Some of the Ṣaḥāba (Companions) – even during the lifetime of the Prophet – were not content to simply observe the religious rituals, obey the provisions of the Qur’an and emulate the Prophet in his actions and his conduct, but wanted to enter into a spiritual relationship with God, which they claimed was closer and allowed them to free their soul from the yoke of the flesh. Hence, they overdid their acts of worship, their seclusion and contemplation. They chose asceticism, refrained from the worldly pleasures, and imposed restrictions on themselves and on their desires, which were never imposed by the religion.

The Prophet resisted and denounced this trend to his Companions. He used to say to those who were preoccupied by prayer and worship during the night, neglected the care for their families and ignored their rights that sexual intercourse with one's wife was a form of charity. To those who saw in marriage a worldly pillar, he said: “If you’re one of the Christian monks, then follow them, but if you are one of us, then marriage is of our Sunna.” And to those who emulated the monks’ way of life, he said: “There is no monasticism in Islam.” There are verses in the Qu’an that confirm this, for example, Q. 7.32: “Say: Who has prohibited the embellishment of Allah which He has brought forth for His servants and the good provisions? …”, Q. 2:172: “Oh, you who believe! eat of the good things that We have provided you with, and give thanks to Allah …”, Q. 2:185: ”… Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty …”, Q. 20:2: “We have not revealed the Qur’an to you that you may be distressed “, and, finally, Q. 22:78: ”… He has chosen you and has not laid upon you a hardship in religion.”

The Prophet, knowing the extent to which some people were affected by the Christians and the lifestyle of the monks during Jahiliyya, was anxious that they would introduce innovations and force them onto the religion.