The Hamziyyah of Imam al-Buṣīrī: An Ode in Praise of the Best of Creation

by Abdullah Muhammad ibn Said al-Sanhaji al-Busiri

Foreword by Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi
Translation and Introduction by Hamza Yusuf

After translating Imam al-Buṣīrī’s famed Burdah over 20 years ago, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf presents the English rendition of the Hamziyyah, Imam al-Buṣīrī's more intricate praise poem of the Prophet ﷺ.

This hardcover publication includes the full poem, beautifully calligraphed, with each page adorned with delicate border of ornamentation. Readers will enjoy a brilliant foreword by the esteemed and noble Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi, followed by Shaykh Hamza’s own introduction to the poem that provides the eager reader context and appreciation of Imam al-Busiri’s craft as a poet par excellence. In these days of confusion and tribulation, the Hamziyyah provides the perfect medicine for the ailing heart.

From the introduction:
Great poetry has moved hearts and souls across civilizations from premodern times until today. Imam al-Buṣīrī excelled at praise poetry, and his verses attained global a reach because he praised the best of creation. His two most sublime poems, the Burdah and the Hamziyyah have over the centuries occasioned countless commentaries explicating their eloquence and linguistic subtleties.

The Hamziyyah takes the reader on a journey of love to the Best of Creation ﷺ, covering substantial parts of the Prophet’s ﷺ blessed life, his historical period, and the miracles that attended him. Imam al-Buṣīrī expresses his burning love of God and God’s final Messenger with such beauty that his verses continue to resonate with hearts all across the world.

From His Eminence, Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi:
“After the Qur’an and the prophetic sayings, the highest level of eloquence to which any Arab can aspire is realized in Arabic poetry. Thus, poets in subsequent generations invariably expressed their love for the Prophet ﷺ in marvels of verse that poured forth from their tongues and pens like pearls unbound…Having spent over fifty-five years of my life immersed in the poetry of Imam al-Buṣīrī, listening to the Burdah and Hamziyyah sung in weekly gatherings, and having penned two poetic expansions myself, I can say that Shaykh Hamza’s translation deserves both praise and celebration.”

Author: Abdullah Muhammad ibn Said al-Sanhaji al-Busiri

Translation and Introduction: Hamza Yusuf

Binding: Hardcover

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