The Secrets of Asceticism: Being the Third Part of Al-Qasr Al-Hirs »

Imam al-Qurtubi was an eminent Spanish scholar of the 13th century who specialized in Islamic jurisprudence. Ahmed 'Ali is a lawyer and an arbitrator of legal disputes who is fluent in English, Italian, and classical Arabic.

This guide introduces modern readers to the commentary of medieval scholar al-Qurtubi and presents his rulings on how believers should regard wealth. Topics include the importance of money as a test for Muslims, the necessity that money be rightfully earned and properly spent, the virtue to be found in labor, and the complexities of using money for earthly power. Some examples of zuhd, or 'doing without,' by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions are used to clarify the law and provide practical models.