In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy
Abridged
Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) said: The (purity, virtuousness and excellence) of a slave is (found) in two blessings: The blessing of the religion (of Islaam) and the blessing of the worldly things, and happiness in this life and the next is reached by way of them.
The blessing of the Religion of (Islaam): (This is acquired) though knowledge and being guided to the straight path, and fear of Allaah, and that is to fulfil the commandments of Allaah and to keep away from His prohibitions.
The worldly blessing: Is that a slave is cut off from having hope in the creation and being in need of them; and that Allaah bestows on him the (ability) to refrain from the vile things and then enriches him with a good life and goodness, which becomes an aid for him in the worship of his Lord. Allaah (The Most High) said: ‘’as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance, and bestows on them their piety.’’ [Soorah Muhammad: ayah: 17] And Allaah (The Most High) said: ‘’And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah enriches them of His Bounty.’’ [Soorah Noor: Ayah: 33]
And indeed there is an indication towards these four affairs in the supplication in Saheeh Muslim from the Prophet (sallal-lahu-alayhi-wasallam) that he used to supplicate (saying):
‘’O Allaah! Indeed I ask you for guidance, piety, self-restraint from all evil and self-sufficiency’’
اللّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْألُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى