Having Hope in the Mercy of Allah Ta‘ala

Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:

True success in deen is for one to regard oneself as unworthy at all times. At no time should any person regard himself as successful on account of his actions. Even the good actions which one carries out, one should have the conviction within his heart that it is only through the grace of Allah Ta‘ala that he is able to carry out such actions, and it is only the grace of Allah Ta‘ala that will make one successful. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:

لن يدخل أحدا منكم عمله الجنة قالوا: ولا أنت يا رسول الله قال: ولا أنا إلا أن يتغمدني الله منه بفضل ورحمة (صحيح مسلم الرقم: 2816)

“None of your actions will cause you to enter Jannah.” The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) enquired, “Not even you, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) (i.e. your actions will not cause you to enter Jannah)?” Rasulullah replied, “Not even me, (my actions will not cause me to enter Jannah. I also cannot enter Jannah) unless Allah Ta‘ala envelops me with His grace and mercy.”

(Malfoozaat Hazrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 48)