1. Your brother, your brother, he is the most precious treasure,
When the vicissitudes of time afflict you,
١. أخاكَ أخاكَ فهو أجَلُّ ذُخْرٍ
إِذا نابَتْكَ نائبةُ الزمانِ
2. And if his wrongdoing disturbs you, forgive him
For the nobility and kindness that is in him,
٢. وإن رابتْ إساءتُه فَهبْهَا
لما فيه من الشِّيَمِ الحِسَانِ
3. You want one who is refined with no defects,
But what wood gives off fragrance without first being burnt?
٣. تُريدُ مهذَّباً لا عَيْبَ فيهِ
وهل عُودٌ يفوحُ بلا دُخَانِ