Burda Approach

"Nahj al-Burda" is one of the masterpieces written by the Prince of Poets, Ahmed Shawqi. It is a beautiful poem in which Shawqi imitated al-Busiri's immortal "Burdah," following the example of ancient poets in composing his poem. He began with a love poem before moving on to its main theme, praising the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Shawqi says in the opening lines:
A gazelle on the plain between the Ban and the flag, the shedding of my blood is permitted in the sacred months.
This is how he began with the love poem, and also with the rhyme of the letter "mim," as al-Busiri did in his "Burdah," where he said:
Do you remember the neighbors of Dhu Salm, who have drawn tears that flow from their eyes with blood?
However, "Nahj al-Burda," which Shawqi began in the style of ancient pre-Islamic poetry, likening the beloved to a "gazelle," as ancient poets used to describe their beloveds, was criticized because Shawqi used words and vocabulary that people have forgotten and no longer use. The importance of reading this poem and its accompanying commentary has prompted us to republish this rare commentary on Nahj al-Burda by Sheikh Salim al-Bishri, as this commentary adds to, enlightens, and enriches the Arabic library.