Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that we are so weak that without comfort, we would not love Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. The bounties that have been showered upon us are a means for us attaining the love of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. Therefore (Hazrat رحمه الله) advises that we should remain in comfort but abstain from sins. Nowadays, some Mashaa’ikh have exhorted their disciples to give up comfort but unfortunately they do not stay away from the prohibitions of Deen. Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله further advised that only those people who are prepared to oppose their (base) desires and have a consciousness of the lawful and prohibited come to him for islāh.

We need to stay away from disobedience. There are different types of sins; the first type is such that if given up, there will be no harm or inconvenience. If we adorn our lives with the blessed Sunnah of the beard, it will enhance our appearance. If we decide to shave our beards, we do so at the peril of opposing the blessed Sunnah of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah صلى الله عليه وسلم.

There are other sins that cannot be given up immediately; giving them up will cause great inconvenience. These sins should be given up gradually. Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that the following procedure is recommended every night. Prior to sleeping, one should make a duaa unto Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله:
‘O ALLAH, I AM MOST UNWORTHY… I AM MOST SINFUL…(ONE SHOULD USE THE STRONGEST OF WORDS AGAINST ONESELF).’
Then say unto Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله:
‘O ALLAH, MY STRENGTH IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR ME TO GIVE UP SINS UNLESS YOU HELP ME….’
With the help of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, when the servant expresses his absolute helplessness and hopelessness in the Court of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, he will give up sins within a week or two. Hazrat Thaanwi رحمه الله then laments; “The trouble is people do not do this!”