The Story Behind Al-Burda: The Most Famous Poem in Islamic History
Qasida al-Burda — "The Poem of the Mantle" — is arguably the most famous and widely recited poem in Islamic history. Composed in the 13th century by Imam Sharaf al-Din Muhammad al-Busiri, it has been memorised, chanted, and studied by Muslims across every continent for over 700 years.
The Poet
Imam al-Busiri (1211–1294 CE) was an Egyptian poet of Berber origin. A gifted writer from a young age, he studied under the great Sufi master Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi in Alexandria. Despite his literary talent, Busiri lived a modest life and suffered from chronic illness.
The Miracle
The story of al-Burda's composition is inseparable from the miracle that inspired it. According to Busiri himself, he was struck with paralysis that left half his body immobile. In his suffering, he composed the poem as a heartfelt plea and praise to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
After completing the poem, Busiri fell asleep and dreamt that the Prophet ﷺ visited him, wiped his face, and placed his own mantle (burda) over him. When Busiri awoke, he found himself completely cured of his paralysis.
The Legacy
Word of the miracle spread rapidly. The poem became known as "al-Burda" — the mantle — after the Prophet's blessed cloak. It quickly became the most popular devotional poem in the Muslim world.
Scholars wrote over 90 commentaries on its 160 verses. It is recited at gatherings of remembrance (dhikr), weddings, funerals, and in times of hardship across the globe. Its ten chapters move through themes of divine love, praise of the Prophet ﷺ, his miracles, the Night Journey, and supplication.
Today, al-Burda continues to unite Muslims of every background. Whether chanted in the melodic tones of a Moroccan zawiya, a Yemeni mawlid gathering, or a Turkish mosque, its words carry the same spiritual weight they did seven centuries ago.