Zuhud is the Attitude of Viewing the Hereafter in Islam, Understand the Meaning and Levels

Kapanlagi.com - Zuhud is a term used to describe someone's perspective on life in the afterlife in Islam. In general, in Islam, life in the afterlife is considered important. Because in the afterlife, humans will live their eternal lives.

Zuhud is one way to achieve a peaceful afterlife and stay away from punishment. This is because zuhud is an attitude that someone adopts to set aside worldly life in order to focus on the afterlife.

Unfortunately, many people still do not understand what zuhud is and how to practice it. To understand zuhud better, read the following summary compiled from various sources.

1. Understanding Zuhud

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As mentioned earlier, zuhud is a person's perspective or attitude that prioritizes the afterlife over the world. As quoted from nu.or.id, the definition of zuhud is an effort to detach the heart from worldly matters. This means that by practicing zuhud, a person will be more focused on their afterlife.

Zuhud is important because often worldly interests blind a person and make them forget about the hereafter. Zuhud will also keep a Muslim away from evil behavior and sins. Additionally, with zuhud, a Muslim will be more sincere in giving charity. This is because Muslims believe that what they donate will be their right in the hereafter.

2. Evidence Regarding Asceticism

Zuhud is the attitude of Muslims who prioritize the afterlife over the world. Zuhud is recommended to be practiced because it can make a Muslim reap many rewards and goodness. The command and recommendation regarding zuhud also come directly from Allah SWT and the Prophet, through verses and hadiths.

1. Surah Al-Hadid verse 23
One of the evidence regarding zuhud is found in the holy Quran, Surah Al-Hadid verse 23, which means as follows:

"(We have explained it) so that you do not grieve over what has escaped you, and so that you do not rejoice too much over what He has given you. And Allah does not like every arrogant and boastful person."

2. Surah Al-A'la, verse 16
In addition to the above verse, evidence regarding zuhud is also found in Surah Al-A'la, verse 16. The excerpt from the verse means:

"But you (disbelievers) choose worldly life."

3. Surah Al-A'la, verse 17

"But the Hereafter is better and more enduring."

4. Prophet Muhammad's Prayer about Zuhud
Zuhud is a special act to be done. Therefore, besides through direct command from Allah, zuhud is also recommended directly by Prophet Muhammad SAW. In fact, it is known that the Prophet has a special prayer about zuhud. The prayer, as witnessed by Ibn 'Umar, is conveyed in the following hadith:

Ibn 'Umar once heard the Prophet Muhammad SAW recite a prayer, "O Allah, grant us the fear of You that limits us from committing sins against You, and grant us obedience to You that will lead us to Your Paradise, and also grant us the conviction that will make every calamity in this world light for us" (HR. Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i, Al-Hakim, and Al-Baghawi).

3. Meaning of Asceticism

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The meaning of zuhud is to leave or release the attachment of the heart to various worldly affairs, and then focus more on the Hereafter. However, understanding zuhud should not only be superficial or limited to its definition. Because zuhud also has 3 meanings. As reported from muslim.or.id, Ibn Rajab Rahimahullah explained the three meanings of zuhud as follows.

1. The First Meaning of Zuhud
Zuhud is the attitude of a servant who is more aware and believes that human sustenance is in the hands of Allah SWT. This belief will make someone realize that every human's sustenance is already arranged by Allah SWT fairly. This is as stated in Surah Hud verse 6, which means:

"And there is no creature on earth but that Allah provides its sustenance." (QS. Huud, verse 6)

In addition, the first meaning of zuhud is also explained in a fragment of a verse in Adz Dzaariyaat, which means:

"And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised" (QS.Adz Dzaariyaat, verse 22).

2. The Second Meaning of Zuhud
The second meaning of zuhud is related to having a broad chest in facing trials. In this case, the meaning of zuhud is a situation where a servant is afflicted with calamities in worldly life, such as the loss of wealth, children, and others. Through patience and sincerity, the servant will receive rewards. In addition, the presence of trials will also make someone more certain of Allah SWT.

This is as stated in one of the hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad which says:

"Whoever is zuhud towards the world, then various calamities will feel light for him."

3. The Third Meaning of Zuhud
The third meaning of zuhud is related to the perspective of a servant towards others, especially in terms of praising and criticizing when they are on the side of truth. This is found in one of the sayings of Ibn Mas'ud, which says:

"Being certain that you do not seek the pleasure of people by arousing the anger of Allah. And indeed, Allah has praised those who strive in His cause and are not afraid of criticism."

4. Levels of Asceticism

Practicing asceticism is not an easy thing. However, asceticism has several levels. So, to start, it can be done from the lowest level. According to Imam Ahmad, the levels of asceticism are as follows:

1. Ordinary people consider asceticism as the act of leaving forbidden things.

2. Special people (khawash) consider asceticism as the act of leaving permissible things even if they exceed their needs.

3. Very special people (al-'arifin) or those who consider asceticism as the act of leaving everything that distracts them from remembering Allah SWT.

Those are some explanations about the concept of asceticism in Islam. Hopefully, it is beneficial and can increase knowledge.

(kpl/psp)