The Golden Era of Syed Sabih Rehmani: Modern Naat Poetry

Overview:

In the 1990s, a renowned figure from Pakistan made history through his exceptional contributions to Islamic poetry, Naat recitations, and writings. He needs no introduction, as his work speaks for itself. Pakistan is blessed with many distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. One such notable figure is Syed Sabihuddin Rehmani, who made substantial advancements in Naat recitation and poetry. Introduction: Syed Sabihuddin Rehmani’s ancestors hailed from Hyderabad Deccan, India. Due to unavoidable circumstances, his grandparents migrated from India to Pakistan in 1958, settling in Karachi, Sindh. His father, Syed Ishaquddin, began working at University of Karachi, married in 1962, and retired as Assistant Controller Examination in the early 2000s.

Birth & Education:
Syed Sabihuddin Rehmani was born in Karachi on June 25, 1965. He completed his matriculation (Science Group) in 1983 with outstanding marks from Federal Government School, North Nazimabad Chorangi. He then completed his F.A from Government Islamia College in 1985, followed by a B.A and an M.A with remarkable marks from University of Karachi in 1987 and 1998, respectively.

Practical Life:
Syed Sabihuddin Rehmani, known by his pen name Sabih Rehmani and poetic title Sabih, has an extensive list of services. He worked as a Telephone Operator at Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation for 18 years. Afterward, he joined ARY, a private television channel, as a Research Director and later served as Director of Programs and Planning. He also worked with Shaheen Airlines as Hajj Director and was promoted to Country Head, Saudi Arabia. Currently, he is the Chairperson of the Naat Research Center in Karachi. Sabihuddin Rehmani got married in 1989 and has three children (two sons and one daughter).

Poetry Career:

Sabih Rehmani has had a keen interest in poetry since childhood, with a particular focus on Naat. He began reciting Naat in primary school and wrote many famous Hamd and Naat compositions that gained worldwide popularity. He participated in various Naat competitions and had the opportunity to recite on Radio Pakistan. His regular Naat poetry career started in college. In 1991-92, he attended a Naat poetry program on STN, a private television channel. His performance led to invitations from STN and Pakistan Television, where his work was appreciated by renowned poets such as Jamil Uddin Ali, Iqbal Azeem, Hanif Asadi, Tabish Dehalvi, and Sehar Ansari.

Mentors:
Sabih Rehmani was mentored by several distinguished educators, social figures, and literary personalities. His development and grooming are a testament to their dedication. Some of his mentors include Muhammad Qamar Khan Rehmani, the late Iqbal Qadri, Sayyed Muhammad Mairaj Jami, Nayyer Madni, Wafa Kaanpuri, Shareef Amaruhvi, and Abdul Waheed Taj. “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” 

Personality Aspects:
Sabih Rehmani is known for his simplicity and humility. His kindness has won the hearts of many. We are fortunate to witness his golden era. Starting Naat poetry at a young age, he has always treated people with love and sincerity. His teaching methods are effective and easy to understand. In the world of Naat Shareef, he is renowned for his soulful recitations. Indeed, he is a pioneer in modern Naat poetry.

Publications on His Personality and Work:
Sabih Rehmani is the first in the field of Naat poetry and recitation to have multiple publications by renowned authors, including: The Creative Aesthetics of N’at – Dr. Aziz Ahsan Mutaliat-e-Hamd-o-Na’at / Kulliyaat-e-Aziz – Dr. Aziz Ahsan (compiled by Sabih Rehmani) Sabih Rehmani’s Architectural Role in Modern N’at – Shaykh Abdul Aziz Dabbag Excellence of Na’at (Conditions and Standards) – Dr. Aziz Ahsan Naat Namay (219 Letters) – Dr. Muhammad Sohail Shafique Some notable Urdu publications are:

• Na'at Rang ke Idariyon ki Tanqeedi Jahat - Riaz Majeed
• Na'atiya Adab Masayel-o-Mubahis - Doctor Abrar-ul-Islam
• Naqd-e- Na'at ki Takhleeqi Jahat - Sayyed Sabih Uddin Rehmani
• Shakhs-o-Aks - Dr. Tehseen Bibi
• Taleefaat-e-Sabih Rehmani: Naqd Na'at ki Nayi Tashkeel - Dr. Tahira Inam
• Urdu Na'at ki Sheri Riwayat - Sayyed Sabih Uddin Rehmani
• Tanqeed-e-Na'at: Naya Tanazur, Nayi Tafheem

Note by Author Sahibzadah Muhammad Usama Younas Qadri Noshahi:
Writing about the kind personality of Syed Sabihuddin Rehmani was a challenging task due to his incredible services and achievements. He embodies pure human love and understands the true value of humanity. Throughout the writing process, he encouraged me greatly, and his personal interest empowered me to write something special. Sabih Rehmani's extensive work, simplicity, humility, kindness, and love for humanity make him a distinguished figure. I struggled to encapsulate his personality in a single article, as numerous books could be written about him. He is the first Naat Khawan in Pakistan's history to have four or more books published on his services. May Allah (SWT) bless him with success in this world and the hereafter. Ameen!