A spiritual aspirant wrote his condition to Hakim al-Umma Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him),
‘These days this lowly individual recites ten thousand times ‘istegfar‘ and 24,000 times ‘ism e dhat’ daily. Occasionally there is deficiency or excess in these amounts secondary to impromptu demanding circumstances.
However, my condition is that after any virtuous deed I feel extreme degree of shame, similar to that felt on committing sins. The reason for this is that in all the virtuous deed performed I recognise many shortcomings and deficiencies. Moreover, I am cognizant of the multitude of blessings of Allah showering on myself all the time.
If a mistake is committed then the only respite is to cry, repent and beg. Additionally, it leads to extreme humiliation in front of Allah.
From few days I feel this condition of aloofness from all that is worldly in my heart. …………….
Hakim al-Umma replied,
‘It extremely delighted my heart. May Allah give multiple folds increase in blessings and progress. Moreover, by the grace of pious associates (like yourself) may He grant a pleasant end to this invalid writer. I expect this supplication from my friends also.’
Tarbiyat us Salik, volume 1, page 761-3