Know, O beloved, that man was not created in jest or at random, but marvelously made and for some great end. Although he is not form everlasting, yet he lives for ever; and though his body is mean and earthly, yet his spirit is lofty and divine
Al-GhazaliWhoever passes forty without his virtue overpowering his vice, let him get ready for hellfire. This advice contains enough for people of knowledge.
Al-GhazaliNever have I dealt with anything more difficult than my own soul, which sometimes helps me and sometimes opposes me.
Al-GhazaliKnowledge exists potentially in the human soul like the seed in the soil; by learning the potential becomes actual.
Al-GhazaliIf the first inward thought is not warded off, it will generate a desire, then the desire will generate a wish, and the wish will generate an intention, and the intention will generate the action, and the action will result in ruin and divine wrath. So evil must be cut off at its root, which is when it is simply a thought that crosses the mind, from which all the other things follow on.
Al-Ghazali