Zuhd (Asceticism)

Definition

Zuhd (زهد) refers to asceticism and detachment from worldly pleasures. It does not mean abandoning the world entirely, but rather not allowing worldly possessions and desires to occupy the heart or distract from the worship of Allah.

Zuhd in the Quran and Sunnah

Allah says: 'Whatever you have been given is but the enjoyment of worldly life, and what is with Allah is better and more lasting' (Quran 28:60). The Prophet said: 'Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler' (Sahih al-Bukhari 6416). He also said: 'Zuhd in the dunya is not by making the halal haram or wasting wealth, but by your not being more confident in what is in your hands than in what is in Allah's hands' (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2340).

Levels of Zuhd

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim classified zuhd into several levels: zuhd of the forbidden (obligatory for all), zuhd of the doubtful (highly recommended), and zuhd of the permissible excess (the station of the spiritually advanced). The highest form is internal detachment while outwardly engaging with the world responsibly.

Famous Ascetics

Among the early Muslims known for their zuhd were Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Hasan al-Basri, Ibrahim ibn Adham, Fudayl ibn Iyad, and Bishr al-Hafi. Their lives exemplified balance between worship and worldly engagement.