Al- Burda Poem

         Many capellas, chants, psalms, poems, and songs (like the famous by Maher Zein) are out there, all in praise of prophet Muhammad (PPBUH). Some of them has been produced for over a millennium, like the "Burda" poem of Kaab Ibn Zuhair, praising the prophet in his presence.

        But the one "Burda" that gained  particular interest, became historically significant, and was imitated or borrowed from by other poets, is that of imam Al-Busiri (1213-1295 CE / 608-696 AH). Of its 160 lines, the one that is most famous, and used by many poets and chanters is: "Mawlaya salli wa sallim da'iman abadan, ala habibika khair el-khalqi kullihimi" (My lord, bestow your prayers and peace eternally and always, upon your beloved, the best of all creation). The word "Burda" in Arabic means a special warming garment or cover or blanket, and imam Busiri's poet was actually called: "Al Kawakib Al Durriyya Fi Mad'h Khair El-Barriyya" (The twinkling planets in praise of the best of creation). So, What's the story behind "Burda"?
       
        Apparently, Imam Busiri had a dream in which he was covered by the prophet's Burda, which inspired his poem. And, Although it's generally considered to be a mere work of praise, and even a Sufi, spiritual rendition, this poem, it turns out, goes beyond that. According to some contemporary poets and critics, imam Busiri's "Burda" carries with it a lot of symbolism; Perhaps, a deeper reflection of the turbulent historical times that he had lived, and the ultimate spiritual and ideological victory for the subject of the poem, a victory that he celebrated by the end of his life.

       The famous Palestinian poet, Tamim Al-Barghouthi, amazingly narrates this historical background of Imam Busiri and his poem in one of his presentations (though in Arabic). Click video below to see Tamim's account of the "Burda".