The third: adding those issues upon which reliance is placed.

“For aspirations have fallen short, and the hindrances to attaining what is sought have become numerous.”

His statement, “For aspirations have fallen short”: idh means “because”; “aspirations” is the subject, and the clause “have fallen short” is its predicate.

Aspirations is the plural of aspiration, which is firm resolve. It may also refer to something less than firm resolve, and thus includes both meanings.

This sentence explains his statement, “I have abridged,” and, “I have omitted.”

His statement, “and the hindrances to attaining what is sought have become numerous”: along with weak aspirations, there are distractions; hence he said, “and the hindrances…”

Hindrances is the plural of hindrance, which linguistically means that by which one reaches what is sought; that is what is intended here.

His statement, “that weaken”: meaning, those that sap one’s aspirations.

His statement, “have become numerous”: yet through seeking Allah’s help, mighty and majestic is He, and exerting one’s utmost effort, one attains one’s objective. Let it be known that whenever the deterrent becomes stronger, the student is engaged in striving. The stronger the deterrent becomes, and the more a person repels it, the more he receives two rewards thereby: the reward for the deed and the reward for overcoming the resistance. This is why the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Indeed, in the days of patience, the one who acts during them will have the reward of fifty Companions.” (1)