In it is the removal of desires...

In it is the removal of desires, the training of the soul, the sweetness of worship, the removal of hard-heartedness, chastity, sense of honour and sagacity. Therefore close the door of your tongue to unnecessary speech, particularly when you do not find one who is worthy of being spoken to and who will assist in discussion for the sake of Allah and concerning Allah. Rabi’ b. Khuthaym would place a piece of parchment before him and write down all that he had uttered.

Then, at night, he would take himself to account for what was in favour of him and what was against him (in…