ṣaʿida juḥaa al-minbara liyakhṭubaJuha went up on the platform to give a talk.
sa’ala an-naasa hal taʿrifuuna maa sa’aquulu lakumHe asked the people, "Do you know what I am going to tell you?"
qaaluu laa laa naʿrifuThey said, "No, we don't know."
qaala juḥaa maa faa’idatu an ukallima qawman laa yaʿrifuuna wanazalaJuha said, "What is the use of speaking to people who don't know?" and he came down.
fii al-yawmi at-taalii sa’alahumu as-su’aala nafsahuThe next day he asked them the same question.
qaaluu naʿam naʿrifuThey said, "Yes, we know!"
qaala juḥaa idhan laa ḥaajata ilaa kalaamii wanazalaJuha said, "Then there is no need for my words." and he came down.
fii al-yawmi ath-thaalithi qaala niṣfuhum naʿam waqaala an-niṣfu al-’aakharu laaOn the third day half of them said yes and the other half said no.
qaala juḥaa liyukhbiri alladhiina yaʿrifuuna alladhiina laa yaʿrifuunaJuha said, "Let those who know tell those who do not."
wanazala mina al-minbari ḍaaḥikanAnd he came down from the platform, laughing.