This performance does not involve any specific costumes or attire. However, during formal events, the reciters of Dendang Siti Fatimah typically wear uniform attire, such as Baju Kurung or long robes (jubah), in matching tones. This choice of clothing reflects a sense of harmony and respect, complementing the solemn and meaningful nature of the ceremony.

Dendang Siti Fatimah does not involve the use of musical instruments. Instead, the poem is performed collectively, led by a chief reciter (ketua penyair). The chief reciter’s delivery style determines the rhythm and duration of the performance. Additionally, the recitation of Selawat (blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, PBUH) is often included and chanted in unison.

Below are the lyrics of the Dendang Siti Fatimah poetry:

Opening Verse:

Zaman-zaman ya Rasulullah,

Zaman Nabi tanah Mekah,

Wafat Nabi di Madinah,

Meninggalkan anak Siti Fatimah.

Poetry

Alib

Bismillah itu mula pertama

Keadaan zat bersama-sama

Dizahirkan sifat tentukan asma

Qidam dan baqa sedialah lama.

Asal daripada Nabi Allah

Asal nawahi Nur Khatam

Dipecah empat akhir qidam

Dipecahnya itu sekalian alam

Rahim bapamu turun ibumu

Empat puluh hari Nadqah namamu

Lapan puluh hari Nadqah namamu

Seratus dua puluh hari Madqah namamu.

Dikandung ibumu sembilan bulan

Lebih dan kurang tiada ditentukan

Beberapa azab kesakitan

Dipantang pula minum dan makan.

Apabila ibumu perutnya sarat

Hendak berjalan tiadalah larat

Hatinya itu terlalu gelorat

Bapamu pantang terlalu berat.

Bapamu itu kerasnya pantang

Siang dan malam pagi dan petang

Tiada berani membunuh binatang

Takut akhirnya cederanya datang.

Hassan Hussin anak cucu Rasulullah

Mati Hassan tinggal Hussin

Mati perang Sabilillah.

Apabila sudah cukupnya hari

Sakitlah ibumu tiada terperi

Bapamu pun turun berlari-lari

Memanggil bidan bawa ke mari.

Bidan pun datang tiadalah lambat

Serta membawa kelengkapan ubat

Dilihatnya penuh saudara sahabat

Bidan pun naik bertempuh rapat.

Sakit ibumu tiada terkira

Berhimpunlah sanak saudara

Sangatlah ramai tiada terkira

Sekeliannya itu duduk berjaga.

Perutnya sakit bagai nak pecah

Bukannya kurang makin bertambah

Dipanggil bapamu disuruhnya langkah

Dipintanya ampun barang yang salah.

Dendang Siti Fatimah is typically performed by a group of women acting as reciters (penyair). The performance is led by a chief reciter (ketua penyair), who initiates the chant, followed by responses from the other reciters. The women sit in a row or form a circle, positioned either facing or beside the baby’s cradle.

The chief reciter often sits near the cradle to ensure the soothing chants are directed toward the baby, creating a calming and loving atmosphere. The harmonious voices of the group add a profound spiritual dimension, reflecting a sense of unity as the women come together to celebrate the occasion with heartfelt devotion and care.

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