A piece titled "The Greatest Praiser for the Greatest Praised" was published in the newspaper "Echorouk El Youmi" on February 24, 2021. The article delves into the life and work of the renowned poet Muhammad ibn Sa'id ibn Hammad, widely known as Al-Busairi, who is identified as the central figure, the praiser, in this literary context. The praised figure in the work, central to the poem's theme and purpose, is the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. This exploration notes the enduring impact of Al-Busairi's poetry and its significant place within Islamic literary tradition.
Poet and His Masterpiece
Al-Busairi's most famous and influential poem praising the Prophet Muhammad is "Al-Burda," officially titled "Al-Kawakib Al-Durriyah fi Madh Khair Al-Bariyyah." This masterpiece of praise poetry has resonated through centuries, establishing Al-Busairi's legacy. Born in 608 AH (1212 AD), Al-Busairi was named after the town of Bousir in Egypt, a place that became synonymous with his identity, even though his ancestors originated from the ancient and distinguished Sanhaja Amazigh tribe in the Msila region. He passed away in 696 AH (1296 AD), leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and admired. Connoisseurs of language and literature universally consider "Al-Burda" to be "a pearl of praise poetry in Islam," a testament to its artistic merit and profound spiritual depth. The poem's profound influence is evident in later works, such as Ahmed Shawqi's "Nahj Al-Burda," which explicitly imitated Al-Busairi's original composition. Ahmed Shawqi himself acknowledged the unparalleled nature of Al-Busairi's work, stating, "اللهُ يشهد أني لا أعارضه من ذا يعارضُ صوبَ العارض العرمِ؟" (God bears witness that I do not oppose him; who would oppose the torrential downpour of the cloud?).
Champion of Praise: Al-Ibrahimi's View
Imam Al-Bishir Al-Ibrahimi, president of the esteemed Association of Algerian Muslim Scholars, along with his deputy Imam Abdul Hamid Ibn Badis, held a distinct and highly reverent perspective on Al-Busairi's contributions. Imam Al-Ibrahimi, a prominent scholar of his time, characterized Al-Busairi as the "Imam of Praisers," a title that signifies his preeminence. He further identified Al-Busairi as the undisputed leader of their ranks and the bearer of their banner, asserting that his poetic prowess surpassed all others who came before or after him in the realm of praise poetry. Al-Ibrahimi's authoritative opinion on Al-Busairi's "Burda" was notably featured in the introduction to "Taraz Al-Burda," a significant commentary authored by Professor Muhammad Kamel Abdel Azim from Egypt. This important introduction was precisely dated 10 Sha'ban 1377 AH, marking its place in scholarly discourse.
Al-Ibrahimi also considered Al-Busairi to be among the foremost scholars of the Prophet's biography, placing him in a distinguished category alongside religious scholars and historians of religions. He noted that the eminent Imam Abu Abdullah ibn Marwan Al-Jad Al-Ajisi Al-Tilimsani had extensively commented on "Al-Burda," indicating the poem's deep scholarly engagement throughout history. The author of the larger article discovered a valuable portion of Al-Ajisi's commentary in the historic city of Tlemcen in 1945, noting the ongoing academic interest in Al-Busairi's work. Professor Hemissi from the University of Ouargla later sent a copy of Imam Al-Ibrahimi's insightful introduction to the book, further cementing its significance. Imam Abdul Hamid Ibn Badis articulated a similar sentiment of profound admiration and respect, encapsulated in his powerful statement, "إلى محمدٍ أيتها الإنسانية" (To Muhammad, humanity), reflecting the universal appeal and spiritual depth associated with the Prophet.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Despite its widespread acclaim and spiritual significance, "Al-Burda" has not been without its detractors. Some Salafis have severely criticized Al-Busairi, characterizing him as heretical and misguided due to their interpretation of certain verses. This criticism from certain Salafis primarily arises from their understanding that Al-Busairi attributed to the Prophet Muhammad what they believe is exclusively due to God. Their concerns focus on specific verses within "Al-Burda" that, in their view, elevate the Prophet beyond the status of a mere messenger, thereby encroaching upon divine prerogatives. This perspective suggests a fundamental theological disagreement regarding the boundaries of praise and the potential for perceived exaggeration in religious poetry. The Salafi viewpoint emphasizes strict monotheism and seeks to prevent any form of veneration that might be seen as associating partners with God, which they argue is a central tenet of their theological framework and a core tenet of Islamic belief. This ongoing debate shows the complex interpretations and theological nuances surrounding Al-Busairi's enduring poetic legacy.