An Examination of the Word “Harif” in a Verse by Alam

Question

Are the following verses and their content contrary to the Sacred Law or not, given that their outward translation implies plain contradiction of the Qur’an and hadith? And what, in Sacred terminology, is the one who composed such a verse to be called? For in this verse Alam Muzaffarnagari has declared himself the “harif” (rival; also companion) of the Ruh al-Amin — and that in songs; does the Ruh al-Amin also sing such songs as Alam Muzaffarnagari says he does?

Answer

Two pupils of one teacher, two drinkers at one cupbearer’s hand, two subordinates of one officer — that is, companions in an undertaking — are likewise called “harif”; and opponents too call each other “harif”. For example: [ar]چو با حبیب نشینی وباده پیمائی ٭ بیاد آر حریفان باده پیما را[/ar] “When you sit with the beloved and drink wine, remember the companions who drank wine.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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