إذا نلتَ العلى راعِ الرعايا

إذا نلتَ العلى راعِ الرعايا

فإنَّ القومَ أعداءُ المعالي

فإنَّ القومَ أعداءُ المعالي

If you attain eminence, take heed of the subjects;

When you attain a high rank, be a shepherd to your people,

For the people are enemies of lofty attainments.

For people are enemies of noble deeds.

يَرَوْنَ على الفتى ذنباً عظيماً

يَرَوْنَ على الفتى ذنباً عظيماً

وإنْ أمنوهُ في نفسٍ ومالِ

وإنْ أمنوهُ في نفسٍ ومالِ

They deem a young man guilty of a grievous sin,

In their eyes a youth's slip is a grave sin,

Even if they trust him regarding life and wealth.

Even if they feel secure as to his person and property.