UTENDI WA MWANA KUPONA

Utendi wa Mwana Kupona

1. Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya.	Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully.
Maradhi yamenishika, Hatta yametimu mwaka, Siyapata kutamka, Neno lema kukwambiya.	Sickness has seized me, having lasted as much as a year. I have not had a chance to utter, a good word to say to you.
Ndoo mbee ujilisi, Na wino na karatasi, Moyoni nina hadisi, Nimependa kukwambiya.	Come forward and seat yourself, with ink and paper, I have things in my heart, that I want to tell you.
Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya.	As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions.
5. Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya.	Once you have finished proclaiming, the name of Almighty God, then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us.
Mwana Adamu si kitu, Na ulimwengu si wetu, Walau hakuna mtu, Ambao atasaliya.	A human being is nothing, and the world is not ours, nor is there any one, who will live forever.
Mwanangu twaa waadhi, Pamoya na yangu radhi, Mngu atakuhifadhi, Akuepue* na baa.	My child, accept my advice, together with my blessing, God will preserve you, that He may help you avoid evil.
Twaa nikupe hirizi, Uifungeto kwa uzi, Uipe na taazizi, Upate kuiangaliya.	Take and let me give you (this) amulet, tie it securely with a string, and so give value to it, and care for it.
Nikutungie kidani, Cha lulu na marijani, Nikuvike mke shani, Shingoni kikizagaa	Let me string together a necklace for you, of pearls and red coral, let me dress you as a beautiful woman, (with it) shinning upon your neck.
10. Penda nikupe kifungo, Kizuri kisicho ongo, Uvae katika shingo, Utaona manufaa.	Be a loving person (lit. Love) so I may give you a clasp, a beautiful one which is not a sham, wear it on your neck, and you will see benefits.
Yangu utakaposhika, Mwanangu hutosumbuka, Duniani utavuka, Na akhera utakiya.	When you will accept my (advice), my child, you will not be troubled, you will cross through this world, and step over into Paradise.
La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya.	The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the  faradhi (God’s ordinances), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties).
Pili uwa na adabu, Na ulimi wa thawabu, Uwe kitu mahabubu, Kulla utakapongiya.	Secondly, have good manners, with courteous language, be something loved, wherever you will enter.
La tatu uwa sadiki, Ushikalo ulithiki, Mtu asoshika haki, Sandamane naye ndiya.	Thirdly, be trustworthy, what you resolve do it conscientiously, the person who does embrace justice, do not accompany him along the way.
15. Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya*.	Further, my child, humble yourself, before people of rank, when you see them anywhere, quickly praise them.
Wangiapo wenukiye, Na moyo ufurahiye, Kisa uwapeke mbeye, Watakapokwenda ndiya.	When they enter get up to honor them, and may your heart rejoice, afterwards conduct them forth, when they about to go their way.
Ifanye mteshiteshi, Kwa maneno yaso ghashi, Wala sifanye ubishi, Watu wakayatukiya.	Make yourself an entertaining person, by words that are not deceitful, nor should you make rude jokes, people dislike them (i.e. words).
Nena nao kwa mzaha, Yawatiayo furaha, Yawapo ya ikiraha, Kheri kuinyamaliya.	Talk with them cheerfully, of things which give them joy, (but) when words are offensive, it is better to keep your own counsel (lit. Be quiet to yourself).
Wala situkue dhana, Kwa mambo usoyaona, Na kwamba nakunong'ona, Tahadhari nakwambiya.	Neither maintain opinions, on matters that you do not understand, and as for whispering, be careful I tell you.
20. Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya.	Do not associate with slaves, except during household affairs, they will draw you into disgrace, as perhaps I have told you.
Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya.	Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them.
Mama pulika maneno, Kiumbe ni radhi tano, Ndipo apate usono, Wa akhera na duniya.	Little mother, listen to this counsel, for a person there are five blessings, it is then she may have the peace, of the next world and this.
Nda Mngu na mtumewe, Baba na mama wayuwe, Ya tano nda mumewe, Mno imekaririwa.	They are of God and His Prophet, her father and mother she must know them, the fifth is of her husband, it has been said again and again.
Naawe* radhi mumeo, Siku zot’e mkaao, Siku mukhitariwao, Awe radhi mekuwiya.	And may your husband be happy, all the days that you live, on the day when you both are chosen, may he be happy -- (this) he owes to you.
25. Na ufapo wewe mbee, Radhi yake izengee, Wende uitukuzie, Ndipo upatapo ndiya.	And if you die before (him), seek for yourself his blessing, and go that you may magnify it for yourself, it is then you find (your) way.
Na siku ufufuwao, Nadhari nda mumeo, Taulizwa atakao, Ndilo takalotendewa.	And on the day you rise from the dead, the award belongs to your husband, he will be asked what he wants, it is that which will be done for him.
Kipenda wende peponi, Utapekwa dalihini, Kinena wende motoni, Huna budi utatiwa.	If he wishes you go to Paradise, you will be brought there immediately, if he says that you go to the Fire, you cannot avoid it -- you will be put there.
Keti naye kwa adabu, Usimtie ghadhabu, Akinena simjibu, Itahidi kunyamaa.	Live with him with civility, do not anger him, if he rebukes you, do not answer back, make an effort to hold your tongue.
Enda naye kwa imani, Atakalo simukhini, We naye sikindaneni, Mkindani huumiya.	Keep faith with him, what he desires do not withhold from him, both of you, do not quarrell with each other, a quarreller is always hurt.
30. Kitoka agana naye, Kingia mkongowee, Kisa umtandikie, Mahala pa kupumua.	When he goes out say goobye to him, And when he comes in pleasantly greet him, Then set out for him, A place for resting.
Kilala siikukuse, Mwegeme umpapase, Na upepo nasikose, Mtu wa kumpepeya.	When he is sleeping do not take yourself off, Go up to him and caress him, And as for fresh air let him not be without, Someone to fan him.
Kivikia simwondoe, Wala sinene kwa yowe, Keti papo siinue, Chamka kakuzengeya.	When he is sleeping do not rouse him, Nor speak with a loud voice, Stay right there and do not get up, If he awakes then he has to search for you.
Chamka siimuhuli, Mwandikie maakuli, Na kumtunda muili, Kumsinga na kumowa.	When he awakes do not hold yourself back, Prepare a meal for him, And take care of his body, Massage him with perfume and bathe him.
Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya.	Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening. xxx lots of alternative variants for this verse.
34b. Mnyoe mpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Na udi umfukize, Burukata wa ashia	Shave his head and shape and tend his beard; sprinkle and burn scent for him, morning and evening
35. Mtunde kama kijana, Asioyua kunena, Kitu changalie sana, Kitokacho na kungiya.	Care for him as you would a child, Who does not know how to speak, Take care of one thing well, What goes out and comes in (household expenses and income, W&H).
Mpumbaze apumbae, Amriye sikatae, Maovu kieta yeye, Mngu atakuteteya.	Take his mind off his concerns so he will be at ease, Do not refuse his orders, If he brings (you) evil, God will defend you.
Mwanangu siwe mkoo, Tenda kama uonao, Kupea na kuosha choo, Sidharau marra moya.	My child, do not be dirty or untidy, Do what you see (needs to done) at once, To sweep and wash out the bathroom, Do not scorn (to do it).
Na kowa na kuisinga, Na nyee zako kufunga, Na yasimini kutunga, Na firashani kutiya.	As to bathing and perfuming yourself, And plaiting your hair, And stringing jasmin blossoms (together), And putting them on the bedspread.
Nawe ipambe libasi, Ukae kama ‘arusi, Maguu tia kugesi, Na mikononi makowa.	Also adorn your clothing, That you remain like a bride, Put anklets upon your legs, And beaded bracelets upon your arms. (See JWT, p. 63, where he reads /i/ of /ipambe/ as a Cl. 9 object prefix, whereas W&H consider it the reflexive pronoun.)
40. Na kidani na kifungo, Sitoe katika shingo, Muwili siwate mwengo, Ya marashi na daliya.	And your necklace and clasp, Do not remove them from your neck, Do not leave your body without fragrance, Of rosewater and dalia powder.
Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya.	Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows.
Nyumba yako i nadhifu, Mumeo umsharifu, Wakutanapo sufufu, Msifu ukimweteya.	May your house be well kept, So that you honor your husband, When people meet there in large numbers, You, as one who praises, are bringing it to him (i.e., honor).
Moyowe alipendalo, Nawe ufuate lilo, Yambo limtukialo, Siwe mwenye kumweteya.	What he wants in his heart, You should also follow the same, That which is abhorent to him, Do not be the one bringing it upon him.
Ukutiwapo kutoka, Sharuti ruhusa taka, Uonapo meudhika, Rudi na kuiketiya.	Whenever you happen to go out, For sure seek permission, When you see that he is upset, Return home and stay there alone.
45. Fuata yake idhini, Awe radhi kwa yakini, Wala sikae ndiani, Saa ya ‘ne ikasiya.	Follow his wishes (his sanctions), That he may be truly content, Nor stay along the way, Until the fourth hour (10 pm) has passed.
Wala sinene ndiani, sifunue shiraani, Mato angalia tini, Na uso utie haya.	Nor should you speak along the way, Nor reveal yoursef from under the shiraa (veil, canopy), Keep your eyes lowered, And show deference in your look.
Rejea upesi kwako, Ukakae na bwanako, Utengeze matandiko, Mupate kuilaliya.	Return quickly to your home, Go and be with your husband, Arrange matts and cushions, So that you may settle yourselves down on them together.
Na bwanako mtukuze, Sifa zake uzeneze, Wala simshurutize, Asoweza kutukuwa.	And bring honor to your husband, Spread his praises far and wide, But do not obligate him, For things he cannot carry out.
Akupacho mpokeye, Na moyo ufurahiye, Asilotenda kwa yeye, Huna haja kumwambiya.	Whatever he gives you accept from him, And be happy in your heart about it, What he does not do for himself, You do not have to tell him.
50. Uonapo uso wake, Funua meno uteke, Akwambialo lishike, Illa kuasi Jaliya.	When you see his face, Open your mouth and smile, What he tells you hold to it, but do to rebel against God.
Mama sinoe ulimi, Nioleza wako umi, Naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya.	My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten years ago, We never quarreled a single day.
Naliowa na babako, Kwa furaha na ziteko, Tusondoleane mbeko, Siku zot’e twalokaa.	I was married by your father, With happiness and laughter, Without lacking respect for each other, All the days that we lived. {gram. twalokaa < tu- + -ali- + -o- + -kaa
Siku moya tusitete, Ovu langu asipate, Na lake lisinikute, Hatta akakhitariwa.	We never spoke badly of each other, And he never received evil from me, And his (evil) never found me, Until finally he was chosen.
Yalipokuya faradhi, Kanikariria radhi, Kashukuru kafawidhi, Moyo wangu katushiya.	When death came, He recited his blessings for me, He gave thanks and entrusted himself to God, and my heart filled me with weakness. {gram. Ka- 3rd sg. Pronoun or deleted sub. prf}
55. Tangu hapo hata yeo, Siyanyamaa kilio, Nikumbukapo pumbao, Na wingi wa mazoeya.	From then to this day, I have not yet ceased my crying, When I remember the happiness, And the abundance of our contented life.
Watu wakipulikana, Milele hukumbukana, Illa wenye kushindana, Milele huiyutiya.	If people listen to one another, They remember each other forever, But those who fight each other, They regret it for eternity.
Mausio ya mvuli, Allah Allah ya'amili, Na nduguzo na ahali, Wapende nakuusiya.	Your husbands last wishes, Allah Allah ya'amili, And your kin and relations, Love them, I exhort you.
Uwaonapo sahibu, Ambao wakunasibu, Wakikwambia karibu, Angusa kukurubiya.	Whenever you see friends, Who are of your own lineage, If they welcome you in, Go in at once.
Na wachandika chakula, Uchambiwa nawe nla, Wala siweke muhula, Nyuma nyuma kurejeya.	And if they set out a meal, And you are asked, eat, But do not leave a long delay, Before going right back (to your home).
60. Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa.	Nor should you be haughty, Eat until you are satisfied, If you are not yet full, do not admit it, Even when you are told (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you.
Watu wot’e waumini*, kwako na wawe wendani, sipende masalatini, washinde ukiwepuwa.	All trustworthy people, Let them as well be friends at your home, Do not be friends with those involved in making trouble, Defeat them by avoiding them.
Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya.	Do not be friendly with those having elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth.
Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la'ala akaridhiya.	She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you).
Na ayapo muhitaji, Mama kwako simuhuji, Kwa uwezalo mbuji, Angusa kumtendeya.	And when there is someone in need, As for you my child, do not grill her, As you are able, my dear, Hurry to assist her.
65. Mama haya yasikize, Tafadhali sinipuze, Utaona nafuuze, Za akhera na duniya.	My child, listen to these words, Please do not ignore me, You will see their profit, That in next world and on earth.
Tamati maneno yangu, Kukuusia mwanangu, Sasa tamuomba Mngu, anipokelee dua.	This is the end of my words, Advising you my child, Now I will pray to God, That He accept on my behalf a prayer.
Kwani yot’e tunenao, Mwana Adamu ni puo, Mola ndiye awezao, Kupoteza na kongowa.	In spite of all that we say, A human is an absurdity, It is the Lord who has the power, To condemn and to save.
Nakuombawe Manani, Unitilie auni, Ninenayo ulimini, Na yot’e nisoyatowa.	I pray to You, Beneficent One, Grant to me aid, What I utter on my tongue, and what I do not offer.
Yot’e nimezoyanena, Rabbi takabali minna, na yasalieyo tena, nakuomba nitendeya.  (Gram.)	Everything that I have said, Lord accept it from me, And what still remains, I beg you do it for me.
70. Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya.	Save my children for me, and my younger brother, may their names grow great, and spread throughout the whole country.[i]
Rabbi waweke nduzangu, Na wana wao na wangu, Wenee na ulimwengu, Kwa jamali na sitawa.	Lord, keep my kin safe, Along with their children and mine, And may they become abundant in this world, with grace and prosperity.
Na jamii isilamu, Mola wangu wa rahamu, Matakwa yao yatimu, Nyoyo zikifurahiya.	And for the whole community of Islam, My Lord of mercy, May their needs be fulfilled, with their hearts rejoicing.
Ya Allahu wangu wana, Nimekupa ni amana, Watunde Mola Rabbana, Siwate kuwangaliya.	O Lord God, my children, I have given them to you as a trust, protect them, O Lord and Master, Never stop looking after them.
Nimekupa duniani, Watunde uwahizini, Unipe kesho Peponi, Mbee za Tumwa Nabiya.	I have given them to you in this world, For you to protect and cherish (lit. cherish them), So that tomorrow you can give them to me in Heaven, In the presence of the Prophet.
75. Wangalie kwa huruma, Uwongoze ndia njema, Uwepulie na tama, Za akhera na duniya.	Look upon them with mercy, Lead them along the good path, take them away from evil, In the next life and this.
Kwako kuomba sikomi, Wala sifumbi ulimi, Ya Mufarrija ‘l Hammi, Nikomesheza udhiya.	I do not stop praying to You, Nor do I shut my mouth, Oh Comforter and Protector, Bring me to the end of my sufferings.
Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya.	I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation. gram
Nondolea ndwee mbovu, Yaloningia kwa nguvu, Dhambi zangu na maovu, Ya Rabbi nighufiriya.	Remove the evil illness from me, which entered in me, my sins and evil, O Lord, forgive me.
Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya.	Although things are hard for us, for you they are insignificant, take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once.
80. Nakuombawe Latifa, Unondolee mikhafa, Kwa Yaumu li’Arafa, Na Idi ya udhihiya.	I pray to You, the All-Benevolent, Rid me of my fears, by reason of the Day of Arafat, and the Festival of the Sacrifice.
Kwa siku hizi tukufu, Za kuhiji na kutufu, Niafu Rabbi niafu, Unishushize afuwa.	By these glorious days, Of Haj and going round the Kaaba, Save me, O Lord, save me, Send down deliverance to me.
Ya Allahu! Ya Allahu!, Ya Rabbahu ya Rabbahu, Ya Ghayata Raghbatahu, Nitika hukwamkuwa.	O God O God, O Lord O Lord, O Fulfilment of all desire, answer me as I call upon You.   {Gram.}
Nakuombawe Rabbana, Bi'asmaika l-husuna, Tis’aa wa tis’aini, Mia kupungua moya.	I call upon You, O Lord God, By Thy beautiful Names, Nine and ninety, One hundred less one.
Nipulishie walimu, Wakinambia fahamu, Dua hini Isilamu, Akiomba hurudiwa.	Let me listen to the teachers, As they are telling me, understand, This prayer of the Faith, If one prays, it always comes back to him.
85. Nami mjao dhaifu, Mwenye nyingi takalufu, Nakuomba takhafifu, Rabbi nitakhafifiya.	And I your weak servant, One with many troubles & worries,  I pray to You to lighten them, O Lord lighten them for me.
Nakuomba taisiri, Mambo nisiyokadiri, Unegeshe kulla kheri, Ovu ukinepuliya.	I pray to You in haste, As to things that I cannot judge, Bring me every happiness, Delivering me from evil.
Ya Rabbi nitimiliza, Mambo nisiyoyaweza, Wala moya nisowaza, Amba yatasikiliya.	O Lord, fulfill for me, Things which I have no control over, Nor even imagine, What will happen [W&H note that amba is used as a relative pronoun in this verse with an elided pronoun, p. 88.]
Rabbi unifurahishe, Mambo mema unegeshe, Maovu uyagurishe, Tusikutane pamoya.	Lord, help me to rejoice, Bring good close to me, Remove the evil, So that we not meet with it .
Uniweke duniyani, Miongo ya wahusini, Nifapo nende peponi, Makao ya hafidhiya.	Keep me in this world, In the company of the faithful, So when I die I may go to Paradise, The dwelling-place of the saved.
90. T'ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya.	I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things.
T'ungile nilisakimu, Moyo usina fahamu, Usomeni Isilamu, mukiongozana ndiya.	I have composed it while sick, My heart without understanding, Read it, Moslems, Guiding each other along the way. Gram. Perfect stem; also usina
Na sababu ya kutunga, Si shairi si malenga, Nina kijana muyinga, Kapenda kumuusiya.	And my reason for composing, it’s not (because of) poetry nor (that I am) a bard, but (because) I have a young innocent child, and I wish to give her my last instructions.  Gram.
Kapenda kumnabihi, La'ala katanabahi, Kamfuata Illahi, Pamwe na wake rijaa.	And I desire to counsel her, That perhaps she will realize, And follow God, Together with her man.
Somani nyut’e huramu, Maana muyafahamu, Musitukue laumu, Mbee za Mola Jaliya.	Read, all you women, So that you may understand, That you bear no blame, In the presence of Almight God. Gram.
95. Somani mite ya nganu, Mtii waume wenu, Musipatwe na zitunu, Za akhera na duniya.	Read, you little ones (lit. sprouts of wheat), So you may obey your husbands, And not suffer any sorrow, Of the after-life and of this.
Mwenye kutii mvuli, Ndake jaha na jamali, Kulla endapo mahali, Hutangaa na kweneya.	She who obeys her husband, It is her honor and charm, Wherever she goes, It is announced and known far and wide.
Mwenye kutunga nudhumu, Ni gharibu mwenye hamu, Na ubora wa ithimu, Rabbi tamghufiriya.	The composer of this poem, Is a traveller with longing, And the greatest/worst of her sins, Lord, you will forgive her.
Na baitize idadi, Ni miate wa wahedi, Na mbili za mazidadi, Ndizo zimezozidiya.	And the number of its verses, Is one hundred and one, With two in addition, It is those those that have been added.
Tamat aun Illahi	Completed with the help of God (W&H translation)
A UCLA Project by Prof. Thomas Hinnebusch