Assam: 1000 artists perform zikir to reaffirm faith in Azan Fakir's message of unity

Story by ATV | Posted by Aasha Khosa | Date 13-04-2025

Young artists taking part in Zikir chorus

Ariful Islam/Guwahati

Srimanata Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati stood witness to a rare moment of harmony, brotherhood, and inclusivity recently when over 1000 Hindu and Muslim artists performed zikir (Assamese Muslims’ devotional song) in the congregation. The atmosphere represented exactly what the zikir 'Mor Manat Bhed-Bhav Nai O Allah (There is no hatred in my mind, O Allah)' says about the Assamese Muslim society.

The All Assam Goria Parishad, a frontal socio-cultural organisation of Assamese Muslims, organised a special event titled 'Jikir Gaon Ahak (Let’s sing zikir)' at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here on April 9. More than 1,000 artistes, hailing from different parts of the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, lent their voices to the chorus 'Mor Manat Bhed-Bhav Nai O Allah' to script the historic moment.

Lead singers lending their voice to the Zikir chorus

A state-level zikir-zari singing competition was also organised in conjunction with the event. "It is a matter of great pride for us. We are grateful to the artists from Sadiya to Dhubri in Assam who have flocked in today to create such an atmosphere. The zikir of (17th century preacher) Azan Pir are gradually disappearing from our society.

In the coming days, we will demand the Assam government to take initiative to set a world record for zikir performances like those of Bihu and Jhumoir dances. It is the only way to promote and spread zikir among the new generation,” said All Assam Goria Parishad president Abdul Hamid.

"Assamese Muslims will exist only if Azan Fakir’s zikir and zari exist in the society. Zikir and zari are the identities of Assamese Muslims. Zikir and zari, folk songs of Assam's folk culture, are slowly disappearing from our social life. Therefore, to keep zikir-zari alive, the 'Jikir Gaon Ahak' programme was organised. Today, I would like to appeal to all the Assamese Muslim people of Assam to make it compulsory to perform zikir whenever they organise Eid Mehfils or other occasions. Zikir should be performed before performing other songs and cultural events," Hamid added.

1000 artists singing the Zikir chorus

The event was organised in association with Sadou Asom Goria Jatiya Parishad, Sadou Assam Syed Kalyan Nyas, and Sadou Assam Goria-Moria Jatiya Parishad, said Hamid. "Artists from all castes, creeds, and languages participated in the Zikir Gaon Ahak programme. Besides, we’ve got the cooperation of various organisations representing the community and well-wishers," said Rahamsa Ali, general secretary of the All Assam Goria Parishad.

Popular comedian and zikir artiste Bulbul Hussain said: "We have been singing zikir and songs resembling zikir for many years. I am happy to be part of this event today. I won the first prize in the Assam Music Competition in 1987 by singing 'Mor Manat Bhed-Bhav Nai O Allah'. This beautiful event organized today under the initiative of All Assam Goria Parishad is truly commendable. The way Hindus and Muslims performed together here today is something that I have never seen before. I hope that we can maintain such harmony and inclusivity among us in the future. Through this, I hope our new generation will learn about zikir-zari, Biya Naam, Ai Naam, Dhai Naam, etc which integral parts of our culture are."

Young men and women singing Chorus

Popular singer Nekib Ahmed said: "I am very happy. Such an event sends a message of harmony and unity on the eve of Bihu. Bihu and zikir rehearsals were going on here side-by-side yesterday. I congratulate the All Assam Goria Parishad for organising such a beautiful event. I have tried my best to make the programme a huge success. I would also like to thank the people of all stakeholder ethnic groups and troupes and organisations.”

Dr Bhubaneswar Deka, a PhD holder on zikir, said: “Zikir comes from the Arabic word zikr. It means reciting repeatedly. When Azan Pir came to Assam and saw that Srimanta Sankardeva had taken the Assamese community forward with the message of harmony, he created zikir songs with a little modification taking a cue from the ideals of the Neo-Vaishnavite saint reformer.

Dignitaries present on the occasion

Zikir songs are passed down through generations only verbally and, thus, many of them have been lost. Rekibuddin Ahmed has recorded many zikirs in the perfect tune and presented them before us. If we accept zikir, we do not need to read the Quran and Hadith. Everything in the Quran and Hadith are available in zikir.”

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"The song performed today will awaken the spirit of cohesion and brotherhood. After singing this song from the heart, there can be no hatred in anyone's mind. Only those who treat everyone equally are true Muslims. I am feeling very pleased to be here today. What the Government of Assam should have thought of long ago, the All Assam Goria Parishad did it today by creating such a wonderful atmosphere through this event. I take this opportunity to thank the All Assam Goria Parishad. The best part is that Hindus and Muslims sang the zikir together as a chorus. There can be nothing better than that. No one can sow the seed of discrimination and hatred among us if we keep the ideals of Sankar-Azan alive," added Dr Deka.