
lyrics : Shakeel badayuni
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JayJTLb9aYo&feature=related
Film – sangram (1976) – Dildar hamre dil ko tum
singers – rafi, kishore, anuradha paudwal,
music : Bappi Lahiri
lyrics: Gauhar Kanpuri
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xR66LoRUiY
Please enjoy this qawwali stuff.
long live rafi saab
Great work! Rafi saab was a super human. He was abaove language, religion, cast and country. He will always remain unparallel. As long as music lovers like you and me are there in the universe, he will always be with us.
Regards.
Rafians Iss qawwali ka maza lijiye..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nefne9MDQNg&feature=fvsr
film – jaaneman (1976) – iss mulakat ka bas maza lijiye..
sung by: Rafi, Mukesh & Hemlata
lyrics: anand bakshi
music: laxmikant pyarelal
long live rafi saab
I remember one more filmi qawwali from
Harfan Maula (1976) – Sab ke Lab par Naam Hamara
sung by: Rafi Saab, Manna Dey & Asha ji
Lyrics: Majrooh Sultanpuri
Music: Shyamji Ghanshyamji
Shakila Banu Bhopali who was herself a qawwali singer sings this qawwali number along with Mehmood and Navin Nischol, Shakila lip synced Asha bhonsle vocals.
As I started searching, I find more qawwali songs which are the part of this beautiful article.
Devotional song
+ Kya Shaan Tumhari Allah Hu.. (Mere Garib Nawaz – 1973)
The Film Qawwalis are –
+ Aji hoga kya Aage Janab .. (Khoon Ka Badla Khoon – 1978)
Rafi & Vani Jayaram – music by O.P. Nayyar
+ Baat yeh Kaisi keh di zalim … ( Mama Bhanja – 1977)
Rafi & Asha Bhosle – music by Rajesh Roshan
+ Yaar Mil Gaya to Khuda Mil Gaya.. ( Ganga Meri Maa – 1982)
Rafi, Asha & Manna Dey – music by O.P. Nayyar
+ Jab tak jal rahe hain parwane … (Sanjog – 1961)
Rafi & Asha Bhosle – music by Madan Mohan
+ Chal gayee Chal gayee ishq ki goli chal gayee
( Dhoti lota aur chowpatty – 1975)
Rafi & Preeti Sagar – music by Syamji Ghanshyamji
+ Zindagi lekar Hatheli par… (Heera Moti – 1979)
Rafi, Dilraj Kaur & Manna Dey – music by O.P. Nayyar
Long live Rafi Saab
Nice devotional song from Sangram (1976) – Rafi saab at his best in munajaat
Allah Hi Dega Maula hi dega…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB65zE30hI8&feature=related
asalamu alaikum walijah saab,thanx for sharing rare article with us i would like to share docmentry produced by films division of india on rafi saab,i have uploaded in you tube,total in 8 parts,also i have uploaded , around 150 rare songs in you tube,kindly visit this link to listen this songs and watch documentry on rafi saab,take care,allah khafiz
http://www.youtube.com/user/mohamedparvez?feature=mhum
http://www.rafifanblog.blogspot.com
regards
mohamed parvez
What a fantastic devotional song of Rafi Saab from the movie Saat Sawaal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cmDWw9S320&feature=related
Another good remember philosophical song from the movie Chowkidaar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm7i9Ks8k04&feature=related
Parvar digar e aalam, another all time great devotional number from the movie Hatim Tai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRBLNW454VU&feature=related
long live Rafi Saab
I like to add one more gem piece of Qawwali from film Sanjog (1970) picturized on comedian Johnny Walker.
-Har ek phool ki kismat juda hoti hai
Salam
Iqbal
Dear Walijah Sir,
Hats off to you for such a nice write-up. It shows that you have very deep interest in literature and films, bucause I have read your two write ups appeared on this website, both are masterfully crafted and well written.
Rafi saab with sufi songs is nothing short of subject and content. Well defined and beautifully written.
I am waiting now what will be your next write up on this greatest singer.
Salams & regards
A. Almas
As I ponder over Qawwali songs of Rafi Saab I am getting the hidden treasure of beautiful qawwalis moe and more.
Islamic qawwalis used in movies
+ Bula lo dar pe
+ Nighaen shaouq se
from the movie AAKHRI SAJDA ( 1977)
+ Bigadi hui banade Ajmerwale khwaja
+ Suno Ramzan ki dastaan ko suno
from the movie ALAM ARA ( I thnk it is second Alam Ara in color starring Nazima, Jairaj & mohan choti) in mid seventies ( I don’t remember the year)
The filmi qawwalis are
+ Main hoon tera prem tum ho mere pran
from the film RAHU KETU ( 1978) picturesed on Pran and Premnath.
+ Badi door se chal kar aaye hain
from Jay Vijay (1977) starring Jeetendra Reena Roy
+ Haseen Raath main Allah kasam
from Magroor ( 1979)
Long live rafi saab
Hello Sir,
I don’t have word to express my feelings about Deeeerest, & my sweet heart Mohammed Rafi.
When I was young and heard in the radio that Mohd. Rafi is no more, he died, Oh it was very difficult time to face this news, really it was very very difficult time for me, even now when I am writing to you this comments in my heart some feelings are going on as when I heard first time about Rafi sahib.
Allah took him in haven may be his creator need him in jannat.
I was thinking what can I do to bring him back from God, I know it was not possible but at that time when I was young, I was thinking may be this news is wrong, I don’t like to listen that Rafi sahib died. I was thinking why not I die before he died.
Really it was very paining movement for me to maintain my self, after long time I express my feelings through ur web.
Even I prey for you, Allah keep you healthy and strong every step of your life.
Thanks to you & God bless you.
Best regards
I remember some more filmi qawwalis where rafi saab has always great
+ Tum nahin ya hum nahin (Karmayogi – 1978)
+ Salam Kijiye (Aandhi – 1975)
+ Mere Budhape ko cash kar le (Apna Khoon – 1978)
+ Mee Raksam (Harjaee – 1981)
+ Shabab hai sharab hai (Aatish – 1978)
Long live Rafi Saab
GREAT RESEARCH OF GREAT SONGS…. iN ANY OTHER COUNTRY RAFI SAAHEB WOULD HAVE BEEN KNIGHTED. NOT IN INDIA BECAUSE LIVING LEGENDS HERE ARE CANVASSING FOR THE RATNAS WITH CORRUPT POLITICIANS.
THERE ARE ATLEAST TEN PEOPLE TRYING TO MAKE A GREAT MOVIE ON THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MOHD RAFI SAAHEB.
LETS SEE WHO SCORES FIRST…. IT WIL BE INTERESTING AND WELCOME .
WEL DONE WALAJAH SAAB….
Dear Walijah Saheb,
Very nice article indeed. when singing devotional songs you can really feel the singing delicacy of Rafi Saab specially Hamd, Naat or manqabat etc. His voice will flow in full force while rendering devotional songs. Your article has done justice to the subject you have selected, for which I admire you heartily.
Keep writing such nice articles, May God bless you.
with best intentions
KABEER AMAN
Dear Dr. Khaja Aliuddin Sahab
Thanks a million for your graceful and kind comments. As always you are the first person to send your comments to my write up with the touch of poetic flavor. I take pride in responding you with same fervor and poetic gusto with humility and respect.
I would like to quote some couplets of Mohsin Naqvi :
abhii kyaa kahe.n abhii kyaa sunaaye.n
ke sar-e-fasiil-e-sukuut-e-jaa.N
kuf-e-roz-o-shab pe sharar numaa
vo jo harf jarf charaaG thaa
use kis havaa ne bujhaa diyaa
kabhii lab hile.nge to puuchhanaa
sar-e-sahar-e-ahad-e-visaal-e-dil
vo jo nikahato.n kaa hujuum thaa
use dast-e-mauj-e-firaaq ne
tah-e-Khaak kab se milaa diyaa
kabhii gul khile.nge to puuchhanaa
abhii kyaa kahe.n abhii kyaa sunaaye.N
yuu.N hii Khvaahisho.n ke fishaar me.n
kabhii be-sabab kabhii beKhalal
kahaa.N kaun kis se bichha.D gayaa
kise kis ne kaise ga.Nvaa diyaa
kabhii phir mile.nge to puuchhanaa
Thanks & best regards
H.A.K. Walijah
Walijah Sahab,
Excellent, fabulous, mind blowing and superb write up. Those people who are despair of not finding here the long list of devotional songs, we rafi lovers can fulfill the vacuum by presenting the long list of songs. Therefore I present here below the some more devotional songs from private albums (Non filmi songs) of Rafi Saab.
1. Dekhiye Sooye Haram Mula Ke Dewaane
2. Chale Hain Haji Haj Ada Kar
3. Dil Main Haj Ki Lagan
4. Mubarak Hai Yeh Din
5. Shukar Hai Tera Aye Khaliq
6. Aa Gaya Lo Aa Gaya Haj Ka Mahina
7. Ja Rahe hain Wo Haji Bari Shaan Se
8. Fazal-e-Rab Ho Gaya Haj Ada ho Gaya
9. Chalo Madine Mohammad Ka Naam Le Ke Chalo
10. Aao Aye Mominon Darbaar-e-Madina Dekhen
11. Mere Aaqa Mere Sarkar Madine Wale
12. Ya Mohammad Gham Ke Mare Aye hain Darbar Main
13. Shah-e-Madina Sarwar-e-Aalam
14. Dawat-e-Rasool Ka Waqiya
15. Jane Wale Khuda Ki Rehmaton
16. Us Jaan-e-Do Aalam Ka Jalwa
17. Aye Baad-e-Saba Leja Tu
18. Basi hai Dil Main Nabi Ki Yaad
19. Meri Jholi Ko Bhar de Aye Khuda
20. Hijarat-e-Rasool Ka Waqiya
21. Hai Kitna Meetha Sabar Ka
22. Guzarti hai Jo Mujh Par
23. Nabiyon Ke Sardar Mohammad
24. Ya Khuda Ek Din
25. Agar Mil Gayi Mujhe Ko Raah-e-Madina
26. Falak Bola Khuda Ke Noor Ka Main
27. Badshah-e-Room ka Waqiya
28. Hazrat Ayub Ka Waqiya
29. Be Gunahon Ka lahoo Hai
30. Kamli Wale Ka Roza Nigahon Main Hai
31. Peeran Ne Peer Ghus-e-Aazam
32. Karam ho Ya Ali Yeh Waqat Hai Mushkil Khushayi Ka
33. Muslim Ke Bachon Ki Shahadat Ka Waqiya
34. Aaj Tera Gunegaar Banda
35. Mushkilen Aasan Kar De
36. Ali Mushkil Khusha Shah-e-Najaf
37. Hai Jannat Se Badhkar Madina
38. Saba Janab-e-Ali Se Salam Keh Dena
39. Saat Saal Ke Bache Ka Waqiya
40. Suno Ramzaan Ki Dastaan To Suno
41. Karta Hai Ek Raavi Dil Soz Ye Biyaan
42. Gaflat Main Soone Walo Rab Ne Tumhin Pukara
43. Fazilat-e-Maah-e-Ramzaan
44. Mere Khuda mera Koi
Thanks & best of luck
Man Mouji
Dear Walijah Sahab
Great to see this write up on sufi songs of Rafi Sahab. I think it is very significant that at age 7, Rafi Sb was following this unknown sufi fakir. It is my firm belief that this fakir was someone very special. Someone who worked for Almighty God. And I think this sufi imparted something special to Rafi Sahab at that tender age so that he knew that singing was going to be his work in life. And how he sang! Rafi Saab’s voice and range are so special that only a miracle could be responsible for it. Otherwise it is impossible to sound the way he did (no one has ever been able to sing like him so far). But over and above that, look at the man. do you ever see such a pious singer? Someone who did not let petty thoughts come in the way of his devotion. For whom, Bhagwan, Ishwar, Allah, are all one and the same. And whether he was singing a bhajan or an islamic rreligious song, he put the same feeling and devotion into it. There is a lesson in this which we must heed.
Your article has awakened a desire in me to check out some of the songs you have mentioned (which I have not heard before). Thank you for a wonderful article on yet another aspect of our great Rafi Sahab.
Nasreen
Rafi Sahaab, Adaab, Nameste, Satsrikal, I am confused how I wish Rafi Sahaab, because in my opinion Rafi Sahab was not hindu, muslim, sikh he was “KHUDA KAA NOOR” because if I think he was a muslim then how and who filled deep feelings when he was singing “Shirdi wale sai baba” and “Govinda ala re” “Man tadpat hari darshan ko aaj” so according to me if we think deeply and follow Rafi Sahab’s thoughts there will be no differences between the people of this disturbed world. Allah hafiz.
ASA, H.A.K. Walijah Saheb,
Bahut Khoob, as usual superb “tahreer”.
Yousuf Quadri ne kya khoob kaha hai:
Awaz ki ek shama hawaaon me jaga kar
khamoosh Rafi hogaye dil apna dikhakar
Ek khwab Rafi ban gaye veerane dil me
ashkon ki har ek aankh me khaleen bichakar
arman jo tha haj ka woh jab hogaya poora
phirte hain Rafi aalame arwah me jakar
“Shahzada Awaz” hai ezaz Rafi ka
jannath ke hawale tu unhen mere khuda kar
Awaz sunai de tujhe jab kabhi Yousuf
is sahabe naghmath ki bakhshish ki dua kar
With regards to all Rafi lovers,
Dr. Khaja Aliuddin