In this respect, he adopted the attitude of the pious predecessors, may Allah be pleased with them. This is a unique pearl that serves as a model for those who know the reality of following them and fighting against the carnal soul. It will be seen that he follows the Sunnah in his words, gestures and states, always vigilant in following it. He also urged his companions and family to do so and he himself tasted the bitterness of the struggle against the carnal soul. For a time he prayed all night and fasted continuously. He had taken the habit of cutting his youth with water or earth. In fact, he used to put saliva on his finger and take the earth with it, in order to break his fast. He used to travel long distances on foot, mentioning Allah and saying, “It is appropriate for the aspirant to try all categories of worship. Sometimes he has to stay up all night, other times half of it. Sometimes he has to fast continuously and sometimes he has to fast and break his youth. He has to travel in the kingdom of Allah on foot, leave his home without money or luggage. All this is to try to surrender to Allah. This is how the aspirant should be. So that if he is led to Allah, he will have already tasted everything. If he speaks of asceticism or trusting surrender or isolation and loneliness, he will have experienced it himself.” He said, may Allah be pleased with him, “I have not achieved what I have achieved except through isolation and travel.