How can one come to know God, what is the best interpretation of His Most Beautiful Names, does distancing oneself from people and feeling disturbed by worldly matters affect a person, and how can one practice asceticism in this world and live for the Hereafter, and what are the most prominent books of admonitions that remind one of death?
To know Allah, it is recommended to frequently recite the Quran with contemplation, review exegesis books like Ibn Kathir's, ponder Allah's Most Beautiful Names, and consult books such as: Al-Maqsad Al-Asna by Al-Ghazali, Al-Amad Al-Aqsa by Ibn Al-Arabi, Sharh Al-Asma Al-Husna by Al-Qurtubi, and the books of Ibn Al-Qayyim.
Secluding oneself from people is not always good; rather, it is recommended to interact with people in matters beneficial for both religion and worldly life.
For asceticism regarding worldly life, one must know its true worth in the sight of Allah—that it is not worth the wing of a gnat—and recognize the worth of the Hereafter as the abode of eternity. One should take what is sufficient from this world without letting it settle in the heart. Contemplating the Quran and the parables within it that condemn this world and encourage the Hereafter helps in this regard.
As for books that remind one of death, examples include: Al-Tadhkirah by Al-Qurtubi, and Al-Qiyamah Al-Sughra by Dr. Omar Al-Ashqar.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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