3. Origin of the Word ‘Takathur’
– Origins from Kasrat
– To gain more and more wealth
– To compete each other for gaining wealth
– To show-off that you are wealthier than others
4. Central Theme
– The theme of the surah is that the worldly competition made us forget about hereafter.
– It talks about the evil consequences of materialism because of which we spend our lives in getting
more and more of worldly wealth. The surah asserts that soon a time will come when we will be
questioned.
– The cause of man's destruction is mutual rivalry for worldly gains, and real success is in working for
the life hereafter.
– This pursuit has so occupied the people that they are left with no time or opportunity for pursuing
the spiritual things in life.
– These blessings which you are amassing and enjoying thoughtlessly, are not mere blessings but are
also a means of your trial.
– For each one of these blessings and comforts, you will surely be called to account on the day of
judgement.
5. Period of Revelation
– This Surah, according to all commentators, is Makki.
– In view of its contents and style, it appears to be one of the earliest Surahs revealed at
Makkah.
6. Verse One
Verse One: [The mutual rivalry (for piling up of worldly things) diverts (distracts) you]
This means: Trying to amass (accumulate) worldly comforts distracts one from striving
for the Hereafter.
Worldly gain distracts us from the most important thing, i.e. Hereafter
7. Verse Two
Verse Two: [Until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die).]
Man by nature is covetous to acquire and accumulate worldly wealth. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle
and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers) with
Him.” [Al Qur’an 3:14]
Although a person requires some wealth to meet his basic necessities, he does not benefit from much of his surplus wealth.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Son of Adam (i.e. man) says, “My wealth, my wealth.” But do
you get anything (of benefit) from your wealth except for that which you ate and you finished it, or that which you clothed yourself
with and you wore it out, or that which you gave as charity and you have spent it?” [Narrated by Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasai’i]
Allah's Messenger ( ﷺ) said, "If Adam's son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except
dust. And Allah forgives him who repents to Him.“Sahih al-Bukhari 6439
8. Verses Three-Five
Verse three: [Nay! You shall come to know!]
Verse four: [Again nay! You shall come to know!]
Verse five: [Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have
been occupied yourselves in worldly things).]
When a person dies, he leaves behind all his wealth for his heirs, which do not benefit him in the life after
death. Therefore, priorities should be given to performing more righteous deeds over accumulating worldly
wealth.
The Prophet said: “Three things follow the deceased person, and two of them return while one remains
behind with him. The things which follow him are his family, his wealth and his deeds. His family and his
wealth return while his deeds remain.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Muslim, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasai’i]
9. Verses Six-Seven
– Verse six: [Verily, you shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)!]
– Verse seven: [And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight!]
10. Verse Eight
Verse eight: [Then on that Day you shall be asked about the delights (you indulged in, in this world)!]
On the Day of Judgment man will be questioned whether or not he showed gratitude to Allah in the
life of this world for His innumerable favors upon him, such as health, safety, sustenance and other
things by being thankful to Him. [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]
“No one will be allowed to move from his position on the Day of Judgement until he has been asked i)
how he spent his life, ii) how he used his knowledge, iii) how he earned and spent his money and iv) in
what pursuits he used his health.” (Related in Tirmidhi)
The final Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mounted the pulpit, then wept and said,
“Ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better
than health.” (Related in Tirmidhi)
11. Lessons from this Chapter
– If we were to truly acknowledge the reality of death and the Hereafter, we
would not be distracted from striving to better it for ourselves.
– Reality will definitely strike once we are made to see Jahannam.
– We will be asked about our gratitude (or lack of it) for every blessing given to
us by Allāh.
– We shouldn’t be consumed by worldly matter.
