FROM QALAM SAJDAY TO LALA ZAR-E-NAAT": THE POETIC STYLE OF LALA SAHRAI’S DEVOTIONAL AND EULOGISTIC POETRY

"قلم سجدے سے لالہ زارِ نعت تک": لالہ صحرائی کی حمدیہ و نعتیہ شاعری کا اسلوب

Abstract

This text presents a comprehensive critical and stylistic evaluation of the devotional and literary contributions of Chaudhary Muhammad Sadiq, widely known in Urdu literature as Lala Sahrai. Under the thematic framework of "Qalam Sajday Se Lala Zar-e-Naat Tak", it traces the poet’s internal spiritual evolution and artistic maturation. Moving away from conventional, passive devotion, Sahrai's poetic universe establishes a profound structural continuum between Hamd (praise of God) and Naat (praise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). The analytical evaluation demonstrates how his work rejects hyperbole and strict lexical complexity in favor of Sahl-e-Mumtani (artful simplicity), combining lyrical fluidity with strict adherence to jurisprudential and spiritual boundaries (Adab). Furthermore, it highlights Sahrai’s distinct critical relevance to contemporary times; he transforms the genre of Naat into an active socio-ethical discourse by presenting the prophetic model (Uswah al-Hasanah) as the ultimate remedy for modern societal and existential crises. Drawing thematic sustenance from Iqbalian thought while maintaining an independent, quietist Sufistic tone, Lala Sahrai’s literary legacy stands as a defining benchmark of intellectual depth and technical mastery in 20th-century Urdu Islamic poetry.