لا ينفعنّ الفتى إلّا سريرته

لا ينفعنّ الفتى إلّا سريرته

بالله أو حل خطب فهي عمدته

بالله أو حل خطب فهي عمدته

Nothing shall benefit a young man but his inner character,

A young man benefits only from his conscience

by God; or, should calamity strike, it is his mainstay.

By God, or solve pressing issues as it is his pillar

هيهات ذو ثقة ترضيك صحبته

هيهات ذو ثقة ترضيك صحبته

ما في زمانك من ترجى مودته

ما في زمانك من ترجى مودته

Far beyond reach is a trustworthy man whose company pleases you.

Alas, one you trust, his company will not satisfy you

In your time there is none whose affection can be hoped for.

In your time, there is none whose affection you may hope for

ولا صديق إذا جار الزمان وفا

ولا صديق إذا جار الزمان وفا

Nor a friend who keeps faith when time turns cruel.

Nor a friend, if time betrays

If your companions were as many as the sands

لو كان صحبك مثل الرمل في عدد

لو كان صحبك مثل الرمل في عدد

لم تلق غير اله الخلق من سند

لم تلق غير اله الخلق من سند

Even if your companions were as numerous as the sand,

You would find none but God as your support

you would find no support other than the God of creation.

If you are clever or sensible

ان كنت ذا فطنة أو كنت ذا رشد

ان كنت ذا فطنة أو كنت ذا رشد

فعش فريدا ولا تركن إلى أحد

فعش فريدا ولا تركن إلى أحد

If you possess discernment or sound judgment,

Then live alone and do not depend on anyone

then live alone, and rely on no one.

I have advised you in what I have said, and that is enough

إني نصحتك في ما قلته وكفى

إني نصحتك في ما قلته وكفى

Indeed, I have advised you in what I have said, and that suffices.