Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

'Ali ibn Abi Tilib 365
Asceticism was one of the most prominent characteristics in
the personality of Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ihn Abi Tilib (&>). He
lived simply, despite the availability of luxuries and wealth, and
despite the people's trust in him and their respect for him, which
prevented any criticism, checking or blame.'94 Despite his
asceticism, piety and strict adherence to his religion, he was not
harsh, sombre, stem-faced, gloomy or miserable. In fact, he was
friendly and cheerful, with a noticeable sense of humour. It was
narrated that he had a handsome and cheerful face and stepped lightly
upon the earth.195 'Ali (4) described asceticism by saying: "0
people, asceticism means not expecting to live a long life, being
grateful for blessings and refraining from harh things."'96
Expecting to live a long life makes one forget the hereafter. Not
expecting to live a long life enables one to combine the interests of
both this world and the hereafter, seeking the pleasure of Allah (s).
Being grateful for blessings is an attribute of the devoted
Muslims who are aware of the blessings that Allah (g) has bestowed
upon them, whether tangible or intangible, apparent or hidden. They
respond with gratitude to the Almighty, the Giver. 'Ali's definition of
the real nature of asceticism undoubtedly shows that the asceticism of
Amir al-Mu'mineen 'Ali ihn Abi Tilib (&) had an impact on those
around him, and that he was an effective teacher in the history of the
Ummah. Ahu al-fIasan an-Nadwi made a connection between
asceticism and revival in Muslim society, saying: 'We have seen that
asceticism and revival go hand-in-hand in Islamic history. We do not
know of anyone who turned things around and altered the course of
history, breathing new lie into Muslim society or opening a new era
into Islamic history, leaving behind any eternal legacy of knowledge,
thought and religious commitment that remained influential for
centuries after, dominating the fields of knowledge and literature,
except that he had an inclination towards asceticism, had complete
mastery over his physical desires and had control over materialistic