Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If Adam's son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to Him."
Hadith Text and Context
"If Adam's son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to Him." (Sahih al-Bukhari 6439)
This profound hadith from the chapter "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)" in Sahih al-Bukhari addresses the inherent nature of human greed and Allah's boundless mercy.
Analysis of Human Nature
The phrase "valley full of gold" symbolizes worldly possessions. The Prophet (ﷺ) reveals that human desire is insatiable - even abundant wealth doesn't satisfy, as one immediately desires more.
"Nothing fills his mouth except dust" is a powerful metaphor indicating that despite all worldly acquisitions, death is inevitable and only earth will fill the mouth in the grave, reminding us of our ultimate return to Allah.
Spiritual Implications
This narration serves as a stark warning against the love of wealth and worldly attachments, which can distract from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of the Hereafter.
The hadith diagnoses the disease of human greed while simultaneously prescribing the cure - sincere repentance (tawbah).
Divine Mercy and Repentance
The concluding phrase "And Allah forgives him who repents to Him" demonstrates Allah's infinite mercy. Despite human weaknesses, the door of repentance remains open until death.
Scholars emphasize that true repentance requires: abandoning the sin, regretting past actions, and firm resolve not to return to it.
Practical Lessons
This teaching encourages contentment (qana'ah) with what Allah has provided and focusing on spiritual wealth rather than material accumulation.
It reminds believers to regularly assess their relationship with worldly possessions and constantly turn to Allah in repentance, balancing between lawful enjoyment of provisions and avoiding excessive attachment.