burda transl&phon2

7/28/2019 Burda Transl&Phon2

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Mawlya salli wa sal-lim d-imn badn

'al hab-bika khayri-l khalqi kul-lihimi

y rabbi salli 'al Muhammadin wa 'al

sda-t in l ih i wa sah-b ih i - l k i rmi


2/24

THE

BLESSED BURDACelestial Lights in Praise of The Best of Creation

known as

THE POEM OF THE CLOAK

of the Noble Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad

bin Sa'id al-Busiri


3/24

THEBLESSED BURDA

OF THE NOBLE IMAM

ABU ABDULLAH MUHAMMAD

BIN SA 'ID AL-BUSIRI

In the name of Allah, the All-Mercifull, the Most Merciful

And through Him we seek help and in God we trust.

1 ON LYRICAL LOVE-YEARNING

Is it from recollection of neighbors in the valley of Dhi Salami 1

m i n t a - d h a - k u r i j r n i n b i d h s a l a m i n

That you mix tears with blood as they flow from your eyes?

m a - z a j d a d a m - ' n j a r m i n m u q - l a t i n b i d a m i

Or perhaps sweet breezes blowing from Kadhima's 2 direction?

m h a b - b a t i r - r h u m i n t i l q - i k - d h i - m a t i nOr bolts of lightning that flash in the depths of Mount Iddam? 3

w a w - m a d h a - l b a r q u f d h a l - m - i m i n d h a m i

What's wrong with your eyes? You say, "Stop!" But that only increases their painful downpour;

f a - m l i - ' a y - n a y k a n q u l t a k - f u f h a m a t

Or your heart? You say, "Wake up!" But it wanders even further astray in distraction!

w a - m l i - q a l - b i k a n q u l - t a s t a f i q y a - h i m i

Does someone so flooded with love think it can be hid

- y a h - s i b u s a b u n n a - l h u b - b a m u n - k a t i - m u n

Behind such a downpour of tears or a heart's raging fires?m b a y n a m u n s a - j i m i n m i n h u w a m u d- ta r i m i

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Without love's passion you would never have wept so over the traces of your

beloved's camp, l a w - l - l h a w a l a m t u r i q d a m - ' n ' a l ta - l a l i nNor spent sleepless nights recalling the fragrance of a willow or the mountain your

darling walked in. w a l r i q - t a l i - d h i k r i - l b n i w a - l ' a l a m i

Nor would the mere memory of tents and those who dwelt there

w a - l - ' a z z a t - k a t h a w b a y ' a b - r a t i n w a da n Have draped you in mourning clothes, weeping and wasting away.

d h i k r - l k h i - y m i w a d h i k r s - k i n i - l k h i - y a m i

How can you deny such a love, when true tears

f a - k a y f a t u n - k i r u h u b n b a ' - d a m s h a - h i d a tAnd real heartbreak testify so strongly against you?

b i h i ' a l a y k a ' u d l u d a m - ' i w a s a - q a m i

The sorrow of love has etched two salty troughs down your face

w a - t h - b a t a - l w a j - d u k h a ta y ' a b - r a t i n w a - da n a nAnd branded gaunt marks on it as pallid as yellow and blood-red roses.

m i t h - l a - l b a h r i ' a l k h a - d a y k a w a - l ' a - n a m i

-How true! In the night a vision of the one I long for came and deprived

n a - ' a m s a r ta y f u m a n h w f a - r - r a q a n me of sleep. But love is famous for impeding pleasures with pain!

w a - l h u b b u y a ' t a - r i du l l a d h - t i b i l - l a m i

0 you who fault me for this vestal love, accept my excuse -

y l - i m f - l h a w - l ' u d h - r i y y i m a ' - d h i - r a t a nYet if you judged fairly, you would find me blameless.

m i n n l a y k a w a l a w n -s a f t a l a m t a - l u m i

May you never have to live like this! I can't even keep it a secret

' a d a t - k a h - l i y a l s i r r b i - m u s - t a t i r i nFrom my critics, I'm so feverish and lovesick!

' a n i - l w u s h t i w a - l d - b i - m u n - h a s i m i

You have given me good advice, but I can't hear it -

m a - h a d- t a n n us - h a l a k i n l a s - t u s - m a - ' u h uA lover's ears are deaf to the outcries of love-critics.

n n a - l m u h i b - b a ' a n i - l ' u d h l i f s a - m a m i

How can I listen? I don't even trust the counsel of gray hairs,

n n - t a h a m - t u n as h a s h a y b i f _ ' a d h a l i n

And everyone knows old age is guileless when it comes to good counsel!w a s h a y b u b - ' a d u f n us - h i n ~ ' a n i ~ t u h a m i

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2 ON WARNINGS ABOUT THE CAPRICES OF THE SELF

This self of mine that drives me to error

f a - n n a m - m r a t b i s - i m t a - ' a d h a t

Has turned a blind eye to gray hair and approaching old age.

m i n j a h - l i h b i n a - d h r i s h a y b i w a - l h a r a m i

It hasn't even prepared a banquet of deeds for this unexpected guest

w a - l - ' - d a t m i n a - l f i ' l i - l ~ j a m ~ l i q i r a

Who has set up permanent camp on my head.

da y - f i n l a m - m a b i r s g h a y r a m u h - t a s h i m i

Had I known, I wouldn't have paid him any respect at all -

l a w k u n t u - ' l a m u n n m w a q - q i r u h u

I would have camouflaged his secret with black dye.

k a - t a m t u s i r - r n b a d l m i n h u b i - l k a t a m i

Who can restrain my bolting soul from its selfish desires,

m a n l b i r a d - d i j i m h i n m i n g h a w - y a t i h

Like bridles that bring restive steeds under control?k a m t u r a d - d u j i m h u - l k h a y l i b i l u j u m i

Do not attempt to break its appetite through wanton indulgence -

f a - l t a r u m b i - l m a - ' s k a s r a s h a h - w a t i h

Notice how food only strengthens a glutton's craving.

n n a ta - ' - m a y u q a w w s h a h - w a t a n a h i m i

The self is like an infant - if you leave it, it will grow up loving to suckle,

w a n a f s u k a ti f - l i n t u h - m i l h u s h a b - b a ' a l But if you wean it, soon it will lose its desire for the breast.

h u b b i r a d - ' i w a - n t a f - ti m h u y a n - f a ti m i

Divert the self's desires and avoid empowering it -

f s - r i f h a w - h w a h d h i r n t u w a l - l i y a h u

Whenever desire takes charge, it either destroys or defiles.

n n a - l h a w m t a w a l l y us m i w - y as i m i

Shepherd over it as it grazes freely in the field of actions,w a r - ' i h w a h y a f - l ' m l i s - i - m a t u n

But should it find the pasturage sweet, restrain its casual roaming.

7 w a - n h i y a s - t a h - l a t i - l m a r - ' f a l t u s i m i


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How often it has found some deadly pleasure delightful,

k a m h a s s a - n a t l a - d h a t a n l i l - m a r - i q t i - l a t a nNot knowing that poison lies hidden in cream!

m i n h a y t h u l a m y a d r i n n a s u m m a f d a s a m i

Be on guard against the traps of hunger and satiety -

w h - s h a d a s - i s a m i n j - ' i n w a m i n s h i - b a - ' i nAn empty stomach can be worse than a full one.

f a - r u b b a m a k h - m as a - t i n s h a r r u n m i n a t u - k h a m i

Empty out every last tear from an eye that has gorged

w a s - t a f r i -g h i d a m - ' a m i n ' a y n i n q a d i m - t a - l a - tOn forbidden deserts, and cling to a diet of remorse.

m i n a - l ma h - r i m i w a - l z a m h i m - y a t a n a d a m i

Contradict the infantile self and Satan, and disobey them -

w a k h a - l i f i n a f s a w a s h a y - t n a w a ' -s i - h i m If either of them offers you sincere advice, be suspicious!w a - n h u m m a h a - d k a n us - h a f t t a - h i m i

Submit to neither, whether they come as adversary or arbiter -

w a l t u ti ' m i n - h u m k h as - m n w a l h a - k a m nBy now you should know the intrigues of both adversary and arbiter!

f a - n t a t a ' - r i f u k a y d a - l k h as m i w a - l h a - k a m i

I seek God's forgiveness for words without deeds - empty talk holds no Promise,

a s t ag h - f i r u l l a h a m i n q a w l i n b i l ' a m a l i nLike expecting children to spring from a man who is sterile.

l a q a d n a s a b - t u b i h i n a s - l n l i d h ' u q u m i

I counsel you to good, but all the while ignore it myself.

m a r - t u k a - l k h a y r a l a k i n m t a m a r - t u - b i h iI haven't been upright, so how dare I tell you, "Be upright!"

w a m s t a q a m - t u f a m q a w l l a k a s t a - q i m i

Nor have I prepared for my death by increasing my devotions,

w a l t a z a w - w a d - t u q a b l a - l m a w t i n f i - l a t a nNeither praying nor fasting beyond what is normally required.

w a - l a m s a l l i s i w f a r di n w a - l a m s u m i

3 ON THE PRAISE OF THE PROPHET, UPON HIM BE PRAYERS AND PEACE

I have neglected the path of the one who brought black nights

d h a - l a m t u s u n n a t a m a n h y d h a l - m a l To life by praying, until even his feet swelled with distress.

9 n i s h t a k a t q a d a m h u du r r a m i n w a r a m i


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To quell his hunger he tightened his midriff

w a - s h a d d a m i n s a -g h a b i n h - s h - a h u w a - ta w By strapping stones to his soft sides and strong ribs.

t a h t a - l h i j - r a t i k a s h h n m u t - r a f a - l d a m i

Lofty mountains, to entice him, draped themselves in gold,

w a r - w a d a t - h u - l j i b l u s h u m u m i n d h a - h a b i nBut he showed them a towering soul, perfectly content, without desire.

' a n n a f - s i h i f a - r h y y a - m s h a - m a m i

The extremity of his needs only confirmed his freedom from desire -

w a - k k a - d a t z u h - d a h u f h da r - r a - t u h uNeed never overshadows Virtue that is firmly rooted.

n n a da r - r a t a l t a ' d ' a l - l ' is a m i

How could the need of such a man be answered by the world,

w a - k a y f a t a d - ' l d u n y da r - r a t u m a nWhen without him this world would never have come into being!

l a w - l h u - l a m t a k h - r u j i d u n y m i n a - l ' a d a m i

Muhammad, lord of both worlds, lord of both species,

M u h a m m a d u n s a y y i d u - l k a w - n a y - n i w a t h a - q a l a y -Lord of both assemblages - Arabs and all others.

n i w a - l f a r - q a y n i m i n ' u r b i n w a - m i n 'a j m i

Our Prophet, commander of right, forbidder of wrong -

n a b i y - y u n - l m i r u n h f a l h a d u nNo soul kept his word more justly, whether "Yes" or "No."

b a r - r a f q a w l i l m i n h u w a l n a - ' a m i

He is the beloved whose intercession is hoped for

h u w a - l h a b - b u l l a d h t u r j s h a f - ' a t u h uAs arms against a host of relentless calamities.

l i - k u l l i h a w - l i n m i n a - l h w - l i m u q - t a h a m i-

He called on God. Whoever clings to himd a - ' l l l a h i f a - l m u s t a m - s i k - n a b i h iClings to a rope that will never unravel nor break.

m u s t a m - s i k - n a b i h a b l i n g h a y r i m u n - f as i m i

His form and character surpassed even the previous prophets,

f q a n a b - n a f k h a l - q i n w a f k h u - l u q i nAnd none have approached him in knowledge or nobility.

w a l a m y u d - n h u f ' i l m i n w a l k a r a m i-

They all seek from the Messenger of God

w a k u l - l u h u m m i n r a s l i l l a h i m u l - t a m i s u nCupfuls from his ocean or sips from his unceasing rain.

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They all stand before him according to their limits,

w a w - q i f - n a l a d a y h i ' i n d a h a d - d i h i m uAs if dots on his knowledge or diacritical marks on his wisdom.

m i n n u q - ta t i - l ' i l m i aw m i n s h a k - l a t i - l h i k a m i

He is the one whose meaning and form were perfected,

f a h w a ~ l l a d h ~ t a m m a m a ' n h u w a s - r a t u h uAnd then the Originator of souls chose him as the beloved.

t h u m m a s - ta f - h u h a b b n b - r - u n a s a m i-

Incomparable, his beauty has no peer -

m u n a z - z a h u n ' a n s h a r k i n f m a h - s i n i h iThe essence of beauty itself is in his nature.

f a j a w - h a r u - l h u s n i f h i g h a y r u m u n - q a s i m i

Leave aside what the Christians have claimed for their Prophet -

d a ' m d a - ' a t - h u n as r f n a b i y - y i h i m uThen praise him as you like, but do so wisely.w h - k u m b i m s h i - t a m a d h n f h i w h - t a k i m i

Ascribe to his essence what you wish of honor,

w n - s u b l d h - t i h i m s h i - t a m i n s h a r a f i nAttribute to his exalted status what you will of greatness!

w n - s u b l q a d - r i h i m s h i - t a m i n ' i d h a m i

Truly, the Messenger of God's bounty

f a - n n a f a dl a r a s l i l l a h i l a y - s a l a h uCannot be overstated by two lips and a tongue.

h a d d u n f a y u ' - r i b a ' a n h u n - ti q u n b i - f a m i

If a miracle could equal his stature in magnitude,

l a w n - s a b a t q a d r a h u y - t u h u ' i d h a - m nThe mere mention of his name would revive decaying bones.

h y s - m u h u h n a y u d ' d - r i s a r i m a m i

Concerned for our welfare, he did not confuse us with matters

l a m y a m - t a h i n - n b i m t a ' y - l ' u q - l u b i h iWe could not fathom, so we neither wandered nor wavered.

h i rs n ' a l a y - n f a l a m n a r t a b w a l a m n a h i m i ( 2 x )

Human beings cannot grasp his meaning -

' y - l w a r f a h m u m a ' n h u f a l a y - s a y u r Even those at his side could not keep up with him.

l i l - q u r b i w a - l b u ' d i f h i g h a y - r u m u n - f a h i m i ( 2 x )

He is like the sun, small to the eye when seen from afar,k a s h a m s i t a - d h a h r u l i l ' a y - n a y n i m i n b u - ' u d i nBut when glimpsed close up, it dazzles and overwhelms.

13 s a -g h r a - t a n w a - t u k i l l u ta r f a m i n m a m i


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How can slumberous souls in this world grasp his reality

w a k a y f a y u d - r i k u f d u n y h a q - q a - t a h uDistracted as they are by the strength of their dreams?

q a w m u n n i y - m u n t a s a l l a w ' a n h u b i l - h u l u m i-

The extent of what we know of him is this: He is a man,

f a - m a b l a -g h u - l ' i l m i f h i n n a h u b a - s h a r u nAnd yet, without exception, he is the best of God's creation.

w a - n n a h u k h a y r u k h a l q i l l a h i k u l - l i h i m i

All of the signs brought by the noble prophets before him

w a k u l l u - y i n t r u s l u - l k i r - m u b i h Came to them through his light alone.

f a - n n a m t as a l a t m i n n r i h i b i h i m i

He is the bounteous sun and they her orbiting planets -

f a - n n a h u s h a m s u f a d l i n h u m k a w - k i b u h She reveals their lights for humanity in the darkness of night -y u d h - h i r n a n w - r a h l i - n s i f d h u l a m i

Until finally his light dawned on the horizon, And his radiant

h a t t d h ta l a - ' a t f - l f q i ' a m m a h u d guidance suffused the world and brought life to Countless civilizations.

h - l ' l a - m n a w a - h y a t s - i r a - l m a m i

What excellence lies in the birth of a prophet adorned with such Character!

A k r i m b i - k h a l - q i n n a b i y y i n z n a h u k h u - l u q u nBeauty itself shines forth from his smiling face!

b i - l h u s - n i m u s h - t a - m i l i n b i - l b i s h - r i m u t - t a s i m i

Exquisite as a lily, illustrious as a full moon,

- k az za h - r i f t a r a- f i n w a- l b ad r i f s ha - r a f i nMagnanimous as the ocean, persistent as time.

w a - l b a h r i f k a r a - m i n w a d a h r i f h i m a - m i

Due to his majesty, even when alone,

k a - n - n a h u w a h w a f a r d u n f j a l - l a t i h iHe seemed surrounded by military might and cohorts of courtiers.

f ' a s - k a r i n h n a t a l q h u w a f i h a - s h a m i

It is as if precious pearls, locked in their shells,

- k a - n -n a m l l u l u - - l m ak - n n u f s a d a f i nPoured from the treasury of his sweet mouth and smile.

m i n m a ' - d i n a y m a n - ti q i n m i n h u w a m u b - t a s i m i

As if, face to face with the sun,t a ' y - l ' u q - l u k a l l n ' i n d a r u y a t i h iMinds were forced to blink at the mere sight of him.

15 k a - n n a m n a - d h a r a t l i - s h a m s i m i n m a m i


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No perfume is as sweet as the ground that holds his bones -

l t b a y a ' - d i l u t u r b n da m m a ' - d h u m a h uWhat Paradise awaits the one who breathes its scent or brushes lips against its soil!

tu b l i - m u n - t a - s h i q i n m i n h u w a - m u l - t a t h i m i

4 ON HIS BIRTH

His birth revealed the purity of his elemental nature -

b n a m a w - l i d u - h u ' a n t b i ' u n -s u r i h ipure from first to last!

y t b a m u b - t a d a - n m i n h u w a - m u k h - t a t a m i

That day the Persians perceived in truth that they hady a w - m u n t a f a r - r a s a f h i - l f u r s u n - n a - h u m uBeen forewarned of impending difficulties and disasters.

q a d n - d h i r b i - h u l l i - l b u s i w a n i q a m i

That evening the emperor's throne room 4 cracked into pieces,

w a - b t a - w n u k i s r w a h w a m u n -s a d i - ' u nLike the solidarity of his retinue, beyond repair.

k a - s h a m l i s - h b i k i s r g h a y r a m u l - t a - i m i

The Magian's fire 5 expired out of sorrow.w a n r u k h - m i d a t u - l n - f s i m i n s a f i nThe Euphrates River forgot its course out of grief.

' a l a y h i w a n a h r u s h - l ' a y n i m i n s a d a m i

The shocked village of Sawa 6 watched its lake dry up;

w a - s a - s - w a t a n g h - da t b u - h a y - r a - t u h Anyone searching for water came back mad with thirst.

w a - r u d d a w - r i d u h b i - l g h a y - d h i h - n a d h a m

As if fire were as wet as water from sorrow,k a - n n a b i n r i m b i - l m - i m i n b a - l a l i nAnd water took on fire's inflammable nature.

h u z - n n w a - b i - l m - i m b i n r i m i n da r a m i

Jinn 7 cried out from afar, and the flare of his birth lit up the darkened land.

w a - l j i n n u t a h - t i f u w a - l n - w r u s - ti - ' a t u nThe Truth became plain as day in word and meaning.

w a - l h a q q u y a d h - h a r u m i n m a ' - n n w a m i n k a - l i m i

Yet they were blinded and deafened by denial, so the good news

' a - m w a s a m - m f a - ' l - n u - l b a s h - i r i l a mWent unheard and the warning flashes unseen.

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11/24

And all this after even their own diviners declared

- m i n b a ' d i m k h -b a r a - l q -w ma k - h i nu -h u mTheir creed could no longer stand up on its own -

b i - n n a d - n a h u m u - l m u ' w a j j a l a m y a - q u m i

And even after they witnessed comets crashing on the skyline,

w a - b a ' d a m ' y a - n f - l f q i m i n s h u - h u b i n

Falling to earth as their idols fell on their faces,m u n - q a d da - t i n w a f q a m f - l r di m i n s a - n a m i

Until demons, diverted from revelation's path,

h a t - t g h a d ' a n ta r q i - l w a h y m u n - h a - z i m u nFollowed the footsteps of other devils who fled in defeat,

m i - n a s h a y - t n i y a q f t h - r a m u n - h a - z i m i

Fleeing like the wretched combatants ofAbraha 8,

k a - n n a - h u m h a r a - b n b - t l u b r a h a - t i n

Like the army routed by pebbles hurled from his hand, w ' a s k a - r u n b i - l h as m i n r h a - t a y - h i r u m

Cast from his palms after they finished praising God,

n a b - d h a n b i h i b a ' d a t a s b h i n b i b a t- n i h i - m The way prayerful Jonah was cast from the belly of the whale.

n a b - d h a - l m u s a b - b i h i n m i n h - s h - i m u l - t a q i m i

5 ON HIS MIRACLES

At his call, trees came bowing in prostration -

j - a t l i d a ' - w a t i h i - l s h - j - r u s - j i d a - t a nFootless tree trunks trudging toward him!

t a m - s h l a y - h i ' a l s q i n b i l q a d a m i

Penning a perfect inscription with their branches!k a - n - n a m s a t - ta r a t s a t- r n l i m k a t a - b a tA wondrous sign along the way,

f u r - ' u h m i n b a d ' i - l k h a t - ti b i - l a q a m i

Like the cape of clouds that trailed after him

m i t h - l a - l g h a m - m a t i n n s - r a s - i r a t a nTo shield him from the sky's noon fire, hotter than an oven.

t a q - h i h a r - r a w a t s i n l i l ~ h a j ~ r i h a m

I swear by the Lord of the moon split in two, q - s a m - t u b i l - q a - m a r i - l m u n - s h a q - q i n n a l a h uSo deeply involved with his heart, and this oath is true!

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And by the Lord of the cave in which he hid

w a m h a w - l g h r u m i n k h a y - r i n w a m i n k a r a - m i nWhere a posse of blind skeptics failed to find him.

w a k u l - l u ta r f i n m i n a - l k u f - f r i ' a n h u ' a m

The Truth and his friend the Truthful kept quiet in the cave,

f a s i d - q u f - l g h - r i w a s i d - d q u l a m y a - r i m While outside the search party grumbled, "It's just an empty cave!"

w a - h u m y a q - l n a m b i - l g h - r i m i n r i m i

They were wrong to think a spider couldn't weave a curtain

d h a n - n - l h a m - m a w a - d h a n n - l ' a n - k a b - t a ' a l Or a dove hover lovingly over creation's Crown.

k h a y - r i - l b a r i y - y a t i l a m t a n - s u j w a - l a m t a h u m i-

God's protection was all he needed: no excess armor,

w i q - y a t u l l a h i g h n a t ' a n m u d - ' a f a t i nStrategic lookout towers, or powerful fortresses!m i n a d u r - ' i w a - ' a n ' l i n m i n a - l tu m i

If ever the people of my time intended to mistreat me,

m s m a n d a h r u da y m n w s t a - j a r t u b i h iI simply took refuge in his harbor, and no harm came.

l l w a - n i l t u j i w r n m i n h u l a m y u - da m i

By seeking the wealth of this world and the next from his hand,

w a l - l t a m a s - t u g h i n d r a y - n i m i n y a d i h iI received my lot straight from the Generous Donor.

l l s t a l a m - t u n a d m i n k h a y r i m u s - t a l a m i

Beware of rejecting the Prophet's nocturnal revelations -

- l t un - k i r i - l w a hy a m i n r u y h u n - na l a h uThough his eyes may sleep his heart never slumbers!

q a l b n d h n m a t i - l ' a y - n n i l a m y a n a m i

They came to him at the outset of his prophetic mission -

w a - d h k a h n a b u l g h i n m i n n u b u w - w a t i h iSo these dream-visions of his cannot be denied.

f a - l a y s a y u n - k a r u f h i h l u m u h - t a l i m i

Blessed is God! Revelation doesn't come through effort,

T a b - r a k a l l a h u m w a h - y u n b i - m u k - t a s a b i nNor should we doubt a prophet when he speaks of the unseen.

w a l n a b i y - y u n ' a l g h a y - b i n b i - m u t - t a h a m i

How many sick were healed by the lightness of his touch!k a m b r a - t w as a - b n b i l - l a m s i r - h a t u h uHow many in need were freed from mental affliction!

21 w a - t- l a q a t r i b n m i n r i b - q a t i l a m a m i


13/24

His prayer revived the land in a year of drought,

w a - h y a t i s a n a t a s h a h b - a d a ' - w a t u h uLike a bright ivory inlay in the midst of ebony seasons.

h a t t h a k a t g h u r - r a t a n f - l 's u r i d u h u m i

With clouds breaking open so generously

b i - ' r i di n j d a w k h i l t a - l b i t - h a b i h Valleys seemed filled with sea waves or floods from burst dams.s a y b u n m i n a - l y a mm i w s a y l u n m i n a - l ' a r i m i

6 ON THE EXALTED STATURE AND MIRACULOU S MERITS OF THE QURAN

When the valley complained of the sky's withholding rain,l a m m s h a k a t w a q - ' a h u l b a t- h - u q - l a l a h uHe said, atop hills and mountains, "Pour down, and return to nature's way!"

' a l r u b w a - l h i d b i n - h a l l a w n s a - j i m i

The earth fulfilled her sacred trust again with nourishment

f a - d d a t i - l r du m i n r i z q i n m - n a t a h For men and beasts by permission of her Creator.

b i - d h - n i k h l i - q i h l i n - n s i w a n - n a - ' a m i

She put on a green dress of silky grasses,w a - l b i - s a t h u l a - l n m i n s u n - d u s i w a - l a w a tWinding turbans around the heads of hilltops and palm trees.

' a m - i m n b i r u - s i - l h a d- b i w a - l k a m i

The palm trees stood up straight to show off their necklaces

f a - n a k h - l u b - s i q a t u n t a j - l q a l - i d a h Which lit up the eye like gorgeous red and yellow poppies.

m i t h - l a - l b a h - r i ' a l - l b -s r i w a - l ' a n a m i

The drought's disease departed so completely,w a f r a q a n s a d u - l q a h - ti w a n - b a - ' a - t h a tEven despairing folk were filled with renewed virtues.

l - l m a k - r i m i n a f s u n i k s i w a - l b a r i m i

If you faithfully follow the clear signs of the Prophet,

d h t a t a b - b a ' t a y t i n a b i y - y i f a q a dYou will simply be adding one sparkling splendor to another.

l - h a q t a m u n - f a - k h i m n m i n h b i - m u n - f a - k h i m i

So say to anyone trying to outdo my praise of him,q u l l i l - m u h - w i l i s h a w n f m a d - i - h i h i"These are Effortless gifts - I saddled no camels to obtain them."

23 h i y a - l m a w - h i b u l a m s h - d u d l a h z i - y a m


14/24

Don't say, "How could you possibly fashion such excellent verses?"

w a l t a q u l l b i m d h n i l t a j a y y i - d a h For no one ever asks of God's bounty, "How much exactly?"

f a m y u q l u l i - f a d l i l l a h i d h b i k a m i

Without God's providence it would never have come about,

l a w l - l ' i n - y a t u k n a - l m r u f h i ' a l For in essence the mute and the mellifluous are equals.

h a d d i s a w - i f a - d h n u t - q i n k a - d h b a k a m i

( 6 ) Let me describe the signs that appeared to him like bonfires

d a ' n w a w as - f i y a y t i n l a h u d h a - h a r a tOn mountain peaks lit for night travelers by some thoughtful host.

d h u - h r a n r i - l q i r l a y l n ' a l ' a l a m i

Though a pearl's beauty may multiply if strung with many others,

f a - d u r r u y a z - d d u h u s n n w a - h u w a m u n t a - d h i m u nIts value is not diminished when displayed on its own.w a l a y s a y a n - q us u q a d r n g h a y r a m u n t a - d h i m i

How can a praising poet hope to plumb the depths

f a m t a t - w u l u m l i - l m a d - h i l l Of its noble virtues and majestic traits?

m f h i m i n ka r a m i - l k h - l q i w a s h i y a m i

These signs from God of what is real radiate into the present -

y t u h a q q i m i n a r a h - m n i m u h d a - t h a t u nEternal gems from the jewel-box of the Infinite, the Merciful.

q a d - m a t u n s i f a t u - l m a w -s f i b i - l q i d a m i

Though not in time, they tell us of time, of what awaits us at the Resurrection,

l a m t a q - t a r i n b i - z a m n i n w a h y a t u k h - b i r u n As well as what befell past peoples, such as Aad and Iram.

' a n i - l m a - ' d i w a ' a n d i n wa ' a n r a m i

Because they have endured into our time, they surpass the miracles

d m a t l a - d a y n f a f q a t k u l l a m u ' - j i - z a t i nOf prior prophets, which came but did not last.

m i n a n a b i y - y n a d h j - a t w a l a m t a d u m i

They are full of clear wisdom without double meanings

m u h a k - k a m t u n f a m t u b - q n a m i n s h u - b a h i nFor anyone torn by dissension, and this proof needs no judge.

l i - d h i s h i - q q i n w a m t a b -g h n a m i n h i k a m i

Whenever these words were attacked, even the worst of their enemiesm h - r i b a t q a t tu l l ' d a m i n h a r a b i nWere forced to retreat, pleading on their knees for peace.

25 ' d - l - ' d l a y h m u l - q i y a s a l a m i


15/24

Their eloquence deflects any opponent, just as an honorable man

r a d d a t b a l -g h a - t u h d a ' w m u - ' r i - di h Prevents a villain from violating his home.

r a d d a - l g h a - y r i y a d a - l j n ' a n i - l h u r u m i

They contain meanings as continual as ocean waves,

l a h m a - ' n i n k a m a w j i - l b a h r i f m a - d a d i nYet exceed the ocean's treasures in both worth and beauty.

w a f a w q a j a w - h a r i h i f - l h u s n i w a - l q i y a m i

Their marvels are uncountable and uncontainable -

f a m t u - ' a d d u w a l t u h - s ' a j - i b u h Even with repetition, this Book never seems tedious.

a l t u s m u ' a l - l k - t h r i b i s a - m i

The reciter's eyes were soothed by it, so I said to him,q a r r a t b i h ' a y n u q r h f a - q u l t u l a h u"You have grasped the rope of God - now hold on tight."

l a q a d d h a - f i r t a b i - h a b l i l l a h i f ' - t as i m i

If you recite it when the Fire's flames overwhelm you,

n t a t - l u h k h - f a t a n m i n h a r r i n r i l a - d h Its cool springs of flowing water will put them out

t- f a t a n r a l a - d h m i n w i r d i - h s h a - b i m i

As if it were the pool of Paradise, by which char-black faces

k a - n n a h - l h a w - du t a b y a d du - l w u j - h u b i h iOf the disobedient are cleansed and brightened.

m i n a - l ' as t i w a q a d j - h u k a l - h u m a m i

It is like the straight path and the scales set up in equity.

w a k a - s i r ti w a k a - l m z n i m a ' - d i l a t a nJustice from any other source won't benefit its people.

f a - l q i s tu m i n g h a y - r i h f n s i l a m y a q u m i

Don't be surprised if a resentful soul denounces or denies it

l t a ' - j a b a n l i - h a s d i n r h a y u n - k i r u h Feigning ignorance, despite a subtle understanding.

t a j - h u l n w a hwa ' a y n u - l h - d h i q i - l f a h i m i

For often an infected eye cannot bear soothing sunlight,

q a d t u n - k i r u - l ' a y n u da w a s h a m s i m i n r a m a d i nJust as a sick tongue finds no comfort in sweet water.

w a - y u n k i r u - l f a m u ta ' m a - l m - i m i n s a q a m i

27


16/24

7 ON THE ASCENS ION OF THE PROPHET, UPON HIM BE PRAYERS AND PEACE

0 best of those whose courtyards are sought by seekers of solace,y k h a y r a m a n y a m m a - m a - l ' f n a s h a - t a h uHurrying on swift feet or riding on the backs of trailblazing camels!

s a ' y n w a - f a w q a m u t n i - l y n u q i r u s u m i

0 you who are the greatest sign for the discerning,

w a m a n h u w a - l y a t u - l k u b r l i - m u ' t a b i - r i nThe most blessed gift of those desiring gain!

w a m a n h u w a n i ' m a t u - l ' u d h - m l i - m ug h - t a n i m i

You soared by night from the near sanctuary to the Furthest,s a - r a y t a m i n h a r a - m i n l a y - l n l h a r a - m i nThe way a bright moon moves across a sky enveloped in darkness.

k a m s a r - l b a d r u f d - j i n m i n a d h u l a m i

You spent the night ascending until you reached the station of "two bows'

lengths or nearer," w a - b i t t a t a r q l n n i l t a m a n - z i l a t a nA point of intimacy never before realized nor even dreamed of.

m i n q b i q aw - s a y n i l a m t u d - r a k w a l a m t u r a m i

All the previous prophets and messengers gave precedence to you,w a q a d - d a m a t - k a j a m ' u - l n - b i y - i b i h The way a generous host defers to a guest of honor.

W a r u s l i t a q - d m a m a k h d m i n ' a l k h a - d a m i

Then you started out, penetrating the Seven Heavens

w a - n t a t a k h - t a r i q u s a b - ' a ti b q a b i h i mWith them in procession behind you, and you their standard bearer,

f m a w - k a b i n k u n t a f h i s - h i b a - l ' a l a m i

Until you left no space of Divine presence for others to attain,h a t t d h l a m t a d a ' s h a - w n l i - m u s - t a b i - q i nNor any summit for seekers of heights to aspire to.

m i n a d u n u q - q i w a l m a r q l i - m u s t a - n i m i

You achieved every station by rightful possession

k h a f a d- t a k u l l a m a q m i n b i - l d - f a t i d hAddressed by God with exaltation, a unique subject in heavenly syntax.

n d t a b i r a f - ' i m i t h l a - l m u f - r a d i - l ' a l a m i

In this way you attained the Station of Arrival,

k a y m t a f z a b i - w as l i n y y a m u s t a - t i r i nVeiled from the gaze of onlookers, a secret sealed in silence.

29 ' a n i - l ' a y n i w a s i r r i n y y i m u k - t a t i m i


17/24

Thus you gathered every honor without peer,

f a - h u z t a k u l l a f a - k h r i n g h a y r a m u s h - t a r a k i nAnd traversed every station in solitude.

w a j u z t a k u l l a m a q m i n g h a y r a m u z - d a h a m i

What preeminence you have been entrusted with!

w a - j a l l a m i q - d r u m w a l - l t a m i n r u t a - b i nPast counting are all the blessings granted you!w a - ' a z z a d r k u m l - t a m i n n i - ' a m i

Glad tidings for us, the people of Islam!

b u s h r l a n m a ' s h a r a - l s l m i n n a l a n We have a pillar of providence, utterly imperishable.

m i n a - l ' i n - y a t i r u k n n g h a y r a m u n - h a d i m i

You called us to God's obedience. When He named you

l a m m d a - ' l l a h u d ' n l i t - ' a t i h i"The most eminent of emissaries," we became the noblest of nations!

b i - k r a m i r u s l i k u n n k r a - m a - l m a m i

8 ON THE CHIVALROUS STRUGGLE OF GOD'S MESSENGER,

UPON HIM BE PRAYERS AND PEACE

Mention of his mission struck fear in the hearts of Truth's enemiesr - a t q u l - b a - l ' i d n b - u b i ' - t h a - t i h iThe way the deep roar of a lion panics a herd of distracted goats.

k a n a b - t i n j - f a l a t g h u f - l n m i n a - l g h a - n a m i

He continued to encounter them in every field of battle,

m z l a y a l - q h u m u f k u l l i m u ' - t a r a k i nUntil, due to piercing spears, they resembled flesh on skewers.

h a t t h a k a w b i - l q a n l a h - m n ' a l w a - da m i-

They were filled with the longing to flee, almost envying

w a d - l f i r - r a f a k d y ag h - b i t - n a b i h iThe carrion carried off by eagles and vultures.

s h - l - a s h - l a t m a - ' a - l ' i q - b n i w a r a - k h a m i

Nights passed, but they lost track of time,

t a m d l l a y - l w a l y a d - r n a ' i d d a - t a h Except among the irenic nights of the sacred months of truce.

m l a m t a k u n m i n l a y l - l s h - h u r i - l h u r u m i-

As if the Prophet's way were a guest who'd arrived at their very doorstep

k a - n - n a m d n u da y f u n h a l - l a s - h a t a - h u mAccompanied by brave men hungry for their harmful enemies,

31 b i - k u l - l i q a r - m i n l l a h m i - l ' i d q a r i - m i


18/24

Followed by an ocean of hosts mounted on swift steeds,

y a - j u r - r u b a h - r a k h a m s i n f a w - q a s - b i h a - t i nPouring forth engulfing wave after wave of heroic warriors,

y a r m b i - m a w - j i n m i n a - l n - t - l i m u l t a - ti m i

Each answering God's call expecting divine requital,

m i n k u l - l i m u n - t a d i - b i n l i l l a - h i m u h - t a s i - b i nBravely engaged in battle with weapons uprooting rejection of Reality.y a s - t b i - m u s - t as i l i n l i l - k u f - r i m us - ta l i m i

Until, after its initial obscurity, the community of Islam,

h a t t g h a - d a t m i l l a - t u - l s l - m i w a h y a b i h i mUnited, became bound by profound ties of kinship.

m i n b a ' d i g h u r - b a t i - h m a w -s - l a t a r a h i m i

Always protected from enemies by the finest father

m a k - f - l a t a n b a - d n m i n - h u m b i - k h a y - r i b i nAnd most gracious husband, they were never left orphaned nor suffered widowhood.

w a k h a y - r i b a ' l i n f a l a m t a y - t a m w a l a m t a - i m i ( 2 x )

They were mountains: just ask those who confronted them

h u m u - l j i b - l u f a s a l ' a n h u m m us - d i m a - h u mWhat it is they witnessed on every field of battle.

m - d h r a - m i n - h u m u f k u l - l i m us ta - d a m i

Ask Hunayn, ask Badr, ask Uhud9 - destiny-days

w a s a l h u n a y - n n w a s a l b a d r n w a s a l h u d nMore bitter than any drawn-out death from the plague.

f us - l a h a t - f i n l a h u m d - h m i n a - l w a - k h a m i-

Polished silver swords streaked with glistening crimson

a l - m us - d i r - l b di h u m r n b a ' d a m w a r a - d a tAfter passing through the long black locks of their enemies' hair

m i n a - l ' i d k u l l a m u s w a d - d i n m i n a l l i - m a m i

As if they were scribes, their Indian spears pensw a - l k t i b - n a b i s u m r i - l k h a t ti m t a r a - k a tThat left no body without diacritical dots and slant marks.

q l - m u h u m h a r f a j i s m i n g h a y r a m u n - ' a j i m i

So determined in battle, their most intrepid warrior's ears

n q m a f j m i - ' i - l h a y - j k h a t - b u - h u m uWould feign deafness to an orator standing right in their midst.

t as - m a m a t ' a n h u d h n n s i m - m a t i s i m a m i

Fully armed, they had a detail that set them apart,

s h k s i l - h i l a h u m s m t u m a y - y i z u - h u mThe way a thorny rose can be distinguished from a prickly thorn-bush.

33 w a - l w a r d u y a m - t z u b i s m m i n a s a l a m i


19/24

The winds of their victories grant you fragrant news,

t u h d l a y - k a r i y h u n as r i n a s h - r a h u m uSuch that you deem them flower-buds of fortitude about to burst forth.

f a t a h - s i b u z a h r a f - l k - m m i k u l - l a k a m

As if, upon the backs of their steeds, they were firmly rooted flowers on hilltops,

k a - n n a - h u m f d h u h r i - l k h a y - l i n a b - t u r u b nHeld there not from tight saddle-straps, but from taut resolution.

m i n s h i d - d a t i - l h a z m i w m i n s h i d - d a t i - l h u z u m i-

From the majesty of their might, their enemies' hearts fled,

ta - r a t q u l - b u - l ' i d m i n b a s i - h i m f a r a - q n

Unable to tell the difference between goat herds or war hordes.

f a - m t u f a r - r i q u b a y n a - l b a h - m i w a - l b u h a m i -

If one's victory is with the Messenger of God, then even lions,w a m a n t a k u n b i - r a s l i l l a h i n us - r a t u h uHappening upon him in their dens, are left dazed and dumbfounded.

n t a l - q a h u- l s d u f j - m i h t a - j i m i

Whoever clings to you, 0 best of creation in honor,

m a n y a ' - t as i m b i k a y k h a y - r a - l w a r s h a - r a f n

God is his Protecting Guardian from every vengeful foe.

l l a - h u h - f i - d h u h u m i n k u l l i m u n - t a q i m i

You will never see a true ally of his unless he be victorious,

w a l a n t a r m i n w a l i y y i n g h a y r i m u n - t as i r i nNor a true enemy of his other than dejected and defeated.

b i h i w a l m i n ' a d u w w i n g h a y r i m u n - q as i m i ( 2 x )

He placed his community in the refuge of his Way,

h a l l a m - m a t a - h u f h i r z i m i l - l a t i h iJust as a great lion retreats with its cubs to the safety of its lair.

k a l l a y - t h i h a l - l a m a - ' a - l s h - b l i f j a m i ( 2 x )-

How often the words of God have halted his churlish contender;

k a m j a d - d a l a t k a l i m t u l l a - h i m i n j a d i - l i nHow often the Quran has conquered his quarrelsome foe.

f h i w a k a m k h a -s a m a - l q u r - ' n a m i n k h a -s i m i

Such knowledge in an unlettered man, such refinement in an orphan

k a f - k a b i - l ' i l m i f - l m m i y - y i - l m u ' - j i z a - t a n

In theAge of Ignorance should suffice you as miracle of his truth!f - l j h i - l i y - y a t i w a t a d - b i f - l y u t u m i

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9 ON SEEKING INTERCESSION THROUGH THE PROPHET,

UPON HIM BE PRAYERS AND PEACE

I have served him in this poetic praise hoping to redeem

- k h ad am - t u h u b i -m ad h i n s t a -q l u b i h iThe errors of a life misspent in courtly verse and patronage;d h u - n b a ' u m r i m a d f s h a ' r i w a - l k h i - d a m i

Since both have fettered me with a yoke that portends a bad end,

i d h q a l - l a d - n i y a m t u k h - s h ' a w - q i b u h uAs if I were a sacrificial lamb, singled out for slaughter.

k a - n n a n b i - h i m h a d - y u n m i n a n a - ' a m i

In both pursuits I obeyed the desires of a delirious youth,

ta ' t u g h a y - y a s i b f - l h - l a t a y - n i w a m Gaining nothing in the end but wrongs and the remorse that follows.

h as a l - t u l - l ' a l - l t h - m i w a n a d a m i

What loss my soul has suffered in its commerce! In exchange for this world,

f a y k h a s - r a t a n a f s i n f t i j - r a t i h it didn't purchase the next, nor even enter into the transaction.

l a m t as h - t a r i d n a b i d u n y w a l a m t a s u m i-

Selling off long-term assets there for short-term gains here,

w a m a n y a b i ' j i - l n m i n h u b i - ' j i - l i h iOne soon sees the treachery this type of dealing brings.

y a b i n l a h u - l g h a b - n u f b a y - ' i n w a f s a l a m i n

Even should I have future sins, in this prophet

n t i d h a n - b n f a m ' a h d b i - m u n - t a q i di nmy faith remains firm and my connection tightly bound.

m i n a n a b i y - y i w a l h a b l b i - m u n -s a r i m i

Simply by my name being Muhammad, I must have a covenant with him.

f a - n - n a l d h i m - m a t a n m i n h u b i - t a s - m i y a t And of all creation, he is the most faithful in keeping covenants.

M u h a m - m a d n w a h w a w f - l k h a l - q i b i - d h i - m a m i

In the next life, if he takes me bounteously by my hand, then say

n l a m y a k u n f m a - ' d - k h i - d h n b i - y a d "What a jubilee!" If not, then cry, "What a catastrophe!"

f a d- l n w a - l - l f a q u l y z a l - l a t a - l q a d a m i

Far be it from him to withhold his virtues from anyone in need,h s h - h u n y a h - r i m a r j m a k - r i m a - h uOr that reaching his refuge one should return empty-handed, unprotected.

37 w y a r - j i - ' a - l j r u m i n h u g h a y r a m u h - t a r a m i


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Since I have focused all my thoughts on praising him alone,

w a m u n - d h u l - z a m t u f k r m a d - i - h a h uHe has proved the best of those committed to my ultimate salvation.

w a j a d - t u h u l i - k h a l s k h a y - r a m u l - t a z i m i

His charity will not exclude a hand that poverty has soiled,

w a - l a n y a f - t a - l g h i n m i n - h u y a d n t a r i - b a tSee how rains brings forth flowers on foothills that were barren!

n - n a - l ha y y u n - b i t u - l z - h r a f - l k a m i ( 2 x )

But it is no longer the prize-flowers of this world that I long for,

w a - l a m r i d z a h - r a t a d u n - y l l a t q - t a ta - f a tLike those the court-poet Zuhair 10 received for praising king Harim.

y a - d z u h a y - r i n b i m t h - n ' a l h a - r i m i ( 2 x )

10 ON INTIMATE DISCOURSE AND THE PETITION OF ONE'S STATE

0 most generous of creation, who but you can I turn to

y k - r am a - l k ha l q i m l m an l - d hu b i h iWhen the Universal Cataclysm occurs?

s i w - k a ' i n d a h u l l i - l h d i - t h i - l ' a m i m i

Your preeminence, 0 messenger of God, is not diminished by my needw a l a n y a d - q a r a s l a l l a h i j h u - k a b Even if the Generous One should manifest as the Avenger.

d h a - l k a r - m u t a j a l l b i s - m i m u n t a - q i m i

From your largesse flows the good of this world and its counterpart in the next,

f a - n n a m i n j d i k a d u n y w a - da r r a - t a h And from your knowledge is some understanding of the Tablet and the Pen.

w a m i n ' u l - m i k a ' i l m a l l a w - h i w a - l q a l a m i

0 soul, do not despair of a mistake blown out of proportion -

y n a f s i l t a q - n a t m i n z a l l a - t i n ' a d h u - m a tWhen God forgives, even mortal sins become mere blunders.

n n a - l k a b - i r a f - l g h u f - r n i k a l - l a m a m i-

Perhaps when my Lord apportions His mercy,

l a - ' a l l a r a h - m a t a r a b b h n a y a q - s i m u h It will come apportioned in measure equal to one's transgressions.

t a t ' a l h a - s a b i - l ' is -y n i f - l q i s a m i

0 my Lord, don't let my hope in You be deterred,

- y r a b b i w j - ' a l r a j g h a y r a m u n - ' a k i - s i nAnd don't leave my expectations unfulfilled.

39 l a - da - k a w - ' a l h i s b h a r a m un -k ha - r im i


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Be gentle with Your servant both Here and in the Hereafter.

- w a - l tu f b i - ' a b - d i k a f d r a y - n i n - n a l a h uMy patience is so wanting that when calamities call, I'm at a loss how to answer.

s a b - r n m a t t a d - ' u h u - l h - w l u y a n - h a z i m i

And let a cloud of Your incessant prayers

- w a - d h a n l i - s u h - b i s a l t i m i n - k a d - i m a t i nRain down gently on the Prophet and pour forth forever.

' a l n a b i y y i b i m u n h a l l i n w a m u n - s a j i m i

As long as the levanteer's gentle breezes waft the willow's quivering branches

m r a n - n a - h a t ' a - d h a b t i - l b - n i r - h u s a b And cameleers spur camels on with their moving melodies.

w a - t- r a b a - l ' s a h d - l ' - s i b i n - n a -g h a m i..

Show pleasure with Abu Bakr and Umar and Ali,

t h u m m a r i d ' a n b n a k - r i n w a ' a n ' u m a r aAnd with Uthman as well, the openly magnanimous.

w a ' a n ' a l i y y i w a ' a n ' u t h - m n a d h - l k a r a m i

And on the Family of Muhammad, his Companions and Followers,

w a - l l i w a s a h - b i t h u m m a t b i - ' n a f a h u mThose people of piety, purity, forbearance and nobility.

h l u t u q wa n a q w a - l h i l m i w a - l k a r a m i

0 my Lord, by the Chosen One, realize our goals,

y r a b b i b i - l m us ta f b a l l i ' m a - q s i - d a n And forgive us the wrongs we've committed, 0 Vast in generosity.

w g h - f i r l a n m m a d y w s i - ' a - l k a r a m i

Include in your forgiveness, my God, everyone who bows before You,

w g h - f i r l a - h l a k u l l i - l m u s l i - m n a b i m Reciting in the Furthest Mosque and in the two Sanctuaries.

y a t - l h u f - l m a s - j i d i - l qs w a f - l h a r a m i

By the preeminence of the one whose house is in the Pure Land,

b i - j h i m a n b a y - t u h u f ta y - b a t i n h a r a - m u nAnd whose name is an oath among the greatest of oaths.

w s - m u h u q a s a - m u n m i n ' d h a - m i - l q a - s a m i

This is the Poem of the Cloak composed for the Chosen One -

w a h a d h i - h i b u r - d a t u - l m u k h - t r i q a d k h u - t i m a tAll praise is due to God at its outset and at its end.

w a - l h a m d u l i l l a h i f b a d - i n w a f k h a t a m i

b y - t u h q a d t a t s i t - t n a m a ' m - a t i n

f a r - r i j b i h k a r b a n y w s i - ' a - l k ar a m i

41 [ Translated from the arabic by Hamza Yusuf ]


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NOTES

1 Dhi Salam is a place that lies between Mekkah and Madinah and signifies a

place frequented by the beloved.

2 Kadhima is a place in Eastern Arabia from which the Arabs believed that the

levanter or Eastern wind emanated.

3 Iddam is a mountain near the Prophet's City Madinah.

4 Chosroes is the name given to the Persian rulers before Islam. It has a similar

etymology as the Roman word Caesar from which we also get Kaiser and Czar.

5 Magians are fire worshipers and the reference here is to a belief that the

sacred flame of the Magians that had been kept burning for over a thousand years

extinguished on the night of the Prophet's birth as was prophesied.

6 Sawa is a village in Persia that was watered by a lake that dried up the night

the Prophet was born.

7 Jinn are complementary creatures to humans who are sapient and responsible

like humans and have a tendency to be mischievous and deviant like some

humans. They are all believers in their understanding but many are disbelievers in

their behavior and rebellion. The majority are natural enemies of man and see

humanity as usurpers of their vice-regency on the earth. Every culture makes

reference to them. They are felt but not seen in their natural form. They tend to

live in uninhabited areas such as deserts and mountainous regions.

8 Abraha was the Ethiopian governor of Yemen who led an Army to destroy the

Kaaba in Mekkah the year the Prophet, peace be upon him, was born. He was

defeated miraculously by birds who pelted his army with deadly stones. This story

is considered to be multiply transmitted even before Islam and is not legend but

agreed upon history in ancient Arabia.

9 These are references to great battles the Prophet won against the idolaters of

Arabian peninsula.

10 Zuhair was a pre-Islamic poet who praised a ruler of the Arabs known as Harim

bin Sinan. Harim lavished upon him, great gifts exceeding the amount normally

given to poets of his time.

The black points in the margin indicate verses belonging only to the western

transmission of the Burda poem and are sung only in North Africa in the Andalusi

tradition. The last six verses are not sung in the western transmission as these

were believed to have been added later in Eastern versions.

42


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Mawlya salli wa sal-lim d-imn badn

'al hab-bika khayri-l khalqi kul-lihimi

y rabbi salli 'al Muhammadin wa 'al

sda-t in l ih i wa sah-b ih i - l k i rmi

burda transl&phon2

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