“Whoever adorns his outward conduct with adherence to the Sunnah, keeps his inner state in continual watchfulness, lowers his gaze from the forbidden, restrains his soul from lusts, and—he mentioned a sixth trait which, I think,1 was consuming only what is lawful—such a person’s intuitive discernment will not miss the mark.

Allah, exalted is He, rewards the servant in a manner that corresponds to his deeds: He sets free the light of his perception, opens for him the gates of knowledge, understanding, unveilings, and the like—treasures attained through the heart’s inward sight.

The third benefit:

The heart’s strength, firmness, and courage. Allah grants him the authority of inward vision along with the authority of proof, for the man who opposes his own whim so terrifies Satan that the devil flees even from his shadow. By contrast, whoever follows his desires displays the abasement, weakness, and humiliation that Allah has allotted to the disobedient.

Indeed, Allah has made honour for those who obey Him and humiliation for those who defy Him. The Exalted says:

“They say, ‘If we return to Medina, the honourable will surely expel the lowly from it.’ Yet all honour belongs to Allah, to His Messenger, and to the believers.” (Al-Munafiqun 63:8)

And He says:

“Do not lose heart nor grieve; you will be superior if you are believers.” (Ali ‘Imran 3:139)

For this reason the early masters would say: “People seek honour at the doors of kings, yet they will only find it in obedience to Allah.”