1. It was the custom of angels in days gone by
In ancient times and their prosperity
١. مِن سُنَّةِ الأَملاكِ فيما مَضى
مِن سالِفِ الدَهرِ وَإِقبالِهِ
2. For a servant to give a gift to his Lord
In the newness of time and its circumstances
٢. هَدِيَّةُ العَبدِ إِلى رَبِّهِ
في جِدَّةَ الدَهرِ وَأَحوالِهِ
3. So I said what can I give to my Master
In my state and what I have been granted of it
٣. فَقُلتُ ما أهدي إِلى سَيِّدي
حالي وَما خُوِّلتُ مِن حالِهِ
4. If I give myself it is from His own self
Or if I give my wealth it is from His wealth
٤. إِن أُهدِ نَفسي مِن نَفسِهِ
أَو أُهدِ مالي فَهوَ مَن مالِهِ
5. So there is nothing left but praise and thanks and
Eulogy which remains for the likes of Him
٥. فَلَيسَ إِلّا الحَمد وَالشُكر وَال
مَدحَ الَّذي يَبقى لِأَمثالِهِ