- Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Azdi recited to me the following lines (in the munsariḥ metre):
The sinners’ crimes will never cease—
not till the end of time, or until they are laid in their graves.
Truly they deserve to lament and weep,
for they have defied One who is Majestic, Compassionate, and Loving.
He began with gracious favor toward them, out of pure generosity;
and whenever He wills, He brings His promise to pass.
Every bereaved mother’s sorrow must one day fade,
but our grief we still behold, ever fresh.
How can the anguish of one who pledged himself to Allah—
again and again—yet broke each covenant, ever come to an end?
Woe to my soul! What shall I say when
Allah summons His messengers to testify against me?
Then He will say:
“Confess what you have done, and that you overstepped
the limits that were set for you.
You did not fear Me when you concealed yourself from people;
you challenged Me openly, while I was ever a witness.
By means of My very favors you committed acts of disobedience;
you feared not My might, yet you dreaded other servants.”