QASIDAH BURDAH
THE THREE POEMS OF THE PROPHET'S MANTLE

Translations & Introduction by Paul Smith

Ka'b ibn Zuhair (died 7th century A.D.) was a famous poet who at first opposed Prophet Muhammad. Finally, he secretly went to Medina and approached the Prophet to ask if one who repented and embraced the faith would be forgiven. Mohammed answered yes and the poet asked, "Even Ka'b ibn Zuhair?" When he affirmed this, Ka'b revealed his identity and read a poem, his Banat Suad (of 55 couplets), which would become his most famous poem. As a reward Prophet Mohammed took off his mantle (cloak) and put it on Ka'b's shoulders. The second for Mohammed was composed by the eminent Sufi, Imam al-Busiri (1210-1297). The poem (161 couplets) is famous mainly in the Sunni Muslim world. It is entirely in praise of Prophet Mohammed, who is said to have cured the poet of paralysis by appearing to him in a dream and wrapping him in a mantle. The third poet of the 'Mantle' was Ahmed Shawqi (1869 - 1932) the great Arabic Poet-Laureate, an Egyptian poet and dramatist who pioneered the modern Egyptian literary movement, introducing poetic epics to the Arabic literary tradition. His 'Mantle' qasida is 190 couplets. The correct rhyme-structure has been kept and the meaning of these beautiful, powerful, spiritual poems. Pages 116 in paperback.

COMMENTS ON PAUL SMITH'S TRANSLATION OF HAFIZ'S 'DIVAN'.

"It is not a joke... the English version of ALL the ghazals of Hafiz is a great feat and of paramount importance. I am astonished. If he comes to Iran I will kiss the fingertips that wrote such a masterpiece inspired by the Creator of all." Dr. Mir Mohammad Taghavi (Dr. of Literature) Tehran.
"Superb translations. 99% Hafiz 1% Paul Smith." Ali Akbar Shapurzman, translator into Persian and knower of Hafiz's Divan off by heart.
"Smith has probably put together the greatest collection of literary facts and history concerning Hafiz." Daniel Ladinsky (Penguin Books author).

Paul Smith is a poet, author and translator of over 80 books of Sufi poets of the Persian, Arabic, Urdu, Turkish, Pashtu and other languages including Hafiz, Sadi, Nizami, Rumi, 'Attar, Sana'i, Jahan Khatun, Obeyd Zakani, Nesimi, Kabir, Mu'in, Anvari, Ansari, Jami, Khayyam, Rudaki, Yunus Emre, Bulleh Shah and others, and poetry, fiction, plays, biographies, children's books and screenplays.

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• Literature & FictionPoetry & Drama

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