Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) has published a pocket book edition of Qaseeda Burdah Shareef, collection of Arabic poems praising the holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). The collected poetry has now acquired fame as a book of prayer, and according to legend, a number of people who recited these poems found their prayers and wishes answered.
Burdah is a piece of woollen cloth used since pre-Islamic times. Al Baseri composed the poem when he was cured from paralytic stroke when the Prophet (PBUH) threw his mantle over his shoulder.
Speaking to the media at the book launching, Iftikhar Arif, the PAL chief said, his organisation has tried to illustrate the rich treasure of classical poetry to Pakistan audiences by releasing the latest collection of poetry.
The book Burdah Sharif has been compiled by Syed Sibte Hasan Zaigham and the permission to reprint was given by Babar Ali Shah of Packages Ltd in Lahore . It is a priceless addition in the list of classical books published so far by Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL).