Definition of Asceticism – The Three Types of Zuhd
A definition of asceticism (Zuhd) in Islam, in terms of its three types.
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A Sign of Self-Respect
It is reported that Muhammad b. Al-Hanafīyah – Allāh have mercy on him – said: Whoever has self respect does not give any value to the worldly life (dunyā). Ibn Al-Jawzī, Sifatu Al-Safwah 2:77.
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The Economic Crisis [Dunya]
It is reported that Ibrāhīm Al-Taymī – Allāh have mercy on him – said: What a great difference there is between you and those people [of the past, the Salaf]! Worldly wealth came to them but they fled from it, whereas the world turns its back on you and you go after it. Ibn Al-Mubārak, […]
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Homeless & Senseless
It is reported that ‘Abdullāh b. Masʿūd – Allāh be pleased with him – said: This world (the dunyā) is [only taken as] a home by those who will have no real home [in Jannah], and it is the wealth of those who will have no real wealth, and it is gathered and collected for […]
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Some of the Best and Worst People in Society
A description of some of the best and worst types of people. An example of how the Salaf warned about social corruption, even by mentioning names.
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Knowledge on the Mind
It is reported that Imām Abū Dāwūd Al-Sijistānī – Allah have mercy on him – said: Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal never used to involve himself in the things of this world that people involved themselves in; but when knowledge was mentioned, he would speak. Ibn Al-Jawzī Ṣifatu Al-Ṣafwah 2:519. It is reported that Al-Ḥusayn b. Muḥammad […]
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The Hunger of the Salaf and its Merits
It is reported from Ibn Sīrīn – Allāh have mercy on him – that a man once said to Ibn ‘Umar – Allāh be pleased with him: Can we offer you some Jawārish? He inquired, “And what is Jawārish?” The man replied, “It is something that will help you digest your food if you get […]
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How much should I..?
It is reported that Wahb b. Munabbih – Allāh have mercy on him – said: A scholar once asked another greater than him in knowledge, “How much should I build?” He replied, “As much as shelters you from the sun and the rain.” He asked, “How much food should I eat?” He replied, “More than […]
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A Trivial Pursuit
It is reported that ‘Awn b. ‘Abdillāh – Allāh have mercy on him – said: Those before you used to give to their worldly affairs what was left over from their pursuit of the hereafter. But today, you give to the matters of the hereafter the left-overs from your pursuit of worldly affairs. Abū Nu’aym, […]
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The hard life now for the good life later
It is reported that Ḥafṣah – Allāh be pleased with her – once said to her father (‘Umar, during his Caliphate): Allāh has increased the provisions; if only you would eat better food than the food you eat now and wear softer clothes then those you wear now?! He said, “I will argue [against] you […]