1. God is my witness—and you, O earth, bear witness,
That we have responded to the cries of those seeking aid;

2. When the caller called and echoed his voice,
We rose up to help him, without hesitation.

3. We saddled our steeds who were stripped
Of their coverings though dawn had not stripped off its cloak,

4. And the meteors above the dunes were swifter
Than they, speeding toward their goal above the clouds.

5. If not for the spears and lances none would have known
Of the onrush of our horses on the plain.

6. Until when the sun of mid-morning shone upon us
We were lost to the eyes in the murky horizon.

7. And the horses complain of us though our only fault
Is that we take them out while we return satisfied.

8. If only they knew our purpose in this endeavor
They would have flown with us, without hesitation.

9. God knows we never intended
Anything but jihad and victory for Muhammad’s religion.

10. Then the sea confronted us, appearing like
A king advancing with armies to an appointment.

11. The thirsty horses plunged towards its nectar—
Alas! The bitter water is no sweet spring.

12. O horses, behind us is water that quenches,
And meadows and fields not yet harvested.

13. And loved ones amidst the foe who at dawn
Now expect death if you do not come to their aid.

14. With eyes overflowing with tears though
His tears flow from constrained eyelids.

15. And a grieving one who finds no pleasure in food,
And an anxious one who finds no rest in sleep.

16. Our brothers in faith and in friendship
For whom affection and devotion have increased.

17. We race on the wings of separation to the foe
Like pigeons soaring with determination and devotion.

18. And the sea of Al-Zqaq received us with a force
That fulfilled its purpose and did not transgress.

19. So they rejoiced to see us rising on their horizon
Like the sun on the day it rises to bless.

20. Until we made the people feel safe in their lands—
Events do not come at their appointed time.

21. Then we met those who had cried out to us
For every ally and aide.

22. Until we came and they came toward us
And the distance drew near and distance was sent away.

23. And their side was strengthened and they tightened their grip
After having laid out their hopes in a prepared bed.

24. Or did they not see that we left our land
Though we ruled over it, pleasing the Vanquisher?

25. And many people obeyed hastening
Whether prepared or unprepared.

26. Do you think if they returned to their lands
A place for your mosques would remain in the land?

27. Or do you reckon banners would rise for you
Like us in your midst that you never knew?

28. It was by our spears the rain clouds poured forth
But it was from us even if we did not witness.

29. We wanted—if our allies frightened your foe—
For those who left to return with increase.

30. So you would see your lands prosperous
And your day surpassing tomorrow.

31. But today you have made us desolate
As though if its ropes are not extended it is done.

32. Oh, how I wish I knew what was made evident from us
That you began with the furthest place.

33. By God, were it not for our love of you and the
Longstanding devotion we maintain.

34. And our fear that your foe will grow bold
And rebel after humility and compliance.

35. I would have left this affliction with those with me
And left it to you and not undertaken it.

36. Or did you not know we are allies to you
Against the foe, and God is the best protector.

37. Were it not for men from Merin who raised
You would have been at the deepest abyss.

38. Were it not for men from Merin who fought
You would have been like frightened women.

39. I know your army who, when they see
A bit of hardship, flee like scattered ostriches.

40. Imitating every ignorant one
In their attire, speech, and gatherings.

41. And their food, their ways, their drink,
And dens of sin they come to amidst people.

42. Belittling the scholars, the virtuous, and the notables
Among the people of piety, rectitude and goodness.

43. How can there be guidance for them when one does not follow
His prophet and imam—he is not guided.

44. This is a rebuke but not a cutting off.
Affection, as is its custom, has not ended.

45. So come with your glory to what we possess
Of your rights, and listen to the guide.

46. Then peace be upon you from a father
Who calls his son with the plea of one made happy.