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.
Genius is always allowed some leeway, once the hammer has been pried from its hands and the blood has been cleaned up.
As the caterpillar chooses the fairest leaves to lay her eggs on, so the priest lays his curse on the fairest joys.
Much as I have no wish to hurt anyone's feelings, my first obligation has not been to be nice but to be true to my perhaps peculiar memories, experiences and feelings.
People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.
For one man who can introduce another to Jesus Christ by the way he lives and by the atmosphere of his life, there are a thousand who can only talk jargon about him
Greatness of soul consists not so much in soaring high and in pressing forward, as in knowing how to adapt and limit oneself.
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