إذا كنتَ مُتَّخِذاً صاحِباً

إذا كنتَ مُتَّخِذاً صاحِباً

فلاتَتَّخِذْهُ كثيرَ النَّجَعْ

فلاتَتَّخِذْهُ كثيرَ النَّجَعْ

If you would take someone as a companion,

If you are choosing a companion,

do not choose one forever prone to roam;

do not choose one much given to wandering;

فإنْ حلَّ أرضاً نوى غيرَها

فإنْ حلَّ أرضاً نوى غيرَها

وانْ سَرّ يوماً بوَصل فَجَعْ

وانْ سَرّ يوماً بوَصل فَجَعْ

for whenever he settles in one land, he sets his sights on another,

for if he settles in one land, he sets his mind on another;

and though one day he brings joy through union, he brings anguish.

and if one day he gladdens you with companionship, he brings you grief.