Sol 6.1

  1. I congratulate the Sheikh of al-Azhar today on the approval

    of the exalted king and all his people.

  2. He took charge of it for worldly life and religion, reaching

    the full compass of his heart and mind in good things.

  3. And it is only his due, at its appointed time,

    from the destiny unfolding for him with his Lord.

  4. He took up the mysteries of existence and spread them out

    as gardens of fertile, sweet eloquence.

  5. And his party among his people is none but himself,

    and he himself among his people is none but his party.

  6. And the merit of the sage whose age is illumined

    by his wisdom is the physician's merit through his medicine.

  7. And more enduring than the invader who raids with his troops

    through time is the guide who brings glad tidings through his books.

  8. My worth became clear to him, and he accorded me

    my place, whether the place was far or near.

  9. And he bestowed on me some of his knowledge and certainty,

    with the kindness of a generous man of pure, expansive character.

  10. And enough for me of life's length and breadth

    and its comfort is that I am happy in his love.

Sol 6.1