Ahmad Bin Abil Hawaaree (rahimahullaah) said: I said to Sufyaan, ‘’What is Zuhd in the worldly life? He said: “You are thankful when favoured and patient when put to trial. That is zuhd.”
[Siyar A’laam Nubulaa:8/468]
Abul-Hasan Az-Zaahid (rahimahullaah) said: A man said to Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah (rahimahullaah): Can a man be Zaahid whilst he has a hundred deenaar? He said: ‘’Yes’’. He (i.e. the man) said: ‘’How is that (possible)?’’ He said: ‘’When he does not grieve if it reduces and does not become happy when it increases, and he does not hate to be separated from it through death.”
[Source: Al-Hath’thu Alaa At-Tijaarah’ number 19’ Al-khallaal(rahimahullaah)]
Bishr Ibn Al-Haarith (rahimahullaah) said: It was said to Sufyaan Ath-Thawri (rahimahullaah): Can a man be a Zaahid (i.e. one who abstains from unnecessary worldly pleasures), whilst he has wealth?” He said: ‘’Yes; if it the case that he exercises patience when put to trial and is grateful to (Allaah) when given (something).”
[Hilyah 6/387-388]