ياO صاحبwearer of التاجthe crown والمقلدand the necklace والخالand the mole
يا صاحب التاج والمقلد والخال
منwho أعجمdotted فيon الخدthe cheek واوthe letter waw صدغكyour temple-lock بالخالwith the mole
من أعجم في الخد واو صدغك بالخال
O wearer of the crown, the necklace, and the mole!
O friend of the crown, necklace, and mole
Who dotted the waw of your temple-lock upon your cheek with a mole?
Who has made speechless with a mole on his cheek, and whose temple is adorned with a mole
أوor أنتجdeduced بالفرقfrom the hair-parting الصباحthe dawn قياساa syllogism
أو أنتج بالفرق الصباح قياسا
قدhas أوضحclarified الشكالthe ambiguity حيثwhere قسمdivided أشكالforms
قد أوضح الشكال حيث قسم أشكال
Or deduced the dawn from your hair's parting by a syllogism,
Either you have created the morning as a measure
Clarifying ambiguity where he divided its forms?
By making apparent the forms, wherever forms divide
أوor كونfashioned تجماa star (corrupt spelling) بأفقon the horizon of خدكyour cheek شمساa sun
أو كون تجما بأفق خدك شمسا
أوor صيّرturned شهداhoney بكاسin the cup of ثغركyour mouth جريالred wine
أو صيّر شهدا بكاس ثغرك جريال
Or fashioned a star into a sun on your cheek's horizon?
Or gather on your cheek's horizon a sun
Or turned honey into red wine in the cup of your mouth?
Or make your mouth's chalice to brim with honey
لوif زينadorned جناتthe gardens of وجنتيكyour two cheeks بصدغwith a temple-lock
لو زين جنات وجنتيك بصدغ
كالعقربlike a scorpion فيin اللسعstinging للعزائمfor incantations حلالan undoer
كالعقرب في اللسع للعزائم حلال
If he adorned the gardens of your cheeks with a temple-lock,
If you adorned gardens and your two cheeks with a mole
Like a stinging scorpion, an undoer of incantations?
Like Scorpio in its sting, resolute
أوor أبدعcreated فيin الثغرthe mouth جوهراa jewel زلالاclear water
أو أبدع في الثغر جوهرا زلالا
والدرand pearls عهدناwe have known لاnot يكونare بسلسالflowing water
والدر عهدنا لا يكون بسلسال
Or created in your mouth a jewel of clear water—
Or created in the mouth a flowing pearl
And pearls, as we know them, are not flowing water?
And pearls in our time are not to be chained
اوor أوترstrung قوسيthe two bows of حويجبيكyour two little eyebrows بسحرwith magic
او أوتر قوسي حويجبيك بسحر
أوor فوقnocked سهميthe two arrows of مقلتيكyour two eyes ليغتالto slay
أو فوق سهمي مقلتيك ليغتال
Or strung the two bows of your little eyebrows with magic?
Or strung my eyebrows’ bow with magic
Or nocked the two arrows of your eyes to slay?
Or over my arrow placed your eyelashes to slay
أوor سلdrew لفتكfor deadly attack منfrom الجفونthe eyelids حساماa sword
أو سل لفتك من الجفون حساما
أوor هزbrandished لحربfor war منfrom المعاطفthe supple limbs عسالa quivering spear
أو هز لحرب من المعاطف عسال
Or drew from your eyelids a sword for deadly attack?
Or unleashed your charm as a sword from the eyelids
Or brandished a quivering spear from your supple limbs for war?
Or moved for war from the hair a spear
أوor صيرmade للفتكfor deadly attack راسthe tip of نهدكyour breast سناa spearpoint
أو صير للفتك راس نهدك سنا
أوor قومstraightened للطعنfor thrusting رمحthe spear of قدكyour stature إذwhen مالit leaned
أو قوم للطعن رمح قدك إذ مال
Or made the tip of your breast a point for slaughter?
Or made for your charm the breast’s prominence a spearhead
Or straightened your stature's spear for thrusting when it leaned?
Or stood for stabbing the thigh’s spear once it leaned
أفديكI would ransom you مهاةan oryx لهاfor her الفؤادthe heart كناسa shelter
أفديك مهاة لها الفؤاد كناس
تسبيcaptivates بدلالwith the coquetry of الظبيthe gazelle وسطوةand the might of الأشبالlion cubs
تسبي بدلال الظبي وسطوة الأشبال
I would ransom you, an oryx whose shelter is the heart,
I would sacrifice for you a passion whose heart is like an oryx
Captivating with a gazelle's coquetry and lion cubs' might.
Enticing with the coquetry of a gazelle and boldness of cubs
لمياءdark-lipped رشوقslender عروبaffectionate عاتقa maiden خودa tender maiden
لمياء رشوق عروب عاتق خود
هيفاءslim-waisted عطوفtender-hearted لعوبplayful ناهدbudding-breasted مكسالlanguid
هيفاء عطوف لعوب ناهد مكسال
Dark-lipped, slender, affectionate, maidenly, tender,
The shine of morning radiance on the chest of your form
Slim-waisted, tender-hearted, playful, budding-breasted, languid.
Slender waist, affectionate manner, playful bosom, lazy gait
ياO لحظgaze of ربيبa fawn وياand O جبينforehead of هلالa crescent
يا لحظ ربيب ويا جبين هلال
ياO قدstature of قضيبa branch وياand O روادفhips of منهالa flowing sandbank
يا قد قضيب ويا روادف منهال
O gaze of a fawn, O crescent forehead!
O you who pleases a loved one and whose crescent forehead
O branchlike stature, O hips of flowing sand!
Makes perfect your straight stature and robes of perfection
قدhas ظلbecome محاكyour imitator بنورthrough the light of وجهكyour face بدراa full moon
قد ظل محاك بنور وجهك بدرا
ماnot الكاملthe perfect للناقصfor the imperfect التمامcompleteness بتمثالthrough a likeness
ما الكامل للناقص التمام بتمثال
Your imitator has become a full moon through your face's light;
You whom God made before any existence
The perfect is no likeness for the imperfect in completeness.
Of light of beauty and rays of majesty
أوor قالasserted بإيجابthe necessity of مشبهa likeness ونظيرand a peer
أو قال بإيجاب مشبه ونظير
لاno كيدguile لهis his لاno وكرامةand by dignity إنif قالhe said
لا كيد له لا وكرامة إن قال
Or he asserted that a likeness and a peer must exist—
You who were and Adam and dust were not
No guile is his—no, by dignity—if he said so.
You who became when between water and clay
أوor أوجبimposed أسراcaptivity بحبهاthrough her love فخلاصيthen my deliverance
أو أوجب أسرا بحبها فخلاصي
أنis to امدحpraise منthe one who خصwas distinguished بالجمالby beauty والإجلالand majesty
أن امدح من خص بالجمال والإجلال
Or he imposed captivity through her love; my deliverance
Who on the Day of Gathering beneath your banner
Is to praise the one distinguished by beauty and majesty:
Shall convene sheikh and father, prophets and messengers
طهTaha القمرthe moon الزاهرthe radiant المنيرthe shining جمالاin beauty
طه القمر الزاهر المنير جمالا
منthe one whom عززةexalted him (corrupt form) الحسنbeauty أنto يقاسbe compared بأمثالwith peers
من عززة الحسن أن يقاس بأمثال
Taha, the radiant moon, shining with beauty,
Whom Adam took as intercessor and was pardoned
Whose beauty exalted him beyond comparison with peers.
Whom you clothed Sheeth in the cloak of grace
منthe one whom كونهfashioned him اللهGod قبلbefore كلall وجودexistence
من كونه الله قبل كل وجود
منfrom نورthe light of جمالbeauty ومنand from أشعةthe rays of إجلالmajesty
من نور جمال ومن أشعة إجلال
He whom God fashioned before all existence,
Idris exalted by your majesty ascended
From the light of beauty and the rays of majesty.
Enveloped in dignity and adorned with perfection
منthe one who كانexisted ولاwhile not كانexisted آدمAdam وترابor dust
من كان ولا كان آدم وتراب
منthe one who صارcame to be وقدwhile already صارwas بينbetween ماءwater وصلصالand sounding clay
من صار وقد صار بين ماء وصلصال
He who existed when neither Adam nor dust existed;
Through whom Noah attained safety on the ship
He who came to be while Adam lay between water and sounding clay.
Whom you favored Saleh by righteous deeds
منthe one who يحشرgathers يومon the day of المعادthe return تحتbeneath لواهhis banner
من يحشر يوم المعاد تحت لواه
شيتShith وأبوهand his father والأنبياءand the prophets والأرسالand the messengers
شيت وأبوه والأنبياء والأرسال
He beneath whose banner, on the Day of Return, are gathered
Through whom Hud became mighty among the tribes of Aad
Shith, his father, the prophets, and the messengers.
Through whom Lot battled the abhorrent hordes
منthe one in whom لاذsought refuge بهin him آدمAdam فتيبand repentance was accepted عليهfrom him
من لاذ به آدم فتيب عليه
منthe one who ألبسclothed شيتShith بهthrough him سوابغample الأفضالfavors
من ألبس شيت به سوابغ الأفضال
He in whom Adam sought refuge, and his repentance was accepted;
Who made for Abraham the cursed fire
He through whom Shith was clothed in ample favors.
Coolness and peace, and multiplied his graces
منthe one who بواestablished ايدريسIdris منfrom علاهhis loftiness معالlofty ranks
من بوا ايدريس من علاه معال
حفتwere surrounded بوقارby dignity وأتحفتهand gifted him بإكمالperfection
حفت بوقار وأتحفته بإكمال
He who established Idris, through his loftiness, in lofty ranks,
Who ordained the slaughter’s sacrifice for the immolated ram
Surrounded by dignity, which gifted him perfection.
Who made Ishmael chosen in the wilderness
منthe one through whom نالgained بهthrough him نوحNuh فيin السفينةthe ark أمناsafety
من نال به نوح في السفينة أمنا
منthe one through whom خصwas distinguished بهthrough him صالحSalih بصالحby righteous الأعمالdeeds
من خص به صالح بصالح الأعمال
He through whom Nuh gained safety in the ark;
Who returned Joseph to Jacob through prayer
He through whom Salih was distinguished by righteous deeds.
He guaranteed his name, so it was answered swiftly
منthe one through whom عزwas honored بهthrough him هودHud فيamong قبائلthe tribes of عاد'Ad
من عز به هود في قبائل عاد
منthe one through whom جاهدstrove لوطLut بهthrough him الطوائفthe groups الأرذالthe vilest
من جاهد لوط به الطوائف الأرذال
He through whom Hud was honored among the tribes of 'Ad;
Who singled out Joseph in the well with beauty
He through whom Lut strove against the vilest groups.
Without him, events would not be in truth occur
منthe one who صيرmade نارthe fire of اللعينthe accursed one بعدafter ضرامblazing
من صير نار اللعين بعد ضرام
برداcoolness وسلاماand peace علىupon الخليلthe Friend وأفضالand favors
بردا وسلاما على الخليل وأفضال
He who made the accursed one's fire, after its blazing,
Who bestowed on the Israelite tribes through his guidance blessings
Coolness, peace, and favors upon the Friend.
The abundant good derived from them are branches
منthe one who سنinstituted لنحرin place of slaughtering الذبيحthe Sacrificed One نحرslaughtering أضاحofferings
من سن لنحر الذبيح نحر أضاح
منthe one who صيرmade إسحاقIshaq فيamong البريةcreation مفضالgenerous
من صير إسحاق في البرية مفضال
He who instituted slaughtering offerings in place of slaughtering the Sacrificed One;
Who graced Shuaib thereby wit and pride
He who made Ishaq generous among creation.
When he empowered Moses for the Madian girl
منthe one who ردrestored ليعقوبto Ya'qub يوسفYusuf بدعاءthrough a prayer
من رد ليعقوب يوسف بدعاء
قدhad ضمنcontained أسماهhis names فاستجيبso it was answered بإعجالswiftly
قد ضمن أسماه فاستجيب بإعجال
He who restored Yusuf to Ya'qub through a prayer
Who aided Moses to battle the Jews, leaving
Containing his names, which was answered swiftly.
Their faces like monkeys and their forms like swine
منthe one who خصصdistinguished فيin الجبthe well يوسفYusuf بأسامwith names
من خصص في الجب يوسف بأسام
لولاهwithout him لماwould not كنthey have been فيin الحقيقةtruth أفعالdeeds
لولاه لما كن في الحقيقة أفعال
He who distinguished Yusuf in the well with names—
Who clarified for Aaron the traits of the Scripture
Without him, they would not in truth have been deeds.
Stopping the sun at zenith for Joshua's blades
منthe one who نولbestowed upon الأسباطthe Tribes منfrom هداهhis guidance بكوراat dawn
من نول الأسباط من هداه بكورا
عمencompassed اليسعal-Yasa' المستمدdrawing sustenance منهمfrom them آصالat evening
عم اليسع المستمد منهم آصال
He who bestowed his guidance upon the Tribes at dawn;
Who prepared for Alexander, whom knowledge made lofty
It reached al-Yasa', drawing from them, at evening.
Who favored the King of Nations thereby with power
منthe one through whom حازgained شعيبShu'ayb بهthrough him وقىprotection وفخاراand glory
من حاز شعيب به وقى وفخارا
إذwhen مكنenabled موسىMusa منto obtain الفتاةthe maiden لميجالfor an unclear purpose
إذ مكن موسى من الفتاة لميجال
He through whom Shu'ayb gained protection and glory,
Who honored Luqman when He gave him in secret life
When he enabled Musa to obtain the maiden, for an unclear purpose.
Who rescued Job from the severing of limbs
منthe one through whom جاهدstrove موسىMusa بهthrough him اليهودthe Jews فأمسواso they became
من جاهد موسى به اليهود فأمسوا
كالقردlike monkeys وجوهاin faces وكالخنازرand like pigs أشكالin forms
كالقرد وجوها وكالخنازر أشكال
He through whom Musa strove against the Jews, who became
Who made Elias soar through the heavens in flight
Monkeylike in their faces and piglike in their forms.
Unreachable by any aspirant no matter how long
منthe one whose أظهرrevealed هارونHarun وصفهhis description لكتابfor a book
من أظهر هارون وصفه لكتاب
قدhas أوقفhalted شمسthe sun of الضحىthe morning ليوشعfor Yusha' إنصالwhen he charged (joined form)
قد أوقف شمس الضحى ليوشع إنصال
He whose description Harun made known in writing;
Who stopped in the sky David’s birds mid-flight
Who halted the morning sun for Yusha' when he charged.
When he subjugated jinn and made mountains obey
منthe one who هيّأprepared للحضرfor al-Hadr (possibly al-Khidr) منfrom علاهhis loftiness علوماknowledge
من هيّأ للحضر من علاه علوما
منthe one through whom نعمenjoyed peace الإسكندرIskandar المليكthe king بهthrough him البالof mind
من نعم الإسكندر المليك به البال
He who prepared knowledge from his loftiness for al-Hadr;
Whom Solomon took as refuge so he ascended
He through whom King Iskandar found peace of mind.
By the Meem and Hah and then Meem and Daal
منthe one who كرمhonored لقمانLuqman إذwhen حياهgreeted him بسرwith a secret
من كرم لقمان إذ حياه بسر
قدhas أنقذrescued أيوبAyyub منfrom تقطعthe severing of أوصالlimbs
قد أنقذ أيوب من تقطع أوصال
He who honored Luqman when he greeted him with a secret;
Whom gladened the intimate, the trustee, and John
Who rescued Ayyub from the severing of his limbs.
In family, livestock, womenfolk, and spoils
منthe one through whom طارflew بهthrough him إلياسIlyas فيin الفضاءspace مطاراa flight
من طار به إلياس في الفضاء مطارا
لاnot يدركcan be attained ماhowever طاولstrove to surpass المطاولthe rival ماhowever طالhe prolonged it
لا يدرك ما طاول المطاول ما طال
He through whom Ilyas flew through space in a flight
Whom the companion of the fish found as rays of light
Unattainable, however long a rival strives to surpass it.
Saving him from trials and choosing him as messenger
منthe one who أوقفhalted داودfor Dawud فيin السماءthe sky طيوراbirds
من أوقف داود في السماء طيورا
إذwhen سخرsubdued جناjinn لهfor him وأوبand made echo أجبالmountains
إذ سخر جنا له وأوب أجبال
He who halted birds in the sky for Dawud,
Through whom Zakaria gained contentment and acceptance
When he subdued jinn for him and made mountains echo.
When the vile ones crucified him from below
منthe one in whose name لاذsought refuge سليمانSulayman باسمهin his name فترقىand rose
من لاذ سليمان باسمه فترقى
بالميمthrough the letter mim معwith الحاءthe letter ha ثمthen ميمthe letter mim معwith الدالthe letter dal
بالميم مع الحاء ثم ميم مع الدال
He in whose name Sulayman sought refuge and rose,
Whom Jesus used to cure all sickness and revive
Through mim with ha, then mim with dal.
The dead and enrich without plea by his words
منthe one who عززstrengthened ذاDhu الكفلal-Kifl والعزيزand al-Aziz ويحيىand Yahya
من عزز ذا الكفل والعزيز ويحيى
فيin الآلAl (the Family) والأنعامand al-An'am (the Cattle) والنساءand al-Nisa' (the Women) والأنفالand al-Anfal (the Spoils)
في الآل والأنعام والنساء والأنفال
He who strengthened Dhu al-Kifl, al-Aziz, and Yahya,
Whom heralded Sheba by his mission and Saba by scripture
In Al, al-An'am, al-Nisa', and al-Anfal.
Whom the soothsayer of Okaz confirmed truthful by his sayings
منthe one from whom آنسperceived ذوDhu النونal-Nun منfrom سناهhis radiance شعاعاa ray
من آنس ذو النون من سناه شعاعا
أنجاهsaved him منfrom الميمthe letter mim واصطفاهand chose him بإرسالfor a mission
أنجاه من الميم واصطفاه بإرسال
He from whose radiance Dhu al-Nun perceived a ray,
Whom the jinn and voices reported about
Which saved him from the mim and chose him for a mission.
And beasts and idols and seers told of his circumstances
منthe one through whom نالgained بهthrough him الصبرpatience والرضاand contentment زكرياZakariyya
من نال به الصبر والرضا زكريا
لماwhen نشرواthey sawed عظمهhis bones الأسافلthe low people الأنذالthe vile
لما نشروا عظمه الأسافل الأنذال
He through whom Zakariyya gained patience and contentment,
Who honored his conception, birth, nursing
When the low, vile men sawed through his bones.
Empowered by bone, puberty, and sending
منthe one through whom أبرأcured عيسى'Isa بهthrough him الجذامleprosy وأحياand revived الthe (split prefix)
من أبرأ عيسى به الجذام وأحيا ال
أمواتdead وأغنىand spared منfrom السؤالbegging بماthrough what قالhe said
أموات وأغنى من السؤال بما قال
He through whom 'Isa cured leprosy and revived the
Whom the mother saw when he descended at noon
Dead, and spared people begging through what he said.
The horizon shook, mountains and dunes
منthe one whose mission بشّرforetold شقShiq ببعثهhis mission وسطيحand Satih
من بشّر شق ببعثه وسطيح
منthe one about whom أرسلsent forth سيعدSa'id (uncertain name) بهabout him ورقهWaraqa أمثالlikenesses
من أرسل سيعد به ورقه أمثال
He whose mission Shiq and Satih foretold;
Whom she was given joy and abundant bliss
He about whom Sa'id and Waraqa sent forth likenesses.
When she delivered him, excellent in circumstance
منthe one whose حبّرembellished قصQuss صفاتهhis attributes بعكاظat 'Ukaz
من حبّر قص صفاته بعكاظ
منthe one فيهabout whom سوادSawad بنson of قاربQarib صدقmade truthful القالthe speech
من فيه سواد بن قارب صدق القال
He whose attributes Quss embellished at 'Ukaz;
For whom Sawa’s water diminished and ebbed
He about whom Sawad ibn Qarib spoke truthfully.
The palace and Persian fires showed no flames
منthe one about whom أنبأتtold الجنthe jinn والهواتفand unseen voices عنهabout him
من أنبأت الجن والهواتف عنه
والوحشand beasts والأصنامand idols والكواهنand female soothsayers أحوالcircumstances
والوحش والأصنام والكواهن أحوال
He about whom jinn and unseen voices told,
Who was nursed from Halima’s breast, thereupon
And beasts, idols, and female soothsayers related circumstances.
Refusing to nurse except whom conditions made worthy
منthe one who عززwas honored حملاin conception وموالداand births ورضاعاand suckling
من عزز حملا وموالدا ورضاعا
منthe one who عزّزwas honored بالعظمin growth والبلوغand maturity والارسالand being sent
من عزّز بالعظم والبلوغ والارسال
He who was honored in conception, birth, and suckling;
Whom Gabriel purified at heart and filled
He who was honored in growth, maturity, and being sent.
With knowledge, discharging the heedless of neglect
منthe one at whose birth عاينتbeheld الأمthe mother إذwhen توالدhe was born بصرىBusra
من عاينت الأم إذ توالد بصرى
واهتزّand trembled لهاfor her الأفقthe horizon والوهادand valleys والأجبالand mountains
واهتزّ لها الأفق والوهاد والأجبال
He at whose birth his mother beheld Busra,
Whom clouds shaded from hot winds’ fury
And the horizon, valleys, and mountains trembled for her.
Whom rain obeyed wherever directed to unleash
منthe one who أتحفهاgifted her بهجةdelight وفرّطand an abundance of سرورjoy
من أتحفها بهجة وفرّط سرور
لماwhen وضعتهshe delivered him مطيباfragrant حسنfair in الحالcondition
لما وضعته مطيبا حسن الحال
He who bestowed delight upon her and abundant joy,
To whom the elephants attested in the Yemen,
When she delivered him, fragrant and in a fair state.
Saying this is the Messenger of the eminent emissaries
منthe one for whom غاضsubsided لهfor him ماءthe water of ساوةSawa وتداعيand collapsed الthe (split prefix)
من غاض له ماء ساوة وتداعي ال
إيوانpalace ولمand did not تبدdisplay نارthe fire of فارسPersia أشعالflames
إيوان ولم تبد نار فارس أشعال
He for whom Sawa's waters sank away, and collapsed the
To whom vegetation and objects spoke clearly
Palace; Persia's fire showed no flames.
To whom the deer and camel fled burden
منthe one who أرضعsuckled ثديthe breast of حليمةHalima فتحاشىthen refrained
من أرضع ثدي حليمة فتحاشى
أنfrom يرضعsuckling إلاexcept الذيthat which اقتضتrequired بهby it الحالthe circumstances
أن يرضع إلا الذي اقتضت به الحال
He who suckled at Halima's breast, then refrained
To whom the wolf and fawn spoke truthfully
From suckling any but what the circumstances required.
Warned by the wolf and gazelle with signs
منthe one whose طهرpurified جبريلJibril قلبهhis heart وحشاهand filled it
من طهر جبريل قلبه وحشاه
علماwith knowledge ورمىand cast منfrom حشاهhis depths نكتةthe speck of الإغفالheedlessness
علما ورمى من حشاه نكتة الإغفال
He whose heart Jibril purified and filled
Who halted the sun, not for Quraysh’s sake
With knowledge, casting from its depths the speck of heedlessness.
At time of setting, returning it for Ali the lofty
منthe one whom ظللهshaded him الغيمthe clouds منfrom وهيجthe blaze of هجيرmidday heat
من ظلله الغيم من وهيج هجير
وانقادand obeyed لهhim الغيثthe rain حيثwherever شاءhe wished بارسالby being sent
وانقاد له الغيث حيث شاء بارسال
He whom clouds shaded from the blaze of midday heat;
For whom the moon split in the sky gloriously
And rain obeyed him wherever he wished it sent.
To whom the tree trunk leaned wherever leaned
منthe one toward whom مالinclined لهtoward him الفيthe shade حيثwhen قالsaid بحيراBahira
من مال له الفي حيث قال بحيرا
هذاthis one وأبيby my father سيدthe lord of الأجلةthe august الأرسالmessengers
هذا وأبي سيد الأجلة الأرسال
He toward whom the shade inclined, when Bahira said:
For whom the stone slab softened when he walked in dignity
'This, by my father, is the lord of the august messengers.'
For whom the sand empowered to show his image
منthe one whom خاطبهaddressed him النبتplants والجمادand inanimate things شفاهاdirectly
من خاطبه النبت والجماد شفاها
منthe one in whom لاذّsought refuge بهin him الظبيthe gazelle والبعيرand the camel منfrom أثقالburdens
من لاذّ به الظبي والبعير من أثقال
He to whom plants and inanimate things spoke directly;
Whom the cave and doves and ants protected
He in whom the gazelle and camel sought refuge from burdens.
Manifesting without doubt light in effigy and forms
منthe one whom صدقهaffirmed him الضبthe lizard والوليدand the infant بقولwith speech
من صدقه الضب والوليد بقول
أنباهproclaimed news بهof him الذئبthe wolf والغزالةand the gazelle والخالand the great camel
أنباه به الذئب والغزالة والخال
He whom the lizard and infant affirmed with speech;
To whom the she-camel came willingly hearing and obedient
Whose news the wolf, gazelle, and great camel proclaimed.
And turned back bleating to the place given
منthe one who أوقفhalted الشمسthe sun لغيرfor those other than قريشQuraysh
من أوقف الشمس لغير قريش
فيat وقتthe time of غروبsunset وردّهاand brought it back لعليfor 'Ali العالthe exalted
في وقت غروب وردّها لعلي العال
He who halted the sun for those other than Quraysh,
For whom the salty food and meat gave praise
At sunset, and brought it back for exalted 'Ali.
Who made water stream from fingers unchained
منthe one for whom شقsplit لهfor him البدرthe full moon فيin السماءthe sky جلالاin reverence
من شق له البدر في السماء جلالا
منthe one for whom حنyearned لهfor him الجذعthe trunk حيثwhen مالhe turned وماand did not مالturn
من حن له الجذع حيث مال وما مال
He for whom the full moon split in the sky in reverence;
Who made the coercion hear his words while smiling:
He for whom the trunk yearned when he turned, though it did not.
"Do not eat my flesh, for my poison is lethal"
منthe one for whom لانsoftened لهfor him الصخرthe rock إذwhen مشىhe walked بوقارwith dignity
من لان له الصخر إذ مشى بوقار
منthe one whose likeness عزfound difficult بهthrough him الرملthe sand أنto يبينreveal تمثالan image
من عز به الرمل أن يبين تمثال
He for whom rock softened as he walked with dignity;
Whom a touch of the sheep's ear satisfied thirst
He whose likeness the sand found it hard to reveal.
Who satiated a thousand from one measure, still remaining
منthe one whom حجبهconcealed him الغارthe cave والحمامand the doves وأبداand revealed (continued verb)
من حجبه الغار والحمام وأبدا
هhim (continued suffix) النورthe light بلاwithout ريبdoubt فيin المثالlikeness وأشكالand forms
ه النور بلا ريب في المثال وأشكال
He whom the cave and doves concealed, and revealed—
Who trod by sandal the precinct of the holy presence
Him did the light, beyond doubt, in likeness and forms.
And was graced with the crown of intimidation and cloak of perfection
منthe one to whom جاءcame لهto him العتقunclear; perhaps a palm-cluster سامعاhearing ومطيعاand obedient
من جاء له العتق سامعا ومطيعا
وأرتدّand returned قريراcontent إلىto المكانthe place بماthrough what نالit received
وأرتدّ قريرا إلى المكان بما نال
He to whom an unclear thing came, hearing and obedient,
Whom God elevated wherever He decreed
And returned content to its place through what it received.
Beyond the realm of imagination, however far-ranging
منthe one in whose hand سبحglorified God صلدhard stones بكفهin his palm وطعامand food
من سبح صلد بكفه وطعام
منthe one who أنبعmade spring forth ماءwater منfrom الأصابعthe fingers سلسالflowing
من أنبع ماء من الأصابع سلسال
He in whose palm hard stones and food glorified God;
Whom God lodged above every other station
He who made flowing water spring from his fingers.
For Gabriel ascended beyond it to the Lote Tree of the Limit
منthe one who أسمعmade heard قولthe speech of الذرارعthe foreleg (corrupt form) وهوwhile it was حنيذroasted
من أسمع قول الذرارع وهو حنيذ
لاdo not تأكلeat لحميmy flesh فإنfor indeed سميmy poison قتّالis deadly
لا تأكل لحمي فإن سمي قتّال
He who made the roasted foreleg's speech heard:
Drawn near by revelation, when nearing in prostration
'Do not eat my flesh, for my poison is deadly.'
In the presence of intimacy, without likeness or image
منthe one through whom درّgave milk بلمسthrough a touch لهof his العناقthe she-kid فأروىand quenched thirst
من درّ بلمس له العناق فأروى
منthe one who أشبعfed الفاa thousand منfrom الصواعthe measure وماand it زالremained
من أشبع الفا من الصواع وما زال
He whose touch made the she-kid give milk and quenched thirst;
Achieving pride of eyewitnessing and speech
He who fed a thousand from a measure, which remained.
And nearness from the Bounteous One and grace
منthe one who داسtrod بنعلwith a sandal بساطthe carpet of حضرةthe presence of قدسholiness
من داس بنعل بساط حضرة قدس
وأعتزّand was honored بتاجwith the crown of البهاbeauty وحلةand the robe of الأكمالperfection
وأعتزّ بتاج البها وحلة الأكمال
He who trod, shod, upon the carpet of the holy presence,
Who commanded angels in heaven collectively
And was honored with beauty's crown and perfection's robe.
Who led people on earth in ranks for prayer
منthe one whom رفعهraised him اللهGod حيثwhere حلhe occupied محلاa place
من رفعه الله حيث حل محلا
لاnot يدركهcan grasp it العقلthe mind فيin الخيالimagination وإنeven if جالit roams
لا يدركه العقل في الخيال وإن جال
He whom God raised to a place he occupied,
Whom He sent with truth to creation openly
Beyond the mind's grasp in imagination, however it roams.
Whom He singled out in truth when departing and when halting
منthe one whom بوأهestablished him اللهGod فوقabove كلevery مقامstation
من بوأه الله فوق كل مقام
إذwhen جاوزpassed جبريلJibril فيin العروجthe ascent وميكالand Mikal
إذ جاوز جبريل في العروج وميكال
He whom God established above every station,
Remaining when his eyelashes closed in sleep
When he passed Jibril and Mikal in the ascent.
Watchful, while the angel took account
منthe one who أزلفwas brought near بالوحيthrough revelation إذwhen دناhe approached فتدلّىand descended
من أزلف بالوحي إذ دنا فتدلّى
فيin حضرةa presence of أنسintimacy بلاwithout مثللlikeness (corrupt form) وتمثالor image
في حضرة أنس بلا مثلل وتمثال
He who was brought near through revelation, approaching and descending,
Who made the two horizons place of prostration and pure
Into a presence of intimacy beyond likeness or image.
Intending to pray in them and make spoils permitted
منthe one who حازgained فخاراglory برؤيةthrough seeing وكلامand speaking
من حاز فخارا برؤية وكلام
واختصand was distinguished بقربby nearness منto الكريمthe Generous One وإفضالand favor
واختص بقرب من الكريم وإفضال
He who gained glory through seeing and speaking,
Who stood in worship until legs became swollen
And was distinguished by nearness to the Generous One and favor.
Who struggled against the soul and battled misguidance
منthe one who أمled in prayer بالأملاكthe angels فيin السماءheaven جميعاall together
من أم بالأملاك في السماء جميعا
منthe one who قدّمwas put forward فيon الأرضearth للصلاةfor prayer بالارسالwith the messengers
من قدّم في الأرض للصلاة بالارسال
He who led all the angels in prayer in heaven;
Who bound stones to his stomach when hunger
He who was put forward on earth to lead the messengers in prayer.
Afflicted him in migration with heavy burdens
منthe one who أرسلwas sent بالحقwith truth للخلائقto creation طراentirely
من أرسل بالحق للخلائق طرا
منthe one who خصصwas distinguished بالصدقby truthfulness فيin المضيّthe past وفيand in الحالthe present
من خصص بالصدق في المضيّ وفي الحال
He who was sent with truth to all creation;
Who was given generosity, honor, and wealth
He who was distinguished by truthfulness in the past and present.
When given forbearance, nobility, and heights
منthe one who كانwas إذاwhen غضclosed لمقلتيهhis two eyes بنومin sleep
من كان إذا غض لمقلتيه بنوم
يقضانwakeful فؤادa heart يراقبwatching الملكthe Sovereign الكالthe guardian (apparent reading)
يقضان فؤاد يراقب الملك الكال
He who, when he closed his eyes in sleep,
Who was most complete in fulfilling commands humbly
Had a wakeful heart watching the guardian Sovereign.
Most beautiful in cautioning through deterrents wisely
منthe one who صيرmade الأرضينthe earths مسجداa place of prayer وطهوراand purification
من صير الأرضين مسجدا وطهورا
إذwhen رامsought صلاةprayer بهاupon them وحللand made lawful أنفالspoils
إذ رام صلاة بها وحلل أنفال
He who made the earths a place of prayer and purification,
O best of messengers and most perfect of prophets
When he sought prayer upon them, and made spoils lawful.
Most obedient servant who calls to the Sublime
منthe one who قامstood إلىuntil أنthat تورمتswelled قدماهhis two feet
من قام إلى أن تورمت قدماه
منthe one who جاهدstrove against نفساa self وجاهدand strove against النكرevil الضالthe misguided
من جاهد نفسا وجاهد النكر الضال
He who stood until his feet swelled;
O best of friends and greatest of speakers
He who strove against himself and against misguided evil.
Best beloved who saw and best youth who spoke
منthe one who شدbound علىupon بطنهhis belly الحجارةstones لماwhen
من شد على بطنه الحجارة لما
نالتهbefell him منfrom الصومfasting فيin الهواجرmidday heats أثقالburdens
نالته من الصوم في الهواجر أثقال
He who bound stones upon his belly when
O noblest caller who came with the noblest words
Fasting in the midday heat weighed heavily upon him.
In the noblest time called to the noblest deeds
منthe one who أعطيwas given جوداgenerosity وعزةand honor وغناءand sufficiency
من أعطي جودا وعزة وغناء
إذwhen أعطيّwas given حلماforbearance ورفعةand elevation وعلاand exaltation عالlofty
إذ أعطيّ حلما ورفعة وعلا عال
He who was given generosity, honor, and sufficiency,
How great the name you revived with pride
When he was given forbearance, elevation, and lofty exaltation.
How beautiful the deeds whose nature you clarified
منthe one who أعلنdeclared بالقولin speech إذwhen أتاهcame to him بلالBilal
من أعلن بالقول إذ أتاه بلال
أنفقspend ودعand abandon المنعwithholding لاdo not تخافfear منfrom إقلالimpoverishment
أنفق ودع المنع لا تخاف من إقلال
He who declared, when Bilal came to him:
How fragrant when the musk of your generosity diffused
'Spend, abandon withholding, and do not fear impoverishment.'
How precise when the rain of your kindness poured
منthe one who حققfulfilled بشرىthe glad tidings of خديجةKhadija وحباهاand bestowed upon her
من حقق بشرى خديجة وحباها
فخراglory بزواجthrough a marriage بهin which البسيطةthe earth تختالtakes pride
فخرا بزواج به البسيطة تختال
He who fulfilled Khadija's glad tidings and bestowed upon her
How beautiful your essence and most perfect your splendor
Glory through a marriage in which the earth takes pride.
How excellent your words and most wonderful your deeds
منthe one who أيدّwas supported بالحقby truth إذwhen أتاهcame to him أناساpeople
من أيدّ بالحق إذ أتاه أناسا
فيregarding عائشة'A'isha الطهرthe chaste بأفكونwith slander (corrupt form) بأقوالwith words
في عائشة الطهر بأفكون بأقوال
He who was supported by truth when people came to him
How wondrous when you were the light of existence
With slanderous words about chaste 'A'isha.
How strange if you were from whom came dust
منthe one who بوّاestablished أزواجهhis wives مراتبin ranks of عزhonor
من بوّا أزواجه مراتب عز
فيin حضرةa presence of فخرglory علىupon مفارقthe crowns of إجلالmajesty
في حضرة فخر على مفارق إجلال
He who established his wives in ranks of honor,
Devised from mankind perfect manifestations
In glory's presence, upon the crowns of majesty.
Like a pearl atop splendor, winning highest rank
منthe one who عززexalted قدرthe rank of الرضاthe favored البتولVirgin فعزّتso she rose
من عزز قدر الرضا البتول فعزّت
عنbeyond حصرthe bounds of مقالspeech وعنand beyond تحوطthe encompassing of قوالa speaker
عن حصر مقال وعن تحوط قوال
He who exalted the favored Virgin's rank, which rose
Revered with majesty, nurtured to perfection
Beyond speech's bounds and any speaker's encompassing.
To highest summit drawn, trailing robes
ومنand the one who نولbestowed upon سلمانSalman والمواليand the freedmen فخراglory
ومن نول سلمان والموالي فخرا
منthe one who شرفhonored الأعمامpaternal uncles والبنينand sons والأخوالand maternal uncles
من شرف الأعمام والبنين والأخوال
And he who bestowed glory upon Salman and the freedmen;
Clarifying meanings most splendid, dispelling forms’ darkness
He who honored paternal uncles, sons, and maternal uncles.
Brought near in nearness, addressing with humility
منthe one who قالsaid أناI سيدam lord of الأعاجمnon-Arabs طراall
من قال أنا سيد الأعاجم طرا
والعربand Arabs ولاand no فخرboasting والحقيقةand the truth ماis what قالhe said
والعرب ولا فخر والحقيقة ما قال
He who said, 'I am lord of all non-Arabs
Returned you with kindness, clothing you in grace
And Arabs, without boasting'; the truth is what he said.
Made pure and holy, above the words of misguidance
منthe one through whom زادincreased بهthrough him الدينreligion عزّةin honor وبهاءand splendor
من زاد به الدين عزّة وبهاء
منthe one through whom ذلّwas humbled بهthrough him الكفرunbelief حيثwhen عزit grew strong بدجالthrough a deceiver
من ذلّ به الكفر حيث عز بدجال
He through whom religion grew in honor and splendor;
Shook mountains of calamities, greatest earthquake
He through whom unbelief was humbled when it grew strong through a deceiver.
Trod by sandal the throne of majesty
منthe one whom أبدهsupported him (apparent reading) اللهGod بالملائكwith angels لماwhen
من أبده الله بالملائك لما
وافتهcame against him قريشQuraysh نهارon the day of بدرBadr بأبطالwith champions
وافته قريش نهار بدر بأبطال
He whom God supported with angels when
O treasure of Abu Bakr, the true successor
Quraysh came against him with champions on the day of Badr.
O might of Abu Hafs, dispeller of misguidance
منthe one who صدrepelled أباAbu جهلJahl اللعينthe accursed وأردىand struck down
من صد أبا جهل اللعين وأردى
بالرمحwith a spear أبيّاUbayy وزادand increased عتبة'Utba's أنكالpunishments
بالرمح أبيّا وزاد عتبة أنكال
He who repelled the accursed Abu Jahl and struck down
O pride of Abu Umar, the near kinsman by marriage
Ubayy with a spear, adding punishments to 'Utba.
O glory of Ali, the esteemed youth
منthe one who صيرmade فيin كفهhis palm القضيبthe branch حساماa sword
من صير في كفه القضيب حساما
منthe one who صيرturned يومon the day of الوغىbattle الضراغمthe lions أوfirst part of 'ibexes' عالrest of 'ibexes'
من صير يوم الوغى الضراغم أو عال
He who made the branch in his hand a sword;
O joy of the pleased Ridha and safety attained
He who turned lions into ibexes on the day of battle.
O loftiness of Sa’d, felicitous in circumstance
منthe one who أبراcured عينيthe two eyes of أبيAbu الحسينal-Husayn بريقwith saliva
من أبرا عيني أبي الحسين بريق
فيat خيبرKhaybar كيماso that يبيدhe might destroy مرجبMarjab (possibly Marhab) الأبطالthe warriors
في خيبر كيما يبيد مرجب الأبطال
He who cured Abu al-Husayn's two eyes with saliva,
O delight of the eye of the valiant Talhah when
At Khaybar, that he might destroy Marjab, champion of warriors.
Called: fear not, the mounting of steeds
منthe one who ردّrestored بريقwith saliva معوذMu'awwidh لماwhen
من ردّ بريق معوذ لما
قدّتwas severed وكذلكand likewise رجلthe leg of الأكوعal-Akwa' ذيpossessing البالdistinction
قدّت وكذلك رجل الأكوع ذي البال
He who restored Mu'awwidh's severed limb with saliva when
O happiness of the heart of the youth al-Zubair and the one
It was cut off; likewise the leg of the eminent al-Akwa'.
Whom he saved without doubt from terrors’ affliction
منthe one whom يقدمهpreceded him الرعبterror حيثwherever سارhe traveled بشهرby a month
من يقدمه الرعب حيث سار بشهر
منthe one whom عززهstrengthened him النصرvictory حيثwherever صالhe charged بفصالdecisively
من عززه النصر حيث صال بفصال
He whom terror preceded by a month's journey wherever he went;
O tidings for the son of Uthman the precious, melody
He whom victory strengthened when he charged decisively.
O success of Abu Ubaydah’s raids when he marched
منthe one who أسقطtoppled الأوثانidols إذwhen أشارhe pointed وأعياand exhausted
من أسقط الأوثان إذ أشار وأعيا
بالمعولwith the pick والقضيبand the rod منthose who أصابstruck ومنand those who صالcharged
بالمعول والقضيب من أصاب ومن صال
He who toppled idols by pointing, and exhausted
O aid of the Companions, O strife of the devout
Those who struck and charged with pick and rod.
O pillar of followers, essence of deeds
منthe one whom صدقهaffirmed him الجنthe jinn إذwhen أتىhe brought بكتابa book
من صدقه الجن إذ أتى بكتاب
لاnot يخلقwears out جلبابهits garment الزمانtime وإنeven if طالit lasts long
لا يخلق جلبابه الزمان وإن طال
He whom the jinn affirmed when he brought a book
Without you the universe would have no ideal
Whose garment time cannot wear out, however long it lasts.
Without you the worlds would have no form
منthe one who سبحglorified God منthe one who عظمmagnified الإلهthe Deity بصدقsincerely
من سبح من عظم الإله بصدق
منthe one who كبرproclaimed greatness منthe one who هللdeclared the oneness of المهيمنthe Guardian إجلالin reverence
من كبر من هلل المهيمن إجلال
He who glorified God, who sincerely magnified the Deity;
Without you darkness would have no morning glow
He who proclaimed greatness and the Guardian's oneness in reverence.
Without you rays would have no shining
منthe one who شهدbore witness منthe one who شاهدwitnessed الوجودexistence عياناwith his own eyes
من شهد من شاهد الوجود عيانا
منthe one who ظاهرgave support منthe one who أظهرrevealed العلومknowledge لجهالto the ignorant
من ظاهر من أظهر العلوم لجهال
He who bore witness, who witnessed existence with his own eyes;
Without you lightning would have no luster
He who gave support, who revealed knowledge to the ignorant.
Without you clouds would have no rain
منthe one who قربdrew near منthe one who قربbrought near البعيدthe distant لعانto the distressed
من قرب من قرب البعيد لعان
منthe one who حببendeared منthe one who حببmade beloved التيمنseeking good fortune بالفالthrough an omen
من حبب من حبب التيمن بالفال
He who drew near, who brought the distant near to the distressed;
Without you stars would have no light
He who endeared, who made hopeful omens beloved.
Without you crescents would have no newness
منthe one who خصصsingled out منthe one who خصصdistinguished الهداةthe guides بأمنwith safety
من خصص من خصص الهداة بأمن
منthe one who خلصdelivered منthe one who خلصdelivered الغواةthe misguided بإمهالby granting respite
من خلص من خلص الغواة بإمهال
He who singled out, who distinguished the guides with safety;
Without you there’d be no night and day
He who delivered, who delivered the misguided by granting respite.
Without you no dawns and evenings
منthe one who زينadorned منthe one who زينadorned المقرthe acknowledger بتاجwith a crown
من زين من زين المقر بتاج
منthe one who يواsheltered (uncertain form) منthe one who بواconsigned الجحودdenial بأغلالto fetters
من يوا من بوا الجحود بأغلال
He who adorned, who crowned the acknowledger;
Without you birds would not soar in the horizon
He who sheltered, who consigned denial to fetters.
Without you cubs would not roam wilderness
كمhow many أبراhe cured منof علةillness وفرطand excessive جنونmadness
كم أبرا من علة وفرط جنون
كمhow many أوصلhe joined منof قاطعseverers of ties وقطعand severed أوصالlimbs
كم أوصل من قاطع وقطع أوصال
How many illnesses and excesses of madness he cured!
Without you sky would not be adorned by stars
How many severers of ties he joined, and limbs he severed!
Without you plain would not unfurl mountains
كمhow much أمنhe made safe خوفاfear وكمand how often أقالhe pardoned عثاراstumbles
كم أمن خوفا وكم أقال عثارا
كمhow often ألبسhe clothed عارa naked person وكمand how often تفضلhe bestowed بالمالwealth
كم ألبس عار وكم تفضل بالمال
How many fears he made safe, how many stumbles he pardoned!
Without you seas would have no splendor
How many naked people he clothed, how often he bestowed wealth!
Without you wave would have no rippling
كمhow often أنعشhe revived منof ميّتthe dead وأتلفand destroyed حياthe living
كم أنعش من ميّت وأتلف حيا
كمhow often فرجhe relieved منof كربةdistress وحققand fulfilled آمالhopes
كم فرج من كربة وحقق آمال
How many dead he revived, and living he destroyed!
Without you spring would have no blossoms
How many distresses he relieved, and hopes he fulfilled!
Without you Shawwal would have no prestige
كمhow much أظهرhe revealed هدياguidance وكمand how much أبادhe eradicated ضلالاerror
كم أظهر هديا وكم أباد ضلالا
كمhow often نوّلhe rewarded منof صادقthe truthful وخيّبand disappointed محتالa schemer
كم نوّل من صادق وخيّب محتال
How much guidance he revealed, how much error he eradicated!
Without you there’d be no Garden or Fire
How many truthful people he rewarded, and schemers he disappointed!
Without you no Scrolls and no Reckoning
ياO أجملmost beautiful خلقform بداthat appeared وأحسنand finest خلقcharacter
يا أجمل خلق بدا وأحسن خلق
ياO أصبحbrightest وجهface أضاthat shone وافضحand most eloquent (apparent reading) قوّالspeaker
يا أصبح وجه أضا وافضح قوّال
O most beautiful form to appear, and finest character!
Without you there’d be no Plain of Gathering and Account
O brightest face that shone, and most eloquent speaker!
Without you no salvation or perdition
ياO أجودmost generous منof those whom سامةsought him (uncertain reading) الوجودexistence غناءfor sufficiency
يا أجود من سامة الوجود غناء
ياO أعبدmost devout منof those who صامfasted فيin الهجيرmidday heat ومنand those who صالcharged
يا أعبد من صام في الهجير ومن صال
O most generous of those whom existence sought for sufficiency!
Without you some would not say of witnessing
O most devout of those who fasted in midday heat and charged!
Guiding the lost, excellent deeds
ياO أجودmost generous كفّhand ويماand O (corrupt form) أجدّmost earnest جهادstriving
يا أجود كفّ ويما أجدّ جهاد
ياO أفتكdeadliest عضبsharp sword لذيfor those of الجلادcombat وعسالand quivering spear
يا أفتك عضب لذي الجلاد وعسال
O most generous hand, and most earnest striving!
Without you prayer in maturity would not be decreed
O deadliest sharp sword and quivering spear for combatants!
Fasting until night, alms from wealth
ياO أروعmost wondrous منof those who حققexamined الضلالerror برشدthrough guidance
يا أروع من حقق الضلال برشد
ياO أروعmost wondrous منof those who قالrested at noon فيin الظلالthe shade ومنand those who قالspoke
يا أروع من قال في الظلال ومن قال
O most wondrous of those who laid bare error through guidance!
Without you steeds would not race as pilgrims
O most wondrous of those who rested in shade and those who spoke!
Without you cameleers would not journey virtuously
ياO أعدلmost just منof those who حدprescribed للغصاةfor the disobedient حدوداpenalties
يا أعدل من حد للغصاة حدودا
ياO أفضلbest منof those who جادgave generously للعفاةto petitioners بأموالwealth
يا أفضل من جاد للعفاة بأموال
O most just of those who prescribed penalties for the disobedient!
Without you saddles would not sway in yearning
O best of those who gave wealth to petitioners!
Without you howdahs would not sway in procession
ياO أكملmost perfect منof those who قامupheld بالأوامرthe commands داعa caller
يا أكمل من قام بالأوامر داع
ياO اسملunclear epithet منof those who زاحremoved بالزواجرthrough admonitions عقّالfetters (uncertain form)
يا اسمل من زاح بالزواجر عقّال
O most perfect caller who upheld the commands!
Without you there would be no Kaaba or Station
O one of unclear epithet who removed fetters through admonitions!
Without you no pausing at Mash’ar or Mina
ياO خيرbest نبئprophet وياand O أتمmost complete رسولmessenger
يا خير نبئ ويا أتم رسول
ياO أطوعmost obedient عبدservant دعاwho called إلىto الملكthe Sovereign العالthe exalted
يا أطوع عبد دعا إلى الملك العال
O best prophet, O most complete messenger!
Without you there would be no Zamzam or Hateem
O most obedient servant who called to the exalted Sovereign!
Without you no passes or ruins
ياO خيرbest خليلintimate friend وياand O أجلmost august كليمone addressed
يا خير خليل ويا أجل كليم
ياO خيرbest حبيبbeloved رأىwho saw وخيرand best فتىyoung man قالwho spoke
يا خير حبيب رأى وخير فتى قال
O best intimate friend, O most august one addressed!
Without you there would be no Taibah or Baqee
O best beloved who saw, and best young man who spoke!
Without you no Ascent or Saee performed
ياO أشرفnoblest داعcaller أتىwho brought بأشرفthe noblest قولwords
يا أشرف داع أتى بأشرف قول
فيat أشرفthe noblest وقتtime دعاhe called لأشرفto the noblest أعمالdeeds
في أشرف وقت دعا لأشرف أعمال
O noblest caller who brought the noblest words,
Without you Yanbu’s spring would not flow
Calling at the noblest time to the noblest deeds!
Without you Bat-ha would not grow dense with vegetation
ماhow أعظمgreat اسماa name حييتهفyou honored it (corrupt form) بفخارwith glory
ما أعظم اسما حييتهف بفخار
ماhow أجملbeautiful فعلاa deed أبنتyou expressed عنهit بأقوالin words
ما أجمل فعلا أبنت عنه بأقوال
How great a name you honored with glory!
How felicitous the foot that strode to you
How beautiful a deed you expressed in words!
Complaining anxiety, to return laden with grace
ماhow أطيبfragrant إذwhen صاعdiffused (apparent reading) نثرthe scattering of طيبكyour perfume مسكاmusk
ما أطيب إذ صاع نثر طيبك مسكا
ماhow أصوبabundant in flowing إذwhen عادbecame غيثthe rain of جودكyour bounty هطالtorrential
ما أصوب إذ عاد غيث جودك هطال
How fragrant, when your scattered perfume spread musk!
How excellent Hassan praising, how sweet
How abundant, when the rain of your bounty became torrential!
His beauties speaking of you
ماhow أجملbeautiful ذاتاin being وماand how أتمّcomplete بهاءin splendor
ما أجمل ذاتا وما أتمّ بهاء
ماhow أحسنfine قولاin speech وماand how أميلحضunclear epithet أفعالdeeds
ما أحسن قولا وما أميلحض أفعال
How beautiful your being, how complete your splendor!
O most generous to whom is dedicated praise and reward
How fine your speech, and how [unclear] your deeds!
Bounty from hands encompassing first and last
ماhow أعجبwondrous إذthat كنتyou were منof تكونthose formed نوراas light
ما أعجب إذ كنت من تكون نورا
ماhow أغربstrange إنif صرتyou became منof تكونthose formed صلصالas sounding clay
ما أغرب إن صرت من تكون صلصال
How wondrous that you were formed as light!
What else for Ibn Khafaf besides praising you as haven
How strange that you became one formed from sounding clay!
O refuge for one fearing fetters to be imposed
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were باطناinwardly ملكياangelic
ها أنت وإن كنت باطنا ملكيا
صيّرتyou were made منof الأنسhumanity فيin مظاهرmanifestations of إكمالperfection
صيّرت من الأنس في مظاهر إكمال
Behold, though you were inwardly angelic,
It is unthinkable, after seeing you in a vision
You were made human in manifestations of perfection.
That I would be deprived of fortune’s robes in waking
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were قدalready ربيتbrought up فريداalone
ها أنت وإن كنت قد ربيت فريدا
كالدرlike a pearl علوتyou rose العلاto the heights وفزتand gained بغيصالwith something unclear
كالدر علوت العلا وفزت بغيصال
Behold, though you were brought up alone,
Or I would find death agony, my tongue
Like a pearl you rose to the heights and gained [unclear].
Moist with praising the order occupying thoughts
هاbehold أنتyou وإنعand although (corrupt form) كنتyou were قدalready رعيّتtending flocks صغيراwhen young
ها أنت وإنع كنت قد رعيّت صغيرا
كمhow many رعتyou awed كبيراgreat men وقدand already رعيتyou were tended بإجلالwith reverence
كم رعت كبيرا وقد رعيت بإجلال
Behold, though you tended flocks when young,
Or I would find the grave a pit of punishment
How many great men you awed, and were tended with reverence!
Unless you protected me, given my praising horrors
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were قدalready وطئتtreading تراباdust
ها أنت وإن كنت قد وطئت ترابا
صيرتyou were set بأعلىat the highest العلاheights تجررtrailing أذيالhems
صيرت بأعلى العلا تجرر أذيال
Behold, though you trod upon dust,
It suffices me as honor that praising you has been my preoccupation
You were set upon the highest heights, trailing your hems.
Night and day, while moving about and while traveling
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou لمdid not تخطwrite حروفاletters
ها أنت وإن كنت لم تخط حروفا
اوضحتyou clarified معانmeanings أزحنthat dispelled ظلمةthe darkness of الأشكالambiguity
اوضحت معان أزحن ظلمة الأشكال
Behold, though you did not write letters,
So bestow acceptance, for you are the most noble in judgment
You clarified meanings that dispelled ambiguity's darkness.
And favor me with gift, for you are most gracious in obligation
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were قدalready بعثتsent لخلقto creation
ها أنت وإن كنت قد بعثت لخلق
أزلفتyou were brought near بقربin closeness نطقتyou spoke فيهthere بإذلالwith humility
أزلفت بقرب نطقت فيه بإذلال
Behold, though you were sent to creation,
Of light, swift Kamil meter, equal in rhyme
You were brought close, speaking there with humility.
Its structure woven delicate coquetry
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were أخرجتكdriven out by قريشQuraysh
ها أنت وإن كنت أخرجتك قريش
أواكhe sheltered you بلطفgently كساكhe clothed you حلةin the robe of إفضالfavor
أواك بلطف كساك حلة إفضال
Behold, though Quraysh drove you out,
Adorned by softness of speech in most excellent arrangement
He sheltered you gently and clothed you in favor's robe.
In Jumada composing it night after night
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were قدalready رموكaccused by them بسحرof sorcery
ها أنت وإن كنت قد رموك بسحر
نزهتyou were declared pure وقدستand declared holy عنbeyond مقالةthe words of ضلالmisguidance
نزهت وقدست عن مقالة ضلال
Behold, though they accused you of sorcery,
Passing by the beauties of words, gathering speech nectar
You were declared pure and holy, beyond misguided words.
Of the year eight hundred after seventy years
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were قدalready سكنتresting وقاراin dignity
ها أنت وإن كنت قد سكنت وقارا
زلزلتyou shook جبالthe mountains of الخطوبadversities اعظمwith the greatest زلزالearthquake
زلزلت جبال الخطوب اعظم زلزال
Behold, though you rested in dignity,
Preceding it four, by which lines formed
You shook adversity's mountains with the greatest earthquake.
By God and God is the oath, true and solemn
هاbehold أنتyou وإنand although كنتyou were قدalready خصفتmending نعالاsandals
ها أنت وإن كنت قد خصفت نعالا
قدindeed دستyou trod بنعلwith a sandal بساطthe carpet of حضرةthe presence of إجلالmajesty
قد دست بنعل بساط حضرة إجلال
Behold, though you mended sandals,
By the leaves and tablets and psalms and Torah
You trod, shod, upon the carpet of the majestic presence.
And Gospel and Book and sending of messengers
ياO ذخرtreasure of أبيAbu بكرBakr الخليفةthe caliph حقاtruly
يا ذخر أبي بكر الخليفة حقا
ياO عزhonor of أبيAbu حفصHafs المفرقthe disperser of الأضلالerrors
يا عز أبي حفص المفرق الأضلال
O treasure of Abu Bakr, truly the caliph!
If being's waters entirely became ink
O honor of Abu Hafs, the disperser of errors!
The earth, spheres, and clouds scrolls
ياO فوزtriumph of أبيAbu عمر'Umar والمقرّبand the one brought near صهراas an in-law
يا فوز أبي عمر والمقرّب صهرا
ياO فخرglory of علي'Ali الفتىthe young man المعزّزthe honored فيamong الآلthe family
يا فخر علي الفتى المعزّز في الآل
O triumph of Abu 'Umar, brought near as an in-law!
Branches pens, and collectively creation
O glory of 'Ali, the young man honored among the family!
Writers recording fully
ياO سعدhappiness of سعيدSa'id الرضاthe favored المنولthe one granted أمناsafety
يا سعد سعيد الرضا المنول أمنا
ياO رفةelevation of (corrupt form) سعدSa'd العلاloftiness السعيدthe happy بأحوالin circumstances
يا رفة سعد العلا السعيد بأحوال
O happiness of favored Sa'id, granted safety!
The tenth would not be contained, nor ounce transcribed
O elevation of lofty Sa'd, happy in his circumstances!
Of some traits of the beloved, goal of hopes
ياO قرّةdelight of عينthe eye of الشجاعthe brave طلحةTalha لماwhen
يا قرّة عين الشجاع طلحة لما
نوديhe was called وجبتit is assured لاdo not تخافfear علقةthe entanglement of الأرحالsaddles
نودي وجبت لا تخاف علقة الأرحال
O delight of brave Talha's eye, when
Whom God lauded in the Book with praise
He was called: 'It is assured; fear not the saddles' entanglement.'
Beyond description by verse however prolonged
ياO فرحةjoy of قلبthe heart of الفتىthe young man الزبيرal-Zubayr وياand O منthe one who
يا فرحة قلب الفتى الزبير ويا من
أنجاهsaved him بلاwithout ريبdoubt منfrom مخاوفthe fears of أهوالterrors
أنجاه بلا ريب من مخاوف أهوال
O joy of young al-Zubayr's heart, O you who
Whom God purified, beyond encompassing by trait
Saved him, beyond doubt, from fearful terrors!
Whom God made great, beyond compare
ياO بشرgladness of فتىthe youth of عوف'Awf الأثيرthe favored غناءwith wealth
يا بشر فتى عوف الأثير غناء
ياO نجحsuccess of مغازيthe campaigns of أبيAbu عبيدة'Ubayda إذwhen جالhe ranged
يا نجح مغازي أبي عبيدة إذ جال
O gladness of the youth of 'Awf, favored with wealth!
Can vegetation and dust be limited afterward?
O success of Abu 'Ubayda's campaigns when he ranged!
Can droplets and clouds be measured by scale?
ياO بشرgladness of فتىthe youth of عوف'Awf الأثيرthe favored غناءwith wealth
يا بشر فتى عوف الأثير غناء
ياO نجحsuccess of مغازيthe campaigns of أبيAbu عبيدة'Ubayda إذwhen جالhe ranged
يا نجح مغازي أبي عبيدة إذ جال
O gladness of the youth of 'Awf, favored with wealth!
Can battles contain
O success of Abu 'Ubayda's campaigns when he ranged!
Can earth and heaven be weighed precisely?
ياO نصرةaid of الأصحابthe companions ياO عناءconcern of عفاةpetitioners
يا نصرة الأصحاب يا عناء عفاة
ياO عمدةmainstay of الأتباعthe followers ياO خلاصةessence of الأعمالdeeds
يا عمدة الأتباع يا خلاصة الأعمال
O aid of the companions, O concern of petitioners!
Tremendous is the matter, how not for its circle
O mainstay of followers, O essence of deeds!
The Mighty Orbit encompassing forms
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للوجودfor existence مثالa likeness
لولاك لما كان للوجود مثال
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للعوالمfor the worlds أشكالforms
لولاك لما كان للعوالم أشكال
Had it not been for you, existence would have had no likeness.
O of Majestic Dominion and Highest Kingdom
Had it not been for you, the worlds would have had no forms.
Enoble that it be asked: where and what is the state?
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للغياهبfor the depths دجنdarkness
لولاك لما كان للغياهب دجن
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للأشعةfor the rays إشعالblazing
لولاك لما كان للأشعة إشعال
Had it not been for you, the depths would have had no darkness.
O He who created earth and heaven and gave insight
Had it not been for you, rays would not have blazed.
To breaths and quenched thirst and guided the lost
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للبروقfor lightning بروقflashing
لولاك لما كان للبروق بروق
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للسحائبfor the clouds إرسالsending forth
لولاك لما كان للسحائب إرسال
Had it not been for you, lightning would not have flashed.
None other do I hope for, none other do I fear
Had it not been for you, clouds would not have been sent forth.
None other do I call upon, none for me suffices
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للنجومfor the stars نجومrising
لولاك لما كان للنجوم نجوم
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been للأهلّةfor the crescents إهلالappearing
لولاك لما كان للأهلّة إهلال
Had it not been for you, the stars would not have risen.
So accept praise I have composed for your beloved and favor
Had it not been for you, crescents would not have appeared.
With pardon, beneficence, acceptance, and welcome
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been نيرa luminary وظلامand darkness
لولاك لما كان نير وظلام
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانتhave been البكورmornings والآصالand evenings
لولاك لما كانت البكور والآصال
Had it not been for you, there would have been no luminary or darkness.
And bless my parents with bliss
Had it not been for you, there would have been no mornings or evenings.
And benefit my elders and Muslims through gifts
لولاكwithout you لماwould not طارتhave flown الطيورthe birds بأفقacross a horizon
لولاك لما طارت الطيور بأفق
لولاكwithout you لماwould not جابتhave crossed السباسبthe plains أشبالlion cubs
لولاك لما جابت السباسب أشبال
Had it not been for you, birds would not have flown across a horizon.
And single out for special prayer and mercy and peace
Had it not been for you, lion cubs would not have crossed the plains.
The Jurist Imam’s grave, prepared for horrors
لولاكwithout you لماwould not زانتhave adorned السماءthe sky نجومstars
لولاك لما زانت السماء نجوم
لولاكwithout you لماwould not أرسلتhave sent forth البسيطةthe earth أجبالmountains
لولاك لما أرسلت البسيطة أجبال
Had it not been for you, stars would not have adorned the sky.
And caress in pleasure Jadd during prostration’s bowing
Had it not been for you, the earth would not have sent forth mountains.
For kinsfolk, followers, and family
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been فيin البحارthe seas لآلpearls
لولاك لما كان في البحار لآل
لولاكwithout you لماwould not آلhave appeared فيin مهامهdeserts الآلthe mirage
لولاك لما آل في مهامه الآل
Had it not been for you, there would have been no pearls in the seas.
Never has a lover said, when shunned by the beloved:
Had it not been for you, no mirage would have shimmered across deserts.
O chain of sands, roamed by imagination
لولاكwithout you لماwould not عزhave been honored فيamong الشهورthe months ربيعRabi'
لولاك لما عز في الشهور ربيع
لولاكwithout you لماwould not هلhave dawned بالكرامةwith dignity شوالShawwal
لولاك لما هل بالكرامة شوال
Had it not been for you, Rabi' would not have been honored among the months.
Or circumambulated daybreak, singing:
Had it not been for you, Shawwal would not have dawned with dignity.
O friend of crown, necklace, and mole
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانتhave been جنةparadise وجحيمand hell
لولاك لما كانت جنة وجحيم
لولاكwithout you لماwould not خطّhave been inscribed فيon الصحائفthe pages أعمالdeeds
لولاك لما خطّ في الصحائف أعمال
Had it not been for you, there would have been no paradise or hell.
O friend of the crown, necklace, and mole
Had it not been for you, deeds would not have been inscribed on pages.
Who has made speechless with a mole on his cheek, and whose temple is adorned with a mole
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been موقفa standing وحسابand reckoning
لولاك لما كان موقف وحساب
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانتhave been النجاةdeliverance والأوحالand mires
لولاك لما كانت النجاة والأوحال
Had it not been for you, there would have been no standing or reckoning.
Either you have created the morning as a measure
Had it not been for you, there would have been no deliverance or mires.
By making apparent the forms, wherever forms divide
لولاكwithout you لماwould not قالhave professed بالشهادةthe testimony قومa people
لولاك لما قال بالشهادة قوم
قادواthey led بزمامby the reins of الهدىguidance نجائبthe noble mounts of أفعالdeeds
قادوا بزمام الهدى نجائب أفعال
Had it not been for you, no people would have professed the testimony,
Or gather on your cheek's horizon a sun
Leading noble mounts of deeds by guidance's reins.
Or make your mouth's chalice to brim with honey
لولاكwithout you لماwould not أوجبhave made obligatory الصلاةprayer بلوغmaturity
لولاك لما أوجب الصلاة بلوغ
والصومand fasting إلىuntil الليلnight والزكاةand alms منfrom المالwealth
والصوم إلى الليل والزكاة من المال
Had it not been for you, maturity would not have made prayer obligatory,
If you adorned gardens and your two cheeks with a mole
Nor fasting until night, nor alms from one's wealth.
Like Scorpio in its sting, resolute
لولاكwithout you لماwould not أعملhave put to work الجيادthe steeds حجيجpilgrims
لولاك لما أعمل الجياد حجيج
لولاكwithout you لماwould not ساقتhave driven الحداةthe camel-drivers بأجمالcamels
لولاك لما ساقت الحداة بأجمال
Had it not been for you, pilgrims would not have set steeds to work.
Or created in the mouth a flowing pearl
Had it not been for you, camel-drivers would not have driven camels.
And pearls in our time are not to be chained
لولاكwithout you لماwould not هفتhave swayed المحاملthe litters شوقاwith longing
لولاك لما هفت المحامل شوقا
لولاكwithout you لماwould not أرقلhave hurried الأباعرthe camels إرقالa hurried gait
لولاك لما أرقل الأباعر إرقال
Had it not been for you, litters would not have swayed with longing.
Or strung my eyebrows’ bow with magic
Had it not been for you, camels would not have hurried on.
Or over my arrow placed your eyelashes to slay
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been كعبةthe Kaaba ومقامand the Maqam
لولاك لما كان كعبة ومقام
لولاكwithout you لماwould not حطhave been set down فيat المحصبal-Muhassab أحمالloads
لولاك لما حط في المحصب أحمال
Had it not been for you, there would have been no Kaaba or Maqam.
Or unleashed your charm as a sword from the eyelids
Had it not been for you, loads would not have been set down at al-Muhassab.
Or moved for war from the hair a spear
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been زمزمZamzam وحطيمand Hatim
لولاك لما كان زمزم وحطيم
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانتhave been الشعابmountain passes والأطلالand ruins
لولاك لما كانت الشعاب والأطلال
Had it not been for you, there would have been no Zamzam or Hatim.
Or made for your charm the breast’s prominence a spearhead
Had it not been for you, there would have been no mountain passes or ruins.
Or stood for stabbing the thigh’s spear once it leaned
لولاكwithout you لماwould not كانhave been طيبةTayba وبقيعand Baqi'
لولاك لما كان طيبة وبقيع
لولاكwithout you لماwould not أذهبhave departed (uncertain form) المعرجal-Mu'arrij (unclear referent) أوor جالroamed
لولاك لما أذهب المعرج أو جال
Had it not been for you, there would have been no Tayba or Baqi'.
I would sacrifice for you a passion whose heart is like an oryx
Had it not been for you, al-Mu'arrij would not have departed or roamed.
Enticing with the coquetry of a gazelle and boldness of cubs
لولاكwithout you لماwould not أنبعhave gushed الينَبعYanbu' ماءwater
لولاك لما أنبع الينَبع ماء
لولاكwithout you لماwould not أعشبhave grown vegetation البطيحal-Batih بالضالwith wild lote trees
لولاك لما أعشب البطيح بالضال
Had it not been for you, Yanbu' would not have gushed water.
The shine of morning radiance on the chest of your form
Had it not been for you, al-Batih would not have grown wild lote trees.
Slender waist, affectionate manner, playful bosom, lazy gait
ماhow أسعدfortunate كعبa foot سعىhastened بهon it لكto you كعبKa'b
ما أسعد كعب سعى به لك كعب
يشكوcomplaining of غمراتhardships فعادthen returned منكfrom you بأفضالwith favors
يشكو غمرات فعاد منك بأفضال
How fortunate the foot on which Ka'b hastened to you,
O you who pleases a loved one and whose crescent forehead
Complaining of hardships, then returning with your favors!
Makes perfect your straight stature and robes of perfection
ماhow أحسنfine حسانHassan فيin المدحpraise وأحلىand how sweet
ما أحسن حسان في المدح وأحلى
ماwhat حسنهhe adorned فيكabout you محاسنthe beauties of أقوالwords
ما حسنه فيك محاسن أقوال
How fine Hassan was in praise, and how sweet
You whom God made before any existence
The beautiful words he fashioned in your honor!
Of light of beauty and rays of majesty
ياO أكرمmost generous منof those who خصwere singled out بالمديحfor praise وجازىand repaid
يا أكرم من خص بالمديح وجازى
فضلاgraciously بأيادwith favors تعمencompassing الأولthe first والتالand the last
فضلا بأياد تعم الأول والتال
O most generous of those singled out for praise, who repaid
You who were and Adam and dust were not
Graciously with favors encompassing the first and the last!
You who became when between water and clay
ماnot لابنfor Ibn خلوفKhalluf سوىexcept مديحكyour praise أمنsafety
ما لابن خلوف سوى مديحك أمن
ياO مأمنrefuge of منwhoever خافfears أنthat يقلدhe be bound بأغلالwith fetters
يا مأمن من خاف أن يقلد بأغلال
Ibn Khalluf has no safety except in praising you,
Who on the Day of Gathering beneath your banner
O refuge of whoever fears being bound in fetters!
Shall convene sheikh and father, prophets and messengers
حاشاكfar be it from you وقدwhile already جدتyou bestowed فيin المنامsleep برحبwelcome
حاشاك وقد جدت في المنام برحب
أنthat اسلبI be stripped فيin يقظةwakefulness ملابسof the garments of إقبالfavor
أن اسلب في يقظة ملابس إقبال
Far be it from you, after granting me welcome in sleep,
Whom Adam took as intercessor and was pardoned
That I should be stripped, while awake, of favor's garments;
Whom you clothed Sheeth in the cloak of grace
أوor أنthat أجدI find الموتdeath شدةharshness ولسانيwhile my tongue
أو أن أجد الموت شدة ولساني
رطباis moist بمديحwith praise نظامهwhose composing شغلoccupies البالthe mind
رطبا بمديح نظامه شغل البال
Or find death harsh while my tongue
Idris exalted by your majesty ascended
Is moist with praise whose composing occupies my mind;
Enveloped in dignity and adorned with perfection
أوor أنthat أجدI find القبرthe grave حفرةa pit لعذابfor torment
أو أن أجد القبر حفرة لعذاب
وألاand that not منhe who وقانيprotected me لأجلfor the sake of مدحكyour praise الأهوالfrom terrors
وألا من وقاني لأجل مدحك الأهوال
Or find the grave a pit of torment,
Through whom Noah attained safety on the ship
And that he who shielded me from horrors for praising you should not [text unclear].
Whom you favored Saleh by righteous deeds
حسبيenough for me شرفاas honor أنthat جعلتI made مدحكyour praise شغليmy occupation
حسبي شرفا أن جعلت مدحك شغلي
ليلاby night ونهاراand by day وفيand in مقامresidence وترحالand travel
ليلا ونهارا وفي مقام وترحال
It is honor enough that I made praising you my occupation,
Through whom Hud became mighty among the tribes of Aad
By night and day, at home and on journeys.
Through whom Lot battled the abhorrent hordes
فانعمso bestow بقبولacceptance فأنتfor you are أشرفnoblest قدراin rank
فانعم بقبول فأنت أشرف قدرا
وأمننand grant بنوالa gift فأنتfor you are أكرمmost generous مفضالa benefactor
وأمنن بنوال فأنت أكرم مفضال
Bestow acceptance, for you are noblest in rank;
Who made for Abraham the cursed fire
Grant a gift, for you are the most generous benefactor.
Coolness and peace, and multiplied his graces
هاbehold قدindeed نظمcomposed العبدthe servant فيon علاكyour loftiness قصيداa poem
ها قد نظم العبد في علاك قصيدا
منfrom بحرa poetic meter خفيفkhafif خزامةa nose-ring عددthe number of الدالthe letter dal
من بحر خفيف خزامة عدد الدال
Behold, the servant has composed a poem on your loftiness,
Who ordained the slaughter’s sacrifice for the immolated ram
In the khafif meter; its nose-ring is the number of dal.
Who made Ishmael chosen in the wilderness
حيكتwas woven ببنانby the fingertips of الثناpraise رقيقةdelicate غزلlove-song
حيكت ببنان الثنا رقيقة غزل
زينتwas adorned بلالwith pearls (apparent reading) السناof radiance علىupon أشرفthe noblest منوالloom
زينت بلال السنا على أشرف منوال
Woven by praise's fingertips, a delicate thread of love-song,
Who returned Joseph to Jacob through prayer
Adorned with pearls of radiance upon the noblest loom.
He guaranteed his name, so it was answered swiftly
فيin شهرthe month of جماديJumada نظمتهاI composed it لليالduring nights
في شهر جمادي نظمتها لليال
مرتthat passed ببناتwith daughters of الحلىadornment تعسلturning to honey أقوالwords
مرت ببنات الحلى تعسل أقوال
In the month of Jumada I composed it, during nights
Who singled out Joseph in the well with beauty
That passed with daughters of adornment, words turning to honey.
Without him, events would not be in truth occur
منin عامa year of ثمانeight منof الميينthe hundreds (corrupt form) تليهاfollowed by
من عام ثمان من الميين تليها
سبعونseventy يليfollowing أرباfour (apparent reading) بهاin it انتظمwas composed القالthe utterance
سبعون يلي أربا بها انتظم القال
In a year of eight hundreds, followed by
Who bestowed on the Israelite tribes through his guidance blessings
Seventy following four; therein the verses were composed.
The abundant good derived from them are branches
تاللهby God وباللهand by God والإلهand by the Deity يميناan oath
تالله وبالله والإله يمينا
براfaithfully قسماa swearing جلtoo exalted أنto يشابbe tainted بإخلالwith breach
برا قسما جل أن يشاب بإخلال
By God, by God, and by the Deity, an oath—
Who graced Shuaib thereby wit and pride
A faithful swearing, too exalted to be tainted with breach.
When he empowered Moses for the Madian girl
والصحفand by the scriptures والألواحand the tablets والزبورand the Psalms وماand what فيis in التوراةthe Torah
والصحف والألواح والزبور وما في التوراة
والإنجيلand the Gospel والكتابand the Book والارسالand the messengers
والإنجيل والكتاب والارسال
By the scriptures, tablets, Psalms, and what is in the Torah,
Who aided Moses to battle the Jews, leaving
The Gospel, the Book, and the messengers:
Their faces like monkeys and their forms like swine
لوif أنindeed مياهthe waters of الوجودexistence أجمعall حبرwere ink
لو أن مياه الوجود أجمع حبر
والأرضand the earth والأفلاكand the celestial spheres والسحائبand the clouds أوor (possibly a split word) كالunclear
والأرض والأفلاك والسحائب أو كال
If all existence's waters were ink,
Who clarified for Aaron the traits of the Scripture
And earth, the spheres, and clouds were [unclear],
Stopping the sun at zenith for Joshua's blades
والأغصنand branches أقلامwere pens والخلائقand creatures جمعاall together
والأغصن أقلام والخلائق جمعا
كتابwere scribes مدىthroughout الدهرtime يكتبونwriting بإجمالin summary
كتاب مدى الدهر يكتبون بإجمال
And branches were pens, and all creatures
Who prepared for Alexander, whom knowledge made lofty
Were scribes writing throughout time in summary,
Who favored the King of Nations thereby with power
ماnot ينضبطcould be reckoned العشرa tenth أوor يحررbe recorded نزرa scant portion
ما ينضبط العشر أو يحرر نزر
منof بعضsome صفاتattributes of الحبيبthe Beloved مطمحthe aim of الآمالhopes
من بعض صفات الحبيب مطمح الآمال
Not a tenth could be reckoned, nor a scant portion recorded
Who honored Luqman when He gave him in secret life
Of some attributes of the Beloved, the aim of hopes.
Who rescued Job from the severing of limbs
منthe one whom خصصهdistinguished him اللهGod فيin الكتابthe Book بمدحwith praise
من خصصه الله في الكتاب بمدح
لاnot يحصرهcan encompass him الوصفdescription فيin القريضverse وإنeven if طالit is long
لا يحصره الوصف في القريض وإن طال
He whom God distinguished with praise in the Book
Who made Elias soar
Cannot be encompassed by description in verse, however long.
منthe one whom نزّههdeclared pure اللهGod لاnot يحاطcan be encompassed بوصفby description
من نزّهه الله لا يحاط بوصف
منthe one whom عظمهmagnified اللهGod لاnot يقاسcan be compared بأمثالwith peers
من عظمه الله لا يقاس بأمثال
He whom God declared pure cannot be encompassed by description;
He whom God magnified cannot be measured against peers.
هلcan ينحصرbe encompassed النبتplants والترابand dust بعدby counting
هل ينحصر النبت والتراب بعد
هلcan ينضبطbe reckoned القطرrain والسحابand clouds بمكيالwith a measure
هل ينضبط القطر والسحاب بمكيال
Can plants and dust be encompassed by counting?
Can rain and clouds be reckoned with a measure?
هلcan يحصرbe encompassed فيin الحربwar
هل يحصر في الحرب
هلcan تتزّنbe weighed الأرضthe earth والسماءand the sky بمثقالwith a weight
هل تتزّن الأرض والسماء بمثقال
Can it be encompassed in war?
Can earth and sky be weighed with a weight?
الأمرthe matter عظيمis immense وكيفand how لاnot بطهthrough Taha
الأمر عظيم وكيف لا بطه
دارrevolved الفلكthe celestial sphere الأطلسthe smooth, starless المحيطenclosing بالاشكالthe forms
دار الفلك الأطلس المحيط بالاشكال
The matter is immense—and how could it not be? Through Taha
The smooth, starless sphere enclosing all forms revolved.
ياO ذاPossessor of الجبروتpower العظيمthe mighty والملكوتand dominion العاليthe lofty
يا ذا الجبروت العظيم والملكوت العالي
شرفاin exaltation أنthat يقالbe asked أينwhere وماand what الحالthe condition
شرفا أن يقال أين وما الحال
O Possessor of mighty power and lofty dominion,
Too exalted for anyone to ask, 'Where, and in what condition?'
ياO منYou who خلقcreated الأرضthe earth والسماءand the sky وأبرىand brought into being
يا من خلق الأرض والسماء وأبرى
الأنفاسbreaths وأروىand quenched منfrom الظماthirst وهدىand guided الضالthe astray
الأنفاس وأروى من الظما وهدى الضال
O You who created earth and sky, and brought into being
Breaths, quenched thirst, and guided the astray!
ماnot غيركanyone but You أرجوI hope for وليسand not غيركanyone but You أخشىI fear
ما غيرك أرجو وليس غيرك أخشى
ماnot غيركanyone but You أدعوI invoke وليسand not غيركanyone but You ليfor me كالa guardian
ما غيرك أدعو وليس غيرك لي كال
None but You do I hope for, and none but You do I fear.
None but You do I invoke, and none but You guards me.
فاقبلso accept مدحاpraise صغتI fashioned فيabout حبيبكYour beloved وامننand grant
فاقبل مدحا صغت في حبيبك وامنن
بالعفوpardon والإحسانand kindness والقبولand acceptance والإقبالand favor
بالعفو والإحسان والقبول والإقبال
Accept the praise I fashioned of Your beloved, and grant
Pardon, kindness, acceptance, and favor.
وأنعمand bestow بنعيمbliss لوالديupon my parents ومتعand enrich
وأنعم بنعيم لوالدي ومتع
أشياخيmy teachers والمسلمينand the Muslims منكfrom You بأفضالwith favors
أشياخي والمسلمين منك بأفضال
Bestow bliss upon my parents, and enrich
My teachers and the Muslims with Your favors.
واخصصand distinguish بصلاةwith blessings ورحمةand mercy وسلامand peace
واخصص بصلاة ورحمة وسلام
قبرthe grave of العلمthe guiding one الشافعthe intercessor المعدthe one prepared للأهوالagainst terrors
قبر العلم الشافع المعد للأهوال
Distinguish with blessings, mercy, and peace
The grave of the guiding one, the intercessor prepared against terrors.
واعطفand turn favorably برضاءwith approval وجدand lavish بسحبclouds of صلاةblessings
واعطف برضاء وجد بسحب صلاة
للصحبupon the companions والأتباعand the followers والقرابةand the relatives والآلand the family
للصحب والأتباع والقرابة والآل
Turn favorably, and lavish clouds of blessings
Upon the companions, followers, relatives, and family,
ماas long as قالsays محبa lover وقدwhile already جفاهhas shunned him حبيبa beloved
ما قال محب وقد جفاه حبيب
ياO سلسلةchain of الرملsand منfrom لوالبهits coils الخالthe mole
يا سلسلة الرمل من لوالبه الخال
As long as a lover, whom a beloved has shunned, says:
'O chain of sand—[unclear phrase about its coils and the mole].'
أوor طافcircumambulates مشروقa longing one (apparent reading) بكعبةthe Kaaba وتغنّىand sings
أو طاف مشروق بكعبة وتغنّى
ياO صاحبwearer of التاجthe crown والمقلدand the necklace والخالand the mole
يا صاحب التاج والمقلد والخال
Or a longing one circles the Kaaba and sings:
'O wearer of the crown, the necklace, and the mole!'
Partial English translation: 331 of 358 Arabic lines translated.
Sol 6.1