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O you, who spends his lifetime disobeying his Lord, no one amongst your enemies is wicked to you more than you are to yourself
Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes that self-destructive behavior is the most harmful form of wickedness one can experience.

Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya highlights the profound impact of one's actions on their own life, suggesting that when a person neglects their moral and spiritual duties, they inflict greater harm upon themselves than any external enemy could. The essence of the quote is a reminder of the importance of self-accountability and the dire consequences of straying from the right path.

Themes

Self-DestructionAccountabilityWisdomSelf-HarmSpirituality

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of overcoming internal struggles.

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Happiness is attained by three things: being patient when tested, being thankful when receiving a blessing, and being repentant upon sinning.
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As long as you are performing prayer, you are knocking at the door of Allah, and whoever is knocking at the door of Allah, Allah will open it for him.
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Satan rejoiced when Adam (peace be upon him) came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.
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One of the most beneficial of remedies is persisting in du’a.
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The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is al-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression]. It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance. It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is al-Taqwa. It becomes hungry and thirsty as the body becomes hungry, and its food and drink are knowledge, love, dependence, repentance and servitude.
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