Musawwir Zaidpuri-An Exemplary Hussaini

Musawwir Zaidpuri (Janab Zaigham Abbas)

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

“Duniya Ki Qir’aton Mein Lazzat Nahi Rahi,

Jab se Husain Naize Pe Quran Suna Gaye

Pahunche to Karbala Mein Bahattar Mijaz Log

Shabeer Ban Ke Sare Zamane Pe Chha Gaye

Aaye to Balo Par Diye Fitrus Ko Shaah Ne

Chalte Chalte Hur Ka Muqaddar Bana Gaye” (Musawwir)

Musawwir Zaidpuri is not a widely acclaimed name in Azadar world. His name surely has recognition in certain pockets of Awadh and Gujarat. He, however, deserves more respect not only as a ‘Shair-e-Ahle-Bait’ (Poet of Prophet and his progeny)or ‘Zakir(Orator)-e-Ahlebait’ but also for the sacrifices he has made to further the cause of Karbala revolution. His original name is Zaigham Abbas. Born to Janab Nazar Abbas of Zaidpur, Janab Zaigham also earned a government job in Kanpur after his education. Initially, he enjoyed his work but soon realized as if he was wasting his time. While attending Majalis in Zaidpur and Kanpur, the heart-rending scenes of Karbala always moved him. Is government job is better than a life dedicated to service of martyrs of Karbala? The question began haunting him and finally he left the job to join a course in theology in a premier institution of Lucknow. He took the decision without any hitch despite his humble financial background and hosts of family responsibilities.

While pursuing religious education, he started addressing majalis and composing elegiac poetry under pen name of Musawwir. Blessed with presentation skills and a gifted voice, he soon earned fame as a Zakir-e-Ahlebait. He began writing Salams and Azadars admired him, invited him frequently, Anjumans sought his Kalam. He was  offered position to act as Pesh Namaz in Gujrat and Kanpur. He played a significant role in establishing Anjuman-Raza-e-Islam during its infancy about 25 years ago. His Salams and Nauhas gave the much needed fillip and popularity to the newly formed Anjuman. After spending about 8- years in Kanpur as Pesh Namaz of Bam Wali Masjid of Patkapur locality, he had to leave the city he loved a lot. The reason was his fascination for reforming Imami community. Many found his approach critical and rigid. Zaigham Sahib did not budge before such elements.  His stand was clear.”I address majalis to please Almighty and not individuals. I am a Zakir not ‘Tajir’(Businessman).I can never cater to the needs of audience. I utter what is expected of me. I left the job not for appeasing affluent, position holders or dignitaries but to guide Imami community that I feel is not treading on the path of Imam Hussain. One has to be a performer not a pretender in Azadari”. He used such words in all his majalis and he even did not spare his hosts if found them on the wrong foot. Unable to digest his ‘Islahi(reformative) Majalis’, he earned unpleasantness of those believing more in physical fitness as compared to spirituality associated with Karbala.

After Kanpur, he went to Lucknow, Sultanpur, Himmat Nagar(Gujrat) but everywhere his stay remained shortlives, for neither Zaigham sahib nor ‘duniyavi’ people mend their ways. He suffered economic hardships but his spirit remained intact. A few years back, he settled down in Zaidpur and began transport business at a small scale. With the blessings of Masoomeen, he has a steady income. Of late, he has done what erstwhile rulers and builders of Imambaras like Badi Sarkar and Choti Sarkar could not do in Zaidpur. Zaigham sahib has established first madarsa of Zaidpur to impart Imami education and training. Fortunately, he gets full support of his family in his endeavors. He still recites majalis and gives Kalam to Anjumans.Raza-E-Islam makes it a point to recite his Nauha’ Sughra ne Khat Mein Likha Mujhko Bula Lo Baba’ and Alvida “ Fatima Zahra ke Dilbar Alvida, Alvida Aie Sibte Payambar Alvida” before proceeding to Karbala on Yaum-e-Ashura every year.

On the request of blogger, he forwarded his photograph along with his Kalam recently without even bothering to know the purpose. As nothing of the world attracts or impresses him, Zaigham Sahib is silently but faithfully striving to paint Imami community with true Hussaini  color to justify his takhallus ,’Musawwir’. (Based on the personal Information, Conversation and inputs offered by members of Anjuman Raza-e-Islam).
The blogger can be reached at heritageman7@gmail.com or ww.drmazharnaqvi.com