Morning Programme Part 3

Main Topic

An introduction to the commentary of Qasida Burda written by Mufti Ibrahim Desai Rahimahullah, focusing on the biography of Allama Busiri Rahimahullah, the origin of Qasida Burda, and the Islamic perspective on poetry.

Key Lessons

• Allama Busiri Rahimahullah sacrificed a lucrative government career due to political corruption to dedicate his life to spiritual reformation (tazkiyah) under the guidance of his Sheikh.
• Qasida Burda was composed by Allama Busiri Rahimahullah after he suffered a stroke, seeking the mercy of Allah Ta'ala and the wasilah of praising Rasulullah ﷺ; he was cured after seeing Rasulullah ﷺ in a dream.
• While poetry containing wisdom and praises of Rasulullah ﷺ is praised and beneficial, excessive indulgence in listening to poetry solely for tunes can fuel the nafs and gradually lead to listening to music.
• The primary goal of reciting Qasida Burda and studying Seerah is to cultivate authentic love for Rasulullah ﷺ and implement his Sunnah in daily life.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah Ash-Shu'ara (26:224): "وَالشُّعَرَاءُ يَتَّبِعُهُمُ الْغَوُونَ" (And the poets—it is the deviated who follow them).
• Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Sa'id Khudri R.A. regarding a poet encountered in Araj where Rasulullah ﷺ referred to him as a devil and mentioned it is better for a stomach to be filled with pus than with useless poetry.
• Hadith narrated by Hazrat Ka'b R.A. where Rasulullah ﷺ stated: "إِنَّ مِنَ الشِّعْرِ حِكْمَةً" (Indeed, in some poetry there is wisdom).

Practical Advice

• Evaluate financial and investment opportunities strictly according to Shari'ah, and have the courage to walk away from lucrative returns that are non-compliant.
• Recite and reflect upon Qasida Burda and Seerah books like Shama'il-e-Tirmidhi while in a state of wudu to increase love for Rasulullah ﷺ rather than treating it merely as entertainment.
• Maintain moderation with nasheeds and avoid tracks with musical backgrounds, computer-generated beats, or music-like productions that draw one away from the Quran.