XXXIII: If there be any essential duty in this…

If there be any essential duty in this world, verily 'tis that of religion;
And for the followers of this avocation, there is due meed of praise.

Unto whose lot have fallen the gifts of godliness and piety,
The shadow of felicity and happiness ever followeth after them.

Contentment hath so filled their palates with savour,
That, in their mouths, the dry crust is like honey unto.

Without elephants and camels, they wield the sceptre of royalty,
Though a small worn-out piece of mat is their only carpet.

When they, in their necessities, raise their hands in supplication,
The very angels of heaven say, Amen! to their requests.

They, who, in this life, accept indigence and privations,
Their advantage and good in that are infallible indeed.

The lowliness and humility of the meek are, in themselves, dignity:
Their hearts are clean, though their ragged garments be soiled.

The water of the higher ground floweth ever unto the lower--
The Almighty hath raised to perfection, the humble, and the meek.

The heads of the stubborn and scornful reach the heavens now;
But, after a few short days, their place is in the dust!

They, who follow the dictates of presumption and arrogance,
Deserve not mercy--they are abominable and accursed.

What, though their human forms may be termed men?
Men they are not, in reality--they are children of the devil.

Though Rahman possesseth none of this world's pelf,
Thank Heaven! neither presumptuous, nor self-conceited is he.