Poems by Imam ash-Shaf'i

Poem #4

People will live amongst people, for as long as they live,

For without doubt, fortune and goodness will come and go.

The best of people amongst others is a man who,

Upon his hands the needs of others are settled.

Never withhold your assistance from anyone,

As long as you are capable, for fortune tends to come and go.

And give thanks for the bounties of Allah,

If you are the one to settle the needs of others.

Indeed, people have died, and their virtues died too

And some have lived, but they are truly dead among the people.