Rhetorical Aspects in the Poem of "Al-Burdah" by Al-Būṣīrī [60-89]; An Analytical Rhetorical Study

Abstract

Sharaf Al-Dīn Muḥammad ibn Saʿīd Al-Ṣanhājī Al-Būṣīrī (d: 697 AH) was a master
of Arabic rhetoric, and his famous poem "Al-Burdah," tagged with "Al-Kawākib AlDurriyyah Fī Madḥ Khayr Al-Bariyyah" is a testament to his skill in this field. The
poem is known for its complex and intricate use of rhetorical devices, including
metaphor, simile, allusion, and rhyme. One of the most prominent rhetorical devices
used in the poem is the use of simile, where the poet compares the Prophet
Muḥammad's physical and moral attributes to natural phenomena such as the sun,
moon, and stars. This technique highlights the Prophet's greatness and creates vivid
and memorable images in the reader's mind. Another notable aspect of the poem's
rhetoric is its use of repetition, particularly in the refrain that appears at the end of
each stanza. This repetition reinforces the poem's themes and creates a sense of
rhythm and musicality that adds to its beauty.
Additionally, the poem uses rhetorical questions, hyperbole, and irony to convey its
message and engage the reader. Combined with the poem's religious and cultural
significance, these techniques have made it a beloved and enduring work of Arabic
literature. So, in this article, we will examine the status of the second 31 couplets of
"Al-Qaṣīdah Al-Burdah" so that it can be known the artistic quality of such a popular
Qaṣīdah.