Abstinence

Imam Ahmed (rahimahullah) said, regarding Zuhd (renouncing worldly pleasures for gaining Allah’s closeness) :

“Zuhd in this world is: not to be overjoyed with what one posessed and not to be destressed by turning away from it (i.e. the world).

So he (Imam Ahmed) was asked about a man who has one thousand Dirhams, and if such and individual could be considered a Zaa’hid (i.e. one who renounces this world).

So, Imaam Ahmed said, “Yes, but with one condition, which is, if his wealth increases he does not become too joyful and if it decreases he does not become distressed and unhappy.”