Encyclopedia of Prophetic Hadiths

"Allah has given a parable: a straight path that is surrounded by two walls on both sides, with several open doors within the walls covered with curtains. There is a caller on the gate of the path who says: 'O people, enter the path, all of you, and do not deviate from it.' Meanwhile, a caller from above the path is also warning any person who wants to open any of these doors: 'Woe unto you! Do not open it, for if you open it, you will pass through.' The path is Islam, the two walls are the limits set by Allah, and the open doors are Allah's prohibitions. The caller on the gate of the path is the Book of Allah, while the caller above the path is Allah's admonishment in the heart of every Muslim."

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) would often say: "O Turner of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion." I said: "O Messenger of Allah, we have believed in you and what you have come with. Do you fear for us?" He said: "Yes! Indeed, the hearts are between two of the Fingers of Allah and He turns them as He wishes."