55/0. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2961b — Wealth That Distracts the Heart
The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts
Hadith About Wealth Distracting People from the Right Path
Sahih Muslim : 2961b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2961b
حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ الْحُلْوَانِيُّ، وَعَبْدُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ، جَمِيعًا عَنْ يَعْقُوبَ بْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، بْنِ سَعْدٍ حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، عَنْ صَالِحٍ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الدَّارِمِيُّ، أَخْبَرَنَا أَبُو الْيَمَانِ أَخْبَرَنَا شُعَيْبٌ، كِلاَهُمَا عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، بِإِسْنَادِ يُونُسَ وَمِثْلِ حَدِيثِهِ غَيْرَ أَنَّ فِي حَدِيثِ صَالِحٍ " وَتُلْهِيَكُمْ كَمَا أَلْهَتْهُمْ " .
This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Zuhri as reported by Yunus with a slight variation of wording.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2961bIn-book reference : Book 55, Hadith 10USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 42, Hadith 7066
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2961b
This narration carries the same core message as the previous report, with a slight wording difference. It points to the danger of worldly wealth when it becomes something people chase, compete over, and become busy with. The wording mentions that wealth may distract people as it distracted those before them. This makes the hadith about dunya and wealth very direct. The issue is not simply having money. The issue is allowing wealth to pull the heart away from gratitude, balance, and concern for the Hereafter. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) wanted the believers to be happy about good news, but also awake to the test that comes with worldly increase. This is a short but strong warning against being controlled by material gain.
What we learn from this hadith
- Wealth can distract people if it becomes their main concern.
- The danger of dunya is often seen when people compete over it.
- A believer should enjoy blessings without letting them control the heart.
- The wording reminds us that past nations were also tested through worldly gain.
