“Truthful, but makes many mistakes.” However, the hadith has also come through other routes from Abu Hurayrah, attributed to the Prophet, with closely similar wordings, including: “The elderly man’s heart remains youthful in its love of two things ...” The rest is the same.

Muslim reported it (3/99), as did Ahmad (2/443). In one of his versions (2/443 and 447), it reads: “... amassing wealth and a long life.” In another (2/501): “... love of life and love of wealth.” In yet another of his versions (2/358, 379, 380, and 394): “... a long life and abundant wealth.”

Al-Tirmidhi likewise reported it (2/54) and deemed it authentic, as did Ibn Majah (4233) and al-Hakim (4/328), who said: “Authentic according to the criteria of al-Bukhari and Muslim.” Al-Bukhari also reported it (4/212) with the wording: “The heart of the elderly never ceases to be youthful in two matters: love of this world and long hopes.”

It has a supporting report from the hadith of Anas, attributed to the Prophet: “The son of Adam grows old, while two things grow young with him: greed for wealth and greed for a long life.” Muslim, al-Tirmidhi—who deemed it authentic—Ibn Majah, Ahmad (3/192 and 256), and Abu Ya‘la (2/755, 827) reported it.