Practicing Zuhd in a
Materialistic World
By M. Omar Baig
As Muslims living in an era of ever-growing materialism,
it is extremely difficult to balance our need for
spirituality with the realities of making an honest living.
Each of us has grown up reading about the abstinence
(zuhd) of the Messenger of Allah s and the simplicity of
his lifestyle, but may wonder how does one apply such
prophetic teachings of simplicity and asceticism in this era?
What does zuhd mean for the 21st century Muslim living in
North America?
In regards to making money, we find both extremes
amongst people. On one hand, there will be those that live
and breathe their businesses. All they converse about or are
interested in is increasing their bottom line. When confronted,
such people bring examples of rich companions
and pious businessmen/businesswomen throughout Islamic
history. On the other hand, there will be those who condemn
any talk of investments or savings for the future and
dismiss such conversations as “worldly talk.” Such people
view earning extra money or investing as a practice against
zuhd and religiosity. Such people will narrate the prophetic
traditions describing the asceticism of the Messenger of
Allah a. So, what is the Islamic position on accumulating
wealth and making investments for the future? Is there
anything wrong with being wealthy in Islam?
Both sides have valid points; so how does one understand
the prophetic teachings of zuhd in light of the fact that our
history is filled with many wealthy companions and pious
predecessors? Below we will analyze the Islamic view of
6 May – June 2021 | AL-MADINAH