Say, then, to whom affects learning in philosophy Knowing one thing doesn’t comprise an education Don’t forbid others what you choose to eschew For p… - Abu Nuwas

دَعْ عَنْكَ لَوْمِي فَإنَّ اللَّوْمَ إغْرَاءُ

Auspicious stars had risen on this night
When drunkard assaulted drunkard
We passed the time kowtowing to the Devil,
Until the monks sounded the bells at dawn
And [a young adolescent] left, dragging delightful robes
Which I had stained with my iniquitous behavior,
Saying, "O woe!" as tears overcame him,
"You have torn away the [dignity] I had preserved."
I replied, "A lion saw a gazelle and lunged at it;
Such is the variety of Fate’s vicissitudes!"

O Lord, even though I have committed many sins
I understand that Your forgiveness... is far greater!
If only those who’re pure can hope for Your mercy:
whom else can one be seeking help, for the sinner?
Lord, I’m humbly asking You, like You told me to:
who will pity me if of my hand, You’re not a taker?
There is no other way I have to You, but the hope
that as a Muslim You will be You... the Forgiver!