National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇲🇷 Mauritania

The national anthem of Mauritania is called: « KaBilada-l ubati-l hudatisaman ».

Continent: Africa

Bordering Countries:
🇩🇿 Algeria
🇲🇱 Mali
🇸🇳 Senegal

History of « Bilada-l ubati-l hudati »

« Bilada-l ubati-l hudati » (Country of the Proud, Guiding People) is the national anthem of Mauritania. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its journey to independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 2017: The current anthem was adopted on November 16, 2017, replacing the previous anthem that had been in use since 1960. The lyrics were written by a group of five Mauritanian poets: Baba Ould Cheikh, Teyib Ould Es-Sheikh, Jedna Ould Bouna, Lemrabott Ould Bennahi, and Sidi Athman Ould Cheikhna. The music was composed by Rageh Daoud, an Egyptian composer.

Anecdotes

  • Modernization: The adoption of the new anthem in 2017 was part of a broader effort to modernize national symbols and reflect the contemporary identity of Mauritania. The previous anthem, which had been in use since independence, was considered outdated by some.
  • Collaborative Effort: The lyrics were a collaborative effort by five poets, each contributing to the anthem’s rich and evocative language. This collaboration symbolizes the unity and collective spirit of the Mauritanian people.
  • Composer’s Influence: Rageh Daoud, the composer, is a renowned Egyptian musician known for his contributions to Arabic music. His composition for the Mauritanian anthem is celebrated for its stirring and majestic melody.
  • Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Mauritanian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among the people of Mauritania.

Full Lyrics

In Arabic

بلاد الأباة الهداة الكرام
وحصن الكتاب الذي لا يضام
أظلته بالفضل أرض الهمام
وحاطته بالعدل أم الكتاب

بلاد الأباة الهداة الكرام
وحصن الكتاب الذي لا يضام
أظلته بالفضل أرض الهمام
وحاطته بالعدل أم الكتاب

ورفعته في الخالدين الشعوب
وصاغته للدين دنيا ودين
فأمسي نشيدك يا موطني
هتافا علا في الورى وئينا

بلاد الأباة الهداة الكرام
وحصن الكتاب الذي لا يضام
أظلته بالفضل أرض الهمام
وحاطته بالعدل أم الكتاب

بلاد الأباة الهداة الكرام
وحصن الكتاب الذي لا يضام
أظلته بالفضل أرض الهمام
وحاطته بالعدل أم الكتاب

Translated in English

Country of the proud, guiding people,
And the stronghold of the Book that is never harmed,
Its land is shaded by the grace of the brave,
And the Mother of the Book protected it with justice.

Country of the proud, guiding people,
And the stronghold of the Book that is never harmed,
Its land is shaded by the grace of the brave,
And the Mother of the Book protected it with justice.

The peoples have raised it among the immortals,
And shaped it for religion, world, and faith,
So your anthem, O my homeland,
Has become a chant that rises in the world and echoes.

Country of the proud, guiding people,
And the stronghold of the Book that is never harmed,
Its land is shaded by the grace of the brave,
And the Mother of the Book protected it with justice.

Country of the proud, guiding people,
And the stronghold of the Book that is never harmed,
Its land is shaded by the grace of the brave,
And the Mother of the Book protected it with justice.

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