Mawlya s alli wa sal-lim d-imn badn 'al hab-bika khayri-l kh alqi k ul-lih imi

y rabbi s alli 'al sda-tin lihi

Muhammadin wa 'al w a s a h - b ih i - l k i r m i

THE

BLESSED BURDA
Celestial Lights in Praise of The Best of Creation kno wn as

THE POEM OF THE CLOAK

of the Noble Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Sa'id al-Busiri

THE BLESSED BURDA

OF THE

N OBLE I MAM

A BU A BDULLAH M UHAMMAD
BIN

S A ' ID AL -B USIRI

In the name of Allah, the All-Mercifull, the Most Merciful And through Him we seek help and in God we trust.

1 ON LYR ICAL L OVE-YEARNING

Is it from recollection of neighbors in the valley of Dhi Salami min ta-dha-kuri jrnin bidh salamin That you mix tears with blood as they flow from your eyes? ma-zajda dam-'n jar min muq-latin bidami

Or perhaps sweet breezes blowing from Kadhima's 2 direction? m hab-batir-rhu min tilq-i k-dhi-matin Or bolts of lightning that flash in the depths of Mount Iddam? 3 wa w-madha-l barqu f dhal-m-i min dhami What's wrong with your eyes? You say, "Stop!" But that only increases their painful downpour; fa-m li-'ay-nayka n qultak-fuf hamat Or your heart? You say, "Wake up!" But it wanders even further astray in distraction! wa-m li-qal-bika n qul-tastafiq ya-himi Does someone so flooded with love think it can be hid -yah-sibu sabu nna-l hub-ba mun-kati-mun Behind such a downpour of tears or a heart's raging fires? m bayna munsa-jimin minhu wa mud-tarimi 3

Without love's passion you would never have wept so over the traces of your beloved's camp, law-l-l hawa lam turiq dam-'n 'al ta-lalin Nor 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 wa-l -'azzat-ka thawbay 'ab-ratin wa dan Have draped you in mourning clothes, weeping and wasting away. dhikr-l khi-ymi wa dhikr s-kini-l khi-yami How can you deny such a love, when true tears fa-kayfa tun-kiru hubn ba'-dam sha-hidat And real heartbreak testify so strongly against you? bihi 'alayka 'udlu dam-'i wa sa-qami The sorrow of love has etched two salty troughs down your face wa-th-bata-l waj-du khatay 'ab-ratin wa-danan And branded gaunt marks on it as pallid as yellow and blood-red roses. mith-la-l bahri 'al kha-dayka wa-l 'a-nami -How true! In the night a vision of the one I long for came and deprived na-'am sar tayfu man hw fa-r-raqan me of sleep. But love is famous for impeding pleasures with pain! wa-l hubbu ya'ta-ridu lladh-ti bil-lami 0 you who fault me for this vestal love, accept my excuse y l-im f-l haw-l 'udh-riyyi ma'-dhi-ratan Yet if you judged fairly, you would find me blameless. minn layka walaw n-safta lam ta-lumi May you never have to live like this! I can't even keep it a secret 'adat-ka h-liya l sirr bi-mus-tatirin From my critics, I'm so feverish and lovesick! 'ani-l wushti wa-l d- bi-mun-hasimi You have given me good advice, but I can't hear it ma-had-tan nus-ha lakin las-tu s-ma-'uhu A lover's ears are deaf to the outcries of love-critics. nna-l muhib-ba 'ani-l 'udhli f sa-mami How can I listen? I don't even trust the counsel of gray hairs, nn- taham-tu nasha shaybi f_ 'adhalin And everyone knows old age is guileless when it comes to good counsel! wa shaybu b-'adu f nus-hin ~'ani~ tuhami 5

2 ON WAR NINGS ABOUT THE CA PRICES OF THE SELF

This self of mine that drives me to error fa-nna m-mrat bi s-i m ta-'adhat Has turned a blind eye to gray hair and approaching old age. min jah-lih bina-dhri shaybi wa-l harami It hasn't even prepared a banquet of deeds for this unexpected guest wa-l -'-dat mina-l fi'li-l ~j a m ~l i qira Who has set up permanent camp on my head. day-fin lam-ma birs ghayra muh-tashimi Had I known, I wouldn't have paid him any respect at all law kuntu -'lamu nn m waq-qiruhu I would have camouflaged his secret with black dye. ka-tamtu sir-rn badl minhu bi-l katami Who can restrain my bolting soul from its selfish desires, man l birad-di jimhin min ghaw-yatih Like bridles that bring restive steeds under control? kam turad-du jimhu-l khayli bi lujumi Do not attempt to break its appetite through wanton indulgence fa-l tarum bi-l ma-'s kasra shah-watih Notice how food only strengthens a glutton's craving. nna ta-'-ma yuqaww shah-wata nahimi The self is like an infant - if you leave it, it will grow up loving to suckle, wa nafsu ka tif-li n tuh-milhu shab-ba 'al But if you wean it, soon it will lose its desire for the breast. hubbi rad-'i wa-n taf-timhu yan-fatimi Divert the self's desires and avoid empowering it fs-rif haw-h wahdhir n tuwal-liyahu Whenever desire takes charge, it either destroys or defiles. nna-l haw m tawall yusmi w-yasimi Shepherd over it as it grazes freely in the field of actions, war-'ih wahya f-l 'mli s-i-matun But should it find the pasturage sweet, restrain its casual roaming. w a - n h i y a s - t a h - l a t i - l mar-' fal tusimi

How often it has found some deadly pleasure delightful, kam hassa-nat la-dhatan lil-mar-i qti-latan Not knowing that poison lies hidden in cream! min haythu lam yadri nna summa f dasami Be on guard against the traps of hunger and satiety wh-sha das-isa min j-'in wamin shi-ba-'in An empty stomach can be worse than a full one. fa-rubba makh-masa-tin sharrun mina tu-khami 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 - t On forbidden deserts, and cling to a diet of remorse. mina-l mah-rimi wa-l zam him-yata nadami Contradict the infantile self and Satan, and disobey them wa kha-lifi nafsa wa shay-tna wa'-si-him If either of them offers you sincere advice, be suspicious! wa-n hum maha-dka nus-ha ftta-himi Submit to neither, whether they come as adversary or arbiter wal tuti' min-hum khas-mn wal ha-kamn By now you should know the intrigues of both adversary and arbiter! fa-nta ta'-rifu kayda-l khasmi wa-l ha-kami I seek God's forgiveness for words without deeds - empty talk holds no Promise, astagh-firu llaha min qawlin bil 'amalin Like expecting children to spring from a man who is sterile. laqad nasab-tu bihi nas-ln lidh 'uqumi 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 i I 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, wa l tazaw-wad-tu qabla-l mawti nfi-latan Neither praying nor fasting beyond what is normally required. wa-lam salli siw fardin wa-lam sumi

3 ON THE PRAIS E OF T HE PROPHET, UPON HIM BE PRAYER S AND PEACE

I have neglected the path of the one who brought black nights dha-lamtu sunnata man hy dhal-ma l To life by praying, until even his feet swelled with distress. n i s h t a k a t q a d a m h u d u r r a m i n w a r a m i

To quell his hunger he tightened his midriff wa-shadda min sa-ghabin h-sh-ahu wa-taw By strapping stones to his soft sides and strong ribs. tahta-l hij-rati kashhn mut-rafa-l dami Lofty mountains, to entice him, draped themselves in gold, war-wadat-hu-l jiblu shumu min dha-habin But he showed them a towering soul, perfectly content, without desire. 'an naf-sihi fa-rh yya-m sha-mami The extremity of his needs only confirmed his freedom from desire wa-kka-dat zuh-dahu fh dar-ra-tuhu Need never overshadows Virtue that is firmly rooted. nna dar-rata l ta'd 'al-l 'isami How could the need of such a man be answered by the world, wa-kayfa tad-' l duny dar-ratu man When without him this world would never have come into being! law-lhu-lam takh-ruji duny mina-l 'adami Muh ammad , lord of both worlds, lord of both species, Muhammadun sayyidu-l kaw-nay-ni wa tha-qalayLord of both assemblages - Arabs and all others. ni wa-l far-qayni min 'urbin wa-min 'ajmi Our Prophet, commander of right, forbidder of wrong nabiy-yun-l miru nh fal hadun No soul kept his word more justly, whether "Yes" or "No." bar-ra f qawli l minhu wal na-'ami He is the beloved whose intercession is hoped for huwa-l hab-bu lladh turj shaf-'atuhu As arms against a host of relentless calamities. li-kulli haw-lin mina-l hw-li muq-tahami He called on God. Whoever clings to him da-' l llahi fa-l mustam-sik-na bihi Clings to a rope that will never unravel nor break. mustam-sik-na bihablin ghayri mun-fasimi His form and character surpassed even the previous prophets, fqa nab-na f khal-qin waf khu-luqin And none have approached him in knowledge or nobility. walam yud-nhu f 'ilmin wal karami They all seek from the Messenger of God wakul-luhum min rasli llahi mul-tamisun Cupfuls from his ocean or sips from his unceasing rain. gharfn mina-l bahri w rash-fn mina diyami

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They all stand before him according to their limits, waw-qif-na ladayhi 'inda had-dihimu As if dots on his knowledge or diacritical marks on his wisdom. min nuq-tati-l 'ilmi aw min shak-lati-l hikami He is the one whose meaning and form were perfected, fahwa ~lladh~ tamma ma'nhu wa s-ratuhu And then the Originator of souls chose him as the beloved. t h u m m a s - t a f - h u h a b b n b - r - u n a s a m i

Incomparable, his beauty has no peer munaz-zahun 'an sharkin f mah-sinihi The essence of beauty itself is in his nature. fajaw-haru-l husni fhi ghayru mun-qasimi Leave aside what the Christians have claimed for their Prophet da' m da-'at-hu nasr f nabiy-yihimu Then praise him as you like, but do so wisely. wh-kum bim shi-ta madhn fhi wh-takimi Ascribe to his essence what you wish of honor, wn-sub l dh-tihi mshi-ta min sharafin Attribute to his exalted status what you will of greatness! wn-sub l qad-rihi mshi-ta min 'idhami Truly, the Messenger of God's bounty fa-nna fadla rasli llahi lay-sa lahu Cannot be overstated by two lips and a tongue. haddun fayu'-riba 'anhu n-tiqun bi-fami If a miracle could equal his stature in magnitude, law n-sabat qadrahu y-tuhu 'idha-mn The 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 lam yam-tahin-n bim ta'y-l 'uq-lu bihi We could not fathom, so we neither wandered nor wavered. hirsn 'alay-n falam nartab walam nahimi (2x) Human beings cannot grasp his meaning 'y-l war fahmu ma'nhu falay-sa yur Even those at his side could not keep up with him. lil-qurbi wa-l bu'di fhi ghay-ru mun-fahimi He is like the sun, small to the eye when seen from afar, kashamsi ta-dhahru lil'ay-nayni min bu-'udin But when glimpsed close up, it dazzles and overwhelms. sa-ghra-tan wa-tukillu tarfa min mami

(2x)

13

How can slumberous souls in this world grasp his reality wa kayfa yud-riku f duny haq-qa-tahu Distracted as they are by the strength of their dreams? qawmun niy-mun tasallaw 'anhu bil-hulumi The extent of what we know of him is this: He is a man, fa-mabla-ghu-l 'ilmi fhi nnahu ba-sharun And yet, without exception, he is the best of God's creation. wa-nnahu khayru khalqi llahi kul-lihimi All of the signs brought by the noble prophets before him wa kullu -yin t ruslu-l kir-mu bih Came to them through his light alone. fa-nnam tasalat min nrihi bihimi He is the bounteous sun and they her orbiting planets fa-nnahu shamsu fadlin hum kaw-kibuh She reveals their lights for humanity in the darkness of night yudh-hirna nw-rah li-nsi f dhulami Until finally his light dawned on the horizon, And his radiant hatt dh tala-'at f-l fqi 'amma hud guidance suffused the world and brought life to Countless civilizations. h-l 'la-mna wa-hyat s-ira-l mami What excellence lies in the birth of a prophet adorned with such Character! Akrim bi-khal-qin nabiyyin znahu khu-luqun Beauty itself shines forth from his smiling face! bi-l hus-ni mush-ta-milin bi-l bish-ri mut-tasimi Exquisite as a lily, illustrious as a full moon, kazzah-ri f tara-fin wa-l badri f sha-rafin Magnanimous as the ocean, persistent as time. wa-l bahri f kara-min wa dahri f hima-mi Due to his majesty, even when alone, ka-n-nahu wahwa fardun f jal-latihi He seemed surrounded by military might and cohorts of courtiers. f 'as-karin hna talqhu wa fi ha-shami It is as if precious pearls, locked in their shells, ka-n-nam llulu--l mak-nnu f sadafin Poured from the treasury of his sweet mouth and smile. min ma'-dinay man-tiqin minhu wa mub-tasimi As if, face to face with the sun, ta'y-l 'uq-lu kalln 'inda ruyatihi Minds were forced to blink at the mere sight of him. ka-nnam na-dharat li-shamsi min mami

15

No perfume is as sweet as the ground that holds his bones l tba ya'-dilu turbn damma '-dhumahu What Paradise awaits the one who breathes its scent or brushes lips against its soil! tub li-mun-ta-shiqin minhu wa-mul-tathimi

4 O N HI S B I R T H

His birth revealed the purity of his elemental nature bna maw-lidu-hu 'an tbi 'un-surihi pure from first to last! y tba mub-tada-n minhu wa-mukh-tatami That day the Persians perceived in truth that they had yaw-mun tafar-rasa fhi-l fursu n-na-humu Been forewarned of impending difficulties and disasters. qad n-dhir bi-hulli-l busi wa niqami That evening the emperor's throne room 4 cracked into pieces, wa-bta -wnu kisr wahwa mun-sadi-'un Like the solidarity of his retinue, beyond repair. ka-shamli s-hbi kisr ghayra mul-ta-imi The Magian's fire 5 expired out of sorrow. wa nru kh-midatu-l n-fsi min safin The Euphrates River forgot its course out of grief. 'alayhi wa nahru sh-l 'ayni min sadami The shocked village of Sawa 6 watched its lake dry up; wa-sa-s-wata n gh-dat bu-hay-ra-tuh Anyone searching for water came back mad with thirst. wa-rudda w-riduh bi-l ghay-dhi h-na dham As if fire were as wet as water from sorrow, ka-nna bi nri m bi-l m-i min ba-lalin And water took on fire's inflammable nature. huz-nn wa-bi-l m-i m bi nri min darami Jinn 7 cried out from afar, and the flare of his birth lit up the darkened land. wa-l jinnu tah-tifu wa-l n-wru s-ti-'atun The Truth became plain as day in word and meaning. wa-l haqqu yadh-haru min ma'-nn wamin ka-limi Yet they were blinded and deafened by denial, so the good news 'a-m wa sam-m fa-'l-nu-l bash-iri lam Went unheard and the warning flashes unseen. tus-ma' wab-riqatu-l n-dhri lam tu-shami

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And all this after even their own diviners declared min ba'dim kh-bara-l q-wma k-hinu-hum Their creed could no longer stand up on its own bi-nna d-nahumu-l mu'wajja lam ya-qumi And even after they witnessed comets crashing on the skyline, wa-ba'dam 'ya-n f-l fqi min shu-hubin Falling to earth as their idols fell on their faces, mun-qadda-tin wafqa m f-l rdi min sa-nami Until demons, diverted from revelation's path, hat-t ghad 'an tarqi-l wahy mun-ha-zimun Followed the footsteps of other devils who fled in defeat, mi-na shay-tni yaqf th-ra mun-ha-zimi

Fleeing like the wretched combatants of Abraha 8, ka-nna-hum hara-bn b-tlu braha-tin Like the army routed by pebbles hurled from his hand, w 'aska-run bi-l has min rha-tay-hi rum Cast from his palms after they finished praising God, nab-dhan bihi ba'da tasbhin bibat-nihi-m The way prayerful Jonah was cast from the belly of the whale. nab-dha-l musab-bihin min h-sh-i mul-taqimi

5 ON HIS MIRAC LES

At his call, trees came bowing in prostration j-at lida'-watihi-l sh-j-ru s-jida-tan Footless tree trunks trudging toward him! tam-sh lay-hi 'al sqin bil qadami Penning a perfect inscription with their branches! ka-n-nam sat-tarat sat-rn lim kata-bat A wondrous sign along the way, fur-'uh min bad'i-l khat-ti bi-laqami Like the cape of clouds that trailed after him mith-la-l gham-mati nn s-ra s-iratan To shield him from the sky's noon fire, hotter than an oven. taq-hi har-ra watsin lil~haj~ri ham

I swear by the Lord of the moon split in two, q-sam-tu bil-qa-mari-l mun-shaq-qi nna lahu So deeply involved with his heart, and this oath is true! min qal-bihi nis-batan mabr-rata-l qasami

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And by the Lord of the cave in which he hid wam haw-l ghru min khay-rin wamin kara-min Where a posse of blind skeptics failed to find him. wa kul-lu tarfin mina-l kuf-fri 'anhu 'am The Truth and his friend the Truthful kept quiet in the cave, fa sid-qu f-l gh-ri wa sid-dqu lam ya-rim While outside the search party grumbled, "It's just an empty cave!" wa-hum yaq-lna m bi-l gh-ri min rimi They were wrong to think a spider couldn't weave a curtain dhan-n-l ham-ma wa-dhann-l 'an-kab-ta 'al Or a dove hover lovingly over creation's Crown. khay-ri-l bariy-yati lam tan-suj wa-lam tahumi God's protection was all he needed: no excess armor, wiq-yatu llahi ghnat 'an mud-'afatin Strategic lookout towers, or powerful fortresses! mina dur-'i wa-'an 'lin mina-l tumi If ever the people of my time intended to mistreat me, m sman dahru daymn wsta-jartu bihi I simply took refuge in his harbor, and no harm came. ll wa-niltu jiwrn minhu lam yu-dami By seeking the wealth of this world and the next from his hand, wa l-l tamas-tu ghin dray-ni min yadihi I 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 tun-kiri-l wahya min ruyhu n-na lahu Though his eyes may sleep his heart never slumbers! qalbn dh nmati-l 'ay-nni lam yanami They came to him at the outset of his prophetic mission wa-dhka hna bulghin min nubuw-watihi So these dream-visions of his cannot be denied. fa-laysa yun-karu fhi hlu muh-talimi Blessed is God! Revelation doesn't come through effort, Tab-raka llahu m wah-yun bi-muk-tasabin Nor should we doubt a prophet when he speaks of the unseen. wal nabiy-yun 'al ghay-bin bi-mut-tahami How many sick were healed by the lightness of his touch! kam bra-t wasa-bn bil-lamsi r-hatuhu How many in need were freed from mental affliction! wa-t-laqat ribn min rib-qati lamami

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His prayer revived the land in a year of drought, wa-hyati sanata shahb-a da'-watuhu Like a bright ivory inlay in the midst of ebony seasons. hatt hakat ghur-ratan f-l 'suri duhumi With clouds breaking open so generously bi-'ridin jda w khilta-l bit-ha bih Valleys seemed filled with sea waves or floods from burst dams. saybun mina-l yammi w saylun mina-l 'arimi

6 ON THE EXALT ED STA TURE A ND MIR ACULOU S MERI TS OF THE QU RAN

When the valley complained of the sky's withholding rain, lamm shakat waq-'ahul bat-h-u q-la lahu He 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 fa-ddati-l rdu min rizqin m-natah For men and beasts by permission of her Creator. bi-dh-ni khli-qih lin-nsi wan-na-'ami She put on a green dress of silky grasses, wa-lbi-sat hula-ln min sun-dusi wa-lawat Winding turbans around the heads of hilltops and palm trees. 'am-imn biru-si-l had-bi wa-l kami The palm trees stood up straight to show off their necklaces fa-nakh-lu b-siqatun taj-l qal-idah Which lit up the eye like gorgeous red and yellow poppies. mith-la-l bah-ri 'al-l b-sri wa-l 'anami The drought's disease departed so completely, wa fraqa nsa du-l qah-ti wan-ba-'a-that Even despairing folk were filled with renewed virtues. l-l mak-rimi nafsu niksi wa-l barimi If you faithfully follow the clear signs of the Prophet, dh tatab-ba'ta yti nabiy-yi faqad You will simply be adding one sparkling splendor to another. l-haqta mun-fa-khimn minh bi-mun-fa-khimi So say to anyone trying to outdo my praise of him, qul lil-muh-wili shawn f mad-i-hihi "These are Effortless gifts - I saddled no camels to obtain them." hiya-l maw-hibu lam sh-dud lah zi-yam

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Don't say, "How could you possibly fashion such excellent verses?" wa l taqul l bimdh nilta jayyi-dah For no one ever asks of God's bounty, "How much exactly?" fam yuqlu li-fadli llahi dh bikami Without God's providence it would never have come about, lawl-l 'in-yatu kna-l mru fhi 'al For in essence the mute and the mellifluous are equals. haddi saw-i fa-dh nut-qin ka-dh bakami Let me describe the signs that appeared to him like bonfires da'n wawas-fiya ytin lahu dha-harat On mountain peaks lit for night travelers by some thoughtful host. dhu-hra nri-l qir layln 'al 'alami Though a pearl's beauty may multiply if strung with many others, fa-durru yaz-ddu husnn wa-huwa munta-dhimun Its value is not diminished when displayed on its own. wa laysa yan-qusu qadrn ghayra munta-dhimi How can a praising poet hope to plumb the depths fam tat-wulu mli-l mad-hil l Of its noble virtues and majestic traits? m fhi min karami-l kh-lqi wa shiyami These signs from God of what is real radiate into the present ytu haqqi mina rah-mni muhda-thatun Eternal gems from the jewel-box of the Infinite, the Merciful. qad-matun sifatu-l maw-sfi bi-l qidami Though not in time, they tell us of time, of what awaits us at the Resurrection, lam taq-tarin bi-zamnin wahya tukh-birun As well as what befell past peoples, such as Aad and Iram. 'ani-l ma-'di wa 'an din wa 'an rami Because they have endured into our time, they surpass the miracles dmat la-dayn fafqat kulla mu'-ji-zatin Of prior prophets, which came but did not last. mina nabiy-yna dh j-at walam tadumi They are full of clear wisdom without double meanings muhak-kamtun fam tub-qna min shu-bahin For anyone torn by dissension, and this proof needs no judge. li-dhi shi-qqin wa m tab-ghna min hikami Whenever these words were attacked, even the worst of their enemies m h-ribat qattu ll 'da min harabin Were forced to retreat, pleading on their knees for peace. 'd-l -'d layh mul-qiya salami

(6)

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Their eloquence deflects any opponent, just as an honorable man raddat bal-gha-tuh da'w mu-'ri-dih Prevents a villain from violating his home. radda-l gha-yri yada-l jn 'ani-l hurumi They contain meanings as continual as ocean waves, lah ma-'nin kamawji-l bahri f ma-dadin Yet exceed the ocean's treasures in both worth and beauty. wa fawqa jaw-harihi f-l husni wa-l qiyami Their marvels are uncountable and uncontainable fam tu-'addu wal tuh-s 'aj-ibuh Even with repetition, this Book never seems tedious. al tusmu 'al-l k-thri bisa-mi The reciter's eyes were soothed by it, so I said to him, qarrat bih 'aynu qrh fa-qultu lahu "You have grasped the rope of God - now hold on tight." laqad dha-firta bi-habli llahi f'-tasimi If you recite it when the Fire's flames overwhelm you, n tat-luh kh-fatan min harri nri la-dh 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 ka-nnah-l haw-du tabyaddu-l wuj-hu bihi Of the disobedient are cleansed and brightened. mina-l 'asti wa qad j-hu kal-humami It is like the straight path and the scales set up in equity. waka-sirti wa ka-l mzni ma'-dilatan Justice from any other source won't benefit its people. fa-l qistu min ghay-rih f nsi lam yaqumi Don't be surprised if a resentful soul denounces or denies it l ta'-jaban li-hasdin rha yun-kiruh Feigning ignorance, despite a subtle understanding. t a j - h u l n w a hw a ' 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, qad tun-kiru-l 'aynu dawa shamsi min ramadin Just as a sick tongue finds no comfort in sweet water. wa-yun kiru-l famu ta'ma-l m-i min saqami

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

0 best of those whose courtyards are sought by seekers of solace, y khayra man yamma-ma-l 'fna sha-tahu Hurrying on swift feet or riding on the backs of trailblazing camels! sa'yn wa-fawqa mutni-l ynuqi rusumi 0 you who are the greatest sign for the discerning, wa man huwa-l yatu-l kubr li-mu'tabi-rin The most blessed gift of those desiring gain! wa man huwa ni'matu-l 'udh-m li-mugh-tanimi You soared by night from the near sanctuary to the Furthest, sa-rayta min hara-min lay-ln l hara-min The way a bright moon moves across a sky enveloped in darkness. kam sar-l badru f d-jin mina dhulami You spent the night ascending until you reached the station of "two bows' lengths or nearer," wa-bitta tarq l n nilta man-zilatan A point of intimacy never before realized nor even dreamed of. min qbi qaw-sayni lam tud-rak walam turami All the previous prophets and messengers gave precedence to you, waqad-damat-ka jam'u-l n-biy-i bih The way a generous host defers to a guest of honor. Wa rusli taq-dma makhdmin 'al kha-dami Then you started out, penetrating the Seven Heavens wa-nta takh-tariqu sab-'a tibqa bihim With them in procession behind you, and you their standard bearer, f maw-kabin kunta fhi s-hiba-l 'alami Until you left no space of Divine presence for others to attain, hatt dh lam tada' sha-wn li-mus-tabi-qin Nor any summit for seekers of heights to aspire to. mina dunuq-qi wal marq li-musta-nimi You achieved every station by rightful possession khafad-ta kulla maqmin bi-l d-fati dh Addressed by God with exaltation, a unique subject in heavenly syntax. ndta biraf-'i mithla-l muf-radi-l 'alami In this way you attained the Station of Arrival, kaym tafza bi-waslin yya musta-tirin Veiled from the gaze of onlookers, a secret sealed in silence. 'ani-l 'ayni wasirrin yyi muk-tatimi

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Thus you gathered every honor without peer, fa-huzta kulla fa-khrin ghayra mush-tarakin And traversed every station in solitude. wa juzta kulla maqmin ghayra muz-dahami What preeminence you have been entrusted with! wa-jalla miq-dru m wal-lta min ruta-bin Past counting are all the blessings granted you! wa-'azza drku m l-ta min ni-'ami Glad tidings for us, the people of Islam! bushr lan ma'shara-l slmi nna lan We have a pillar of providence, utterly imperishable. mina-l 'in-yati ruknn ghayra mun-hadimi You called us to God's obedience. When He named you lamm da-' llahu d'n lit-'atihi "The most eminent of emissaries," we became the noblest of nations! bi-krami rusli kunn kra-ma-l mami

8 ON THE CHIVA LROUS STRUGG LE OF GOD'S MESSENGER, UPON HIM BE PRA YERS A ND PEA CE

Mention of his mission struck fear in the hearts of Truth's enemies r-at qul-ba-l 'id nb-u bi'-tha-tihi The way the deep roar of a lion panics a herd of distracted goats. kanab-tin j-falat ghuf-ln mina-l gha-nami He continued to encounter them in every field of battle, m zla yal-qhumu f kulli mu'-tarakin Until, due to piercing spears, they resembled flesh on skewers. hatt hakaw bi-l qan lah-mn 'al wa-dami They were filled with the longing to flee, almost envying wad-l fir-ra fakd yagh-bit-na bihi The carrion carried off by eagles and vultures. sh-l-a sh-lat ma-'a-l 'iq-bni wa ra-khami Nights passed, but they lost track of time, tamd llay-l wal yad-rna 'idda-tah Except among the irenic nights of the sacred months of truce. m lam takun min layl-l sh-huri-l hurumi As if the Prophet's way were a guest who'd arrived at their very doorstep ka-n-nam dnu dayfun hal-la s-hata-hum Accompanied by brave men hungry for their harmful enemies, bi-kul-li qar-min l lahmi-l 'id qari-mi

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Followed by an ocean of hosts mounted on swift steeds, ya-jur-ru bah-ra khamsin faw-qa s-biha-tin Pouring forth engulfing wave after wave of heroic warriors, yarm bi-maw-jin mina-l n-t-li multa-timi Each answering God's call expecting divine requital, min kul-li mun-tadi-bin lilla-hi muh-tasi-bin Bravely engaged in battle with weapons uprooting rejection of Reality. yas-t bi-mus-tasilin lil-kuf-ri mus-talimi Until, after its initial obscurity, the community of Islam, hatt gha-dat milla-tu-l sl-mi wahya bihim United, became bound by profound ties of kinship. min ba'di ghur-bati-h maw-s-lata rahimi Always protected from enemies by the finest father mak-f-latan ba-dn min-hum bi-khay-ri bin And most gracious husband, they were never left orphaned nor suffered widowhood. wa khay-ri ba'lin falam tay-tam walam ta-imi (2x) They were mountains: just ask those who confronted them humu-l jib-lu fasal 'anhum mus-dima-hum What it is they witnessed on every field of battle. m-dh ra- min-humu f kul-li musta-dami Ask Hunayn, ask Badr, ask Uhud 9 - destiny-days wasal hunay-nn wasal badrn wasal hudn More bitter than any drawn-out death from the plague. fus-la hat-fin lahum d-h mina-l wa-khami Polished silver swords streaked with glistening crimson al-mus-dir-l bdi humrn ba'dam wara-dat After passing through the long black locks of their enemies' hair mina-l 'id kulla muswad-din mina lli-mami As if they were scribes, their Indian spears pens wa-l ktib-na bisumri-l khatti m tara-kat That left no body without diacritical dots and slant marks. ql-muhum harfa jismin ghayra mun-'ajimi So determined in battle, their most intrepid warrior's ears n qma f jmi-'i-l hay-j khat-bu-humu Would feign deafness to an orator standing right in their midst. tas-mamat 'anhu dhnn sim-mati simami Fully armed, they had a detail that set them apart, shk sil-hi lahum sm tumay-yizu-hum The way a thorny rose can be distinguished from a prickly thorn-bush. wa-l wardu yam-tzu bi sm mina salami

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The winds of their victories grant you fragrant news, tuhd lay-ka riyhu nasri nash-rahumu Such that you deem them flower-buds of fortitude about to burst forth. fatah-sibu zahra f-l k-mmi kul-la kam As if, upon the backs of their steeds, they were firmly rooted flowers on hilltops, ka-nna-hum f dhuhri-l khay-li nab-tu rubn Held there not from tight saddle-straps, but from taut resolution. min shid-dati-l hazmi w min shid-dati-l huzumi

From the majesty of their might, their enemies' hearts fled, t a - 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. fa-m tufar-riqu bayna-l bah-mi wa-l buhami If one's victory is with the Messenger of God, then even lions, wa man takun bi-rasli llahi nus-ratuhu Happening upon him in their dens, are left dazed and dumbfounded. n tal-qahu-l sdu f j-mih ta-jimi Whoever clings to you, 0 best of creation in honor, man ya'-tasim bika y khay-ra-l war sha-rafn God is his Protecting Guardian from every vengeful foe. lla-hu h-fi-dhuhu min kulli mun-taqimi You will never see a true ally of his unless he be victorious, walan tar min waliyyin ghayri mun-tasirin Nor a true enemy of his other than dejected and defeated. bihi wal min 'aduwwin ghayri mun-qasimi

(2x)

He placed his community in the refuge of his Way, halla m-mata-hu f hirzi mil-latihi Just as a great lion retreats with its cubs to the safety of its lair. kallay-thi hal-la ma-'a-l sh-bli f jami (2x) How often the words of God have halted his churlish contender; kam jad-dalat kalimtu lla-hi min jadi-lin How often the Quran has conquered his quarrelsome foe. fhi wakam kha-sama-l qur-'na min kha-simi Such knowledge in an unlettered man, such refinement in an orphan kaf-ka bi-l 'ilmi f-l mmiy-yi-l mu'-jiza-tan In the Age 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 I NTERCESSION THROUG H THE PROPHET, UPON HIM BE PRA YERS A ND PEA CE

I have served him in this poetic praise hoping to redeem khadam-tuhu bi-madhin sta-qlu bihi The errors of a life misspent in courtly verse and patronage; dhu-nba 'umri mad f sha'ri wa-l khi-dami Since both have fettered me with a yoke that portends a bad end, idh qal-lad-niya m tukh-sh 'aw-qibuhu As if I were a sacrificial lamb, singled out for slaughter. ka-nnan bi-him had-yun mina na-'ami

In both pursuits I obeyed the desires of a delirious youth, ta'tu ghay-ya sib f-l h-latay-ni wam Gaining nothing in the end but wrongs and the remorse that follows. hasal-tu l-l 'al-l th-mi wa nadami What loss my soul has suffered in its commerce! In exchange for this world, fay khas-rata nafsin f tij-ratih it didn't purchase the next, nor even enter into the transaction. lam tash-tari dna bi duny walam tasumi Selling off long-term assets there for short-term gains here, waman yabi' ji-ln minhu bi-'ji-lihi One soon sees the treachery this type of dealing brings. yabin lahu-l ghab-nu f bay-'in waf salamin Even should I have future sins, in this prophet n ti dhan-bn fam 'ahd bi-mun-taqidin my faith remains firm and my connection tightly bound. mina nabiy-yi wal habl bi-mun-sarimi Simply by my name being Muhammad, I must have a covenant with him. fa-n-na l dhim-matan minhu bi-tas-miyat And of all creation, he is the most faithful in keeping covenants. Muham-madn wahwa wf-l khal-qi bi-dhi-mami In the next life, if he takes me bounteously by my hand, then say n lam yakun f ma-'d -khi-dhn bi-yad "What a jubilee!" If not, then cry, "What a catastrophe!" fad-ln wa-l-l faqul y zal-lata-l qadami Far be it from him to withhold his virtues from anyone in need, hsh-hu n yah-rima rj mak-rima-hu Or that reaching his refuge one should return empty-handed, unprotected. w yar-ji-'a-l jru minhu ghayra muh-tarami

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Since I have focused all my thoughts on praising him alone, wamun-dhu l-zamtu fkr mad-i-hahu He has proved the best of those committed to my ultimate salvation. wajad-tuhu li-khals khay-ra mul-tazimi His charity will not exclude a hand that poverty has soiled, wa-lan yaf-ta-l ghin min-hu yadn tari-bat See how rains brings forth flowers on foothills that were barren! n-na-l hay yun-bitu-l z-hra f-l kami (2x) 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 t a - f a t Like those the court-poet Zuhair 10 received for praising king Harim. ya-d zuhay-rin bim th-n 'al ha-rimi (2x)

10 ON INTIMATE DISCOURSE A ND THE PETIT ION OF ONE'S STATE

0 most generous of creation, who but you can I turn to y k-rama-l khalqi m l man l-dhu bihi When the Universal Cataclysm occurs? siw-ka 'inda hulli-l hdi-thi-l 'amimi Your preeminence, 0 messenger of God, is not diminished by my need walan yad-qa rasla llahi jhu-ka b Even if the Generous One should manifest as the Avenger. dha-l kar-mu tajall bis-mi munta-qimi

From your largesse flows the good of this world and its counterpart in the next, fa-nna min jdika duny wa-darra-tah And from your knowledge is some understanding of the Tablet and the Pen. wamin 'ul-mika 'ilma llaw-hi wa-l qalami 0 soul, do not despair of a mistake blown out of proportion y nafsi l taq-nat min zalla-tin 'adhu-mat When God forgives, even mortal sins become mere blunders. nna-l kab-ira f-l ghuf-rni kal-lamami Perhaps when my Lord apportions His mercy, la-'alla rah-mata rabb hna yaq-simuh It will come apportioned in measure equal to one's transgressions. t a t ' a l h a - s a b i - l 'is-yni f-l qisami 0 my Lord, don't let my hope in You be deterred, y rabbi wj-'al raj ghayra mun-'aki-sin And don't leave my expectations unfulfilled. la-day-ka wj-'al hisb ghayra mun-kha-rimi

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Be gentle with Your servant both Here and in the Hereafter. wa-l tuf bi-'ab-dika f dray-ni n-na lahu My patience is so wanting that when calamities call, I'm at a loss how to answer. sab-rn mat tad-'uhu-l h-wlu yan-hazimi And let a cloud of Your incessant prayers wa-dhan li-suh-bi salti min-ka d-imatin Rain down gently on the Prophet and pour forth forever. 'al nabiyyi bimunhallin wa mun-sajimi As long as the levanteer's gentle breezes waft the willow's quivering branches m ran-na-hat 'a-dhabti-l b-ni r-hu sab And cameleers spur camels on with their moving melodies. wa-t-raba-l 'sa hd-l '-si bin-na-ghami Show pleasure with Abu Bakr and Umar and Ali, thumma rid 'an b nak-rin wa 'an 'umara And with Uthman as well, the openly magnanimous. wa 'an 'aliyyi wa 'an 'uth-mna dh-l karami And on the Family of Muhammad, his Companions and Followers, wa-l li wa sah-bi thumma tbi-'na fahum Those people of piety, purity, forbearance and nobility. hlu tuq wa naq wa-l hilmi wa-l karami 0 my Lord, by the Chosen One, realize our goals, y rabbi bi-l mustaf balli' ma-qsi-dan And forgive us the wrongs we've committed, 0 Vast in generosity. wgh-fir lan m mad y wsi-'a-l karami Include in your forgiveness, my God, everyone who bows before You, wgh-fir la-h lakulli-l musli-mna bim Reciting in the Furthest Mosque and in the two Sanctuaries. yat-lhu f-l mas-jidi-l qs waf-l harami By the preeminence of the one whose house is in the Pure Land, bi-jhi man bay-tuhu f tay-batin hara-mun And whose name is an oath among the greatest of oaths. ws-muhu qasa-mun min 'dha-mi-l qa-sami This is the Poem of the Cloak composed for the Chosen One wa hadhi-hi bur-datu-l mukh-tri qad khu-timat All praise is due to God at its outset and at its end. wa-l hamdu lillahi f bad-in waf khatami by-tuh qad tat far-rij bih karban sit-tna ma' m-atin y wsi-'a-l karami

..

41 [ Translated from the arabic by Hamza Yusuf ]

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.

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Mawlya s alli wa sal-lim d-imn badn

'al hab-bika khayri-l kh alqi k ul-lih imi y rabbi s alli 'al sda-tin lihi Muhammadin wa 'al w a s a h - b ih i - l k i r m i