The Poem that made Imam Ahmad cry

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

You conceal your sins from my creation - 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 death - and what is to come after I am 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