Quick facts for kids
قَسَمًا
| English: We Pledge |
| Kassaman |
| National anthem of |
Algeria |
| Also known as |
Qassaman |
| Lyrics |
Mufdi Zakariah, 1955 |
| Music |
Mohamed Fawzi, 1963 |
| Adopted |
1963 |
Kassaman or Qassaman (which means "We Pledge") is the national anthem of Algeria. A national anthem is a special song that represents a country. It often tells about the country's history or its people's spirit.
The words for Kassaman were written by Mufdi Zakariah in 1956. He wrote them while he was in a French jail. The music for the anthem was composed by Mohamed Fawzi from Egypt. The anthem was officially adopted in 1963 when Algeria became independent.
Understanding the Lyrics of Kassaman
The lyrics of Kassaman are very powerful. They talk about Algeria's fight for freedom. The song remembers the sacrifices made by the Algerian people. It shows their strong will to be independent.
| English translation |
|
We swear by the lightning that destroys,
By the virtuous and fragrant blood,
By the shining, fluttering banners,
In the steep and majestic mountains,
That we have risen to revolution in life or death
and we have resolved that Algeria shall live
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!
We are soldiers in the name of righteousness have revolted
And for our independence to war have risen.
Had we not spoken up none would have listened
So we have taken the drum of gunpowder as our rhythm
And the sound of machine guns as our melody,
and we have resolved that Algeria shall live -
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!
O France, the time of reproach has passed
And we have closed like a book;
O France, the day of reckoning is at hand
So prepare to receive from us our answer!
In our revolution is the end of empty talk;
and we have resolved that Algeria shall live -
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!
From our heroes we shall make an army come to being,
and on our dead we build glory,
Our spirits shall ascend to immortality
And on our shoulders we shall raise the standard.
To the nation's Liberation Front we have sworn an oath,
and we have resolved that Algeria shall live -
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!
The cry of the Fatherland sounds from the battlefields.
Listen to it and heed the call!
Let it be written with the blood of martyrs
And be read to future generations.
Oh, Glory, we have held out our hand to you,
and we have resolved that Algeria shall live -
So bear witness, bear witness, bear witness!
|
See also
In Spanish: Himno nacional de Argelia para niños
