Zuhd
زهدDefinition
Zuhd is the inward freedom of the heart from the grip of worldly things — it is not poverty of material circumstances but poverty of attachment. Al-Ghazali is emphatic that zuhd does not require giving away one's wealth or living in material deprivation; a person can be wealthy and be a zahid, provided their wealth does not occupy their heart. Conversely, a person can be materially poor while consumed by greed for more — this is the opposite of zuhd. The criterion is always interior: does the world command one's attention, desire, and anxiety? If so, there is no zuhd regardless of outward circumstances. Al-Ghazali identifies three levels: abstinence from the forbidden, from the doubtful, and from the permissible that nevertheless distracts from God.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Zuhd.
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"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."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 34: Poverty and Asceticism
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"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."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 34: Poverty and Asceticism
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"This was surprising and seemed unbecoming. When informed, al-Junayd, may Allah have mercy on him, advised not to be concerned. The second part of the book on Zuhd (asceticism) Explaining the Essence of Zuhd For al-Nuri, asking people for something was not for his own benefit but for theirs, so they could be rewarded in the afterlife."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 34: Poverty and Asceticism
Appears in
4 books in the library
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Every book above uses Zuhd the way the classical scholars meant it. Listen with the full Study Kit in the app.