The Tradition of Naat in Our Traditional Arts

What is Naat and Why is it Important?

Although Naat literally means "to praise, to characterize", in literary and Sufi terminology, it directly means poems written and works composed to praise the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In Turkish Islamic culture, writing and reading naat has been seen as one of the most honorable positions an artist can reach. Fuzuli's famous "Water Qasida" is actually one of the most magnificent examples of naat in our literature.

Things to Consider While Performing Naats

There is a subtle difference between the mood while reciting a hymn or qasida and the mood while reciting a naat. Naat directly carries a feeling of "greeting" and "loyalty". The main goal in every line is to remember His beautiful morals and remind the congregation.