Reference: Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa – Volume 11, Page 32
Ahmad ibn Harb said:
Having worshiped Allaah for 50 years, I had not found (experienced) the sweetness of worship until I left three things:
I left [seeking the] pleasure of the people, so that I was [then] able to speak the truth;
I left the companionship of the open sinners, and found the companionship of the righteous;
And I left the pursuit of the delight of this world, and found the delight of the Hereafter.
