Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:
All worldly pursuits, regardless of whether they relate to trade and commerce, agriculture or any other worldly occupation, can only be attained through striving hard and making an effort. One will have to apply himself and undergo some type of difficulty in order to achieve his goal. Similar is the case of deeni efforts. The work of deen and its progress cannot be accomplished without striving and working hard. However, the difference between striving for deen and striving for the world is that despite one making the necessary effort and applying himself in worldly pursuits, one will not always achieve his goal. On the contrary, in the case of deen, one is always successful as he is rewarded for the effort he makes and the hardship he undergoes. There are so many people who attain high degrees in the world but thereafter roam about unable to obtain employment. This is also the case in regards to many people who open up businesses with the hope of becoming affluent but to their dismay, find that the business does not turn out to be a success for them. However, when it comes to the work of deen, the effort and toil that one puts in, will never go unrewarded and in vain. Hazrat Gangohi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned, “Even if the name of Allah Ta‘ala is taken in a state of negligence, it will not be void of effect and reward.” (Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 2/126)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za