The Secrets Of Asceticism

Introduced; Translated and Annotated by Abu Salif Ahmad Ali Al-Adani.

Being the third part of al-Qasr al-Hirs; Imam al-Qurtubi deals with the issue of zuhd or "doing-without.â€ÃƒÆ’â€Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚ 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 b

alance 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 Prophetâ€ÃƒÆ’¢â€Ã…¾Ã‚¢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.â€ÃƒÆ’â€Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚

This book will be of interest to readers who wish to understand the centrality of zuhd to the Islamic tradition as written by one of the greatest Qurâ€ÃƒÆ’¢â€Ã…¾Ã‚¢anic commentators belonging to the Islamic civilisation.