Ṭala‘a l-Badru ‘Alaynā · 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. There are also many different extensions of the poem beyond the two original verses. 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.

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Lyrics

Arabic

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– 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!

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