The decline [and imminent fall] of empires is evinced by four things: neglecting the principles [and core values of justice and equity], clinging to vanities, promotion of the wicked and demotion of the virtuous
يُسْتَدَلُّ عَلَى إِدْبَارِ الدُّوَلِ بِأَرْبَعٍ تَضْيِيعُ الْأُصُولِ وَالتَّمَسُّكُ بِالْغُرُورِ وَتَقْدِيمُ الْأَرَاذِلِ وَتَأْخِيرُ الْأَفَاضِلِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Even though Allah, the Exalted, gives time to the oppressor, His grasp will not spare him and He will ambush him on the passage of his way and the place where his saliva runs down.
وَلَئِنْ أَمْهَلَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى الظَّالِمَ فَلَنْ يَفُوتَهُ أَخْذَهُ وَهُوَ لَهُ بِالْمِرْصَادِ عَلَى مَجَازِ طَرِيقِهِ وَمَوْضِعِ الشَّجَا مِنْ مَجَازِ رِيقِهِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Power makes one forget [about] self-preservation
الْقُدْرَةُ تُنْسِي الْحَفِيظَةَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Sovereignties are the arenas of men
الْوِلَايَاتُ مَضَامِيرُ الرِّجَالِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Transient and fleeting kingship is wretched and insignificant
الْمُلْكُ الْمُنْتَقِلُ الزَّائِلُ حَقِيرٌ يَسِيرٌ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Power manifests the praiseworthy and blameworthy qualities [of an individual]
الْقُدْرَةُ تُظْهِرُ مَحْمُودَ الْخِصَالِ وَمَذْمُومَهَا
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Just as [wealth and] authority comes towards you, it turns away from you
الدَّوْلَةُ كَمَا تُقْبِلُ تُدْبِرُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The merits in advancing forward are the demerits in turning backward
الْمَحَاسِنُ فِي الْإِقْبَالِ هِيَ الْمَسَاوِي فِي الْإِدْبَارِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Partnership in sovereignty leads to turmoil
الشِّرْكَةُ فِي الْمُلْكِ تُؤَدِّي إِلَى الِاضْطِرَابِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The disgrace after being deposed is equal to the glory of sovereignty
الذُّلُّ بَعْدَ الْعَزْلِ [الْعِزِّ] يُوَازِي عِزَّ الْوِلَايَةِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The human being changes in three instances: when he is close to kings, when he gains positions of authority and when he becomes wealthySo whoever does not change in these conditions, then he is one who possesses a strong intellect and an upright character
الْمَرْءُ يَتَغَيَّرُ فِي ثَلَاثٍ الْقُرْبِ مِنَ الْمُلُوكِ وَالْوِلَايَاتِ وَالْغَنَاءُ مِنْ [بَعْدِ] الْفَقْرِ فَمَنْ لَمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ فِي هَذِهِ فَهُوَ ذُو عَقْلٍ قَوِيمٍ وَخُلُقٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Dominating the weak and the slave are from the exigencies (or wickedness) of power
التَّسَلُّطُ عَلَى الضَّعِيفِ وَالْمَمْلُوكِ مِنْ لُزُومِ [لُؤْمِ] الْقُدْرَةِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Assign for each one of your servants work that you hold him responsible for, as indeed this is more appropriate to ensure that they do not depend upon one another in your service
اجْعَلْ لِكُلِّ إِنْسَانٍ مِنْ خَدَمِكَ عَمَلًا تَأْخُذُهُ بِهِ فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَحْرَى أَنْ لَا يَتَوَاكَلُوا فِي خِدْمَتِكَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
When the intention of the king changes, the times change [or get corrupted]
إِذَا تَغَيَّرَتْ نِيَّةُ السُّلْطَانِ تَغَيَّرَ [فَسَدَ] الزَّمَانُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
When you see Allah continuously sending blessings upon you despite your sins, then [know that] it is a means of driving you [towards greater punishment]
إِذَا رَأَيْتَ اللَّهَ سُبْحَانَهُ يُتَابِعُ عَلَيْكَ النِّعَمَ مَعَ الْمَعَاصِي فَهُوَ اسْتِدْرَاجٌ لَكَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
When your judgment is applied upon yourself [thereby showing your justice], the souls of [other] people summon each other towards your justice
إِذَا نَفَذَ حُكْمُكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَدَاعَتْ أَنْفُسُ النَّاسِ إِلَى عَدْلِكَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Your haughtiness in sovereignty will be [the cause of your] disgrace in deposition
تَكَبُّرُكَ فِي الْوِلَايَةِ ذُلٌّ فِي الْعَزْلِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The generosity of rulers with booty belonging to the Muslims is [an act of] injustice and betrayal
جُودُ الْوُلَاةِ بِفَيْءِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ جَوْرٌ وَخَتَرٌ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Good renown is a fortification of power
حُسْنُ الشُّهْرَةِ حِصْنُ الْقُدْرَةِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Remedy injustice with justice and cure poverty with alms and charity
دَاوُوا الْجَوْرَ بِالْعَدْلِ وَدَاوُوا الْفَقْرَ بِالصَّدَقَةِ وَالْبَذْلِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Many a just person is an oppressor
رُبَّ عَادِلٍ جَائِرٌ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Showing compassion to one who does not show compassion [to others] prevents [divine] mercy, and sparing one who does not spare others destroys the nation
رَحْمَةُ مَنْ لَا يَرْحَمُ تَمْنَعُ الرَّحْمَةَ وَاسْتِبْقَاءُ مَنْ لَا يَبْقَى يُهْلِكُ [تُهْلِكُ] الْأُمَّةَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Erroneous opinion annihilates the kingdom and heralds destruction
زَلَّةُ الرَّأْيِ تَأْتِي عَلَى الْمُلْكِ وَتُؤْذِنُ بِالْهُلْكِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The fall of nations results from the appointment of depraved leaders
زَوَالُ الدُّوَلِ بِاصْطِنَاعِ السِّفَلِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The sovereignty of this world is disgrace and its loftiness is lowness
سُلْطَانُ الدُّنْيَا ذُلٌّ وَعُلْوُهَا سُفْلٌ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
There are six situations in which the intellects of people are tested: association, transaction, authority, isolation, affluence and poverty
سِتَّةٌ تُخْتَبَرُ بِهَا عُقُولُ الرِّجَالِ [النَّاسِ] الْمُصَاحَبَةُ وَالْمُعَامَلَةُ وَالْوِلَايَةُ وَالْعَزْلُ وَالْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Be flexible with time when it submits itself to you and do not put anything in danger out of hope for gaining more [than it]
سَاهِلِ الدَّهْرَ مَا ذَلَّ لَكَ قُعُودُهُ وَلَا تُخَاطِرْ بِشَيْءٍ رَجَاءَ أَكْثَرَ [كثر] مِنْهُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Correct opinion [and decision] comes with [the coming of] power and it vanishes with its disappearance
صَوَابُ الرَّأْيِ بِالدُّوَلِ وَيَذْهَبُ بِذَهَابِهَا
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Make religion the fortress of your state and [make] gratitude the protection of your blessings, for every state that is surrounded by religion will not be defeated and every blessing that is protected by gratitude will not be taken away
صَيِّرِ الدِّينَ حِصْنَ دَوْلَتِكَ وَالشُّكْرَ حِرْزَ نِعْمَتِكَ فَكُلُّ دَوْلَةٍ يَحُوطُهَا الدِّينُ لَا تُغْلَبُ وَكُلُّ نِعْمَةٍ يَحْرُزُهَا الشُّكْرُ لَا تُسْلَبُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Injustice to the one who has surrendered is the greatest crime
ظُلْمُ الْمُسْتَسْلِمِ أَعْظَمُ الْجُرْمِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Being unjust to the weak is the most grievous injustice
ظُلْمُ الضَّعِيفِ أَفْحَشُ الظُّلْمِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
It is possible for the one who is perplexed and bewildered to be excused
قَدْ يُعَذَّرُ الْمُتَحَيِّرُ الْمَبْهُوتُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The oppressors of the oppressed are given respite by Allah, the Glorified, but are not overlooked
ظُلَامَةُ الْمَظْلُومِينَ يُمْهِلُهَا اللَّهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَلَا يُهْمِلُهَا
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
It is seldom that one who turns back [and retreats] returns to the front
قَلَّمَا يَعُودُ الْإِدْبَارُ إِقْبَالًا
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
The strength of the authority of evidence is stronger than the strength of the authority of force
قُوَّةُ سُلْطَانِ الْحُجَّةِ أَعْظَمُ مِنْ قُوَّةِ سُلْطَانِ الْقُدْرَةِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
How can the one who is astray be guided aright when the guide [he follows] is heedless?!
كَيْفَ يَهْتَدِي الضَّلِيلُ مَعَ غَفْلَةِ الدَّلِيلِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
For every empire there is a period [after which it falls]
لِكُلِّ دَوْلَةٍ بُرْهَةٌ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
For every heart there is anguish
لِكُلِّ كَبِدٍ حُرْقَةٌ [حُرْمَةٌ]
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
If falsehood dominates, it has [always] been so in the past, and if truth diminishes, that too has often occurred and may [again] happenIt is seldom that a thing lags behind and remains behind
لَئِنْ أَمِرَ الْبَاطِلُ لَقَدِيماً فَعَلَ لَئِنْ قَلَّ الْحَقُّ لَرُبَّمَا وَلَعَلَّ لَقَلَّمَا أَدْبَرَ شَيْءٌ فَأَقْبَلَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Justice can never be achieved until injustice falters [and comes to an end]
لَنْ يَتَمَكَّنَ الْعَدْلُ حَتَّى يَزِلَّ الْبَخْسُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who is moderate will never be ruined
لَنْ يَهْلِكَ مَنِ اقْتَصَدَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who benefits others with his high rank makes himself praiseworthy
مَنْ بَذَلَ جَاهَهُ اسْتُحْمِدَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One whose disposition is good [with those who are under him] remains safe from annihilation
مَنْ أَحْسَنَ الْمَلَكَةَ أَمِنَ الْهَلَكَةَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One whose opinions are weak, his enemies become stronger
مَنْ ضَعُفَتْ آرَاؤُهُ قَوِيَتْ أَعْدَاؤُهُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who relies upon your goodness is concerned about [the end of] your rule
مَنْ وَثِقَ بِإِحْسَانِكَ أَشْفَقَ عَلَى سُلْطَانِكَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who fears your whip wishes for your death
مَنْ خَافَ سَوْطَكَ تَمَنَّى مَوْتَكَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who is praised for injustice is being plotted against [and deceived]
مَنْ حُمِدَ عَلَى الظُّلْمِ مُكِرَ بِهِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who is praised for that which is not in him is ridiculed by it
مَنْ شُكِرَ عَلَى الْإِسَاءَةِ سُخِرَ بِهِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who obeys your command has exalted your status
مَنْ أَطَاعَ أَمْرَكَ أَجَلَّ قَدْرَكَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who wrongs his subjects pleases his enviers
مَنْ أَسَاءَ إِلَى رَعِيَّتِهِ سَرَّ حُسَّادَهُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who is raised [to a high rank] without competence is dropped without wrongdoing
مَنْ رُفِعَ بِلَا كِفَايَةٍ وُضِعَ بِلَا جِنَايَةٍ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who is concerned about his kingship curtails his aggression
مَنْ أَشْفَقَ عَلَى سُلْطَانِهِ قَصَّرَ عَنْ عُدْوَانِهِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who does not take support through vigilance will not benefit from [the presence of] guards
مَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَظْهِرْ بِالْيَقَظَةِ لَمْ يَنْتَفِعْ بِالْحَفَظَةِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who makes his kingship subservient to his religion, every king will submit to him
مَنْ جَعَلَ مُلْكَهُ خَادِماً لِدِينِهِ انْقَادَ لَهُ كُلُّ سُلْطَانٍ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
When one makes his religion subservient to his kingship, every person will covet it
مَنْ جَعَلَ دِينَهُ خَادِماً لِمُلْكِهِ طَمِعَ فِيهِ كُلُّ إِنْسَانٍ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who is raised by disgrace is made vain by high esteem
مَنْ رَبَّاهُ الْهَوَانُ أَبْطَرَتْهُ الْكَرَامَةُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
One who does not show kindness [to others] in times of fortune will be abandoned in times of misfortune
مَنْ لَمْ يُحْسِنْ فِي دَوْلَتِهِ خُذِلَ فِي نَكْبَتِهِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
It is from the right of the shepherd to choose for his flock that which he chooses for himself
مِنْ حَقِّ الرَّاعِي أَنْ يَخْتَارَ لِرَعِيَّتِهِ مَا يَخْتَارُهُ لِنَفْسِهِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Never oppress one who has no helper except Allah
لَا تَظْلِمَنَّ مَنْ لَا يَجِدُ نَاصِراً إِلَّا اللَّهَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Do not stretch out your hand against one who is unable to stave it off from himself
لَا تَبْسُطَنَّ يَدَكَ عَلَى مَنْ لَا يَقْدِرُ عَلَى دَفْعِهَا عَنْهُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Do not fight against the one who seeks refuge in religion, for one who combats religion is ruined
لَا تُحَارِبْ مَنْ يَعْتَصِمُ بِالدِّينِ فَإِنَّ مُغَالِبَ الدِّينِ مَحْرُوبٌ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Do not discontinue the good practices that have been [previously] acted upon, and which the people have become familiar with, and which the masses have found suitable
لَا تَنْقُضَنَّ سُنَّةً صَالِحَةً عُمِلَ بِهَا وَاجْتَمَعَتِ الْأُلْفَةُ لَهَا وَصَلَحَتِ الرَّعِيَّةُ عَلَيْهَا
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
There is no benefit in the planning of one who is not obeyed
لَا يَنْجَعُ تَدْبِيرُ مَنْ لَا يُطَاعُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are the ‘Am?liqa and the children of the ‘Am?liqa?
أَيْنَ الْعَمَالِقَةُ وَأَبْنَاءُ الْعَمَالِقَةِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are the tyrants and the children of the tyrants?
أَيْنَ الْجَبَابِرَةُ وَأَبْنَاءُ الْجَبَابِرَةِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are the people of the cities of Rass who killed the Prophets and extinguished the light of the Messengers?
أَيْنَ أَهْلُ مَدَائِنِ الرَّسِّ الَّذِينَ قَتَلُوا النَّبِيِّينَ وَأَطْفَئُوا نُورَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who left the best heritage, were most just in their actions and had the biggest kingdoms?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ كَانُوا أَحْسَنَ آثَاراً وَأَعْدَلَ أَفْعَالًا وَأَكْبَرَ [أَكْثَرَ] مُلْكاً
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who said, “Who is more powerful than us and is greater in assemblage?”
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً وَأَعْظَمُ جَمْعاً
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who rallied the troops and inhabited the cities?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ عَسْكَرُوا الْعَسَاكِرَ وَمَدَّنُوا الْمَدَائِنَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who vanquished the armies and travelled in the thousands?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ هَزَمُوا الْجُيُوشَ وَسَارُوا بِالْأُلُوفِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who built kingdoms, paved passages, and aided the aggrieved and hosted guests?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ شَيَّدُوا الْمَمَالِكَ وَمَهَّدُوا الْمَسَالِكَ وَأَغَاثُوا الْمَلْهُوفَ وَقَرَوُا الضُّيُوفَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where is the one who strived and struggled, and prepared and mobilized [all possible resources]?
أَيْنَ مَنْ سَعَى وَاجْتَهَدَ وَأَعَدَّ وَاحْتَشَدَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where is the one who fortified and strengthened, and adorned and decorated?
أَيْنَ مَنْ حَصَّنَ وَأَكَّدَ وَزَخْرَفَ وَنَجَّدَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where is the one who accumulated and increased, and stored and amassed, and considered the future of his son?
أَيْنَ مَنْ جَمَعَ فَأَكْثَرَ وَاحْتَقَبَ وَاعْتَقَدَ وَنَظَرَ بِزَعْمِهِ لِلْوَلَدِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where is the one who stored and amassed, and accumulated wealth upon wealth thereby multiplying it?
أَيْنَ مَنِ ادَّخَرَ وَاعْتَقَدَ وَجَمَعَ الْمَالَ عَلَى الْمَالِ فَأَكْثَرَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where is Khosrau and Caesar and Tubba’ and Himyar?
أَيْنَ كِسْرَى وَقَيْصَرُ وَتُبَّعٌ وَحِمْيَرٌ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where is the one who built and erected, paved and prepared, accumulated and counted?
أَيْنَ مَنْ بَنَى وَشَيَّدَ وَفَرَشَ وَمَهَّدَ وَجَمَعَ وَعَدَّدَ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who lived longer than you and left a greater heritage?
أَيْنَ مَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ أَطْوَلَ أَعْمَاراً أَوْ أَعْظَمَ آثَاراً
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are the ones who were larger in numbers, had stronger armies and had greater effect?
أَيْنَ مَنْ كَانَ أَعَدَّ عَدِيداً وَأَكْنَفَ جُنُوداً وَأَعْظَمَ آثَاراً
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are the kings and Khosraus?
أَيْنَ الْمُلُوكُ وَالْأَكَاسِرَةُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are the children of the Yellow and the pharaohs?
أَيْنَ بَنُو الْأَصْفَرِ [الْأَصْغَرِ] وَالْفَرَاعِنَةُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who used to humiliate their enemies and take possession of their forelocks [by enslaving them]?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ اسْتَذَلُّوا الْأَعْدَاءَ وَمَلَكُوا نَوَاصِيَهَا
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who attained their highest ambitions in this world?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ بَلَغُوا مِنَ الدُّنْيَا أَقَاصِيَ الْهِمَمِ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those to whom the nations were subservient?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ دَانَتْ لَهُمُ الْأُمَمُ
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech
Where are those who ruled the extremities of this world?
أَيْنَ الَّذِينَ مَلَكُوا مِنَ الدُّنْيَا أَقَاصِيَهَا
Source : Ghurar Al-Hikam Wa Durar Al-Kalim, Exalted Aphorisms And Pearls Of Speech