asceticism, from its meaning; they erred only in how they named it. Some described it in terms of the ascetic himself, others in terms of what aids asceticism, others in terms of the state it produces, and still others in terms of one aspect of it. For each of them, the designation he uses brings about an increase by encouraging the person concerned to pursue it.
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Asceticism is a recommended voluntary practice, not an obligation. Through it, the ascetic earns the pleasure of Allah Most High and lofty ranks in the Garden of Refuge. Although no obligatory duty can be fulfilled without renunciation, none of these duties is termed “ascetic,” since each has a distinct name more fitting than asceticism. Do you not see that faith requires renouncing every object of worship besides Him, and prayer requires renouncing preoccupation with whatever distracts from it or prevents it? The same applies to all other obligatory duties and acts of obedience.
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Asceticism and its associated concepts have distinct aspects. They comprise six things: asceticism itself; the ascetic; what is renounced; what encourages renunciation of this world; the motive that prompts renunciation and gives rise to it; and the One for whose sake renunciation is undertaken.
As for asceticism concerning this world, it means regarding it as insignificant in its entirety and holding all its affairs in little esteem, because Allah Most High has declared it insignificant, held it in little regard, and warned against its deception in numerous verses of His Book. Among these are His words:
“Say: ‘The enjoyment of this world is brief, but the Hereafter is better for those who are mindful of Allah.’” [al-Nisā’: 77]
And His words:
“So do not let the life of this world deceive you, nor let the Deceiver deceive you about Allah.” [Luqmān: 33]
And His words:
“The life of this world is like rain We send down from the sky, through which the plants of the earth grow luxuriantly, providing food for people and livestock” [Yūnus: 24], up to His words:
“And Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path.” [Yūnus: 25]
For when it is