1. He is their envoy, and they are the virtuous group,
Missing no merit or noble quest,

2. Their deeds prospered, so their work was blessed,
For men are linked to what they manifest.

3. Though disobeying Khaled when he came,
For every matter has its time foreseen.

4. They closed the road to him for six months,
But Ali came with the writ, so welcomed in.

5. Hamdan's people merit all that’s good,
Succor for those who cry, aid that’s no lie,

6. True defenders’ aid, and patience under duress,
When war grew hot, fighters stood ready.

7. The Prophet witnessed thus; such are their traits
Whose beauties I recite and transcribe.

8. Pleasing his faith, gratefully bowing down
To God, most high, most grand, drawing them nigh.

9. Granting them cool peace, repeating its balm,
Sweet as Muzn’s water, or yet more calm.

10. Pillars of earth, its replacements they remain,
Its east and west flourish through them evermore.

11. Time passes, but they steer its affairs,
In an eternal state, never to fade.

12. That rule no other faction’s rule;
They remain when errant time forgets and strays.

13. Grace and radiance come their way,
Their clothes and mounts bespeak their cheer.

14. Raiment tailored, excellently done,
The work of trained hands, perfectly.

15. Yemeni cloth clinging to their forms,
Lovely to beholders’ eyes it seems.

16. Turbans wrap each smooth-browed head,
As if to guard what’s revered lies beneath.

17. They sire men the choice stock has bred,
Got in plenty, of generous blood.

18. With their poet they came, and from his breath
A perfume like incense, or yet more sweet.

19. Greeting Allah’s Messenger, disclosing love,
For the noble by the noble are belov’d.

20. Praising his traits, like the sandal’s scent,
Comrades display joy, and sandalwood is glad.

21. With pride for Malik he hailed, whose speech
Is most precious of all eloquence esteemed.

22. Say, O brother of Hamdan, witness unopposed,
None merits Malik’s mantle but he who dons it.

23. He is the one no messenger but he,
From whom a rightly-guided brother would not stray.

24. No doubt clouds him; none can compare,
Teacher and mentor to all peoples.

25. O Prince of the Exalted, follow guidance,
And truth, from Hamdan, or you its heir.

26. Take them by the Book’s manners, be for them
An example of praiseworthy traits oft-cited.

27. And work hard for your Lord, tireless in zeal,
For no one succeeds who does not toil.