He remains ever guided, ever a devoted follower, ever striving for every form of good (1);

[q 164] He has never ceased to trace the footsteps of the Messenger along the straight path, marked out by the banners of clear proofs;

He guides people to his Sunnah, issues verdicts in accord with his law, and safeguards its sanctity at every hour (2);

He is the Pole of the age, the crown of all humankind, the very spirit of meanings who has encompassed every act of worship (3);

The scholar par excellence of existence, peerless in his insights—by the sword of guidance he has routed the people of error;

From the Chosen One he inherited knowledge and discernment, and from him there came a continual flow of generous gifts;

No petitioner ever approached him without receiving a favor—either through open munificence or through tactful regard;

What can I say? My speech is hemmed in: when I attempt to describe his character, my expressions fall short;

In knowledge, none among us can draw near to him except our Imams, those graced with special care;

In renunciation, we have heard of no one who resembles him save the men of old, the people of wondrous gifts;

In generosity, we have found no equal—only the Barmakids once basked in such felicity;

He gives while himself in need—indeed a marvel; such a thing we have never heard in all the tales (4);

The sun of meanings gleams in his noble traits, and in the clarity of his face shines the light of guidance;

He is an ocean of gnosis whose very shore leaves the people of insight and the masters of final stations bewildered.