Thus, whatever deed is more beneficial to him and more obedient to Allah is better for him than forcing himself to undertake a deed that he performs inadequately rather than properly, thereby missing what would benefit him more.

It is well known that prayer is more emphatically enjoined than reciting the Quran, and that reciting the Quran is better than remembrance of Allah and supplication. It is also well known that remembrance of Allah in the particular acts to which it belongs—such as bowing and prostration—is better than reciting the Quran in those positions, and that remembrance, recitation, and supplication at sunrise and sunset are better than prayer.

Renunciation is the opposite of desire, just as hatred is opposed to love and aversion to willing. Both willing and aversion have various forms, whether considered in themselves or in relation to their objects. Renunciation, likewise, may be considered from two perspectives: what is renounced and renunciation itself.

As for the former, renunciation … (1)

As for renunciation itself, which is the opposite of desire and consists in aversion and hatred, its prescribed form consists in the servant’s aversion, hatred, and love being governed by Allah’s love, hatred, pleasure, and displeasure. He therefore loves what Allah loves, hates what Allah hates, is pleased with what Allah is pleased with, and is displeased with what Allah is displeased with. In this way, he follows not his own desires but his Master’s command.

Many who renounce worldly life have turned away from its excesses without turning toward what Allah and His Messenger love. Such renunciation is not what Allah and His Messenger command. Thus, there have been ascetics among the polytheists, among the People of the Book, and among the followers of religious innovation.