Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
[ Tuhfatul Mawlud, p242]
Dedication and exhaustion have their rewards; either in this world, in the hereafter, or in both. The most content people are the most exhausted, and the most exhausted people are the most at peace. Authority in this world and happiness in the next cannot be arrived at except through the bridge of exhaustion. Yahya b. Abi Kathir said, “Knowledge cannot be attained with a rested body!"
Pauline Kael
Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door and keep it open.
Imām Aḥmad b. Ḥarb
[ Dhahabī, Siyar 11:34]
I worshipped Allāh for fifty years but I did not taste the sweeteness of that worship until I abandoned three things
1. I abandoned trying to please people which allowed me to speak the truth
2. I abandoned associating with the transgressors which allowed me to mix with the righteous
3. I abandoned the sweetness of this world which allowed me to taste the sweetness of the Hereafter
Al-Hasan al-Basri
Whoever competes with you in matters of religion, compete with them; but whoever competes with you over worldly matters, throw it back at them.
Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah
Do not find it difficult to go against the people and side with Allah and His Messenger, even if you are alone, for Allah is with you, watching over you, protecting and preserving you. He is only testing your certainty and patience.