Translator’s Introduction — Hadith 3

translated the second form and included that in brackets as well. We have, however, left the Arabic text as is for those who would like to refer to the possible alternative form when it is present. We have also included some annotations in the footnotes to clarify the meaning of certain traditions, and have also included the sūrah and āyah numbers of Qurʾānic references within the traditions. Given that This is one of the earliest source texts, there is no bibliography. However, in the Arabic text of this work that we used, the editor did include footnotes wherein he mentioned the later works that referred to each of the traditions. Though the title of this work might lead one to believe that this text is all about al-zuhd or abstemiousness, it contains within it a variety of ethical teachings categorised into twenty different topics. For this we have included an appendix to explain the meaning of the term al-zuhd itself, and how it is possible that the term was understood, during certain periods, to encompass all positive ethical traits. In conclusion, we acknowledge that all mistakes in the translation are ours alone. We pray that the Almighty accept this humble effort and hope that this work will be beneficial for those who read it. And all praise belongs solely to Allah, Lord of the worlds.