The forties are a significant period in a person’s life, one given special importance in the Quran, and marked a turning point in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as revelation came to him at the age of forty.
Allah Almighty says: “[He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.’” (Al-Ahqaf: 15)
Al-Qurtubi commented: "Allah Almighty mentions that once one reaches forty, it is time for him to truly understand the blessings of Allah upon him and upon his parents and to express gratitude. Malik said, ‘I have observed the learned people in our land; they sought the world and mingled with people until they reached forty years of age, at which point they would withdraw from social gatherings.’”
The popular saying, “After forty, say: O Allah, provide me strength,” hints at the transition from youth and the vigor that comes with it, to a stage of greater maturity and awareness, but also a phase of increasing vulnerability to illnesses, with a decrease in immunity.
Religious scholars, along with experts in psychology and nutrition, advise avoiding certain habits and behaviors upon reaching forty, the most notable of which are:
1. Avoiding Sin
Upon reaching forty, as one’s understanding matures, they should steer clear of sinful behavior, hasten to repent from any transgressions, and take a reflective look at past mistakes to prepare for what lies ahead.
The Quranic guidance applies universally to both men and women. Ibn Kathir’s commentary explains: “This is guidance for those who reach forty to renew repentance and turn sincerely to Allah, committing to it.”
2. Avoiding Overeating
Maintaining a healthy diet is highly recommended during one's forties, as obesity is a significant risk factor for illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, among others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The people who most eat their fill in this world will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.”
This hadith discourages overeating, and Ibn Majah titled it: “On Moderation in Eating and the Dislike of Satiety.” Because of this, Abu Juhaifa, who once burped in front of the Prophet (peace be upon him), was reminded of this hadith. The narrator added that Abu Juhaifa then refrained from filling his stomach for the rest of his life. He would skip lunch if he had dinner and vice versa.
3. Avoiding Late Nights
Often, physical and psychological pains arise due to staying up late, depriving oneself of sufficient sleep. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged early rising, activity, and productivity.
In the hadith of Sakhr ibn Wada’ah al-Ghamidi, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.” And he would send any expedition at the start of the day.
Ibn Uthaymeen explained in Riyad as-Salihin: “Unfortunately, many of us today sleep at the beginning of the day and only wake up at mid-morning, missing out on the blessings of the early hours.” Scientific studies have shown that adults who consistently sleep less than seven hours a night are at greater risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and depression.
4. Avoiding Sadness
For many, the forties are laden with responsibilities, work, social, and family burdens, often leading to sadness, depression, anxiety, and stress, all of which negatively impact physical, mental, and emotional health.
Ibn Mas’ud reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “No servant of Allah says when afflicted with distress or sadness: O God, I am Thy servant, the son of Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid, and at Thy disposal; my forelock is in Thy hand; Thy judgment is effective regarding me; just concerning me is Thy decree; I ask Thee by every name Thou hast by which Thou hast called Thyself, or sent down in Thy Book, or taught any of Thy creatures, or kept to Thyself in the hidden place of the unseen, to make the Qur’an the Spring of my heart and the means of clearing away my care and grief”. He declared that no one had ever said it without God removing his grief and giving him joy instead of it. They said, “O Messenger of Allah, should we learn these words?” He said, “Yes, it is proper for whoever hears them to learn them.”
Therefore, one should strive to avoid sadness, seek moments of joy, maintain inner peace, and nurture the mind and heart through spiritual and devotional acts, fostering optimism and hope, while working to resolve issues, avoid negative relationships, and engage in positive practices. Combined with devotion and closeness to Allah, these steps will help one maintain a youthful appearance and spirit.
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