West African Recitation of Qasida Burdah by Imam Busiri

Munshids and Shaykh Tawfiq al-nouri, Qad Kafani, Mustafa Mount, Ramadan Seclusion retreat, Bradford 2023

Qad Kafani - w/ sh. Tawfiq al-nouri

Qamarūn + Salawāt

بلغ العُلا بكمالـــــــهِ

Rabīʿ Aqbal ʿAlaynā

Sultan Bahu's poem "Alif Allah Chambay Di Booti" is a profound piece of mystical poetry that encapsulates his Sufi philosophy. It is an allegorical and symbolic expression of spiritual awakening, divine love, and transcendence. Below is a detailed interpretation of the poem:

Line-by-Line Analysis
1. "Alif Allah chambay di booti, mere man vich murshid laaee hu":  
   - Translation:  
     The seed of Divine Love (symbolized by the jasmine plant) was sown in my heart by my spiritual guide.  
   - Interpretation:  
     The phrase "Alif Allah" begins with the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, symbolizing the primordial unity and oneness of God. The "chambay di booti" (jasmine plant) represents the delicate and fragrant nature of divine love, which, once planted in the heart by a Murshid Kamil (Perfect Guide), grows and transforms the seeker’s inner being.  
     This line highlights the crucial role of the spiritual guide in awakening the seeker to divine truth.

2. "Na mein bhui na paani, na mein aag na hawaaee hu":  
   - Translation:  
     I am neither of the earth, nor water, nor fire, nor air.  
   - Interpretation:  
     Sultan Bahu here describes a state of spiritual transcendence. These four elements (earth, water, fire, and air) represent the material and physical world. By negating his identity with these elements, the poet declares that he has transcended the limitations of his physical self and ego. This reflects the Sufi concept of fana (annihilation of the self), where the seeker loses all attachment to worldly existence and identifies solely with the Divine.

Core Themes of the Poem

1. Divine Love as a Transformative Force:  
   The poem centers on the idea that love for God, once planted in the heart, is transformative. This love grows like a plant, requiring care and nurturing from the spiritual guide and the seeker.

2. Role of the Murshid (Spiritual Guide):  
   Sultan Bahu emphasizes the importance of a Murshid Kamil, who initiates the seeker into the mysteries of divine love. Without the guidance of such a mentor, the journey to God is incomplete.

3. Unity with the Divine (Tawhid):  
   By transcending the physical elements, the poet suggests that he has achieved union with God, moving beyond the duality of existence. This reflects the ultimate Sufi goal of merging with the Divine Essence.

4. Self-Annihilation (Fana):  
   The poem illustrates the Sufi concept of fana, where the individual self dissolves, leaving only the presence of the Divine. Sultan Bahu expresses his state of being as one that is no longer bound by earthly ties or physical attributes.

Symbolism in the Poem

- "Alif Allah": Symbolizes the foundational principle of divine unity and oneness (Tawhid).  
- "Chambay di booti": Represents divine love and its potential to bloom within the seeker’s heart.  
- "Earth, water, fire, and air": Symbolize the physical and material aspects of existence, which must be transcended to attain spiritual enlightenment.

Philosophical Essence

This poem is a spiritual declaration of Sultan Bahu’s mystical experience and serves as a guide for seekers. It invites the reader to:  
1. Seek a Murshid: To sow the seed of divine love.  
2. Transcend Materialism: To move beyond the physical and embrace the metaphysical.  
3. Embrace Oneness: To realize the unity of existence and dissolve in the Divine.

The recurring refrain "Hu" in many of Sultan Bahu’s poems further emphasizes the Divine Essence, a call to remember and internalize God in every breath.

Legacy

This poem has transcended its historical and cultural origins, continuing to inspire spiritual seekers and mystics worldwide. It is often recited in Sufi gatherings and forms a cornerstone of South Asian spiritual literature, embodying Sultan Bahu’s timeless message of divine love and self-transcendence.

Alif Allah Chambe Di Booti - Fasihuddin Soharwardi

Written by Shaykh Salih al-Ja'fari

للشيخ صالح الجعفري

With translation.

For a PDF of the full arabic poem, click here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/106501982/Salawatun-Tayyibatun

Salawatun Tayyibatun صلوات طيبات

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I love this nasheed and wanted to share. 

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