Surah At-Takathur (The Rivalry in Worldly Increase) reminds us that worldly life is not everything and that the Hereafter is better and everlasting for humans. It emphasizes the need to focus on the afterlife and urges us to contemplate what comes after death.
It also indicates that excessive focus on material possessions can distract us from the true purpose of life. In this article, we will explain the interpretation of Surah At-Takathur and its prominent virtues, while also mentioning the reasons for its revelation.
History and Reasons for the Revelation of Surah At-Takathur
Surah At-Takathur was revealed for various reasons according to different interpretations:
The first view:
Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Abu Buraydah that Surah At-Takathur was revealed concerning two tribes from the Ansar (the helpers of the Prophet Muhammad) – Banu Harithah and Banu Harth. Each tribe would boast about their lineages, children, and wealth. When one tribe did so, the other would follow suit, imitating the first tribe’s actions. Eventually, this led them to visit graves, boast, and show off about their deceased relatives buried there.
The second view:
One of the narrations regarding the reason for the revelation of Surah At-Takathur is attributed to Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). It states that it was revealed concerning Banu Abd Manaf from the Quraysh tribe and Banu Sahm from the same tribe. Each of these tribes started to boast about themselves, their wealth, and their children, considering themselves superior.
It has also been said that this Surah was revealed for other reasons, including:
- Some scholars mentioned that Surah At-Takathur was revealed regarding the Jews.
- It was also said that Surah At-Takathur was revealed concerning two men from the Quraysh tribe.
- Likewise, it was mentioned that Surah At-Takathur was revealed concerning a conflict among the Ansar.
- Finally, it was said that Surah At-Takathur was revealed concerning the merchants.
You can also see: Tafsir of Surah Al-Humazah
Virtues of Surah At-Takathur
Surah At-Takathur has numerous virtues that serve as lessons for Muslims to evaluate themselves and realize the reality of worldly life. Some of these virtues include:
- Raising awareness about the transient nature of worldly possessions such as food, clothing, wealth, and others.
- Reminding individuals that death can come unexpectedly while they are engrossed in worldly matters.
- Emphasizing that wealth and children will be of no benefit on the Day of Judgment.
- Encouraging individuals to strive for good deeds and actions that can save them from punishment.
- Asserting the truth and inevitability of the Day of Resurrection and the accountability of actions.
- Daily recitation of this Surah four times to expand one’s sustenance ease marriage matters and relieve distress.
- Increasing the rewards of the reader and expiating their sins.
Additionally, a weak narration exists regarding the virtue of Surah At-Takathur, and weak narrations are considered when discussing the virtues of deeds among scholars.
Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Can any one of you recite one thousand verses daily?” They asked, “Who can do that, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Can any one of you recite Surah At-Takathur?”
You can also see: Tafsir of Surah Quraysh
Tafsir of Surah At-Takathur
Surah At-Takathur urges humans to contemplate the meaning of life and focus on ethics and values, rather than boasting about material wealth. This is evident in the verses of this magnificent Surah.
The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things),
Until ye visit the graves.
But nay, ye soon shall know (the reality).
Again, ye soon shall know!
Nay, were ye to know with certainty of mind, (ye would beware!)
Ye shall certainly see Hell-Fire!
Again, ye shall see it with certainty of sight!
Then, shall ye be questioned that Day about the joy (ye indulged in!).
أَلۡهَىٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ (1) حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ (2) كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ (3) ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ (4) كَلَّا لَوۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ عِلۡمَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ (5) لَتَرَوُنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ (6) ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّهَا عَيۡنَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ (7) ثُمَّ لَتُسۡـَٔلُنَّ يَوۡمَئِذٍ عَنِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ (8)
You can also see: Tafsir of Surah Al-Alaq
“The mutual rivalry for piling up worldly things diverts you (from the more serious things), until you visit the graves.”
It means that the competition and pride in accumulating wealth and children have distracted you from obeying Allah.
“Nay! You shall come to know! Again, Nay! You shall come to know!”
These verses warn of the consequences of boasting and indulging in the pleasures of the worldly life, indicating that humans will come to know the reality of these matters at the time of death.
“Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have occupied yourselves in worldly things).”
If humans had true knowledge of the events that will occur after death, they would not neglect the obedience of Allah.
“Nay! You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight!”
These verses warn of the punishment of Hellfire, stating that every person will witness this punishment after death.
“Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delights (you indulged in, in this world).”
On the Day of Judgment, every individual will be questioned about the blessings and favors bestowed upon them by Allah in this world and how they utilized them.
These are some of the key insights from the Tafsir of Surah At-Takathur, highlighting the importance of reflecting on the true purpose of life and the consequences of worldly attachments.
You can also see: Tafsir of Surah Al-Zalzalah
Surah At-Takathur reminds us that life is more than just accumulating material possessions and boasting about them. It urges us to think beyond that and consider the Hereafter. It serves as a reminder that the true purpose of life lies in the Hereafter, and we should not let ourselves be misguided in this worldly life.
You can now join Wahion Youha Academy for Quran interpretation and memorization to explore more courses and educational programs offered by a group of teachers and specialists in Islamic studies and Quranic sciences.