الزهد في الإسلام بين تزكية النفس ومتطلبات العمران الاجتماعي: دراسة تحليلية في المفهوم والأثر

Asceticism in Islam between Self-Purification and the Requirements of Social Development: An Analytical Study

Abstract

Asceticism (zuhd) occupies a central moral and spiritual position in Islamic thought, where it is fundamentally linked to the purification of the soul and the pursuit of divine pleasure rather than the rejection of material life itself. This study examines the concept of asceticism in Islam through an analytical framework that balances inner spiritual refinement with the practical requirements of social development and human interaction. Contrary to the common misconception that asceticism necessitates withdrawal from society or abandonment of material means, Islamic teachings present a holistic model in which spiritual discipline coexists with active participation in social, economic, and familial life. The research explores Qurʾānic verses and Prophetic traditions that affirm the legitimacy of material needs such as food, work, marriage, and social relations, while simultaneously emphasizing moral restraint, moderation, and detachment of the heart from excessive worldly attachment. The study further analyzes the diverse motives behind ascetic practices, distinguishing between genuine asceticism aimed at attaining the pleasure of Allah and figurative or distorted forms driven by social status, fear, frustration, or personal failure. Moreover, the paper highlights the social consequences of misinterpreted asceticism, including social isolation, neglect of family responsibilities, and reduced communal engagement, which contradict the prophetic model of social reform and community building. By contrast, authentic Islamic asceticism contributes positively to moral integrity, social justice, and balanced development by fostering ethical behavior, self-discipline, and responsibility toward others. The study concludes that true zuhd in Islam is a dynamic moral stance rooted in the heart, harmonizing spiritual elevation with constructive participation in society, thereby supporting both individual purification and sustainable social development.