Surah Al-Takathur (Arabic: التكاثر) is the 102nd chapter of the Quran. It is a short chapter consisting of eight verses. The name "Takathur" translates to "competition" or "rivalry in worldly increase." There is a debate regarding whether Surah At-Takathur is Medinan rather than Meccan. The consensus among scholars and historians is that it is a Meccan surah, revealed during the early period of Islam when Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was still in Mecca.
The Surah primarily addresses the human tendency towards material accumulation and rivalry in worldly matters, emphasizing the distraction these pursuits cause from the true purpose of life and the Hereafter. It warns against being preoccupied with worldly gains to the extent that one forgets about the ultimate reality of death and the accountability in the Hereafter.
Surah Al-Takathur serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual growth and righteousness over worldly pursuits and to be mindful of the transient nature of this life. It urges individuals to reflect on their priorities and invest in actions that will benefit them in the eternal life to come.
Revelation:
In one narration, Surah At-Takathur was revealed concerning two tribes of the Quraysh. Both tribes boasted about their wealth, offspring, and status, each considering itself superior to the other. They engaged in a cycle of prideful rivalry, claiming superiority over the other in lineage, power, and honor. Allah ﷻ revealed this Surah to warn them against such arrogance and to guide them towards increasing good deeds that would benefit them in this life and the Hereafter.
In another narration, the surah was revealed regarding two tribes from the Ansar. These tribes took pride in their ancestry, progeny, and wealth. Whenever one tribe boasted, the other followed suit, eventually leading them to visit graveyards (mentioned in the verse: "Until you've visited the graveyards") to flaunt and boast about their deceased. Surah At-Takathur was revealed rebuking them for this behavior, depicting their excessive pride.
Translation:
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"Competition diverts you (From Allah ﷻ)": Engaging in worldly accumulation consumes you, distracting from spiritual pursuits.
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"Until you visit the graveyards": Reflecting on mortality becomes inevitable, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly gains.
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"No! You are going to know": Eventually, the reality becomes apparent, urging acknowledgment beyond worldly distractions.
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"Then no! You are going to know": The certainty of the truth will manifest, emphasizing the inevitability of facing consequences.
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"No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty": If only you had absolute conviction, you would prioritize eternal consequences over worldly gains.
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"You will surely see the Hellfire": Ultimately, the consequences of neglecting spiritual growth will become evident.
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"Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty": The reality of the Hereafter will become unmistakably clear, emphasizing the certainty of accountability.
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"Then on that Day you will surely be asked about pleasure.": This is a reminder that on the Day of Judgment, everyone will be questioned about the pleasures and blessings they enjoyed in the worldly life. It highlights the accountability of individuals for how they used their blessings and whether they fulfilled their responsibilities towards others and towards Allah ﷻ.
Merits:
2- Equals 1 sixth of the Quran: The Quran consists of six thousand verses, two hundred and a few. So, if we leave out the fraction, the thousand becomes one-sixth of the Quran. Surah al Takathur encompasses one-sixth of the meaningful purposes of the Quran.
Translation and Pronunciation:
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like, and subscribe to their channel.
