Written by Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, dedicated to Shaykh al-Yaqoubi

The fruits of Syria are universally known
Great blessings are tasted for all that is grown.
You came to these shores as a fertile feast
For all to enjoy, both greatest and least.

Like a guide through the dark, you came to us all.
Light poured from your being like a bright waterfall.
You found us in affluence dying from thirst
and quenched our souls with your timely cloudburst.

We owe so much to you we can't even say
and lament with pain the short length of your stay,
ever in debt like a grateful child
who's gained great wealth when his father's smiled.

May your path always guide you farther ahead
and Allah reward you for all that you've said.
With no wealth to give but the gold you have given
we hold in our hearts that are now more truth-driven.

In this land of roses you managed to find us,
To this Hay Ward you especially came to remind us,
Bringing from the olive of neither east nor west
A treasure of light that is truly blessed.

Prayer on your father, dear Ahmad the great,
As long as souls journey to learning's gate,
As long as souls come who can then recollect
that teachers are worthy of our love and respect.