321 – I likewise found in the book of Dāwūd: Abū ʿAbd Allāh related to me, saying, “ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz wrote to al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī asking, ‘Advise me, and keep it brief.’ So al-Ḥasan wrote back: ⦗151⦘

‘To proceed: The foremost thing that will set you aright—and by which others will be set aright through you—is zuhd (renunciation) of this world. Now, renunciation rests upon yaqīn (certainty), certainty upon tafakkur (reflection), and reflection upon iʿtibār (taking heed). Thus, when you contemplate the world you will deem it unworthy of trading your soul for, and you will deem your soul worthy of being honored by treating the world with disdain. This world is only a realm of trial and a station of heedlessness.’