In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful
Qasida Burdah
The Poem of the Cloak
In Love of Our Leader,
the Messenger of Allah 
By
Imam Salih Shara-fud-deen Abu Abdullah Muhammad, ibn Hasan Al-Busairi
Introduction A selection of blessings:
Part One: In Love of our Master, the Messenger of Allah Messenger
Part Two: Restraint from Lust and Carnal DesiresPart Three: Praise of the Messenger of Allah
Part Four: The Birth of the Messenger of Allah
Part Five: The Blessings of the Messenger of Allah’s Invitation to Islam
Part Six: The Glory of the Qur’an
Part Seven: The Night Ascent of the Messenger of Allah through the Heavens
Part Eight: The Jihad of the Messenger of Allah
Part Nine: The Forgiveness of Allah through the Intercession of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad
Part Ten: Seeking Salvation and the Requisition of Necessities
Introduction
Such is the greatness of our beloved Prophet Muhammad that Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified bears witness to his exalted position in the Holy Qur’an saying:
Allah and His angels praise and venerate the Prophet.
Believers, praise and venerate him
and pronounce peace upon him in abundance.
Those who (try to) hurt Allah and His Messenger
shall be cursed by Allah in this present life
and in the Everlasting Life,
and He has prepared for them a humbling punishment.” 33:56-57
Imam Salih Al Busairi spent many years of his life in the courts of Mameluke princes writing poetry in praise of Prophet Muhammad and also poetry about its princes. When the Imam was struck with paralysis the services of the best doctors and surgeons in the land were called upon, but his condition was so chronic that they sadly diagnosed his condition as being totally incurably.
Imam Al-Busairi had written a special, personal poem in praise of the Prophet that no one knew about and it was in this state of complete helplessness and surrender that the Imam was prompted to recite his poem, “The Poem of the Cloak” and with it ask Allah to cure him from his paralysis. The poem is that of a lover for his dearly beloved in which he begins by shyly and tenderly alluding to the Prophet without mentioning him by name but through mention of places and objects closely connected to the Prophet in Medina.
It was on a Thursday night that the Imam, shut away in a quite place, began to recite his poem of devotion to the Prophet however, during his recitation he was overcome by sleep. As he slept he saw a very blessed vision in which Prophet Muhammad came to him. He told him of his illness whereupon the Prophet passed his blessed hand over the Imam’s body and placed a cloak over his paralysed limbs. Through the blessings and supplications of the Prophet , Allah recovered Imam Al-Busairi. When he awoke he found the cloak he had seen the Prophet place over his paralysed limbs remained and Al Hamdulillah, he was no longer paralysed, and because of this he named his poem “Qasidah Burdah”, “The Poem of the Cloak.”
In the morning he went to the bazaar and was greeted with peace by a pious, sufi dervish who requested him to recite the poem he had composed in praise of Prophet Muhammad .Imam Al Busairi asked which one he wished to hear as he had composed many poems. The sufi replied, “The one that begins with the words Amin Tazak-kurin” which are the opening words of “The Poem of the Cloak”. Imam Al-Busairi was amazed and said, “I swear that no one knows about this poem. Tell me the truth, how did you know about it and from whom did you hear it?” The sufi replied, “I swear by Allah that I heard you recite it last night as you recited it to the Messenger of Allah and through his blessings, Allah granted you complete recovery.”
Imam Al-Busairi recited the poem to the sufi and gave it to him and his secret was no longer a secret and became known by all, together with its blessings.
When the poem reached the ears of the Baha-ud-deen, the governor of Tahir,he was so moved and regarded it so highly that he would, out of honor and love for Prophet Muhammad ,stand whilst listening to its recitation. In Baha-ud-deen’s court there was a blind man by the name of Sa'aadud-deen Farouqi. One night he had a vision in which he saw a pious sufi who told him to go to Baha-ud-deen and ask him for the poem and then place it over his eyes. The following morning he went to the governor and told him of his vision whereupon the poem was brought, and with complete sincerity and conviction Sa’aadud-deen Farouqi placed it over his eyes, and through its blessings Allah restored his sight. Al Hamdulillah!
The Virtues and Specialities of “Qasidah Burdah” - “The Poem of the Cloak”
The virtues and blessings of Qasidah Burdah are innumerable and have been attested in many references. The following are but a sampling of these blessings and virtues experienced through its recitation.
1. To receive blessings in life (long life) recite the poem 1001 times.
2. For the removal of difficulties recite the poem 71 times.
3. For relief from drought recite the poem 300 times.
4. For wealth and riches recite the poem 700 times.
5. To have male children recite the poem 116 times.
6. For easement of difficult tasks recite the poem 771 times.
7. Whosoever recites this poem daily, or has someone else recite it for him,and thereafter blows on him, will be safeguarded from all hardships.
8. Whosoever recites the poem once a day then blows on his children, the children will be blessed with long life.
9. Whosoever recites the poem 17 times on a Thursday evening for 7 weeks will become pious and wealthy.
10. Whosoever recites the poem in his bedroom for any work or special purpose, that purpose will be shown to him in a dream.
11. Whosoever recites the poem 41 times in an old cemetery for 40 days, his enemies will be destroyed.
12. Whosoever reads the poem once a day over rosewater for 7 days and then gives it to someone to drink, the memory of that person will increase tremendously.
13. Whosoever is afflicted with a great calamity or hardship, should fast for 3 days and recite the poem 21 times each day during the fast.
14. Whosoever writes the poem with musk and saffron, then hangs it around his neck will be safeguarded from seventy afflictions and difficulties.
15. The house in which the poem is read 3 times daily, will be protected from most hardships.
16. If a person has important work, he should recite the poem 26 times on the night of Jumah (Thursday evening) and give 26 things in charity.
17. The house in which this poem is kept, will be safe-guarded from thieves, etc.
18. Whosoever recites the poem 7000 times in his lifetime, will live up to the age of one hundred years.
19. Whosoever recites the poem over rosewater and sprinkles it over his clothes, will become respected and loved by the creation of Allah Ta'alaa.
20. Whosoever recites the poem once a day while on a journey will be protected from all the hardships of the journey.
21. Whosoever is in debt should recite the poem 1000 times.
22. If someone reads the poem 41 times, or has someone else read it for him, on the night of Jumah (that is Thursday evening), for a certain aim or purpose, his aim or purpose will be fulfilled.
23. The house in which this poem is read regularly will be saved from seven things:
i. From the evil of Jinn.
ii. From plague and epidemics.
iii. From smallpox.
iv. From diseases of the eyes.
v. From misfortune.
vi. From insanity.
vii. From sudden death.
24. The inhabitants of a house in which this poem is read daily will be gifted with seven benefits:
i. Long life.
ii. Abundance in sustenance.
iii. Good health.
iv. Help (from Allah).
v. One will see the Light of our Master Muhammad
vi. Wealth.
vii. Happiness and contentment.
25. Whosoever wishes to know whether benefit or harm will be derived from a journey should, after having recited the prayer on the Prophet 1000 times, recite this poem 3 times. Thereafter the Prophet will appear in a vision and inform whether or not the journey is beneficial or harmful.
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Whosoever wishes to know the condition of a traveller, should recite the poem 3 times on a Thursday night together with the prayer on the Prophet .
27. To remove the evil affects of jinn, read once the poem daily for 40 days and then (blow) on the effected person.
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When a baby is born and this poem is recited 9 times over sea water, and thereafter the baby is bathed in the water, the baby will be saved from all types of calamities.
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During child-birth, labor pains will be eased immediately if the poem is read 3 times over rose water and then blown on. The rose water should be mixed with ordinary water and drunk. Place a little on the belly and ease will, inshaAllah, be experienced immediately.
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Whosoever recites the poem once after embarking on a ship and passes through a severe storm, will be safeguarded.
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Whosoever is imprisoned, should recite the poem continuously and he will be freed.
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If land is infertile, recite this poem then blow on the seeds and plant them, inshaAllah abundant crops will be produced.
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If farmlands are infested or plagued by locusts, recite the poem 7 times on sand and sprinkle it over the land. Wherever the sand falls, that land will not be infested again.
In conclusion it has been found that for whatever purpose "Qasidah Burdah" is read, InshaAllah that purpose will be fulfilled, with the precondition that ones earnings and food are halaal. One also eats less, sleeps less and talks less. May Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified through His infinite Grace and Mercy accept this humble effort and grant us death with belief, and bestow us, our Ma'shaykh, and our families with eternal love for our Master Muhammad through the blessings of this poem.
Ameen.
Part One
In Love of Our Leader, the Messenger of Allah
1. Is it because of your remembrance of the neighbors of Dhi-salam
2. that tears mixed with blood flow?
3. Or is it because of the breeze that blows from Kaazimah?
4. Or, is it because of the flashes of lightning in the darkness of the night at Idam?
5. What has happened to your eyes? You tell them to cease, but the more they continue to flow.
6. What is the matter with your heart? You tell it to come to its senses,
7. does the lover think that his love can be concealed
8. while his eyes shed tears and his heart glows.
9. Had it not been for love, you would not have shed tears at the ruins (of the City of your beloved).
10. Nor would you become restless at the remembrance of the cypress (tree), the high mountain.
11. How do you deny love after the testimony,
12. borne against you by (such) reliable witnesses as yours and your illness.
13. Love has ingrained two lines of fear, and withered your face,
14. on your cheeks like a yellow rose and the reddish tree.
15. Yes! thoughts of the beloved came to me at night and kept me awake,
16. and love transforms pleasure into pain.
17. You who reproach me, regarding my love, excuse me,
18. from me to you, if you are just, you would not reproach me.
19. My state (of love) has been expressed to you, my secret is no longer concealed
20. from those who malign (me); nor is there (anything to) check my agony.
21. You have advised me sincerely; I did not heed it,
22. for in truth, a lover is deaf to his advisors.
23. I regarded with suspicion the advice of reproachful elders,
24. (wisdom) in the advice of the elders is above suspicion.
Part Two
Restraint of Lust and Carnal Desires
1. In truth, my soul is laden with evil and did not heed the advice,
2. on account of its ignorance, from the warning of grey hair and old age.
3. And I have not prepared, for good deeds, a feast,
4. neither for the guest (that) has lodged in (my) head, nor yet did I honor (him).
5. Had I known that I would not be able to honor him,
6. I would have concealed my secret, which is exposed by dieing.
7. Who is there that can restrain my wayward-self from its waywardness?
8. Just as unmanageable horses are restrained by reigns.
9. Do not try, through sinning, to subdue sensual desires,
10. for in truth, food only increases sensual desires.
11. Your self (desire) is like when it is breastfed,
12. it loves to suckle, yet, when it is weaned it stops.
13. Then stop its inclinations and beware that it does not overpower you.
14. In truth, lust whenever it overpowers (will) kill or maim (your character).
15. And guard it while it is grazing in (the field of) actions
16. if it enjoys pasture, do not let it roam freely.
17. How often has pleasure been considered good, but in reality it was deadly,
18. because he does not know there is poison in the fat.
19. And fear the evil of (both) hunger and satiation;
20. most times hunger (poverty) is more evil that overeating.
21. And shed tears from those eyes that have become full
22. of forbidden sights, and regard it as obligatory to guard your eyes from forbidden things,
23. and oppose (your) self (nafs) and shaytaan - disobey them both!
24. And should both of them give you sincere advice regard it as lies,
25. and neither obey them as an enemy nor yet as a sage,
26. for you know well the deception of (such) an enemy or a sage.
27. I seek forgiveness from Allah from such sayings which I, myself, do not practice,
28. for indeed, I have attributed (claimed), through this, offspring from a barren woman.
29. I command you to do good, but, I do not command myself to do the same.
30. And I was not steadfast (in religion) so what then is the use of my saying to you: "Be steadfast!"
31. For death, I have made no provisions of voluntary worship.
32. Neither did I offer the prayer nor fast other than that which was obligatory.
Part Three
Praise of the Messenger of Allah
1. I transgressed his way, he who passed the night (in worship),
2. until his feet complained of injury due to their swelling.
3. And around his stomach he tied and bound, on account of hunger,
4. a stone upon his delicate skin.
5. And high mountains of gold (tried to) tempt him,
6. but he was not tempted because of his high degree of courage (morality).
7. His piety increased despite his need,
8. for in truth, need never prevails (overpowers) the infallible.
9. How can the necessities of such a noble personality incline him towards this world?
10. Had it not been for him this world would not have emerged from its non-existence.
11. Muhammad is the master of both worlds, and both creations (mankind and jinn),
12. and of both groups, Arabs and non-Arabs.
13. Our Prophet ,the one who commands (good), and forbids (evil). There is none (parallel to him),
14. more truthful than he in saying "no" or "yes".
15. He is the most beloved (of Allah), and for whose intercession is hoped.
16. For every fear (and distress) that will come (on the Day) of agony.
17. He invited (people) to Allah, so those who cling to him
18. cling to a rope that will never break.
19. He transcends all the prophets, physically and in (noble) character.
20. And (the other prophets) cannot come near to him in knowledge nor yet his noble nature, and kindness.
21. They did but acquire from Prophet Muhammad
22. (like a) handful (of water) from the ocean, or (a few) drops of rain in a downpour,
23. and they all stopped before him at their (assigned) limits,
24. (either) at a point of knowledge or to gain a wise saying from his wisdom.
25. For he is the one with whom all outward and inward perfection ended.
26. And then the Creator of all creation chose him as (His) most beloved.
27. He has no equal in his magnificence.
28. The jewel of (excellence) in him is indivisible.
29. Discard the claim of the Christians about their prophet,
30. then decide and say what you wish in praise of him (Prophet Muhammad ),
31. and attribute towards his personality whatever you wish of excellence,
32. and attribute to his dignified status as much greatness as you wish,
33. for in truth, the excellence of the Messenger of Allah has no
34. bounds, that a speaker might (be able to) express by his tongue.
35. If his miracles were proportionate to his rank, in greatness,
36. then his name would have, when called out, brought crumbling bones back to life.
37. He did not try to (test) us with that which would confound our minds,
38. out of sincere desire for us, neither were we suspicious (about the truthfulness of his mission) nor yet were we confounded (by his doctrine).
39. His perfect inner nature made people helpless from comprehending, so it was not understood
40. by those near and far, except according to their imperfect understanding,
41. just as the sun is seen by the eyes from afar,
42. in truth, it is small yet it hurts (dazzles) the eye.
43. And can the reality of him be comprehended in this world?
44. A sleeping nation whose description of him is (like the interpretation of) a dream,
45. so the ultimate depth of (our) knowledge concerning him, is that he is a man.
46. And in truth, he is the best of all the creation of Allah.
47. In truth every miracle performed by other prophets
48. was derived from his light.
49. In truth, he is the sun of virtue (and) they (the prophets) are its stars,
50. that only display their light to people in the dark,
51. until, when the sun rose his light was spread
52. universally and gave life to all the nations.
53. How noble are the physical qualities of Prophet Muhammad ,adorned with such an excellent character,
54. (who) was vested with beauty and disguised by a pleasant temperament.
55. (He) is like a blooming flower in its freshness, and the splendor of the full moon,
56. and the ocean in generosity and time; its fearless courage,
57. even when alone, it appears because of his grandeur,
58. as though (he is) in the midst of a large army with its retinue.
59. It is like a pearl well preserved in an oyster,
60. from the two mines, of his speech and smiles.
61. No perfume equals the dust (earth) that touches his body.
62. Glad tidings be to the person who smells it (the dust) and kisses it!
Part Four
The Birth of the Messenger of Allah
1. His birth distinctly showed his pure origin,
2. oh, the excellence, of his beginning and his end!
3. On that day (of birth) the Persians discovered
4. and were warned of the approach of misfortune and punishment.
5. The walls of the palace of Chosroes trembled and crumbled,
6. and his army became scattered, never again to be united.
7. And the fire (of the Persians) took a cool breath (subsided and died out), out of regret.
8. While the rivers (of Persia) had sleepless eyes (dried up) from excessive sorrow.
9. Saawah, (a village in Persia) became grief stricken with the drying up of its lake.
10. And the water bearer returned in anger; disappointed.
11. It was as though fire became like the wetness of water,
12. through grief, while water was (affected by) the blazing fire.
13. And the jinn shouted (at the appearance of the Messenger of Allah )and the light glistened.
14. And the truth (prophethood) appeared with these lights, and with their voices,
15. (the unbeliever) became blind and deaf, to the heralding of glad tidings,
16. nor did they hear, nor yet was the light of warning seen by them,
17. even though fortune tellers had informed the people
18. that their false religions would not stand.
19. And even after they witnessed shooting stars on the horizon,
20. falling, just as (their) idols were (falling) on earth,
21. so much so that they kept running from the path of Revelation,
22. the devils - one after the other -
23. as though in their running away, the satans were the army of Abrahah.
24. Or, like the army upon whom (the Prophet )threw pebbles (was put to flight),
25. after they (the pebbles) had exalted Allah in his (blessed hands).
26. Or, as (Prophet Jonah) was cast out of the stomach of the fish when he exalted Allah.
Part Five
The blessings of the Messenger of Allah’s Invitation to Islam
1. The trees answered his call, prostrating,
2. walking towards him on their shins (stumps) without feet,
3. as though they were ruling lines that were drawn,
4. and with their branches they wrote his perfection in calligraphy.
5. Like the cloud that followed him wherever he went,
6. sheltering him from the intense, oven like heat, of the blazing summer.
7. I take an oath by the moon that was split - it bears
8. a connection with his heart; the truth of my oath.
9. What excellence of qualities and noble deeds the cave contained,
10. while every (disbelieving) eye was blind to him.
11. In the cave, the truth and the true (Abu Bakr) were unseen (by the unbelievers).
12. And they said with certainty, "There is no one in the cave!"
13. They thought a wild pigeon and a spider would neither
14. lay an egg, nor spin a web for the best of creation.
15. The protection of Allah dispensed with double.
16. From armory and high forts,
17. whenever time caused me to be distressed and I sought refuge in him,
18. I received shelter from him that was not misused.
19. I did not ask for the wealth of the two worlds from his hand,
20. but I received a great gift, the best hand that was ever kissed.
21. Do not deny that his visions are Revelations, for in truth his
22. heart did not sleep, when eyes slept.
23. And this was at the beginning of his prophethood,
24. at that time visions cannot be denied.
25. Great are the blessings of Allah that Revelations are not earned.
26. Nor was any prophet accused (of lying when) giving knowledge of the unseen.
27. His miracles were clear; not hidden from anyone.
28. Without it justice could not have been established among people.
29. How often has his hand granted freedom (cure) from disease by (his) touch,
30. and set free the insane from the chains of insanity.
31. He revived the starving year (of famine) through his supplication,
32. until it resembled a white spot on black times,
33. by means of a cloud that rained so abundantly you would think large rivers
34. gushed forth from the sea, or, like the torrential flood of Arim.
Part Six
The Glory of the Qur’an
1. Allow me to describe his clear miracles,
2. as that of the lighting of fires on the hillside at night for guests.
3. The beauty of a pearl is further enhanced in a necklace,
4. but its singular value does not diminish.
5. So why shouldn’t the ambitions of those who praise increase towards
6. him, he of noble character and good habits.
7. Verses of truth from the Most Merciful, never heard before,
8. eternal, an attribute (of Allah) who is described as Eternal.
9. It (the Qur’an) is not connected with any period of time, yet it informs us
10. of the Everlasting Life as well as (the bygone times) of Ad and Iram.
11. It remains with us forever, therefore it is superior to every miracle.
12. Those (miracles) of other prophets appeared but did not remain.
13. It is absolutely clear, so that there is no room left for doubt
14. by its enemies; a judge is not required.
15. No one ever opposed it except the vehement enemy,
16. through their hatred towards it, (but that he) refrained from it, seeking a truce.$$
17. Its eloquence refuted the accusations of its objectors,
18. just as a respectable man protects the women of his household from a transgressor.
19. Its meaning is like the waves of the ocean in help (of one another),
20. and the (Qur’an) transcends the jewels of the sea in beauty and value.
21. Its wonders cannot be counted, nor yet comprehended,
22. nor would you (be) satiated by its constant repetition (recitation).
23. It cools the eye of its reciter, so I said to him
24. “You have succeeded with the hope of Allah, therefore, hold steadfastly to it.
25. If you recite it through fear of the heat of the Blazing Fire,
26. then you have doused the Blazing Fire with its cool water.”
27. It is the Houze-e-Kawthar with which faces are illuminated,
28. even those of sinners though they come to it (with faces) as black as coal.
29. It is like the straight bridge, like the scales in equilibrium,
30. justice, without which, man cannot be established.
31. Do not be astonished if the jealous person rejects it
32. (feigning ) ignorance while they are shrewd.
33. In truth, the eye rejects the ray of the sun due to dust.
34. The mouth rejects the (sweet) taste of water due to sickness.
Part Seven
The Night Ascent of the Messenger of Allah through the Heavens
1. You (Prophet Muhammad ),the best of those to whom court bounty seekers resort
2. running on the backs of fast camels.
3. And with you is the greatest sign for whosoever heeds,
4. and with you is the greatest bounty for whosoever avails themselves of it.
5. You travelled by night from one Sacred Place to another,
6. as the full moon travels through intense darkness.
7. And you continued ascending until you attained a position,
8. a distance of two cubits length; a nearness that has never been attained nor sought.
9. But you were preferred because of your position by all the prophets
10. and messengers, just as a servant gives preference to his master.
11. You passed through the seven heavens in which they were
12. in a procession and you were the standard bearer,
13. until you left no goal (for which a competitor might strive)
14. in nearness, nor any (room for others to advance).
15.Every rank became inferior by (your) advance, when
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you were invited to His Majestic and Unique Position,
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so that you may be successful in a reaching the most concealed,
18. from all eyes, and well concealed secrets.
19. So you attained every (status) worthy of unrivalled pride,
20. and you surpassed every position that no other had passed,
21. and of the highest excellence are the ranks that you were granted.
22. Above all comprehension are the bounties conferred upon you!
23. Glad tidings be to us, followers of Islam. We have
24. by the Favor of Allah a indestructible pillar.
25. When Allah called to His worship, the one who invited (us was Prophet Muhammad ),
26. and it is because of the noblest of all the messengers, that we are the noblest of nations.
Part Eight
The Jihad of the Messenger of Allah
1. The hearts of his enemies were struck with terror by the news of his advent.
2. Just as a heedless goat strays, the herd becomes scared at a sudden alarm.
3. In every hostility he never ceased to encounter them
4. until, by the thrust of lances they became like meat on a chopping block.
5. Through envy they loved to flee
6. and their corpses were carried away by vultures and eagles.
7. Nights would pass without them knowing the number -
8. as long as it was not the nights in the Sacred Months (Ashur-e-Horum).
9. It is as though the religion of Islam was a guest that visited their house,
10. with every brave warrior, anxious for the flesh of the enemy (of Islam).
11. He would lead an ocean of the army on galloping horses
12. and (the enemy) were struck by a massive wave of brave warriors;
13. every volunteer hoping for the reward of Allah,
14. fighting to exterminate the roots of disbelief and to destroy it,
15. until the religion of Islam became of them,
16. reunited after estrangement from her family,
17. yet always cared for by an affectionate father
18. and a loving husband, so she neither suffered from being an orphan, nor yet widowhood.
19. They were mountains, so ask about them from he who fought them,
20. what was his experience with them in each contest.
21. Ask (about the condition of ) Hunain, Badr, Uhud.
22. The verdict of death was more severe than an epidemic to them.
23. (They made their) white (shinning) swords red (with blood) after they were plunged
24. into every black lock of their enemies (head).
25. And in calligraphy they wrote (on the bodies), that remained
26. with their pens (lances) – like marked letters,
27. Completely clad with weapons, their characteristic marks distinguished them,
28. just as a rose is distinguished by (characteristic) marks of a thorn.
29. The winds of help (from Allah) would guide you to their fragrance,
30. so you would think every brave man was a flower in the bloom.
31. As though they were, when on horse back, like sturdy shrubs on hills,
32. because of their strength and bravery, not because of fixation to their saddles.
33. The hearts of the enemies sank in terror (due to their) prowess,
34. they could not distinguish between a lamb and a mighty warrior.
35. He who has the help of the Messenger of Allah with him -
36. even if a lion should meet him in its den, it becomes fearful,
37. and you would never see a friend unassisted
38. by him, nor yet would you find an enemy, except in pieces.
39. He lodged his nation in the fort of his religion,
40. like a lion that lodges with its cubs in a jungle.
41. How many questions did the Words of Allah have with the defiant
42. concerning him; and the clear evidence (of Allah) disputed many a plaintiff.
43. It suffices as a miracle for you that an unlettered person should have (such vast) knowledge,
44. in an era of ignorance, and such noble etiquette in an orphan.
Part Nine
The Forgiveness of Allah through the Intercession of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad
1. I served him with praise, by whose means I ask for pardon.
2. The sins of a lifetime passed in poetry and serving (others),
3. these two have garland me with consequences that I fear
4. even so it (poetry and serving others) is my due; a sacrificial animal.
5. I obeyed the misleading passions of youth in both conditions and
6. achieved nothing except sin and remorse,
7. and through their doing it is the greatest regret of my soul.
8. It did not purchase (religion for livelihood) with the world, nor did I barter for it.
9. The person who sells his future for his present.
10. is defrauded in its sale and its bartering.
11. If I committed any sin, my covenant is not (likely to be) violated
12. with my Prophet, the Messenger of Allah and nor is my rope broken,
13. for in truth, I have a security from him because of my name
14. (it being) Muhammad, while he is the most faithful of mankind in fulfilment of his promise.
15. If at my resurrection, he should not take me by my hand
16. through kindness, then say, “O, the slipping of my foot”,
17. I seek refuge (in Allah) that He should deprive one who is hopeful of his favors.
18. Or that his neighbor (follower) returned from him dishonored.
19. And since I have devoted my thoughts to his praising
20. I have found him to be best refuge for my salvation.
21. His bounty will never escape from (my) hand that has been soiled.
22. For in truth, rain causes flowers to bloom on rocks
23. and I sought the flowers (wealth) of the world which were plucked.
24. by the hands of Zuhair through his praises of Haram.
Part Ten
Seeking Salvation and the Requisition of Necessities
1. Most generous of mankind, I have no one with whom to seek refuge
2. except you at the occurrence of widespread disasters.
3. And, O Messenger of Allah ,your exalted status will not diminish, because of me (intercession on my behalf).
4. When the Most Bountiful will manifest (Himself) by the name of the punisher.
5. For in truth, amongst your bounties is this life, and the Everlasting Life,
6. and part of your knowledge is the knowledge of the Preserved Tablet (Lowh), and the Pen.
7. My soul, do not become despondent because of your grievous sins,
8. indeed, major sins, when pardoned are minor.
9. Perhaps when the mercy of my Lord is distributed
10. it would be distributed proportionate to the sins.
11. My Lord (Sustainer)! Do not let my hopes remain unfulfilled
12. by You, and do not make my reckoning (of deeds) destructive.
13. Be kind to Your worshipper in both the worlds, for in truth, his
14. patience, when called upon by hardship runs away.
15. So order clouds of blessings from You perpetually
16. upon our Prophet ,abundantly and gently,
17. and upon his family, his companions, then upon those who follow them.
18. The people of piety, knowledge, clemency and generosity.
19. Be pleased with Abu-Bakr and Omar,
20. Ali and Othman; those of nobility,
21. for as long as the easterly breeze makes the branches of the cypress tree rustle,
22. and (as long as) the camel riders encourage their camels to run with enchanting songs.
23. Forgive its writer and its reader.
24. I ask of You all goodness, O You, the Most Generous and Most Munificent .
We ask Allah, the Mighty, the Gloried to accept this effort and grant abundant reward to Imam Salih Shara-fud-deen Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Hasan Al-Busari for its composition and all who assisted in its English production. May Allah make this a means granting us true love for His Beloved Prophet and bless us with His Divine Love and Nearness.
