Man Kunto Maula

Man Kunto Maula (Arabic: مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلاَهُ ; transl. Whomever I am his master) also known as Maula Ali Maula, is a mesmerizing Qawwali composition attributed to the renowned 13th-century Sufi poet, musician, and scholar, Amir Khusrau.[1] This powerful qawwali holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees, as it celebrates the esteemed figure of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

With its soul-stirring lyrics and captivating melodies, Man Kunto Maula encapsulates the deep reverence and admiration for Ali. The lyrics of the qawwali express profound devotion and highlight the spiritual connection between the faithful and their beloved spiritual guide.[2] The words "Man Kunto Maula Fa-haaza Ali-yun Maula" (Arabic: مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلاَهُ فَعَلِيٌّ مَوْلاَهُ ) hold a significant meaning, proclaiming that whoever acceptsMuhammad as their master, Ali is also their master.[3] This profound declaration finds its roots in the hadith (saying) of Muhammad, where he stated, "Whomever I am his master (maula), this Ali is his master (maula)." This hadith is recorded in Sahih Tirmizi (Vol. 2, p. 298) and Sahih Bukhari (Vol. 5, Book 59[4]).

Amir Khusrau, known for his poetic brilliance,[5] composed this qawwali to honor the revered stature of Ali. Through his poetic verses, Khusrau beautifully captures the essence of Ali's spiritual wisdom, guiding light, and his significance as a divine guide for the believers. The qawwali serves as a powerful expression of faith and devotion, evoking a sense of spiritual ecstasy among the listeners.

The song has been sung by numerous vocalists over the years, notably by renowned qawwali singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan[6] and Sufi vocalist Abida Parveen.[7] In 2016, prominent Pakistani singers Ali Azmat and Javed Bashir performed a rendition of the song in Season 9 of Coke Studio Pakistan.[8] The 2014 Indian film Gunday features a recreation of "Mann Kunto Maula" with lyrics by Irshad Kamil and music by Sohail Sen which is sung by Altamash Faridi and Shadab Faridi.[9]