1. The best leader arose from the best lineage,
And the most virtuous rider above the pulpit's wood.

2. The heir of the knowledge of the ancients and their kingdom,
That one is al-Ma'mun, son of Ja'far.

3. I wrote while my eyes shed their tears
To you, my cousin, from my eyelids and pupils.

4. I was brought to the lowest degree of kinship to you,
Yet who is as dear to me as you, so be patient.

5. A purified one came, though God had not purified him,
So he was not purified in his actions.

6. He brought me out barefaced, downcast,
And plundered my wealth, and destroyed my homes.

7. Harun feels sorry for what I have endured,
And what I received from the imperfect, one-eyed man.

8. Remember, Commander of the Faithful, my kinship-
I ransom you - of close kinship, remembering me.

9. If what I have conveyed is by your command,
I am patient with the decree of the Planner.

10. And if it is otherwise, I have no defender
Except you, Commander of the Faithful, so change it!