1. Ask the conqueror of the Persians and Romans, did his conquests avail him,
Or his successive triumphs enrich him?

2. He waged war until his steed was worn,
And the steeds of God were tethered,

3. With good fortune, victory, and glad tidings dangling from their bridles.
He shoots his foes with unerring shafts,

4. And with his brave warriors their souls are spilled.
He never met the Romans but their champion fled,

5. Nor shot at the Persians but their archer missed.
He never took a town but "God is Greatest!" rang out,

6. Echoing from its corners.
Twenty pitched battles in the space of ten years,

7. Easy to number for those who count his victories.
Khalid ever urging them on in the way of God,

8. Khalid ever praying in the way of God.
The command of Abu Bakr came to him and he kissed it,

9. As if kissing the verses of God as they were recited.
He welcomed seclusion at the height of his power and glory,

10. With a spirit content in the guidance of his Master.
How amazing that the lord of Makhzum and its bravest man,

11. On the day of battle, should be led by a Habashi in his turban,
While Makhzum stirs not from his place!

12. He casts leadership to Jarrah in willing obedience,
While pride of soul remains uninjured.

13. He joins the ranks, marching beneath the flag,
And, if life inclines, sacrifices it.

14. He harbors no doubts about his successor,
Nor prefers his own command, tempting as it was.

15. For Khalid knew that his companion
Had turned his soul towards God in utter devotion.

16. He does not condemn or advocate any word or deed,
Save with the desire to comfort people.

17. Therefore he charged Umar about his children
When he summoned him to Paradise at his death;

18. And Umar forbade the women of Makhzum to weep loudly
At his passing, it is said, contradicting the wish of our friend,

19. Though he was the greatest archer of them all.
But Umar feared the Muslim's passion for him

20. And the temptation of self too strong to cure.
They blamed him, misunderstanding his intention,

21. Though it was but a slip in the eyes of the censor;
So excellent a judge is not faulted for his errors,

22. Nor are the bent swords of India reproached for their curves.
By God, in the matter of the son of Walid, he did not follow whim,

23. Nor assuage any malice hidden in his breast.
Rather, he saw an opinion and followed it,

24. With a resolution that was unshakeable.
He did not hesitate to obey the Master,

25. Nor consider others alongside Him.
In flogging his son while the whip seized him,

26. He showed no pity in carrying out the limit.
The One who acquitted Al-Farouq purified him

27. Of defects and evil tendencies completely.
That is the temperament modeled from Paradise,

28. Into which God placed whatever would perfect it.
No arrogance dwells there, no wrong accompanies it,

29. No rancor knows it, no greed tempts it.