As for its “outward” expression, it means foregoing superfluous food, clothing, wealth, and other things that do not help one obey Allah. As Imam Ahmad said:

“It is only a matter of simpler food, simpler clothing, and patience for a few short days.”

All of this is embodied in the character of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is authentically reported in the Sahīh that he would say:

“The best speech is Allah’s speech, and the best guidance is Muhammad’s guidance. The worst matters are those newly introduced, and every innovation is misguidance.”

His practice regarding food was neither to refuse what was available nor to go to trouble to obtain what was unavailable. He wore whatever clothing was readily available, whether cotton, wool, or other materials, though cotton was his favourite.

“Whenever he learned that some of his Companions wished to overstep the bounds by exceeding what was prescribed in renunciation or worship, saying, ‘Which of us is like the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace?’ he would become angry at this and say, ‘By Allah, I fear Allah more than any of you and know best the limits Allah Most High has set.’”

“He learned that one of his Companions had said, ‘As for me, I shall fast without ever breaking my fast.’ Another said, ‘As for me, I shall spend the nights in prayer and never sleep.’ Another said, ‘As for me, I shall not marry women.’ Another said, ‘As for me, I shall not eat meat.’ He therefore said, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, ‘But I fast and break my fast, pray at night and sleep, marry women, and eat meat. Whoever turns away from my sunnah is not of me.’”

As for turning away from one’s family and children, this is not something Allah and His Messenger love, nor is it part of the religion of the prophets. Rather, Allah Most High has said:

“And We certainly sent messengers from