Wisdom 27: The Best Form of Asceticism
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said:
“The best form of asceticism is to conceal one’s asceticism.”
Summary of the Wisdom
Imam Ali (peace be upon him) teaches that the truest—and indeed the highest—form of zuhd (asceticism) is to keep it hidden.
A person who lives a simple and detached life without wishing others to see him as pious, ascetic, or devout has attained the finest form of asceticism.
Commentary
1. Asceticism Does Not Mean Rejecting Lawful Wealth
Asceticism does not mean refusing to earn money or own property needed for one’s lawful needs.
Rather, true asceticism means not becoming attached to worldly possessions.
A genuine ascetic is someone to whom worldly opportunities may come, yet whose heart remains unattached to them and who prefers closeness to Allah over worldly luxury.
2. The Greatest Danger of Asceticism Is Showing It Off
Every virtue has something that can corrupt it, and the greatest danger to asceticism is boasting about it.
The more a person displays or speaks proudly of his ascetic life, the less genuine that asceticism becomes.
Seeking admiration because of one’s simplicity is itself another form of attachment to this world, since it seeks people’s attention and praise.
3. Sincerity Is More Important Than Outward Actions
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said:
“Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearance or your deeds; rather, He looks at your hearts.”
This noble saying teaches that intention comes before action.
Without sincere intention, even good deeds lose much of their spiritual value.
For this reason, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) considers hidden asceticism—where there is genuine detachment from worldly life—to be superior to visible asceticism, which may merely be an outward display.
As the Prophet’s saying indicates, this preference has two important reasons:
- A sincere intention is more valuable than the outward action itself and determines whether an action is accepted by Allah.
- Public displays of asceticism may expose a person to showing off (riyā’), seeking admiration, and spiritual pride.
Key Messages
- Asceticism means turning one’s heart away from worldly attachment—not merely living simply.
- A person who is even unwilling to display his own asceticism demonstrates the highest level of sincerity.
- Anyone wishing to preserve the spiritual rewards of asceticism should protect it from the diseases of ostentation and pride.
- At times, a truly ascetic person may outwardly live like everyone else while inwardly remaining detached from worldly attractions.
- We should never judge people’s spirituality by appearances, for the greatest ascetics are often those whose asceticism remains hidden.
Reflection
Worship Through Honest Work
The Story of Imam al-Baqir (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Ascetic
Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir, who was widely known as a devout ascetic and worshipper, once left the city on an extremely hot summer day.
He noticed a man working hard while inspecting his farm, drenched in sweat beneath the blazing sun.
He thought to himself:
“Who is this man whose concern for worldly affairs has brought him out in such unbearable heat? I will go and advise him.”
When he approached, he was surprised to discover that the man was Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him).
After greeting the Imam, he respectfully said:
“May Allah bless you. You are one of the noble elders of Quraysh. Why have you come out in such conditions seeking worldly livelihood? What if death comes to you while you are in this state?”
The Imam leaned against a wall and replied:
“By Allah, if death were to come to me in this condition, it would find me engaged in one of the acts of obedience to Allah—earning a lawful living so that I do not need to depend on you or on other people. The only time I truly fear death is if it comes while I am committing an act of disobedience to Allah.”
Hearing these words, Ibn al-Munkadir immediately realized his mistake.
He humbly said:
“May Allah have mercy upon you, O Abu Ja’far. I came intending to advise you, but instead you have advised me.”
Source: Stories of the Righteous – Shaykh Morteza Motahhari
A hand raised sincerely toward Heaven never returns empty.
Self-Assessment
- What is the highest form of asceticism?
- What is the greatest danger that threatens asceticism?
- What is the true meaning of asceticism?
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Keywords: Wisdom 27, Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali, The Luminous Path, Asceticism, Zuhd, Sincerity, Riyā’, Intention, Spiritual Purification.