Narrated by Abu Darda’ RA, the Messenger of Allah SAW said: "The sun does not rise except that on either side of it are two angels calling out, heard by all on earth except jinn and humans: O mankind! Come to your Lord. A little that suffices is better than much that distracts." (Hadith narrated by Ahmad, authenticated by al-Hakim, agreed upon by al-Zahabi, and al-Haithami stated: its narrators are trustworthy.)

This hadith contains a call to avoid being overly occupied with worldly matters and to be content with what is sufficient, for “a little that suffices is better than much that distracts.”

In reality, many of us make the world our main focus, chasing it endlessly. The more we attain, the more our desires grow, as the poet said: "No one is ever satisfied with the world, and every fulfilled desire only leads to another."

Those who are busy with worldly pursuits and delay righteous deeds will never be done, for worldly ambitions have no end. Thus, one should make the pleasure of Allah their sole concern, so that Allah may suffice them in both worldly and eternal matters.

The Prophet SAW also said: "Whoever loves this world will harm his Hereafter, and whoever loves the Hereafter will harm his worldly life. So prefer what is everlasting over what is fleeting." (Hadith narrated by Ahmad)

Does Zuhud Mean Abandoning the World?

No. Zuhud does not mean giving up effort, refraining from work, or rejecting lawful sustenance. That is a misunderstanding. Zuhud means the heart is not attached to the world, and the Hereafter is prioritized when there is a conflict.

Allah SWT says:

• “It is He who made the earth manageable for you, so traverse its regions and eat of His provision. And to Him is the resurrection.” (Al-Mulk: 15)

• “Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has brought forth for His servants and the good provisions?” (Al-A‘raf: 32)

The Prophet SAW also said:

• “Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be weak.” (Narrated by Muslim)

• “The best of work is what one earns with his own hands and blessed trade.”

Thus, Zuhud is not rejecting the world, but using it for the sake of the Hereafter.

Allah SWT further reminds:

• “O mankind! Indeed, the promise of Allah is true, so let not the worldly life deceive you, nor let the deceiver deceive you about Allah.” (Fatir: 5)

• “Know that the life of this world is but play and amusement, adornment, boasting among yourselves, and competition in wealth and children. Like rain whose vegetation pleases the farmers, then it dries and you see it turn yellow, then it becomes debris. In the Hereafter, there is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. The worldly life is nothing but a deceiving enjoyment.” (Al-Hadid: 20)

Ibn Sa‘di explains: the world is mere play and amusement, fleeting like crops that quickly wither. In contrast, the Hereafter is eternal and its rewards everlasting.

Examples of Zuhud from the Companions and the Salaf

• Ali RA said: "The world is departing, and the Hereafter is approaching. Each has its followers. So be among the followers of the Hereafter, not the world. Today is for deeds without reckoning, tomorrow is for reckoning without deeds."

• Sahl bin Sa‘ad RA narrated: A man asked: “O Messenger of Allah, show me a deed that if I do it, Allah will love me and people will love me.” The Prophet SAW replied: "Be indifferent to the world, Allah will love you. Be indifferent to what people possess, they will love you." (Hadith narrated by Tirmidhi)

• Sufyan al-Thauri, one of the great scholars, said: "Zuhud is not wearing coarse clothing or eating rough food, but reducing worldly ambitions."

Conclusion

Zuhud does not mean abandoning the world, but living simply, without attachment, and prioritizing the Hereafter. The world is a path, not a destination. The wise use the world as a field to sow deeds for the Hereafter.

We pray to Allah to grant us hearts that are zuhud, souls that yearn for the Hereafter, and deeds that draw us closer to His pleasure.

Date of Input: 08/10/2025 | Updated: 08/10/2025 | asmunir