"Shah-e Mardan-e Ali" is a popular Urdu and Persian poem, often recited and sung by Muslims, especially Shia Muslims, around the world. The poem is a eulogy (mournful poem) praising and lamenting Imam Ali (also known as Ali ibn Abi Talib), the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Shia Imam.
While searching for "Shah e Mardan e Ali lyrics English translation," you may find contradictions. Here is why:
The world of Islamic naat and manqabat (poetry in praise of Islamic figures) is rich with devotion, history, and literary beauty. Among the most powerful and frequently recited pieces of poetry in the Muslim world, particularly among Sunni, Shia, and Sufi traditions, is the revered naat often referred to by its opening refrain: "Shah-e-Mardan, Sher-e-Yazdan."
For English-speaking audiences seeking to understand the depth of this praise, finding an accurate "Shah e Mardan e Ali lyrics English translation" is essential. This article provides the complete original lyrics, a line-by-line English translation, a breakdown of the key phrases, and the historical significance of the man being praised: Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) .
The Shah e Mardan e Ali lyrics English translation opens a window into Islamic chivalry (futuwwa), divine love, and the high spiritual station of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). He remains the archetype of the perfect man: a scholar in the mosque, a lion on the battlefield, and a humble servant at home.
Every time you recite or listen to "La fata illa Ali, la saifa illa Zulfiqar," you are repeating a declaration made by the Prophet Muhammad himself—an eternal testament to a man who never worshipped idols, never bowed to tyrants, and whose sword only struck for the sake of truth.
May this English translation help you feel the thunder of Zulfiqar and the mercy in Ali’s shadow.
Download or bookmark this guide for the most complete Shah e Mardan e Ali lyrics English translation available online. shah e mardan e ali lyrics english translation
Note: The original poetry is anonymous but attributed to various classical Persian and Urdu poets, notably Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal, who both wrote extensively about Ali ibn Abi Talib.
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
. The lyrics are a profound expression of love and reverence for Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, emphasizing his role as a spiritual guide and a legendary warrior. Core Lyrics and English Translation The following are the central verses typically found in the Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Transliterated Lyric English Translation Shah-e-Mardan, Sher-e-Yazdan King of Brave Men, Lion of God Quwat-e-Parwardigar Power of the Lord La fata illa Ali There is no hero/warrior like Ali La Sayf illa Zulfiqar There is no sword like Zulfiqar Ali Imaam-e-manasto manam Ghulaam-e-Ali Ali is my Imam, and I am the slave of Ali Hazaar jaan-e-giraamii fidaa-e-naam-e-Ali
A thousand precious lives are to be sacrificed for Ali's name Ali ka naam sun kar ab bhi Khaiber kaanp jaata hai
Upon hearing Ali's name, even now the fort of Khaiber trembles Meaning and Significance The Spiritual Chain
: The lyrics often reference the "City of Knowledge," a nod to the Prophetic saying, "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate". Attributes of Ali
: The poem highlights Ali's dual nature—the fierce warrior ( Sher-e-Yazdan or Lion of God) and the humble spiritual guide ( Mushkil Kusha or Remover of Difficulties). Historical Reverence "Shah-e Mardan-e Ali" is a popular Urdu and
: Verses about the Battle of Khaiber celebrate his unparalleled courage, while other parts focus on his selfless character, such as showing mercy even to enemies. Sufi Devotion
: 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
While many versions exist, some of the most famous poetic lines included in these performances are attributed to classical poets like Allama Iqbal
, who praised Ali as the "treasure of the Faith" and the "first Muslim". Contemporary versions continue to be released, including a 2024 rendition by Zain Zohaib that pays tribute to the original Qawwali style. full transliterated lyrics for a specific artist's version, or do you need a deeper analysis of a particular verse?
Hazrat 'Alī in Nusrat's Qawwals | سليمان ابن قدّيس 21 Mar 2015 —
Shah-e-Mardan-e-Ali (King of the Brave, Ali) is a powerful Manqabat—a devotional poem praising Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib—that has been immortalized in South Asian Sufi culture. Most famously performed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, its lyrics blend Persian and Urdu to celebrate the spiritual and physical prowess of the "Lion of God". Core Meaning and Titles
The title itself is a combination of honorifics used for Imam Ali: Shah-e-Mardan: King of the Brave/Manly. Sher-e-Yazdan: The Lion of God. Quwat-e-Parwardigar: Power of the Sustainer (God). Length variance: Some versions are 4 stanzas, some are 12
La Fata Illa Ali: There is no hero except Ali (referencing a famous celestial call during the Battle of Uhud). Shah-e-Mardan-e-Ali: Lyrics and English Translation
The following is a breakdown of the popular verses performed in the qawwali tradition. Romanized Lyrics English Translation Ali imaam-e man ast o manam ghulaam-e Ali Ali is my Imam, and I am the slave of Ali. Hazaar jaan-e giraami fida-e naam-e Ali
A thousand precious lives are sacrificed for the name of Ali. Shah-e-Mardan, Sher-e-Yazdan King of the Brave, Lion of God. Ali Maula Ali, Ali Maula Ali Ali is the Master, Ali is the Master. La fataa illallah Ali, Sher-e-Yazdaan Ali There is no hero but Ali; the Lion of God is Ali. Kabhi deewar hilti hai, kabhi dar kaamp jaata hai Sometimes the wall shakes, sometimes the door trembles. Ali ka naam sun kar ab bhi Khyber kaamp jaata hai Hearing the name of Ali, even now Khyber trembles. Baghair hubb-e-Ali mudda'a nahin milta Without the love of Ali, one's purpose is not found. Jisse Ali nahin milte, Khuda nahin milta One who does not find Ali, does not find God. Key Themes and Significance 1. Spiritual Intercession
The lyrics emphasize that devotion to Ali is a direct path to the Divine. Lines like "Jisse Ali nahin milte, Khuda nahin milta" suggest that Ali acts as the "Gate" to spiritual knowledge, a concept rooted in the famous Hadith: "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate". 2. Valor and History
The poem references the Battle of Khyber, where Ali is said to have unhinged the massive door of the fortress single-handedly. This historical feat is used as a metaphor for Ali's ability to remove "mushkil" (difficulties) for his followers, earning him the title Mushkil Kusha (Remover of Difficulties). 3. The "Panjtan Pak"
In extended versions of the Manqabat, poets like Bedam Shah Warsi include references to the Panjtan Pak (The Five Pure Ones): Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Hussain. They are described as the "Maqsud-e-Kaynat" or the purpose of the entire universe. Cultural Impact
While many artists have performed this Manqabat, the version by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan remains the most iconic. It is a staple at Sufi shrines and gatherings, often used to induce a state of wajad (spiritual ecstasy) among listeners. Geniushttps://genius.com
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Haq Ali Ali Mola Ali Ali (Romanized)
Rating: ★★★★★ (for its genre) The translation reveals why this lyric has survived for centuries: it is compact, powerful, and promises hope. The English version loses some of the Arabic rhyme and Persian majesty, but the core message — "In crisis, turn to the Lion of God" — remains universally moving.