I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, "If the son of Adam had money equal to a valley, then he will wish for another similar to it, for nothing can satisfy the eye of Adam's son except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to Him." Ibn `Abbas said: I do not know whether this saying was quoted from the Qur'an or not. `Ata' said, "I heard Ibn AzZubair saying this narration while he was on the pulpit."
Hadith Commentary: The Nature of Human Greed
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6437 in the Book "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)" reveals fundamental truths about human nature. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) identifies the insatiable nature of worldly desire - that even if one possessed wealth filling an entire valley, the human eye would still crave another valley's worth.
The phrase "nothing can satisfy the eye of Adam's son except dust" carries deep spiritual meaning. Classical scholars interpret "dust" as referring to the earth that will eventually cover the deceased in the grave, indicating that only death ends worldly ambition. This serves as a powerful reminder of mortality and the transient nature of material possessions.
Scholarly Insights and Context
Ibn `Abbas's uncertainty about whether this statement originates from the Qur'an demonstrates the scrupulous verification practices of early scholars. The additional testimony from `Ata' regarding Ibn Az-Zubair's recitation from the pulpit confirms the widespread acceptance and authority of this teaching.
The concluding portion - "And Allah forgives him who repents to Him" - provides the essential spiritual remedy. While human nature tends toward greed, divine mercy remains accessible through sincere repentance (tawbah). This balance between acknowledging human weakness and affirming divine compassion is characteristic of Islamic teachings.
Practical Spiritual Implications
This hadith encourages believers to cultivate contentment (qana'ah) and recognize the spiritual danger of endless material pursuit. The scholars emphasize that understanding this truth should lead to increased gratitude for what one possesses and detachment from excessive worldly attachment.
The teaching serves as both a warning against heedlessness and an invitation to spiritual awakening. By recognizing the inherent insufficiency of material wealth to satisfy the soul, the believer is directed toward seeking what truly fulfills - the remembrance of Allah and preparation for the eternal life to come.