At-Takathur (التكاثر)
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ
Al haaku mut takathur
YOU ARE OBSESSED by greed for more and more
حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ
Hatta zurtumul-maqaabir
until you go down to your graves.
كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ
Kalla sawfa ta'lamoon
Nay, in time you will come to understand!
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ
Thumma kalla sawfa ta'lamoon
And once again: Nay, in time you will come to understand!
كَلَّا لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عِلْمَ الْيَقِينِ
Kalla law ta'lamoona 'ilmal yaqeen
Nay, if you could but understand [it] with an understanding [born] of certainty,
لَتَرَوُنَّ الْجَحِيمَ
Latara-wun nal jaheem
you would indeed, most surely, behold the blazing fire [of hell]!
ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّهَا عَيْنَ الْيَقِينِ
Thumma latara wunnaha 'ainal yaqeen
In the end you will indeed, most surely, behold it with the eye of certainty:
ثُمَّ لَتُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعِيمِ
Thumma latus alunna yauma-izin 'anin na'eem
and on that Day you will most surely be called to account for [what you did with] the boon of life!
Meaning
The Rivalry in world increase
Ayas
8
Revelation
Meccan
Surah No
102
Worldly Rivalry and Distraction: Surah At-Takathur addresses the human tendency to compete with one another for more wealth, status, and material gains. The Surah critiques this rivalry and warns that such pursuits can divert attention away from the more important matters, particularly the remembrance of Allah and the preparation for the afterlife.
The Illusion of Worldly Success: The Surah reminds believers that the competition for worldly increase is ultimately futile, as death will separate them from their possessions. The real measure of success is in one’s relationship with Allah and the deeds one performs.
Accountability on the Day of Judgment: The Surah concludes by emphasizing that people will be held accountable for how they used their wealth, time, and resources, highlighting the reality of the Day of Judgment
Warning Against Materialism: The Surah was revealed to remind believers of the dangers of becoming overly attached to material wealth and worldly success, warning that such pursuits can lead to negligence in fulfilling spiritual duties.
Reflection on Life’s Purpose: It encourages people to reflect on the true purpose of life, which is to worship Allah and prepare for the afterlife, rather than being distracted by the accumulation of wealth and possessions.
Emphasis on the Afterlife: The Surah emphasizes that the ultimate success is not measured by worldly gains, but by the good deeds performed in preparation for the afterlife.
Awakening to True Priorities: Reciting this Surah helps believers refocus on the transient nature of this world and the importance of prioritizing the afterlife over material pursuits.
Spiritual Clarity: It encourages a deeper understanding of the fleeting nature of worldly wealth and helps to eliminate the distractions that come from excessive competition and rivalry.
Guidance for Contentment: The Surah teaches contentment with what Allah has provided, encouraging believers to focus on gratitude and the pursuit of righteousness rather than constantly striving for more.
Preparation for Accountability: By reflecting on the Surah, believers are reminded of the Day of Judgment and the need to live with accountability, using their time and resources wisely.
The Dangers of Materialism:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body, and if it becomes good (reformed), the whole body becomes good; but if it becomes corrupt, the whole body becomes corrupt. That piece of flesh is the heart.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This Hadith highlights the importance of the heart’s condition and directs believers to focus on spiritual health rather than being consumed by materialism, which is a key theme in Surah At-Takathur.
On the Reality of Wealth:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Wealth is not in having many possessions, but wealth is in being content.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This aligns with the message of Surah At-Takathur, emphasizing that true wealth lies in contentment and gratitude, not in accumulating material goods.
“If you find any mistakes in this, please let us know. For a more accurate translation, please refer to the English version. May Allah forgive us for any unintentional mistakes.”
