Kasida (Acehnese poetic form) is a lyrical composition in the Acehnese literary tradition that functions as a religious or celebratory poem, often performed by singing kasida (Arabic qasīda) or reciting verses in a chant‑like manner. In Aceh the term is used broadly for any poem, especially those associated with the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, the Mawlid, which locally is called dikië jadjandji (dhikr Barzandji). The form follows the classical Arabic structure of a nasīb (prelude), a raḥīl (journey) and a madīḥ (praise), but is adapted to local language, musical idioms and Acehnese cultural references such as the “orang upake” (Malay wāshi, “wild beasts”) and “jang menjertja” (Arabic ‘āḍil, “critics”).
The Acehnese kasida is typically performed by a bakāsidah (singer of religious songs) who leads a congregation in chanting verses that commemorate the Prophet’s birth, known locally as dikië jadjandji. The practice may combine the recitation of the famous Al‑Burda of Al‑Busiri with indigenous melodic patterns, creating a hybrid devotional performance that links the Arab literary heritage with Acehnese oral tradition.
Structure and thematic elements
- Nasīb (prelude) – The poet begins by evoking “sporen van verlaten kampeerplaatsen” (traces of abandoned camps), a motif that recalls the desert journeys of early Arab poets and serves to set a reflective mood.
- Raḥīl (journey) – The narrative proceeds with descriptions of desert flora and fauna, the heat of the day, the fatigue of camels, and the poet’s own sleeplessness. Local Acehnese adaptations may insert references to the orang upake and the jang menjertja.
- Madīḥ (praise) – The final section offers laudatory verses to the Prophet, often concluding with a prayer for reward and protection, mirroring the classical madīḥ of Arabic poetry.
Acehnese usage
The kasida in Aceh is closely tied to religious gatherings, especially during the Mawlid celebrations. The practice of singing the kasida alongside the Mawlid reflects a syncretic tradition where Arabic poetic forms are localized through language, melody, and cultural symbolism.
See Also
- Mawlid in Aceh
- dikië jadjandji (dhikr Barzandji)
- Al‑Burda (poem)
- Al‑Busiri
- Nasib (poetic prelude)
- Madih (praise)
Source
20260707_232246_DLP-54-Een_16de_eeuwse_Maleise_vertaling_van_de_Burda_van_al_Bu_s_i_ri_OCR.txt, pp. 24–28.