Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following:
Unfortunately, in today’s times, we tend to look at those who are not doing anything for the cause of Deen, and who are absolutely unmindful and lax in Deeni matters, and thereafter, we become satisfied and complacent with the little effort that we are making for Deen and we begin to think that we are fulfilling our Deeni obligations.
However, what we should be doing is looking at those servants of Allah Ta‘ala who sacrificed everything and gave themselves entirely for Deen. On keeping their examples before us, we will begin to realize how much we are falling short in fulfilling our duty, and we will also develop the desire and urge to do more than we are currently doing.
Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) always looked at Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and had the desire to emulate him and reach his high rank in Deen.
(Malfoozaat Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas [rahmatullahi ‘alaih] pg. 129)
Source: Ihyaauddeen.co.za