1. O spreader of knowledge in this land
May spreading knowledge be like holy war

2. You who build edifices of glory
Constructing houses of learning in every club

3. With knowledge people excelled in their time
And penetrated the seven solid heavens

4. Does a people seek glory and highness
While the market of knowledge among them is stagnant?

5. Critics of your work are biased
When pearls are expensive, appraisal is distorted

6. How hard is the deed for one who aspires it
And how easy is empty talk for one who desires it

7. Listen to my complaint, for if not
From you accepted, complaints are repeated

8. Be just over what was your kindness
For if distributed justly, favor increases

9. I sometimes hear and sometimes see
A school in every neighborhood erected

10. You put before me cities or villages
I was the sword, and they the scabbards

11. I who was once throne for one
Who ruled like Edward in time and prospered

12. The Creator united in one temple
Socrates of old and Ad of ancient days

13. And India refined their religions
With every reverent soul and devotee

14. Among my students was Moses
To whom guidance was later revealed

15. And Jesus the guide was nurtured
In days when his cradle and pillow were tended

16. My school was an orchard of decency
Abode of mystic knowledge, home of guidance

17. Greek elders came to it
Tossing the lead rope of knowledge toward it

18. We called them our boys
And my lads the wise and righteous

19. That was my yesterday, no longer doubtful
While my today is the domed edifice

20. I became like paradise in its shade
From Egypt to Khanka my shade extends

21. Had not my olive tree's sheen been glossy
The Lord of worshipers had not sworn by the olive

22. The verdant oasis of plenty
Nurtures those matchless in every land

23. Showing you in dawn and dusk's wings
Circles of beauty and dawning suns

24. My sons, O Saad, are like gazelles
May God not diminish their number

25. If progeny escape you, then honor them
And offspring are often gained from dew

26. I fear for them from passing harm
That gathers them at dawn and dusk wandering

27. Its whistling robs me of my peace
And prevents the eyelids' sweet repose

28. Jacob wept anxiously for a wolf
So how can ripping steel fangs be borne?

29. Look after, may God guard you, their need
For a glance from you grants the wish

30. They extend palms claiming to be
In bounty's path like racing steeds

31. If justice is sought, there is not one
Save a generous giver like his generous father