Translation and Explanation of Surah Al-Takathur (Chapter 102) from Tafheem-ul-Quran
Translation of Surah Al-Takathur
- The mutual rivalry (for piling up worldly things) diverts you,
- Until you visit the graves.
- Nay! You shall soon know,
- Again, Nay! You shall soon know.
- Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge,
- You shall certainly see the Hellfire.
- Then, you shall certainly see it with the eye of certainty.
- Then, on that Day, you shall surely be questioned about the blessings.
Explanation from Tafheem-ul-Quran
Context and Theme:
Surah Al-Takathur was revealed in the early Makkan period when the Quraysh were engrossed in tribal pride, wealth, and worldly achievements. The surah warns humanity about the futility of competing for material gains at the expense of spiritual purpose. It emphasizes accountability in the hereafter, reminding people that death is inevitable, and they will face judgment for how they used Allah’s blessings.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation:
- “The mutual rivalry (for piling up worldly things) diverts you,”
- Translation Clarification: The word Al-Takathur comes from the root kathara, meaning “to increase” or “to multiply.” It refers to the obsessive competition to amass wealth, status, followers, or worldly possessions.
- Explanation: Maududi notes that this verse highlights how people are consumed by rivalry in worldly matters—whether it’s wealth, power, lineage, or social prestige. This distraction prevents them from reflecting on their purpose in life and their relationship with Allah. The Quraysh, for example, boasted about their tribal numbers and wealth, but this applies universally to any society driven by materialism.
- “Until you visit the graves.”
- Translation Clarification: The phrase hattā zurtumu al-maqābir implies death, as graves are the ultimate destination of every person. “Visit” is a euphemism for reaching the end of life.
- Explanation: Maududi explains that this verse serves as a stark reminder of mortality. No matter how much one accumulates, death is inevitable, and worldly pursuits cannot delay it. The verse shocks the reader into realizing that life’s distractions end abruptly at the grave, where only one’s deeds matter.
3–4. “Nay! You shall soon know, Again, Nay! You shall soon know.”
- Translation Clarification: The repetition of kallā sawfa ta‘lamūn (Nay! You shall soon know) emphasizes a warning and rebuke. Kallā is a term of admonishment, rejecting the heedless attitude.
- Explanation: Maududi interprets these verses as a double warning. The repetition intensifies the message, indicating that the reality of the hereafter will soon become clear— – either at death or on the Day of Judgment. People will realize the futility of their worldly pursuits, but by then, it will be too late to change. Maududi stresses that this is a call to wake up before it’s too late.
- “Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge,”
- Translation Clarification: The phrase law kuntum ta‘lamūna ‘ilma al-yaqīn refers to “knowledge of certainty,” meaning absolute, undeniable truth.
- Explanation: According to Maududi, this verse challenges humanity’s ignorance. If people truly understood the reality of the hereafter with certainty, they would not be so consumed by temporary worldly gains. This “sure knowledge” is the realization of Allah’s power, the certainty of death, and the reality of accountability.
- “You shall certainly see the Hellfire.”
- Translation Clarification: Latara-wunna al-Jaḥīm refers to seeing Hellfire, the consequence of heedlessness.
- Explanation: Maududi explains that this is a vivid warning that those who ignore the truth will face the reality of Hellfire. Seeing Hellfire implies experiencing its torment unless one repents and corrects their priorities. This verse underscores the Quran’s use of vivid imagery to awaken the conscience.
- “Then, you shall certainly see it with the eye of certainty.”
- Translation Clarification: Thumma latara-wunnahā ‘ayna al-yaqīn refers to seeing Hellfire with absolute certainty, reinforcing the previous verse.
- Explanation: Maududi notes that this repetition emphasizes inevitability. On the Day of Judgment, there will be no doubt about the consequences of one’s actions. The “eye of certainty” suggests a direct, undeniable experience of the truth, contrasting with the ignorance or denial people exhibit in this life.
- “Then, on that Day, you shall surely be questioned about the blessings.”
- Translation Clarification: Thumma latus’alunna yawma’idhin ‘ani al-na‘īm refers to being questioned about na‘īm (blessings or pleasures) on the Day of Judgment.
- Explanation: Maududi elaborates that na‘īm encompasses all blessings—wealth, health, time, knowledge, and opportunities—given by Allah. People will be asked how they used these gifts. Did they show gratitude through obedience to Allah, or did they squander them in pursuit of fleeting pleasures? This verse underscores accountability and gratitude (shukr) as central Islamic principles.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Distraction of Materialism: The surah critiques the human tendency to prioritize worldly competition over spiritual growth, a timeless message relevant to modern consumerist societies.
- Reality of Death: By reminding people of the grave, it urges reflection on life’s purpose before it’s too late.
- Accountability: Every blessing is a trust (amanah) from Allah, and humans will be questioned about their use.
- Urgency of Repentance: The repeated warnings (kallā sawfa ta‘lamūn) call for immediate self-correction and alignment with divine guidance.
Application in Daily Life:
Maududi emphasizes that Surah Al-Takathur is a wake-up call to prioritize faith, gratitude, and preparation for the hereafter. Muslims should:
- Reflect on their goals and ensure they align with pleasing Allah.
- Practice gratitude by using blessings (time, wealth, health) in ways that benefit others and earn divine reward.
- Avoid boastfulness and rivalry in worldly matters, focusing instead on humility and good deeds.
Messages from Quran 