1. The decree of mortality stands firm in its judgments,
And this abode was not made for an eternal dwelling.

2. How many a liver did it break and how many tears did it shed,
And a lofty throne crumbled after its system.

3. And oftentimes calamity was made light, while you, O Hammuda,
Were a majestic mantle over the days.

4. Time passes away but the pain of your loss remains
Recited upon mouths and pens.

5. If your still eyes would weep with their light,
For long have they been satiated with a cup of sleep.

6. Or if the world would don its mourning clothes for you,
Then the setting of your sun is a harbinger of darkness.

7. For how many are your celebrated deeds which have
Preserved your brilliance while you lie under soil.

8. The wall which he built up was done but by his resolve,
And the builder of towers lies now under clay.

9. As for the marches, they are the wounds of enemies
And a healing for the breasts of the nation of Islam.

10. And how much fear did you instill when you wielded the rod,
And mixed for them a cup of gladness with worry.

11. After you had striven in guiding them
And lowered the eyelid of forbearance with honor.

12. Until victory obeyed you regarding them,
To which they had reluctantly succumbed like the base.

13. And you had achieved that if they saw an army of yours,
They would be routed without a stab or unsheathing of swords.

14. Thus Tunisia began to exult
In the garments of tranquility, from her undaunted citadel.

15. Envied like an eagle in the air, lofty in her
Pride and all her young eaglets.

16. And now since losing him she grieves,
Weeping for him with every flowing tear.

17. It is as though the eye of the envious
Has surpassed her beauty with its arrows.

18. When the caller to satisfaction called him, and he responded
Surrendering to God in His decrees.

19. So expand, O God, his abode with you,
And allow him an increase in bounty.

20. And fulfill through Your grace the words I stated
When I dated "Enter unto us in peace."