ألا هل أتى بحرينا صنع ربنا — Abutaleb

Lo, has our Lord's deed reached our people across the sea,

far away as they are? And God is gentler toward mankind.

So it may inform them that the document has been torn apart,

and that everything God does not approve is undone.

Falsehood and amassed sorcery took turns upon it,

and no sorcery was found to ascend at time's end.

Those who were no weaklings in the matter rallied to it,

so its bird flutters back and forth at its own head.

And a battle at Athimah would have been fitting recompense,

so that a forearm and a neck might be severed there,

and the inhabitants of the two Meccas would depart and flee,

their flanks trembling for fear of harm.

And a ploughman would be left weighing his course,

whether then to head for Tihamah or go up to Najd.

And a battalion would ascend between the two Akhshabs,

bearing a load of arrows, bows, and arrow-shafts.

So, if glory rises for any of Mecca's townsmen,

our glory in the heart of Mecca is more ancient.

We grew up there when its people were few,

and never ceased to grow in goodness and earn praise.

And we feed people until they leave their surplus,

when the hands of the lot-drawers are set trembling.

May God reward a band at al-Hajun who followed one another,

in an assembly that leads to sound judgment and gives right guidance,

seated by the cleft of al-Hajun, as though they were

chieftains—nay, they are mightier and more glorious.

Every falcon lent aid toward it, as though he were

stiff-legged when walking in the trailing skirt of his mail.

Bold before the gravest crises, as though he were

a firebrand blazing in both hands of one fetching fire.

One of the noblest in Lu'ayy ibn Ghalib's line;

when subjected to humiliation, his face darkens.

Long of sword-baldric, half his shin exposed,

through his countenance comes rain from the clouds, and good fortune is granted.

His ash-heap is vast; he is a lord and a lord's son,

urging hospitality to guests and bringing people together.

And he builds something sound for the sons of the clan,

when we travel through the lands, and he smooths the way.

Every blameless man pressed for this peace,

great of banner, whose conduct then earns praise.

They settled what they settled during their night, then met the morning,

at their ease, while the rest of the people lay asleep.

They brought Sahl ibn Bayda back content,

and Abu Bakr and Muhammad were gladdened by it.

When did the tribes share in most of our affairs?

And long ago, before it, we cultivated friendship.

And of old we would not tolerate injustice,

and attained what we wished without being harsh.

So, O people of Qusayy, have you any care for yourselves,

and have you any care for what tomorrow brings?

For I and you are as a speaker said:

The explanation lies with you, if only you would speak, Aswad.