Poems by Imam ash-Shaf'i

Poem #7

A friend who does not benefit during the time of hardships,

Is close to an enemy on the scales,

The friend does not remain, during all times,

Nor does the brother, except for consolation.

I searched the days, with all my strengths

for a brother to trust, but my search was fruitless,

The lands and those who live them were barren,

As though its people were not people.