quotes

1. Your heart is the house of Allah, let none be allowed to dwell there besides Him.
2. If a river of fire flows between me and my Lord, in my yearning to meet Him I would jump into it and cross it.
3. Sufism means that Allah makes you die to yourself and makes you alive in Him.
4. Whatever I gained spiritually was through three practices, viz, (i) renouncing the world, (ii) fasting and (iii) waking up the whole nights.
5. One moment’s forgetfulness of the Lord ruins a thousand years’ worship.
6. A Sufi is like the earth; even if impurities are thrown on it, it will flourish with lush greenery.
7. The Lord created His grace before He created the world.
8. Renunciation is emptying the hand of possessions and the heart of attachments.
9. Whosoever repeats the Name of the Lord merges into the Name and Name merges into the Lord.
10. Sufism is not achieved by much praying and fasting, but it is the guarding of the heart and the generosity of the soul.
11. When you do good to someone, don’t expect anything in return, because goodness is rewarded by Allah, not man.
12. Submissiveness is extending one’s love to all beings and being forbearing toward them.
13. A thousand years’ obedience cannot annul a moment’s disobedience of Allah.
14. Zuhd means to free the heart from always wanting.
15. The state of annihilation of the self means persistence of the real self in Allah.
16. Departure of the lower self implies the appearance of the True Self.
17. Tasawwuf is that which kills you and lives by itself.
18. The saint has no fear, because fear is the expectation either of some future calamity or of the eventual loss of some object of desires and how should he feel grief who is in the radiance of satisfaction (Rida) and the garden of concord (Muwafaqat).
19. Marifat (Gnosis) is the realization of thy ignorance when His knowledge comes.
20. Fana is the assimilation of the individual will in the Will of Allah. The true state of Fana is experienced by the grace of Allah. The mystic completely passes away from his self when Allah wants him to be obliterated.
21. Describing the last stage of Tawhid, he says: “It is a stage where the devotee has achieved the true realization of the Oneness of Allah in true proximity of him. He is lost to sense and action because Allah fulfils in him what He hath willed of him.
22. One day I was delivering a sermon when one of the audiences said that he could not follow the discourse. I told him to place seventy years of his worship under foot and bow down in humility and then he would follow it.
23. Certainty is the cessation of doubt in the witnessing of the unseen.
24. Divine loves means that the lover takes on the Beloved’s attributes in place of his own.
25. Tusawwuf is to purify the heart from the recurrence of inborn weakness, to take leave of one’s natural characteristics, to extinguish the attributes of humanity, to alienate sensual temptations, to dwell with the spiritual attributes, to mount aloft by means of the Divine sciences, and to practice that which is eternally the best, to bestow sincere counsel on the whole people, to faithfully observe the Truth and to follow the Prophet (ﷺ) in respect of the Shariah.
26. The journey from the corporeal world to the Hereafter is easy for the believer, but relinquishing creation for the sake of Allah is difficult. And the journey from the self to Allah is intensely difficult, but patience with Allah is still more difficult.
27. Patience is drinking down bitterness without a frowning look.
28. Allah gives the gnostic the ardent desire to behold His Essence, then knowledge becomes vision and vision revelation, and revelation contemplation, and contemplation existence-with and in Allah. Words are hushed to silence, life becomes death, explanations come to an end, signs are effaced. Mortality (Fana) is ended, and immortality (Baqa) is made perfect. Weariness and care cease, the elements perish and there remains what will not cease, as time that is timeless ceases not.
29. A Sufi is one, whose heart is like Ibrahim (عليه السلام), that it is free from the love of the world and one which is always ready to obey the commands of Allah, his acceptance should be like that of Ismail (عليه السلام), his zeal should be like that of Dawood (عليه السلام), His patience like that of Ayub (عليه السلام), his eagerness should be like that of Musa (عليه السلام) and in Dua, his sincerity should be like that of Muhammad (ﷺ).’
30. The most powerful relationship is that of the servant to his Creator, when he tries to understand the secrets of Tawhid, and all roads are sealed to the creation, except the road of the Prophet (ﷺ).
31. Sincerity is a secret (Sirr) between Allah and his servant which not even the Angel knows so as to record it; nor does Satan know so as to corrupt it; nor is the desire (Hawa) aware of it so as to influence it.
32. The lover of Allah is he who forgets his own self, remains engaged in Allah’s remembrance with due regard to all its requirements; sees Allah with the eyes of his heart, which is burnt by the heat of Allah’s fear; Allah’s remembrance affects him like a cup of wine, he speaks the word of Allah as if All-Mighty Allah speaks through his mouth; if he moves, he does so under the command of Allah; he gets peace of mind only through the obedience of Allah; and when such a stage is reached, his eating, drinking, sleeping, awakening and, in short, all his actions are for the pleasure of Allah; he neither pays heed to the worldly customs, nor does he attach any importance to unfriendly criticism by people.
33. Whoever strives hard against his lusts in Allah’s Cause by means of repentance will be guided to paths of sincerity. We will never be able to fight our enemy in the outside except when we fight our enemies within ourselves. Whoever gains victory over himself will gain victory over his enemies, and whoever is defeated within himself will be defeated by his enemies.
34. A man who had just returned from the pilgrimage came to Imam Junayd al Baghdadi. Junayd said:
    

    “From the hour when you first journeyed from your home have you also been journeying away from all sins?” He said “No.” “Then,” said Junayd, “you have made no journey.”
    “At every stage where you halted for the night did you traverse a station on the way to Allah?” “No,” he replied. “Then,” said Junayd, “you have not trodden the road, stage by stage.”
    “When you put on the pilgrim’s garb at the proper place, did you discard the qualities of human nature as you cast off your clothes?” “No.” “Then you have not put on the pilgrim’s garb.”
    “When you stood at Arafat, did you stand one moment in contemplation of Allah?” “No.” “Then you have not stood at Arafat.”
    “When you went to Muzdalifa and achieved your desire, did you renounce all sensual desires?” “No.” “Then you have not gone to Muzdalifa.”
    “When you circumambulated the Kaba, did you behold the immaterial beauty of Allah in the abode of purification?” “No.” “Then you have not circumambulated the Kaba.”
    “When you ran between Safa and Marwa, did you attain to purity (Safa) and virtue (Muruwwat)?” “No.” “Then you have not run.”
    “When you came to Mina, did all your wishes (Muna) cease?” “No.” “Then you have not yet visited Mina.”
    “When you reached the slaughter-place and offered sacrifice, did you sacrifice the objects of worldly desire?” “No.” “Then you have not sacrificed.”
    “When you threw the pebbles, did you throw away whatever sensual thoughts were accompanying you?” “No.” “Then you have not yet thrown the pebbles, and you have not yet performed the pilgrimage.”

• To eat less is healthy, to speak less is wisdom, and to sleep less is worship.
• To speak less is wisdom, to eat less is healthy and to mingle less with the people is safe and serene.
• The one who steps back will not progress.
• Nothing is worst than avarice that destroys the mind, not even Alcohol.
• It is unbecoming of that person who sits with his hands folded and prays to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) for sustenance. Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) does not rain down gold and silver from the heavens.
• To earn a suspicious living is worse than begging.
• The biggest gift after Iman (Faith) is your wives.
• Attain knowledge before old age settles in.
• Extravagance is also when a person eats whatever he wishes.
• Whosoever hides his secret keeps his safety, safeguarded with himself.
• The person who calls himself learned, indeed he is ignorant, and the one who calls himself from the dwellers of Paradise surely he is from the dwellers of Hell.
• Tawbatun-Nasooha (Accepted forgiveness) is the name of that forgiveness that is asked for a bad deed committed, in such a manner that he never returns to or commits that bad deed again.
• The Strength in action is, never to put of what you can do today for tomorrow.
• It is not becoming of a Muslim to sit down and start praying for sustenance without attempting to earn it, he is well aware that gold and silver does not rain from the skies.
• If it wasn’t for the claim of knowledge of the unknown then I would say five people are from the dwellers of Paradise:

1. That family man who is poverty stricken but is patient
2. That women with whom her husband is happy and accepting.
3. That woman who forgives he husband’s duty of Mehr (Dowry approved by Muslim law)
4. That person with whom his parents are Happy
5. And that person who honestly repents from his sins

• Once a sheep was slaughtered and Syeduna ‘Umar al-Farooq (رضى الله عنه) persistently asked his servant if he had first sent meat to his neighbor who was a Jew. The slave asked why you are asking the same question persistently. He answered that Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) and his Rasūl (صلى الله عليه وسلم) had constantly stressed the importance of neighbors therefore I too am persistent in stressing the same.
• Three things build love:

1. To make Salam (greeting)
2. To make space for a person in a gathering
3. To address a person in a respectable and good manner

•  There are four types of Regrets:

1. Regret that spans over a day e.g. When a person leaves his home without eating.
2. Regret that spans over a year, just like the negligence shown when cultivating.
3. Regret that spans over a lifetime, when a man and his wife are unsuited to each other.
4. Regret that is eternal, which is when your Creator is unhappy with you.

• There are three types of people:

1. Successful: he who listens to the advice of people and ponders over it.
2. Lazy or Lethargic: he who does what he wants without consultation or advice of people.
3. Corpse: who neither gives nor listens to advice and consolation.

• Sayyiduna ‘Umar (رضى الله عنه) on many an occasion asked this du’a (supplication) to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) so that certain situations should always remain with him and some things should be removed, the Du’a is: “O Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  Make me such that I may speak with intellect or reap tolerance with silent. O! Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) do not bestow upon me too many favours, so that I may not be confused by it, not too little that I may forget You. Hence, little yet sufficient in comparison to having plenty thereby becoming indulgent and committing sin.”
• If ever you see a learned person (‘Aalim) leaning towards this World, then know this he is blameworthy for his Religion, because the universal harm is that if a person desires something then he is constantly engrossed in its quest.
• Faith (Iman) is to regard the Oneness of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) in ones heart proclaim it with your tongue and to obey the fundamental Islamic Instructions.
• The relationship of true humility and genuine fear of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) is with the heart and not by a show of outward actions.
• Why have you made slaves of those whose mothers had given birth to them free?
• Judgments or Settlements in any cases should be done quickly, so that the accused, due to a prolonged period of time are not compelled to withdraw their accusation.
• It is absolutely necessary not to associate with a beast for though he wishes or means well, yet he would still be accused of committing a crime.
• Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), shower your Blessings of Mercy on that person who informs me of my faults.
• When a learned man takes a false step then he ensnares himself in a World of wrongdoings.
• One day a man was praising Hadrat ‘Umar (رضى الله عنه), he replied by saying why are you destroying me even more with my desires (Nafs).
• I am not a fool, but I pretend to be a fool, in order to fool the fool. And just when the fool thinks I am a fool, I will expose the fool and show to him that he is the fool.
• I do not look at anything, except, that I see everything with Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).

• If I die in this condition that I have strived to earn an honest living then it is more beloved to me than even dying as a Martyr.
• Good behavior towards people is equivalent to wisdom, to request politely is half of knowledge, and to ascribe to sound policies is half of one’s livelihood.
• To educate a material person is like placing a sword in the hands of a robber.
• Do not have Faith in a person’s compassion and politeness when he cannot keep his anger under control.
• Do not have Faith in a religious person who is not tested during temptation.
• He is a friend who brings to your attention your faults and to sing praises of a person in his presence is similar to slaughtering him.
• Laughing decreases ones age, while politeness, glamor, pomp and show which ease living standards are indications of people who are unaware of death.
• To show greed and avarice is impoverishing, to be unselfish is enriching and to wish compensation in patience.
• Good deeds are the fulfillment of one’s rights and to do good deeds is a substitute for bad deeds.
• To speak less is wisdom, to eat less is healthy, to sleep less is a prayer and there is peace in solitude.
• Youth before old age and old age before death is a blessing of life.
• A generous person is the beloved of Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) even though he is a transgressor. A miser is the enemy of Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) although he may pray and remember Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) excessively.
• To forgive an oppressor is oppression upon the oppressed.
• When you combine lawful with unlawful gains then the unlawful contaminates the lawful gains though it may be little.
• A Mu’min does not keep as his friend one who is opposed to Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) and his Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) even though that person may be his mother or father.
• The sound of music and that of a mourner are two of the worst sounds.
• There is tranquility and peace in anonymity and confidentiality.
• We should leave the other nine portions out for the fear of Haram (unlawful). (i.e. if in ten portions one is Haram a Muslim would leave the other nine portions out meaning anything unlawful would be completely left out).
• Desire is never achieved without fear, nor manners and etiquette without formality, or happiness without peace or wealth without gifts or poverty without contentment, or dignity without politeness or Jihad (holy war) without diving guidance and assistance.

• Respite before preoccupation and old age before death is a blessing of life.
• Honour and dignity in this World is measured by wealth while honour and dignity in the Hereafter is measured by good deeds.
• Save yourself from the Fires of Hell even if it means by doing a favour with half a date (fruit). If this too is not possible then with sweet words.
• After Iman (Faith), there is no greater gift than a pious wife.
• Not to postpone is strength in action.
• Whosoever shows you your faults, he is your friend. Those that pay you lip service in praise are your executioners.
• One who guards his secrets is surely safe.
• The person who constantly discloses my faults to me is dearest to me.
• Fear that person who you dislike.
• When Sayyiduna ‘Umar (رضى الله عنه) camped on the outskirts of Jerusalem to conquer Bait al-Maqdas, the Christian Crusaders were terrified of his presence and requested a meeting with him before handing over the keys of the city. The Crusaders met him whilst he wore a patched garb. They asked him the reason as to why his name generated such immense awe and fear that captured the hearts of his enemies. He replied; “Your kings taught you to love the World (Duniyah) and its wealth and our Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught us to fear Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) and love death.
• He is an intelligent person who can translate his actions into good.
• Never put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
• There is never a chance of pain in the neck if one does not raise his head too high in the air.
• Do not forget about yourself whilst being concerned for others.
• To stop sinning is easier than to bear the burden of seeking repentance.
• Remove your gaze from the splendor of the World. Do not let the love of this World enter your heart. Beware! The love of this World does not perhaps destroy you, just as it had destroyed previous nations.
• Victory is gained through strategy and trust in Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), not by wishful thinking.
• The most intelligent amongst you is he who fears Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) the most.
• Be sympathetic towards the poor so that they may be able to speak and build courage.
• Extend a hand of friendship to a foreigner because if his stay is extended then he would leave his valuable possessions to return to his own country and leave that person responsible for his valuables who had been most worthy of his attention
• Do not taunt and curse anyone for this gives rise to collective evils in a person.
• One should not judge a person by the number of Salaat (prayer) or Roza (fasting) but by his wisdom and honesty.
• To die for the right is better than to live for falsehood. Courage is recommend, cowardice is detestable, and falsehood is vulnerable to vanish!
• Prayer is connected to the heart not by mere apparent actions.
• To educate a seeker of materialism is to place a sword in the hands of a highway robber.
• Do not trust the character of one who cannot control his temper.
• To laugh excessively is a sign of no remorse for death.
• To side with the oppressor is oppression on the oppressed.
• Death is the best teacher.
• The dearest of you as long as you have not met us are the best in names. But after we had seen you, the best of you to us are the best of you in character. When we scrutinize you, the dearest of you to us are the most truthful of you in speech.
• People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine Inspiration during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه وسلم) but now there are no longer any new revelations. Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favor the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, for Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good.
• The best days we ever lived were by virtue of patience, and if patience were to take the shape of a man, he would be a noble and generous man.
• Take yourself to account before you are taken to account, weigh your actions before they are weighed, and beautify yourself for the ultimate presentation. On that day not the slightest secret will be hidden.

• It was Sayyiduna Umar’s daily routine to visit the homes of soldiers who were on the battlefield and ask their womenfolk if they had to make any purchases from the market, and he would do it for them. They would send their maids and Sayyiduna Umar would make the purchases and hand over to them. When a messenger came from the battlefield, bringing letters from soldiers, the Caliph would himself deliver them at their homes and tell them the messenger would return on such and such date, and they should keep their letters ready by that time, He would himself supply paper, pen, and ink, and when there was no literate person in a family, he would himself sit outside the door and write to their dictation.
• There is no goodness in you if you do not say ‘Fear Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)’ and there is no goodness in us if we do not listen.
• When Sayyiduna Umar appointed anyone as a governor, he wrote down for him a covenant to which a group of muhajirs (up to ten in number) bore witness. The conditions and terms were: He would not ride a workhorse, not eat luxurious food, not wear fine garment and not shut his door to the needy. If he did any of these things then he was liable to punishment.
• Lower your gaze from the world and turn your heart away from it.
• I will inform you about what is lawful for me from the wealth of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  An outfit for the winter, an outfit for the summer, mount that I can ride upon for Hajj and Umrah, and food for my family, such as given to a man from the Quraish who is neither the richest nor the poorest among them. I am simply a man among the Muslim; I go through what they go through.
• Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) never obliterates evil with evil, but He erases evil with goodness.
• O Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  you indeed know that I eat only my food, that I wear only my own clothing, and that I take only what is rightfully mine.
• The death of a thousand worshipers is easier to bear than the death of a scholar who has knowledge of what Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) has permitted and forbidden.
• Lo! By Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  if I remain alive to help the widows from the people of Iraq, I will leave so much for them that they will never need to ask for help from any ruler who comes after me.
• Beware of bribery, and of ruling based on your desires.
• Do not be fooled by one who recites the Qur’an. His recitation is but speech, but look to those who act according to it.
• Once Sayyiduna Umar was in his garden, when coming back, he found that the people had performed the Asr Prayer. Thereby, he said, ‘We will surely return to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  I missed the Asr Prayer in congregation. May you witness that I gave my garden in charity to the needy so as to expiate what Umar had done.
• The most beloved of people to me is he that points out my flaws to me.

• Learn knowledge and teach it to the people. Learn how to have yourselves an aura of dignity and peace. Be humble to those that have taught you knowledge, and be humble to those that you have taught knowledge. And do not be haughty scholars; otherwise, your knowledge will not rise due to your ignorance.
• O Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  if You have written me down as being someone who is miserable, then erase that for me; and instead write me down as being happy. For indeed, You erase whatever You wish, and You write down and uphold .
• The Islam of Sayyiduna Umar was a victory , his migration [to Madinah] was a triumph, and his caliphate was a mercy . I remember the time when we were not able to pray or perform tawaf around the Ka’bah. That was before Sayyiduna Umar embraced Islam. After he embraced Islam, we fought against them until they left us alone; and thus we began to be able to pray .
• Know that every habit comes by getting used to it. Get used to being patient and doing good. Be patient against whatever befalls you. It will make you fear Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• Never think ill of the word that comes out of your believing brother’s mouth, as long as you can find a good excuse for it.
• Dedicate yourself to remembering Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  for remembering Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) is a cure. And beware of remembering people, for the act of remembering people is a disease.
• By Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)! If I had gold equal to the earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the punishment of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• Each day is proclaimed, ‘So and so has died!’ And with no doubt it will be said one day, ‘Umar died.’
• The one who laughs too much loses dignity; one who jokes too much loses respect; whoever does something a great deal, becomes known for it; one who speaks a great deal makes mistakes; one who makes many mistakes loses his sense of dignity. Whoever loses his sense of dignity loses his God-fearing and whoever loses his God-fearing is spiritually dead.
• Beware of filling your stomachs with food and drink, for it is harmful to the body and causes sickness and laziness in performing prayers. Be moderate in both food and drink, for that is healthier for your bodies and furthest removed from extravagance. Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) will hate the fat man (one who revels in a life of luxury), and a man will not be condemned until he favours his desires over his religion.
• During the year of the Ashes (drought and famine), Sayyiduna Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s stomach would make rumbling sound. He forbade himself from eating Ghee, and so he would eat olive oil. And he would poke his stomach with his fingers and say, ‘Rumble as much as you want, for indeed, I will feed you nothing other than this until the situation of the people improves.
• Strive to listen to what comes out of the mouth of people who are obedient to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  Listen to what they have to say, for indeed, truth things are made manifest to them.
• On one particular Friday, Sayyiduna Umar did not come out to Friday prayer on time; and since he was to deliver the Friday sermon the people had to wait until he came out to them. When Sayyiduna Umar finally did come out to them, he came out to them, he apologized, explaining that, ‘I was prevented from coming out because this garment I am wearing was being washed; and I own no other outfit.’
• After Sayyiduna Umar (رضى الله عنه) became Khalifah of the Muslim Nation, he was once seen delivering a sermon while wearing a lower garment that was patched in 12 different places.
• Help me against myself by enjoining good, forbidding evil, and sincerely advising me.
• O Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  I am indeed harsh, so make me gentle; I am weak, so make me strong; and I am miserly, so make me generous.

1. Anyone whose divine illumination takes precedence over his reason is blessed, but anyone whose reason takes precedence over his illumination is impoverished.
2. Remembrance of Him is the light of the heart, and His presence (in mind) is the key to the invisible.
3. The mystical sciences are garnered treasures, and the illuminations are spiritual insights.
4. Sustenance is divinely apportioned. It is not the piety of a pious man that increases it nor is it the impiety of an impious man that diminishes it.
5. The understanding man is one who understands what Allah wills for him and from him.
6. The exalted man is he who is rooted in the science of reverence, who conducts himself according to the will, and not by passion, appetitive desire or natural disposition.
7. Mystical knowledge is that which has severed you from everything except Allah and brought you back to Him.
8. If your Kashf (own insights) contradict Quran and Sunnah, then hold on to the Quran and Sunnah, and leave your personal insights aside. Allah (ﷻ) vouchsafed the infallibility of the Quran and the Sunnah, but Kashf is not so warranted, neither ilham (inspiration) nor ru’ya (vision).
9. Do not take as a companion one who prefers himself to you, for he is vile. Neither take one who prefers you to himself, for he will not last long. Hold companionship with him who, when he remembers, remembers Allah, for Allah will take his place when he is absent, and bring enrichment through him when he is present.
10. If you desire that your heart should not become tarnished, that no care or anxiety should afflict you, and that no sin should remain against you, say often:
    

    “Tasbeeh (Subhan Allah),
    Tahmeed (Alhamdu Lillah),
    Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), &
    Tahleel (La ilaha ill Allah)!”

11. Sincerity is a light from the light of Allah that He has deposited in the heart of His believing servant and by which he cuts himself off from all others. The sincerity is that no angel looks upon to record it, no devil to corrupt it and & no evil inclination to deviate it.
12. The Sufi way is the holding of one’s course toward Allah by four things:
    

    (i) The first of these four is Dhikr (remembrance), the basis of which is righteous works, and the fruit of which is illumination.
    (ii) The second is meditation, the basis of which is perseverance, and the fruit of which is knowledge.
    (iii) The third is Faqr (asceticism or being non-materialistic), the basis of which is thankfulness, and the fruit of which is an increase of it.
    (iv) The fourth is love, the basis of which is dislike of the world and its people, and the fruit of which is union with the Beloved.

13. Real prostration is the yielding of the heart to the ordinance of the Lord.
14. Sufism is training the Nafs in servitude and restoring it to the rules of Lordship.
15. The vilest of men in rank is the one who is niggardly.
16. Tawhid is a light which makes you nonexistent to others and makes others nonexistent to you.
17. The ranks of the Awliya are four:
    

    (i) rank in respect of nearness to Allah,
    (ii) rank in the dominion,
    (iii) rank in respect of the fulfilment of divine obligations, and
    (iv) rank in respect of election.

18. If anyone has faith in the divine apportionment (Qismat), he should not dispute the divine wisdom (Hikmat).
19. There are two virtues that facilitate the way to Allah:
    

    (i) Marifah (mystical knowledge) and
    (ii) Mahabbah (unconditional love of Allah).

    Your love for material things renders you blind and deaf.

20. Whenever the Nafs (lower self) is dominant and the Ruh (spirit) is subordinate, then occurs drought and sterility, the whole order is overturned, and every evil befalls. So heed the guiding of Quran and the healing words of His Apostle (ﷺ).
21. Any affliction for which a hope for reward is entertained and punishment is feared, is not an affliction. An affliction for which a reward is not hoped, nor a punishment is feared -that only is an affliction.
22. He who is sensitive is not patient. He who burdens himself with trouble, has not resigned his affair to Allah. He who asks is not contented with Allah. He who calls for help has not trusted.
23. Knock on the door of the Dhikr, seeking shelter with Allah and avowing your need of Him, with continual silence toward your fellows and the shepherding of your innermost being to guard it from conversing with the lower self with every breath, if you desire to have spiritual sufficiency.

The following sayings were taken from the book Ghararul Hikm:

1. A momin is just even with those who have been unjust to him.
2. Being in the gatherings of those who have marifat (recognition) is a means of training your intellect.
3. Be like the honey bee who when he eats, eats only those things which are pak (clean) and when he expels, he expels only that which is pak, and when he sits upon something he does not break it
4. One who strengthens himself through experience will be saved from the destruction of the world.
5. Trust the wise enemy more than an ignorant friend.
6. Praising the wicked is one of the worst types of sin.
7. One who is praises you for those attributes which you do not possess is in reality condemning you but you are unaware.
8. Becoming impatient during the time of suffering increases its torment. However remaining patient during those times decreases the suffering.
9. Repentance purifies the heart and removes the sins
10. There are two types of people. One is generous but does not have wealth and the other is wealthy but is not generous
11. Give your enemy a thousand chances to become your friend but do not give your friend a single chance to become your enemy.
12. There are two types of patience. The first is bearing that which  you dislike and the second is waiting for that which you like.
13. Beware of becoming angry for it begins with insanity and ends with anger.
14. The benefit of one’s ears is only for himself while the benefit of one’s tongue is for others.
15. The greatest foolishness is when a person considers himself to have great intelligence.
16. Asking for help from one who is selfish is worse than death.
17. Before traveling or buying a house be sure to investigate the history of those you will travel with and those who will be your neighbors.
18. Fight against your worldly desires the way you fight against your enemies.
19. Sitting in the gatherings of those who are ignorant decreases one’s intellect.
20. Iman (faith) and deeds are like twin brothers and are companions who cannot be separated from each other. Allah does not accept one without the other.
21. One who is greedy will always remain as a beggar even if he is the wealthiest person in the world.
22. The best kind of friend is one whose separation causes you to lose the will to live.
23. Iman (faith) is like a tree whose root is yaqeen (certainty), whose branches are piety, whose blossoms are modesty, and it bears the fruit of generosity.
24. There are two attributes a momin does not possess; immorality and miserliness.
25. The majority of people spend their entire lives in search of unattainable things.
26. There are two types of people; one who is generous but does not have wealth and one who has wealth but is not generous.
27. Repentance purifies the heart and removes the sins.
28. Becoming impatient during times of suffering increases its torment, but remaining patient during those times decreases it.
29. Trust the wise enemy more than an ignorant friend.
30. One who strengthens himself through experience will be saved from the destruction of this world.
31. One who praises you for attributes which you do not possess is in reality condemning you but you are unaware.
32. Never place your trust upon two things; health and wealth. Because even though today you may be healthy, you may become ill at any moment and even though you have wealth, at any moment it could be taken from you.
33. We, Ahlul Bayt (asws) are the door of repentence and salvation. The one who enters through this door will find salvation and the one who turns away from it will fall into hellfire.
34. The example of a momin (believer) is that of a scale which has iman (faith) on one side and sufferings on the other. When the iman increases so does the sufferings.
35. This world is a prison for momin, death is his gift, and jannah is his shelter.
36. The best brother is one whose love for you does not increase when you are rich nor does it decrease if you become poor.
37. Nothing has disgraced the nafs (self) more than greed and nothing has disgraced the honor more than miserliness.
38. The majority of the people believe in haq (truth) but do not follow it.
39. Successful and fortunate is one who seeks advice from others and unsuccessful and unfortunate is one whose desires deceive him.
40. One who seeks honor through a source other than Haq (truth), Allah will disgrace him through Haq (truth).
41. The happiness of a momin (believer) is apparent on his face and the grief of a momin is concealed within his heart.
42. From this world, take only that rizq which you need to survive and do not become greedy for that wealth which will take you away from the obedience of Allah.
43. Two types of hunger can never be quenched: (i) the hunger for the greed of the world & (ii) the hunger for knowledge.
44. I am amazed by the person who refrains from eating when he is in pain, but does not refrain from sins even though he will receive pain from their punishment.
45. Bitterness of this world is the sweetness of the hereafter and the sweetness of this world is the bitterness of the hereafter.
46. Envy is the best punishment for the one who becomes jealous at seeing your happiness.
47. Shak (doubt) leads one towards shirk.
48. One who has complete certainty (yaqeen) that he will receive whatever Allah has written for him and no one will be able to take that which Allah has written for him away, will live his whole life in great comfort.
49. The best virtue is love for Ahlul Bait (asws) and the worst sin is animosity towards Ahlul Bait (asws).
50. Your complete silence which causes the people to want to speak with you is greater than that speaking which causes the people to silence you.
51. One who is always finding faults within others, Allah will make his love and friendship haram.
52. The foolishness of a person can be seen through three things:
53. when he speaks, he speaks only about meaningless things
54. when asked something, he replies regarding a different matter
55. he jumps into matters without thinking about their consequences
56. Time both gives and takes from you. When it takes from you, you can never get it back, but when it gives to you, it does not last forever.
57. The yaqeen (certainty) of a momin is revealed through his actions and the doubt of a munafiq (hypocrite) is revealed through his actions
58. Glad tidings is for the one who disgraced himself and honored himself through the obedience of Allah and gained his wealth through his piety.
59. The way to punish those who are jealous of you is to behave kindly with them.
60. The greatest ignorance is when a person is ignorant of his own self.
61. Your secret is your prisoner but if you reveal it then you become its prisoner.
62. The one who is most deserving of your love is the one benefits you and harms your enemy.
63. Recognize the virtuous person through his actions because sometimes even bad people speak good.
64. One moment of indignity can erase the respect of your entire life.
65. Every honor which is not through the religion is a dishonor.
66. The kindness and generosity of a person makes him popular even amongst his enemies.
67. Silence is the sign of the knowledgeable and the veil for ignorance.
68. One who desires to see others in sufferings is the worst type of person.
69. A momin (believers) is one who upon seeing learns, when he is silent then he is thinking, when he speaks he remembers Allah, is content with the blessings he receives, and remains patient during sufferings.
70. Allah makes the one who fears people afraid of everything.
71. True friends are the beauty of your happiness and the helpers in your sufferings.
72. Greed is everlasting slavery.
73. One who uses falsehood as his protection finds nothing but disrespect.
74. One who is not trustworthy has no faith.
75. Worship without marifat (recognition) has no value.
76. All things are dependent upon intellect and intellect is dependent upon morality.
77. Knowledge is the seed of marifat (recognition).
78. Stay away from those things which ignorance likes.
79. Envy is the greatest trap of Shaitan (la).
80. Modesty and patience are the pillars of iman (faith)
81. Fortune chases the one who does not chase after it.
82. Do not disappoint the one whose hope lies with you.
83. If Allah had distributed rizq according to one’s knowledge and wisdom, then the ignorant and animals would not have survived.
84. Any worship done simply to show off is the worship of shaitan.
85. Moments of happiness are fleeting.
86. One who separates himself from the people saves himself from their evilness.
87. Patience is a shield during sufferings.
88. The most wise is the one who rejects falsehood.
89. Backbiting is a sign of a munafiq (hypocrite).
90. Reflection leads you towards guidance.
91. Contentment is a never ending wealth.
92. Marifat (recognition) is the noor of the heart.

The following sayings were taken from the book Meezan al Hikmat:

1. Do not be friends with those who backbite for it will cause you to lose your true friends forever.
2. Death continuously searches for those who love this world in order to take him from this world and one who loves the hereafter this world continuously searches for him in order to bestow his rizq upon him.
3. I am amazed at those who are miserly and live in this world like a beggar, but in the hereafter will face the accountability as a rich person.
4. Never place your trust upon two things; health and wealth. Because even though today you are healthy, at any moment, you can become ill and even though you are wealthy, at any moment, your wealth can be taken from you.
5. People are always unhappy with those who care only about pleasing themselves.
6. A foolish person is one who expresses hatred towards others when he sees faults in them but becomes happy upon seeing those same faults in himself.
7. A foolish person is one who becomes anger when he sees faults in others and becomes pleased upon seeing those same faults within himself.
8. People are always displeased with those who care only about pleasing themselves.
9. Anger of the ignorant can be seen in his words while the anger of the wise can be seen in his actions.
10. One who corrects his batin (hidden), Allah makes his zahir (apparent) good.
11. The greatest treasure is knowledge and the worst poverty is ignorance.
12. When Allah wants to disgrace a person, He closes the doors of knowledge for him.
13. Beware of befriending those who are always finding faults in others because they will do the same to you as they do to  others
14. Those things which ignorance dislikes, the wisdom likes. The greatest ignorance is when a person is ignorant of his own self.
15. Beware of making friends with a liar because he is like a mirage. He makes those things which are far appear to be near and that which is near to be far.
16. The least knowledge is that which only remains on one’s tongue and the greatest knowledge is revealed through one’s actions.
17. Fortunate is not one who has good wealth. Fortunate is one who is happy with what fortune he has been given. The person who asks for more than what Allah has decreed for him and before Allah has decreed it upon him will always live a life of sufferings. First thank Allah for those things He has blessed upon you BEFORE complaining about your life.
18. One who loves the world, the world will make him become its slave and the one who loves Allah, this world will become a slave to him.
19. One who is always in doubt has no religion and one who is a backbiter has no respect.”
20. Three things are the cause of destruction
    • Arrogance– Iblees (la) lost his status because of it
    • Greed – Adam (as) lost jannah because of it
    • Envy – Caused the son of Adam (as) to kill his own brother
21. One who is ignorant is like a stone that can never produce water, and he is like that tree which can never be green and he is like that land which can never be fertile.
22. Virtue is that which brings comfort to your heart and increases your spirituality and sin is that which puts you into immense discomfort and shame.
23. One whose heart is filled with love for this world, his heart will become infected with 3 diseases; (i) everlasting grief, (ii)everlasting greed & (iii) desires which will never be fulfilled.
24. It is compulsory upon you to sit in the gatherings of those people who have gained their knowledge through experience. They had to endure trials and difficulties in order to learn from their experiences while you can obtain the knowledge simply by listening to them.
25. The example for this world is like your own shadow. When you stop, it stops. When you try to catch it, it runs away from you.
26. The greatest act of ignorance is to collect that which you cannot keep and to build that which you cannot live in because when you return to Allah, you will not be able to take with you that which you collected or that which you built.
27. Do not be an enemy of those things which you do not know because the things which you do not know have knowledge

The following sayings were taken from the book Ibne Abi al Hadeed:

1. If you face suffering while performing a good deed, do not become worried. For this suffering will be removed while your good deed will remain.
2. Generosity while in the state of poverty, telling the truth in anger, and forgiving while having the power  to punish are amongst the greatest virtues.
3. If while performing a good deed, you are faced with some suffering do not worry. For the suffering will be removed while the good deed will remain.
4. Rooh (soul) is the life of the body and aql (knowledge) is the life of the rooh.
5. Your true friend is one who stops you from committing bad deeds and the one who encourages you to perform bad deeds is not your friend.
6. The evilness of a good person is that he drives you away from himself and the good of a bad person is that he does not harm you.
7. The first punishment a liar receives is when the people deny even those things from him which are true.
8. Every house has a door. The door for the house of the hereafter is death.
9. The worst person is one who is always suspicious of others and does not trust them and this suspicious and mistrustful nature causes others to not trust him.
10. The best way to obtain revenge upon your enemies is to increase your acts of goodness.
11. The first advice from the wise is the last advice from the ignorant.
12. There are four things which have a great impact even in small quanty: (i) Fire, (ii) Enmity, (iii) Disease, & (iv) Poverty.

The following sayings were taken from Najul Balagha, Mustadrik Najul Balagha and Shaharul Najul Balagha:

1. Allah curses those people who pretend to be pious but whose actions are the same as those who are wicked
2. Remain silent and the people will consider you to be pious, for when you speak your words determine if you are good or bad.
3. Wisdom is a tree which grows in the heart and produces its fruit from the tongue.
4. The death of a pious person brings comfort to his soul, while the death of an oppressor brings comfort to the entire universe.
5. Those who help the oppressors and those pleased with their acts of oppression are partners in the acts of oppression committed by the oppressors.
6. Shortage of commodities makes them become valuable but the knowledge becomes valuable only when it increases.
7. Someone asked Ali (asws), “How Allah will take Accountability from creation when its numbers are uncountable?” Ali (asws) replied, “The same way He gives rizq to the uncountable creation.” The man asked, “How will Allah take the Accountability when the people cannot see Allah?” Ali (asws) replied, “The same way He gives rizq to them but the people cannot see Him.” (Najul Balagha)
8. One who asks a momin regarding his need is like one who has asked Allah for his need and if someone asks a kafir for his need, then it’s like he has complained to him about Allah. (Najul Balagha)

The following sayings were taken from various books of Hadith:

1. Beware of harming or hurting a momin because if you do all of your good deeds will be removed from you the way the bark of a tree is cut off from it. (Dastoor Mualam al Hikm)
2. Imam Jafar Sadiq (asws) said in the tafseer of this ayah “And (know) that this is My path, the right one (siratul mustaqeem)” (6:153) , “I swear by Allah, Ali (asws) is siratul mustaqeem”.(Basairul Darjaat vol 1)
3. There will come a time when the Quran will be nothing more than just words and Islam will only be in name. (Tajaliyat e Hikmat)
4. I am the leader of momineen (believers) and wealth is the leader of sinners. (Tajaliyat e Hikmat)
5. One who is ruled by his desires becomes a disgrace.  (Tajaliyat e Hikmat)
6. There are many honorable people whose bad manners made them become dishonorable, and there are many dishonorable people whose good manners made them become honorable.(Kunzul Fawaid)
7. I am amazed at that person who has fear of punishment but does not refrain from sins and hopes for reward but does not perform good deeds in order to receive it. (Kunzul Fawaid)
8. My wilayat is that fort which those who enter it find salvation and those who do not will fall into hell. (Mashariqul Anwar al Yaqeen)
9. Be aware of the small sins for even the smallest of sins can lead to greater sins. (Nasr al Dar)
10. Never make a decision while in the state of anger. (Dastoor Muallam al Hikm)

1. It is reported about Bishr al-Hafi that he said: “That I seek the world with a wind instrument is more loved by me than that I seek it with the din.”
2. It is reported from Ibrahim an-Nakha’i that he said: “When Shaytan comes to you whilst you are engaged in prayer and says: You are showing off, increase it in length.”
3. One of the salaf said: “Direct me to an action by which I will never cease to be performing for Allah, the Exalted.” It was said to him: “Always intend good because you will never cease to be performing even if you do not do any actions. The intention performs even in the absence of any actions. Whoever intended to pray at night and then slept, the reward for what he intended will be written for him.”
4. One of them said: “I love that I have an intention for every single thing until my food, drink and sleep.”
5. It was said to Sahl: “What is the hardest thing for the soul (to achieve)?” He said: “Sincerity, when there is no other desire in it.”
6. It is reported from Ya’qub al-Makfuf that he said: “The sincere person is the one who hides his good deeds just like he hides his evil deeds.”
7. One of them wrote to his brother: “Make your intention sincere in all of your actions and little action will suffice you.”
8. It is reported from Ayyub as-Sakhtiyani that he said: “Purifying the intention is harder than all other actions for those who act.”
9. It is reported from Yahya ibn Mu’adh that he said: “Ikhlas separates (good) actions from faults like the separation of milk from dung and blood.”
10. It is reported from As-Susi that he said: “What Allah desires from the actions of His creation is ikhlas and nothing else.”
11. It is reported from Al-Junayd that he said: “To Allah belong servants who understand, and when they understand they act and when they act they make (their action) sincere. Their recalling of ikhlas at the time of doing righteousness is what accumulates the greatest (good for them).”
12. It is reported about Hawshab that he used to cry and say: “My name has reached the large mosque.” 1
13. It is reported from As-Susi that he said: “Ikhlas is to lose the vision of ikhlas (in oneself).”
14. One of them said: “Whoever sees sincerity in his sincerity, his sincerity is itself in need of sincerity. The destruction of every sincere person lies in his sincerity, (he is destroyed) to the extent that he sees sincerity in himself. When he abandons seeing sincerity in himself he will be sincere and purified.”
15. It is reported from Abu ‘Uthman that he said: “Ikhlas is to forget the vision of creation by constantly looking at the Creator.”
16. It is reported from Ibrahim ibn Adham that he said: “He is not truthful to Allah who loves fame.”
17. It is reported from Ath-Thawri that he said: “They used to hate fame and reputation due to wearing nice garments so that eyes would stretch towards them.”
18. Ibn Al-Jawzi reports from Al-Hasan that he said: “I was with Ibn Al-Mubarak one day and we came to a watering place. The people were drinking from it and Ibn Al-Mubarak came closer in order to get a drink. The people did not know him and shoved and pushed him. When he came out he said: ‘Life is but this,’ meaning we are not known nor are we respected.”
19. It is reported from Na’im ibn Hammad that he said: “‘Abdullah ibn Al-Mubarak frequently used to sit in his house for long periods of time so it was said to him: ‘Do you not feel lonely and isolated?’ He said: ‘How can I feel isolated while I am with the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).’ “
20. It is reported from Ibn Al-Mubarak that he said: I heard Ja’far ibn Hayyan say: “The foundations of these actions are the intentions. Indeed a man reaches with his intentions a position he does not reach with his actions.”
21. One of the people of wisdom used to say: When a man is speaking in a gathering and his speech amazes him let be silent and when he keeps silent and his silence amazes him let him speak.
22. It is reported from Mutraf ibn ‘Abdullah ash-Shakhir that he said: “That I spend the night sleeping and wake up remorseful is more loved to me than that I spend the night standing (in prayer) and wake up in admiration.”
23. It is reported from An-Nu’man ibn Qays that he said: “I never saw Abidah (rahimahullah) performing any voluntary prayers in the mosque of Al-Hayy.”
24. It is reported from ‘Ali (radhiallahu ‘anhu) that he said: “The one who shows off has three characteristics: He is lazy when by himself, he is lively and energetic when with others and he increases in his actions when he is praised and decreases in them when he is criticised.”
25. It is reported from Al-Hasan (radhiallahu ‘anhu) that he said: “The one who shows off desires to overcome what Allah has decreed for him. He is an evil person who desires to inform the people that he is righteous in order to hear what they would say. He has obtained a position of vileness and wickedness from his Lord. It is therefore essential for the hearts of the believers to recognise him.”
26. It is reported from Sahl ibn ‘Abdullah (rahimahullah) that he said: “There is nothing which is tougher upon the soul than (achieving)ikhlas. How many times have I tried to remove riya’ from my heart except that it sprouted in a different colour (i.e. in a different form).”
27. It is reported from Ibn Mas’ud (radhiallahu ‘anhu) that he said: “Do not learn knowledge for three (things): To amaze and confound the foolish, to argue with the learned and to make peoples faces turn towards you. (But) seek what is with Allah with your hearts and actions, since only that will remain and whatever is besides it will go.”
28. It is reported from Abu Sulayman ad-Darini (rahimahullah) that he said: “Tuba (the tree in Paradise) for the one who took a single step desiring nothing but the face of Allah by it.”
29. Some of the salaf said: “Whoever had a single instance in his lifetime which was purely and sincerely for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, will be saved, and this is due to the greatness of ikhlas.”
30. It is reported from Abu Sulayman ad-Darini (rahimahullah) that he said: “When the servant is sincere, riya’ and the many whisperings (of the shayatin) are cut off from him.”
31. It has also been said: “Ikhlas is that the servants inward and outward actions are equal. Riya’ is when the outward appearance is better than the inner self and truthfulness in one’s sincerity is when the inner self is better cultivated and more flourishing than the outward appearance.”.
32. Some of the salaf have said: “Ikhlas is that you do not seek a witness over your action besides Allah and nor one who gives reward besides Him.”
33. It is reported from Makhul (rahimahullah) that he said: “Never does a servant maintain sincerity for forty days in succession except that the streams of wisdom from his heart appear on his tongue.”
34. It is reported from Adiyy ibn Hatim that he said: “The people destined for the Fire will be ordered (to come) towards Paradise until they come close to it and smell its fragrance, see its palaces and what Allah has prepared in it for its people. Then an announcement will be made (to the angels) that they be turned away from it. There will be no portion for them in it. They will return in loss and ruin just like the ones before them (who were also commanded likewise). Then they will say: ‘O our Lord. If you had entered us into the Fire before You showed us what You have shown us from Your reward and what You have prepared for you friends and allies it would have been easier upon us.’ Then the Exalted will say: ‘This is what I intended with you. When you used to be alone you would combat me (or show boldness to Me) with grave sins and when you used to meet people you would meet them with humility. You would show to the people other than that which you used to give Me from your hearts. You feared people but you did not fear Me. You honoured the people but you did not honour Me, you abandoned (actions) for the people but you did not abandon for Me. This day (therefore), will I make you taste a tormenting punishment along with your prevention from receiving that reward.’ “
35. It has been said: “The damage (caused) to every servant lies in his being pleased with himself. Whoever looks at his soul and sees something in it which he deems to be good has caused its destruction. And whoever does not suspect his soul at every single moment is one who is deceived.”
36. Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: “Ikhlas is the tawhid of one’s wish/intent.”

(s) The sayings have been taken from Ihya’ Ulum ad-Din of Al-Ghazali, Mukhtasir Minhaj al-Qasidin of Ibn Qudamah and Kitab az-Zuhd of Ibn Al-Mubarak.

• The kernel is protected by the husk. If the husk is disturbed, the kernel is also disturbed. Shariah is the husk, and the Tariqah (mystic way) is the kernel. If a defect occurs in the observance of Shariah, the mystic path is also blurred.
• One of the scholars of Bukhara asked Shah Naqshband, “How can a worshipper reach the Divine Presence in his prayer?” He replied: “By eating from the hard-earned sweat of your brow and by remembering Allah (ﷻ) inside your prescribed prayer and outside your prescribed prayer, in every ablution and in every moment of your life.”
• Wilayat (sainthood) is a Divine blessing, and the saint should be aware of it so that he could express thanks to the Almighty.
• In La ilaha illallah, “ilaha” means denial of self and “illallah“ means annihilation in His Essence. And “Muhammad ur Rasulullah” means adherence to the Sunnah and wont of the Prophet (ﷺ). The object of Dhikr (remembrance) is to have access to the reality of the Kalima e Tawhid i.e., to negate all “otherness” except Allah.
• There are three things which cause Gnostics to tread the Sufi Path: Muraqaba, Muhasbah and Mushabada. Muraqaba means forgetting the self to meditate on the Creator. Muhasaba means critiquing the self every moment to see if time is spent in His remembrance or not. Mushahada means contemplating (beholding) the of Divine Beauty with esoteric eyes.
• In His worship, we need the body and in Ubudiyyat (servitude), the body must be alleviated. No act will yield any result as long as egotism (selfhood) persists.
• The Shaykh was asked on the meaning of the Hadith, ‘Part of faith to remove what is harmful from the way?’ He replied saying, ‘What he (ﷺ) meant by “harmful” is the ego, and what he (ﷺ) meant by “the way” is the way of Allah, as was said to Bayazid al-Bistami (رحمه الله), “Leave your ego and come to Us.”
• In the beginning we made ourselves Matlub (desired) and others Talib (desirers). But we have deserted this practice. The real Murshid (mentor) is Allah (ﷻ) Himself. And he who is the true seeker of Him, is sent to us by Him, and he gets what is apportioned to him.
• Sufism is entirely discipline or code of conduct. One etiquette is for Allah (ﷻ), second for the Prophet (ﷺ), and the third for the Pir (spiritual guide).
• The disciple should surrender himself to the will of his Pir (spiritual guide). This is Tasleem (resignation).
• Some people asked Khwaja about Karamat (miracles). He said: “Our Karamat is evidence that we can walk on the earth despite being overloaded by sins.”
• The saint is secure due to Divine Providence. He is protected from all calamities. Miracles or supernatural power are not trustworthy.
• Reality in the true sense is attainable after Fana (annihilation). As long as Bashariat (creature hood) overwhelms, it cannot be achieved.

“The world is a reflection of your own mind, so purify your thoughts to see the truth.”

“Let go of your ego, for it is the root of all suffering.”

“The worthless fool desires things that perish, while the wise seek the eternal.”

“The true path lies within oneself, not in the material world.”

“The key to enlightenment is to quiet the mind and surrender to the divine.”

“Love is the ultimate truth, the highest virtue, and the eternal essence.”

“Seek not the approval of others but listen to the voice of your own heart.”

“The path to oneness is through love and compassion.”

“Do not be attached to fame or wealth, for they are temporary illusions.”

“The true seeker finds Allah within, not in places of worship.”

“Do not judge others, for you cannot see their inner struggles.”

“In the realm of love, all boundaries dissolve and souls unite.”

“Embrace your flaws, for they make you unique and beautiful.”

“The path to happiness is not to acquire more, but to desire less.”

“Trust in the divine plan, even when life seems chaotic and uncertain.”

“Let go of resentment and anger, for they poison the soul.”

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

“In the silence of the heart, one can hear the whispers of Allah.”

“Live in the present moment, for it is all we truly have.”

“The greatest power lies in self-control and restraint.”

“Do not waste your time searching for miracles, for life itself is a miracle.”

“Love is the language of the soul, and it transcends all barriers.”

“The moment I learnt the lesson of Divine love, my heart passed over the exoteric and I found abode in His pavilion where thousands of hymns are being sung i,e., every iota in the cosmos is singing His praise. His love remains new and afresh ever.”

“You have read thousands of books of knowledge, have you ever tried to read your own self?”

“If I search for You for you inside, then I think You are confined. If I search for You outside, then who is contained within me? You are everything, You are in everything, You are known to be free from everything. You are me and I am You, so who is poor Bulleya?”

“Seek the spirit, forget the form.”

“Tear down everything in sight but don’t break a heart, for that is where Allah resides.”

“You remain awake at night and perform your devotions. Also awake at night are dogs, better than you. They bark and in no way can they be stopped. They go and sleep on the dung heap, better than you. They do not leave their master’s door, even if they get beaten with slippers, better than you. O Bulleya, buy yourself something for the journey, or else the game will be won by the dogs, better than you.”

1. Men are ever looking to the Kaaba, but Allah is ever looking to the heart.
2. The heart is the seat of the knowledge of Allah and is more venerable than the Kaaba.
3. Implore Allah to deliver you from the wickedness of your soul.
4. Whosoever refrains his soul from lust, verily Paradise shall be his abode.
5. The spiritual path is hard to travel except for those who were created for the purpose.
6. A Saint is known only to a Saint.
7. All humans action and inaction is the act and creation of Allah.
8. The universe is an abode of Divine mysteries, which are deposited in created things.
9. Substances, accidents, elements, bodies, forms and properties – all these are veils of Divine mysteries.
10. Man, enamored of his gross environment, remains sunk is ignorance and apathy, making no attempt to cast off the veil that has fallen upon.
11. The animal soul is the greatest of all veils between Allah and man.
12. Knowledge without action is not knowledge.
13. The Divine knowledge penetrates what is hidden and comprehends what is manifest.
14. It is the inward glow that makes the Sufi, not the religious dress.
15. Acquiescence is a characteristic of Allah’s friends, while hypocrisy is a characteristic of His enemies.
16. Divine guidance involves self-mortification without which contemplation is unattainable.
17. When you are reconciled to Allah in affliction, you see only the Author of affliction, and the affliction itself does not come.
18. Essences are not capable of annihilation; attributes, however, can be annihilated.
19. A man’s attributes veil him from Allah.
20. When a man sees Allah’s choice and abandons his own choice, he is delivered from all sorrow.
21. When a man is satisfied with Allah’s decrees, it is a sign that Allah is satisfied with him.
22. The purpose of mortifying the lower soul is to destroy its attributes, not to annihilate its reality.
23. Allah has caused the prophetic evidence to remain down to the present day and has made the saints the means whereby it is manifested.
24. Allah had made the saints the Governors of the universe.
25. To covet this world is to turn away from Allah for the sake of that which is transitory, and to covet the next world is to turn away from Allah for the sake of that which is everlasting.
26. The ascension of prophets takes place outwardly and in the body, whereas that of the saints takes place inwardly and in the spirit.
27. Saintship is a divine mystery which is revealed only through conduct.
28. When the Divine omnipotence manifests its dominion over humanity, it transports a man out of his own being, so that his speech becomes the speech of Allah.
29. Prayer requires purification of the body; gnosis requires purification of the heart.
30. Hunger sharpens the intelligence and improves the mind and health.
31. Marriage is proper for those who prefer to associate with mankind, and celibacy is an ornament for those who seek retirement from mankind.
32. There is no flame of lust that cannot be extinguished by strenuous effort, because when vice proceeds from yourself, you possess the instrument that will remove it.
33. Water flows in the riverbed, but when it reaches the ocean, it ceases to flow and changes its taste, so that those who desire water avoid it, but those who desire pearls dive into it.
34. Allah annihilates the souls of those who love Him by revealing His Majesty and endows their hearts with everlasting life by revealing His Beauty.
35. Faith and gnosis are love, and obedience is a sign of love.

• “Strange, that I came into the world with nothing, and now I am going away with this stupendous caravan of sin! Wherever I look, I see only Allah. I have sinned terribly, and I do not know what punishment awaits me.”
• “A ruler should strive for both temporal and spiritual well-being of his kingdom.”
• “An emperor ought to stand midway between gentleness and severity.”
• “I would rather live for a single day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep.”
• “The true strength of a ruler lies in his ability to display both justice and mercy.”
• “An empire can only be built on the foundations of discipline and obedience.”
• “Never underestimate the power of patience; it is the key to success.”
• “A wise leader gives priority to the well-being of his subjects over personal gain.”
• “Education is the cornerstone of progress; invest in the knowledge and wisdom of your people.”
• “Let your actions speak louder than your words; actions have the power to change minds.”
• “The key to victory lies in understanding your enemy and exploiting their weaknesses.”
• “A ruler should inspire his people through his deeds and lead by example.”
• “A ruler should never shy away from making difficult decisions for the greater good.”
• “Do away with the worship of images.”
• “Humility is a virtue; never let power and authority blind your judgment.”
• “Believe in the potential of your people; empower them to achieve greatness.”
• “Never let ambition overshadow your values and principles.”
• “The path to greatness is built on hard work, dedication, and unyielding determination.”
• “Lead with integrity and honor; a ruler’s character is reflected in his actions.”
• “The true measure of a ruler’s success lies in the happiness and prosperity of his subjects.”
• “Never underestimate the power of diplomacy; strive to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring kingdoms.”

“Treat every living being with respect and compassion, for we are all interconnected.”

“Detach yourself from material possessions, for they are temporary and fleeting.”

“Do not judge others, for you do not know the battles they are fighting.”

“Always find an excuse to do something good.”

“Escaping from one’s self is (a means of) attainting to Allah.”

“Do not forget death at any place.”

“If you want ease and comfort, do not be jealous.”

“Aspire for new (spiritual) attainments every day”

“True knowledge is not found in books, but in the experiences of life.”

“A person should perform such deeds which keep him alive for ever.”

“Do not waste your time searching for others’ faults, rather focus on improving yourself.”

“Sama moves the hearts of the listeners and breathes the fire of love in their hearts.”

“True love is beyond words and actions, it resides in the depths of the heart.”

“In the face of adversity, remember that Allah’s plan is perfect and trust in His guidance.”

“Let go of your desires and attachments, for true happiness lies in detachment.”

“The path to enlightenment is paved with patience and perseverance.”

“Do not be confined by societal expectations, follow the calling of your soul.”

“The world is a reflection of your own inner state, choose to see beauty and positivity.”

“Silence is a powerful tool for self-discovery and inner peace.”

“Serve others selflessly, for in their happiness lies your own fulfillment.”

“Find solace in solitude, for it is in silence that you can truly hear your soul.”

“Every challenge is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.”

“True strength lies in forgiveness and the ability to let go of grudges.”

“Practice gratitude every day, for it is the key to a content and joyful life.”

“Be humble in your victories and gracious in your defeats.”

“Let go of the need for control and trust in the divine order of the universe.”

“Kindness is the language of the heart, speak it fluently.”

“Do not fear failure, for it is through failure that we learn and grow.”

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, embrace a minimalist lifestyle.”

“Live in the present moment, for the past is gone and the future is yet to come.”

“Embrace change, for it is the only constant in life.”

• A seer of the essence of things is characteristically mute and meditative.
• The perfection of an Aarif consists in burning his Nafs to ashes.
• Realization of Allah comes to him who keeps vigilance and forgets recollection of ‘Self’.
• The spiritual disciple deserves to be called a Dervish only when he lives in the world with no self-interest.
• Just as the sunshine increases gradually in the morning so does the Divine Light expand in one who says Ishraq prayers.
• He indeed is a true devotee blessed with the love of Allah, who is gifted with the following three attributes: River-like charity, Sun-like affection and Earth-like hospitality.
• There are such lovers of Allah, whom the love of Allah has made quiet to an extent that they do not know that there is anything else existing in the world.
• Be a blazing fire of truth, be a beauteous blossom of love and be a soothing balm of peace.
• The best way of evading the fire of hell lies in feeding the hungry, providing water to the thirsty, removing the wants of the needy and befriending the miserable.
• Whosoever received any blessings, received them due to his generosity.
• Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) will erect on the Day of Judgment curtains the thickness of which will take 500 years to cross over between the hell and the man who feeds a hungry person.
• Those devoted to the path of the Irfan have nothing to speak of except Allah.
• The heart was essentially created for making rounds of the love of Allah.
• The noise of the lover is only while he has not seen his Beloved. Once he sees the beloved, he becomes calm and quiet, just as the rivers are boisterous before they join the ocean, but when they do so, there are becalmed forever.
• When one comes on the path of love of Allah, he becomes nonexistent (loses himself).
• The Enlightened becomes perfect only when all else is removed from in-between him and the Friend. Either he remains or the Friend.
• The Enlightened is one who does not keep anything dear to his heart except the remembrance of Allah.
• A sin committed does not harm an individual so much as looking down upon one’s own fellow human beings.
• The lovers of Allah hear the talk of the Friend directly.
• Keep handy your equipment for the last journey and think of death as hovering over your head at all times.
• Death is a bridge which expands the passage for a lover to reach his Beloved.
• By attaining perfection in the observation of Shariah through a pious conduct, one reaches the stage of Tariqah and then onward he passes on to Marifah and lastly to Haqiqah.
• To cast a loyal look towards one’s Shaykh and to serve him faithfully is devotion to Allah.
• The heart of a lover constantly burns with the fire of Love so much so that whatever passion intrudes upon its sanctity is burnt to ashes.

“Whoever does not find happiness in the Dhikr, Salah & Tilawah will not find it anywhere else.”

“Treat your illnesses by giving Sadaqah.”

“You are nothing but a number of days, and whenever a day passes away, a part of you passes away.”

“Imaan is not wishful thinking or outward appearances, but a matter rooted in the heart and confirmed by actions.”

“Verily, Allah lets a person enjoy a blessing for as long as He wills. But when He is no longer thanked for it, He turns it into a punishment.”

“Know that you cannot love Allah until you love obeying Him.”

“You chase this Dunya when it was meant as punishment for Adam.”

“A person who acts without knowledge corrupts more than he rectifies.”

“He who has no manners has no knowledge; he who has no patience has no Deen, and he who has no piety has no nearness to Allah.”

“The world is three days: As for yesterday, it has vanished. As for tomorrow, you may never see it. As for today, it is yours, so work on it.”

“A believer will always be critical of himself in his food, his drink and his speech. A sinner will not criticize himself.”

“Intention is superior to action.”

“Be vigilant and totally on your guard, for indeed Dunya is like a snake – it is soft to touch, but its poison is deadly and fatal.”

“Whoever loves this Dunya and is pleased by it, then he should know that the love of the Aakhirah is leaving their heart, because the two cannot coexist in one heart.”

“Seek knowledge in a way that does not harm your worship, and worship in a way that does not harm (gaining) your knowledge. Whoever acts without knowledge harms more than he benefits.”

“You have not ceased to subtract from your life span since you came from your mother’s womb.”

“Improve your performance in what is left (of time) and you will be forgiven for that which has already passed.”

“If you sell this life for the next, you will win both of them. If you sell the next life for this dunya then you will lose both of them.”

“The people I grew up with would be more cautious about how they spent their time than you are cautious about spending money.”

“A grain of genuine piety is better than a thousand-fold weight of fasting and prayer.”

“Increase in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, for you don’t know when mercy will descend upon you.”

“Patience is a treasure from the treasures of Paradise, Allah does not grant it except to His noble slaves.”

“The best attribute a believer can have is forgiveness.”

1. “Be to Allah as He wishes, and He will be to you more than you can wish for.”
2. “Undoubtedly, one should never please people by displeasing Allah.”
3. “Whoever prefers Allah to all others, Allah will prefer him to others.”
4. “A real man is the one who fears the death of his heart, not his body.”
5. “The crying of the sinners is more loved to Allah than the Tasbeeh of the arrogant.”
6. “When you do not have knowledge, someone can bring you dirt and you will believe it is gold.”
7. “A person’s tongue can give you the taste of His heart.”
8. “Patience is when the heart doesn’t lament, and the mouth doesn’t complain.”
9. “If scholars are wicked and worshippers are ignorant, the trial will be severe.”
10. “There is nothing more beneficial to the heart than reciting the Quran.”
11. “Many ignorant people rely upon Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, yet forget that He is also severe in punishment.”
12. “A deprivation of a few moments [of pleasure] is better than permanent regret.”
13. “Satisfaction is when a person submits himself to his Lord.”
14. “Allah will never humiliate one who takes his Lord as a friend and protector.”
15. “Indeed, the Believer who has reliance upon Allah, if the creation plot against him, Allah plots for him on his behalf and brings about victory for him, without any effort or strength from himself.”
16. “Who sincerely relies on Allah to achieve something, will achieve it.”
17. “Misdeeds stand as a block for earning. Surely, one can be deprived of provision by committing sins.”
18. “Knowledge is not about narrating a lot, but it is about Taqwa.”
19. “If you knew Allah as He should be known, you would leave people aside and take Him as your Companion.”
20. “Allah is displeased when you stop asking him and mankind is displeased when asked.”
21. “O you who are patient! Bear a little more, just a little more remains.”
22. “If we knew the pleasure of meeting Allah and being near to him, then we would feel grief for being distant from Allah)”
23. “All hard work is easy for the believers when they understand that Allah hears them.”
24. “Allah promised you the pleasures of the Hereafter, so do not be in a hurry and seek them in this worldly life as if you are cutting plants before their harvest time, while they are much better if you wait. Likewise, the pleasures of the Hereafter are so much better.”
25. “Allah loves from his slave that he beautifies his tongue with the truth, and his heart with Ikhlas, Muhabbah, Tawbah and Tawakkul.”
26. “A sign of well-being and success is that when one increases in knowledge, he becomes humbler and more merciful.”
27. “Wisdom is to do the correct thing in the correct manner at the correct time.”
28. “Do not belittle a small sin, for the biggest of fires can be caused by smallest of sparks.”
29. “Whoever abandons habits for the sake of Allah sincerely from his heart, he will not suffer from leaving it except at the beginning so that his credibility will be examined. If he bears this pain, it will be turned into pleasure.”
30. “Whoever increases in worry and sadness must recite: La hawla walaa quwwata illa billah.”
31. “And verily for everything that a slave of Allah loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace him.”
32. “It is a punishment for a sinner, indulging in sins, to eventually be forgotten by Allah and left alone with devil.”
33. “The sincere person has humility for Allah alone and hope in him alone, requesting from him alone.”
34. “The soul will never become pious and purified except through undergoing afflictions. It is the same as gold that can never be pure except after removing all the base metals in it.”
35. “The people of Quran are those who read it and act upon it, even if they have not memorized it.”
36. “Whoever wrongs you and then comes in order to apologize then you should accept his apology out of humbleness and leave his intention up to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).”
37. “O people who take pleasure in a life that will disappear; falling in love with a fading shadow is pure stupidity.”
38. “Love is a spring well that does not dry up. Its purity and sweetness increase when it is for the sake of Allah and in the way of Allah.”
39. “The best of those who fast are the ones who fast who are more plentiful in the Dhikr of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى)”
40. “If Allah wills goodness for a slave, he will prevent him from feeling good about his deeds and from telling others about them, and would busy him with thinking about his sins, and he will continue to be like this until he enters Paradise.”
41. “The sinner does not feel any remorse over his sins. That is because his heart is already dead.”
42. “Whenever sins increase, loneliness/gloom intensifies.”
43. “When Allah is with you, then all worries, grief and sadness disappear; no grief can remain when Allah is with the slave.”
44. “Wasting time is worse than death, because death separates you from this world whereas wasting time separates you from Allah.”
45. “If one exchanges disobedience with obedience, Allah will exchange the punishment with pardoning and humiliation with honor.”
46. “Perhaps you might be asleep while the doors of heaven are knocking with tens of supplications for you, by a poor person you aided, or a sad person you cheered up or a distressed person you brought relief to. Therefore, don’t underestimate doing good at all.”
47. “If Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) forgave a woman who quenched a thirsty dog, what would He do the one who gives food to the hungry and dress to the naked?”
48. “Your Nafs is just like your enemy, once it finds you serious, it obeys you. If it finds weakness from you, It will take you as prisoner.”
49. “Every type of knowledge and action which doesn’t increase the strength of Imaan and Yaqeen has been corrupted.”
50. “For the person who repents and becomes better after a sin, the sin is a mercy.”
51. “Whoever thinks of the greatness of Allah will never be at ease in committing wrong actions.”
52. “Sitting with the poor and less fortunate people removes the ego and pride from your heart.”
53. “It is enough of an honor for you that you are a worshipper of Allah, and it is sufficient glory for you that Allah is your Lord.”
54. “Whoever wants to purify his heart, must prefer Allah over and above his own desires.”
55. “As long as you pray, you knock on the door of Allah. And whoever knocks at the door of Allah, He will open it for him.”
56. “Sins destroy the heart the same way poison destroys the body.”
57. “Sins need to be burnt, either with the pain of regret in this world, or with the fire of hell in the Hereafter!”
58. “In the heart there is a void that can only be filled by loving Allah.”
59. “If Allah wants well for a slave, He strips away from his heart the ability to see his own good deeds and speaking about them with his tongue, and preoccupies him with seeing his own sin, and it continues to remain in front of his eyes until he enters Jannah.”
60. “The servant of Allah who seeks His pleasure, never abandons Tawbah.”
61. “The lover of the world cannot get rid from three things – constant worry, permanent discomfort & relentless distress.”
62. “If the heart becomes hardened – the eyes become dry.”
63. “Dhikr is a tree with fruits of awareness. The more frequent dhikr is made, the stronger the roots of the tree and more fruits on it.”
64. “Satisfaction is when a person submits himself to his Lord (Allah).”
65. “Sinning will leave you poor and regretful.”
66. “Some people remain deprived of knowledge due to their poor ability to remain silent.”
67. “Allah created both paradise and hellfire for the sinners. Hellfire is for the sinner who sinned but didn’t ask Allah for forgiveness. But paradise is for the sinner who sinned but turned to Allah and asked for his forgiveness.”
68. “This world is just like shadow, if you try to catch it, you will never be able to do so. But if you turn your back towards it, it has no choice but to follow you.”
69. “Corruption of character arises from putting the creation between yourself and Allah, and by putting your ego between yourself and his creation.”
70. “Don’t carry anxiety for the future because it is in the hands of Allah.”
71. “If a heart becomes attached to anything other than Allah, Allah makes him dependent on what he is attached to. And he will be betrayed by it.”
72. “When you make dua it is a sign that Allah loves you and has intended good for you.”
73. “When Allah tests you, it is never intended to destroy you. When He removes something in your possession, it is only in order to empty your hands for an even greater gift.”
74. “Sins generate more sins, and one leads to another, until they overpower a man, and he finds it difficult to repent from that. As one of the Salaf said: One of the punishments of bad deeds is more bad deeds, and one of the rewards of good deeds is more good deeds.”
75. “Friday is the balance of the week, Ramadan is the balance of the year and Hajj is the balance of the life.”

“For everything there is a blessing; the blessing of the hearts is being pleased with Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).”

“Whoever rejects a hadith of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is on the brink of destruction.”

“O Abul Hasan, if you see a man speaking ill of any of the Sahabah, then have doubts about his Islam.”

“Love the people of the Sunnah according to the degree that they are upon the Sunnah.”

“If you desire Allah to be persistent in granting you the things you love, be persistent in doing the things Allah loves.”

“If destiny was presented to a man, he would choose the one that Allah has already chosen for him.”

“Music causes hypocrisy to sprout in the heart.”

“People need knowledge more than they need food and drink, because they need food and drink two or three times a day, but they need knowledge all the time.”

“I worshiped Allah for 50 years, and I didn’t find the sweetness of worshiping until I abandoned three things:

(i) I left pleasing the people & I got the courage of talking the truth.
(ii) I left the company of evil people & I found the righteous ones.
(iii) I left the sweetness of the world & I found the sweetness of the hereafter.”

“Intend good, for you will always be in a good state as long as you intend good.”

“It is a bizarre thing that you should continue to be unmindful, chasing after vain desires and wasting your time in disregard of the Hereafter. For you are being driven at a fierce pace (towards death) day and night, hour by hour, like the blink of an eye.”

“People need politeness and kindness, and enjoining what is good without harshness, except a man who does evil openly, who must be told and stopped.”

“If you claim that you are amongst those who seek refuge from the Fire and desire Paradise, then strive for that which you seek and do not be misled by your worldly desires.”

“Good is in the one who sees no good in himself.”

“Occupy yourself with every good deed and hasten to do it before something prevents you from doing so.”

Abu Hanifa (رحمه الله) once asked an atheist, “Tell me what you think of a boat in the Euphrates which goes to shore, loads itself with food and other things, then returns, anchors and unloads all by itself without anyone sailing or controlling it?” He replied, “That is impossible; it could never happen.” Thereupon the Imam remarked,

“If it is impossible with respect to a ship, how is it possible for this whole world, with all its vastness, to move by itself?”

“Who are we to wish for Paradise? It will be enough if Allah spares us his wrath.”

“If I ever say something that contradicts the book of Allah and the Prophet (ﷺ) then leave my statement.”

“To deem a thousand disbelievers as Muslims is safer with Allah than deem one Muslim a disbeliever.”

“For the attainment of knowledge satisfaction is useful and satisfaction is not gained by increasing information but by simplifying it.”

“Woe to you, O Fulan! Do not write everything you hear from me, Maybe I have an opinion today, and maybe I refuse it tomorrow. Or maybe I hold myself to one opinion tomorrow and refuse it the next day.”

“It is unlawful for any person to accept my view without knowing the source from where we got them.”

“Practice what you have learned, for theory without practice is like a body without a soul.”

“Difficulties are the result of sin. The sinful therefore does not have the right to lament when difficulties befall him.”

“Faith does not increase, nor does it decrease; because a diminution in it would be unbelief.”

“A little action with knowledge is far more beneficial than a lot of action with ignorance.”

“If you learned the sacred knowledge for the sake of this world, then the knowledge will be never rooted in your heart.”

“Show affection to people as much as possible and greet even blameworthy people.”

“Stick to the narrations and the way of the Aslaf and beware of newly invented matters for all of it is innovation.”

“When a hadith is authentic, then that is my Madhab.”

“Undoubtedly, I have attained knowledge through gratitude, for whenever I touched a subject & then reached its core, I always recited Alhamdulillah.”

In Bustan al-Muhaddithin & Jami al-Usul fi al-Awliya, we find the bequest of Imam Abu Hanifa to his son Hammad (رحمهم الله) in which he says that he chose five traditions from five hundred thousand that are enough for a person’s religion:

“(1) Actions are according to intentions.

(2) Part of the good of a person’s Islam is to abandon what does not concern him.

(3) A believer is not a believer until he is pleased for his brother with what he is pleased for himself.

(4) The lawful is clear and the forbidden is clear, but between the two are ambiguous matters. Whoever guards himself against ambivalent matters has gone to the utmost limit in seeking to be clear in his religion and honor.

(5) A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands.”

1. “True knowledge is that which benefits oneself or others, not information that is merely memorized.”
2. “Don’t love the one who doesn’t love to Allah. If they can leave Allah, they will leave you.”
3. “You will never be able to please everyone, rather rectify what is between you and Allah and do not care about the people.”
4. “And tire yourself out, because it makes life worth living! I have seen that water stagnates when it stands still, yet when it runs it is sweet and pure.”
5. “If you do ninety-nine things correct, and one thing incorrect, people will ignore the ninety-nine, and spread the one mistake.”
6. “If you see a man walking on water and flying in the air, then do not be amazed by him until he demonstrates that he follows the commands of the Book (Quran) and the Sunnah.”
7. “Seek help in speech with silence and in reasoning with reflection.”
8. “Follow it (the Sunnah), and do not look sideways at anyone else’s saying.”
9. “Fools are those who debate with ignorant.”
10. “Always hate what is wrong, but don’t hate the one who errors. Hate sin with all your heart, but forgive and have mercy on the sinner. Criticize speech, but respect the speaker. Our job is to wipe out disease, not the patient.”
11. “Wealth remains behind on earth while Ibadah accompanies you into the grave.”
12. “If you are on the way towards Allah, then run. If it’s hard for you then jog or even crawl, but never stop or go back.”
13. “If people reflected upon Surah Al-Asr, it would be enough for them.”
14. “There is a verse in the Quran that every wrongdoer should be terrified of. – ‘And your Lord never forgets’. [Surah Maryam; 64]”
15. “Don’t you see that the lion is silent and yet feared, while the dog barks constantly and is despised?”
16. “To admonish your brother in private is to advise him and improve him. But to admonish     him publicly is to disgrace and shame him.”
17. “Increase in worship before your responsibilities increase. Then you won’t have time to worship as much.”
18. “Knowledge is not measured by how much is memorized, but rather by how much it is acted on”
19. “When the foolish one speaks do not reply to him, for better than a response (to him) is silence. And if you speak to him you have aided him, and if you left him (with no reply), in extreme sadness he dies.”
20. “The more I learn; the more I learn of my ignorance.”
21. “If you focused all your efforts into pleasing people, you’d never succeed, so be sincere to Allah in your actions and intentions.”
22. Imam Shafi was asked why he carried a cane even though he was healthy. He said, “To remind myself that I’m a traveller.”
23. “When you correct a fool, he will hate you. When you correct a wise man, he will appreciate you.”
24. “My heart is at ease knowing that what was meant for me will never miss me, and that what misses me was never meant for me.”
25. “The Dua made at Tahajjud is like an arrow which does not miss its target.”
26. “Despair not from your Lords blessings, If He had wished that you reach the hellfire eternally, He would not have inspired your heart towards Him.”
27. “Be hard on yourself, easy on others.”
28. “Let not your tongue mention the shame of another, for you yourself are covered in shame and all men have tongues. If you don’t keep it busy with truth, it will keep you busy with falsehood.”
29. “No sadness lasts forever nor any happiness.”
30. “Some people have passed away, but their character has kept them alive, others are alive, but their character has killed them.”
31. “Knowledge without action is arrogance.”
32. “If you have a friend who helps you to obey Allah, hold onto him.”
33. “I have learned that several people experienced acceptance of their duas at the times of iqamah and when it rains.”
34. “Nobility has four pillars: good character, generosity, humility, and piety.”
35. “The first squeeze of the Grave will make you forget every warm hug you had in your life.”
36. “My silence towards the idiot is indeed an answer.”
37. “Seek understanding before you lead. When you lead, then there is no way to seek understanding.”
38. “Hate the sin with all your heart but show compassion and mercy towards the sinner.”
39. “My sin burdened me heavily. But when I measured it against Your Grace, O Lord, Your forgiveness came out greater.”
40. “If you don’t occupy your soul with the truth, it will occupy you with falsehood!”
41. “Time is like a sword, if you don’t cut it, it will cut you.”
42. “Whoever gossips with you (about others) will also gossip about you (to others).”

1. Whoever seeks the satisfaction of people through disobedience of God; Then God subjects him to people.
2. People with good deeds are not scared of the consequences after death.
3. To me, death is nothing but happiness, and living under tyrants is nothing but living in a hell.
4. Those who worship God for the hope of gaining, they’re not real worshipers, they’re merchants. Those who worship God out of fear (of punishment), they’re slaves. And those who worship God be grateful to their creator, they are the free people, and their worship is a real one.
5. Beware that the need of people for you is among the graces of God, so do not neglect the needy as the graces will turn into difficulties. Do know good deeds bring you people’s respect and praise and God’s rewards. If you could personify and visualize good deeds as a human being you would see him as kind and good-looking, whose sight is pleasant for everyone to see. And if you could picture evil acts, you would see him ugly and disgusting, hearts detesting him, and eyes closing to his sight.
6. Among the signs of ignorance is arguing with irrational people.
7. Avoid doing what you might later be asked to apologize for it! Because the believer does not harm and does not ask for an apology, while the hypocrite always harms and apologizes.
8. When you are frustrated and do not know a way out, only flexibility and moderation towards difficulties will save you.
9. One who reveals your faults to you like a mirror is your true friend, and one who flatters you and covers up your faults is your enemy.
10. Hastiness is foolishness.
11. A person who considers you his friend will always stop you from doing anything bad, however, a person who considers you an enemy will always persuade you to do bad.
12. Being thankful for the grace of God makes God reward you with another grace.
13. Never show off your happiness in front of a person who is sad.
14. Do not say something which would undermine your self-worth.
15. Beware that the need of people to you is among the blessings of God to you. So do not scare away the needy people when they come to you, as God’s blessings will return and go elsewhere.
16. Be patient, you noble ones. Death is only a bridge that takes you from misery and loss to the vast Paradise and the eternal graces.
17. Observe your physical health in your lifetime.
18. Among the signs of a learned man are criticizing his own words and being informed of various viewpoints.
19. God will help the person who cares about other people’s needs, both in this world and the hereafter.
20. Seeking knowledge will lead you toward wisdom and elevation.
21. Kindness elevates human beings, and faithfulness is a sign of decency.
22. Wisdom will not be gained, unless through following the right path.
23. The best of wealth is that with which one protects his fame and dignity.
24. The aim of my revolution is to reform society and revive the true teachings of Islam.
25. The best way of maintaining family ties is through visiting the ones who have cut ties with you and haven’t visited you for a while.
26. The worst ruler is the one who is cowardly in front of his opponents and shows impotence. But he shows courage in front of the weak!
27. When you know that you are right, then do not care about life or wealth!
28. The most generous person is the one who forgives while in power.
29. Avoid oppressing the one who does not have any supporter against you, other than the Almighty God.
30. Crying out of fear from God is salvation from the hellfire.
31. The most generous person is the one who offers help to those who do not expect him to help.
32. The most merciful person is the one who forgives when he is able to revenge.
33. Wisdom will not be complete except by following the truth.
34. Imam Hussein Ibn Ali al-Shaheed was once asked: what is affluence? He said: Decreasing your wishes and being satisfied with what is enough for you.
35. Imam Hussein Ibn Ali al-Shaheed said: Death with dignity is better than life with humility.
36. What is stupidity? Hostility to one’s powerful and efficient commander, or to someone who can harm you or benefit you.
37. Wars can be won by using guns and violence, but hearts can only be won through strong character and pure manners.
38. If there was no poverty and illness in this world, man would never bow down in front of his lord.
39. Death is nothing for me but only happiness however living a life full of deception is the same as like living a life in hell.
40. One should decrease his wishes and whatever he has in his hands should be enough for him to be satisfied.
41. A rude person in all true meanings is the one who avoids greeting others.
42. Among all of you, the most merciful person is the one who forgives even when he is fully able to take revenge.
43. A person never forgets two types of persons in his whole life, the one is a person who helped him in his hard times and the second one is the person who left him in his most difficult times.
44. Everyone who stays silent when others are being oppressed is themselves considered to be guilty of oppression.
45. Avoid doing anything bad to a person who doesn’t have anyone except Allah because such a person will only seek Him for his support.
46. I learned courage and bravery from a person who saw thousands of arrows flying right toward him and he still stood with faith and trust in his God.
47. Your life is passing day by day, your death is coming nearer hence whatever worldly possessions you have to spend it on helping other people.

1. Verily, when a person starts praising himself then his honor will leave him.
2. I have met people in my city who seem the most righteous, but they went out and started exposing people, Allah made their faults apparent. I know other people who have faults but because they are quiet, Allah caused people to forget their faults.
3. A sign of a person’s evil is his need to constantly argue.
4. If I have 99 reasons to believe a person is a kafir and one to believe he is not, I will prefer the latter. (Explanation)
5. Seek knowledge, even about how to wear shoes according to the Sunnah.
6. The Sunnah is like the Ark of Noah. Whoever embarks upon it reaches salvation and whoever refuses is drowned.
7. Knowledge is not knowing a large number of texts and quoting narrations. It is a light that Allah places in the heart.
8. The believer is like a pearl; wherever he is, his beautiful (qualities) are with him.
9. Do not give misled people access to your ears. You have no idea what kind of trouble that can create within you.
10. It is not benefiting for anyone with knowledge to give up learning.
11. Whoever wants to have a clean heart, then let his secret deeds be better than his public deeds.
12. Do not behave like lords when looking at the sins of people, but like servants. Thus, have sympathy for those who are being tested, and praise Allah that you are saved (from those trials).
13. Do not look down arrogantly on the people of sin but pray to Allah for their guidance.
14. Learn good manners before seeking knowledge.
15. Asceticism is not the absence of wealth, but emptying the heart of it.
16. Whoever practices tasawwuf without studying the shariah destroys his faith, while he who studies the shariah without practicing tasawwuf damages himself. Only he who combined the two, is right.
17. Crying out of the fear of Allah is more beloved to me than donating my own weight in gold.
18. It is better for a man to leave one haram dirham than to give a hundred thousand in charity.
19. Only that which was effective for the first of this community will be effective for the last of it.
20. Knowledge does not come but you have to go to it.
21. Whoever walks with the oppressed to give him his right, Allah will keep him firm on the day he slips.
22. Take hold of the hand of the oppressor and stop him from oppression.
23. It is humiliating to take your needs to people.
24. Do not do yourself what you are stopping others from doing.
25. Laughing too much is a sign of stupidity.
26. Hypocrites in the mosque have the same condition as sparrows in a cage that fly away as soon as the door is opened.
27. Be devoted to good deeds only for the pleasure of Allah.
28. When you do something for the pleasure of Allah, do it well.
29. There is no problem if you disobey people, but do not disobey Allah in the obedience of people.
30. Do not reveal the secret of the person if you happen to know it.
31. When the ruler becomes fat, know that he is betraying his subjects and his Lord.

• Astonishing is he who finds death a reality, yet continues to laugh.
• Astonishing is he who knows this World will soon perish yet keeps close association with it.
• Astonishing is he who knows about fate yet mourns the loss of a thing.
• The slip of the tongue is more dangerous than the slip of the feet.
• If the eyes are bright and shining daily then it is a Day of Resurrection.
• To stop sinning is easier than to seek forgiveness.
• Make a purpose for life, then utilize all your strength to achieve it, you would definitely be successful.
• I am astonished with that person who recognizes this World as perishable and understands all about fate yet mourns the loss of things. I am astonished with that person who believes in Rewards, Punishment of Hell and Paradise, yet he still commits sins. I am astonished at that person who knows that Allah exists yet remembers others and seeks there assistance.
• A family man’s actions are presented together with that of a Mujahid (Muslim soldier) in the court of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• I am astonished with him who regards the reality of the existence of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) yet remembers others and asks for there assistance.
• I am astonished by that person who believes in Hell yet continues to sin.
• I am astonished at that person who brings Faith in Paradise yet associates himself to the pleasures of this World.
• I am astonished at that person who regards Iblees (Satan) as his enemy yet continues to follow him.
• Squandered is that ‘Aalim (Learned man) to whom a person cannot ask a question. He is likened to that weapon which is not put to use – that wealth which is not utilized in good work – that knowledge without application – that Mosque which Salaah is not read – that Salaah that is not performed in a Mosque – that good advise which is not accepted – that book which is not read – that worshiper who keeps in his heart the pleasures of the World and that long life which had not stocked on provisions for the Hereafter.
• At times, to forgive or pardon a criminal makes the criminal more dangerous.
• O Mankind! Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) has created you so that you may please him, yet you choose to please others.
• 9/10 of the shares belonging to Peace and Safety are in isolating oneself from the people and the remaining one share lies in meeting with the people.
• A person in times of difficulty acts upon his own devices thus depriving himself of the help of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  He turns himself away from Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  therefore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) turns His Attention of Divine Grace from him too.
• Isolation is most beloved to the beloved of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• Excessive politeness is a sign of Malice.
• Do not rely on anyone except Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) and do not fear anything except your sins.
• In whichever manner a person recognizes the World, so too, did his inclination occur towards it.
• I have found the sweetness of worship in four things:
  (1) Performing the obligatory acts of worship enjoined by Allah.
  (2) Avoiding the things forbidden by Allah.
  (3) Enjoining that which is good, seeking the reward of Allah.
  (4) Forbidding that which is evil, fearing the wrath of Allah.

• To knowingly partake of the pleasure offered by this material World is to reduce the remaining rewards and good deeds.
• Test the worldly people in any matter you wish to and you would find them to be no less than snakes and scorpions.
• The existence of good things and wealth in abundance is also a medical complaint. (meaning unhealthy)
• Knowledge combined with action is profitable and action without knowledge does not benefit anything.
• Do not place your burdens on anyone, although it is few or many.
• A pious and practicing Muslim Jurist (Faqeeh) is Superior than thousand worshipers.
• “World” is that work which does not serve the purpose of acquiring the Hereafter.
• Silence is the best treatment for anger.
• To carry the burden of others concludes the respect of a worshiper.
• This World has been created a temporary abode by the Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)  and placed in trust to the travellers of the Hereafter. Take only those provisions which are beneficial and do not lust after that which you are going to leave behind.
• The slippery tongue is much more dangerous than the slippery feet.
• The one dirham charity of a poor person is better than 10,000 dirham charity given by the rich.
• If you are prepared to commit a sin, then search for a place where Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) does not exist!
• O People! If you do not want to worship the one true Lord, then do not utilize that which He has created. It is better that the World regard you as a criminal in relations to Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) thereby regarding you as a hypocrite.
• To see the learned (‘Aalim) and pious keeping the company of the rich and wealthy is a testimony of hypocrisy.
• Do not trade or deal with an oppressor or his associates.
• To cry in Paradise is surprising, yet more astonishing is to laugh in the World.
• When you have no rights on the perfume, you should close your noses to it, for even its scent is forbidden to you.
• Save oneself for praising the corrupt wealthy, for the praise of an oppressor reveals the Wrath of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• To publicly give charity with an intention to entice people to be charitable is better than giving charity secretly.
• To think that Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) Almighty is present with you at every given moment is the most excellent form of Faith.
• A Polite person who wishes for anything in this World or in the Hereafter will definitely get his wishes granted.
• The believer has five types of fear:
  (1) Allah may take his faith away from him
  (2) The recording angels may write down something that may expose him on the Day of Resurrection.
  (3) Shaytan may cause his deeds to become invalid.
  (4) The Angel of Death may come to him without warning
  (5) The world may tempt him and distract him from the Hereafter.

• Those that deal with Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) with sincerity and honesty hate to deal in any other affairs without sincerity and honesty.
• A beast of burden recognizes his master yet people do not recognise their Master (Allah سبحانه و تعالى).
• Once in the reign (Khilafat) of Sayyiduna ‘Uthman (رضى الله عنه)  there was a great drought. People began to sell their valuables and possessions cheaply to supplement their necessities. Sayyiduna ‘Uthman (رضى الله عنه) was informed that a certain orchard was being sold at a very cheap price and he should buy it. So he decided to buy it. On his way to purchase the orchard, he came across many people who were poverty stricken, starving and distressed. On seeing the condition of these people, he became very perturbed and unhappy. He distributed the entire money he had with him amongst the people. When he returned to his home, he was asked if he had purchased the orchard. He answered, “Yes! I have bought an orchard in Paradise for you all.”
• All good deeds are associated with Modesty and all bad deeds are with Immodesty.
• Backbiting and malice causes injury to three people. Firstly to oneself, secondly towards whom it is directed to and thirdly to the person who is listening.
• To desire the administration of justice, is Paradise of the World.
• Whosoever repairs his own shoes, visits an ailing servant, washes his own clothes and also patches it, then that person is free from pride and boastfulness.
• People are spies of your vices.
• The sword wounds the body while insults hurt the soul.
• A person does not become a Faithful servant, until and unless he distances himself from sin and those that praise and respect him (because of his status) become his equal.
• The best sanctity for a Muslim male is, when he guards his tongue, his sexual organ and his gaze.
• Amongst the sinners, the gravest is he who finds the time, to discuss the faults of others.
• The disgrace and disrespect shown to a Muslim is due to him straying from his religion and is not due to lack of gold (wealth).
• For a needy and poor person to come to you, is a gift to you from Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• The skin of a beloved or favorite person becomes soft just like his heart. His dedication is prominent. The softness of his skin and heart is noticeable and he finds peace only in the Remembrance of his Creator.
• To find a person steadfast on Truth are far and few, but many are those with status, dignity and high moral values.
• No matter how destitute a person is, he should never feel subjugated.
• When a person’s tongue becomes quiet and friendly then his heart becomes pious and clean.
• If I sleep at night and awake in the morning repentful, then I find this better in comparison to staying awake the whole night and rising up in confusion.
• To do the most disliked of occupations is better than begging.
• Sin in any manner would at some time, make ones heart restless.
• Remember your kafan (shroud for covering the dead) instead of beautiful clothes, remember the grave instead of the luxuries of lavish mansions and remember all that delicious foods you feast on shall one day make you a delicious feast for the worms.
• Ten things are the greatest waste of time:
  (1) A scholar whom no one asks about
  (2) Knowledge that is not acted upon
  (3) Sound advice that is not accepted
  (4) A weapon that is not used
  (5) A Masjid that is not prayed in
  (6) A Mushaf that is not read from
  (7) Wealth from which nothing is spend in charity
  (8) A horse that is not ridden
  (9) Knowledge of asceticism in the heart of one who is seeking worldly gain
  (10) A long life in which no preparation is made for the journey (into the Hereafter)

• Had our hearts been pure, we would never tire with the Dhikr of Allah.
• What prevents me from narrating Ahadith from the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is not the fact that I was not one of those Sahabah with the best memories. What prevents me is that I can testify that I heard Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) say, ‘Whoever attributes anything to me that I never stated should prepare for his abode in Jahannam.’
• Verily the greatest of all the intelligent people is the one who controls his Nafs and acts for his life after death.
• Take note of the fact that I am a follower (of the religion) and not an innovator.
• This world implied vanities, so let not the world mislead you, and let no deceiver seduce you.
• Fear Allah, for, fear of Him is shield against His wrath and a means to Him. Beware of choosing others than Allah. Stick to the main body all together and become not parties. ‘And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers.’
• I trust in the One Who created and completed His creation.
• By Allah, I never hurt anyone or longed for anything. And, I never let a Friday pass without freeing a slave.
• The wise speaks few but comprehensive words.
• Know! The world surrounds you with deception.
• Whoever seeks the pleasure of Allah, let him be of good cheer, but whoever seeks worldly gain will be a loser.
• No one conceals something in his heart, but Allah causes it to be seen on his face or in a slip of the tongue.
• No one does a good deed but Allah will make it show on him.
• Everything has something to undermine it, and every blessing has something to diminish it. The thing that undermines this religion and diminishes this blessing is those who criticize a great deal and those who stab in the back; they show you what you want to see and they conceal that which you dislike.
• It is sufficient for you that the one who envies you is distressed at the time of your joy.
• The people have spread all over and become inclined towards evil, with three types of motives for that:
  (1) Love of this world
  (2) Whims and desires
  (3) Hatred and grudges
• Son of Adam! Know that the angel of death who has been assigned to you has not ceased to pass you and move on to others, ever since you have been in this world. But it is as if he is about to pass someone else and move on to target you, so be careful and prepare for him (by correcting your deeds). And do not forget him, for he does not forget you. And know o son of Adam, if you are heedless about yourself and do not prepare, no one else will prepare for you. You must meet Allah the Mighty and Majestic, so take for yourself and do not leave it to someone else. Peace be on you.
• It is a matter of wonder that man believes in death, and yet laughs.
• I would not like a day to come when I do not look in the covenant of Allah.
• Three worldly things have been made dear to me: Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and reading Qur’an.
• There are four things which are outwardly virtues, but in reality are obligation: mixing with righteous people is a virtue, and following their example is a duty; reading Qur’an is a virtue and acting upon it is a duty; visiting the graves is a virtue and preparing for death is a duty; and visiting the sick person is a virtue and asking him to make a will is a duty.
• Allah has given you these worldly conveniences so that you may seek reward in the hereafter; He has not given them to you so that you may be content with them. This world will fade, but the hereafter will abide forever, so you should not be tempted by these temporary conveniences or let them distract you from that which is eternal. Fear Allah, adhere to the main body and do not divide into groups and factions.
• Concern with this world is darkness in the heart, but concern with the Hereafter is light in the heart.
• I ask Allah for forgiveness if I have done wrong, and I have already forgiven if I have been wronged by other.
• If our heart were truly pure, we would never have our fill of the words of our lord.
• I had no interest in songs, I never committed any immortal deed, and my right hand never touched my private part since I swore allegiance to the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم)  I did not drink alcohol during Jahiliyyah or in Islam, and I did not commit Zina during the Jahiliyyah or in Islam.

Benediction be upon the ascetic of Mosque of Ahmad
Countless salutations be upon the wealth of army of poverty
Countless salutations be upon the bridegroom of two lights of chastity
Who was indeed the excellent chain of the scattered pearls of the Holy Qur’an 

• Two and a half dirham from a hundred is the Zakah (poor tax) belonging to the poor amongst the people of the World while the Zakah of the Siddiques is to give their entire wealth to charity.
• Extend your charity with humbleness towards the poor for to give charity happily is a sign of acceptance.
• Wealth cannot be gained by simply wishing for it, nor is youth gained by dyeing or coloring one’s hair, neither can one gain health without medication.
• Justice and fairness is good, nay it is better.
• It is necessary to ask forgiveness for one’s sins, nay it is absolutely necessary.
• Do not bury me in new clothes. The rights of the living and needy is greater upon it.
• Keep your mouths closed from complaints and vulgarity. By keeping your mouths closed one obtains solitude.
• Strange are the passing of time yet stranger are the conditions of wanton carelessness (i.e. In remembrance of the Supreme Creator سبحانه و تعالى)
• Adopt abstention, for abstention is profitable and do good deeds, for good deeds are highly accepted in the court of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• Weep for the days gone by in which you have but earned little rewards.
• Weeping is for the day in which you have wasted without any good deeds being done.
• There is no trouble in patience and there is no benefit in complaining.
• Do not kill any woman, children or cripple.
• Do not cut down a fruit bearing tree.
• Do not be lavish or miserly.
• Striving against the enemies (Kuffar) is regarded as a small striving while striving against one’s desires (Nafs) is regarded as a great striving (Jihad al-Akbar).
• Fear of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) is likened to knowledge while being oblivious of your Creator (سبحانه و تعالى) is likened to ignorance.
• Ikhlas (good conduct) is: when one does not require reward in exchange for a good deed.
• Whosoever gets involved in the work of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), then Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) gets involved in his work.
• Man is weak, yet it is astonishing that he is insistent in disobeying the commands of the Almighty Allah (سبحانه و تعالى).
• He should know that his heart is empty of Faith (Iman) when good advice has no avail upon him.
• Worship and prayer is a career. It’s business premises is the creation. The fear of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) is it’s wealth and it’s profits is Paradise.
• It is difficult to be patient but to waste the rewards for patience is worse.
• Strange are the passing of time yet stranger is the fact when one does not notice this.
• Life comes to pass yet Death is very much closer.
• To seek forgiveness in old age is good but to seek it when young is better.
• To forgive the rich is good but to forgive the poor is better.
• Sin committed by a young person is bad but an old person committing sin is worse.
• Being an accomplice by ignorance is bad, knowingly being an accomplice is worse.
• Laziness in worship by the general public is bad, but a knowledgeable person or a seeker of knowledge showing laziness is worse.
• The pride of the rich is bad but the pride of the person in need is worse.
• Humility shown by the poor is good but humility shown by the rich is better.
• Sajdah of Sahw (Prostration if a mistake is made in Salah) completes Salah if a minor mistake is made. Sadqah-e-Fitr completes one’s Fast, Fidya completes one’s Hajj and Jihad completes one’s Iman (Faith).
• Those that do not have the strength to cry then they should show mercy upon that person who cries.
• Stop complaining and you would be blessed with a good life.
• Cry on that day when you realize that life has passed you by and you have not done any good deeds.
• Nobody wishes for death except that person who has complete confidence on his good deeds.
• It is compulsory for the one questioned to answer and to give an excellent reply shows superb ethics and morals.
• There is a perception as to the rewards for every virtue except patience, for patience is that virtue whose reward is unknown (Infinite).
• A thankful person is very close to safety.
• True generosity is to remove the burdens of Creation and place it upon one’s own shoulders.
• Good manner is not to ask for rewards in exchange for good deeds. Leave the World for the Hereafter and leave the Hereafter to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى),the Most High.
• You are busy pursuing the comforts and luxuries to make your life comfortable in this World while the World is in earnest preparation to expel you from her.
• It does not benefit the tongue to speak of the losses incurred upon a person’s Worldly investments.
• No person with knowledge has ever claimed godhead by comparison to those with immense wealth.
• Whenever one goes to offer his condolences to the bereaving family then one should say – Adopt patience for there is no calamity in it and do not cry for there is no benefit in it. Remember, the Messenger of Allah  (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and the great loss sustained through his departure from this World and your misfortune shall seem small in comparison.
• The redness of gold and the “pallor of saffron” has destroyed women. (p.s.: Take heed “redness of gold” and “pallor of saffron” are used figuratively and could stand for rich make-up and to laugh instinctively)
• Those people, who demised at the beginning of the early days of Islam, are very fortunate.
• If only I was a strand of hair on a Mu’min’s (believer) chest.
• Oh! People! Be modest in the presence of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى). Thereafter in your actions or deeds think of the omnipotence of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) then continue with fear and modesty. I swear by Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) that whenever I present myself in front of him with any need or desire, I bow my head in modesty.
• When speaking then talk precisely. That speech is only beneficial which could be listened to with ease. Long speeches tend to bore people who then lose an element of the subject matter.
• Knowledge is the legacy of the Prophets (عليهم السلام) while wealth is the legacy of the Kuf’far, the likes of which are Fir’oun and Qaroon etc.
• The life of a dead heart is knowledge. The life of knowledge is the search of it.
• Rising early in the morning surpasses the beauty of the rooster thus becoming a reason for repentance/forgiveness.
• Those ‘Ulama are the enemies of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) who seek only the rich while those wealthy are the friends ofAllah (سبحانه و تعالى) who seek the ‘Ulama.
• Always hold the tip of your tongue and say, you have entrapped me in many places.
• When the camel’s bridle falls then one gets down and picks it up. The question never arises to ask somebody else to do it. (p.s. endeavour to do things on your own without relying on others to do it for you)
• When a servant of Allah marvels at the beauty of this material World then Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) becomes his enemy until he isolates himself from that beauty.
• Alas! If only I were a tree so that I could be chopped down and eaten. (The reason for such an extreme is the status of fear and sorrow overpowering it)
• The heart is the acceptor of advice, Remember! Keep no one more beloved or closer than death.
• Those people are not preferred who relinquish the Hereafter for the World but inclination is towards those who give preference to both the World and the Hereafter.
• Make amends for your wrong doings with zeal and replace your bad deeds with good deeds.
• That amount of knowledge which creates fear of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) Almighty is only necessary for a believer (Mo’min).
• After journey and shortages, a person fears provisions.
• The foundation for all a persons troubles is his speech.
• A believers fear and hope when weighed would be equal.
• When an honourable person obtains knowledge it humbles him and when a legislator obtains knowledge he becomes proud.
• It is better to be alone than to sit in bad company while it is better to keep and be in good company than be alone.
• A seeker of knowledge shows excesses in age while a seeker of the World shows a high handedness in knowledge.
• Hadrat Junayd (رضى الله عنه) says that among the sayings of the Companions of the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) regarding Tawheed (oneness of Allah سبحانه و تعالى) the saying of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddique Siddiq (رضى الله عنه) is the most excellent and he said this: There is no other road created besides submission/humility and helplessness for the creation and Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) is most high, most pure.
• If any good deeds, for whatsoever reason is unaccomplished, then endeavour to accomplish it and if a good deed is accomplished then make an effort to accomplish more.
• When good advice does not affect a change in ones ways then know this that, ones heart is empty from Iman (Faith).
• The strength of knowledge when it surpasses the boundaries gives birth to deceit and cunningness and when it is deficient or worthless then it gives birth to stupidity and gullibility.

QUR’AN

“The (true) servants of (God) the Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, reply with (words of) peace.”
——— The Holy Quran, 25:63.

“And if Allah touches you with affliction, none can remove it but He: But if He bestows upon you a favor, remember that He is the Possessor of every power to do all that He wills.”
——— The Holy Quran, Chapter 6, Verse 17.

“Be patient (in adversity); for, verily, God will not let the reward of the righteous be wasted.“
——— The Holy Quran, Chapter 11, Verse 115

“Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein, and whoever recommends and helps an evil cause shares in its burdens.“
——— The Holy Quran, Chapter 4, Verse 85.

O ye who believe! Do not squander one another’s wealth in vanities, but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good will.

——— The Holy Quran, 4:29.

“You will not attain righteousness till you spend in charity of the things you love.”
——— The Qur’an, Chapter 3, verse 92.

And whenever you give your word, say the truth[al-An’aam 6:152]

And seek help in patience and prayer[al-Baqarah 2:45]

And speak good to people[al-Baqarah 2:83]

And fulfil the Covenant of Allaah when you have covenanted[al-Nahl 16:91]

Verily! Allaah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due [al-Nisa’ 4:58]

And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift) [al-Isra’ 17:29]

Eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance [al-A’raaf 7:31]

And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is al-taqwa (piety, righteousness) [al-Baqarah 2:197]

And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) [al-Talaaq 65:2]

And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him[al-Talaaq 65:3]

He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allaah [al-Nisa’ 4:80]

By no means shall you attain al-birr (righteousness) until you spend (in Allaah’s cause) of that which you love [Aal ‘Imraan 3:92]

Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us) [Aal ‘Imraan 3:171]

And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance[al-Isra’ 17:37]

And turn not your face away from men with pride[Luqmaan 31:18]

And be moderate (or show no arrogance) in your walking, and lower your voice [Luqmaan 31:19]

And give not a thing in order to have more (or consider not your deeds of obedience to Allaah as a favour to Allaah) [al-Muddaththir 74:6]

HADITH

Avoiding What Is Doubtful

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said “That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful is also quite clear. Between these two is that which is ambiguous, which most people do not know. One who avoids the doubtful safeguards his faith and his honor.” ——— Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 588.

Buisness and Trade

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked what type of earning was best, and he replied: ” A man’s work with his hands and every (lawful) business transaction.” ——— Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 846.

The Prophet also said: “A truthful and trustworthy merchant is associated with the prophets.“ ——— Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 50.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: ““It is better for any of you to carry a load of firewood on his own back than to beg from someone else .” ——— Riyadh-Us-Saleheen, Chapter 59, hadith 540.

And also: “There was a merchant who would lend to the people, and whenever his debtor was in difficult circumstances, he would say to his employees, ‘Forgive him so that God may forgive us.’ So, God forgave him.” ——— Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 292.

Character

“Make your character good for the people.“ ——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as narrated Al-Muwatta, Volume 47, Hadith 1

Charity

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Do not turn away a poor man…even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you…God will bring you near Him on the Day of Resurrection.”
——— Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1376.

Constancy in Good Deeds

“Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah’s is the most regular and constant even though it were little.”
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as narrated by A’isha (ra) in Sahih Bukhari, vol. 8, hadith 471

“The actions which the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, loved most were those which were done most constantly.”
——— Narrated by A’isha (ra) in Al-Muwatta, vol 9, number 92b

Forgiveness

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: ““It is better for a leader to make a mistake in forgiving than to make a mistake in punishing.”
——— Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1011.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Whoever is offered an apology from a fellow Muslim should accept it unless he knows that the person apologizing is being dishonest.”
——— Mishkat al Tabrizi, Vol 3, Hadith no. 5052.

Generosity

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Indeed, an ignorant man who is generous is dearer to God than a worshipper who is miserly.”
——— Al-Tirmidhi: Hadith 580.

Good Conduct toward Others

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said, “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”
——— Bukhari and Muslim.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct.“
——— Sahih Muslim, Hadith 15.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk).“
——— Narrated by Abu Hurayrah, Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol: 8 Hadith 47.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “There is reward for kindness to every living thing.”
——— Bukhari and Muslim.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “God is kind and likes kindness in all things.“
——— Rihadh us-Saleheen, Volume 1:633.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is taken from something, it leaves it tarnished.“
——— Imam Bukhari’s Book of Muslim Manners.

“Those who work for you are your brothers. Allah has made them your assistants.”
——— Bukhari and Tirmidhi.

“There are many doors to goodness. (Saying) ‘glory to God,’ ‘praise be to God,’ ‘there is no deity but God,’ enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf (until you understand them), leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one’s legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the weak with the strength of one’s arms – all of these are (forms of) charity prescribed for you.”
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 98.

“Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well and that if they do wrong you will do wrong. But (instead) accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong if they do evil.”
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1325.

Honesty and Fairness

“An adulterer will not commit adultery when he has full faith (in Allah), and a thief will not steal when he has full faith (in Allah)..”
——— Ibn Majah.

Humility

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said “(God) has revealed to me that you should adopt humility so that no one oppresses another.”
——— Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 1589.

The Prophet (s) said, “Shall I inform you about the people of Paradise? They comprise every obscure unimportant humble person, and if he takes Allah’s Oath that he will do that thing, Allah will fulfill his oath (by doing that). Shall I inform you about the people of the Fire? They comprise every cruel, violent, proud and conceited person.”
——— Narrated by Haritha Bin Wahb, in Sahih Al Bukhari, vol 8 hadith 97.

Ihsan – Excellence

Allah loves, when one of you is doing something, that he [or she] does it in the most excellent manner.
——— Muhammad (p) cited in Al-Qaradawi, Yusuf, Dawr Al-Qiyam Wal-Akhlaaq Fi Al-Iqtisaad Al-Islaami. Maktabat Wahbah, 1995.

Integrity

When something weighs on your conscience, give it up.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 8.

Knowledge

If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Abu Darda in Sunan Abu Dawood, hadith #1631.

The knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent in the cause of Allah.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Abu Hurayrah, transmitted by Ahmad and Darimi in Al Tirmidhi, hadith #108.

He who issues forth in search of knowledge is busy in the cause of Allah till he returns from his quest.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Anas Ibn Malik in Al Tirmidhi, hadith #420.

The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim. […]
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Ibn Majah and Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al-Iman; also reported by Anas Ibn Malik in Al Tirmidhi, hadith #74.

Leadership

“The worst of guardians is a cruel ruler. Beware of becoming one of them.”
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 846.

Mercy

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: ““Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to people.”
——— Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #473.

Moderation The best of all dealings is the one which is moderate.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Baihaqi.

They are the losers, those who make the religion hard and tough. They imperil themselves who enforce tough practices of Islam. They destroy themselves, those who are extremes.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Ibn Masud in Sahih Muslim.

Make things easy and convenient and don’t make them harsh and difficult. Give cheer and glad tidings and do not create hatred.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) in Riyadh us-Saleheen, Volume 1:637.

Patience

“[W]hoever abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allah will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.“
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Abu Said Al Khudri
in Sahih Bukhari, vol 2 hadith 548.

“Verily, the patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.“
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Anas bin Malik in Sahih Bukhari, vol 2 hadith 372.

Peace

“He who makes peace between people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar.”
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 857.

Relaxation

“(Islam) is spacious (and has room for relaxation), and I have been sent with an easy and straightforward religion.”
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 2, Number 153.

Serving Others

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Do you know who will go first on the Day of Resurrection to the shade of God…Those who when given what is right accept it, when asked for something give freely and who judge in favor of others as they do for themselves.”
——— Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1042.

The Prophet Muhammad (s) said, “Do not wish to be like anyone, except in two cases: (1) A man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. (2) A man whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge of the Qur’an and the Hadith) and he acts according to it and teaches it to others.”
——— Narrated by Abdullah in Bukhari, vol: 9, hadith 255.

“Anyone who has property that exceed his needs, let him support someone whose property does not (meet his or her needs), and anyone whose food exceeds his needs, let him share it with someone who does not have food.“
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 93C.

Silence

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say something good or keep quiet.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Abu Huraira–mutafakkun ghalai.

Strength

A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground. A strong person is the one who contains himself when he is angry.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s)

Truth

A true action leads to the path of virtue and good deeds, and virtue paves the way of a person to Paradise, and the said person continues to speak the truth till in the sight of Allah he is named Siddiq or Truthful. Lying leads to vice, and vice leads to indecent acts and if a person goes on lying till in the sight of Allah he is named a liar.
——— The Prophet (s) as reported by Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (r) in Bukhari and Muslim.

Wealth and Success

Wealth is not due to plenty of money, but wealth is the wealth of the self.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as agreed upon–mutafakkun ghalai.

The most valuable things in life) are a tongue which mentions God, a grateful heart and a believing wife who helps a man with his faith.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 721.

Forsake wordly pleasures, Allah will like you, and forsake what others have, mankind will like you.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as reported by Ibn Majah.

Wisdom

Wisdom is a long-cherished wish to the believer. He takes it from wherever he listens to it; and he does not mind from where it came out.
——— Prophet Muhammad (s) as as narrated by Ibn Hibban.

GENERAL

When the allurement of this life comes to a person, he borrows the good manners of others. however, when it goes away from him, it strips his good manners from him.
——— Ali (r) as cited in the Book of Wisdom by Ahmad Sakr.

“Maybe I was great in the ring, but outside of boxing, I’m just a brother like other people. I want to live a good life, serve God, help everybody I can. And one more thing. I’m still gonna find out who stole my bike when I was 12 years old in Louisville and I’m gonna whup him. That was a good bike.”
——— Muhammad Ali.

One of the signs of relying on one’s own deeds is the loss of hope when a downfall occurs.
——— Al The Hikam of Ibn Ibn ‘Ata’illah, chapter 1,1.

Among the signs of success at the end is the turning to Allah at the beginning.
——— Al The Hikam of Ibn Ibn ‘Ata’illah, chapter 2, 26.

The best that you can seek from Him is that which He seeks from you.
——— Al The Hikam of Ibn Ibn ‘Ata’illah, chapter 9, 75.

A woman should have the ability to choose her own destiny.
——— —Ranya Al-Baz, Domestic Violence Face of Saudi Arabia.

“Service to others is the rent you pay here for your room on earth.”
——— Muhammad Ali.

“We believe that poverty does not belong in a civilized human society. It belongs in museums […] A poverty-free world might not be perfect, but it would be the best approximation of the ideal.”
——— Muhammad Yunus

“I’m amazed, that how salam (peace) is always the first word to start a meeting. but in prayer it is the end word. Maybe it means the end of prayer is the start of a meeting…”
——— Ali Shahri’ati.

“If, in spite of intense supplication, there is a delay in the timing of the Gift [al-‘ata], let that not be the cause for your despairing. For He has guaranteed you a response in what He chooses for you, not in what you choose for yourself, and at the time He desires, not the time you desire.“
——— The Hikam, Ibn ‘Ata’illah, Chapter 1, 6.

“When a man says I cannot, he has made a suggestion to himself. He has weakened his power of accomplishing that which otherwise would have been accomplished.”
——— Muhammad Ali.

“The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”
——— Muhammad Ali.

“Pay attention to Allaah and He will pay attention to you.”

“If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.”

“Make sure your food is good (halaal and bought with halaal earnings), and you will be one whose prayers are answered.”

“Fear Allaah wherever you may be.”

“Follow up a bad deed with a good deed, to cancel it out.”

“Mix with people with a good attitude.”

“Keep away from prohibited things and you will be the best of worshippers.”

“Be content with what Allaah has given you, and you will be the richest of people.”

“Love for other people what you love for yourself.”

“Do not laugh too much, for excessive laughter deadens the heart.”

“Wrongdoing will be multiple darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”

“Fear Allaah and treat all your children fairly.”

“Fear the Fire, even if by giving half a date (in charity).”

“Fear the prayer of the oppressed.”

“The thing that weighs most heavily in the balance (of good deeds) is a good attitude.”

“Deliberation is from Allaah, haste is from Shaytaan.”

“The less your wealth, the less you will be called to account for.”

“Do not become angry, and Paradise will be yours.”

“The most beloved of deeds to Allaah is the one that is continuous, even if it is little.”

“The most beloved of places to Allaah are the mosques.”

“The most hated of places to Allaah are the marketplaces.”

“The most beloved of food to Allaah is that which is touched by many hands (i.e., shared among many people).”

“The most beloved of speech to Allaah is that a person should say, ‘Subhaan Allaah wa bi hamdih (Glory and praise be to Allaah)’.”

“The most beloved of people to Allaah is the one who is most helpful.”

“The most beloved deed to Allaah is making a Muslim happy.”

“Whoever restrains his anger, Allaah will conceal his faults.”

“A bad attitude spoils a good deed just as vinegar spoils honey.”

“The most beloved of people to Allaah are those who have the best attitudes.”

“Beware of this world, for it is sweet and tempting.”

“Control your tongue.”

“Trim your moustaches and let your beards grow.”

“Give back the things you have been entrusted with to the person who entrusted them to you.”

“Do not betray the one who betrays you.”

“Pray to Allaah and be confident of a response.”

“Cheer people up, do not put them off.”

“Make things easy for people, not difficult.”

“Eat with your right hand and eat from what is in front of you.”

“If Allaah gives you wealth, let the blessing of Allaah be seen on you.”

“If someone who is distinguished among his own people comes to you, then honour him.”

“If one with whose religion and character you are pleased comes to you (to seek your daughter’s hand in marriage), then marry (your daughter) to him.”

“If Allaah wills good to the people of a household, He guides them to be gentle.”

“If you do something bad, follow it by doing something good.”

“If you feel uncomfortable about something, then leave it alone.”

Qur’an

“Truly, to a happy state shall attain the believers:those who humble themselves in their prayer,and who turn away from all that is frivolous,and who are intent on inner purity.” Qur’an 23:1-4

“And I have chosen you,so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance.” Qur’an, Surah Taha 13-14

“Be ever mindful of prayers, and of praying in the most excellent way;and stand before God in devout obedience. Qur’an 2:238

“And before God prostrate themselves, willingly or unwillingly, all things and beings that are in the heavens and the earth,as do their shadows in the mornings and the evenings. Qur’an 13:15

“O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer. Truly! Allah is with the patient.” Qur’an, Surah al Baqarah; 2:153-154

“Verily, the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds” Qur’an , Surah Al Ankabut 45

“Extol, then, God’s limitless glory when you enter upon the evening hours, and when you rise at morn; and seeing that unto Him is due all praise in the heavens and earth, glorify Him in the afternoon as well, and when you enter upon the hour of noon. Qur’an 30:17-18

Hadith

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:”Our Lord (glorified and exalted be He) descends each night to the earth’s sky when there remains the final third of the night, and He says: “Who is saying a prayer to Me that I may answer it?Who is asking something of Me that I may give it him? Who is asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive him?” Hadith Qudsi 35

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was asked: “Which of the actions is best?” He replied: “Observing prayer early in its period.” Abu Dawud 2: 426

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgement is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad.” At-Tabarani

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on him?”The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” Prophet Muhammad (SAW) then said, “That is like the five daily prayers: Allah wipes away the sins by them.” Sahih al Bukhari, Muslim

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Salah is a pillar of the religion (Islam). He who establishes it, establishes religion; and he who destroys it, destroys religion.” Tabrani

General

After ar-Rabi` bin Khaytham became partially paralyzed, he used to go to the mosque helped by two men. He was told: “O Abu Yazid! You have been given permission to pray at home.” He said, “You have said the truth, but I heard the caller hearld, ‘Hayya `ala al-Falah (Come to success)’, and I thought that whoever hears this call should answer it even by crawling.” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/113]

Ali bin Al Fudayl said, “I saw ath-Thawri went into Sujud while praying, and I performed Tawaf around the House seven times before he raised his head from Sujud.” [As Siyar 7/277]

For forty years, the Adhan was never called but Sa`id bin al-Musayyab radhiallahu `anhu was in the mosque before it was called. [Tabaqat al Hanabilah 1/141, Hilyat al Awliya 2/163, Sifat as Safwah 2/80]

`Umar became unconscious after he was stabbed, and according to Al Miswar bin Makhramah, it was said: “Nothing would wake him up except the call to prayer, if he is still alive.” They said to him, “The prayer has finished, O Chief of the Faithful!” He woke up and said, “The prayer, by Allah! Verily, there is no share in Islam for whoever abandons the prayer.” He performed the prayer while his wound was bleeding. [Sifat as Safwah 2/131, As Siyar 5/220]

Adi bin Hatim, radhiallahu `anhu, said: “Every time the prayer time falls, it falls while I am eager for it and ready to perform it (i.e. having wudu).” [Az Zuhd by Ahmad, p. 249]

Abu Bakr bin Abdullah al Muzani said: “Who is like you, O son of Adam? Whenever you wish, you use water to make Ablution, go to the place for worship and thus enter the presence of your Lord (i.e. start praying) without a translator/barrier or a barrier between you and Him!” [Al Bidayah wa an Nihayah 9/256]

Abu Rajaa al `Ataridi, “Nothing that I leave behind grieves me, except that I wouldn’t be able to bow down on my face five times a day before my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored.” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/306]

Abu Al Aliyah said, “I would travel for days to meet a man and the first thing I would notice about him is his prayer. If he would establish the prayer perfectly and on time, I would stay with him and hear the knowledge he had. If I found him to be careless concerning the prayer, I would leave him and say to myself that for things other than the prayer, he would be even more careless.”

When Ali bin Al Husain used to perform Wudu, his color would change. His family asked him why this happened to him every time he performed Ablution, he sid, “Do you know before Whom I am about to stand (in prayer)?”

Yazid bin Abdullah was asked, “Should we make a roof for our mosque?” He said, “Purify your hearts and your mosque will be sufficient for you.” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/312]

Adi bin Hatim, radhiallahu `anhu said, “Ever since I became Muslim, I always made sure to have Wudu when the Adhan is called.” [As Siyar 3/160]

Ubayd bin Ja`far said, “I never saw my uncle Bishr bin Masnur miss the first Takbir, and whenever any person stood up in our mosque to ask people for help, my uncle gave him something.” [Sifat as Safwah 3/376]

Ibn Sama`ah said, “For forty years, I only missed Takbir Tahrimah (initial Takbeer) when my mother died.” [As Siyar 10/646]

“If you know of a man’s disinterest in Takbir Tahrimah, then wash your hands of him.”[As Siyar 5/65, Sifat as Safwah 3/88]

Sufyan bin `Uyaynah, “Honoring the prayer includes coming before the Iqamah is recited.” [Sifat as Safwah 2/235]

Maymun bin Mahran came to the mosque late and when he was told that the people had already finished the prayer, he said, “We all belong to Allah and to Him shall be our return! I prefer the congregational prayer to being the governor of Iraq.” [Mukashafat al Qulub p 364]

Yunus bin Abdullah said, “What is the matter with me? When I lose a chicken I feel concerned, but when I miss the prayer in congregation, it does not grieve me.” [Hilyat al Awliya, 3/19]

`Umar said, while standing on the podium, “A man might have white hair in Islam (i.e. reaches in old age while Muslim), yet has not completed even one prayer for Allah, the Exalted!” He was asked, “Why is that?” He said, “He does not perfect the prayer’s required Khushu`, solemness and attending to Allah with his heart.” [Al-Ihya 10/202]

Hammad bin Salamah said, “I have never stood up for prayer without imagining that Jahannam is before my eyes.” [Tadhkirat al Huffadh 1/219]

Mu`adh bin Jabal advised his son, “My son! Pray the prayer of he who is just about to leave and imagine that you might not be able to pray ever again. Know that the believer dies between two good deeds, one that he performed and one that he intended to perform later on.” [Sifat as Safwah 1/496]

Bakr al Muzani said, “If you want your prayer to be of benefit to you, say to yourself, ‘I might not have a chance to perform another prayer.’” [Jami` al `Ulum wal Hikam, p 466.]

Shubrumah said, “We accompanied Karz al Harithi on a journey. Whenever he wanted to set camp in an area, he used to scan it with his eyes and when he found a good piece of land that he liked, he would go to it and pray there until it was time to leave.” [Sifat as Safwah 3/120]

Al Qasim bin Muhammad said, “Whenever I went out in the morning, I used to visit `Aishah radhiallahu `anha (his aunt and the wife of the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) and greet her. One day I found her performing Ad Duha prayer, reciting this Ayah repeatedly, crying and invoking Allah: ‘So Allah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire.’ (52:27) I stood there until I felt bored, so Ileft and went to the market to do something and said to myself that when I finish what I have to do, I will go back (to `Aishah radhiallahu `anha). When I finished and went back to her, I found her still standing in prayer, reciting the same Ayah, crying and invoking Allah.’”[Al Ihya 4/436]

Maymun bin Hayyan said, “I never saw Muslim bin Yasar turning his head while praying, whether the prayer was short or long. Once, a part of the mosque came down and the noise caused fear to the people who were in the market, while he was in the mosque, did not fear nor even turn his head and kept praying.” [Az Zuhd by Imam Ahmad p 359]

“I accompanied `Ata bin Rabah for eighteen yers. When he became old and weak, he used to stand in prayer and read close to two hundred Ayat from Surat al Baqarah while standing in such firmness that no part of him would move.” [As Siyar 5/87, Sifat as Safwah 2/213]

Abu Bakr bin Aiyash said, “If you saw Habib bin Abu Thabit while in Sujud, you would think that he had died because of his long prostration.” [As Siyar 5/291]

Uthman bin Abi Dahrash said, “I never performed a prayer without invoking Allah afterwards to forgive me for falling into shortcomings in the way I performed it.” [Tarikhu Baghdad 13/207]

Mu`awiyah bin Murrah, “I lived during the time of seventy of the Companions of Muhammad, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, and had they lived among you today, they would not recognize any of your acts except the Adhan!” [Hilyat al Awliya 2/299]

Moreover, Maymun bin Mahran said, “If a man from the Salaf was resurrected among you today, he would only recognize your Qiblah.”

When Hatim al Asamm was asked about his prayer, he said, “When it is near the time of prayer, I perform a perfect Wudu and go to where I am going to pray and sit down there until I become fully attentive to what I am about to do. I then stand up and pray, imagining that the Ka`bah is in front of my eyes, Paradise to my right, Hellfire to my left and the Angel of Death behind me. I imagine that it is the last prayer I am about to perform, stand up in hope (in Allah, His Paradise and rewards) and fear (from Allah’s torment in Hellfire) and recite the Takbir while having full attention. I recite the Qur’an calmly, make Ruku` humbly, go into Sujud with Khushuand then sit on my left leg, with the left food laid on the floor and the right food raised up, all the while praying with sincerity. Afterwards, I do not know (nor feel certain) if that prayer was accepted from me!” [Al Ihya 1/179]

One of the Salaf said, “O son of Adam! You need your share in this life, but need your share in the Hereafter even more. If you took care of your share in this life, then you will lose your share in the Hereafter and are soon bound to lose your share in this life too. If you took care of your share in the Hereafter, you will also win your full share in this life with ease.” [Fada’il adh Dhikr by ibn al Jawzi p. 19]

Talq bin Habib said, “Allah’s Rights are greater than the slave’s capacity and ability to fulfill them. Therefore, reach the morning in a state of repentance and reach the night in a state of repentance.”

Source: Establish the Prayers and the Prize Is Paradise (Abdul Malik Al-Qasim)