"The Messenger of Allah sat on the Minbar, and we sat around him. He said: 'What I fear most for you after I am gone is the (worldly) delights that will come to you.' And he spoke of this world and its attractions. A man said: 'Can good bring forth evil? 'The Messenger of Allah remained silent and it was said to him (that man): 'What is the matter with you? You speak to the Messenger of Allah when he does not speak to you? We noticed that he was receiving Revelation. Then he recovered and wiped off his sweat and said: I know what the questioner meant: he means that good never brings forth evil. But some of that which grows in the spring kills the animals or makes them sick, unless they eat Al-Khadir (kind of plant): if they eat their fill or it then turn to face the sun and then defecate and urinate and start to graze again. This wealth is fresh and sweet. Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which he gives to a Muslim from which he gives to orphans, the poor and wayfarers. The one who takes it unlawfully is like the one who eats but is never satisfied, and who eats but is never satisfied, and it will be a witness against him on the Day of Resurrection."'
Narrated by It was narrated that Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri said:
Context
In this narration, Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri recounts a moment when the Prophet ﷺ expressed his concerns about the allure of worldly delights that would distract the believers after his departure. He emphasized that while wealth can be beneficial, it can also lead to greed and misfortune if not handled properly. The Prophet's ﷺ warning serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of materialism.
Modern Application
In today's world, the temptation of material wealth is ever-present. This hadith encourages individuals to be mindful of their relationship with wealth, promoting generosity towards those in need and cautioning against the pursuit of riches at the expense of one's spiritual well-being.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Charity and Good Deeds because it highlights the significance of using wealth for the benefit of others, while also warning against the negative consequences of greed.
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.
But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters."
[Saying], "Eat from the good things with which We have provided you and do not transgress [or oppress others] therein, lest My anger should descend upon you. And he upon whom My anger descends has certainly fallen."
Have you not seen those who were told, "Restrain your hands [from fighting] and establish prayer and give zakah"? But then when fighting was ordained for them, at once a party of them feared men as they fear Allah or with [even] greater fear. They said, "Our Lord, why have You decreed upon us fighting? If only You had postponed [it for] us for a short time." Say, The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allah. And injustice will not be done to you, [even] as much as a thread [inside a date seed]."
And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
This hadith is #2586 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Zakah. It is graded Hasan and narrated by It was narrated that Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri said:.