Nasheed Hub: SallaAllahu Alayk Ya Nur
The Nasheed Hub, an initiative of SeekersHub Global, aims to showcase the traditional Islamic art of nasheed, or Islamic devotional songs.
Sallalahu Alayk Ya Nur
This poem sends praise and blessings upon the Prophet, using analogy and comparing him to light. It was written by Shaykh Ahmad al-Alawi, the leader of the Alawi spiritual path. He was born in Mustaghanem, a city in Algeria, and later migrated to Morocco. After many years of study, he returned to his hometown, teaching until his death in 1934.
He begins the poem by saying “May Allah send blessings upon you, O Light! O Light of every station!” By using the analogy of light, something everyone can easily relate to, the author is able to educate the reader about the Prophet’s significance to the religion of Islam, to the life of Muslims, and to his appearance in the world.
He goes on to compare him to “lamp, oil, and light,” that is to say, complete light without a dependency, a light that came tremendously, as a perfect balance. Everything in existence became manifest through him, in the most beautiful manner. He was created before anything else was, and will continue to exist eternally.
He finishes by affirming that the universe is filled with light because of the Prophet’s light, and that he has attained all virtues and praiseworthy traits.
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About Nasheed Hub
Throughout the decades and civilisations of Islam, the vocal tradition, sometimes known as nasheed or devotional songs, were penned as a way of celebrating and giving thanks to Allah for the message of Islam, as well as for the Messenger himself.
These nasheeds were a way for people to turn towards their Lord in joyful celebration, rather than stringent routine. They were also tools to spread the message of Islam in a non-confrontational way. These nasheeds were able to reach out to those who were alienated or indifferent to the religion and the Muslim community, as well as to teach children who were too young for academic study.
These nasheeds originating from all corners of the Muslim world – from West Africa to Malaysia, from Turkey to Great Britian – mirror their own culture but all carry a common thread: love of Allah and His Messenger.
This series will explore the different nasheeds, penned by some of the great historical Muslim figures, poets, and scholars.
