ai munawwar-e-har-do-alam ze-aftab-e-ru-e-tu

From the radiance of your sun-like face both worlds are illumined,

And from the fragrance of your tresses the kingdom of souls is perfumed.

All men desire one thing or another,

But the desire of my heart is not the world—it is only you.

Pilgrims yearn for the Kaʿba’s circumambulation ,

But my soul longs only to walk in reverence around your street.

The enchantment of your eyes, narcissus-like and languid,

Steals with cunning the hearts, the senses, and even the faith of lovers.

Why should Asīrī covet greatness in both worlds,

When his mad heart would rest content with a place in your lane?

From the radiance of your sun-like face both worlds are illumined,

And from the fragrance of your tresses the kingdom of souls is perfumed.

All men desire one thing or another,

But the desire of my heart is not the world—it is only you.

Pilgrims yearn for the Kaʿba’s circumambulation ,

But my soul longs only to walk in reverence around your street.

The enchantment of your eyes, narcissus-like and languid,

Steals with cunning the hearts, the senses, and even the faith of lovers.

Why should Asīrī covet greatness in both worlds,

When his mad heart would rest content with a place in your lane?