1. Knowledge guides better than riches in prosperity,
Yet riches serve better than knowledge in adversity.

2. Kingship excels both, for God granted it
To lead people justly.

3. The greatest ruler plants piety,
Like Ahmed, in his heart’s core.

4. He strives in obeying the Merciful,
A true holy struggle.

5. He shepherds his people with care,
Dearer to him than sweetest rest.

6. He labors for their wellbeing
As if they were his own children.

7. When corruption infests his era,
He rises to heal its rot.

8. Borders rejoice in his rule, and dawn prayers
Chant his name in litanies.

9. Beirut sings his praise, and Lebanon
Answers from its peaks.

10. The moon is envied by adversaries, and time
By progeny, and victory by armies.

11. Blessings crown his brow, wisdom his right hand,
Command under his control.

12. O Kaaba of the skillful archer,
You never disappoint the hopeful.

13. When our weak call upon you,
Stretch out your hands to help them.

14. I complain of people, not time,
For I dissent with them.

15. They changed, but time stays
True to its rhythm.

16. Knowledge lies feeble and idle;
Its people abased by its recession.

17. Wealth to most is an idol,
And the wealthy among its worshipers.

18. I burned my mind studying sciences,
Only to hurt my eyes with their ashes’ gusts.

19. I wrote works that saddened the paper
With the ink like their mourning gowns.

20. I was patient with my country and hopes,
Awaiting the white of fortune after darkness.

21. God promised the patient grace and favor,
No breach of promise in His appointed time.