Abstinence from sins

A seeker was under treatment for inappropriate use of sight. That is, looking at the unlawful things lustfully. A short duration into this treatment he consulted for treatment of another blameworthy  moral.

Hakim al Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) inquired,

‘Has the spiritual aliment of inappropriate use of sight been successfully treated?’

The seeker replied, ‘Yes. At most occasions I am able to control myself and abstain from lustful glances, however, rarely there are few slips.’

Hakim al Umma replied,

‘This is similar to a person claiming sobriety from alcohol but admitting few rare sips.’

Malfuzat