O God, humiliate me not by reason of Thy greatness; make me not ashamed by reason of my sins.
Let no one prevail over me, for it is better that I should suffer punishment from Thy hand.
Let it suffice that I am ashamed in Thy presence; make me not ashamed before my fellow-men.
If the shadow of Thy mercy fall upon me, mean is the dignity of the sky before mine eyes.
If Thou give to me a crown, I will raise my head: exalt me, so that no one may cast me down.
A Worshipper’s Lament
I tremble when I recall the prayer of one distracted in the temple of Mecca. Thus did he lament:
“Throw me not down, for no one will hold my hand to succour me. Whether Thou call me or drive me away, my head has no resting-place but Thy threshold. Thou knowest that I am poor and helpless; I am oppressed by my evil passions. Keep me from pollution, and forgive my sins. Close not mine eyes from the face of happiness; bind not my tongue when I recite the creed. Place the lamp of Faith before my way; make my hand short from doing evil. From the sun of Thy goodness one ray suffices, for except in Thy rays I am not seen. Why should I weep because of my condition? If I am weak, my refuge is strong.”