Category Archives: Biographies
Qasidah Al-Ra’iyyah
The qasidatu-r ra’iyyah fi kanji sawa’iyyah is an ode of ten quatrains extolling the virtues and miraculous exploits of Al-Sayyid Shahu-l Hamid al-Qadiri al-Naguri, may Allah illuminate his mausoleum. He is widely acclaimed as the patron saint of the South Indian Muslims. The ode was composed by the eminent South Indian reviver [mujaddid] of the [...]
The Tawassul Ode
The following ode [qasida], also known as ya sayyidi ya rasula-Llah bayt (யா ஸய்யிதீ யா ரஸூலல்லாஹ் பைத்து), is found in the Mawlid books of the Arwi region and is traditionally recited after the ubiquitous Subhana Mawlid that is fervently read in this part of the world. The erudite Shaikh Gibril Haddad (may Allah protect him) has [...]
Correct Understanding of the Mawlid – 2
In response to the question, “Is there any basis for the Mawlid within the Prophetic Sunna?” the foremost Shafi’i jurist of this age and scion of the Prophetic household in Madinah, Al-Habib Al-‘Allamah Zayn b. Sumayt al-Shafi’i al-Husayni (may Allah protect him and keep him well) said: Yes. The Imām and Hadīth master, Ahmad Ibn [...]
Correct Understanding of the Mawlid – 1
Amongst the traditional practices that generate heated arguments is the Mawlid celebration. We quote here the words of the late bastion of the ahlu-s sunnah wa-l jama’a in the Hijaz and reviver [mujaddid] of the 20th century, Al-Sayyid Al-Shaikh Muhammad b. ‘Alawi al-Maliki al-Hasani (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: Many people err [...]
Qasidah Al-Burdah – On His Heavenly Ascension
Imam Al-Busiri’s qasidatu-l burdah is an ode in praise of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that has found universal fame. To commemorate the al-isra’ wa-l mi’raj season, we present here the English translation of the poem’s seventh section which is dedicated to the journey to a place where no creation has stepped foot. [...]
Qasidah Al-Burdah – On His Birth
Imam Al-Busiri’s qasidatu-l burdah is an ode in praise of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that has found universal fame. To commemorate the mawlid season, we present here the English translation of the poem’s fourth section which waxes lyrical the momentous birth that forever changed the course of history. The Mandle Ode [...]
Mevlûd-i Sherif
The mevlûd-i sherif, as it is called, is recited in Turkey, not only on the Prophet’s birthday (Allah bless him and give him peace) but also on the fortieth day after a bereavement, as a memorial service on a death anniversary, or in fulfilment of a vow. It is credited with a very special blessing [...]
The Noble Hilye
The Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said, “He who sees my hilye after me, it is as if he had actually seen me, and he who sees it out of love and desire for me, Allah will forbid the fire of Hell to touch him; he will be safe from the trials of [...]
The Blessed Sandals
The Prophet Muhammad’s Sandal Allah bless him and give him peace There is not a civilization that has loved and celebrated its leader as Islamic civilization has loved and celebrated its Prophet, our master Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Love is the strongest of all human attachments, and is the greatest thing [...]
