Nasheed Hub: Qasida Burda Part 3–On Praise of the Prophet
The Nasheed Hub, an initiative of SeekersHub Global, aims to showcase the traditional Islamic art of nasheed, or Islamic devotional songs.
Qasida Burda, Chapter 3
After having his love discovered, and after having poured his heart out in expressing his deficiencies, the poet now juxtaposes his flaws with the perfections of his beloved. He starts by declaring yet another one of his flaws: not imitating the habitual practices of his beloved in matters of religion and devotion to Allah; something he – as a lover – should necessarily have done.
From this point on, the narrative changes. It is as though the slightest reference to the beloved removes himself, his flaws, and mistakes from his mind altogether. All that appears to his mind is the perfection of his beloved, and praise for the beloved flows off his tongue as water does from a waterfall: unceasing and plenteous.
It is not long before all cautious restraint is lost and he openly expresses the sweet, fragrant name of the beloved: Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Having identified him, he goes on to state that he is the Beloved in whose intercession all hopes are placed from every great, intruding calamity. The Beloved is no ordinary being: even the greatest of the great – the prophets – recognising that he has surpassed them, seek to gain from him. But, due to the supreme perfection Allah gave him, all they can aspire to is akin to a handful taken from an ocean.
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[pdf-embedder url=”https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Chapter-3.pdf” title=”Chapter 3″]
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.
With gratitude to Al-Madina Institute
Resources for Seekers
https://seekers.flywheelstaging.com/answers/general-counsel/no-limits-close-to-allah/
