I have been committing sins

Zayn Al ‘Ābidīn (May Allah’s mercy be upon him) said,

“I don’t know since when I have been committing sins, (only) Allah knows (what I did) in secret and public,

How Forbearing has Allah been with me with what he has given me! But indeed I have persisted in sinning but He has veiled me (i.e. me sinning),

I have spent hours of my days without regret, crying, fear or sadness,

I am the one who has striven to close the door for sins but the Eye of Allah is watching me,

O’ faults that have been written for me that have passed away in ignorance! O’ regret that has lingered in my heart burning me!

Leave me to wail and lament for myself and pass in time with its remembrance and sadness!”