1. Tell Ali that he has attained
God's favor—

2. God has opened for him
in understanding what has eluded others;

3. and the opening of this gate
is a gift from the Bestower,

4. And the rest of the sciences
are easy to comprehend

5. So after understanding grammar,
each science is encompassed.

6. So how could it not be when he
has excelled in other fields?

7. Spending hours studying
all sorts of subjects,

8. Becoming well-known
for his vast knowledge,

9. Reaching a peak
and competing with great men,

10. With superior qualities
and exquisite traits—

11. Decorum, faith, drive and grace.

12. He became a full moon on high
and a jewel among nobles.

13. But now sleep
overpowers him;

14. What’s with this sluggishness?
No, this is strange indeed!

15. Most of the day
he sleeps, unafraid

16.
So where, oh where

17. is the ambition, if any remains?
Would anyone else

18. behave this way?
Does he have the resolve

19. to admonish himself?
For this leads

20. to corrupted intellects
And ailing bodies

21. and suffering—
Yellowing complexions

22. and sickness—
Is he selling his knowledge,

23. mind and health
For these stupid jokes