هبت رياح الشوق بين الأضلع

فجرت بأفق الخد سحب الأدمع

The winds of longing blew between my ribs,

and clouds of tears flowed across my cheek's horizon.

وتبلجت أسحار طرفي إذ أتت

آمال قلبي بالبروق اللمع

The dawns of my eyes grew bright when

my heart's hopes came with flashing lightning.

ونمت غصون الشوق في روض الحشا

وحنت على كبدي حنو المرضع

Branches of longing grew in my heart's garden

and bent over my liver like a nursing mother.

وعصى التجلد مهجتي وأطاعها

قلق جزعت له وان لم أجزع

Fortitude disobeyed my soul, while it was obeyed by

anxiety that distressed me, though I did not despair.

وفشا سقامي ما كتمت من الأسى

وخفيت حتى لا أرى في مضجع

My sickness disclosed the sorrow I concealed,

and I dwindled until unseen upon my bed.

وتعرت قدم الكرى لما مشت

في ذيل جفن بالسهاد مرقع

Sleep's foot was stripped bare when it walked

upon an eyelid's hem, patched with sleeplessness.

ووصلت صوم صبابتي عن سلوة

وهجعت للبلوى وإن لم أهجع

I prolonged my passion's fast from consolation

and lay still before affliction, though I did not sleep.

في ليلة رقم الظلام رداءها

بمنوّر من زهره ومنوّع

In a night whose robe darkness embroidered

with bright and varied blossoms of its own,

حيث الهلال تدب عقربّه إلى

وادي مجرته اللذيذ المكرع

where the crescent's scorpion creeps toward

its Milky Way's valley, sweet to drink from,

وترى الثريا عقد در والدجى

زنجية وافت بجيد أتلع

you see the Pleiades as a pearl necklace, and darkness

as a black woman arriving with a graceful neck.

والفرقدان يريك لمع سناهما

في الدجن عيني ليت غاب أدرع

The two Farqad stars show their gleaming radiance

through darkness like the eyes of a dusky woodland lion.

والشهب في الآفاق تحسب أنها

رقط الأفاعي في وهاد بلقع

You imagine the stars across the horizons

to be speckled serpents in barren hollows.

ناومت فيها قطبها ومدامتي

دمعي ونقلي حسرتي وتفجّعي

There I vied in sleeplessness with its pole star; my wine

was my tears, my refreshments my regret and anguish,

حتى نضت كف الصباح مهندا

ضربت به عنق الظلام الأسفع

until morning's hand unsheathed an Indian sword

and struck with it the neck of swarthy darkness.

وأبانت الشمس المنيرة وجهها

من تحت غيم شف شف البرقع

The shining sun revealed her face

beneath a cloud as sheer as a veil.

فالشمس بين تبرج وتستر

والغيم بين تراكم وتقشّع

The sun alternated between display and concealment,

the clouds between gathering and dispersing,

والجو بين مزجّح ومنيّل

والروض بين مدبّج وموشع

the air between glazed brightness and indigo,

the garden between embroidery and patterned color,

والنهر بين ممرد ومزرد

والزهر بين منمق ومرصع

the river between smoothness and coats of mail,

the blossoms between ornament and jeweled settings,

والغصن بين موشح ومقلد

والدوح بين مسربل وملفع

the branch between a sash and a necklace,

the great trees between robes and mantles,

والريح بين مشّبب ومزمّر

والطير بين مغرد وموجع

the wind between piping and flute-playing,

the birds between singing and lamenting.

في روضة وشى الربيع ربوعها

بمورد ومعصفر ومجزّع

In a garden whose grounds spring embroidered

with rose-red, saffron-yellow, and variegated colors,

ورقا خطيب الطير منبر أيكه

يلقى إلى الأسماع أنه موجع

the birds' preacher ascended his grove's pulpit

and proclaimed to listening ears that he was anguished.

وتبسّم النوار إذ رفع الشذى

عطفا عليه فقل بعطف الموضع

The blossoms smiled when fragrance raised

a branch over them: speak of its inclination.

واجزم بحر جداول قد سوغت

رفع الغصون على انتصاب أرفع

Affirm a sea of streams that have permitted

the branches to rise into loftier uprightness.

واعلم بأن البيد شقة حائك

فدع المطي تشقها بالأذرع

Know that the deserts are a weaver's cloth;

let the mounts traverse it with their forelegs.

وغذا حللت بمنزل بغنائه

أنخ المطيّ وقف بباب المربع

And when you alight at a dwelling, in its precinct,

make the mounts kneel and stand at the encampment's gate.

وافتق كمام الهم عن زهر الهنا

والثم بثغر الدمع خد الأربع

Open sorrow's buds to reveal joy's flowers

and kiss the encampments' cheek with tears' lips.

واختم بوقع اللثم ما ضم الثرى

من مهجة صرعت بذاك المصرع

Seal with the touch of kisses what the earth embraced:

a soul struck down at that place of falling.

واقر السلام أحبة قد خيموا

في خير مرتاع وأخصب مربع

Convey peace to beloved ones who have camped

in the finest pasture and most fertile abode.

وصف اكتآبي واغتلاق حشاشتي

وذهاب صبري وازدياد تولعي

Describe my despondency and my heart's imprisonment,

my patience's departure and my growing infatuation.

واستبق ويل الدمع من جفني وقل

يا جفن جد بالدمع وافعل وامنع

Hasten the tears' woe from my eyelids, and say:

'O eyelid, give generously of tears; act and withhold.'

واسأل هذار الحي عني وادعه

هذا مقام القول قم قل وأدع

Ask the tribe's chatterer about me and summon him:

'This is the place for speech: rise, speak, and call.'

وانشد فؤاد ظل في تيه الحمى

لما اهتدى بسنا البدور الطلع

Seek a heart lost in the sanctuary's wilderness

when it followed the radiance of rising full moons.

وحذار ثم حذار من جزع اللوا

فظباؤه ترعى بواد مسبع

Beware, then beware, of Liwa's valley,

for its gazelles graze in a valley full of beasts.

غيد بغور حشاشتي قد اتهموا

إذ أنجدوا بالمنحنى من أضلع

Slender ones descended into the lowlands of my heart

when they rose to the uplands at my ribs' bend.

لا يشرعون من الجفون لحربنا

ومن الخدود سوى الطوال الشرع

For battle against us, they level from their eyelids

and cheeks only long, outstretched lances.

نظموا المحاسن فاغتدوا كالزهر بي

ن مرصع والزهر بين مرصع

They arrayed their charms and became like blossoms among

jewels, with blossoms among jewels.

أرخوا ذوائبهم وأبدوا أوجها

تمّت بما أخفاه غيم البرقع

They loosened their tresses and revealed faces

perfected by what the cloudlike veil concealed.

من كل باسمة بثغر لو بدا

للصبح لم تبرزه أيدي المطلع

Each smiling maiden has lips which, were they shown

to morning, the hands of sunrise would not bring it forth.

أو غازلت طرف الغزالة في الضحى

لهوت إليها من محل أرفع

Or, if she flirted with the sun's eye at forenoon,

it would fall toward her from its loftier station.

أو ضاحكت ثغر الأقاحة في الربا

لم يزه أفق بالنجوم اللمع

Or, if she smiled at the daisy's mouth upon the hills,

no horizon would shine with glittering stars.

أو ما يست عطف الأراكة في النقا

لشدت بها ورق الغصون الينع

Or, if she swayed against the arak's branch upon the sands,

the doves of flourishing branches would sing of her.

أو قيدت قلبي فإن تخلّصي

بمديح أحمد عمدة المتشّفع

Or, if she chained my heart, my release would be

through praising Ahmad, the intercessor's mainstay:

الفاتح الهادي الرسول المصطفى

الخاتم الماحي الهمام الأشجع

the opener, guide, messenger, chosen one,

the seal, effacer, resolute and bravest one,

القائم الداعي الإمام المرتضى

الصادق الوافي الأمين الأروع

the steadfast caller, the approved imam,

the truthful, faithful, trustworthy, magnificent one,

الحاسر العبد الشكور المحتبي

العاقب الليث الهصور الأروع

the bareheaded, grateful servant, seated with knees drawn up,

the last prophet, the mighty, crushing, magnificent lion,

غيث المواهب غوث ملهوف الحشا

ليث الكتائب معقل المتمنع

rain of gifts, succor of the anguished heart,

lion of armies, stronghold of those seeking protection,

عون اليتامى جير مفقود الحجى

كهف الأرامل ملجأ المتضعضع

helper of orphans, protector of those bereft of understanding,

refuge of widows, shelter of the faltering,

زاهي الجبين أزج أبلج أشنب

عبل الذراع طويل متن الأصبع

bright-browed, fine-browed, radiant, sweet-toothed,

thick-armed, with long fingers,

ضخم الكرادس أدغج العينين

أقنى الأنف رحب الصدر فخم الأضلع

large-jointed, dark-eyed,

aquiline-nosed, broad-chested, mighty-ribbed,

رجل العقيقة أخمص القدمين شتن

الكف سهل الخد حلو المنزع

wavy-haired, hollow-soled, broad-

palmed, smooth-cheeked, sweet in disposition,

ذو الحلة الخضراء تحت اللمة السو

داء فوق الواضح المتشعشع

wearing a green robe beneath black

tresses, above a clear, radiant face.

علم تراءى في المعالي نعته

والشمس لا تخفى لفرط تشعشع

An eminent figure whose description shines in lofty realms;

the sun cannot hide, so abundant is its radiance.

محمد بن عبد الله من سن الشجا

عة والسخاء لغالب ومجمع

Muhammad son of Abd Allah, who established valor

and generosity for Ghalib and Mujammi',

من نسل فياض ابن هاشم ذي العلا

نجل المغيرة نجل نجد مجمع

from the offspring of Fayyad, son of exalted Hashim,

offspring of al-Mughira, offspring of a valiant gatherer.

أحيا كلاب به مآثر مرة

عن فخر كعب عن لوي الأشجع

Through him Kilab revived Murra's glorious deeds,

from Ka'b's pride, from courageous Lu'ayy,

عن غالب عن فهرهم عن مالك

عن نظرهم دعوى كنانة إذوع

from Ghalib, from their Fihr, from Malik,

from their Nadr—Kinana's widely proclaimed claim—

بشرى خزيمة نسل مدركة

ابن إلياس إلهمام الأروع المتروع

Khuzayma's glad tidings, the offspring of Mudrika,

son of Ilyas, the bold, magnificent, awe-inspiring.

ذي المكرمات به ارتقى مضر على

هام السماك إلى نزار الأبرع

Possessor of noble deeds, through him Mudar rose above

Simak's summit, to Nizar, the most accomplished,

الأبرع ابن معد من عدنان في

نسب مكررة يلذّ لمسمع

the most accomplished son of Ma'add, from Adnan, in

a lineage whose repeated telling delights the ear.

نجل الذبيح ابن الخليل المرتضى

من نسل نوح نسل إدريس التبع

Offspring of the sacrificial son, son of the approved Friend,

from Nuh's offspring, offspring of Idris, the followed one,

من انتمى نسبا لشيت المجتبي

الأحسن الصفة الكريم المضجع

whose lineage belongs to chosen Shith,

fairest in qualities, noble in resting place.

فهو ابن آدم في البسيطة رتبة

وأبوه نورا في العلا المترفع

He is Adam's son in earthly rank,

yet, as light in exalted heights, he is his father.

أنبت به التوراة والإنجيل

والفرقان مع آي الزبور المبدع

The Torah and the Gospel foretold him,

and the Criterion, with the wondrous Psalms' verses.

والجن الكهان أبدوا وصفة

بفصيح ألفاظ وعها من يعي

The soothsaying jinn revealed his description

in eloquent words grasped by those who understand.

ويبعثه الأصنام قد ما بشرت

ولبعثه خرّت كقوم صرع

The idols foretold his mission long ago,

and at his mission fell like people struck down.

ولأجل مولده السماء تزينت

وهوت كواعبها كطير وقع

For his birth the sky adorned itself,

and its maidens descended like alighting birds.

وقضت أشعتها على جن غدا

للسمع مسترقا بخرق المسمع

Its rays destroyed jinn who came

to steal a hearing through a breach for listening.

وبنوره الوضاح أمنة رأت

أعلام بصري كالبروق اللمع

Through his brilliant light Amina saw

Busra's landmarks like flashing lightning.

وله أنطقت نيران فارس مثلما

غاضت بحيرتها كأن لم تنبع

For him Persia's fires were made to speak, just as

its lake subsided as though it had never sprung forth.

وتساقطت شرفات كسرى عندما

أحنت عليه سماء زهر طلع

Kisra's battlements fell when

a sky of rising stars bent tenderly over him.

وبه النجاشي اهتدى فأناله

ما لم ينله التبع ابن التبع

Through him al-Najashi was guided, and he granted him

what Tubba', son of Tubba', did not attain.

ودعا حليمة سعدها لإرضاعه

فيه غدت تدعى بأشرف مرضع

Halima's good fortune called her to nurse him;

through him she became known as the noblest nurse.

ولحكمة شق الملائك قلبه

وحشوّه معرفة بسر أبدع

For a wise purpose the angels opened his heart

and filled it with knowledge through a wondrous secret.

طلق جواد ما احتبى في مربع

إلا وأصبح غيث ذاك المربع

Cheerful and generous, he never sat in an abode

without becoming that abode's nourishing rain.

في ليلة الإسراء عز بما رأى

وعلا وقد سمع الذي لم يسمع

On the Night Journey he was honored by what he saw

and rose high, hearing what had not been heard.

ناداه قل تسمع وسل تعطى المنى

واشفع تشفع أنت صدر المجمع

He called to him: 'Speak and be heard; ask and receive your wish;

intercede and be accepted: you lead the assembly.'

عم الورى بخصوص جود حده

قد جار محدود القياس الأبدع

He encompassed creation with unique bounty whose extent

overstepped the limits of the finest measure.

البدر شق لقربه بتشوق

والجذع حن لعبده بتفجع

The full moon split in longing to draw near him,

and the trunk moaned for his servant in anguish.

والشاة أنباه الدراع بسمها

والضب خاطبه بحق مصدع

A sheep's foreleg told him of its poison,

and the lizard addressed him with openly declared truth.

والغيم ظلله ودان لأمره

لما دعاه بالغيوث الهمع

The cloud shaded him and obeyed his command

when he summoned it with pouring rains.

والصخر لان له وحيته الربا

وأتت لنصرته الصبا بتسوع

Rock softened for him, and the hills greeted him;

the east wind came hastening to his aid.

ومشى على الرمل المهيد فلم يلح

أثر به للناظر المتتبع

He walked upon the yielding sand, yet no

trace appeared to an observer following his tracks.

وبأمره رد الغزالة بعدما

عزبت ونجاها لأجل الرضع

At his command the gazelle was returned after

she had strayed, and he saved her for the sucklings' sake.

ولنحوه الشجر العظام أتت على

ساق بلا قدم كمشي المولع

Great trees came toward him upon

trunks without feet, walking like ardent lovers.

ودعا بعذق فاستجاب لأمره

وبأمره ولى كأن لم يقلع

He called for a date cluster, and it obeyed his command;

at his command it returned as though never detached.

وإليه مال الفيء إذ لم يترك

الصحب الرفاق له به من موضع

The shade inclined toward him when

his companion-friends left him no place within it.

وبكفه نبع الزلال وأورق العود

الهشيم فيا لها من منبع

Through his hand clear water sprang, and a stick sprouted leaves,

though brittle—what a spring that hand was!

وبها الحجارة سبحت وأطال ما

صلت عليه وسلمت في البلقع

In it the stones praised God, and long had they

sent him blessings and greetings in the wilderness.

وبها الطعام غدا يسبح ربه

تسبيح عبد خاضع متخشع

In it food began praising its Lord,

the praise of a submissive, humble servant.

والغار عز وقد حمى بحمامه

بحرا وبدرا ركبا في أروع

The cave gained honor, shielding with its doves

a sea and a moon combined in a magnificent man.

ويسره قد ساخ طرف سراقه

وبه اهتدى لما دعا بتخضع

Through him, in an unclear reading, Suraqa's steed sank;

through him he was guided when he pleaded humbly.

وبصدقه المولود أنبأ مفصحا

للسان حق كالخطيب المصفح

A newborn proclaimed his truthfulness clearly

with a truthful tongue, like an eloquent preacher.

والذئب صدقه وقد قلب العصا

لعكاشة سيفا حديد المقطع

The wolf affirmed him, and he transformed a staff

for 'Ukkasha into a sharply cutting sword.

وبجاهه سلم البعير من الردى

وغدا قرير العين غير مروع

Through his standing the camel escaped destruction

and became contented, no longer terrified.

وبنخسة قد عاد شارق جابر

من بعد عجز لا يعن لمسرع

With a prod, Jabir's shining mount returned

from helplessness to a pace no swift rider could match.

وبخفقة فرس ابن سهل أحرزت

سبق المدى وكذاك طرف الأسجع

With a light stroke, Ibn Sahl's mare gained

the lead over the course, as did al-Asja's steed.

وبضربة هد الكثيب ولم يكن

لولاه يشكو حالة المتصدع

With a blow he shattered the mound, which

without him would not have suffered such splitting.

وبلمسه درت عناق لم تلد

وكفى بها أصحابه في مجمع

At his touch a young goat that had not borne gave milk,

and with it he satisfied his assembled companions.

وبنزر زاد أشبع الجيش الذي

من كثرة لو لم يشأ لم يشبع

With a little provision he fed the army which,

so numerous, would not be filled unless he willed.

وبريقه قد رد عين قتادة

وأعاد ملح الماء عذب المكرع

With his saliva he restored Qatada's eye

and made salt water sweet to drink.

ويد ابن عفرا أصبحت ببصاقة

من بعدما قطعت كأن لم تقطع

Ibn 'Afra's hand, through his spittle, became,

after being severed, as though never cut.

وأعد شق خبيب في بدر كما

قد كان بل أبهى بريق أنفع

He restored Khubayb's cleft at Badr to what

it had been—indeed finer—with beneficial saliva.

وبه شفى عيني علي إذ غدا

رمدا بخيبر مستهل الأدمع

Through it he healed 'Ali's eyes when he became

inflamed at Khaybar, streaming with tears.

وبنضح الماء في محيا زينب

أخفى الغزالة وهو تحت البرقع

By sprinkling water upon Zaynab's face,

he eclipsed the sun, though that face was beneath a veil.

ورمى كفا من تراب أوجها

شاهت فلم تلبث لفرط تورع

He threw a handful of dust into faces

that were disfigured and did not linger, in utter dread.

وببأسه أعيا أبا جهل كما

أوهي ركانة وهو من لم يصرع

With his might he overcame Abu Jahl, just as

he weakened Rukana, who had never been thrown.

وبطعنة أردى أبية في الوغى

وشفى بنفث ساق نجل الأكوع

With a thrust he felled Ubayy in battle

and healed Ibn al-Akwa's leg by blowing upon it.

وعفا وقد عاد الحسام لكفه

من كف غورث للمهول المفزع

He pardoned when the sword returned to his hand

from Ghawrath's hand amid dreadful terror.

ودعا لآل خال أبيه فأمنّت

أسكفه الباب العزيز الأمنع

He prayed for his father's maternal uncle's family, and

the threshold of their mighty, impregnable gate said amen.

ودعا لمن تحت العباءة فاغتدوا

كالزهر في نور وعز ترقع

He prayed for those beneath the cloak, and they became

like blossoms adorned with light and honor.

ولأم مالك قد دعا فلذاك فا

ض السمن حتى سد باب المطلع

He prayed for Umm Malik, and therefore

the clarified butter overflowed until it sealed the opening.

وأبان عما كان أو هو كائن

لحذيفة البر الصدوق الألمع

He disclosed what had been and what would be

to righteous, truthful, discerning Hudhayfa.

وبعزمه ارتجت جبال تهامة

إذ راودته ولم ترم ما تدعي

Through his resolve the mountains of Tihama shook

when they solicited him, yet did not attain their claim.

وبأمره عاد الطفيل لقومه

يدعو بأنة صوته المتشعشع

At his command al-Tufayl returned to his people,

calling with the plaint of his radiant voice.

وبجاهه الأعمى توسل ضارعا

فغدا قرير العين سهل المهيع

Through his standing the blind man pleaded humbly

and became clear-eyed, with an easy path.

وبمسحة عاد الصبي بوفرة

من بعد ما وافى برأس أقرع

With a touch the boy regained abundant hair

after arriving with a bald head.

وبنوره عادت لعابد غرة

أغنته عن غرر البدور الطلع

Through his light a blaze came to a worshipper,

sparing him the need for rising full moons' radiance.

ومن الجذام شفى بنفثته وكم

للمصطفى من آية لم تسمع

He healed leprosy with his breath; how many

signs of the Chosen One have not been heard!

نور هدى من خيرة لما أتى

بجميل فرقان هدى وتشرع

A light of guidance from the choicest, when he brought

a beautiful Criterion of guidance and sacred law,

وهلال رشد لم يزل متهللا

وسحاب جود ليس بالمتقشع

a crescent of right direction, ever radiant,

a cloud of bounty that never disperses.

كم قد شفى سقيما وأحيا ميتا

وأباد ضلالا وجاد لمهطع

How many sick he healed and dead he revived,

how much error he destroyed, giving to those hastening to him!

ولكم أجار بأمنه من مذعن

ولكم أباد بسيفه من مبدع

How many submissive ones he sheltered in his safety!

How many innovators he destroyed with his sword!

ولكم أجاد الخصب خصبا مثلما

منع النزيل بعزمة لم تخدع

How often he enriched abundance with further abundance, just as

he shielded the guest with an unshaken resolve!

بطل إذا ارتعد الكماة مخافة

لم يرتعد خوفا ولم يتخضع

A hero who, when warriors trembled with dread,

did not shake with fear or abase himself.

يوهي حصاة الحرب غير مشمر

ويهد ركن الخطب غير مدرع

He weakens war's hard stone without girding himself

and demolishes calamity's pillar without putting on armor.

جمع الإله بسيفه فرق العلا

إذ كن بين مبدل ومضيع

Through his sword God gathered the scattered heights

when they lay between alteration and neglect,

حيث الرياح تمد أيديها لكي

تدني بطعن مبطئا من مسرع

where the winds extend their hands to

bring slow and swift together with a thrust.

والخيل تطفق في بحرا دمائها

والنبل تغرق في الطلى والأضلع

The horses flounder in seas of their blood,

and arrows sink into throats and ribs.

والشم هامت بالقلوب كأنها

تبغي الوقوف على الضير المودع

The lofty spears are enamored of hearts, as though

seeking to inspect the pain stored within.

ولواء أهل الشرك نكس إذ علا

علم الهدى بين اللوا والأجدع

The idolaters' banner was lowered when

guidance's standard rose between Liwa and al-Ajda'.

وخيامهم قد قوضت من حينها

بالبيض تقويض الجهام المقلع

Their tents were dismantled at once

by bright swords, like dispersing rainless clouds.

فالدين بين تهلل وتبسم

والكفر بين تقطب وتفجع

Religion alternated between radiance and smiling,

unbelief between scowling and lamentation.

زرع الطعان فسنبلت قضب القنا

من حينها برؤوس تبع شيع

He sowed thrusts, and lance-shafts bore ears

at once: the heads of followers in factions.

وتسلسلت خلج الرياء لكونها

جنت بلثم تراب نقع أسفع

The streams of ostentation ran in chains, for they

had gathered, by kissing, the dust of a dark battle-cloud.

في معرك ظلت لكعبة رمحة

المسنون هامات بغير تطوع

In a battlefield, before the Kaaba of his lance,

the sharpened one, heads remained without willing devotion.

وسعت لنصر حسامه زمر العدا

في قوم أو سجد أو ركع

Bands of foes hastened to serve his sword's triumph,

standing, prostrating, or bowing.

وزعتهم بيد الصوارم والقنا

يا من أباد جموعهم بتوزّع

You scattered them with the hands of swords and lances,

O you who destroyed their masses by dispersing them.

وأنتل ما لم يعطه إلاك يا حامي

الذما ومنعت ما لم يمنع

You bestowed what none but you bestowed, O protector

of covenants, and withheld what no other withheld.

وهزمت جيش الكفر بالفئة التي

لم تبق فيها غلة لم تنفع

You defeated unbelief's army with the company

in which no unrelieved burning thirst remained.

من كل قوم طاعن أو ضارب

بالسمهري وبالحس أم الأقطع

Men among them thrust or strike

with the straight lance and the sharply cutting sword.

إن حاربوا وصلوا الخطى بنضالهم

أو طاعنوا وصلوا القنا بالذرع

When they fought, they joined their steps to their archery;

when they thrust, they joined lances to their arms.

أو طاولوا طالوا العلا بعزائم

لم يلوها طمع لبرق مطمع

When they competed in height, they reached the heights with resolves

that greed for enticing lightning never bent.

الخافضين العيش بالنصب الذي

جزمت له العليا برفع الموضع

Those who ease life through the exertion for which

the heights decreed them an exalted station,

المطعمين الجار قبل توسل

والطاعنين النحر بعد تمنع

who feed their neighbor before he asks

and pierce throats after resistance.

فبأي جود لم تفض أيديهم

أم أي حبار لهم لم يخضع

With what generosity did their hands not overflow?

What mighty man did not submit to them?

روّوا محبهم بشهد نافع

وسقوا أعاديهم بسم منقع

They quenched their lover with wholesome honey

and gave their enemies potent poison to drink:

صحب النبي وخير أمته التي

هي خيرة الأمم الهداة الطلع

the Prophet's companions, the best of his community, which

is the choicest of nations, guides shining forth,

التائبين القانتبين لربهم

ألقائمين الساجدين الركع

repentant and devout toward their Lord,

standing in prayer, prostrating, bowing.

أسد مخالبها الرماح تقودها

أسد ترد الأسد مثل الأضيع

Lions whose claws are lances, led by

lions who reduce other lions to utter helplessness.

نصرت به الأنصار في أحد وقد

فروا وكر بهمة لم تبدع

Through him the Ansar were aided at Uhud, although

they had fled; he charged with undiminished resolve.

وأراهم في يوم بدر مشهدا

ضنكا تشيب به رؤوس الرضع

On the day of Badr he showed them a scene

so dire that sucklings' heads would turn gray.

وأعاد بالإعجاز هامات الورى

أعجاز نخل خاويات وقع

By miraculous power he made people's heads

like hollow palm trunks fallen down.

عذبت مشارعه وقد شرع الهدى

فاشهد بمشرع سؤدد ومشرع

His watering places grew sweet when he instituted guidance;

bear witness to a watering place of lordship and sacred law.

وعضت سواه نجائب الشيم التي

ألقت إلى يده مقادة طبع

The noble steeds of character bit others, those that

placed the reins of their nature in his hand.

بدر ولا كالبدور فيه تكلف

بحر ولا كالبحر ملح المشروع

A full moon, but without other moons' strained perfection;

a sea, but not salty at its drinking place;

غيم ولا كالغيم فيه تجهم

ليث ولا كالليث لدن الأخدع

a cloud, but without other clouds' gloom;

a lion, but not soft-necked like other lions;

طود ولا كالطود فيه تزلزل

سيف ولا كالسيف نابي المقطع

a mountain, but without other mountains' trembling;

a sword, but without other swords' blunted edge.

نمحو به ليل الخطوب وإنما

نمحو بوضاح الجبين سميدع

Through him we erase calamities' night; indeed,

we erase it through a bright-browed noble lord.

عقدت عليه خناصر المجد الذي

أضحى يشير له الحلال بأصبع

Glory's little fingers were folded upon him, glory which

lawfulness came to indicate with a pointing finger.

طبعت على الخلق الجميل طباعه

ما شيمة المطبوع كالمتطبع

His nature was fashioned for beautiful character;

innate character is not like an affected disposition.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فغدا قوام العالم المتنوع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties,

becoming the sustaining core of the diverse world.

فرد تثنى جمعه بتوحد

فيه ومنه إليه سر المجمع

Unique, his wholeness doubled through unity;

in him, from him, toward him lies the assembly's secret.

فرد ترفع قدره عن مشبه

فسما على هام السماك الأرفع

Unique, his rank rose beyond comparison

and soared above the summit of highest Simak.

فرد تنوع بالمعاني منه إذ

جلت معاليه عن المتتبع

Unique, meanings diversified from him, for

his lofty qualities surpassed the pursuer's reach.

فرد تنوع بالسعادة هديه

والحق لا يخفى عن المتيمع

Unique, his guidance diversified in felicity,

and truth is not hidden from the attentive.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن نطقه

فإليه يرجع أصل كل منوع

Unique, his speech diversified in beauties;

to him returns the origin of every varied thing.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن لفظه

فإليه يرجع أصل كل منوّع

Unique, his utterance diversified in beauties;

to him returns the origin of every varied thing.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فإليه يعزى كل حسن ممتع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties;

to him every delightful beauty is attributed.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فغدا سليم الذوق عذب المشرع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties,

becoming sound in taste, sweet at the drinking place.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فغدا قوام العالم المتنوع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties,

becoming the sustaining core of the diverse world.

فرد تنوع الجلال جماله

والروض يزهو نوره بتنوّع

Unique, majesty diversified his beauty,

as the garden glories in its blossoms' variety.

فرد تنوع كارم طبعه

فقضى بتوحيد الجمال الأبرع

Unique, the nobility of his nature diversified,

decreeing the oneness of most splendid beauty.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن شكله

كالأفق يزهو بالنجوم الطلع

Unique, his form diversified in beauties,

like the horizon shining with rising stars.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فلذا ترفع عن دواعي المدعي

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties;

thus he rose beyond the claimant's motives.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فغدا صباح الكون شمس المطلع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties,

becoming creation's morning, the sun of its rising.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فغدا قوام النير المتشعشع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties,

becoming the sustaining core of the radiant luminary.

فرد تنوع المحاسن جمعه

فغدا قوم النير المتشعشع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties,

becoming the support of the radiant luminary.

فرد تنوع بالمحاسن جمعه

فغدا قوم العالم المترفع

Unique, his wholeness diversified in beauties,

becoming the support of the exalted world.

هذا هو الشرف الذي لم يعله

شرف على شرف البدور الطلع

This is the honor which no

honor surpassed, above the honor of rising full moons.

هذا هو الفخر الذي لم تحصه

والبحر لا يحصى بكيل الأصوع

This is the glory you have not encompassed;

the sea cannot be counted in measuring baskets.

هذا هو الذكر الصحيح فلا تحد

عنه وإن شئت الحديث فألمع

This is the true account: do not turn

from it; if you desire discourse, make an allusion.

بمديحه جاء الكتاب فما عسى

تأتي به في مدحه يا مدّعي

The Book came with his praise: what, then,

can you bring in praising him, O claimant?

إن قلت أرغمت الأنوف بأغلب

قالت لك الشيم الكرام وأطوع

If you say, 'He humbled pride, the most victorious,'

'And most obedient,' noble qualities reply to you.

أو قلت قد رفع الضلال بأعظم

قالت لك النعم الجسام وأنفع

Or say, 'He removed error, the greatest,'

'And most beneficial,' mighty blessings reply to you.

أو قلت قد منع الوشيح بأمنع

قالت لك البيض الحداد وأقطع

Or say, 'He warded off lances, the strongest defender,'

'And sharpest,' keen bright swords reply to you.

لا تغتر وتظن مدحك قد حوى

ما قد حوى من كل وصف ممتع

Do not be deluded, thinking your praise encompassed

all the delightful qualities he possesses.

أيطيق محص حصر عشر صفاته

لا والذي قد سد عن ذا مسمعي

Can an examiner encompass a tenth of his qualities?

No, by Him who barred my hearing from that!

لكن تقصيري وخبي أحوجا

بي للمديح فمل إليه وأسمع

But my shortcomings and my hidden state compelled

me to praise: incline toward it and listen.

كهف منيع ما أويت لظله

إلا أويت إلى رحيب مصرع

An impregnable refuge: never did I seek his shade

without finding a spacious resting place.

قسما ولا استسقيت منهل جوده

الا سقيت بكاس فضل مترع

I swear: never did I seek water from his bounty's spring

without drinking a brimming cup of grace.

يا من به نجى المهيمن آدما

وعليه تاب بجاهه المترفع

O you through whom the Guardian saved Adam

and accepted his repentance through your exalted standing.

يا من به شيت توسل فاغتدا

في عزة وجلالة وترفع

O you through whom Shith sought access and came

to might, majesty, and elevation.

يا من به إدريس ناجى ربه

فعلا مقاما في مقام أرفع

O you through whom Idris communed with his Lord

and rose in station to a loftier station.

يا من به أجرى لنوح فلكه

لما طغى الطوفان فوق البلقع

O you through whom He set Nuh's ark afloat

when the flood surged above the wilderness.

يا من به هود رأى في عاده

ما شاء من سخط مهول مفزع

O you through whom Hud saw upon his 'Ad

what he wished of dreadful, terrifying wrath.

يا من به قد لاذ صالح عندما

عقدت ثمود قلوصه في المربع

O you through whom Salih sought refuge when

Thamud bound his she-camel in the grazing ground.

يا من به لوط نجا في قومه

لما ارتضوا فعل القبيح الأشنع

O you through whom Lut escaped among his people

when they approved the most hideous evil deed.

يا من به حل الخليل وقد هوى

في نار نمرود بروض أينع

O you through whom the Friend, after falling

into Nimrud's fire, settled in a flourishing garden.

يا من به سلم الذبيح من الردى

وفداه مولا بكبش أدرع

O you through whom the sacrificial son escaped destruction

and the Master ransomed him with a dark-shouldered ram.

يا من به إسحاق صير أهله

في خفض عيش وازدياد ترفع

O you through whom Ishaq placed his family

in ease of living and increasing elevation.

يا من به يعقوب فرج حزنه

إذ شمّ ريح قميص يوسف منبع

O you through whom Ya'qub's grief was relieved

when he smelled the spreading scent of Yusuf's shirt.

يا من به في الجب أصبح يوسف

مستبشرا لم يخش كيد الموقع

O you through whom Yusuf, within the well, became

joyful, unafraid of the ensnarer's plotting.

يا من به الرحمن سلم عبده

أيوب من ضر وفرط توجع

O you through whom the Merciful delivered His servant

Ayyub from harm and excessive suffering.

يا من به زكى شعيبا ربه

وقضى لمدين بالحضيض الأوضح

O you through whom Shu'ayb's Lord purified him

and condemned Madyan to the manifest depths.

يا من به موسى استعان على العدا

فأبادهم باليم بعد الضفدع

O you through whom Musa sought help against his foes

and destroyed them in the sea after the frogs.

يا من به هارون قد حاز الحبورة

والنبؤة واللسان الأصقع

O you through whom Harun attained priestly dignity,

prophethood, and an eloquent tongue.

يا من به قد لاح للخضر الهدى

وأنال ذا القرنين كل ممنع

O you through whom guidance shone for al-Khidr

and granted Dhu al-Qarnayn every impregnable place.

يا من به إلياس أصبح طائرا

بين الملائك في الفضاء الأوسع

O you through whom Ilyas came to fly

among the angels in the widest expanse.

يا من به داود أوقف طيرا

وبسرد وقفت ذكاء ليوشع

O you through whom Dawud held birds still,

and, with linked mail, the sun stood still for Yusha'.

يا من به ذو الكفل والأسباط وال

يسع اغتدوا في عزة وتمنع

O you through whom Dhu al-Kifl, the Tribes, and

al-Yasa' came to might and inviolability.

يا من به وافى سليمان الهنا

برجوع خاتم ملكه المتمنع

O you through whom Sulayman attained happiness

with the return of his inviolable kingdom's ring.

يا من به في اليم أنس يونس

ونجا وقد ناداه أن يتضرع

O you through whom Yunus found solace in the sea

and escaped, having been called to supplicate.

يا من به آمن العزيز ولم يخف

من قول كهان اليهود الأشنع

O you through whom al-Aziz felt secure and did not fear

the most hideous words of the Jewish soothsayers.

يا من به لأبي الحصور تهأت

اسباب صبر عند نشر الأضلع

O you through whom, for the chaste one's father, were prepared

means of patience when ribs were sawn apart.

يا من به يحيى اقتدى في زهده

حتى دعي بالزاهد المتورع

O you through whom Yahya followed the example of asceticism

until called the scrupulous ascetic.

يا من به الأملاك والرسل اهتدوا

لعوارف المولى القدير المبدع

O you through whom angels and messengers were guided

to the favors of the almighty, originating Master.

يا من به الصديق صدق إذ رأى

ما قد رأى من آية لم تدفع

O you through whom al-Siddiq affirmed the truth upon seeing

the sign he saw, which could not be refuted.

يا من به الفاروق فرق مادحا

من باطل بحسام حق مقمع

O you through whom al-Faruq, praising, distinguished truth

from falsehood with truth's subduing sword.

يا من به عثمان ذو النورين قد

أضحى بنوريه شريق المطلع

O you through whom 'Uthman, possessor of two lights,

became radiant in his rising through his two lights.

يا من به زوج البتول رقى علا

أمسى بها يدعى علي الموضع

O you through whom al-Batul's husband ascended heights

by which he was called exalted in station.

يا من به في الحرب طلحة انتمى

لتثبت وتوثب لم يدفع

O you through whom Talha in battle laid claim

to steadfastness and an irresistible charge.

يا من به ترك الزبير قرينه

عند التجادل كالذليل الأصرع

O you through whom al-Zubayr left his opponent,

in their struggle, abased and thrown down.

يا من به سعد علا فرأى العلا

تدعو الفتى زاحم بسعد أودع

O you through whom Sa'd rose and saw the heights

calling: 'Press forward with good fortune, young man, or desist.'

يا من به أضحى سعيد آمنا

ببشارة الخلد المقيم الأمتع

O you through whom Sa'id became secure

with tidings of enduring, most delightful immortality.

يا من به العف ابن عوف قد كفى

الدارين إذ وافى بعيش مقنع

O you through whom chaste Ibn 'Awf found sufficiency

in both abodes, attaining a satisfying life.

يا من به لأبي عبيدة فتحت

بالشام أبواب الفتوح الأنجع

O you through whom, for Abu 'Ubayda, were opened

in al-Sham the gates of most fruitful conquests.

يا من به الحسنان قد سادا شباب

الجنة الفيحا بسر قد دعي

O you through whom the two Hasans became lords of the youth

of spacious Paradise, through a secret invoked.

يا من به عماه حمزة والفتى ال

عباس قد فازا بخير ممتع

O you through whom his uncles, Hamza and the noble

'Abbas, won delightful good.

يا من به الأزواج والأولاد قد

حلوا ذرا الروض الأريض الأينع

O you through whom the wives and children

settled upon the heights of the broad, flourishing garden.

يا من به الصحب الكرام ترفعوا

قدرا على القمر المنير الأبدع

O you through whom the noble companions rose

in rank above the wondrous, shining moon.

يا من به تنزّه أن يكون لجسمه

ظل لساطع نوره المتشعشع

O you through whom his body was held free from having

a shadow, because of his brilliant, radiant light.

يا صاحب الدرج المرفع واللوا

والكوثر العذب الألذ الأنفع

O possessor of exalted degrees and the banner,

and sweet al-Kawthar, most delicious and beneficial.

يا صاحب الخاتم والعضباء والسيف

المهند والجواد الأتلع

O possessor of the seal, al-'Adba', and the sword

of Indian steel, and the long-necked steed.

يا صاحب البردين والنعلين والتاج

المكلل والقضيب الأينع

O possessor of the two cloaks, two sandals, and crown,

the wreathed crown, and the flourishing staff.

يا ذا الهراوة والغمامة والعلامة

والشفاعة والمقام الأرفع

O possessor of the cudgel, cloud, and sign,

intercession, and the loftiest station.

يا ذا الفصاحة والصباحة والسماحة

والحماسة والجمال الأبدع

O possessor of eloquence, comeliness, and generosity,

courage, and wondrous beauty.

يا مرشد الحيران يا كنز الوفا

يا ذا النوال السابق المشرع

O guide of the bewildered, O treasure of fidelity,

O giver of bounty, foremost, with an open watering place.

يا ذا الوسيلة والفضيلة والأمامة

والصراط المستقيم المهيع

O possessor of nearness, virtue, and leadership,

and the straight, spacious path.

يا صاحب البرهان والسلطان والتأييد

بالرعب المهول الأطلع

O possessor of proof, authority, and support

through terrible, towering dread.

يا صاحب الآيات يا من قد حوى

فضلا يقصر عنه جمع مجمع

O possessor of signs, O you who encompass

excellence beyond any assembled multitude.

يا من إليه الخلق تفزع في غد

من موقف ضنك وهول مفزع

O you to whom creation will flee tomorrow

from a straitened standing-place and terrifying horror.

إني فزعت إليك في أمسى وفي

يومي وفي الآتي فأمّن مفزعي

I fled to you in my yesterday and in

my today and what is coming: secure my refuge.

وبسطت كف المدح مفتقرا لكي

ألقى الغني يا خير ممدوح دعي

I extended praise's hand in need, so that

I might attain sufficiency, O best praised one invoked.

وجمعت فيك مقال كل بديعة

فوق المقال ولم نحط بالأجمع

I gathered concerning you every wondrous utterance

beyond utterance, without encompassing the whole.

ونظمت في علياك عقد جواهر

يرويه كل مرسل ومسجع

I strung for your lofty glory a necklace of jewels

recounted by every speaker in plain or rhymed prose,

لأكون في دنياي غير مضيع

وأكون في أخراي غير مروع

that in my worldly life I might not be forsaken

and in my hereafter might not be terrified.

فاشفع بجاهك لي وكن لي مكرما

يا خير مأمول وخير مشفع

Intercede for me through your standing and honor me,

O best hoped-for one, best accepted intercessor.

يا رب يا الله أمن روعتي

وراحم لديك تخضعي وتشفعي

O Lord, O God, calm my terror

and pity my humility and plea for intercession before You.

واقبل مديحي في حبيبك وأتني

منك الرضا وتولني في مصرعي

Accept my praise of Your beloved, and grant me

Your pleasure; care for me at my death.

وامنن بعود للحطيم وزمزم

وزيارة القبر الشريف الأرفع

Favor me with a return to al-Hatim and Zamzam

and a visit to the noble, exalted tomb.

وانعم بعفو عن ذنوب سودت

مبيض وجهي بالقبيح الأقطع

Grant pardon for sins that blackened

the whiteness of my face with devastating ugliness.

وأجر من النيران جسمي واكسني

في الخلد أثواب النعيم الأمتع

Protect my body from the fires and clothe me

in eternity with garments of most delightful bliss.

واغفر لآبائي واشياخي وجد

للمسلمين بجودك المتبرع

Forgive my forefathers and teachers, and give generously

to Muslims through Your freely bestowed bounty.

وأدم صلاتك والسلام على النبي

المصطفى الهادي الرسول الأشفع

Continue Your blessings and peace upon the Prophet,

the chosen guide, messenger, greatest intercessor.

وأفق على الأصحاب أسبع حلة

رقم النعيم أديمها بتمتع

Bestow upon the Companions a most ample robe

whose surface bliss embroidered with delight,

ما هل وبل الدمع من وجد وما

هبت رياك الشوق بين الأضلع

as long as torrents of tears pour from longing, and

your fragrance of longing wafts between the ribs.