منية المريد (The Desire of the Aspirant — Timbuktu Sufi MS, 1780)

Were it not for my fear of excessive length, I would have gathered for the aforementioned [subject] with evidence.
But I hope for the order of the Dominant One of the names of God, al-Muhaimin to facilitate an explanation of the system that is good.
Indeed, it is perfected in composition in what I have mentioned to you with revisions.
This is with the knowledge that I am not worthy of this, rather I have intended [it].
But I hope for the order of the Gentle One of the names of God, al-Latif to protect me from error and corruption of the text.
And that this poem may be a cause for reaching the ranks of the elite.
And that He may cause me to die upon the religion of the Prophet, and the love of Ahmad, the hidden leader.
The pole of humanity in piety and generosity, the beloved of the Messenger, the master of existence.
Upon him be the best prayer of the Lord, and his family, then the pearls and the wide-reaching.
As long as a believer longs for Taiba Medina, and for his love, and the love of his family.

Introduction to Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani, may God Almighty be pleased with him.