Sol 5.6

  1. O Forgiver of sins, forgive me the vile deeds

    I took upon myself, openly and in secret.

  2. I grew accustomed to them; I have no excuse for committing them

    save the baseness of my nature and the violence of my desire.

  3. My God, I knowingly commit sin, as though—

    from doing it so often—it were the greatest act of devotion.

  4. Brazen in sin, I heed no insight that would make me desist,

    nor do I submit to the judgment of clear sight.

  5. The Qur’an awakens me amid passion’s heedlessness,

    yet I turn away from it, persisting in my neglect.

  6. It was not denial that turned me aside, but a passion

    that overwhelmed me until it became my very mark and adornment:

  7. swift to seize the soul’s share of desire,

    slow to pursue good deeds—a stain upon my record.

  8. Whenever the call of truth rings out, I turn away,

    as though, when it passes my ear, I were deaf.

  9. Such is my constant way—yet I affirm Your oneness,

    and my repentance and faith in Your grace are my plea.

  10. Pardon my stumbling, O Forgiver of sins, for I

    am certain of forgiveness, bounty, and mercy.

  11. When those seeking forgiveness come to You with a plea,

    Your generosity, my Lord, is my plea and my means of approach.

Sol 5.6