If what is meant is that the exercise of authority (tasarruf) is restricted (muqayyad, specified, limited), then this person has limited himself by that which he has takyīd (restricted) and imposed (limited) upon himself from the authority of his Creator in that place; this is what we are referring to. If something else is intended, then (in this matter) only what we have stated can be considered. That is, ascetic discipline (riyāḍa) is the subjugation of the nafs (the lower self) and making it submit through ʿubūdiyya (servitude) to oneself. It is called 'earth' (arḍ) because it is abased, remaining beneath the sky.
According to us, riyāḍa is to transform the nafs into an earth over which both the good and the bad tread. At the level of the earth, the distinction between good and bad is not effective. Rather, it bears the good lovingly because they are those with whom its Master is pleased; and it bears the wicked as well, because, even though they are in a ḥāl (spiritual state) of ingratitude towards Allah's blessings, it still provides for them.
If one reflects well, the name riḍā (contentment with God's decree) is in reality also connected to riyāḍa. For the nafs, by its essence, greatly desires good because the essential nature within it is to seek good. Undoubtedly, Allah, exalted is He, only wills what is possible. Possible things...