1. If a people suffer extreme hunger,
Either share in their hunger, or turn away its pangs from them.

2. The hunger of the Caliph and the world in his grasp -
In asceticism, what an exalted station, glory be to its Master.

3. So who can compete with Abu Hafs and his conduct?
Or who can attempt to match Al-Farooq?

4. The day his wife craved sweets and said to him,
“Where can I get the price for sweets so I may buy them?”

5. “Do not let your soul’s desires run recklessly,
For a piece of bread will suffice you instead of your sweets.”

6. “Can the Muslim treasury provide for what
Whispers to you when you heed its whispers?”

7. She said, “By God, I do not consider it,
Wealth for the needs of a soul I desired.”

8. “Rather, I set aside something from our allowance
Each day, putting it aside evenly,”

9. “Until we own enough to equal its price,
Then I will buy it, and not repeat it.”

10. He said, “Go, and know that if you were ignorant,
Contentment enriches the soul of its owner.”

11. And she returned after five days, pregnant,
With dirhams to fulfill her craving.

12. So he said, “You have awakened me from heedlessness, so leave
These dirhams, for I have no right to them.”

13. “Woe to me for Umar, who is content with sufficiency
For subsistence, yet prohibits those who ask for more.”

14. “What exceeds our sustenance, the Muslims
Have more right to it, so go, return it to the treasury.”

15. Thus were his morals, and none since prophethood
Have matched morals that emulate his.