Ali, the fourth caliph (d.661), on striving for the hereafter

This world is leaving us by, and the next world is fast approaching. The race is now, and the price will be given tomorrow. We are in the days of striving, and the end is near. Whosoever is slack in efforts now will miss the chance to win. O servants of Allah, strive harder in times of hope even as you strive hard in times of fear. I haven't seen anything like paradise: Those who yearn for it are tardy. I haven’t seen anything like hell: Those who are eager to flee from it are fast asleep. One who does not benefit from the truth will surely be hurt by falsehood; one who does not remain steadfast on truth is bound to slip into deviation.