36/28. Chapter:
Jami at-Tirmidhi 2339 — Desire for Life and Wealth
What Has Been Related About : 'The Heart Of an Old Man Remains Young Because of Love For Two Things'
Hadith About Growing Old While Desiring Life and Wealth
Jami at-Tirmidhi : 2339
Jami at-TirmidhiHadith Number 2339
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَوَانَةَ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " يَهْرَمُ ابْنُ آدَمَ وَيَشِبُّ مِنْهُ اثْنَتَانِ الْحِرْصُ عَلَى الْعُمُرِ وَالْحِرْصُ عَلَى الْمَالِ " . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ صَحِيحٌ .
Anas bin Malik Narrated from:
The Prophet (s.a.w) said: "The Son Of Adan Grows Old, But Two Things Keep Him Young: Desire For Life And Desire For Wealth."
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2339In-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 36English translation : Vol. 4, Book 10, Hadith 2339
Summary of Jami at-Tirmidhi Hadith 2339
This hadith about desire for life and wealth is very close in meaning to the previous narration. The Prophet (s.a.w) said the son of Adam grows old, but two things keep him young: desire for life and desire for wealth. The hadith shows that age alone does not cure the heart. A person may become older, but the inner wish for more years and more money can remain active. This is why self-review is needed throughout life. The hadith does not blame a person for wanting to live or having lawful wealth. It warns about strong desire that keeps the heart attached to worldly increase.
What we learn from this hadith
- A person can grow old while desire remains strong.
- Desire for life and wealth needs honest self-control.
- Lawful life and wealth should not become the heart’s main attachment.
