`Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) slept on a straw mat and got up with the marks left by it on his body. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Messenger of Allah! Would that you make us spread out a soft bedding for you.'' He (PBUH) replied, "What have I to do with the world? I am like a rider who had sat under a tree for its shade, then went away and left it.''
(Tirmidhi, Zuhd 44)
Explanation: The Prophet was not fond of luxury and comfort. He never wanted a life above the life conditions of the society he lived in. He set an example for the Companions and the ummah in the arrangement of his house and the household items he used, as he did in all issues. Although the Prophet had the power to attain all kinds of worldly possessions throughout his life, he did not want such a thing; he did not abandon asceticism and humility either. He had the opportunity to sleep on a comfortable mattress made of feather, wool or cotton but he preferred to lie on a mat that left impressions on his body. In fact, as Anas Ibn Malik, who served him for years, put it, the body of the Prophet was as delicate and gentle as silk. Nevertheless, he did not accept the offer of the Companions to prepare a soft mattress that would comfort him and leave no impressions on his body. As he always expressed, he reminded them that he was never attached to the world as if he would never leave it. He even stated that his life in the world was short enough to rest in the shade of a tree, instilling the idea in the minds and hearts that devotion to luxury, comfort and extravagance did not fit a Muslim. Just as the shadow of a tree is not permanent and the shadow appears only when the sun is present so too is man temporary in this world, not permanent. Likewise, the world is temporary too. Therefore, it is not liked in our religion to encourage people to be extremely dependent on the world. It does not mean that we should not benefit from the legitimate blessings of the world. It only shows that an ascetic life is more preferrable.
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED FROM THE HADITH:
1. The Prophet preferred asceticism in his personal life and advised it to his ummah.
2. The world life is temporary. Therefore, it is not worth holding fast.
3. It is necessary to prepare for the life in the hereafter with good and charitable deeds.
4. It is permissible to use similes and examples to explain one’s purpose better.
(Riyadus-Salihin - Imam Nawawi Translation and Explanation: Prof. Dr. M. Yaşar Kandemir, Prof. Dr. İsmail Lütfi Çakan, Asst. Prof. Raşit Küçük)
