أيّها الولد، اجعل الهمّة في الرّوح، و الهزيمة في النفس، و الموت في البدن، - Al-Ghazali

العلماء ثلاثة: إما مهلك نفسه وغيره وهم المصرحون بطلب الدنيا والمقبلون عليها، وإما مسعد نفسه وغيره وهم الداعون الخلق إلي الله سبحانه ظاهراً وباطناً، وإما مهلك نفسه مسعد غيره وهو الذي يدعو إلي الآخرة وقد رفض الدنيا في ظاهره وقصد في الباطن قبول الخلق وإقامة الجاه، فانظر من أي الأقسام أنت ومن الذي اشتغلت بالاعتداد له؟ فلا تظنن أن الله تعالي يقبل غير الخالص لوجهه تعالي من العلم والعمل.

INTELLECT AND ITS NOBLE NATURE. The noble nature of knowledge has been revealed through intellect. Intellect is the source and fountainhead of knowledge and its foundation. Knowledge is like the fruit of a tree and it flows from intellect, or like the light of the sun or like the vision of the eye. Why should it not be honored when it is the cause of fortune in this world and the next? What is there to distinguish between beasts and men except intellect? Even a ferocious beast which has got more strength than man fears a man at seeing him as it knows that he may put him into snare on account of his intellect.

Your time is your life, and your life is your capital: by it you make your trade, and by it you will reach the eternal bounties in the proximity of Allah. Every single breath of yours is a priceless jewel, because it is irreplaceable; once it is gone, there is no return for it. So do not be like fools who rejoice each day as their wealth increases while their lives decrease. What good is there in wealth that increases while one's lifespan decreases?

Do not rejoice except in an increase of knowledge or an increase of good works. Truly they are your two friends who will accompany you in your grave, when your spouse, your wealth, your children, and your friends will remain behind.