The Life Of Ibn Hanbal by Ibn Al-Jawzi

[Al-Hayḍam’s father:] 90.3

When now you told of learning and of Aḥmad gone.

You might have said the foaming sea was dry.

Of a gen’rous heart, of piety and lordly sway.

Of one so firm in faith are we bereft.

At his approach, you felt the breath of spring.

As befits his name, all spoke of him to praise.484

Most like Sufyān in piety was he.

Nor did Misʿar or Miʿḍad leave him far behind.

Like them, he little sought, and guided right.

Denied himself, and showed us how to live.

In all these things was his alone the prize.

In all these things did we him call unmatched.

Come back! Your hands an edifice of faith.

Did build, not a palace to inhabit in this world.

You craved no eagle-footed steed.

Nor shapely slave, bewitching as the jinn.

In finery bedecked, and golden weave.

Swaying like a cane-brake when she walks.

But to each must come that fateful hour when death.

Arrives, the tenants of the world to lead away.

And from this world can they but one thing take.

The deeds they stored away while yet they could.485

Al-Hayḍam recited a poem by his father, including these lines: 90.5

To the tears that world-renouncers weep, add tears.

And let the ones who fear their Lord behold.

And fear the more. They mourn for you, their eyes.

Bereft of sleep, their only comfort tears.

Embraced by earth good Aḥmad lies, as far.

From us as anyone can be. May clouds refresh.

His grave with rain as days turn into years!486

[The author:] I have copied many of the praise poems and elegies composed for him but confined myself here to a few selections. May God guide me aright!