For Imam Ahmad, Zuhd was the practical application of the Quranic verse: "The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception" (Surah Al-Imran: 185). The book teaches that true wealth is not in the abundance of possessions, but in the richness of the soul. It warns against the love of praise and the desire for power, categorizing them as hidden vices that destroy the sincerity of one's deeds.
: It is one of the largest extant collections of renunciant sayings, containing traditions from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Companions, and the Tabi'in. kitab az zuhd imam ahmad pdf link
It is divided into sections covering various virtues, such as: Fear of God and patience. Humility and guarding the tongue. Moderation in wealth and sustenance. Sayings from pre-Muhammadan prophets. Historical Significance: For Imam Ahmad, Zuhd was the practical application