“One should undergo self-annihilation for the sake of Allah and, abandoning one’s own wishes and desires, abide purely by the desires and commands of Allah so as to become a source of mercy for one’s self, one’s progeny, wife, children, kindred, and friends – and for me as well. You should never provide an excuse for the opponents to criticise me. […] The help of God Almighty is with those who continue to advance in piety at all times and do not halt at any stage. They are the ones who attain a good end. I have seen some people who had great ardour, zeal, and extreme affection, but, subsequently – after advancing somewhat – they came to a complete standstill, and ultimately, their end did not prove to be good. Allah the Exalted has taught us this prayer in the Holy Quran:
وَاَصۡلِحۡ لِیۡ فِیۡ ذُرِّیَّتِیۡ
“‘Reform my wife and children too.’ [Surah al-Ahqaf, Ch.46: V.16]“While you are trying to bring about a pure change in your own selves and praying for it, you should also continue to pray for your wife and children because most trials befall Man on account of one’s children and wife. The first trial that befell Adam was also due to his wife. Also, it appears from the Torah that the real reason behind Bal’am losing his faith in the confrontation with Mosesas, was that his wife had been lured by the king by showing her some ornaments, who then cajoled Bal‘am to pray against Mosesas. Thus, many a time, one suffers hardships and trials because of them. Therefore, full attention should be paid to their reformation, and one should continually pray for them.”
(Malfuzat [English], Vol. 10, pp. 182-183)