رَأَيتُ أَخا جاهٍ فَلُذْتُ بِجاهِهِ

رَأَيتُ أَخا جاهٍ فَلُذْتُ بِجاهِهِ

فَكانَ لِسَهمِ السوءِ فيَّ نفاذُ

فَكانَ لِسَهمِ السوءِ فيَّ نفاذُ

I saw a man of influence and sought refuge in his influence.

I saw an ignorant brother so I sought refuge in his ignorance

Then the arrow of harm pierced me.

Yet the arrows of misfortune pierced right through me

فَلا تَستَجِرْ إِلّا بِخِدْنِ مُروءَةٍ

فَلا تَستَجِرْ إِلّا بِخِدْنِ مُروءَةٍ

فَما كلُّ مَنْ فيهِ اِستَجَرتَ ملاذُ

فَما كلُّ مَنْ فيهِ اِستَجَرتَ ملاذُ

So seek refuge only with a companion of virtue,

So seek refuge only in the shield of honor

For not everyone with whom you seek refuge is a shelter.

For not everyone you take shelter with is a safe haven