1. A new era whose heavens declare its name
All the eminent praise its people

2. Every innovator of good, every proud builder
Each glorifies its Creator, each recites praise and oneness

3. One soars to the heights effortlessly
Another pierces mountains of granite

4. You see ships like armored flags
To smash a fortress and seize its keys

5. Neither white nor dark did their cannons cast
Their red balls from their black mouths

6. We used to fear lightning from the planets
Now it gently threatens us

7. Our news travels like lightning, swiftly
Nearly outstripping unfledged thought

8. Our caravans carrying fire now move
Like birds, not camels across the desert

9. By God, the power of steam has only
Struck a spell, though it doesn't return

10. Nature, God its great Creator
Seemed to come into being from the void

11. Each tries to uncover its miracles
All who strive find what they seek

12. Whenever the gates of a science are locked
Ahmad unlocks them, seizes its keys

13. He is the aide whose virtues have spread
In East and West, in grace and glory

14. Sun of stars, dispeller of sorrows, lantern of sciences
Faithful to his promises

15. The minister whose rank rises through merit
Not through squandered, unwise generosity

16. This sage whom we credit with wisdom
As Solomon son of David was credited

17. He eased affairs through justice, till it delighted him
To hear the swords fall on vile necks

18. His resolve rides the back of horrors
As if his heart were solid granite

19. Judge him eloquent, though his words are wisdom
Surpassing even Luqman in circumspection and oneness

20. He has a good hand in the stallion of time
Whose generosity all creatures feel

21. You see the pulpits glory in his step
Crying, "We have attained what we sought!"

22. Star of glory, so he lies in ambush
His breast a treasure of boundless knowledge

23. My lord, these are qualities of yours that guide me
To praise you - by God, not through invention!

24. But I came, though my song was short, apologizing
Forgiveness is the mark of the magnanimous