Nahj al-Balagha Hadith n. 393

Selections from The Sayings and Preaching of Amir al-Muminin Ali ibn Abi Talib (Peace Be Upon Him) Including His Replies to Questions and Maxims Expressed for Various Purposes.
Translated by Sayyid Ali Reza

وَقَالَ (عليه ‏السلام):

Amir al-mu'minin, peace be upon him, said:

خُذْ مِنَ الدُّنيْا مَا أَتَاكَ،

Take off the favours of the world whatever comes to you

وَتَوَلَّ عَمَّا تَوَلَّى عَنْكَ،

and keep away from what keeps away from you.

فَإِنْ أَنْتَ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ

If you cannot do

فَأَجْمِلْ فِي الطَّلَبِ.

so be moderate in your seeking.