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]
Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu-anhu) said to his companions:
“You observe fasting, perform prayer and Jihaad more than the companions of Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam ), whilst they were better than you. ” They said, “Why is that the case?” He said, “They practiced more abstinence from the worldly life and we’re desirous of the afterlife”.
[Source: Jaami’ul Uloom Wal Hikam’ page 318]
From Maalik bin Dinaar, that a thief entered upon him but did not find anything to steal, whereby Malik called out to him: ‘You won’t find any worldly thing to take, however, do you desire something for the Hereafter?’ The Thief answered: ‘Yes.’ Malik said: ‘Make Wudu and pray two Rakah.’ So he did likewise, then Malik sat for a while and went out to the Masjid and the thief went with him. Malik was asked: ‘Who is this?’ He said: ‘He came to steal from us but we ended up stealing him.’ [Siyar ‘A’laam 4/190]
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We’ve seen the Arabic text of this story, but the translator has not identified himself. Still waiting!