Endless pursuit of wealth and life

📖Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1047
Anas reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The son of Adam grows old but remains young in two matters: greed for wealth and greed for long life.”

Meaning:
This Hadith highlights a natural human tendency that never diminishes with age:

1. Greed for wealth: No matter how much a person accumulates, there is often a desire for more.
2. Greed for long life: Humans naturally fear death and wish to extend their lifespan, even though aging is inevitable.

Science Perspective:
Modern psychology and neuroscience explain this as part of human motivation and survival instincts:

• Wealth and resources: Studies in behavioral economics show that humans have a natural tendency toward loss aversion and reward-seeking, meaning we constantly seek more wealth or resources for security and comfort.
• Fear of death / longevity: Evolutionary biology and psychology indicate that humans have an innate desire to survive and extend life, linked to the brain’s reward systems and survival instincts. This explains why even older people often desire more time to live, even when life expectancy is already high.
• Dopamine effect: The pursuit of wealth and longevity activates dopamine pathways in the brain, making people feel motivated and “young” in desire, even as their body ages.

What We Learn Today:

1. Self-awareness: Recognize that the desire for wealth and long life is natural, but it must be balanced with contentment.
2. Moderation: Avoid letting greed control decisions or lead to unethical behavior.
3. Spiritual focus: Invest in deeds that benefit the soul and prepare for the Hereafter.
4. Contentment (Qana’ah): Appreciate what Allah has given, and seek barakah rather than excess.

Quranic Context:

📖Quran 57:20
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. It is like the example of 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.

📖Quran 102:1-2
Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graves.