Ashraf Ali Thanwi

"People are excessively obsessed with dreams. Their concern for things which they dream is greater than their concern for things which effect them during their state of wakefulness. How confused are they!"

"The primary purpose of Tasawwuf is the reformation of the actions of the heart."

"Knowledge prevents one from going astray because of the realization of the truth. This in itself is a great treasure."

"Lowering oneself, which is called Tawaadhu’ (humilty), is a great and valuable asset. To achieve this quality, many of the servants of Allah abandoned their kingdom and empire. They didn’t care in the least what people thought of them. Surely, humility must then be a much-prized quality so that people gave it preference to it over the entire world!"

"A scholar is an adherent of the Sunnah."

"The seeking of wealth for a valid reasons is exhorted and is full of significance. Lawful wealth too plays its part in the acquisition of peace of mind, which is an end desired by the religion."

"To assume a task beyond one’s capability is not proper for a Mu’min. The consequence will be failure, disgrace, worry, and shame. Frustration will then overtake one."

"Without the head, man is a dead body. So too, without prayers, all other acts of worship are lifeless."

"Remembrance creates and strengthens a special bond between man and His Creator."

"Mosques are not places for mundane activities. Mosques are erected purely for the remembrance and worship of Allah."

"The reality of character is that we must not cause any form of difficulty and inconvenience to anyone, outwardly or inwardly, in his presence or in his absence."

"If by practicing on any form of piety, someone’s heart will be broken, then practice on the fatwa (verdict of the scholars). At such occasions, to protect one’ piety is not permissible e.g. If, in accepting any gift, there is disgrace for you and honour for your brother, then give preference to his honour over yours."

"The enthusiasm which I had for debating in my young days is now replaced by as much aversion for it because of its harms."

"I developed enthusiasm for Dīn - of which tahajjud is one branch."

"Energizing one's intellect and disposition is not the way to success. The kindness of the Master cannot be achieved without humility."

"Scholars are much needed as they are the backbone of religion. Scholars are more needed than Saints otherwise no one would know the religious ordinances and limits."

"Saints (Sufis) are like elder brothers and Senior scholars (Fuqaha) are like father in respect."

"Keep intellect above your habits, and Shari'ah above your intellect."