The Mainstay – a Commentary on Qaṣīda al-Burda

Description

THE FIRST-EVER COMPLETE COMMENTARY ON ISLAM’S MOST FAMOUS POEM

‘Many glosses to the Burda have achieved a just renown, but it is pleasing and appropriate that the first to appear in translation should be Ibn ʿAjība’s al-ʿUmda fīSharḥ al-Burda.’

(SHAYKH ABDAL HAKIM MURAD, University of Cambridge, UK)

‘The Burda of Imam al-Buṣīrī, a moving poem singing the praises of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), is one of the great cultural marvels of Islamic civilization. Its beautiful meanings once permeated countless cities, towns, villages and hamlets all over the Muslim world. Now its sweet fragrance is barely sensed. Perhaps Abdul Aziz Suraqah’s fluid translation of the great Moroccan sage IbnʿAjība’s commentary on this timeless work will help to restore it to its place of prominence in our lives and societies at a time when our need for the true Muhammadan presence has never been greater.’

(IMAM ZAID SHAKIR, Zaytuna College, USA)

‘The Burda is an unmatched expression of love and praise of Allah’s Beloved (Allah bless him and give him peace). Its meanings and beauty are unpacked by Sidi IbnʿAjība in an unmatched style in this commentary.’

(SHAYKH FARAZ RABBANI, SeekersHub Global)