At-Takathur


At-Takāthur is the 102nd chapter of the Qur'an, with 8 verses. Regarding the timing and contextual background of the believed revelation, it is an earlier "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca, rather than later in Medina.

Summary

  • 1-3 Men spend their time seeking the things of this world
  • 3-5 The judgment-day shall reveal their folly
  • 6-8 In consequence they shall see hell-fire

    Text, translation, and transliteration

The translation is the Saheeh International English translation of the Qur'an.


Bismi l-āhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm


In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful...


1 ’al hākumu t-takāthur


Competition in increase diverts you


2 Ḥattā zurtumu l-maqābir


Until you visit the graveyards.


3 Kallā sawfa ta‘lamūn


No! You are going to know.


4 Thumma kallā sawfa ta‘lamūn


Then, no! You are going to know.


5 Kallā law ta‘lamūna ‘ilma l-yaqīn


No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty...


6 Latarawunna l-jaḥīm


You will surely see the Hellfire.


7 Thumma latarawunnahā ‘ayna l-yaqīn


Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty.


8 Thumma latus’alunna yawma’idhin ‘ani n-na‘īm


Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure.

Overview

After the bismillah, this Surah is concerned with factionalism and schism amongst people. Disagreements between individuals and groups follow us "even until you visit the tombs". Three times in a row the sura warns the reader that "you shall know" that those who sow discord are headed towards Hell. Here, proper understanding is required for entrance into Paradise, and should one not attain this on Earth, one will receive the "eye of certainty" on the Day of Judgment, when "you shall be questioned... concerning true bliss".

Mention in ahadith

  • It was narrated from Mutarrif, from his father, that the Prophet said: "The mutual rivalry diverts you, 'Until you visit the graves.' The son of Adam says: 'My wealth, my wealth,' but your wealth is what you eat and consume, or what you wear and it wears out, or what you give in charity and send on ahead.'"
  • Mutarrif bin Abdullah bin Ash-Shikh-khir reported from his father, : that he went to the Prophet and he was reciting: ‘’ He said: “The son of Adam says: ‘My wealth, my wealth.’ And do you own anything except what you give in charity, such that you’ve spent it, or what you eat, such that you’ve finished it, or you wear, such that you’ve worn it out?”