1. If your son proves preeminent among the elite,
His acclaimed success is no cause for wonder.

2. If he attains rare distinction in an exam—
Who more fitting than he to reap such prowess?

3. His father long ago revealed such brilliance.
His branch today bears the very same fruit.

4. Among the eminent of his generation, he shone.
May he be the most illustrious of his peers!

5. How excellent when a branch closely follows the root,
Guided by its guidance with determination and perseverance.

6. How mighty is a young man nurtured by his ambition—
Especially when nurtured by the best of fathers.

7. God has rewarded goodness manifold,
In the most noble son, the affectionate father's delight.

8. His joy today surpasses ordinary joy
With the lofty post and lineage conferred on him.

9. Blessed for Egypt’s glory are the succession of the finest
Among the fine intellectuals.

10. These words of affection admit no contention;
They are a breath of loyalty, no affectation.

11. I composed them when the herald brought me the good news—
Inspiration for poetry comes like a rapture.

12. Great is the minister’s due, and the intercessor hopes
His good grace will acknowledge the cause.

13. He is the resolute one whose praises will come to him,
And his reward from the Appraiser is enough.

14. When a brilliant one attains his rank,
He is adorned with what befits the rank;

15. But for the minister of knowledge and literature to gain his post—
Never so! Knowledge and letters have another standard.

16. Alas, no poetry can capture some glories chronicled
In books and scrolls for eternity!

17. He who hopes for his support remains hopeful,
And if the turns of fate opposed him, his hope would not fail.

18. Whoever takes shelter in his chivalry
Has refuge from the slings of misfortune.

19. Open-hearted, strong-willed, steadfast—
Where ignorance and rage are barred.

20. In all aspects his nobility grows,
Undimmed by any clouds.

21. May God allow Ibrahim to ascend, ever rising
In fortunes, from nobility to greater nobility!