Article: Pray for the Prophet, Author - Mohamed Rahal (Algeria)

Article: Pray for the Prophet

Mohamed Rahal  (Algeria)

This is a popular poem taken from Sufi folklore. It was recited in the 17th century and became widely known during the rise of the Maddahat (female performance art) in western Algeria, in the provinces of Oran, Mostaganem, Ain Temouchent, Tiaret, Mascara, Sidi Ben Abbas, and Tlemcen.

About Sufi Folklore

Sufism in North Africa represents a fundamental pillar of the psychological structure of Muslims in this country. It is well known that most of the saints and Sufis reside in Algeria, especially in western Algeria, which is considered the region with the highest concentration of righteous saints in North Africa. It is considered a deeply rooted tradition in their well-known folklore and is sung in all their customs and traditions, from weddings and popular celebrations to Zard and Waad.

Praise of the Prophet is an essential part of Sufism. It is well known that music, in general, remains a constant companion of praise of the Prophet. Popular poetry has been the most well-known form of poetry since ancient times. Written for the purpose of remembrance, the praise of the Prophet was sung at popular weddings in the form of sheikhs and female interventions. It evolved over time and later became known in the art of Algerian rai music, which became popular in the 1970s. At first glance, it may seem far removed from this religious atmosphere, but anyone studying the history of this art will find that it is based on the use of popular heritage. It is a musical and lyrical movement that emerged in western Algeria in the late 1960s. Its origins go back to the sheikhs of Bedouin song, and its ancient roots go back to what are called sheikhs in Algeria. The language of Bedouin songs is derived from the colloquial dialect, which is close to Bedouin Arabic. Most of its themes are religious praise and social issues. During the French colonial period, it focused its attention on recounting the tragedies of the population, from the difficulty of living and social ills, through which it sought to raise awareness among the colonizers.

Sufi's Praise Lyrics

These songs use the western Algerian dialect in their lyrics, with simple phrases but rich in moral values. For example, these lyrics sung by Sheikha Safsajiya, who became famous during the colonial period to prevent the policy of The ignorance practiced by the French colonizers against the Algerian people

"Master of the Nation, Muhammad, Salah Alaih Lebda" (Master of the Nation, Muhammad, always pray for him)

"The Haram, O Messenger of God, the Haram, O Beloved of God, the day I came to you as a lion" (The Haram, O Messenger of God, your protection, O Beloved of God, I come barefoot asking you for protection...)

"Prayers for the Prophet of Dayan Street, Muhammad, O Dao of my tiredness, prayers for the Prophet of Dayan Street, Muhammad, the Prophet, on the tip of my tongue." (Prayers for the Prophet, the legislator of religions, Muhammad the Prophet, the light of my eyes. Prayers for the Prophet, the legislator of religions, Muhammad the Prophet, always on my tongue.)

Its Popularity as a Song

When rai became popular in the early 1980s, it was often accused of being a musical form that incites in its lyrics, despite the fact that many popular poems were sung from it by popular poets from previous centuries, such as Abdelkader Batabji, Mustafa Ben Ibrahim, Abdelkader El Khalidi, and Abdelkader Ya Boualem. Yamina, Bakhta, and the songs of worldly praise in the poems "Pray for the Prophet" and "Pray with Us" were sung by early generations. The first artist to perform it, and later the sheikhs to sing it, was Cheb Khaled in 1982. It was then re-released by many artists, and redistributed in 1985 by Cheb Anwar, making it one of the most famous religious songs sung in the history of rai music.

When rai music gained worldwide popularity, this song was chosen to be sung at the greatest concert in the history of rai, the Three Suns Festival, 1, 2, 3, on September 18, 1998.

Lyrics of the poem:

Pray for the Prophet **** His companions are ten

Mohamed El Manour ***** The most beautiful skin

I say it ***** in front of the listeners

To the followers **** The obligatory and the recommended

I am lying **** In my grave, stretched out

I felt the dust ***** falling on me

I am decisive ***" God Almighty

Save myself **** For the red fire

The Messenger's meme **** For the Saadia machine

Visit the grave of the guide ***** Muhammad the Messenger

Tell the machine ***** Fatima al-Zahra

Build me a palace ***** of green henna

Pray for the Prophet **** His companions are ten

Muhammad the enlightener ***** The adornment of the skin