Ameer Khusro: The Sufi Poet and Musician
Ameer Khosrow real name Abdul Hasan Yamen ud-Dīn Khosrow but he is famously known as “Amir Khusrow, Khosrow delhavi, or Khosrow Sultan ul Mashaikh. He was born in 1253 in Pitiyali (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India). His father was a Turk serving for the “Sultan of Delhi” and his mother was Indian. He was a Sufi Poet, scholar, and well-known Musician. He lived in the era of 13th and 14th century. In his childhood, he was sent to different scholars to learn Persian, Music, and other subjects. He also studied Islamic theology and Arabic subjects. His contribution was published in many languages. He did his part in Urdu and Persian literature; his famous contribution was different innovations in music which left a huge impact on South Asian history.
Contribution in Literacy
He was a well-known Scholar and Musician in his time with a strong grip on Ghazals, Masnavis (The Spiritual Couplets), and Rubais. His contribution to Poetry can be characterized due to his lyrical beauty, in-depth rhymes, emotional touch, spiritual insights, better linguistic and cultural boundaries, and vibrating with vast audiences across many generations. His masterly art of writing Persian and Urdu language poems and ghazals made him one of the greatest and most influential poets of all time, as Urdu language was in his development stage, his Poetry in the Urdu language made a strong impact and recognized Urdu language across the world. Mainly his poetry was focused on the themes of Love, mysticism, devotion to God, and spirituality.
Innovations in Music
His contributions were not only limited to poetry, he was considered the father of Qawwali Music, and his innovation in Music made him recognized all over the world. He introduced “Sitar and Tabla” which became so important in Music till this day. When he used first time in an event in-front of the Sultan, everyone was shocked due to his extraordinary performance. His innovation brought a rich tapestry of sound and rhythm. He was awarded so many things and the Sultan allocate a specific amount of money for him. He also introduced “Kalam” which played an important role in Sufism. During his era no one can compete against him because Khosrow was so Perfect in his Art.
Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti and Ameer Khusro
Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti and Amir Khosrow were two important figures in Sufism and lived in the same era of the Indian Subcontinent. They belonged to different generations through a shared devotion to Sufism. When Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti didn’t meet Khusro, he was strictly against music including Qawwali and Ameer Khusro peotry even though he told his students that they shouldn’t listen to any kind of ghazal written by Khusro. When he met Khusro and listened to his ghazals in the form of Qawwali he got shattered and started listening to Qawwali. Khawaja Moinuddin student wrote that “one day he was sitting Infront of Khawaja Moinuddin and suddenly Khawaja Moinuddin said if Allah allows us to buried with someone I should like to be buried with Khusro”. Khusro changed the perspective of Khawaja Moinuddin (considered as a Pillar of Sufism) due to his Magical poetry and his knowledge.
Amir Khurso and Sufism
Amir Khusro was deeply inspired by Sufi Philosophy and mysticism, mainly from the Chishtia system in Sufism. His poetry reflects his connection with God and his love for the divine. He was so close to the famous Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya in which he also influenced him and turned his attention to Qawwali. When he starts singing Qawwali he forgets everyone and spends hours in singing. He was considered one the most influential figures in Sufiism till this day Qawwali is incomplete with his innovative instruments. Many people gained fame by singing his ghazals and poetry. He wrote some books in Persian and Urdu languages about Music and Sufism and his books on Music were translated into many languages to this day his work in Music is taught in Schools and Universities.
Legacy of Amir Khusro
Later on, Amir Khusro served as a courtier and Port in the Delhi sultanate and earned a good place in different rulers including Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Sultan Alauddin Khilji. Despite facing financial challenges and political upheavals he was committed to his artistic showcase and spiritual work. He passed away in 1325 in Delhi leaving behind a rich literary masterpiece and his masterly musical compositions that continue to inspire millions of people till this day.