Is Simple Living a Sign of Asceticism (Zahd)?

Understanding the concept of 'Zahd' in Islam and its relation to 'simple living' is a profound and rich topic that requires attention to Quranic teachings and the prophetic tradition. Simply put, Zahd in Islam does not mean abandoning the world or completely withdrawing from its bounties. Rather, it signifies a detachment of the heart from worldly life and a preference for the Hereafter over it. The heart of a true zahid (ascetic) is free from the bondage of material possessions, even if they are wealthy. Conversely, someone who appears to live simply might, in their heart, be enslaved by worldly desires or attached to fame or public praise. Therefore, simple living can be one of the manifestations and signs of Zahd, but it is not, by itself, complete and perfect Zahd; rather, it is an outward behavior that can stem from an internal state. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasize moderation and balance in all aspects of life. Islam neither encourages monasticism and complete renunciation of the world nor endorses complete immersion in material pleasures and forgetting the primary purpose of creation. In numerous verses, the Quran condemns extravagance (israf) and wastefulness (tabdhir), as well as excessive attachment to wealth and possessions. For instance, in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 31, Allah says: "O Children of Adam! Take your adornment at every place of prostration, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess." This verse clearly emphasizes the necessity of using divine bounties in moderation and sets limits for consumption. Simple living, meaning abstaining from unnecessary luxuries and a consumerist lifestyle, is entirely consistent with this Quranic teaching. An individual who lives simply is less likely to fall into the trap of extravagance, and thus, their behavior is affirmed by the Quran. Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly reminds humanity that worldly life is transient and fleeting, while the Hereafter is enduring and permanent. For example, in Surah Al-A'la, verses 16 and 17, it states: "Rather, you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting." True Zahd stems from a deep understanding of this Quranic truth: that attachment to the perishable world hinders one from their ultimate purpose. Simple living can be a tool to reduce this attachment and to focus more on acts of worship, good deeds, and helping others. When a person does not entangle themselves in luxuries and endless material desires, they will have more time and energy for spiritual and eternal matters. However, Zahd should not be mistaken for poverty or lack of wealth. There have been many wealthy individuals who were considered true zahids because of their heart's detachment from their wealth and their generous spending of it in the way of Allah. Prophet Solomon (PBUH), despite all his grandeur and kingship, was an example of a true zahid whose heart was not bound by the world. On the other hand, a person might be poor but yearn for the wealth and worldly status of others, and their heart might be attached to the world; such an individual cannot be called a zahid. Zahd is primarily an internal and spiritual state, rather than an outward or financial condition. Therefore, it can be concluded that simple living is an ethical and behavioral virtue that helps reduce material attachments and can be an outward sign of Zahd. However, the definition of Zahd goes beyond that; it means the liberation of the heart from the bondage of the world and a leaning towards the Hereafter. True Zahd, as Imam Ali (AS) stated, is not that the world should not be given to you, but that you should not become attached to the world. This interpretation beautifully clarifies the depth of the concept of Zahd. Ultimately, Islam teaches us to enjoy the lawful bounties of this world, but always to be vigilant that these bounties do not distract us from the remembrance of God, our responsibilities, and our ultimate purpose in life. Simple living can help us maintain this balance and achieve inner peace and focus on eternal matters, but it is not a sufficient condition for Zahd; rather, it requires an inner and spiritual transformation in which the Hereafter is preferred over this world, and the heart is freed from material attachments.