For non-Arabic readers, note that a complete English translation of Kitab az-Zuhd is in print. However, excerpts are found in:
Finding a reliable PDF
Kitāb al-Zuhd (The Book of Asceticism) by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal is one of the most significant and largest surviving collections of renunciant sayings from early Islamic history. While primarily a collection of hadith and reports ( athar ), it serves as a spiritual guide on purifying the heart and detaching from worldly excess. kitab az zuhd imam ahmad pdf link
As the sun rose, Kareem wandered back to the weaver’s alley. He found Elias sitting by his loom, exactly as he had been the day before. The weaver looked up and handed the merchant a simple piece of bread. For non-Arabic readers, note that a complete English
It details the ascetic practices and wisdom of the Prophets, the Sahaba (Companions), and the Tabi'in (Followers). As the sun rose, Kareem wandered back to