Hassan-ul-Asr Al-Haj Muhammad Ali Zahoori (RA) — A Life Dedicated to the Love of the Prophet ﷺ
Among the distinguished and celebrated Naat poets and Naat reciters of the Indian subcontinent, the name of Hassan-ul-Asr Hazrat Al-Haj Muhammad Ali Zahoori (RA) shines with exceptional honor. Through his devotion, humility, and heartfelt poetry, he left an indelible mark on the tradition of Naat, becoming a guiding light for generations to come.
Early Life and Family Background
Hazrat Zahoori (RA) was born on 12 August 1932, Friday, corresponding to 8 Rabi' al-Thani 1351 AH, in Mouza Raiyaan, Raiwind Road, Lahore. He was born into a noble and spiritual household. His father, Haji Noor Muhammad Naqshbandi (RA), was a respected landowner and a devoted disciple of the renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Mian Sher Muhammad Sharqpuri (RA).
His mother was a pious, soft-hearted, and devout woman, known for her simplicity, modesty, and steadfastness in worship. Zahoori Sahib (RA) was the youngest among three brothers and four sisters, and as the youngest child, he was deeply cherished by the entire family.
Education and the Spark of Naat Recitation
Before the independence of Pakistan, during his primary schooling years, he would accompany his father to the annual Urs gatherings in Sharqpur Sharif. It was there that he first heard the respected Haji Yousaf Nageena recite a Naat, and this moment lit the flame of Naat in his young heart.
At only ten years of age, during an Urs ceremony attended by thousands of devotees, he recited a Punjabi Naat written by the famous poet Raqib Qasuri. This marked the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to the praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
After completing primary education, he enrolled at MC High School, Mozang, Lahore. However, the partition of India interrupted his studies. Despite the challenges, Zahoori Sahib’s father strongly wished for his youngest son to complete his education.
In 1949, he joined the Raiwind Patwar School and completed his matriculation there. Later, in 1952, he joined the JV Normal School, Kasur, and successfully earned the JV teaching certificate. His passion for learning continued, and he later completed both Punjabi Fazil and Urdu Fazil examinations.
As a teacher, he began his career at Primary School Kot Ghulam Muhammad, Kasur, and remained associated with the education sector in Kasur until his retirement as a Headmaster.
Naat, Service, and Travels for the Love of the Prophet ﷺ
Hazrat Muhammad Ali Zahoori (RA) was blessed with the sacred opportunity of performing Hajj four times, including one Hajj-e-Akbar, and performing Umrah twelve times.
He travelled to many countries—including the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, England, and India— for Naat gatherings, Seerah conferences, and literary events, spreading the message of devotion and love for the Prophet ﷺ across borders.
A Moment That Defined His Life — Presence Inside the Blessed Rawdah
The greatest and most spiritually profound moment of Zahoori Sahib’s life occurred when Mian Sharif Sahib (RA) sent him along with former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif for Umrah. During this blessed journey, Zahoori Sahib (RA) was granted the exceptional honor of being inside the Rawdah of the Prophet ﷺ for nearly 45 minutes—a privilege rarely given after Hazrat Hassan bin Thabit (RA).
In immense humility and reverence, he softly recited verses from his world-famous Naat:
“Ya Rasul Allah ﷺ teray dar ki hawaaon ko salaam,
Gumbad-e-Khizra ki thandi thandi chhaaon ko salaam.”
Everyone present—including the Prime Minister—was overcome with emotion, tears flowing from their eyes as they witnessed this sacred moment.
Upon returning to Pakistan, Zahoori Sahib penned the final Naat of his life, describing this blessed experience. A few verses are:
“Rehmat ne mujhko dard-o-alam se bacha liya,
Maine bhi apna soya muqaddar jaga liya.”
“Ab is se barh ke kaun si ne'mat talab karun,
Aaqa ne apne Rawzay ke andar bula liya.”
Illness, Passing, and a Scene to Remember
Shortly after returning from this life-changing Umrah, his health suddenly deteriorated. He was taken to Sharif Medical City, where he received the best medical care. However, on 11 August 1999, Wednesday around 10 a.m., he left this mortal world, leaving behind thousands of admirers in deep sorrow.
His will specified that he be buried at the feet of his parents. Thus, he was laid to rest at Markaz-e-Tauseef, Mouza Raiyaan, exactly on the spot where he used to hold Naat gatherings.
Although the day was marked by a solar eclipse, intense heat, and humidity, an extraordinary moment occurred: as his blessed body was lowered into the grave, a sudden cool breeze began to blow. Those who witnessed it remember it to this day, many softly repeating his verse:
“Lo chala hoon main lahad mein mere Mustafa se keh do,
Ke hawa teri gali ki mujhe chhorne ko aaye.”
A Memorial Built with Love and Devotion
Today, a magnificent mausoleum stands over his resting place—built not through donations, but entirely through the personal resources of his sons, Mr. Faizan Zahoori and Mr. Hassan Zahoori.
It took eighteen years to complete, reflecting a lifetime of respect, love, and devotion they held for their noble father and serving as a humble expression of their deep attachment and reverence.
The life of Hassan-ul-Asr Al-Haj Muhammad Ali Zahoori (RA) was a testament to unwavering love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As a poet, teacher, reciter, and humble servant of the Naat tradition, he played an unforgettable role in enriching the spiritual and literary heritage of the subcontinent.
His voice, his words, and his legacy continue to illuminate hearts with the love of the Holy Prophet ﷺ.
May Allah Almighty shower His endless mercy upon his blessed soul and keep his spiritual fragrance alive for generations to come. Ameen.