A Lofty Insight
The Prophet ﷺ coupled mindfulness of Allah with good character (1), for mindfulness of Allah mends what lies between the servant and his Lord, while good character mends what lies between him and people. Mindfulness of Allah wins him Allah’s love, and good character wins people’s love for him.

A Lofty Insight
Between the servant and Allah—and therefore Paradise—stands a bridge crossed with two steps: one away from his own self and another away from creation. He casts aside his ego in dealing with people, and he casts aside people in dealing with Allah, turning only to whoever points him to Allah and to the road that leads to Him.

• A preacher cried out before the Companions, “The reckoning of mankind has drawn near” (Al-Anbiyaʾ 21:1). Their hearts quaked in fear, and from wary eyes tears poured forth—“and the valleys ran, each according to its measure” (Al-Raʿd 13:17).

• The world once arrayed itself alluringly before ʿAli, whereupon he declared, “You are divorced thrice, with no possibility of my returning to you” (2). One pronouncement would have sufficed according to the sunnah, yet he made it threefold lest desire imagine any right of return. His sound faith and wholesome nature recoiled from the muhallil; how could it be otherwise when he is among the transmitters of the hadith, “May Allah curse the muhallil” (3)?

• There is no true place of seclusion in this abode; therefore, create one within yourself.