What did al-Ghazali say about the world (dunyā)?

"And an explanation of the virtue of Zuhd, the ranks and divisions of Zuhd, and a detailed explanation of Zuhd in food, clothing, housing, furnishings, and ways of life, and an indication of the signs of Zuhd. Explanation of the essence of Zuhd Know that asceticism, or zuhd, in this world is a noble station among those on the spiritual path. This station, like others, consists of knowledge, state, and action."

"We ask God Almighty to make us among those firmly grounded in knowledge, who say, "We believe; all is from our Lord," and only those with understanding will be reminded. The second part of the book on Zuhd In it is an explanation of the essence of Zuhd And an explanation of the virtue of Zuhd, the ranks and divisions of Zuhd, and a detailed explanation of Zuhd in food, clothing, housing, furnishings, and ways of life, and an indication of the signs of Zuhd."

"loving other than God, and thereby sharing his love for God with another. Or he abandons it aspiring for the reward of God in the Hereafter, thus forsaking the pleasures of worldly drinks for the drinks of Paradise, forsaking the enjoyment of maidens in this world for the maidens of Paradise, forsaking the gardens of this world for the gardens and trees of Paradise, forsaking adornment in this world for the adornment of Paradise, and forsaking delicious foods for the fruits of Paradise out of fear of being told, 'You exhausted your pleasures during your worldly life."

"it had not befallen you." This is among the most comprehensive and beautiful statements on asceticism, and it has been narrated as a حَدِيث. Chapter: The Disagreement Among People Regarding Asceticism Chapter: People have debated whether asceticism is possible in these times. أَبُو حَفْص stated: "Asceticism can only be in the lawful, and there is no lawful in this world, so there is no asceticism." Others disagreed, arguing: "Indeed, the lawful exists in this world, alongside much that is unlawful."

"and there is no lawful in this world, so there is no asceticism." Others disagreed, arguing: "Indeed, the lawful exists in this world, alongside much that is unlawful. If there were no lawful, it would be an even stronger reason for asceticism, taking only what is necessary, like consuming carrion, blood, and pork out of necessity." يُوسُف بْن أَصْبَاط remarked: "Even if someone reached the level of asceticism of أَبُو ذَرّ, أَبُو الدَّرْدَاء, سَلْمَان, and المِقْدَاد, may اللّٰه be pleased with them, I would not call him an ascetic; because asceticism can only be in pure lawful, which is not found in our time."

"so that one does not turn to or become attached to worldly matters, whether engaging with them or leaving them. Asceticism is the asceticism of the heart, not merely the abandonment of worldly things by the hand and other limbs. It is the heart's detachment from them, not the hand's emptiness of them. When it comes to adorning oneself with the qualities of the prophets and the truthful, they are truly the people of asceticism in the world."

"Explanation of the Reason for Prolonged Hopes and Their Remedy There are two reasons for prolonged hopes—ignorance and a love for worldly life. Regarding the love of this world, when one becomes accustomed to its pleasures and attachments, it becomes difficult for the heart to part from them. The heart resists contemplating death, which signifies departure from this world. People tend to push away what they dislike, and they are infatuated with fictitious hopes, eternally promising themselves what they desire. They imagine staying in this world, planning for wealth, family, home, and all worldly means."

"Hence is the fear of those with understanding. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, None of you leave this world until he knows his destination and sees his seat in either Paradise or the fire. A hadith of Abu Hurairah narrates that Dawud was a jealous man. The hadith is recorded by Ahmad with a good chain and by Ibn Abi Dunya in his book on death with wording, the hadith stating, None of you will leave this world until he knows his destiny and sees his place in Paradise or fire, is reported by Ibn Abi Dunya from an unnamed man about Ali, stating, The soul of no human being leaves the world until it knows its destination, whether to Paradise or fire."

"For those seeking marriage for the sake of the sunnah, a child, or household management, it is advised to shy away from beauty and lean towards asceticism, as beauty is generally a worldly matter, even if it aids in religion for some. Abu Sulayman al-Darani said, Asceticism in everything, even in women, a man marries an old woman, preferring asceticism in worldly matters."

"Likewise are you. You let wisdom out of your mouths while malice remains in your hearts. O slaves of this world, how can one who cannot satisfy his desires of this world and whose appetite for it does not cease attain the hereafter? Truly I say to you, your hearts weep from your deeds. You have placed this world beneath your tongues, and your deeds beneath your feet. Truly I say to you, you have corrupted your hereafter, for the righteousness of this world is more beloved to you than the righteousness of the hereafter. Who among you is more at a loss if you but knew? Woe to you! How long will you describe the path to the wayfarers while you"