Zuhd (Sufism)

In this state the traveller separates himself from all possessions of this world which are seen as the real cause of good and evil and from any desire for them. The saints further renounce all that is associated with the self; and the spiritualists, gnostics, renounce even thoughts of renunciation as such thoughts conceal God. What is renounced is seen as temporary and of little value; what is gained is permanent and of infinite value. Zuhd is the basis of mystical perfection and is the first step of those on the way to God, acting according to his will in trust and devotion.

The third stage in a systematic account of various stations of the Sufi spiritual path. According to Shaykh Abu Sa'id ibn Abi'l-Khayr, this is the 14th of 40 stations or maqamat the Sufi must possess for his journey on the path of Sufism to be acceptable. The second stage on the path to sainthood of the Naqshbandiyya order.