1. Ask the Quraysh, if you are unknowing,
Who made its religion firm with pegs?

2. Who was its earliest convert to Islam, most knowing,
Of purest stock, and finest sons?

3. Who appointed One God, when they were polytheists,
Calling, apart from God, on idols and peers?

4. Who in the thick of battle defended it bravely,
Whether others joined it or in war's need withheld?

5. Who was most just, and fair in judgment sitting,
Most true to his word and oath and promise bound?

6. If some wild people visited their dwellings,
Bringing confusion like the wind they spread around,

7. Will you not say, if you speak truth that matches mine,
That the best of men was Abu Hassan's line?

8. Unless from Taym's clan you met a sullen brother,
Or from 'Adi's stock one hostile to God's design,

9. Or the rabble Ubayd's sons, ignorant and foolish,
Or Sa'd's line, whom from the straight path you could find,

10. A rabble brought together to misfortune, then ruled
Had not the Zuhra's shirked their duty for mankind.