Tala‘a al-Badru ‘Alayna · O the White Moon Rose Over Us

Ṭala‘a al-Badru ‘Alaynā (طلع البدر علينا) is the oldest and perhaps most widely sung Islamic traditional song in the world, originally recited by the inhabitants of Medina upon the Prophet’s ﷺ arrival. Although most assume this was on the occasion of the Hijra, when the Prophet ﷺ migrated from Mecca to Medina, several scholars have suggested – based on the position of the Wadā‘ valley mentioned in the lyrics – that the poem was in fact first sung upon the Prophet’s ﷺ return from the Tabūk expedition. The poem is learnt by heart and sung by Muslims, young and old, everywhere. The most well-known translation into English is by Yusuf Islam, “O the White Moon Rose Over Us”, which retains the meter of the Arabic original.

Lyrics · Audio Samples · Categories

Lyrics

Arabic

Show All

– 1 –

Ṭala‘al–badru ‘alaynaa
min thaniyyaatil–wadaa‘(ee)
wajabash–shukru ‘alaynaa
maa da‘aa lillaahi daa‘(ee)

O the White Moon rose over us
From the valley of Wadā‘,
And we owe it to show gratefulness,
Where the call is to Allah.

– 2 –

Ayyuhal–mab‘oothu feenaa
ji’ta bil–amril–muṭaa‘(ee)
ji’ta sharraftal–madeenah
marḥaban yaa khayra daa‘(ee)

O you who were raised amongst us,
Coming with a Word to be obeyed,
You have brought to this city nobleness.
Welcome best caller to God’s way!

Audio Samples

Categories