1. The pride is in knowledge, not in status and money,
And glory is in diligence, not in ancestry and uncles.

2. How many a glowing face you think
Is empty of knowledge, though his thoughts are vacant,

3. In money and status are causes of arrogance, and he who
Is fooled by family like one fooled by idols.

4. Such things are clouds that change,
The events of fate from one state to another.

5. But knowledge never leaves its owner
Honored, settled or traveling.

6. It raises the lowly to the highest heavens,
Its seat exalted in every case, serene of mind.

7. If he lives he lives most respected of people,
Or dies, with magnificence and veneration.

8. In the grave alive by what traces he left,
And fair repute in words and deeds.

9. Faces incline at the mention of him and his ways
And heads bow in reverence consequently.

10. And I have evidence I present
And heads bow in reverence consequently.

11. This imam, the quintessence of all merit,
Al-Shafi’i, sound in opinion and speech.

12. An ocean of sacred law with shores overflowing
A land of blessing for sailor and porter.

13. A full moon of merit that illuminated existence,
A guiding sun for individuals and groups.

14. How many issues with blocked paths
His opinion opened without hesitation.

15. And how much he shunned the comfort of his bed
Indulging neither in slumber or negligence.

16. And how much he strove to grasp bare sciences
Barren, threadbare of water and money.

17. And how much he labored solitary
Continuing for miles and miles.

18. Neither allurement hindered his seeking
Nor fatigue or listlessness overtook him,

19. Until he ascended past the summit of the stars
And attained good fortune in open spaces.

20. His master was Malik and Allah gave him tidings
That he was unmatched in sublime qualities.

21. The two friends bore witness to his merit
As his followers witnessed at the time.

22. A tumultuous ocean with overflowing coasts
Sweet without sediment or pebbles in it.

23. The ship of knowledge sailing on its flood
Her sails the Sacred Law, voyaging and cruising.

24. To Quraysh he traces his lineage,
Cousin of Allah’s Messenger and Household.

25. From the God-fearing Hashimites distinguished stock,
The finest of Arabs, even the bravest heroes.

26. He says, proudly, whoever makes me
His model in interpreting the Prophet’s words has the best support.

27. Rejoice in al-Shafi’i and the Household
And say to me, “You have realized your hopes!”

28. O Egyptians, visit them and do not trust
Those who have strayed from Islam, lost.

29. How to find solace in the words of unbelievers when they are
Deaf, mute and blind – the worst of the ignorant!

30. Visiting the purehearted, its only purpose is
To deflect the disasters of dreadful calamities.

31. For loving the Prophet’s kin indeed relates
To the Master of Messengers in all circumstances.

32. The house of Allah’s Messenger including
His family as a whole – seek from their gifts generously.

33. So he who draws from the plenty of their support
Returns with favor and nobility.

34. Broad glory, a palm that rains blessings curbing
Suffering and distress with benevolence.

35. O judge of Sacred Law, this is your birthday,
Every aspect of it marked with good fortune.

36. And smiles attend its auspicious dawning.
It is customary then to offer presents freely.

37. All gathered here hope you will increase them –
Far be it you decrease a pound to a gram!

38. O Lord, make mighty over enemies our Caliph,
Shake misbelief in him with a great quake.

39. Make by him the banner of Islam a refuge
Shading each sect – the best shade.

40. Grant the people of guidance and Sacred Law their wants,
Make their ways among the best channels.

41. Turn toward us and make beautiful the state of all present
Enlighten hearts and accept each yearning!