Classification Meccan No. of verses 8 | Position Juzʼ 30 | |
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Other names Competition, Worldly Gain, Rivalry | ||
Sūrat at-Takāthur (Arabic: سورة التكاثر, "Rivalry, Competition") is the 102nd sura of the Qur'an with 8 ayat.
Contents
Overview
After the bismillah, this sura is concerned with factionalism and schism amongst people. Disagreements between individuals and groups follows 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".
Translation
[Sahih International]
[102:1] Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you
[102:2] Until you visit the graveyards.
[102:3] No! You are going to know.
[102:4] Then no! You are going to know.
[102:5] No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty..
[102:6] You will surely see the Hellfire.
[102:7] Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty.
[102:8] Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure.
Theme and subject matter
In it the people have been warned of the evil consequences of world worship because of which they spend their lives in acquiring more and more of worldly wealth, material benefits and pleasures, and position and power, till death, and in vying with one another and bragging and boasting about their acquisitions. This one pursuit has so occupied them that they are left with no time or opportunity for pursuing the higher things in life. After warning the people of its evil end they have been told us if to say: "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 in the Hereafter."
Nahj al-Balagha commentary on Al-Islam.org is quoted as: