1. Our pilgrimage was to seek reward,
But punishment took the place of reward.

2. They said, "You have made pilgrimage, now come,
Enter prison for three days, without answer."

3. Do not think it is like other prisons,
With sleep and food and drink for you.

4. As for the food, you will not eat it,
Unless you pay for it.

5. So too for sleep, pay its fee,
Or else, the ground is beneath you.

6. We paid the fees, and the food came,
But behind it was a swarm of flies.

7. We cannot bear to eat it,
And in leaving it, what blame on us?

8. These prisons are numbered,
And their numbers recorded in a book.

9. None may occupy a prison,
Except its Lord. Beware what is disliked.

10. We said we would remain here fasting,
Until the time came to leave.

11. They said it is forbidden, for we
Still have need of it after digestion.

12. Oh Lord, how will you deliver us?
How the question, and how the answer?