There is an encouragement to practice asceticism, and it is from the religion. Disregarding materialism and worldly matters and turning toward the afterlife is also from the religion. This was the custom of the Prophet ﷺ, his noble companions and those who followed them in perfection. This does not require, however, entirely abandoning all mundane affairs, forsaking the advancement of human conditions on earth and neglecting one’s worldly needs. Allaah the Majestic and Exalted says,
(وَلَا تَنْسَ نَصِبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا)
“… yet, do not forget your share of the worldly life...” (Al-Qassass 77)
The Muslim is concerned with achieving the goal for which he was created, which is servitude to Allaah. He does need, however, something from this world to help him achieve this goal. Thus, Allaah reminds him of such for fear that he might busy himself to the extent that he forgets to pursue that which he needs to achieve his goal from this world. At any rate, devoting oneself to worship is something the believer is commanded to perform, and this was the custom and main concern of the companions (may Allaah’s Pleasure be upon them). Many of the scholars devoted themselves entirely to worship, yet they never sat around begging others. Begging is blameworthy and was forbidden in the hadeeth of Sa’d . (Bukhaary 1295) The believer should strive to fulfill the purpose of his creation.
(وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الجِنَّ وَالإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ)
“I have not created jin and humans except to worship Me.” (ATh-Thaariyaat 56)
The believer should focus on this, making it his primary concern. After that, he should strive to attain that of this world which would help him achieve this goal, and this is ideal. Some people, however, devote themselves to worship while depending on other people for their worldly needs, and thus you find them begging others. This is blameworthy from a religious perspective. The opposite is also true. If the person engrosses themselves with their worldly affairs, forgetting and neglecting the purpose of their creation, this is also blameworthy. Striking a balance between the two is necessary. The other extreme is religious fanaticism which has no textual evidence and is the opposite of the aforementioned negligence. There are those from the nation who are negligent, failing to uphold some religious duties and committing some sins. Others go to the opposite extreme. Both are blameworthy. What is required is to tread a middle course, which is the methodology of moderation practiced by the Prophet and his noble companions. In fact, this is a hallmark of this nation, as Allaah says,
(وَكَذَلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أًمَّةً وَسَطًا)
“… and thus We have made you a balanced nation.” (Al-Baqarah 142),
and Allaah knows best.