37/22. Chapter:
Jami at-Tirmidhi 2455 — Aging, Wealth, and Desire for Life
An Illustration About the Length of Life and a Person's Aspirations Increasing As He Becomes Old, and That He Will Become Old in the End
Hadith About Desire for Wealth and Long Life
Jami at-Tirmidhi : 2455
Jami at-TirmidhiHadith Number 2455
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَوَانَةَ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَنَسٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " يَهْرَمُ ابْنُ آدَمَ وَيَشِبُّ مِنْهُ اثْنَانِ الْحِرْصُ عَلَى الْمَالِ وَالْحِرْصُ عَلَى الْعُمُرِ " . هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ .
Anas bin Malik Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: "The Son Of Adam Grows Old. But Two Things Keep Him Young: Desire For Life And Desire For Wealth."
[1] This preceded under no. 2339.Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2455In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 41English translation : Vol. 4, Book 11, Hadith 2455
Summary of Jami at-Tirmidhi Hadith 2455
This hadith about desire for wealth and long life speaks about a common human pattern. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that the son of Adam grows old, but two things stay young in him: desire for life and desire for wealth. The hadith does not condemn living or owning wealth in itself. It points to the restless attachment that can remain strong even as the body becomes weak. The message is simple: age alone does not cure greed or long hopes. A person may become older while still chasing more years and more money. The believer should notice this tendency and keep the heart tied to the Hereafter.
What we learn from this hadith
- Aging does not always reduce desire for more life.
- Desire for wealth can remain strong even in old age.
- The hadith calls attention to inner attachment.
- A believer should watch the heart, not only the body.
