The Secrets of Asceticism

 The Secrets of Asceticism,                                                   
[A5] Paperback - 152 pages,
by Imam al-Qurtubi,
Edited by Ahmad 'Ali al-'Adani.

This guide introduces modern readers to the commentary of Islamic scholar Imam al-Qurtubi, may Allah be pleased with him, and presents his rulings on how believers should regard wealth. Topics include the importance of money as a test for Muslims, the necessity that money be rightfully earned and properly spent, the virtue to be found in labour, and the complexities of using money for earthly power. Some examples of zuhd, or 'doing without, ' by the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his Companions are used to clarify the law and provide practical models.


Being the third part of al-Qasru'l-Hirs, al-Qurtubi, May Allah be pleased with him, deals with the issue of zuhd or “doing-without.” Zuhd is a central dimension of Islam, but Muslims in every age have faced the ingrained peril of distorting its meaning and its demands, and veer away from a sound understanding of it.


This book not only restores a balance in the understanding of zuhd but offers practical advice of how to bring it into our lives. Special attention is given to the central issue of wealth, from the viewpoint of how to employ it legitimately, and of its being a test to Muslims.


In explaining this sacred state, Imam al-Qurtubi explores many themes, including:

---The linguistic meaning of zuhd and the clarification of its essence; 

---The means to attain control over the earthly plain and to exercise zuhd in it; 

---The virtue of zuhd, and the fruits it produces; 

---The states of those who exercise zuhd in this world; 

---Some examples of zuhd by the Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings; 

---Some examples of zuhd by the Prophet’s companions; 

---The virtue of those who acquire ownership of wealth rightfully, and who spend out of it rightfully; 

---The explanation of the Prophetic hadith: “Every nation has its peculiar test, and the test of my community is “belief lies in wealth.”

 

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