Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once addressed some associates and said:
“My beloved friends, make an effort to acquire the friendship of Allah Ta’ala. A poet exclaims: The one who wishes to acquire any lofty position has to burn the midnight oil.“
Thereafter Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) mentioned that once a person spent some time in the company of Hazrat Moulana Abdul Qaadir Raipuri (rahmatullahi ‘alaih). He engaged in zikr and spiritual exercises, etc. One day he said to Hazrat Raipuri, “I am carrying out my zikr, etc., but I do not feel the zikr having any effect on me as yet.” Hearing this, Hazrat Raipuri replied, “Continue to strive. Piety and acceptance is not a type of medicine that I can administer to you. You will have to continue striving to acquire it.” (Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 1/108)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za