Nasheed Hub: Nahnu Fi Rawda
The Nasheed Hub, an initiative of SeekersHub Global, aims to showcase the traditional Islamic art of nasheed, or Islamic devotional songs.
Nahnu fi Rawda (We Are Present In the Rawda)
“Nahnu fi Rawda” is a beautiful poem written by the great sage Shaykh Muhammad Ibn al-Habib, a Moroccan scholar and the guide of the Darqawi spiritual path. The Rawda, literally a meadow or garden, refers to the blessed resting place of the Prophet Muhammad, Allah bless him and give him peace, where the author composed this piece.
After speaking about being in the presence of the Prophet and what he is seeking, the author says that he has come to the Prophet’s grave in a state of brokenness and dejection, seeking the intercession of the Prophet on the Day of Judgement when he is being resurrected and judged.
The Shaykh continues by speaking of the immense rank of the Prophet Muhammad, so high that even all the other Prophets attained what they know only thought the Prophet Muhammad. He compares him to being the door that leads to Allah, and that he is requesting intercession through him.
He then goes on to say that he is confident that his prayers will be answered, because anyone who comes (literally, everyone who throws down his saddle) in the court of a generous person, will be given everything he seeks.
Then, Shaykh Ibn al-Habi says that he has been thanking Allah every moment for this opportunity to visit the Prophet, as well as his Companions who are buried in Jannat al-Baqi, the graveyard in Medina. He is also thankful to have visited the Prophet’s grandchildren, the descendants of Fatima al-Batool (meaning the one totally devoted to Allah’s worship), the martyrs at the battle of Uhud including Hamzah, the uncle of the Prophet, as well as the Prophet’s son Ibrahim, who he refers to as “the son of the rescuer of humanity on the Resurrection.”
He closes by asking for a safe journey back to his homeland of Morocco, and sends prayers and blessings on the Prophet Muhammad and his family and followers.
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.
