The Qasidat Al Burdah or Poem of the Mantle is an ode in praise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who is said to have cured the Poet of paralysis by appearing to him in a dream and wrapping him in a mantle (cloak). Originally composed by the eminent Sufi, Imam Al Busiri of Egypt, the full title of the poem is Celestial Lights in Praise of the Best of Creation. The presentation at ROHM is a world premiere, since the famous poem will, for the first time, be recited in its entirety with a large chorus, orchestra and singers. Composed by Mamdouh El Gibaly and directed by Mohammed Hassan, the production features unique scenography with calligraphic designs illustrating the verses.
The Poem consists of ten chapters with 160 rhyming verses and a refrain asking Allah to “confer blessings and peace continuously and eternally” on His Beloved Muhammad, the “Best of All Creation”. The Poem has been translated into Persian, Urdu, Turkish, Berber, Punjabi, English, French, German, Sindhi, Norwegian, Chinese, and other languages. The great Qasidat Al Burdah is often recited by Sunni Muslims, ordinarily and on special occasions, such as the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid), making it one of the most recited poems in the world.
