AL-BURDAH

There are poems whose light has endured throughout the centuries, whose verses continue to stir hearts far beyond the boundaries of nations and languages. The Qaṣīdat al-Burdah, the celebrated ode composed by Imam Sharaf al-Dīn al-Būṣīrī in praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, is one of these timeless treasures of Islamic spirituality.
Known as The Poem of the Mantle, this work holds an eminent place in Muslim tradition. For centuries, its verses have been recited and chanted at spiritual gatherings, circles of dhikr, and celebrations of the Mawlid. Its poetic beauty, rich imagery, and profound meanings have made it one of the most celebrated masterpieces of praise in honor of the Prophet ﷺ.
Across ten chapters, Imam al-Būṣīrī leads the reader along a path woven with love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, the purification of the soul, repentance, contemplation of his noble qualities, and reflection on the signs of his prophetic mission. He also evokes the blessed birth of the Prophet ﷺ, his miracles, the nobility of the Qur'an, his Night Journey and Ascension, before concluding with a supplication filled with humility and hope in the mercy of Allah.
This edition does more than translate the verses of the poem. It also offers a commentary intended to illuminate their meanings, explain certain expressions and allusions, and make the subtleties of this work more accessible to English-speaking readers. In doing so, it enables readers to deepen their understanding of the text while preserving the central place occupied by love for the Prophet ﷺ and spiritual devotion.
Whether you are discovering the Burdah for the first time or already know it through recitation, this book invites you to rediscover its verses with a renewed perspective, reflect upon their teachings, and be moved by the beauty of this enduring legacy.