1. I cast off my passions and found relief from torment
Yet I was, and passion was never found in one like me

2. O son of Aban, did you hear of a sinner
Who was counted among ascetics, before me?

3. Do you not see that when I rise to glorify God
With the composure of Abu Dharr and the heart of Abu Jahl

4. And I am humble in myself and lower my gaze
While my prayer mat glows like a polished coin

5. And I enjoin right but not out of piety
How could that be, when my words belie my deeds?

6. My turban is the crown of hypocrisy, my shoes
Are tools of deception in my hands

7. Shall I lead the jurists when I disagree with their jurisprudence?
But I must, for the sake of the assembly full of fools

8. So many fools whose fathers told them
“Hold on to this, it is the best of virtues”

9. They flee from an intelligent companion
As one fleeing from hot coals to death