كُن عَبدَ خَلِّكَ قَبلَ أَن

كُن عَبدَ خَلِّكَ قَبلَ أَن

تَغدو حَبائِلُهُ رِثاثا

تَغدو حَبائِلُهُ رِثاثا

Be a slave to your friend before

Before His deceptive bonds ensnare you

his bonds grow threadbare;

And transform His affection to ashes

فَإِذا اِضمَحَلَّ جَميلُهُ

فَإِذا اِضمَحَلَّ جَميلُهُ

طَلَّقَ مَوَدَّتُهُ ثَلاثا

طَلَّقَ مَوَدَّتُهُ ثَلاثا

then, when his kindness fades,

Be your Creator's obedient servant

divorce his affection three times.

Lest His charm fade and forsake you thrice