Syed Salman Gilani (7 September 1951 – 21 February 2026) was a Pakistani poet, naat reciter, and writer from Lahore. He was known for his devotional poetry, particularly on the subject of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat (Finality of Prophethood), as well as for humorous and satirical verse. He was the son of Syed Amin Gilani, a religious leader associated with the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat movement.
Syed Salman Gilani | |
|---|---|
| سید سلمان گیلانی | |
| Born | 7 September 1951 Lahore, Pakistan |
| Died | 21 February 2026 (aged 74) Lahore, Pakistan |
| Resting place | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Occupations | Poet, naat reciter, writer |
| Known for | Devotional and humorous poetry |
| Father | Syed Amin Gilani |
Biography
editSyed Salman Gilani was born on 7 September 1951 in Lahore, Pakistan. He was the son of Syed Amin Gilani, who was known for his association with the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat movement.[1][2][3]
He grew up in a religious and literary environment and was influenced by his father's work and associations.[4]
Gilani was active as a poet and naat reciter in literary and religious circles.[5] He was known for reciting both devotional and non-devotional poetry at gatherings, including mushairas in Pakistan and abroad.[6]
He participated as a humorous poet at an Aalmi Mushaira in Karachi in 2012.[7]
In August 2015, he was among the poets who participated in the Mehfil-e-Urdu poetry session held in Dubai, organised by Bazm-e-Urdu, where poets from India and Pakistan shared the stage.[8]
In March 2023, he was among the poets who presented their work at the Lyallpur Literature and Art Festival held at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.[9]
In February 2026, he also participated in the Munir Niazi Literary Festival organised by the Punjab Council of Arts at the Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Auditorium in Faisalabad.[10]
His poetry was associated with two main themes: devotional verse, particularly on Khatm-e-Nabuwwat, and humorous or satirical poetry addressing social issues. Some of his naat compositions were recorded by various naat reciters.[11][1]
He also appeared on news channels and participated in literary events and public gatherings.[6]
He travelled frequently to Saudi Arabia and wrote about his experiences of pilgrimage in newspaper columns later compiled in book form.[12]
Literary works
editGilani authored poetry collections and prose works, including:
- Meri Baatain Hain Yaad Rakhne Ki (Things of Mine Worth Remembering) – autobiography.[1][13][14]
- Abduhu Rasooluhu – collection of hamd and naat poetry.[12]
- Main Hoon Andaleeb-e-Bat'ha (I Am the Nightingale of Bat'ha) – naat collection.[12]
- Hareef-e-Sang (Rival of the Stone) – ghazal collection.[12]
- Thora Jeha Hans Lo (Laugh a Little) – Punjabi humorous poetry.[12]
- Sulloli Sulloli – humorous poetry collection.[12]
- Inhay Waa – humorous poetry collection.[12]
- Bujhay Chiraghon Ki Roshni (The Light of Extinguished Lamps) – ghazals (reported as forthcoming).[12]
- Naqoosh-e-Huzoori (Impressions of Presence) – travelogue based on pilgrimage journeys.[12]
Death and legacy
editGilani died on 21 February 2026 in Lahore at the age of 74 after a prolonged illness.[5][15][16]
He had been receiving treatment at Sheikh Zayed Hospital for heart- and liver-related complications. He had recently undergone bypass surgery and later developed pneumonia.[11][17] Gilani is survived by a son and two daughters.[15]
His funeral prayers were offered at Jamia Ashrafia, Lahore, and he was buried at Mustafa Town Cemetery.[5][18] The funeral prayer was led by Islamic scholar Muhib-un-Nabi and attended by religious scholars, political figures, and members of the public.[18]
Condolences were expressed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Fazlur Rehman[5] and writer Zahid Ur Rashidi.[19] Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued a statement expressing sympathy with the bereaved family.[20]
Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also issued a condolence message, referring to Gilani's contributions to Urdu poetry and naat recitation.[21]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Poet Syed Salman Gilani passes away at 74". Dunya News. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ "نعتیہ کلام لکھنے والے شاعر سید سلمان گیلانی انتقال کرگئے" [Poet Syed Salman Gilani, who wrote and recited Naats, passes away]. Express News (in Urdu). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "Syed Salman Gilani - Profile & Biography". Rekhta. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "سید سلمان گیلانی کی خود نوشت" [Autobiography of Syed Salman Gilani]. Nawa-i-Waqt (in Urdu). 23 August 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Renowned poet, naat reciter Syed Salman Gilani passes away aged 74". Geo News. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ a b "معروف عوامی اور مذہبی شاعر سید سلمان گیلانی انتقال کر گئے" [Renowned public and religious poet Syed Salman Gilani passes away]. MM News (in Urdu). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ Salman, Peerzada (23 March 2012). "The prosaic side to an Aalmi Mushaira". Dawn. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ Haziq, Saman (30 August 2015). "Bridging gaps, Indo-Pak poets share the stage". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "UAF approves Rs8.5bn revised estimates for current fiscal". Dawn. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "Munir Niazi Literary Festival in Faisalabad". Dawn. 8 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ a b "معروف شاعر سید سلمان گیلانی انتقال کر گئے" [Renowned poet Syed Salman Gilani passes away]. Daily Pakistan (in Urdu). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "سید سلمان گیلانی کی یاد رکھنے کی باتیں" [Things to remember about Syed Salman Gilani]. Nawaiwaqt (in Urdu). 23 February 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
- ^ Sagar, Saddam (19 May 2024). "سید سلمان گیلانی کی باتیں ہیں یاد رکھنے کی" [Syed Salman Gilani's words are worth remembering]. Express News (in Urdu). Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "میری باتیں ہیں یاد رکھنے کی (خود نوشت)" [My words are to be remembered (autobiography)]. Daily Jang (in Urdu). 31 December 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ a b "شاعرِختم نبوت اور مزاحیہ شاعری کے شہنشاہ سید سلمان گیلانی انتقال کرگئے" [Syed Salman Gilani, the poet of the final prophecy and the king of humorous poetry, has passed away]. City 42 (in Urdu). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ Ahmed, Saad (22 February 2026). "Poet, naat reciter Syed Salman Gilani breathes his last at age 74". The News International. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "معروف شاعر سید سلمان گیلانی انتقال کرگئے" [Renowned poet Syed Salman Gilani passes away]. Geo News (in Urdu). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ a b Salamat, Sajid (22 February 2026). "Poet Syed Salman Gilani laid to rest in Lahore". Daily Times. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ al-Rashidi, Abu Ammar Zahid (22 February 2026). "آہ! الحاج سید سلمان گیلانیؒ" [Ah! Al-Hājj Syed Salman Gilani]. zahidrashdi.org (in Urdu). Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "CM condoles death of Salman Gilani". Business Recorder. 23 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ^ "Speaker National Assembly Condoles Poet Syed Salman Gilani's Passing". Daily Independent. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026.