"The mutual rivalry (for piling up of worldly things) diverts you, 'Until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die).' The son of Adam says: 'My wealth, my wealth,' but your wealth is what you eat and consume, or what you wear and it wears out, or what you give in charity and send on ahead (for the Hereafter).'"
Narrated by It was narrated from Mutarrif, from his father, that the Prophet said:
Context
This hadith addresses the distractions of materialism, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warns that the pursuit of wealth can divert individuals from their ultimate purpose in life. He reminds us that true wealth is not in accumulating possessions but in what we consume, wear out, or give away in charity, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly goods.
Modern Application
In today's consumer-driven society, this message resonates as a reminder to prioritize meaningful contributions to others over the relentless pursuit of material wealth. Engaging in charitable acts, even in small ways, can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Good Deeds and Wealth because it highlights the importance of charitable actions over the accumulation of material possessions.
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.
Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.
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] worldly life is only amusement and diversion. And if you believe and fear Allah, He will give you your rewards and not ask you for your properties.
This hadith is #3621 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Wills. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from Mutarrif, from his father, that the Prophet said:.
