assist your adversary against it.
• When the flame of revenge is struck from the tinder of anger, it begins by burning the one who sparked it.
• Chain your anger with the links of forbearance, for it is a dog—if it breaks loose, it ravages.
• One for whom happiness has been pre-ordained is guided to the proof even before he seeks it.
• When destiny chooses a person, it sows in the soil of his heart the seed of divine success, waters it with the streams of longing and awe, stations over it a watchman (1) of vigilance, and appoints for it a guardian of knowledge; soon the crop (2) stands upright upon its stalks.
• When the star of aspiration rises in the dark night of idleness, and the moon of resolve follows close behind, the land of the heart shines with the light of its Lord.
• As night falls, sleep and wakefulness wrestle: fear and yearning lead the vanguard of the army of alertness, while laziness and apathy line up in the battalion of heedlessness. Once determination charges the right flank, the troops of negligence are routed; dawn does not break until the portions have been distributed and the booty lies cool before its rightful owners.
• Only the lean with hunger can endure the journey of the night.
• The swift mounts go in front; the beasts that carry the provisions come behind.
• Do not tire of standing at the door, even if you are driven away, and never cease your apologies, even if you are rebuffed. Should the door open for those accepted while you are left outside, then burst in with the boldness of impostors, enter like an uninvited guest, and stretch out your hand, saying, “And be charitable toward us” (Qur’an 12:88).