Objections to Qasida Burda

[Omar HH]

Assalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,

I have seen some objections raised to the Qasida Burda by Islamtoday.net, which says it has polytheism in it.

Here is the text of the fatwa:
"This poem, in fact, contains outright polytheism. The following, which all discuss the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), are examples of this polytheism:

The author says, referring to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “You, who are the glorious among all creation, I have no one else to seek refuge with except you whenever I face a great calamity.”

Another clear example of polytheism is the following: “If you will not be with me there (in the Hereafter) taking me by my hand, as a favor from you, otherwise, someone should say: it is the wrong step.”

He also says: “Part of your generosity is this life and its companion (the Hereafter), and some of your knowledge is the knowledge of the tablet and the pen.”

In fact this poem should not be read at all, and, obviously, it has nothing in it to please Allah. However, it is alright to read it purely to show the falsehood of its contents.

May Allah guide us all."

Are there any refutations of this? If not, then is this the truth?

Jazakallah wa Khayrun

[salman]

Sallamu Alaikum

None of the above contains any aspect of polytheism. Only a man devoid of sense would think so.

However, this is not the first time a claim like this has been made. This poem was taught, recited, memorized, studied, and was even ordered to be read by countless scholars such as Sakhawi and Suyuti and their students.


You, who are the glorious among all creation, I have no one else to seek refuge with except you whenever I face a great calamity.”

ya akram al khalqi ma li man aludhu bihi siwaka `inda hululi al hadithi al `amami

--O noblest of creatures! I have none with whom to seek refuge other than you when the Universal Event befalls.

This line refers to the Great Intercession of the Prophet on the Day of Judgment for us. As for the lexical confirmation it is that Al Busiri does not use "audhu" for "I seek refuge" but "aludhu", which is common as an Arabic expression of seeking refuge lexically in other than God, e.g. in the shade, or in military allies. Also see similar pharses being used by the Ashab and others as narrated in Bukhari.

Not only that but this line was adopted by Imam Al Busri from Sayyidina Hasan bin Thabit, the Sahaba and poet of the Prophet as mentioned in Minah Al MAdh.


Another clear example of polytheism is the following: “If you will not be with me there (in the Hereafter) taking me by my hand, as a favor from you, otherwise, someone should say: it is the wrong step.”

in lam yakun fi ma`adi akhidhan bi yadi / fadlan wa illa fa qul ya zallata al qadami

-- And if he were not, on the day of my return to Allah, to take my hand out of munificence (generosity), then you may see of me: the foot will slip!

(Referring to the Prophets Intercession again)


He also says: “Part of your generosity is this life and its companion (the Hereafter), and some of your knowledge is the knowledge of the tablet and the pen.”

fa inna min judika al dunya wa darrataha / wa min `ulumika `ilma al lawhi wa al qalami

-- For your generosity encompasses both this world and the one that comes next, and among your sciences is the knowledge of the Tablet and the Pen.

I do not understand why this has been quoted since it doesnot contradict anything. Imam Kawthari said in his Maqalat:

-- Concerning those who criticize al-Busiri for saying that the Prophet knows the science of the Tablet and the Pen: neither does all that is hidden, nor does all knowledge reside exclusively in the Tablet. Therefore the denial of the knowledge of the Unseen does not necessitate that of the knowledge of what is in the Preserved Tablet. The denial mentioned in Allahs saying: fa la yuzhiru `ala ghaybihi ahadan "He discloses unto none His Secret" (72:26) presupposes exemption of all that is excluded from "His Secret," signifying the negation of universal disclosure ( no one knows all that Allah knows), not the universal application of such negation ( no one knows anything that Allah knows). Therefore the meaning is the negation of the knowledge of all the Unseen; not the negation of the knowledge of some of the Unseen. This was demonstrated by Sa`d Al Taftazani in Sharh al maqasid."

Further, for the Pen, the Prophet said, as related by Bukhari, that during the night of his Ascension he reached a level where he could hear the screeching of the pens writing the Decree, and this stands for his being granted its knowledge. Wallahu A'lam

And Lastly once again for the Tablet, then one should knwo that one of the definitions of the Tablet is the Quran itself as cited in 85:21-22 which Allah has taught the Prophet . Similarly, Allah has granted him knowledge of it as cited in 75:16-19.

Finally, as for the phrase "Part of your generosity," then know that it is again about the intercession, supported by the tradition in Tirmidhi - with a Hasan chain - from Anas who asked the Prophet for his Wasila in the next world to which the Prophet replied: "I shall do it."

[AbuZayd]

http://www.albalagh.net/qa/qaseeda_burdah.shtml

Qaseeda Burdah Shareef

By Mufti Muhammad Kadwa
Posted: 11 Safar 1424, 13 April 2003

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Mufti Ebrahim Desai



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.) I wanted to know if the Burdah Shareef by Imam Busairi is okay to read. I've heard some people say it's bidah due to some of the verses, but others say it's for the love of Prophet . Please let me know. [Sara]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



A.) Yes, it is permissible to read Qaseedah Burdah as the verses merely portray the immense love of the author for Rasulullah .

However, this in no way can compare to the recitation of the noble Qur'an which is of paramount importance. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

http://www.islam.tc/ask-imam/view.php?q=11970

as-salamu alaykum

Ya Allah!!! the people who resent the burda!! the very words of which were written on the prophet's mosque until the wahhabi menace came and rubbed it off. If only they knew the story behind its creation, and the immense blessings in reciting it!!!

I recall Shaykh Hamza Yusuf having some queries [not doubts] about such verses, until the honorable Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi [who gave sidi hamza ijaza in it] clarified them for him...

I also witnessed with my own eyes Shaykh Hamza give a copy of his own published burda for free to a brother who had his confiscated by the wahhabi immigration officers.!!

Its very sad that there are muslims who continue to attack such a praiseworthy qasida, which used to be recited all over the islamic world (literally everywhere - india to andalus) and brought about so much baraka..

in any case, rather than get angry with such ignorant individuals, we should rather feel sorry for them, and pray that Allah opens their hearts! They are truly missing out!!!

It reminds of a debate between a salafi and sunni... the sunni was given a week to find proofs from the qur'an and sunna for elevation of the status of the prophet (s), and the salafi was given a week to prove otherwise. After a week, the sunni simply said "my proof of his error is that he spent a week lowering the status of the beloved - how can such a person love the prophet (s) and spend time looking to lower his status".

ok, dunno how true it is, but it certainly makes you wonder about the fitna created by those who want to destroy everything beautiful about our deen.

Allah knows best

[ilm_seeker]

As sallamu alikum

I've never heard or read about this poem before. Can anyone please post up information about it, like it's origin and history etc?

Jazak Allah Khair

Wa alaikum as sallam

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

as salamu alaykum

here is a short summary:

AL-BURDA:
THE PROPHET'S MANTLE
Composed by:
IMAM AL-BUSIRI
Rahmatullahi 'Alaih

An Appreciation by Siddiq Osman Noormuhammad

The Burda, or the Prophet's Mantle is a qasida (hymn) composed by the great Sufi Shaykh Imam Sharafuddin Muhammad Al-Busiri Rahmatullahi 'Alaih who was born in Misr (Egypt) in 608 A.H. (1212 C.E) and died in 695 A.H. (1296 C.E). He was a disciple of Imam Abu'l 'Abbas al-Mursi Rahmatullahi 'Alaih who was a Khalifa of Imam Abu'l Hasan ash-Shazili Rahmatullahi 'Alaih.

He composed the Burda while suffering from a stroke which had paralysed half of his body. After praying to Allah Sub'hanahu wa Ta'ala to heal him, he fell asleep and in his dream recited this qasida to the Holy Prophet Sayyidina wa Mawlana Hadhrat Muhammad Mustafa Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam who touched the paralysed part of his body and threw his mantle (Burda) over him. On arising, he was miraculously cured, the news of which spread far and wide. Hence the qasida came to be called Qasida tu'l Burda and received veneration among all Muslims as a qasida especially approved by the beloved Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam. Its verses are often learned by heart and inscribed on the walls of public buildings. It is congregationally recited in the majalis (spiritual gatherings) of the Zaakireen (those who remember Allah Ta'ala) all over the world. It cures diseases as well as purifies hearts if recited with love and devotion.

More than 90 commentaries have been written on this qasida and it has been translated in Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Berber, Punjabi, English, French and German, among other languages.

The Burda is in 10 parts and has 160 verses all of which end in the Arabic letter Meem, hence it is a "Meemiyya". The 10 parts of the Burda are about

1. Love for Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
2. A warning against the desires of the nafs
3. Praise of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
4. Events occuring on his birth
5. His miracles
6. Praise of the Glorious Qur'an
7. The "Isra" and "Mi'raj" of the noble Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
8. His battles
9. Repentence, asking forgiveness of Allah Sub'hanahu wa Ta'ala and seeking intercession of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
10. Supplication to Allah Sub'hanahu wa Ta'ala

http://www.iqra.net/Qasseda/al-burda.htm

[ilm_seeker]

as salamu alaykum

here is a short summary:

AL-BURDA:
THE PROPHET'S MANTLE
Composed by:
IMAM AL-BUSIRI
Rahmatullahi 'Alaih

An Appreciation by Siddiq Osman Noormuhammad

The Burda, or the Prophet's Mantle is a qasida (hymn) composed by the great Sufi Shaykh Imam Sharafuddin Muhammad Al-Busiri Rahmatullahi 'Alaih who was born in Misr (Egypt) in 608 A.H. (1212 C.E) and died in 695 A.H. (1296 C.E). He was a disciple of Imam Abu'l 'Abbas al-Mursi Rahmatullahi 'Alaih who was a Khalifa of Imam Abu'l Hasan ash-Shazili Rahmatullahi 'Alaih.

He composed the Burda while suffering from a stroke which had paralysed half of his body. After praying to Allah Sub'hanahu wa Ta'ala to heal him, he fell asleep and in his dream recited this qasida to the Holy Prophet Sayyidina wa Mawlana Hadhrat Muhammad Mustafa Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam who touched the paralysed part of his body and threw his mantle (Burda) over him. On arising, he was miraculously cured, the news of which spread far and wide. Hence the qasida came to be called Qasida tu'l Burda and received veneration among all Muslims as a qasida especially approved by the beloved Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam. Its verses are often learned by heart and inscribed on the walls of public buildings. It is congregationally recited in the majalis (spiritual gatherings) of the Zaakireen (those who remember Allah Ta'ala) all over the world. It cures diseases as well as purifies hearts if recited with love and devotion.

More than 90 commentaries have been written on this qasida and it has been translated in Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Berber, Punjabi, English, French and German, among other languages.

The Burda is in 10 parts and has 160 verses all of which end in the Arabic letter Meem, hence it is a "Meemiyya". The 10 parts of the Burda are about

1. Love for Rasulullah Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
2. A warning against the desires of the nafs
3. Praise of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
4. Events occuring on his birth
5. His miracles
6. Praise of the Glorious Qur'an
7. The "Isra" and "Mi'raj" of the noble Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
8. His battles
9. Repentence, asking forgiveness of Allah Sub'hanahu wa Ta'ala and seeking intercession of the beloved Prophet Sallallahu 'Alaihi wa Sallam
10. Supplication to Allah Sub'hanahu wa Ta'ala

http://www.iqra.net/Qasseda/al-burda.htm
As sallamu aliakum

Jazak Allah Khair. Can I listen to it online or download it?

Wa alaikum as sallam

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

salams

there are several sites with links to different renditions of the burda.

try the following:

http://www.sunnipath.com/resources/RichMedia/Burda-M/default.aspx

http://www.deenport.com [downloads section]

look it up on the internet - you will no doubt find several versions.

May you benefit from it!

[faqir]

QUESTIONS ON AL-BUSIRI'S POEM IN PRAISE OF THE PROPHET ENTITLED QASIDAT AL-BURDA

AND THE DISRESPECT OF "SALAFIS" FOR THAT POEM

http://www.sunnah.org/publication/encyclopedia/html/unseen.htm

[*Uzma*Amatullah*]

This is one of my favourite recitations of the qaseeda burda shareef. mashallah!

It is by naat khawan QARI WAHEED ZAFAR QASMI. mashAllah it is superb..inshAllah u'll luv it. * it makes me miss RAmadan* :(

go down to QASIDA Burda on this link:

http://www.aswatalislam.net/DisplayFilesP.aspx?TitleID=1003&TitleName=Madinay_Ka_Safar

[slave of allah]

salaam

i think this is the very best qasida burdah there is. its so beautiful mashallah

http://www.oneummah.net/tasawwuf/qasida_burdah.htm

[Just_Muslimah786]

Asalamu Alaikum Wa Rehmatulahy Wa Barakathahu,

I don't think many know of the enormous amounts of barakah one recieves after reciting the burdah repeatedly. The biggest problem with so many people is that they only like to see Islam in Black and White--which is 250% CORRECT...Islam is a clear cut faith and it explains the haram and halal, the good and evil is very clear manners. HOWEVER, there are many parts of Islam that the common-everyday-ordinary Muslim does not know or has not be taught enough about. These "many parts" happen to be the enormous amounts of philosophical aspects that exist within this deen.

The one who indulges him/herself in this deen and leaves everything to Allah (s.w.t) will understand and feel these philosophical aspects of Islam. The believer who leaves everything to Allah and feels no connection or love for this dunya experiences Islam's magical effects in the heart, mind, body, spirit, and soul. Miricalous ayahs and surahs are in the Qu'ran [not to say that the Quran is not a miracle itself...subhanAllah it is the GREATEST MIRACLE]..but poems such as the Qasida depicts and speaks of Al-Islam at a very philosophical level, one that only a person who understands the Islamic philosophy can comprehend.

For example, many do not know that it was the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)'s nur that Allah created first...and from the Nur he created His Other Creations. This is not shirk....but a truthful fact. However, it is unfair on my part to just mention this solely like this...because this knowlege and philosophy takes many months...even years to understand and grasp.

I suggest the brother read the entire Qasida before commenting on it. The poem itself has such high-levels of philosophical metaphors...that it will take time to understand and ponder over. Read each line of the Burdah more than once if you want to know th meaning of it.

Allah (s.w.t) tells us not to speak of things we are not sure of out of our ignorance. Research before you comment.

Wasalamu Alaikum,

J_M786

[zabbyh]

assalam alaikum

There is such a thing as going to extremes:

As Allah (swt) says in the Qur'an to the ahle kitab that do not go into extremes within your religion.

This also refers to the muslims, not to go into extremes within their religion. Now the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not endorse this poem or its content and as far as the dream you talked about does not verify the authenticity of a poem as it to be full of baraqah. You cannot accept a dream of someone to be authentic as there are chain letters floating all over the world where someone has stated something which is clearly untrue - as the source they talked about confirmed its untruthfulness.

This is not part of the sunnah of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and it is not backed up by anything in the Qur'an. We must follow what the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did and nothing else, if he did something that he asked his followers to do then you must and should do it, if he did not do something then you should not do it.

Also to add something to the religion of Allah is Biddah (an innovation), as the verse quoted by the Prophet (pbuh) in his last sermon clearly stated which is in the Qur'an, that God said "on this day we have perfected your religion and it is complete" (not quoted exact)

Anyone who does something against that is saying that Allah's message is incomplete by doing something the Prophet (pbuh) did not do.

The saying "I seek refuge in you" which is in the burdah. This is totally unacceptable as the only one you should seek refuge in is Allah (swt) it is he who protects you, created you, guides you and grants you your wishes. Therefore the person who stated this refering to the intercession of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is wrong because that is on the mercy of Allah (pbuh) who will grant the Prophet the right of intercession for his followers, it is Allah who will choose to forgive his people and it is only Allah who can protect you from harm not the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)...

I would write more but my baby nephew is getting frustrated..

massalam

PS: To conclude brothers and sisters only do that which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did and his companions and the rightly guided Caliphs. Follow only the Quran and Sunnah and don't commit Bidah (do not follow newly invented practices).

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

1. 'the prophet never endorsed this poem'

so what?? he endorsed poems that praised him... and no-one is saying that reciting the burda is fard - this would be a bida. Allah orders to sned peace and blessings on the prophet, and the prophet asked us to love him more than our ownselves as a sign of perfection of iman.

2. the dream cannot be used as daleel for a judgement - no. still, by denying the dream ever took place, you are accusing its possessor of being a liar. are u accusing Imam al-Busiri of lying about the dream?

3. u have misunderstood what bida is, and how the majority of authoritative scholars from the 4 madhahib interpreted bida. i wud rather follow their understanding than yours.

4. no-one believes the prophet (s) himself can answer our prayers and carry out our requests - this is shirk.

5. the burda is recited in nearly every islamic community in the world as a sign of love for our prophet (s) - nothing else. yes, we want his intercession, and we do not believe he has the power himself to answer our du'a, but he does receive our salam and respond - this has been proved by countless scholars who have written on his state after his death.

..there is no limit to how much we can love him (s). but no-one in the ummah worships him. even he (s) said that he did not fear shirk in his ummah.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf said one of the miracles of our ummah is that the prophet (s) has and never will be worshipped, even though Ali (ra) has.

please don't condemn people who are simply acting upon Chaper 33, verse 56 of the qur'an.

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

anyway, i wasn't surpised by this response when i saw<< maddhab: none>> by the author's name.

[mospike]

Just shows once again these Wahhabis and their corrupt chain of thought.

Moula ya salli wassalim daaiman abadaa!!!

come on everyone lets sing along!!!!!!!!

alaa habee beeka ghayril ghulki kul lihimee

da da da dadadadan da da

[zabbyh]

@mospike Actually I'm "Sunni"

Quote Shaykhs-Pir Sahib

"Allah orders to sned peace and blessings on the prophet, and the prophet asked us to love him more than our ownselves as a sign of perfection of iman."

Yes the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) told us to love him more than this world and any creation of Allah. He also taught us how to send salaam upon him. How do you show love for the Prophet (pbuh) is to follow his example and do what he did and to not do what he didn't and that which he forbade (bidah).

"the dream cannot be used as daleel for a judgement - no. still, by denying the dream ever took place, you are accusing its possessor of being a liar. are u accusing Imam al-Busiri of lying about the dream?"

No I am not accusing the Imam to be a liar, I am saying that the chain of narrators from whom this has been narrated could have easily fabricated the story and this is common with chain letters. There is no need to dwell on the fact if this dream is true or not, if one is unsure of something being against Islam and you are unsure if something is Halal or Haraam the prophet (pbuh) has told his followers to stay away from something they are not sure of.

A clear example is of that which is said about Abdul Qadir al-Jilani (pbuh) there are stories of him having memorised the Qur'an whilst in his mothers womb, other stories pertain that he used to fly above his followers to see what they were upto. Such absurd stories have found their way into history and are believed by many muslims particularly from pakistan and india.

Now if you were to study the real Abdul Qadir al jilani (pbuh) he was a man who went out of his way to stop people committing Bidah and if this man were alive today people like mospike would classify him as a wahhabi..

By the way what madhab was the prophet (pbuh) ?

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

the truth is that Shaykh Abdal Qadir al-Jilani was a sufi shaykh.

also, we assume by the term 'wahhabi' that the person follows ibn abdul wahhab, as opposed to the qur'an and sunna as is claimed. people from amongst this group also claim not to adhere to maddhabs, and not follow the 4 imams 'when it contradicts the sunna'.

also, by the mere fact, you have chosen 'none' as your maddhab, it makes it apparent that you may also fall into the above category.

if you want to debate about the burda, go and debate with those who have ijaza in teaching it, isnad back to Imam al-Busiri. until then, we will ignore everything you accuse us of with regards to the burda, because we follow qualified scholars who have written volumes on the merits of it. and these scholars are from deobandi, barelwi, hanafi, maliki and shafi'i ulama.

in effect, like i said earlier, we would rather listen to them, than you.

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

also, please don't compare the dreams of the awliya to these silly chainletters.

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

"you are unsure if something is Halal or Haraam the prophet (pbuh) has told his followers to stay away from something they are not sure of."


we are SURE that the burda is not only halal, but praiseworthy.

[fearhopelove]

When shaytan tricks people, he makes it so nice and beautiful for them.

This poem contains lines that are very easily shirk.

The reason it was in Masjid an-Nabawi for a time was the ignorance of the people. Back then, the people in Saudia were worshipping idols and graves again. A return to the Sunnah relieved them of the ignorance that lead them to put up the poem to begin with. So they removed what was wrong.

McCarthyism seems to be the means of attempting to relieve oneself of their ignorance. The West does it to Muslims by calling them terrorist or jihadist or fundamentalist. You have people within the Ummah who label those who differ in view as Wahhabi. Then you have people who assume themselves to be Ahlus-Sunnah wal jama'ah labeling others within the Ummah as kafir.

This labeling process is done out of ignorance and fear. People do not want to open their minds to REALLY search for the truth. They are complacent and wanna carry the current "torch" they have. Whether it's for nationalistic, familial or tribal reasons they have convinced themselves they follow the one straight path. Because if they actually tried to be objective it would mean they MAY have to change. But people don't want to change, so they convince themselves that they are right and that those who disagree are apostates, or extremists, or communist or whatever.

Go to the Qur'an and study it. Insha Allah from there, you will see which hadeeths you can trust and which contradict the Shari'ah. And from there, insha Allah the path will be clear.

Salaam

[sahih-baba]

When shaytan tricks people, he makes it so nice and beautiful for them.

This poem contains lines that are very easily shirk.

The reason it was in Masjid an-Nabawi for a time was the ignorance of the people. Back then, the people in Saudia were worshipping idols and graves again. A return to the Sunnah relieved them of the ignorance that lead them to put up the poem to begin with. So they removed what was wrong.

McCarthyism seems to be the means of attempting to relieve oneself of their ignorance. The West does it to Muslims by calling them terrorist or jihadist or fundamentalist. You have people within the Ummah who label those who differ in view as Wahhabi. Then you have people who assume themselves to be Ahlus-Sunnah wal jama'ah labeling others within the Ummah as kafir.

This labeling process is done out of ignorance and fear. People do not want to open their minds to REALLY search for the truth. They are complacent and wanna carry the current "torch" they have. Whether it's for nationalistic, familial or tribal reasons they have convinced themselves they follow the one straight path. Because if they actually tried to be objective it would mean they MAY have to change. But people don't want to change, so they convince themselves that they are right and that those who disagree are apostates, or extremists, or communist or whatever.

Go to the Qur'an and study it. Insha Allah from there, you will see which hadeeths you can trust and which contradict the Shari'ah. And from there, insha Allah the path will be clear.

Salaam

salam
so when the burda became widespread among the ummah, muslims became mushriks went on jihad and defeated kuffar again and again.
what a trick from shaytan!!!

now we have finally got rid of shirk (????) and the kuffar keep defeating us again and again.

subhanallah.

never heard so much rubbish.
may allah guide you to the truth.

wassalam

[bambino]

:salam:

By far, my all time favourite rendition has to be the one recited Qari Muhammed Mushtaaq Attari Qadiri (r.a). Its in two parts each approx 30 mins long. *awesomeness*

:salam:

[fearhopelove]

salam
so when the burda became widespread among the ummah, muslims became mushriks went on jihad and defeated kuffar again and again.
what a trick from shaytan!!!

now we have finally got rid of shirk (????) and the kuffar keep defeating us again and again.

subhanallah.

never heard so much rubbish.
may allah guide you to the truth.

wassalam

Where did wars come from?

So because the burda was widespread we won wars?

Firstly, we won and lost wars because of Allah's will.

Second, the generations of the Ummah were people who were more devoted to their worship than the people have been in the past century. In fact, in the Arab generations before my own there was a HUGE decline in worship and belief all together.

Third, it's beyond likely that when the burda was widespread the people were close enough to the deen so that lines that are vehemently labeled shirk would not have been so then.

Shirk is defined. There are some things that are not so clear, however, that could lead to shirk.

There are 3 forms of tawheed found through out the Qur'an and Sunnah. Tawheed al-Uloohiyah, tawheed ar-Ruboobiyah, and tawhed Asma` wa Sifaat.

Uloohiyah refers to God as an "ilah". Nothing is worthy of an action of worship but he. Doing so to any other is shirk.

Ruboobiyah refers to Allah's lordship (from the word "rabb"). This includes the concept of Creation, Sustenance, Knowledge, Wisdom, Protection, etc. Placing such attributes to anything else is shirk.

Asma` wa Siffat refers to the Names and Attributes of Allah. Placing any one of these on a person is shirk. For example, "Ar-Rahman" is one of Allah's names. Abdur-Rahman is a person's name. I hear people now a days shorterning it and calling themselves "Rahman" out of ignorance. Or like the name "Akram" turned to "Al-Akram" which can only be attributed to Allah.

The Burda falls into the category of Ruboobiyah. Allahu a'lam.

“You, who are the glorious among all creation, I have no one else to seek refuge with except you whenever I face a great calamity.”

Now, we note that Muhammad (pbuh) is included in the creation so obviously it is not giving him that. But in turning to him when you face a calamity is where the shirk can be taken.

Now, personally, I can see differing meanings of this. It could be outright shirk or since it is poetry it isn't entirely literal. The shirk would be that someone actually calls to Muhammad (pbuh) for aid. Allah is the Creator and Sustainer, no need to turn to anything or anyone else. Doing so is shirk.

Another is the idea of shafaa'a (intercession), this really is just shirk in disguise Allahu a'lam. In my knowledge, which is admittedly limited, I have been informed by very knowledgeable people that we can not ask any dead person for shafaa'a. The people who would in the Prophets time would literally do so. They would go to him (saaw) and ask him to pray for them. Can we do this now? Now people bring in that whenever someone says salaam to the Prophet (pbuh), he will return it. Again, I believe this is in interpretation. I don't believe it means to literally go "Salaamu 'aleykum rasool Allah" but in reality we MUST place salaam onto him (pbuh) as he intructed us to do. In a hadeeth, the Prophet (pbuh) curses those who do not say "Sal Allahu 'aleyhi wa sallam" any time they mention his name. So conversely, if one mentioned his name and added the salaam they would recieve it back rather than his curse. Also, yes he will be the Shafi`(pbuh) on the Day of Judgement. But this means for those of his Ummah he (pbuh) will intercede on their behalf. But see if someone is committing shirk (for example), will he be counted amongst the Ummah? We know that shirk (amongst kufr and nifaaq) are the only sins Allah will not forgive (if the person does not repent) as reported in a authentic hadeeth.

Now, the third possibility is praise of the Prophet (pbuh). There are numerous hadeeth where the sahabah would praise the Prophet (pbuh). Referring to his beauty and behavior. And relating it to ethereal things like heavenly bodies (moon, stars) and so forth.

“If you will not be with me there (in the Hereafter) taking me by my hand, as a favor from you, otherwise, someone should say: it is the wrong step.”

Now, do we know EXACTLY how the Day of Recompense will go down? Digging into 'ilm al-ghayb (knowledge of the unseen) like that and defining what you will or won't do is ridiculous to begin with. Furthermore, this can be broken down. Yeah, IF Prophet (pbuh) takes us by the hand it would be nice. But the author states "as a favor from you", well wouldn't it first have to be a favor from Allah? Which leads me to the Prophet (pbuh) being a slave of Allah. What ever Allah commands, Muhammad (saaw) will obey. So if it's not from the Prophet's will (pbuh) and favor upon you, then it is wrong? Ridiculous.

Again, we do not know what will happen. To attempt to define what is right or wrong, or what you will or won't do in the realm of the unseen (whether it's the hereafter or next week in this life), you are in the devil's playground. The Prophet (pbuh) tells his ummah that the word "if" opens the door for shaytan. This is definately one of those places where it open the door for shaytan.

“Part of your generosity is this life and its companion (the Hereafter), and some of your knowledge is the knowledge of the tablet and the pen.”

This life is from Allah, why ascribe it to anything or anyone else. Only Allah knows what is truly in the Preserved Tablet. True, Allah imparted much knowledge and wisdom in our Prophet (pbuh) as he did with all the previous Prophets (as). But I don't see why the writer did not just praise Allah. He could have been even more elaborate. Allahu a'lam.

The poem depends much on the person interpretation and perception. These can easily be labeled as shirk. They may not be blatant shirk, but that is part of the problem. It isn't clear at times. Sure, it's a praise of the Prophet (pbuh) and praising him is fine. But why throw in Godly attributes? Why blur the line between shirk and praise? It's truly dancing with the devil. That's why it has been labeled as shirk by some people. Because for people who lack knowledge they could fall into it. So it is just a means of being safe for many Muslims.

Now, for whomever sees no blur, then I guess the idea of shirk will not apply to you insha Allah. If you know you are definately not committing shirk, then alhamdulillah.

Now, rather than attack each other we should be able to come to a civil understanding of differences (within reason). I do not know any of you. If you listen to this poem and insist it is not shirk for you, then I will take your word for it. We haven't committed kufr or shirk, I assume. I have an opinion differing from yours on the burda, that's all.

I ask forgiveness from Allah for wherever I erred. What ever I stated right was from Allah, whatever I stated wrong it was from shaytan. I ask for Allah's forgiveness and guidance for us all in all that we do.

Salaam

[Hussain20]

When shaytan tricks people, he makes it so nice and beautiful for them.

This poem contains lines that are very easily shirk.

I think it becomes moronic when layman try to argue and prove their points and declare something to be shirk when there clearly is no shirk present.

The Classical Ulema accepted the burdah without any objections, if the salafi's choose to disagree thats fine but lets just maintain that we agree to disagree.

You should not choose to put your opinions down our throats..we also have our Ulema and they have no objection to it.

[sahih-baba]

salam, fearhopelove,

do i have to read all that?

my point is, the muslims were successful and yet the burda did not diminish that success.

now the muslims are not successful and yet the burda is the problem, together with madhhab, tawassul, tasawwuf and so on.

ridiculous!

follow ppl of success not ppl of failure.
wassalam

[tariq3]

:salam:

Here's a reply from SunniPath on the issue of shirk in the Burda...

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=7&ID=11961&CATE=108

[fearhopelove]

In response to Hussain20;

Name calling does not increase your status in knowledge, piety, or understanding of the situation.

If you read the post that was right above yours, you would see that I was sharing my opinion and I respected different ones so long as they did not contradict Islam.

In response to sahih-baba;

You do not have to read it. Rather than running around calling whoever disagrees with me a kafir, I elaborated on my belief and displayed what I understand and reflect from it.

I never said the burda was the problem with the ummah.

It seems people want to judge, label, and argue without attempting to understand the bigger picture.

I have taken both of your points. In fact, I loosely named and mentioned them in my long response. The classical ulema, the REAL salaf (sahabah, tabi'een, tabi' at-tabi'een), and other may not have objected to it. But how in the hell can we dare consider our understanding and devotion to the deen comparable to theirs? We are nothing compared to them. Our minds and hearts are hardest and coldest rocks compared to theirs.

"Read! In the name of thy Lord and Creator"

The first phrase that comes down as revelation to our beloved Prophet (pbuh). Seeking knowledge is the basis of our deen. Knowledge can be both mental (in the mind) and spiritual (in the heart). Often these two are connected. A hardened heart will not let the mind absorb knowledge. Similarly a closed mind will prevent the heart from softening and attaining God-consiousness.

It is known that people often accept what ALREADY synchronizes with their current beliefs. Of course, they convince themselves it is the truth. How many "truths" do we have running around? It's not about doubting oneself or their beliefs so much as it to be committed and dedicated to seeking to truth. It is pride, complacence, and ignorance which prevents us from seeking knowledge. It is these things which prevents us from accepting others beliefs. Furthermore, THIS is a lack of understanding of our own deen.

I dunno where salafi came from.

I listen to 'ulema who are primarily of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jama'ah. BUT I have also read many many writings and listened to speeches of sufi, ash'ari and matirudi 'ulema. Furthermore I have even looked into Shi'a texts and writings.

So how do we OBJECTIVELY seek the truth?
Learn 'araby and read the Qur'an. From there what is true, what is faboricated, and what is misunderstood will become clear.

If anyone is willing to pass one something which explains the burdah in depth, please do. I'm more than willing to read it.

But yeah, I repeat. I never said the Burdah is the problem. It is the akhlaaq and pride of the people within the Ummah and their fall into tribalism. Which I'm witnessing right here with some people.

May Allah guide us all to the truth and forgive us for our poor communication skills.

[fearhopelove]

:salam:

Here's a reply from SunniPath on the issue of shirk in the Burda...

http://qa.sunnipath.com/issue_view.asp?HD=7&ID=11961&CATE=108

Although I know this website has a slant, I will read it as it is hard to find any source of information in Islam that isn't somewhat biased from one pov or another.

Notice I did not state that it was blatant shirk. (or rather, if I did earlier, I know I stated that it was "blurry" and unclear to many afterwards)

Anyways, Jazaak Allahu khayr akhi
I will read this in a bit, I'm at work now.

Salaam yall

[fearhopelove]

Ok, I got a chance to read over it. I will read more in detail later. But he suggested just as I gave it the benefit of the doubt. Poor translation! This would make great sense considering it wasn't a problem before, when it was in it's original language of Arabic.

Based on the translation provided here, I do not back down from my view of what was said is shirk or blurs the lines between shirk and praise.

Based on the translation and explanation of Faraz Rabbani, I can see that it isn't.

But it should be made clear that the story of the dream al-Busairi has confused some people. They suggest that because in the dream the Prophet (pbuh) appears to Imam al-Busairi and places his cloak over him, that it was the Prophet (pbuh) (and/or his cloak) that healed the man. This is shirk. It should be clear that it was Allah who healed him and not the Prophet (saaw).

A statement Br. Rabbani made on that website suggested that one can not responsibly argue against something he does not understand or is unknowledgable about. The stance people take against it is "to be safe". This is fine from one pov. But as we are taught, we should learn about the shaytan and about evil in order to best avoid it.

Furthermore, he reminded me of how important knowledge and wisdom are in our deen. The Prophet (pbuh), khayrul khilq Allah - the best of Allah's creation, is the most knowledgable and most wise of them. All the Prophets (as) and righteous men were people of vast knowledge and had the softest of hearts.

Jazak for the link.

[sahih-baba]

oh bro,
it goes without saying disease and healing is from allah subhanahu wa-ta'ala.
this is really a non-issue.
one of the miracles of the prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, is that he will never be worshipped, no matter how much praise(madah not hamd) he is given to him
you can leave the burda alone.
can the rest of us enjoy it please?

(i suppose you don't like dala'il al-khayrat either, because that's also another classic banned in saudi i believe!)

"leave aside what the christians have claimed for their prophet, then praise (madH) him as you iike, but do so wisely"...qasida burda

[fearhopelove]

I used to listen to bits of it.

Whatever Saudia bans is of no consequence to me.

I add that I feel it is excessive and exaggerated (based on the translations).

I recall a couple of hadeeths that warned about this.

On the authority of Anas (ra ) it is reported that some people said: "Oh, Messenger of Allah (saas )! Oh, the best of us and the son of the best of us! Our Master and the son of our Master!" He (saas ) replied:

"Oh, you people! Say what you have to say and do not allow yourselves to be seduced by Satan. I am Muhammad, the slave of Allah (swt) and His Messenger (saas). I do not like you to raise me above the status assigned to me by Allah (swt), Almighty All-powerful." (Narrated by An-Nasaa`i with a good Ssanad)


In another narration it is reported on the authority of `Abdullah Ibn Ash-Shikhkheer (swt) that he said: "I went with a delegation of Banu `Amir to the Messenger of Allah (saas) and we said (to him): "You are our Sayyid." He (saas) replied:

"As-Sayyid is Allah (swt), Most Glorified, Most High." We said: "And you are the most excellent and superior of us." He (saas) answered: "Say what you have to say, or part of what you have to say and do not let Satan make you get carried away." (Narrated by Abu Dawood with a good Ssanad)

But I will just leave it up to everyone else to decide.

[sahih-baba]

can somebody post the hadith where the prophet said something like this:

"i am the master (sayyid) of the sons of adam and that is no boast"

...and, akh, if you're going to tell me this is a weak hadith, then my reply to that is weak chain doesn't mean it is not a hadith of rasul sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam.

the hadiths you have given must be weighed up against the hadiths in support of his praise, because he is muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam (the praised one),
walhamdu lillahi rabbil-'alamin.

[fearhopelove]

I don't need to say it's a weak hadeeth. You admitted it in advance.

Yes, that's enough. A weak isnad means it's possibly fabricated or mispoken.

This doesn't mean I've made my decision about the Burdah. My grasp of the arabic language is minimal. If I get to a point where I can read the poem in Arabic, I will do so if I feel the need.

Either way, how bout let's quit arguin insha Allah?

May Allah forgive and guide us.

[loveProphet]

can somebody post the hadith where the prophet said something like this:

"i am the master (sayyid) of the sons of adam and that is no boast"

...and, akh, if you're going to tell me this is a weak hadith, then my reply to that is weak chain doesn't mean it is not a hadith of rasul sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam.

the hadiths you have given must be weighed up against the hadiths in support of his praise, because he is muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam (the praised one),
walhamdu lillahi rabbil-'alamin.
I remember a Quranic verse supporting saying "master"/sayyid. Can someone post it?

[sahih-baba]

i gave up arguing with shi'a long time ago, now i think the time has come to treat the salafi brothers the same.
waste of time.
salam

[bambino]

i gave up arguing with shi'a long time ago, now i think the time has come to treat the salafi brothers the same.
waste of time.
salam

its for the best ;)

[fearhopelove]

I must say labeling someone a waste of time and also include them in brotherhood is a bit contradictory. I mean, sure, people give up on family, but Islamic brotherhood should be tighter than blood.

It's like reverse tribalism. Instead of placing the label on yourself and excluding any member who does not share the same membership, you label someone else in attempt to remove yourself from them.

Either way, poor salafi brothers eh?

According to my search through an indexed Qur'an and several online sources (to be sure), the word 'sayyid' comes up bout twice. (Yes, I searched in Arabic.)

Neither is used in reference to the Propet Muhammad (pbuh).

But if I missed something, please correct me.

The word itself also has many uses. It can be used just to show someone having responsibility/ownership over something. Like a husband being a sayyid to his wife. Or the "man of the house" used in the West. Another use is a master to his slave.

I haven't seen the 'araby of the two hadeeths I provided.

But just looking at the translations I provided:

The first one they call Muhammad (pbuh) their 'Master' and the 'son of the Master'. Just like the Christians did to Jesus. So obviously, it is wrong to do so in this context.

Now, I dunno where you got your hadeeth. Talking bout Shi'a? The way you present a hadeeth is how the Shi'a got their fabrications.

Prophets are humble people. They are so deeply humble that we can not fully comprehend it. So wouldn't soaking up praise contradict that humility? Saying salaam on them and peace and blessings is one thing - it has direct purpose. We are asking Allah to grant them peace and bless them. But to just say flowery sugary words that have no purpose but to elevate one person above them is something else. It's way laymen and poets would do to monarchs, governors, and other people of high status. Our Prophets (peace be upon them all) were not like these corrupt and self-righteous people.

“Thomas said to him, ‘Master, my mouth is wholly incapable of saying whom you are like.’

“Jesus said, ‘I am not your master. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring which I have measured out.’

This is from the Gospels of Thomas.

Sure, it's from Christian scriptures. But belief in the Books is a pillar of faith in Islam. To reject that they (initially at least) came from God, is to reject belief. And just pick up a Bible and read, some verses read like translations of the Qur'an subhan Allah. So the basic message remains intact. The changes are things like elevating the status of men and Prophets to the status of gods (among other things, of course).

Now one thing I know bout the Shi'a and some Sufi tariqah's is their claim of supposed 'love' for the Prophet (and his family), peace be upon them all. They (and generally ignorant Muslims) believe we must sing songs of praise to them, celebrate their birthdays, ask for their guidance and assistance in our du'a and so forth. This contradicts the Prophet's wishes and brings to reality what he warned about before he passed(pbuh).

Anyways, your argument is entirely flat. You provide no bases for you argument. The more you argue the more it comes to light that your opinion is rooted in your perception rather than facts. Also, none of your cohorts are helping out in providing any source of information to support yalls claims. It's all just 'yeah I know I heard it somewhere' so it must be fact eh? hah.

It seems that you are following your whims, whether it's right or wrong.
It also seems that you attempt to rationalize and justify that it is the right way and that is why you do it.

You are not being open for discussion or debate. You're acting like a spoiled child who wants their ice cream on a cold day and doesn't care what anyone says. You have you 'hawa' and you're just blindly following it.

The funny thing is that I stated that I had not made up my mind. And I have not. In fact, I've been studying over the Burdah as well as sources of knowledge in an attempt to be objective. I am not Salafi, nor am I Sufi, nor am I Shi'i, nor am I Sunni. But since I'm not agreeing with you I must be the polar opposite. This McCarthyist attitude contradicts how a Muslim should behave.

It seems since you can't back up your opinion, that you give up. But you can't let that seem apparent, so you claim you don't want to waste your time. Besides you don't want to be wrong about something, so instead of attempting to search for the truth with ikhlaas you remain on the same path and claim it to be the truth.

If anyone wants to provide a hadeeth (of 'hasan' authenticity at least) or a Ayah from the Qur'an to support the other point of view, I'm open to reassess my current stance.