The Burdah – The singable translation of Busiri’s classic poem in praise of the Prophet By Al-Busiri

THE FIRST EVER SINGABLE TRANSLATION OF QASIDAT AL-BURDAH It has been said that that “Poetry is what gets lost in translation.” exceptions, however, must be made for love poetry translated by lovers, such as this work before you. Qasidat al-Burdah of Imam Sharaf al-din al-Busiri stands as an enduring testament to the power of poetry and its transformative effect on the soul. It is arguably the most famous poem ever written, and its purpose is praise of the Best of Creation, the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). The Burdah is ultimately about two things: love and redemption. The secret behind its privileged position among prophetic praise-poetry is the brokenness and sincerity of the author when he composed it. The Burdah of Busiri has gone on to become the quintessential praise-poem in the Islamic tradition. It has been memorized, transmitted and sung by countless lovers of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) over the centuries; it has adorned the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, has received numerous scholarly commentaries, and has been translated into nearly every major language, including English. what sets this translation apart from other translations is its rhyming meter and its utility. This translation is meant to be engaged with: to be experienced not only by the eyes that read it, but also by the voices that sing it and the ears that hear it. Celebrating the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) is not a spectator sport or a performance to be watched and appreciated from afar. It is an expression of love, or a conscious effort to open one’s self up to love and receive it. Mawlaya salli wa sallim da’iman abadan ‘Ala habibika khayri l-khalqi kullihimi Around the globe, if you do a search of all poetry, You’ll find an ode has been sung the most throughout history: Imam Busiri’s qasidah poem of eulogy, Qasidat al-Burdah to the best of humanity. Mawlaya salli wa sallim da’iman abadan ‘Ala habibika khayri l-khalqi kullihimi Sung everywhere in the favored language of ‘arabi. Not just by Arabs, but each non-Arab community. Now in your hands is the first translation in history That can be sung in the English in its entirety. Mawlaya salli wa sallim da’iman abadan ‘Ala habibika khayri l-khalqi kullihimi To praise the Prophet is no spectator activity. So let your lips taste the sweetness of the lines that you see; And let your tongue and your being move with its melody, All while your heart is entranced and dancing in ecstasy. Mawlaya salli wa sallim da’iman abadan ‘Ala habibika khayri l-khalqi kullihimi