Meaning of Quran

At-Taghabun | The Mutual Disillusion

With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.

[64:1] All that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth proclaim Allah‘s purity. To Him belongs the kingdom, and for Him is all praise, and He is powerful over everything.

[64:2] He is the One who created you, then some of you are disbelievers, and some of you are believers. And Allah is Watchful of what you do.

[64:3] He has created the heavens and the earth rightly, and shaped your figures, and made your figures good, and to Him is the final return.

[64:4] He knows all that is in the heavens and the earth, and He knows whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal. Allah is fully aware of what lies in the hearts.

[64:5] Did the news of those people not come to you who disbelieved earlier, and tasted (in this world) the evil consequence of their conduct, and for them (in the Hereafter) there is a painful punishment?

[64:6] That is because their messengers used to bring them clear proofs, but they said, ‘Shall some mortals give us guidance?’ Thus they disbelieved and turned away, and Allah did not care. Allah is All-Independent, Ever-Praised.

[64:7] The disbelievers claim that they will never be raised again (after death). Say, ‘Why not? By my Lord, you will be raised again, and then you will be told about what you did. That is so easy for Allah’.

[64:8] So, believe in Allah and His Messenger, and in the light We have sent down. And Allah is fully aware of what you do.

[64:9] (Be mindful of) the day when He will gather you for the Day of Gathering. That will be the Day of loss and gain. Whoever believes in Allah, and does righteously, He will write off his evil deeds, and will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will live forever. That is the great achievement.

[64:10] As for those who disbelieve and reject Our signs, they are the people of the Fire. And it is an evil place to return.

[64:11] No calamity befalls (one), but with the leave of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart. Allah is All-Knowing about everything.

[64:12] Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger. But if you turn away, then Our Messenger has only to convey the message clearly.

[64:13] Allah is such that there is no god but He. And in Allah alone, the believers must place their trust.

[64:14] O you who believe, among your wives and your children there are some enemies for you, so beware of them. And if you forgive and overlook and pardon, then Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.

[64:15] Your riches and your children are but a trial. As for Allah, with Him is a great reward.

[64:16] So, observe taqwa (total obedience to Allah in awe of Him) as far as you can, and listen and obey, and spend (in Allah‘s way), it being good for you. And those who are saved from the greed of their hearts are the successful.

[64:17] If you advance a good loan to Allah, He will multiply it for you, and will forgive you. And Allah is Appreciative, Forbearing,

[64:18] the Knower of the Unseen and the seen, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

Tafsir

Overview of Surah At-Taghabun

  1. Title and Position: Surah At-Taghabun is the 64th chapter of the Quran. The title “At-Taghabun” translates to “The Mutual Loss and Gain,” referring to the Day of Judgment when people’s deeds will be evaluated, resulting in either reward or punishment.
  2. Verses and Structure: This surah contains 18 verses. It is known for its discussion on the concepts of belief and disbelief, the consequences of one’s actions, and the importance of faith and charity.
  3. Themes and Messages: Major themes include the reality of the Day of Judgment, the dynamics of loss and gain in the context of faith, the significance of God’s omnipotence, and the urging towards faith, charity, and obedience.
  4. Significance in Islamic Thought: Surah At-Taghabun is significant for its comprehensive presentation of Islamic beliefs regarding the afterlife, accountability, and the moral and spiritual obligations of Muslims.

Detailed Explanation

  1. Day of Judgment: The surah emphasizes the certainty of the Day of Judgment as a day of mutual loss and gain, where individuals will face the consequences of their earthly actions.
  2. Belief and Disbelief: It contrasts the outcomes for believers who obey God and disbelievers who reject His messages, highlighting the eternal rewards for the faithful and the punishments for the deniers.
  3. God’s Omnipotence: Surah At-Taghabun reflects on God’s complete knowledge and control over all creation, affirming His ability to enact justice and mercy.
  4. Faith, Charity, and Obedience: The surah urges Muslims to maintain their faith, perform charitable deeds, and obey God and His messenger as means to success and salvation.
  5. Family and Worldly Life: It also touches upon the responsibilities of Muslims towards their families and cautions against letting worldly life distract from spiritual obligations.

FAQs

  1. Why is Surah At-Taghabun named “The Mutual Loss and Gain”?
    • The surah is named “At-Taghabun” because it deals with the concept of ultimate accounting on the Day of Judgment, where individuals will experience either loss or gain based on their faith and deeds.
  2. How does Surah At-Taghabun describe the Day of Judgment?
    • It describes the Day of Judgment as a definitive event where every soul will be judged, with believers receiving God’s mercy and disbelievers facing loss and regret.
  3. What does the surah say about the importance of charitable deeds?
    • It emphasizes that charitable deeds are among the key actions that lead to salvation and reward from God, urging believers to give out of what God has provided them.
  4. How does Surah At-Taghabun contribute to understanding Islamic ethics?
    • The surah contributes to Islamic ethics by highlighting the importance of faith, charity, and obedience to God, stressing moral accountability, and guiding Muslims on how to lead a balanced life that secures both worldly well-being and spiritual success.

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