Clarifying the Meaning of Asceticism (Zuhd) in the Hadith of Sahl ibn Saʿd and the Consequences of Its Misunderstanding on the Psychological Well-Being of Muslims

Abstract

Asceticism (zuhd) represents a significant and important principle in the life of Muslims, despite its presence in many other earthly and heavenly religious traditions. People have adopted contrasting approaches toward it, ranging from a narrow understanding to a broader one, and from a purely spiritual interpretation to a behavioral one. This has led to considerable اختلاف in interpreting the concept and defining it clearly, upon which believers build their intellectual, cognitive, and faith-based perceptions.

The aim of this paper is therefore to clarify and precisely define the meaning of this concept while explaining the consequences that arise from both the correct and incorrect ways of understanding and applying it. Some psychological disorders stem from cognitive distortions and unhealthy intellectual inputs. In many cases, depression and persistent sadness within our societies result from incorrect assumptions and distorted understandings about people, life, principles, positions, and the distinction between right and wrong.

Using an inductive, analytical, and critical methodology, this paper attempts to address and examine this issue.