A Tale of Night Repentance

The governor of Damghan struck a man with a polo mallet, until he cried out like a beaten drum. That night, restless with pain, he could not sleep. A devout man passed by and spoke to him. If at night you had carried your pain to the police chief, he would not have shamed you by day. No one stands ashamed on the Day of Judgment who carries the burning of his heart to God's door at night. If you still have peace in your heart, what is there to fear? The Generous One never shuts the door on those who ask forgiveness. Ask of God, the just and merciful judge, at night for repentance for the failings of your daytime sins. The Generous One who brought you from nothing into being, how strange it would be if He did not take your hand when you fall. If you are His servant, raise your hand in need; and if you feel ashamed, let the tears of regret fall. No one came to this door seeking pardon whose sin the flood of remorse did not wash away. God does not disgrace anyone whose eyes pour out enough tears to wash their sins away.