Original content

English translation

Between Mu'awiya and Aqil ibn Abi Talib there was complete friendship and constant companionship. One day a thorn fell in the path of their affection and dust settled upon the face of their fondness; Aqil broke off from Mu'awiya and withdrew his foot from frequenting his assembly.

Apologizing, Mu'awiya wrote to him: O highest aspiration of the Bani Abd al-Muttalib, O furthest goal of the House of Qusayy, O musk-diffusing gazelle of Abd Manaf, and O wellspring of the noble virtues of the Bani Hashim, the sign of prophethood is in your honor and the glory of the message is in your household. Where has all that magnanimity, forbearance, and patience gone? Come back, for I am regretful of what has passed and distressed over what is gone.

How long shall I be the target of the arrow of enmity, And from your distance be bereft of heart and faith? Upon the earth, before you, my face is to the ground; Beneath the earth too I shall remain thus.

Aqil wrote to him:

You spoke truly and said what is right, except that I think it best that I not see you, nor you see me; And I do not speak ill of a friend, But I turn away when he treats me harshly.

Meaning: When a noble person is wounded by a friend, he should take the corner of separation and incline toward the lane of departure, not gird himself for wrongdoing and loose his tongue in slander.

When a friend turns bent on quarrel with you, choose nothing but separation before him. Do not persist overmuch in hostility; leave a little warmth upon the fire.

Again Mu'awiya offered his apology for reconciliation and pleaded for peace, and sent a hundred thousand dirhams as a peace offering, and laid the foundation of a covenant.

Apologize and seek pardon when a breach falls in the foundation of the fellowship of old friends; and if that breach is not mended by the words of the tongue, strive to repair it with bricks of gold and silver.