Why Do Ascetics Feel an Unexplainable Inner Peace? The Answer Might Change Your Life

 

What Is Asceticism? A True Understanding of the Concept

When we speak of zuhd (asceticism), many imagine a poor man in ragged clothes, living in isolation and deprivation. But in reality, zuhd is not about poverty or denying oneself the lawful pleasures of life — it's about freeing the heart from attachment to worldly things, no matter how much one owns.

A person may live in comfort, have wealth, a family, and a career, yet still be a true ascetic if their heart is detached from materialism. They do not grieve over what they’ve lost or boast about what they’ve gained. Their ultimate trust and longing are for Allah, not the fleeting possessions of this world.

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim beautifully said:

“Zuhd is not about making the lawful unlawful, nor about wasting wealth, but it is about having more trust in what is in Allah’s Hands than in what is in your own.”

So, zuhd is an inward state, not merely an outward lifestyle. This profound inner freedom is echoed in both the Qur'an and the authentic sayings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
From the Qur’an:

“So that you do not grieve over what you have missed, nor exult over what you have gained. And Allah does not like every prideful boaster.”
[Surah Al-Hadid: 23]

This verse captures the essence of zuhd — to live unattached, emotionally balanced, and spiritually grounded, knowing that everything is temporary.
From the Prophetic Tradition:

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Practice zuhd in this world, and Allah will love you. Practice zuhd in what is in people’s hands, and people will love you.”
Narrated by Ibn Majah, authenticated by Al-Albani.

This powerful hadith connects zuhd with divine and social love — letting go of the need for approval and material competition brings peace and love from both heaven and earth.

He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:

“What is little but sufficient is better than what is abundant and distracting.”
Reported by Al-Tabarani and deemed good by scholars.
Meaning: minimalism, when it brings contentment, is better than excess that leads to spiritual distraction.
And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) — the greatest example of zuhd — lived humbly even though he was offered the treasures of the world. In one hadith he said:

“What have I to do with this world? I am like a traveler who sits under the shade of a tree, then moves on.”
Reported by Al-Tirmidhi and graded hasan sahih.

This powerful metaphor summarizes the heart of zuhd: this world is a brief stop, not our final home.

Asceticism and Inner Peace: How Are They Connected?

One of the greatest fruits of zuhd (asceticism) is that it brings inner peace and tranquility of the heart. When a person detaches from excessive attachment to worldly desires, their heart begins to rest, free from the anxiety of greed, endless comparisons, and the constant race to keep up with others.

Zuhd is not simply about owning less — it’s about being inwardly free from the pressures of materialism. Those who chase wealth, status, and appearances often live in a cycle of stress, jealousy, and discontent. But the ascetic is content with what Allah has given them, and that contentment brings emotional and spiritual stability.

“And do not stretch your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.”
[Surah Taha: 131]

This verse is a clear divine instruction: don’t envy what others possess of worldly glitter — it’s only a test. True provision is what comes from Allah and endures beyond this life.

Another verse states:
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.”
[Surah Ar-Ra’d: 28]
This is the essence of zuhd: a heart anchored in the remembrance of Allah, not in worldly possessions.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Successful is the one who submits [to Allah], is given just enough, and is content with what Allah has given him.”
Narrated by Muslim.

He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:
“Look at those who are below you, and do not look at those above you, for that is more likely to keep you from undervaluing the blessings Allah has given you.”
Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

This practical advice teaches us to break the cycle of comparison — a key to freeing the heart and achieving lasting peace.
Al-Hasan Al-Basri said:

“Zuhd in the world is not grieving over what you missed, nor rejoicing excessively over what you gain.”

Ibn Taymiyyah defined zuhd simply:
“Zuhd is abandoning what does not benefit you in the Hereafter.”
By cutting off constant attachment to the material and focusing on what truly matters, asceticism becomes a path to serenity — a peace that no possession can buy.

Spiritual Clarity: A Natural Fruit of Asceticism

Zuhd (asceticism) is more than a lifestyle — it is a path to spiritual clarity and inner peace. When a person loosens their attachment to material things and steps away from the constant pressure to accumulate and compete, the soul begins to breathe. Zuhd creates space in the heart — space not occupied by worldly clutter — allowing light, serenity, and divine presence to enter.

Simplicity in living doesn’t restrict the soul, it liberates it. When a person is content with what suffices, their mind becomes clearer, their time more meaningful, and their worries lighter. This idea is reflected in the hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):

“Whoever makes the Hereafter his main concern, Allah will take care of his worldly concerns.”
Narrated by Ibn Majah, authenticated by Al-Albani.

Zuhd redirects the heart’s compass toward the Hereafter. It softens life’s noise and quiets the inner restlessness that so many people struggle with.

Allah promises a suffocating, narrow life for those who turn away from His remembrance, while promising ease and joy for those who remain mindful of Him:

“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will raise him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”
[Surah Taha: 124]

In contrast, the life of the one who remembers Allah and lives righteously — even if not wealthy — is described as blessed and fulfilling:

“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely grant him a good life.”
[Surah An-Nahl: 97]

Through zuhd, the believer draws closer to Allah and begins to taste the sweetness of faith — a pleasure no wealth can buy. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“He has tasted the sweetness of faith who is content with Allah as his Lord, Islam as his religion, and Muhammad as his messenger.”
Narrated by Muslim.

A soul unburdened by constant worldly desires finds joy in prayer, in remembrance, in simple moments of solitude with the Qur’an. It finds meaning instead of motion, and peace in nearness to heaven.

One of the wise early scholars said:

“When the heart is filled with Allah, there is no room left for anything else.”

This is the essence of zuhd: not poverty of the pocket, but richness of the heart, living with purpose, and anchoring yourself to what truly lasts.

Inspiring Examples from the Lives of the Ascetics

Stories of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his companions, and the righteous reveal that asceticism (zuhd) was never a form of weakness or a retreat from life — it was a source of strength, deep certainty, and unshakable peace.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): The Peak of Detachment from the World

Although the keys to the treasures of the earth were offered to him, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) chose the path of simplicity and zuhd. He could have lived like kings, but instead, he said:

"What have I to do with this world? I am like a traveler who rests under the shade of a tree and then moves on."
—Narrated by al-Tirmidhi and authenticated by al-Albani.

Even the homes of his wives were modest—sometimes no fire would be lit in them for days—yet they were filled with tranquility, because the heart was attached to Allah, not to material things.

Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once entered upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and found him lying on a rough mat that had left marks on his side. Umar began to weep and said, “O Messenger of Allah, the emperors of Persia and Byzantium sleep on silk, and you sleep on this?”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied:

“Are you not pleased that they have this world and we have the Hereafter?”
—Narrated by al-Bukhari.

This asceticism did not weaken the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) — it increased his dignity. His words were heeded, his presence inspired awe, and his peace of mind remained firm no matter how difficult the circumstances.
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq : Leadership with Zuhd

Abu Bakr(may Allah be pleased with him) , the first caliph of the Muslims, was a wealthy merchant. Yet, when he assumed leadership, power did not tempt him. He even continued going to the marketplace himself in the early days of his caliphate. When he passed away, he left behind only a servant, a plot of land, and a slave boy — all of which he had instructed to be returned to the public treasury.

His zuhd made him light-hearted, decisive, and unshaken when making monumental decisions like the Wars of Apostasy — because he was not tied to worldly interests, but solely to the truth.
Umar ibn al-Khattab : Zuhd that Gave the State Its Strength

During Umar’s caliphate, vast lands were conquered, yet he personally lived in humble simplicity — wearing patched garments and eating only bread and oil — despite being the head of the most powerful state of his time.

He used to say:


“If I wished, I could eat the finest foods and wear the softest clothes, but I prefer to save my luxuries for the Hereafter.”

Even the messengers he sent to kings were ascetics themselves, carrying a message more powerful than gold: that hearts are not moved by appearances, but by truth.
The Companions and Righteous: Hearts Connected to Allah

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), known for his bravery and wisdom, led a very simple life. He would tie a stone to his stomach out of hunger and once said:


“O world, deceive someone else. Have you come to me? Do you desire me? I have no need for you.”

Sufyan Ath-Thawri, one of the greatest scholars among the Tabi’in (Successors), was once asked, “Who is the true ascetic?”
He replied:

“He who is grateful when blessed, patient when tested, forgiving when wronged, and does not oppress when he has power.”

This is true strength: a heart unshaken by worldly distractions, untouched by glitter, because it is firmly connected to its Creator.

Zuhd did not stop the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), his companions, or the righteous from being leaders, reformers, or scholars. In fact, it was the secret of their unwavering resolve, and the reason behind their calm in the face of great challenges. Zuhd made them truly free — from within. Desires did not control them, nor did ambitions chain them. That’s why they were able to change the course of history — not with wealth, but with hearts full of light.

Is Asceticism Possible in Our Materialistic Age?

Modern Zuhd: How to Live in the World Without Becoming a Slave to It

In a world where success is measured by follower counts and a person’s worth by what they own, zuhd (asceticism) may seem like a distant or even impossible concept. But in truth, zuhd was never about things — it is about the heart being free from attachment. Modern zuhd doesn't mean living without money or quitting your job. It means using blessings without being owned by them — living in the world without letting it live inside you.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Renounce the world, and Allah will love you. Renounce what people possess, and people will love you."
— Narrated by Ibn Majah and graded authentic by Al-Albani.

Modern zuhd means having wealth, but it doesn’t have you. Using technology, but not losing yourself in it. Engaging in the market without becoming merchandise. It’s about having your heart with Allah — not with ads, or endless comparisons.
Practical Steps to Zuhd Without Isolation

Clear Intentions: Make your intention in earning and living to strengthen your ability to obey Allah — not to boast or accumulate out of desire.

Prioritize What Matters: Don’t let money or appearances steal your time at the expense of your prayer, family, or inner peace.

Limit Consumption: Train yourself to be content. Avoid unnecessary purchases — zuhd often starts in your shopping cart!

Give Regularly in Charity: Make your wealth a pathway to good. The more you spend for Allah, the freer your soul becomes from worldly attachment.

Disconnect from Noise: Take regular breaks of silence, turn off your phone, or reflect away from the pressure of consumerism.

Keep Uplifting Company: Surround yourself with those who remind you of Allah and encourage simplicity and gratitude. A good friend pulls you closer to the truth.

Zuhd is not abandoning the world, but living in it with a heart at peace — unafraid of loss, and unfazed by gain.
It is not only possible today — it is essential if we seek a life of true comfort, freedom, and closeness to Allah.

Zuhd: A Path to Inner Freedom, Not Harsh Austerity

How Asceticism Reshapes Priorities and Leads to a Life of Awareness and Gratitude

Many people mistakenly believe that zuhd means poverty, constant deprivation, or rejecting all of life’s pleasures. But true zuhd is much deeper. It’s not about punishing the body, but about freeing the heart from attachment to things. It’s about loving what’s with Allah more than what’s in your hands.

Zuhd helps you reorder your priorities. Instead of chasing everything, you start asking yourself:
"Does this bring me closer to Allah? Is it really necessary? Can I live without it?"

Take a practical example:
When you see a new phone or a luxury car, zuhd doesn’t mean denying its beauty or usefulness — it means asking:
Do I truly need this, or am I driven by comparison, pride, or a sense of lack?
If you have the means and a genuine need, buy it with awareness and gratitude — not attachment and vanity. But if not, then your peace of heart is worth more than the pressure to keep up.

Zuhd creates space for gratitude. When your needs are fewer, your blessings feel greater. A morning cup of coffee, a moment of quiet, reading the Qur'an, or a child’s laughter — all become real sources of joy because your heart isn’t distracted by what you don’t have.

As ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

"Zuhd is not that you own nothing — it’s that nothing owns you."

Another example:
A person who travels every summer, not to recharge but to avoid feeling "less than" his peers, may one day reflect on his motivations. He might choose instead to spend time in solitude, serve others, or memorize the Qur’an — a conscious form of zuhd, not self-deprivation.

Zuhd frees you from the constant need for social validation or external recognition. It makes you feel rich, even with limited means — because your wealth is internal, not based on numbers.

In the end, zuhd isn’t a restriction — it’s a key to peace. It’s a way of life that makes your heart present, grateful, and balanced — unmoved by loss, and unaffected by gain.

In a fast-paced world full of temptations, we sometimes forget that what we possess may not be a blessing if it possesses us from within. Not every gain brings peace, and not every increase brings happiness. The things we work hard to acquire can quietly become chains — binding the heart, scattering the soul, and blinding us to the beauty of simplicity and nearness to Allah.

Zuhd does not mean living in deprivation. It is about reclaiming the inner freedom we’ve lost amid noise, comparisons, and attachment to what won’t last. It’s a call to awareness — to see things for what they really are: tools, not goals; means, not the source of our worth.

So ask yourself honestly:
Does what you own bring you peace — or steal it from you?
Do you own your possessions — or do they own you?

When we lighten the load, we realize we had been carrying what we never truly needed.
And when we choose zuhd, we don’t lose anything — we find ourselves again.