Actions are but lifeless forms whose soul is the secret of sincerity in them
Interpretation
The essence of actions lies in the sincerity behind them.
This quote emphasizes that actions alone do not hold meaning; rather, it is the sincerity and intent behind those actions that imbue them with significance. Without genuine intent, actions become mere superficial gestures devoid of true value.
In practice
During a motivational speech about the importance of genuine effort.
Whosoever is determined to seek guidance and follow a path of right conduct must search for a shaykh from amongst those who have realization, one who follows a path methodically, who has abandoned his passions, and who has firmly established his feet in the service of his Lord.
Extinction is the beginning of the path: it is traveling to God Most High. Guidance comes afterwards. What I mean by guidance is the guidance of God, as described by the Friend of God, Abraham: "Lo! I am going unto my Lord Who will guide me."
God Most High has said, "Is the reward of virtue aught save virtue?" . . . Know, O man, that the covenant of servanthood is incumbent upon you, and that the covenant of Lordship is incumbent upon His magnanimity, as He Most High has said, ". . . and fulfill your covenant, I shall fulfill My covenant."
. . . persist in that invocation until the unity of the world is subsumed for you in a single sphere, so that with the eye of your heart you will see naught in the two worlds save the One.
The most excellent of those who perform good deeds are those who most often remember God in all situations.
If you do not think well of Him because His qualities are beautiful then think well of Him because of the way He treats you.
Imagination is the primary gift of human consciousness.
Women are wiser than men because they know less and understand more.
He who has nothing—it has been said many times—has nothing to lose but his chains.
If I had lost a leg, I would tell them, instead of a boy, no one would ever ask me if I was 'over it'. They would ask me how I was doing learning to walk without my leg. I was learning to walk and to breathe and to live without Wade. And what I was learning is that it was never going to be the life I had before.
We listen for guidance everywhere except from within.
We must dare to think unthinkable thoughts.
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