The most dreadful thing I fear in your case is what Allah brings forth for you in the form of the adornment of the world. They (the Prophet's Companions) said: Messenger of Allah, what is the adornment of the world? He said: Blessings (the natural resources) of the earth. They (again) said: Messenger of Allah, does good produce evil? He said: No, only good comes out of good. No, only good comes out of good. No. only good comes out of good. All that which the spring rain helps to grow kills or is about to kill but (the animal) which feeds on vegetation. It eats and when its flanks are distended, it faces the sun, it chews the cud, it has dunged and urinated. it returns and eats. This wealth is green and sweet, and he who accepts it and applies it rightly, finds it a good help, but he who takes it wrongfully is like one who eats without being satisfied.
Narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) expresses his concern about the allure of worldly blessings, which can distract believers from their spiritual duties. He emphasizes that true goodness can only arise from good actions, and warns against the dangers of wealth when misused. The companions inquire about the nature of these worldly adornments, and the Prophet clarifies that they refer to the blessings of the earth. He illustrates that while wealth can be beneficial, it can also lead to ruin if acquired unlawfully.
Modern Application
In today's world, this principle reminds us to be mindful of how we acquire and use our resources. Engaging in charitable acts, such as giving to those in need, can transform wealth into a source of good. By ensuring our actions align with ethical standards, we can enjoy the blessings of our resources without falling into greed or misuse.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Adornment Guidelines and Blessings in Food because it discusses the nature of worldly blessings and the importance of using them rightly.
Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.
And it will be said to those who feared Allah, "What did your Lord send down?" They will say, "[That which is] good." For those who do good in this world is good; and the home of the Hereafter is better. And how excellent is the home of the righteous -
Say, "Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?" Say, "They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection." Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.
What comes to you of good is from Allah, but what comes to you of evil, [O man], is from yourself. And We have sent you, [O Muhammad], to the people as a messenger, and sufficient is Allah as Witness.
And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?
This hadith is #2306 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Zakat. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Abu Sa'id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said:.
