The English Burdah: A Singable Translation of Imam al-Busiri's Classic Poem in Praise of the Prophet

• By Mostafa Azzam
  
• PDF ebook
• 63 pages

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.