Al-Imām ibn al-Jawzi [may Allāh bestow mercy upon him] said:
“Sins are like a chain around the necks of the sinners, that do not separate from them, except by seeking forgiveness and repentance [from Allāh].”
At-Tadhkirah fil-Wa’adh | Page 96 | Al-Imām ibn al-Jawzi [may Allāh bestow mercy upon him]