Spiritual Progress

Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf ‘Ali Thanawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said, 

“The spiritual progress is dependent on being steadfast in works of worship (‘amal) and striving (mujahidah) (to abstain from sins). [That is, both exoteric and esoteric works and sins].

Irfan e Hafiz, At-Takashuf, page 252