Cunayd (Junayd) said: The most honorable and exalted of gatherings is to sit in the field of tawhid (the oneness of God) in contemplation (fikr), to inhale the breeze of maʿrifa (gnosis, experiential knowledge of God), to drink from the cup of maḥabba (love) from the ocean of vedād (affection), and to have ḥusn al-ẓann (good opinion) of Allah. He then said: How beautiful and lofty are such gatherings, how delightful are such drinks. Blessed are those who are provided with them.
firār 271. Imām Shāfiʿī once said: Virtues (faḍāʾil) are divided into four: The first is ḥikma (wisdom), which means moderation in contemplation (fikr). The second is ʿiffa (chastity), which means moderation in shahwa (desire). The third is quwwa (strength), which means moderation in anger (ghaḍab). The fourth is ʿadāla (justice), which is to maintain moderation (balance) in the faculties of the nafs (the lower self). (Iḥyāʾ, 164)
Contemplation (fikr) oscillates between desire (shahwa) and intellect (ʿaql). The intellect serves it from above, while desire serves it from below. If contemplation inclines toward the intellect, it is elevated, ennobled, and brings about beauties. If it inclines toward desire, it descends to the lowest of the low and produces ugliness. (Mīzān, 51)