The factors that help achieve a good ending and steadfastness in seeking knowledge

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, this questioner asks: What are the factors that help achieve a good ending, and likewise the factors that help maintain steadfastness in seeking knowledge?

Answer:
The causes of supplication: First, increase in supplication for a good ending; a person should frequently ask for a good ending. Second, persist in obedience, because whoever lives upon something dies upon it; persist in obedience, in observing the obligations of Allah, and in avoiding the prohibitions of Allah, so that he may be concluded with good. This is the cause. Third, do not neglect death; anticipate it at every moment and every hour, so that you are upright and prepared, and death comes to you in your best state, with the best ending. You do not know when the ending will be, or in which moment it will occur, so make every moment a moment of obedience, worship, and seeking goodness. And if you have sins, repent to Allah; hasten to repentance and do not delay it.