Zuhd or Asceticism and denouncement of ornamentation of this world is often displayed by someone who may claim to be zaahid. True asceticism in Islaam is not avoidance or disdainment of what strengthens a person, quite the contrary.
Zuhd in Islaam is to leave the excessiveness in lawful things of this life and all other things that are not absolutely necessary. And this was the way of prophet Muhammad sala Allahu alayhe wasalam.
Sheikh Adam rahimahu Allahu, practiced zuhd in his life time as witnessed by his students and followers. During his meritorious lifetime, he used to wear clothe to cover his awrah and not the most expensive ones. At a point, he completely abandoned wearing Agbada or grand Buba, commonly won in West Africa. He also did not use to eat, unless in response to hunger.
In addition, once upon a time, a governor of Ogun state in Nigeria came to visit him at his residence in Surulere, Lagos. While they were engaging in talking, the governor was bitten by mosquito. He tried to scare away the mosquito or kill it; then Sheik asked, is that a mosquito? It seems so, the governor responded. Then, Sheikh said, why did the mosquito chose you and not someone else among all of us? Perhaps the mosquito is reminding you that the populace is suffering, unlike you, and you ought to adopt policies that will ease their difficulty. So, even the Sheikh's house had mosquitoes, unlike other bourgeoisie's residences or palaces.
Another similitude, one day, he went to visit Alhaji Mashood Abiola at his residence. On his way back home, his car broke down. And people had to push it to be repaired before heading home. The news of this incidence got back to Alhaji Abiola, who decided such a thing in the future. Thus, he sent him a brand new car- Peugeot. He refused to take it... Throughout the life of the Sheikh, he was mostly known with two cars: An old Audi 5000 and another old Peugeot 504 Station Wagon. Rahimahu Allah rahmatan waasiha.
Source: Sheik Adam Abdullah AlIlory, His Lineage, Personality, and Will (Al Ameery, 2004)
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