A poem that made Imam Ahmad cry….

If my Lord asks me, “Have you shyness in disobeying me?”

You conceal your sins from my creations – and with sins you come to me.

So how will I answer, O woe to me – and who shall protect me

I keep averting my soul with thoughts of hope from time to time

And I forget what is to come after my death- and what is to come after I shrouded.

As if I am guaranteed life (eternally) – and that death will not come to me.

And when the severe stupor of death overtakes me – who will protect me?

I looked at the faces; is there not from amongst them who will ransom me?

I will be asked regarding what I have prepared in my life to save me (on the Day of Judgement).

Then how will I answer – after I have neglected my religion.

Woe to me! Did I not hear the Speech of Allāh inviting me?

Did I not hear what came in (the chapters of) Qāf and Yā-Sīn?

Did I not hear about the Day of Gathering, the Day of Assemble and the Day of Judgement?

Did I not hear the crier of death inviting me, calling me?

So O my Lord, a slave (turning to you) I have repented – so who then shall shelter me?

Except a Lord extensive in forgiveness – to the truth He will guide me.

I have come to you (in repentance) – so have mercy on me, and make heavy my scales (with good deeds).

And lighten my account – You are the best of who will bring me to account.