a coarse mantle (bijād), which he rent in two for the journey of union: with one half he girded his waist and with the other he covered his shoulders. When the call to jihad rang out, he was content to bring up the rear of the beloved company, for a lover never notices how long the road is—the Goal itself lends him strength.
O may Allah convey to the Sanctuary whoever yearns for it, and convey to the Sanctuary’s outskirts whoever yearns for them. (1)
When he had fulfilled his vow and breathed his last, the Messenger himself stepped down to arrange his grave, saying, “O Allah, this evening I am pleased with him, so be pleased with him.” (2) Ibn Masʿūd cried out, “Would that I were the man in this grave!”
So, you effeminate of resolve! The pawn is the least piece on the board, yet once it rises it becomes a ferzan. (3)
• A sage once saw a pack-horse drawing water and remarked, “If only it would prance, someone would ride it.”
• Whenever the feet of determination set out along the path, the dam of hindrances bursts before them. (4)
• Obstacles are ordeals that reveal the truthful from the false; once you wade into them, they turn into helpers that speed you to the goal.