Man Kunto Mawla (To Whom I am the Master) by Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammad Brothers Qawwal

Derived from the Hadith: "To whom I am the master, Ali is his master too;" Amir Khusro wrote this poem praising the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad (Peace and Blessings upon him and his family), Ali (May God be pleased with him). Qawwali songs that are sung in praise of saints and masters are called manqabat, Man Kunto Mawla being one of the most popular.

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Here are the lyrics translated:

How can the Ka’ba not be proud
Of being witness to a noble entity such as Ali?
Each one of the worlds said
You are chief of those closest in friendship with the Divine
You perceive the secrets of the universe
You are privy to all things.

You are Ali, the intimate and beloved friend of God
Whosoever has considered me his master
You gained a place in the Prophet’s own household
You gained a home illuminated with the Light of God
The master himself called you master – testimony was gained
What holy and glorious times you lived in Here, there, everywhere Whoever ranks among Haider’s lovers, says ‘Ya Ali’

All have the belief
That every beat of the heart is the cry of ‘Ya Ali’
Whosoever has considered me his master
Master master master
Whosoever has considered me his master
Master master master
Whosoever has considered me his master
Whosoever has considered me his master.

That beauty of the Absolute Truth,
Privy to the manifest secrets, came to mind
That axis of asceticism, master of both the worlds, came to mind Whenever his birth month of Rajab dawned over the Ka’ba
Whenever his birth month of Rajab dawned over the holy sanctuary The Ka’ba – Ali’s birthplace – smiled as Ali came to mind
Whosoever has considered me his master Master
Whosoever has considered me his master, this man Ali is his master This man Ali is his master
Whosoever has considered me his master Ali, the master.

At the threshold of Nizamuddin Auliya, Khusro
Sings the Qaul Qalbana in heartfelt devotion
Sings the Qaul Qalbana in heartfelt devotion
Whosoever has considered me his master Master.