CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE PROPHET
In addition to the "Further Reading" found in this day's
session, please find here a selection of some representations of the
Prophet found in various societies of Muslims and Islamic cultures.
Burda: This Youtube link is a
rendition of Al-Busiri's Burdah (or "Mantle" ode) one of the most famous
poems in praise of the Prophet Muhammad in the Muslim world. Composed
in the thirteenth century, it has been translated into almost every
major language. Part of its popularity stems from belief in its healing
properties, just as its author was cured of blindness when the Prophet
Muhammad appeared to him in a dream and blessed him for having composed
such a beautiful poem. The poem's refrain is a blessing on the Prophet: Burda with English Subtitles
"maulaya salli wa sallim daa'iman abadan 'alaa habeebika khayril khalqi kullihim"
O God send your prayers and blessings always and forever upon the one whom you loved, the best of all creatures
Qasidah: This is a Youtube link
for a Qasīdah, a classical genre of Arabic poetry; once again, it is in
praise of the Prophet Muhammad. This is a Moroccan version: Ya Imam al-Mursalīn
https://youtu.be/2IKpMpBYGuU
Qawwali: The Qawwali is arguably
the most famous genre of South Asian music. The following is a Qawwali
in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, sung by Nusrat Fath Ali Khan: Kamli Wale Mohammad Toon Sadqe Main Jaan.
https://youtu.be/oQmHSOXPboA
Mawlid: These are examples of celebrations for the Mawlid, that is, the birth of the Prophet.
Sudanese Disciples of al-Shaykh al-Bur'i: Qumak Ma'y
https://youtu.be/lCV-mdb8JY4
West African: Muhammad al-Mustapha:
This is a recitation of a Qasīdah written by Ibrāhīm Niass (1900–1975),
a major figure and Sufi shaykh of the Tijānī Sufi order of Islam in
West Africa.
https://youtu.be/mfuRoTfExPE
Contemporary Genre:
Maher Zain: Ya Nabi Salam 'Alayka: Maher Zain is a Muslim, Swedish R&B singer, songwriter and music producer of Lebanese origin.
https://youtu.be/eLFW---YSWE
Art
"The Prophet Muhammad Was Once Glorified In Art", radio segment from WBUR's Here & Now, a National Public Radio production, 16 Jan 2015.
http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2015/01/16/quran-prophet-images
http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2015/01/16/quran-prophet-images