Qasida Al Burda

The Life of Imam Al-Busiri

Reading time: 2 minutes

How noble the qualities of a Prophet beautified by such traits:

Full of beauty, and marked by smiles and good cheer!

Like flowers in delicate beauty, like the full moon in honour;

like the sea in generosity, like time in persistence.

Imam Muhammad Al-Busiri moved to Cairo at a young age, where he immersed himself in memorizing the Quran and studying Islamic sciences under prominent scholars during a time when Cairo was a thriving center of knowledge.

His professional life began modestly as a scribe, but he soon rose to become the administrator of Sharqiyya province. 

During this period, however, he was surrounded by employees who engaged in selfish and unethical behavior. 

Disillusioned by their dishonesty and corruption, Al-Busiri composed poems that ridiculed their actions, highlighted their vices, and exposed their wrongdoings. 

This inevitably led to a backlash, as his colleagues plotted against him and openly defamed him.

Fed up with the politics of his position, Al-Busiri resigned from his governmental roles, seeking solace in literature, a field he hoped would offer peace away from the strife that marked his official duties.

As he embarked on his literary career, Al-Busiri initially sought the patronage of the influential and affluent, praising their virtues in his poems—virtues he often found difficult to perceive genuinely. 

Driven by a desire for financial stability and social status rather than genuine admiration, he soon felt a deep emptiness in himself and his work.

When he refused to compromise his integrity by writing falsely about his patrons, they quickly turned on him, leaving him jobless, impoverished, and in a profound personal crisis.

During this challenging period, Al-Busiri became severely ill and was left paralyzed.

In his desperation, he turned to prayer and contemplation. 

In this state of spiritual seeking, he was inspired to compose poetry in honor of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

His learning and knowledge culminated in verses that expressed his deep admiration and highlighted the Prophet’s virtuous character and significant influence on humanity.

Upon completing his work, Imam Al-Busiri wrapped himself in a cloak, representing his yearning for the Prophet’s spiritual presence and blessings. 

That night, he experienced a vivid dream in which he met the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

Overwhelmed with reverence, he began to recite the poetry he had composed.

Moved by the sincerity and beauty of Al-Busiri’s verses, the Prophet(PBUH) smiled and fondly placed his blessed cloak upon Imam Al-Busiri’s shoulders.

Upon awakening, Imam Al-Busiri miraculously found himself able to move again, a transformation accompanied by a profound sense of peace and a renewed, immense love for the Prophet (PBUH). 

This experience led to the creation of the Qasidah Burdah, a poem revered and recited by Muslims worldwide for hundreds of years.

This poem celebrates the Prophet Muhammad's life, illustrating themes of repentance, bravery, and divine connection.

It has transcended borders, connecting Muslims worldwide and creating a shared reverence and spiritual connection.

More than a poem, it's a timeless reminder of our love and devotion toward the Prophet(PBUH).

Reflection:

Consider how Islam has enriched your life and contemplate the sacrifices made by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in delivering its teachings to us.

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Du’a of the Day

In this section, we will share one du’a that can be used in your daily devotions and share its meaning.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللّٰہِ ، لَا حَوْلَ وَ لَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰہِ

Transliteration: 

Bismillahi Tawakkaltu Alallahi Wa La Hawla Wa La Quwwata illa Billah.

English Translation

This is the Dua when leaving our home

I (Leave) in the name of Allah, I depend on Allah, and we do not have any power to do good deeds or to avoid evill deeds except with the help of Allah.

🍉 Watermelon Watch 🍉 

Day 218

• 35 Palestinians killed, 69 Palestinians injured in Gaza in the last 24 hours as confirmed death toll approaches 35.000

🏥 Mass grave of 80 bodies discovered at al-Shifa Hospital, incl. 4 medics, with evidence of close-range executions due to fatal head & chest bullet wounds; 42 medics remain detained by Israeli forces

• Overnight attacks on central Gaza kill at least 30, incl. elderly, children, and women brought to Al-Aqsa Hospital

• Israel issues more evacuation orders for areas beyond Rafah, incl. Jabalia and northern Gaza, despite wide-range displacement crisis

• Washington Post: Biden offers Israel sensitive intelligence to locate Hamas leaders and hidden tunnels to deter a full-scale Rafah invasion

⚖️ South Africa asks ICJ to order temporary injunctions on Israel to withdraw and cease its military offensive on Rafah

🇺🇸 US report on Israel’s use of US weapons in breaches of international law falls intentionally short on imposing any sanctions

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