The truth is that this happiness and energy are not prompted...

The truth is that this happiness and energy are not prompted except by a heart disease with which this poor man is afflicted, whHe he considers his nafs as being sound, not sick. There is no hope that he will be healed. This wretch, in his innermost, in his pith, in his conscience, loves to show people his deed whHe lie is being unaware of it. Rather, he is demonstrating disobedience in the form of adoration, turning pretension into propagation for the creed.

Although it is commendable that one performs what is recommended when he is by himself, why does the nafs always love to undertake it in public? It weeps for fear of Allah in public congregations with energy and gladly, but when alone, no matter how it tries, it cannot squeeze a drop out of the eye. Why does fear of Allah take place only in congregations?

One weeps and supplicates in the presence of thousands of people during the nights of Qadr, offering a hundred prostrations during his prayers, reciting the Greater Jawshan supplication and the smaller one as well as chapters from the Holy Qur'an without feeling lazy, nor is he tired doing all of that. But if he prays ten rek'at in his solitude, he feels a back pain, and he is in such a bad shape!

If the deeds that come up of an individual are prompted solely to win the Pleasure of Allah Almighty, or to attain His mercy, or out of fear of His fire, or out of eagerness for Paradise, why should this individual love people to praise him for them?

Why should he listen to their praise, directing his heart towards them so he may hear someone lauding him or saying that so-and-so is a man of adoration, a worshipper who is keen to be in the forefront when the time of prayers comes, is mindful of what is commendable?! Or so he does so in order that he may hear someone saying that so-and-so, who performed the pilgrimage, is a trustworthy man, a man who can be reliable upon with regard to his transactions, etc.

If one looks forward to Allah Almighty with anticipation, why should he care for all this profuse love [for public praise]? If [love for] paradise and [fear of] the lire are your catalyst to undertake this deed, why do you care for such love? So, be mindful lest this love should come from the branches of that bad tree, pretension, and try your best to repair what you can repair, and rid yourself of such love.