[Eujacwta]

Are you sure he meant just milk, rather than mostly on milk? We have to remember that our bodies have rights - if we treat them badly they can complain to Allah on Yaum al Qiyamah.


There are still many Muslim ascetics around, but they will be the last people to reveal themselves and you may be surprised by some of the people who live very very simply although they could live in modern comfort.


I like the saying attributed to Imam Ali (raa) where he says something to the effect of - true zuhd is not that you don't own things - its that things don't own you.


The poet Saadi often talked about asceticism. I like this quote....


O brother,

the world remains with no one.


Bind the heart to the Creator,

it is enough.


Rely not upon possessions

and this world


Because it has cherished

many like thee


and then slain them


When the soul is about to depart

What cares it if one dies

on a throne or on the ground?


(Saadi)

(source http://abodeofmercy.wordpress.com/ca...terial-wealth/)


For anyone interested in the early Muslim zahids Attar's Memorial of the Awlia is a fascinating read for those who have not already read it and there is an abridged translation on scribd. http://www.scribd.com/doc/7811782/muslim-saints-mystics