ZIKIR & ZARI

• Two forms of devotional folk songs. 
• The word Zikir originates from the Arabic word ‘Ziqr’, which means ‘to remember’ or ‘the act of proclaiming the good qualities’ of Allah. Zikir songs demonstrate 2 kinds of Islamic teachings: one for practical life for the common Muslim & the other for spiritual life meant for those who pursue the highest path of salvation. 
• The word ‘Zari’ is derived from the word ‘Jari’, which means ‘crying, groaning & wailing’ or lamentation. Zari songs reflect injustices prevalent in society, narrating episodes of the Karbala tragedy, stories of Haidar Ghazi & Hasan-Hosein. Zari is sung in a group & in the saddest possible tone; beats marked by clapping, to preach Islam among unlettered Muslim folk. It is sung mostly during the annual Muharram festival. 
• Hazrat Shah Miran, popularly known as Azan Fakir or Azan Pir, a 17th century poet, saint & Muslim preacher tried to usher in religious reformation among the indigenous Muslim community of Assam by introducing Zikirs - so they are often referred to as Azan phakirar geet. He was influenced by the Vaisnavite thoughts, teaching & music of Saint Srimanta Sankardev (1449-1568) who brought the Bhakti movement to Assam. Under the patronage of the Ahom kings (1200-1800), Zikirs grew in popularity. Azan Pir is said to have also translated the Quran into Assamese. 
• The language of the songs is colloquial Assamese, with a few Persian & Arabic words. The songs are set in harmony with rural Assamese atmosphere by employing indigenous themes & imagery. They are influenced by Assamese folk songs like ojapali, bihu, bianam, husuri, etc. These songs had been handed down from one generation to another orally. Since they were not written down until the middle of the last century, they were on the verge of extinction. To preserve them, noted literateur Syed Abdul Malik compiled about 90 of Azan Fakir’s 160 compositions from various places in Assam & published them in 1958. literateur. 
• Zikir & Zari songs have a sense of respect to all other castes, creeds and religions. Values of empathy, brotherhood, patience & greatness of human society are reflected in these songs that advocate human beings as the children of the same supreme power. Due to their huge influence on the indigenous language, tradition & thinking, these songs with a strong unifying power, occupy an important place in the hearts of Assamese people.