Studying the Lives of the Pious Predecessors

Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:

My beloved friends! You should make it a point to continuously study and read kitaabs on the lives of our pious predecessors. Even though the blessed era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is distant and has long passed, our pious predecessors are practical examples before us of the blessed lifestyle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Look at the humility with which our pious predecessors were blessed. My beloved friends! A person does not progress of his own accord and effort – rather it is Allah Ta‘ala who gives progress and success to whomsoever He wishes. You should therefore express humility and submission before Allah Ta‘ala at all times, and should regard others to be greater than yourself.

(Malfoozaate Hazrat Shaikh 2/159)