I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "If the son of Adam (the human being) had two valleys of money, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust, and Allah forgives him who repents to Him."
Hadith Text & Context
"I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, 'If the son of Adam (the human being) had two valleys of money, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust, and Allah forgives him who repents to Him.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6436)
This profound hadith from the Book "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)" addresses the innate human weakness of greed and provides the ultimate cure through divine mercy.
The Nature of Human Greed
The metaphor of "two valleys of money" illustrates the boundless nature of worldly desire. Even when granted immense wealth that fills entire valleys, the human heart remains unsatisfied, constantly seeking more. This demonstrates that material accumulation cannot satisfy the spiritual void within the human soul.
This insatiable appetite is a fundamental characteristic of human nature since the time of Adam (AS), passed down through generations. The Prophet (ﷺ) identifies this as a spiritual disease requiring divine treatment.
The Ultimate Fulfillment
"Nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust" carries profound meaning. Firstly, it reminds us of our origin from clay and our ultimate return to the earth. Secondly, it signifies that true contentment comes not from material possessions but from remembering our mortality and preparing for the Hereafter.
The "dust" also represents the grave, the final destination where worldly possessions become irrelevant. Only spiritual provisions of good deeds benefit the soul in this eternal abode.
The Door of Mercy
The concluding phrase "and Allah forgives him who repents to Him" provides the solution to this human condition. Despite our inherent weaknesses, Allah in His infinite mercy has opened the door of tawbah (repentance).
This demonstrates the balance in Islamic teachings: while diagnosing human flaws, it immediately provides the remedy. The one who recognizes his greed and turns to Allah with sincere repentance will find his heart transformed and his spiritual hunger satisfied through divine connection.
Practical Wisdom
Scholars explain that this hadith teaches us to channel our natural desires toward beneficial pursuits. The hunger for accumulation should be redirected toward gathering good deeds, knowledge, and spiritual virtues.
The wise believer recognizes this trait within themselves and actively works to purify their heart through constant remembrance of death, voluntary charity, and seeking Allah's pleasure rather than worldly gain.