The title translates to "The King of Brave Men." This soul-stirring anthem is a tribute to the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (A.S.). It celebrates his unparalleled courage, his spiritual status, and his devotion to justice.
For millions, reciting these lyrics is not just an artistic expression but an act of spiritual renewal. However, non-Urdu or non-Persian speakers often struggle to grasp the full weight of the words. Below, we break down the complete lyrics.
This is not a song of entertainment but a supplication (dua). The singer is calling upon Imam Ali as an intermediary. In traditional Shia and Sufi thought, Ali is considered the Wali (saint) closest to God. The lyric promises that remembering Ali removes fear and sadness.
It is widely sung across South Asia and is considered a masterpiece in the repertoire of Qawwali, reflecting the spiritual devotion held by millions for Hazrat Ali.
| Roman Urdu | English Translation | | :--- | :--- | | BaGhair hubb-e-Ali mudd’aa nahiiN miltaa | Without the love of Ali, one's desire is not fulfilled | | IbaadatoN kaa bhii hargiz silaa nahiiN miltaa | Not even the reward of prayers is attained | | Khudaa ke bandoN suno Ghaur se Khudaa kii qasam | O servants of God, listen carefully, I swear by God | | Jise Ali nahiiN milte, use Khudaa nahiiN miltaa | Whoever does not attain Ali does not attain God | shah e mardan e ali lyrics english translation
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(a poem in praise of a saint or religious figure), most famously performed by the legendary Qawwali singer Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Core Lyrics and English Translation
The repetition of his name serves as a spiritual reminder that in times of fear, calling upon the "Lion of God" brings courage to the heart of the believer.
Many verses highlight that while Ali was a great warrior, his ultimate triumph was through mercy, not violence. 4. Key Phrases Explained Transliteration Translation شاهِ مرداں Shah-e-Mardan King of the Brave شیرِ یزداں Sher-e-Yazdan Lion of God/Divinity قوتِ پروردگار Quwwat-e-Parwardigaar Strength of the Sustainer لا فتیٰ الا علیٰ La Fata Illa Ali There is no hero but Ali لا سیف الا ذوالفقار La Saif Illa Zulfiqar There is no sword but Zulfiqar 5. Significance of the Qawwali The title translates to "The King of Brave Men
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Call Ali, Call Ali
Hearing Ali’s name, even now, the fort of Khyber trembles. Shah-e-Mardan-e-Ali, La Fata Illa Ali King of the Brave is Ali; there is no hero like Ali. Sher-e-Yazdan Ali, Ali Maula Ali The Lion of God is Ali; Ali is the Master. Tan par Ali Ali ho, zabaan par Ali Ali Let Ali be on my body, let Ali be on my tongue. Mar jaaun to kafan pe bhi likhna Ali Ali If I die, write "Ali Ali" on my funeral shroud.
: For many followers, especially in the Chisti and Qalandari traditions, Ali is the primary link in the spiritual chain leading back to the Prophet Muhammad. Variations and Authorship However, non-Urdu or non-Persian speakers often struggle to
This invocation is often recited in times of fear, danger, or distress, believing that Imam Ali (as the Wali or friend of God) intercedes or helps by God’s permission.
Shah-e-Mardan Ali " (The King of Brave Men, Ali) is a celebrated Sufi devotional poem (Manqabat) most famously performed as a Qawwali by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
In standard Urdu or Persian, Mard translates simply to "man." A literal English translation of the title would be "King of Men." However, this translation falls woefully short of the Sufi and Shia mystical context. In the spiritual lexicon, Mard does not refer to gender; it refers to spiritual masculinity —an archetype of courage, chivalry ( Javanmardi ), and absolute submission to the Divine.