The Real Meaning of Asceticism

The Prophet (SAWA) said, ‘Asceticism from worldly pleasures means to cut short ones hopes of this world, to be grateful for every single bounty, to have piety and to keep away from all that which Allah has prohibited.

The Prophet (SAWA) said, 'Asceticism is not to prohibit oneself that which is allowed. Rather it is to find that which is with Allah more secure than that which is in one's own possession.

Imam Ali (AS) said, 'Asceticism is summed up between two phrases in the Quran, where Allah, most High, says, "So that you may not grieve for what has escaped you, nor be exultant at what He has given you.” Therefore, one who neither grieves about past losses nor is overjoyed about the possessions he is granted has perfected his asceticism from both sides.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, 'Asceticism is the key to the door of the Hereafter and immunity from the Fire, and it is to abandon all those things that preoccupy you from Allah, neither experiencing regret upon their loss, nor self-admiration for having abandoned them, nor awaiting deliverance from them, nor seeking praise on account of them, and nor anything else in exchange for them. Rather you see their loss as a source of comfort and their presence as a source of misfortune, such that you consistently run away from misfortune and seek refuge in comfort.