Sol 5.6

  1. O sons of Madhhij, there is no room for wavering:

    it is the Faith—or the edge of an Indian-forged sword.

  2. Behold, then, the Imam’s sword and his valor:

    you shall see a marvel in a spectacle that is no idle sport.

  3. You were told of the banner’s appointed hour at the hand

    that the Master of all sovereignty strengthens with His own hand.

  4. O sons of Madhhij, what think you of an armor-clad warrior

    whom Muhammad’s hand has turbaned for war?

  5. He marched against you with men besides whom war knows no others,

    when heroes proclaim their lineage on every battlefield.

  6. They won all the spoils and captives they sought,

    while you, far from the fray, lay among the slain and the sleeping.

  7. Then, when they met you, their commander said:

    “It is the truth: whoever chooses it acts rightly and is guided.

  8. If you embrace Islam, then God stands between me and you;

    but if you turn away, the unsheathed sword is keen.”

  9. You turned away as the ignorant do, and you were driven back

    from the truth by an errant judgment that found no right course.

  10. Arrows sped, plunging, and stones went flying,

    following one another in scattered volleys, now in twos, now singly.

  11. You hurled them at the Prophet’s troops, but in truth

    you hurled them with absent minds, wandering wildly astray.

  12. The sword went on requiting you evil for evil:

    your blood was not shed without cause, nor was the sword an aggressor.

  13. So you turned your backs, and your host recoiled—

    scattered bands, like rays of light dispersed.

  14. Yet a company among you believed, and their fortune returned

    auspicious; whoever turns to God shall prosper.

  15. They came and said, “These are our alms;

    take them graciously—and, if you wish, take more.

  16. We hold as faith that nothing equals righteousness,

    and we give God His due without grudging.

  17. We are your allies against whatever lies beyond us;

    we shall openly fight every wayward corrupter among them.

  18. We call people to Islam, spreading its light,

    and through it lead our people to the finest watering-place.

  19. To you be thanks; return, O Ali, victorious,

    and bear glad tidings to God’s Messenger, that he may give thanks and praise.”

Sol 5.6