Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaihi) once mentioned:
The saalik progresses in the path of sulook (i.e. the journey of acquiring the love of Allah Ta‘ala) far more swiftly through persevering patiently over the grief he experiences (on account of involuntary difficulties and hardships), than the progress through spiritual exercises and striving in nafl ‘ibaadaat. It is on account of the grief one bears patiently within the heart that causes him to excel and become successful. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 1/42)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za