رقَّ عن الحس وهْو محسوس

وباين اللمس وهْوَ ملموس

He transcends the senses, though he is sensible,

And differs from touch, though tangible.

وغاب عن كل مقلة فَرَقا

وحبّه في القلوب محبوس

He is absent from every glance, aloof,

And his love in hearts imprisoned.

مباين للعيونِ منظرُه

وشخصه في النفوسِ مغموس

His appearance differs for eyes to behold,

And his person in souls embedded.

يشرِق مِن نورِهِ النهارُ كما

تطلع من شَعْرِه الحنادِيس

By his light the day breaks as

Fireflies emerge from his hair.

مبتسِم عن مقبَّلٍ يَقَقٍ

كأنما الدر فيه مغروس

Smiling from a kissable mouth

As if pearls in it were ingrained.

ما حظّ عشَّاقِهِ لديهِ سِوى

أن تعترِيهِم به وساوِيس

His lovers have no fortune with him

Except what afflicts and distresses them.

لولاه لم يَعْصِ ربَّه أحد

ولا أضلّ العِبادَ إِبليس

If it were not for him, none would disobey his Lord,

Nor would Iblis misguide the servants.