The measure of a man's freedom is the degree to which he can stay courteous under provocation. Conversely, the extent of the man's slavehood and bondage is the degree to which he can be provoked.

It is very difficult for one to be in a state of dhikr, to be in a state of worshipfulness while we struggle with relationships and struggle with the difficulties of the mundane and the day-to-day, which have the effect of keeping our attention and our energy quite low.