Ya Ghous-e-Azam (یا غوث اعظم) — Manqbat Lyrics in Urdu and English Translation
“Ya Ghous-e-Azam” is a famous manqbat written in praise of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.), the revered Sufi saint and founder of the Qadiriyya order. Also known as Ghous-e-Azam and Ghous-ul-Azam (the Greatest Helper), his spiritual rank is held in the highest regard by Muslims around the world. This manqbat is frequently recited at gatherings and milads, especially by those who follow the Qadri tradition.
Below are the full lyrics in Urdu, along with English transliteration and translation, as well as the spiritual meaning behind this beautiful manqbat.
Ya Ghous-e-Azam Manqbat — Full Lyrics in Urdu
یا غوث اعظم یا غوث اعظم
میرے غم کا نہ رہے کچھ اثر
مجھ کو اپنا کر لے یا میرے آقا
دردِ دل کا مجھے نہ رہے خبر
آپ کی ذات سے روشنی ہے
آپ سے ہے سب کا نورِ نظر
آپ کی بارگاہ میں جھک کر
ملتا ہے سب کو رزقِ بشر
یا غوث اعظم یا غوث اعظم
غمِ دل کا مداوا فرما دے
دردِ دل کی دوائی دے دے
دل کو میرا اپنی محبت سے بھر دے
آپ ہو بابِ حاجت خدا کے
آپ ہو سائلوں کی پناہ
تھام لو میرا ہاتھ غوث اعظم
ڈوبتے کو کنارہ لا دے
دنیا و عقبیٰ میں ہو سہارا
آپ کا فیض ہے ہر گھڑی جاری
یا غوث اعظم یا غوث اعظم
مجھ کو اپنی نظر میں رکھے
English Transliteration
Ya Ghous-e-Azam, Ya Ghous-e-Azam
Mere gham ka na rahe kuchh asar
Mujh ko apna kar le ya mere aaqa
Dard-e-dil ka mujhe na rahe khabar
Aap ki zaat se roshni hai
Aap se hai sab ka noor-e-nazar
Aap ki bargaah mein jhuk kar
Milta hai sab ko rizq-e-bashar
Ya Ghous-e-Azam, Ya Ghous-e-Azam
Gham-e-dil ka dawa farama de
Dard-e-dil ki dawai de de
Dil ko mera apni mohabbat se bhar de
Aap ho baab-e-haajat Khuda ke
Aap ho sailon ki panah
Thaam lo mera haath Ghous-e-Azam
Doobte ko kinara la de
Duniya wa uqba mein ho sahara
Aap ka faiz hai har ghari jaari
Ya Ghous-e-Azam, Ya Ghous-e-Azam
Mujh ko apni nazar mein rakhe
English Translation
Verse 1:
O Greatest Helper, O Greatest Helper
Let the effect of my sorrows fade away
Accept me as your own, O my master
Let me not even know the pain of my heart
Verse 2:
Your being is the source of light
From you comes the vision of all
By bowing at your court
Everyone receives their sustenance
Verse 3:
O Greatest Helper, O Greatest Helper
Provide the remedy for my heart’s grief
Give me the medicine for heart’s pain
Fill my heart with your love
Verse 4:
You are the door to God’s needs
You are the refuge of those who ask
Hold my hand, O Ghous-e-Azam
Bring the drowning one to shore
Verse 5:
In this world and the next, be my support
Your blessings flow at every moment
O Greatest Helper, O Greatest Helper
Keep me within your gaze
Meaning and Background
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.) was born in 1077 CE in the Iranian province of Gilan and passed away in 1166 CE in Baghdad. He is one of the most revered saints in Islamic history, known for his deep spiritual knowledge, piety, and countless miracles. His teachings emphasised the purification of the soul, devotion to Allah, and love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The title “Ghous-e-Azam” means “The Greatest Helper” or “The Supreme Supporter.” In Sufi tradition, a Ghous is a saint of the highest spiritual rank, one through whom divine help flows to all creation. Muslims who follow the Sufi path believe that calling upon Ghous-e-Azam in times of hardship brings spiritual relief and divine assistance.
This manqbat expresses the deep love and reliance that devotees feel towards Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.). Each verse humbly asks for his intercession, spiritual healing, and protection. The repeated refrain “Ya Ghous-e-Azam” is a call for help and connection, acknowledging his special status as a beloved servant of Allah.
The line “Aap ki zaat se roshni hai” (Your being is the source of light) refers to the spiritual illumination that saints bring into the world. In Islamic mysticism, saints are seen as mirrors reflecting divine light, guiding others towards the truth.
This manqbat is traditionally recited on Thursday nights and during Qadiriyya gatherings. Many devotees make it a regular practice to recite it as part of their daily wird (spiritual routine) for seeking blessings and protection.
Significance in Islamic Tradition
While the love and reverence for saints like Ghous-e-Azam is deeply rooted in Sufi Islam, it is important to understand the Islamic basis for such devotion. The Quran says in Surah Al-Maida (5:35): “O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means of approach (wasila) to Him.” Many scholars interpret “wasila” as including the intercession of righteous servants of Allah.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (R.A.) himself emphasised strict adherence to the Quran and Sunnah. His famous saying, “My feet are upon the neck of every saint of Allah,” highlights the supreme spiritual rank granted to him by Allah. This manqbat is not about worshipping the saint, but about seeking his blessed intercession and following his spiritual guidance.
The practice of reciting manqbats and naats keeps the hearts of believers connected to the love of Allah and His righteous servants. It is a form of spiritual poetry that has been part of Islamic culture for centuries.
How to Recite This Manqbat
This manqbat is typically recited in a melodious voice, with deep focus and devotion. It can be recited alone or in a gathering. Many people find peace by reciting it after Fajr or Maghrib prayers. The key is to recite with understanding of the meaning and sincere intention in the heart.
For the full experience, listen to recordings by renowned naat khwans such as Owais Raza Qadri or other Qadri reciters who have popularised this manqbat with beautiful compositions.