i am not sure about the authenticity of the following hadith but i heard it from the much respected "Yahya Ibrahim" in one of his talks.
The story of abu mahjan truelly touches ones heart.
Abu Mahjan was a great muslim who loved Allah and his prophet, he was a great poet and one of the most courageous fighters. It was said only Umar bin Al-Khattab could put him in his place, but he was a terrible alcoholic. Due to his disregard for the prohibition of drinking alcohol Umar bin al-khattab (RA) used to beat him severely till one day his drinking of alcohol reached such an extent that Umar (RA) exiled him. Abu mahjan however escaped his exile and was free till one day he heard the the muslims have gone into a raging battle. Upon hearing this abu mahjans love for islam caused him to run to the battle field with his sword. Umar (RA) had given orders that if abu mahjan was ever found that he should be tied up and locked up! Therefore when Sa'ad read Umar (RA) letter as soon as he saw abu mahjan on the battle field he went up to him and tied him to a tree. Abu mahjan felt disgraced as he looked around and saw his brothers fighting bravely for martyrdom. He thought to himself the reason for not being able to help his brothers. It wasnt the alcohol... it was himself. He then turned in "SINCERE REPENTANCE" towards Allah and begged for mercy making the intention to never drink again. He also recited sweet poetry of his repentance which reached the ears of sa'ads wife who agreed to untie abu mahjans ropes as long as he agrees to tie himself back up again if he duz not achieve martyrdome (sa'ads wife (RA) had agreed to tie herself up and cover the face so no1 can tell). Abu mahjan agreed. Sa'ad (RA) had said that if he didnt tie abu mahjan to the tree himself he would have sworn that it was abu mahjan fighting so bravely in that field. After the battle abu mahjan went to the tree and tied himself back up before anyone noticed. When sa'ad (RA) came bak he noticed all the wounds on abu mahjans body for it is close to impossible to fight wivout being wounded. Sa'ad wiv tears flowing from his cheeks said, "did you really go and fight o abu mahjan", abu mahjan replied in the affirmitive. With tears still flowing sa'ad (RA) released abu mahjan and stated "If you ever drink i will beat you mercilessly" to which abu mahjan replied "BY ALLAH I WILL NEVER DRINK AGAIN"
FOR ALL THE SINS WE DO LET US TURN IN SINCERE REPENTANCE AND ENGRAVE THE LOVE OF ALLAH IN OUR HEARTS!!!!!!! AMEEN!!!
ALLAHU AKBAR