Who are those promised a Painful Seizure mentioned in Al Qur'an

This world was created for human coexistence - a place where everyone cared for the others to live happily. And certainly, this world was not created for tyranny or oppression, but rather is a place where human beings are tested, often allowing free will to produce injustice alongside opportunities for justice and compassion. There have been rulers and communities that upheld the justice and treated others with kindness and care. Yet there have been rulers and nations that enjoyed oppression and usurping rights of the masses. It is the second category that often inadvertently called for the Divine wrath and were destroyed for ever.

Today, in our series of posts on Warning Shots of severe consequences for the Oppressors and dispensers of injustice mentioned in Al Qur'an, we share the 102nd verse of Surah 11. Hud, which warns the oppressors and dispensers of injustice of a painful seizure to show them that Divine justice always prevails.

The Verse Surah Hud (11:102)

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَخْذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَآ أَخَذَ ٱلْقُرَىٰ وَهِىَ ظَٰلِمَةٌ ۚ إِنَّ أَخْذَهُۥٓ أَلِيمٌ شَدِيدٌ

“Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are oppressive. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.”

Context of the Verse

This verse comes after a long section in Surah Hūd where Allah recounts the stories of earlier nations like the People of Nūḥ (Noah), ʿĀd, Thamūd, People of Lūṭ and People of Shuʿayb  just to mention a few. Each of these societies: persisted in Zulm (injustice, oppression, corruption) and rejected truth despite clear warnings

So this verse is a concluding principle: What happened to them is not random—it is a pattern of divine justice. This verse thus follows accounts of past destroyed nations serving as a warning to the people of Mecca and all future generations about the consequences of rejecting faith and committing injustices.

What Does akhdhahu “Seizure” (أخذ) Mean?

It means here not just punishment - but a sudden, decisive, overwhelming consequence. It represents God's intervention to punish, which is inevitable for those who ignore prophetic warnings. It may be delayed, but when it comes: It is inescapable and complete. None at that time escapes the Divine seizure, so is the degree of punishment for those who oppress people heartlessly.

Ibn Kathir notes that the phrase "painful and severe" indicates the intense nature of Allah's punishment upon oppressive nations.

Why Were They Punished?

The people mentioned above were punished when their oppression exceeded to an unbearable degree.

The verse specifies: “…while they are oppressive (ẓālimah)” This means it was not just their disbelief, but but systemic ظلم, including: exploitation, moral corruption, rejection of truth, and physically and spiritually harming and torturing others. That is their ظلم was the defining trait that caught them in the unescapable seizure.

The Examples of Oppression and Injustice of previous nations/people

Let us briefly see who were the people who were caught by Divine seizure - why and how:

• People of Nūḥ (Noah)
• What was their ظلم? Mocking the truth - Rejecting the Prophet for generations, and Moral corruption became normalized
• The “seizure” A flood that wiped out the entire corrupt society
• Key insight: They were given long time (centuries) - but when the seizure came - it was total and irreversible, 
• Nation of ʿĀd
• What was their ظلم? Arrogance due to power and the notion: “Who is stronger than us?” attitude. Thus they created oppression and فساد (corruption)
• The “seizure” A violent, freezing wind that destroyed them
• Lesson: Power does not protect from divine justice
• Nation of Thamūd
• What was their ظلم? Denial after clear signs (the she-camel miracle), Arrogance and oppression
• The “seizure” A mighty blast/earthquake that left them lifeless
• Lesson: Rejecting truth knowingly leads to sudden collapse
• People of Lūṭ (Lot)
• What was their ظلم? Moral فساد at a societal level - Public normalization of sin (open acts of homosexuality) and aggression toward the Prophet
• The “seizure” Their towns were turned upside down and destroyed
• Lesson: When corruption becomes public and defended, consequences escalate
• People of Shuʿayb (Madyan)
• What was their ظلم? Economic injustice by cheating in trade and exploiting people financially
• The “seizure” A cry/blast and destruction
• Lesson: ظلم is not only moral—it includes economic injustice

These examples show that what happened to them is not isolated history - It is a universal law of justice

A Deep Pattern in the Qur’an

This verse teaches a universal law:

• When the oppression spreads beyond limits, Divine warnings are delivered to them by the prophets. They are given time to mend their ways. 
• But the people ignore Divine warnings, seizures happen and there comes sudden inescapable accountability that no one can escape.
• The punishment is directed at towns and people who are zalim (doing wrong/oppressing) and persisting in their tyranny. 
• In Kathir cites a Sahih Bukhari/Muslim Hadith where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Verily, Allah gives respite to a wrongdoer until He seizes him and he cannot escape".

Can this be Applied to Oppressors in Our Lives?

Yes indeed - though the scale of Divine seizures has much reduced, for man has become wiser and generally heeds to Divine cautions and warnings. However, still there are large scale earthquakes, tornados, flash floods and even persistent droughts that still remind man of his ungratefulness and oppression he continues to commit.

• What You CAN Understand
• This verse assures you that Allah sees injustice and that no oppressor is beyond His accountability.
• Delay does NOT mean approval or neglect - rather it gives: Patience (ṣabr) and Hope in justice
• What You SHOULD NOT Assume
• You should not declare specific people as “doomed” or predict exactly when or how punishment will come.
• Because Divine justice operates with wisdom beyond our view

How This Applies Personally 

• When you Face ظلم, don’t lose hope or think injustice will last forever, Rest assured that Justice may be delayed—but it is never absent.
• When You Are Tempted to Do Wrong, this verse is also a warning to yourself: No ظلم is small in the sight of Allah
• When You See Global Injustice GO back into pages of history and see how mighty empires rose to their utter glory - but then crumbled in no time due to their injustice and oppression. This verse thus explains: why downfall happens

A Psychological Insight

One of the hardest things for humans is seeing injustice go unpunished. This verse answers that pain - What you see is partial reality. The full reality includes: time, accountability and divine justice.

A Powerful Way to Understand It

This verse can be summarized like this: Oppression may build power… but it also builds the conditions of its own سقوط (collapse).

Final Reflection This verse is both: A warning to the oppressor and a comfort to the oppressed. It tells us not to be deceived by temporary power… Because when justice comes, it is complete and undeniable. While the verse discusses past communities, it is a standing warning to all future generations, including the Muslim Ummah.

So let us not be just contended with the notion that we are Muslims and above everything. In our ranks today, we have oppressors and dispensers of injustice too other than the non Muslims. And we too are liable for Divine seizure unless we give heed to Divine cautions and warnings and dispense justice lest time runs out for us.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please visit our reference page:  Sūrah 11. Hūd  (Prophet Hūd " هود‎ ") for selected verses from Surah Hud.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Warning Shots of severe consequences for the Oppressors and dispensers of injustice mentioned in Al Qur'an

No two men are born equal and resultantly one has to be above the other in position, status, wealth and even power. While it is expected for the one's enjoying a better status to look after those below their status are dependent on them, generally speaking opposite is the case. The shower of blessings on those who are above the rest is taken as their right, which often breeds arrogance, false pride, which finally results in overpowering those under them and treated with oppression, injustice and even torture.

This attitude is something that the Creator of the universe least likes and thus warns those in the corridors of power, status and wealth to be kind to the less privileged. The Qur’an speaks very powerfully against Zulm (injustice, oppression)—warning that even if it seems to go unchecked for a time, its consequences are certain and severe. 

In Islam, ẓulm (ظلم) is a very deep concept—it’s not limited to obvious injustice like oppression or ظلم between people. At its core, it means: “Putting something in a place where it does not belong.” (وضع الشيء في غير موضعه)

With this broader framework of zulm, through this post, we share some of the most striking verses from Al Qur'an which caution such heartless men in power of very severe consequences, both in this world and in the life of the Hereafter.

Note: Herein under we only mention the verses and a brief unpacking of their meaning. For detailed reading, we will post elaboration of each verse along with the context and relevance to our present times. 

1. Allah Is Not Unaware of Oppression

• Surah Ibrahim (14:42): “Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the ظلم-doers (oppressors) do. He only delays them until a Day when eyes will stare in horror.”
• Meaning: Oppression ظلم may appear to succeed but Allah is fully aware. Though His justice may be deferred for a stipulated period of time to allow the oppressors to mend their ways by siting examples in Al Qur'an of previous people who were punished for the oppression and injustice.
• Lesson: No injustice escapes accountability

2. The Fate of Destroyed Nations

• Surah Hud (11:102): “Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are oppressive. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.”
• Meaning: Entire civilizations were destroyed due to ظلم - Which means when the Divine punishment comes—it is decisive and sever beyond one's imagination.
• Lesson: Collective injustice leads to collective downfall.
• For detailed explanation/tafsir by scholars, link to our post:  Who are those promised a Painful Seizure mentioned in Al Qur'an

3. Oppression Leads to Ruin

• Surah Ash-Shura (42:42): “The blame is only upon those who ظلم people and transgress on earth without right…”
• Meaning: ظلم is not just wrongdoing - it is transgression beyond limits if not timely checked.
• Lesson: ظلم is morally and spiritually destructive
• For detailed explanation/tafsir by scholars, link to our post: Painful punishment for those who tyrannize upon the earth 

4. Allah Does Not Love the Oppressors

• Surah Aal-E-Imran (3:57): “…And Allah does not love the wrongdoers.”
• Meaning: Oppression cuts a person off from the Divine love and spiritual success. That is why oppressors and dispensers of injustice are heartless, stubborn and ruthless.
• Lesson: Even if society praises an oppressor (though may be due to fear to escape their wrath) —Allah’s disapproval is what matters.

5. The End of the Oppressors

• Surah Al-An'am (6:45): “So the last remnant of the people who did wrong was قطع off. And praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
• Meaning: Oppression does not last forever - Its end is complete eradication

6. No Escape on the Day of Judgment

• Surah Ghafir (40:18): “…For the wrongdoers there will be no close friend and no intercessor to be obeyed.”
• Meaning: Power, connections, influence are useless when the oppressors stand alone before justice

7. ظلم Will Be Darkness on the Day of Judgment

• Hadith (in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim): “Oppression will be darkness upon darkness on the Day of Judgment.”
• Meaning: ظلم creates moral darkness in this world and literal darkness in the Hereafter

8. Even Small Injustice is Accounted For

• Surah An-Nisa (4:40): “Indeed, Allah does not do injustice even as much as an atom’s weight…”
• Meaning: That is the justice of Allah is flawless and impartial - therefore every ظلم will be precisely accounted for.
• For detailed explanation/tafsir by scholars, link to our post: The Divine Justice: Allah Wrongs Not Even the Weight of a Speck of Dust

9. Warning Against Inclining toward Oppressors

• Surah Hud (11:113): “Do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire touch you…”
• Meaning: This is a very important verse which means that not only ظلم itself, even those supporting or sympathizing with oppressors are equally culprits and will get their due share.

10. Ultimate Justice Will Be Established

• Surah Az-Zumar (39:69): “…And every soul will be fully compensated for what it did, and He knows best what they do.”

Powerful Summary Pattern in the Qur’an

The Qur’an consistently teaches:

• Oppression may rise
• It may seem successful
• It is given time
• But then comes: Sudden downfall (in الدنيا) and complete justice (in الآخرة)

Applicability Today

These verses speak directly to modern realities:

• Political oppression
• Economic injustice
• Social ظلم
• Personal ظلم (within families, workplaces)

The warning is clear:

• Power does not protect
• Influence does not save
• Time does not erase wrongdoing

Final Reflection

These verses show the powerful Qur’anic truth: Oppression is not just a crime against people—it is a rebellion against the justice of Allah.

Therefore, Allah in the Qur’an assures: that the justice may be delayed… But it is never ignored, never forgotten, and never without consequence.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Why it is Divinely said in Al Qur’an that the heavens and the earth were not created for play

There are two types of people around us. The first category consists of the people who have inclination towards religion and believe what is being said Divinely in the Divine Scriptures. They mostly refrain from acts or activities that lead one to sin or amusement which is more often than not mere wastage of time and take them away from the reembrace of their Creator. The other category is of those who think life is too short to enjoy and do not let any moment go wasted to indulge them in amusing them, laughing, making merry, boozing and other unbecoming acts. This category of people is least religious or mindful of the reality of Day of Judgement when scales of justice will weigh their worldly acts that in fact were just wastage of time, yet full of fun and joy.

In our series of posts Ten most powerful verses of Al Qur'an that challenge how we think, live, and understand reality, today we share the 16th verse of Surah 21. Al Anbiya (The Prophets) and try to find the answer of the verses in which it is Divinely said that the heavens and the earth were not created for play and its relevance to our daily life where play is preferred that reflection on the purpose of life.

The Verse: Al-Qurʾān Surah Al-Anbiya (21:16)

أَمِ اتَّخَذُوا آلِهَةً مِّنَ الْأَرْضِ هُمْ يُنشِرُونَ

“We did not create the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them for play.”

Let us unpack this verse and try to know why this verse has been revealed and for whom:

Context of the Verse

This verse comes in a passage (21:16–23) where Allah responds to a serious misunderstanding of people who treat life as random, meaningless or something to mock or ignore. That is why Allah declares: The universe is not a game. It has purpose, order, and truth. 

If we look back into the history before Islam, we find polytheists of Makkah remained busy in playful activities, generally immoral and putting their slaves into sports when most of the time turned out to be lethal and life threatening - a site which amused the heartless elite who clapped and enjoyed the distress of their slaves. Even before that time, the times of Roman kings and their joyful activities are mentioned in history books and many a films show slaves being run down under chariots, made to duel without arms and protective garments with powerful men who would kill them mercilessly, bashed their heads to walls amid applaud from the watching elite and the royalty.

The next two verses further elaborate the meaning of above quoted verse:

• (21:17): If We had intended play, We could have done so—but that is not Our way.
• (21:18): Truth is cast against falsehood—and it crushes it.

Contextual meaning: What is being said here is that Creation is built on truth (ḥaqq), not amusement (laʿib) and that there is seriousness, accountability, and purpose in whatever a man do.

What Does “Not for Play” Mean?

It does NOT mean that there is no joy or enjoyment in life. Rather it means that:

• Life is not purposeless entertainment
• The universe is not:
• random
• meaningless
• without consequence

Deeper meaning: Everything in existence is part of a deliberate, meaningful system. Thus it should not be wasted away.

This verse in fact refute their entire conception of life which was based on the assumption that man was free to do whatever he liked, and there was none to call him to account or take him to task: that there was no life in the Hereafter where one's good deeds would be rewarded and evil deeds punished. In other words, this meant that the whole universe had been created without any serious purpose and therefore there was no need to pay any heed to the Divine commandments which have been revealed to prophets of Allah and which were clearly made clear to their followers.

Connection with Other Verses

The Qur’an reinforces this idea:

• Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:115): “Did you think We created you in vain and that you would not be returned to Us?”
• Surah Ad-Dukhan (44:38–39): “We did not create the heavens and the earth in play… but in truth.”

Repeated message: Creation has a purpose and each action has its accountability. Therefore, instead of whiling away one's time in playful mood and activities, one should pay heed to the purpose of creation.

The Problem Today: Life Has Become “Play”

Ironically, this verse describes our modern condition perfectly. Today, life is often reduced to:

• Entertainment Culture  That is life becomes “Pass time and enjoyment” - which means not taking responsibilities carefully and seriously and spending on things on enjoyment rather than on charity and helping others. The distracted culture in fact robs our ability to reflect and find useful activities and actions to help others.
• Avoidance of Serious Questions
• People today generally avoid asking them some serious questions, like:
• Why am I here?
• What happens after death?
• What is right and wrong?
• In the absence of self appraisal, man loses sense of direction and indulges in acts that robs of his reflective and logical thinking and indulge him in a emotional quagmire.
• Redefining Success
• Today, the meaning of success has worn a modern cloak which means success is for those who have a status, wealth, fame and lot of wealth. This false cloak is similar to the cloak of the naked king who though he was all wise while his actions showed a bitter reality.
• In this redefined success scenario, no one really cares for the truth, character, values and accountability.

The Qur’anic Correction

This verse is a wake-up call for all of us to be warned that we are not here to “kill time”… Rather, we are here because time will judge what we did with it.

Practical Impact on Our Lives

• Reframing Time This verse tells us that our time is not for endless distraction - rather it is for our positive growth, عبادہ (purposeful living) and contribution to life rather than to satisfy our own self.
• Taking Life Seriously—Without Losing Balance Here someone may ask a question that if this life is not for paly then how do we attain joy. For them the answer is Islam does not remove joy from one's life like playing with family, taking a leisure trip to ward off one's tiredness from a heavy week work load. In fact Islam leads us to meaningless living which is sheer wastage of time and one's weath,
• Accountability Mindset Every action matters, even words, choices and intentions. So let us focus on  a purposeful life where even small thin.gs matter
• Living with Direction What is being said in this verse is that instead of “What do I feel like doing?”, ask: “What is the right thing to do?”

A Deep Reflection

This verse challenges a hidden assumption: If the universe were a game… then nothing would ultimately matter. That is Qur’an says: (1) Truth matters, (2) Justice matters, and (3) Your actions matter - Because The Creator did not create all this in vain.

A Powerful Way to Understand It

We need t understand that the universe is not an accident, and our life is not entertainment. It is a meaningful journey with real consequences. So let us not reduce our existence to play… when the One who created everything created it with purpose.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may now refer to some of the Selected verses from Sūrah 21 Al-Anbiyā (The Prophets) already published: 

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Who should we be grateful to? The Means or to the One who creates the means

Today we dwell on a a very important and subtle question: Who should we be grateful to? - The Means or to the One who creates the means. Why we are asking this question to ourselves is that most of us are always grateful to the means (asbāb اسباب) whenever anything good happens to them instead of instantly bowing their heads to Allah, the true and the only source (Musabbib al-Asbāb مسبب الأسباب). Generally speaking, If we believe in Means for any outcome i.e., if we have put in our faith in the MEANS, we have said to have committed Shirk. If didn’t acquire or adopt the fair جائز MEANS, we violate the Sunnah ( Meaning you just thought the outcome will come automatically as a result of dua only).

So what should we do? Should we not thank a person (the means) who helped us or instead thank only Allah, the creator of  the means? Let us dwell on this important issue. However we may , caution here that this is only an education discussion and is not a fatwa or religious decree. Any inferences drawn after reading the post should be applied according to one's own understanding and perception.

The Discussion

The Qur’an and Sunnah don’t ask you to ignore the means (asbāb)—but they firmly teach you to see through them to the One who created them.

• The Qur’anic Foundation: Gratitude is Ultimately for Allah Let us understand this in the light of a Qur'anic verse:
• Surah An-Nahl (16:53): “Whatever blessing you have—it is from Allah.”
• The Source of Everything: Ultimately, gratitude is directed toward Allah (the creator/universe) as the source of all life, beauty, and provision.
• This verse establishes a principle: People, systems, money, opportunities  are all are means - The true source (Musabbib al-Asbāb) is Allah.
• So ultimate gratitude belongs to Allah alone
• But What About Thanking People?
• The Sunnah clarifies this beautifully. “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” Hadith (reported in Sunan Abu Dawud)
• That clearly means that We must thank people - But not as independent sources, rather as means through which Allah’s favor reached you
• That means thanking people is in fact of thanking Allah 
• But there is a caution: Worshipping or depending on them is wrong and considered as Shirk.
• The Balance: Means vs. Creator  The Qur’an teaches a middle path:
• Use the Means
• Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35): “Seek the means (wasīlah) to Him…”
• Work, effort, relationships are all necessary and are important means.
• But when something or the desired results are achieved, one should not boast these as personal glory or a soft corner by a superior. It is Allah alone who created means for you to be successful.
• For this reason Islam asks not to be passive or fatalistic
• Don’t Rely on the Means
• Surah At-Talaq (65:3): “Whoever relies upon Allah—He is sufficient for him.”
• This means Means are used… But trust (tawakkul) is placed in Allah
• A Powerful Prophetic Principle
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “Tie your camel and then trust in Allah.” (Reported in Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
• This summarizes everything:
• Tie the camel - that is usage of means
• Trust Allah - that is despite tying the camel, don’t depend on means - for it is Allah who will protect not the mere rope.

Applying This to Modern Life

Let us correlate the difference between trust in means or trust in the One who created means for us.

• Today we live in a world of intense (1) Technology, (2) Advancement in Medicine and related fields, (3) AI, (4) Systems and institutions
• But in the presence of technical advancements, the mistake people make is begin to see
• Doctors as healers, Money  as provider, and Technology as power
• Qur’anic correction: In such environment, Qur'an emphasises and applies the correction:
• Doctor only treats - It is Allah alone who heals
• Job pays - but  Allah provides
• Technology functions - Allah enables

What Should True Believers Do Today?

• Use the World Fully—but Correctly That is one should make use of means to study, work, build, innovate
• But at the same time, one must engage with reality—not escape it
• Keep Your Heart Attached to Allah Even while using means, remind yourself: “This is only a means. The real source is Allah.”
• Practice Dual Gratitude
• Say “Alḥamdulillāh” (gratitude to Allah)
• Say “JazākAllāh khayr” / thank you to people
• Avoid Two Extremes
• Extreme 1: Ignoring Means “I’ll just rely on Allah” (without effort) - this not Islamic for Allah does not help those who do not make an endeavour first and then rely on Allah for the outcomes.
• Extreme 2: Worshipping Means “My success is because of me / others only” - such attitude is spiritually dangerous as it against the Islamic teachings. No success is possible unless Allah allows it. So, use means to the best of the ability and then pray to Allah for a favourable outcome.
• Live with Tawakkul and Effort 
• Plan like everything depends on effort - but Trust like everything depends on Allah
• This helps in Deepening Connection with Allah: Thanking the Creator helps cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and a "great-fullness" of life and a spiritual awareness of a deep connection with our creator.

A Deep Reflection

• The Qur’an shapes our perception and educates us that we do not live in a world of independent causes… - rather we live in a world of means controlled by a single Will.
• This reflection clears our thought process which leads us to: 
• Be grateful to Allah as the ultimate source
• Be thankful to people as the means
• Use the means responsibly
• Depend only on Allah internally
• A powerful summary: Use your hands with the world… But keep your heart with Allah.

The Practical Life Response

Let’s take this out of theory and put it into real-life situations. The goal is to show how a believer lives with action in the world with reliance on Allah and gratitude in the right direction. Let us make it clear through some living scenarios:

• Scenario: Job / Career
• What most people do: “I got this job because of my skills / connections”
• A believer’s mindset:
• You prepare: study, apply, network
• You acknowledge means: recruiter, employer, mentors
• But you believe that the رزق (provision) came from Allah
• Qur’anic grounding: From Surah Hud (11:6) “There is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah.”
• Practical behavior: (1) Say: Alhamdulillah (to Allah), (2) Thank the people involved, (3) Don’t become arrogant or مستقِل (self-reliant in ego)
• Scenario: Illness and Treatment
• What most people do: “The doctor cured me”
• A believer’s mindset: Doctor is the means - and cure is from Allah
• Qur’anic grounding: Surah Ash-Shu‘ara (26:80) “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.”
• Practical behavior:
• Choose a good doctor and take medicine seriously
• But your heart says: “Shifā’ (healing) is from Allah”
• Scenario: Wealth and Success
• What most people do: “I earned this—I deserve it”
• Qur’anic warning: 
• Surah Al-Qasas (28:78) “I was given this because of my knowledge.”
• Note that Allah presents this as arrogance
• A believer’s mindset: Yes, you worked hard - but: (1) Who gave ability? (2) Who gave opportunity? (3) Who created circumstances? - Definitely Allah, who else?
• Practical behavior: Since it is Allah alone who rewards our efforts, we must give give charity in the name of Allah as our gratitude, remain humble rather than being arrogant of our success and never look down on others.
• Scenario: Help from People
• What most people do: They either Over-depend on people or Or ignore gratitude to them.
• Sunnah balance: “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi)
• A believer’s mindset: “Allah helped me through this person”
• Practical behavior:
• Say: “Thank you” sincerely
• Make duʿā for them
• But don’t attach your heart to them as ultimate providers
• Scenario: Failure and Loss
• What most people do: Blame people, system, and bad luck.
• A believer’s mindset:
• He reviews his mistakes (means matter)
• But he also accepts: Allah’s wisdom as a bigger plan, for Allah never make his true believers lose.
• Qur’anic grounding: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216) “Perhaps you dislike something while it is good for you…”
• Practical behavior: 
• Learn from mistakes and failures, improve upon one's shortcomings and try again, again and again - Never to give up.
• Stay emotionally anchored in Allah
• Avoid bitterness
• Scenario: Technology, AI, Modern Systems
• What most people do: 
• They trust systems blindly - and many a times feel controlled by them. 
• In fact this is something very worrisome. AI has taken over our thought process and we mostly rely on what AI tells us and with closed eyes, we implement the AI response.
• A believer’s mindset:
• These are tools created by human intellect
• But human intellect itself is a gift from Allah
• So even modern power structures are means, human intellect remains under Allah’s control.
• Practical behavior:
• Use technology and benefit from AI
• But Don’t let it define truth and Don’t let it replace moral judgment.
• Usage of AI without keep absence of knowledge of the subject may be many a times misleading and blind following may lead to incorrect and faulty judgement and thinking.

Synthesis: A Hierarchy of Gratitude

The above discussion leads us to refine our response to who should we be grateful to:

• Primary Focus: 
• The Creator is recognized as the ultimate source who provides the "means" to be blessed.
• All success, health, and help originate from the Creator. The Creator brings the means into existence and allows them to work. Thus, True gratitude belongs to the entity that controls the universe and your destiny.
• Secondary Focus: The "means" (people, tools, medicine, or efforts that bridge the gap between a need and a result) are the instruments through which that provision arrives and deserve acknowledgment.
• Living Gratefully: True gratitude is not just a feeling but a "way of being" that appreciates everything—the Giver and the gift—and compels us to act on behalf of what is good.

A Simple Mental Shift (Very Powerful)

We now arrive at a clear understanding which may affect a mental shift in our thinking. Instead of saying: “This person helped me” - Say internally: “Allah helped me through this person”

Final Reflection

A powerful closing line: Your hands deal with the means… But your heart never leaves the One who controls them.

True gratitude involves a dual focus: recognizing the immediate means (people, tools, circumstances) that provide direct benefit, while acknowledging the creator of those means as the ultimate source. While thankfulness is often directed at those who help us directly, profound gratitude traces all goodness back to the fundamental giver - Allah رب العزتalone.

This post should let us live a life rationally rather than emotionally and help us define means clearly and the creator means definitely. If our line of thinking and approach is correct, we will never go astray as to to be grateful to, In sha Allah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Photo | Resource Sources: Personal understanding refined by ChatGPT and google

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

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Say ! Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Nay - Only people of understanding take heed

Acquiring knowledge is one of the biggest virtue a man can strive for - for without knowledge a man is no better than an animal who is heedless of its direction, unless tended to the direction his master wants them to. Thus it can be said that knowledge enriches the individual. It shapes our personalities, our opinions, and how we perceive the world. A knowledgeable person can interact more meaningfully with others, participate in informed discussions, and think critically about issues.

Allah in Al-Qurʾān too emphasises the importance of knowledge and encourages His servants to seek knowledge for it opens door of wisdom and enlightens one's brain to ponder over what lies beneath the surface, which wisdom-less men only see and make erratic decisions.

In one of our earlier posts: Ten most powerful verses of Al Qur'an that challenge how we think, live, and understand reality, seeking knowledge is one of these ten core points, which we will reflect upon through this post with refference to Surah Az-Zumar, the 39th Surah of Al Qur'an, verse 9 given herein under:

The Verse

The verse begins by describing a sincere believer who worships at night, but it ends with this powerful question about knowledge “…Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only people of understanding take heed.”

Context of the Verse

The verse contrasts two types of people:

• One who is deeply aware of Allah, reflective, sincere, and conscious
• One who is heedless and unaware

Then comes the rhetorical question: Can a person of knowledge be equal to one without it?

Key point: “Knowledge” here is not just information—it is: (1) Insight (basīrah), (2) Discernment, and (3) Awareness of truth and consequences

Scholarly Explanation

Before we move on to segmented explanation of the verse, let us see how eminent Muslim scholar Ibn Kathir unpacks this verse:

• "Those Who Know" vs. "Those Who Know Not": The phrase "Say: Are those who know equal to those who know not?" distinguishes between people of knowledge and faith, and those who do not, highlighting that they are not equal before Allah.
• Worship and Knowledge: Ibn Kathir emphasizes that true knowledge brings someone to sincere worship and understanding of Allah. The verse concludes that only "men of understanding" (people of intellect) truly reflect on this.
• Fear and Hope: The believer is described as being in a state of balance between fearing Allah’s punishment in the Hereafter and hoping for His mercy, particularly in the later part of life, as recorded by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.
• Qanit (Obedient): The term qanit implies a person who is constantly obedient, humbled, and devoted in prayer. 

In summary, Ibn Kathir highlights the superiority of the knowledgeable, devoted believer over the ignorant disbeliever, urging reflection on the importance of night prayer and sincerity in worship. 

What Kind of Knowledge Does the Qur’an Mean?

Throughout Al Qur'an man is asked to seek knowledge. But this knowledge should not be mere (مجرد ) data or facts, but:

• The ability to distinguish truth from falsehood
• The wisdom to act correctly
• Awareness that leads to responsibility and اخلاق (ethics)

That is a “knowing person” is not one who knows more—but one who understands better.

How to apply this verse to Fake News & AI

There were times when knowledge was contained in books by authentic scholars and writers. There was never an iota of doubt about the authenticity of the contents. But the open ended socail media and tools have changed the complexion of knowledge. Though unlike referring to libraries and finding the requisite book, which was laborious indeed, today access to information is though easy with a few clicks on a  computer keyboard, one is seldom sure of correctness of data. That is we live in an age where:

• Information is abundant
• Truth is confused
• AI can generate: (1) convincing text, (2) deep fakes, and (3) false narratives.

This makes the verse more relevant than ever.

The Real Problem Today

• Information does not equal to Knowledge
• Generally, rather mostly people consume the headlines, excerpts, viral posts or AI-generated content - which lately is gaining momentum and effecting human ability to think - thus closing doors to acquire wisdom.
• That is they don’t verify, reflect, or understand.
• This is exactly what the verse warns against: Being among those who “do not know” despite access to information
• Fake News Thrives on Lack of Discernment
• It should be understood that Emotional reactions spread misinformation faster than truth.
• That is why due to abundance of information available, people share information without checking sources and even questioning authenticity.
• Qur’anic principle: True knowledge requires critical thinking and responsibility.
• AI Amplifies the Challenge
• AI is the easiest tool to acquire and fabricate false information to look like real or reality.
• AI can generate realistic but false content and blurs lines between real vs fake and authentic vs مصنوع (fabricated).
• Therefore today being “knowledgeable” means being more careful, not just more informed

How 39:9 Guides Us in This Era

This verse calls for becoming people of understanding (ulū al-albāb) and cautions us to:

• Verify Before Believing
• Don’t accept everything you see
• Instead ask: Who created this? and What is the source?
• Think, Don’t Just React Pause before sharing - avoid emotional impulsiveness
• Seek Depth, Not Noise
• Move beyond: viral trends and superficial content
• Rather move toward meaningful knowledge and الحقيقة (truth)
• Link Knowledge with Ethics Even if something is interesting, STOP and ponder (1) Is it true? (2) Is sharing it responsible?

A Powerful Contrast

This verse implies that One who knows Verifies, reflects, thinks critically - but one who does not know and just scrolls reacts and shares blindly

A Deeper Insight

In today’s world, the greatest ignorance is not lack of information… but it is the inability to distinguish truth from falsehood. And that is exactly what this verse is addressing.

Final Reflection

Surah Az-Zumar (39:9) is not just praising knowledge—it is challenging you in a world full of voices, manipulation, and artificial content…: Will you be someone who truly knows—or someone who just consumes?

Remember! The way to true knowledge and enlightened information is devout worship, a sensitive heart, being mindful of the life to come, entertaining strong hopes of benefiting from God’s mercy and of being conscious of God. Those who limit themselves to individual experiences and superficial vision are no more than collectors of information. They will never attain the rank of people with knowledge.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Sürah 39. Az-Zumar 
• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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O’ Man! Know that the life of this world is only amusement, adornment, boasting and competition

For many, life is only about merry making, adornment, amusement and competition to overtake others to be on the top. Most of our youth is spent in a carefree high pitched environment. Such life style robs man from his sense of direction,  away from remembering our Creator, by following the Satanic pied piper. But the reality is that though the life looks full and attractive at first, but no one at the height of ecstasy, in a state of elated bliss and noise of laughter realizes that life is constantly fading. In fact every passing day in amusement is taking us close to an end when scales will be set to judge our worldly life and those who spent their lives only in merrymaking will know on that day how they badly harmed them.

Al Qur'an warns such merry makers of the day of reckoning and advises them to follow a path of blessings and rewards in a life of the Hereafter rather than being thrown into the blazing fire of hell. One such verses is the 20th verse of Surah Al-Ḥadīd, the 57th Surah / Chapter of Al Qur'an, being shared today. This verse talks of the transience of worldly life and verse emphasizes that worldly life is temporary and fleeting, similar to crops that grow and then dry up.

Surah Al-Ḥadīd (57:20)

“Know that the life of this world is only play, amusement, adornment, boasting among yourselves, and competition in wealth and children. Like the example of rain whose growth pleases the farmers; then it dries and you see it turn yellow; then it becomes debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure. And the life of this world is nothing but a deceiving enjoyment.”

Context of the Verse in the Surah

Surah Al-Ḥadīd generally addresses faith vs. hypocrisy, detachment from dunya (worldliness) and encouragement to spend in the path of Allah (57:10–18)

Then right after motivating believers to give charity, sacrifice for higher causes, the 20th verse comes as a reality check to warn the believers not to get attached to the world you’re being asked to give from. It reframes dunya so believers can act with clarity and detach emotionally while engaging responsibly

Breakdown of the Verse (Layer by Layer)

In this verse, Allah describes worldly life in five stages—this is deeply psychological:

• Play (لَعِبٌ – laʿib)
• Play is associated with childhood - a state when life feels like games, fun, no responsibility
• This is exactly like the life of endless entertainment, gaming, scrolling, distraction culture.
• Amusement (لَهْوٌ – lahw)
• This is the teenage/young adult phase in which youth pursue for pleasure and excitement.
• Today we find men obsessed with trends, engrossed in social media attractions and dopamine-driven habits.
• Adornment (زِينَةٌ – zīnah)
• This is more applicable to women whose sole focus is on their appearance, beauty and exposing lifestyle.
• Today we see an exhibitionist environment projecting image culture, Fashion, luxury, and curated online personas
• Boasting (تَفَاخُرٌ – tafākhur) Comparing status with others has become a fashion of the day. Most of us compare our possessions and status with others and get into a race so as to boast of our superior edge over the others. It is a boastful culture that creeps to show “Look at my success” culture to socially validate our status and prestige.
• Competition (تَكَاثُرٌ – takāthur)
• The more one gets into a projectionist life style, the more one is prone to accumulate wealth and assets to add to their self and family pride.
• Today we witness an increase in the race for elevated career, net worth obsession and setting material benchmarks of success.

The Parable of Rain (Powerful Imagery)

The second part of the verse relates life by giving a striking metaphor: "Like the example of rain whose growth pleases the farmers; then it dries and you see it turn yellow; then it becomes debris."

This metaphor aligns it with the Dunya (worldly life) which at first looks attractive, promising and full of life - But it also shows that every galore is temporary and it inevitably declines and disappears. This metaphor does not exhibit pessimism - but plain realism and true reality of the worldly life.

The Real Contrast

After describing dunya, Allah shifts perspective: “In the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure…”

This means life is not meaningless—it is a bridge (between this world and the life of the Hereafter) and a test with consequences. This points towards Accountability (punishment) and Mercy and success (forgiveness and pleasure)

Scholarly Explanation

• One of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi is of the opinion that to understand this theme fully one should keep the following verses of the Qur'an in mind: Imran; 14- 15, Yunus: 24-25, Ibrahim: 18, AI-Kahf: 45-46, An-Nur: 39. In all those verses the truth that has been impressed on the mind is: The life of this world is a temporary life: its spring as well as its autumn is temporary, Them is much here to allure man. but this, in fact, consists of base and insignificant things which man because of his shallowness of mind regards as great and splendid and is deluded into thinking that in attaining them lies supreme success, The truth however is that the highest benefits and means of pleasure and enjoyment that one can possibly attain in the world, arc indeed bast and insignificant and confined to a few years of temporary life, and can be destroyed by just one turn of fate. Contrary to this, the lift hereafter is a splendid and eternal life: its benefits are great and permanent and its losses too are great and permanent. The one who attains Allah's forgiveness and His goodwill there, will indeed have attained the everlasting bliss beside which the whole wealth of the world and its kingdom become pale and insignificant. And the one who is seized in God's torment there, will come to know that he had made a bad bargain even if he had attained all that he regarded as great and splendid in the world. 
• The 14th century exegete Ibn Kathir describes the life of this world:
• As a temporary, deceptive distraction (amusement, adorning, boasting) that vanishes quickly, comparing it to rain-fed vegetation that flourishes and then withers into dry chaff. The verse emphasizes that true reality is in the hereafter, offering either severe punishment or forgiveness.
• Key Takeaways from Ibn Kathir on 57:20:
• Synonyms of Worldly Life: Ibn Kathir defines the worldly life through five stages of pursuit: amusement, diversion, decoration, boasting among yourselves, and competition in wealth and children.
• The Parable of Rain: The verse uses the analogy of rain causing crops to grow. The green vegetation pleases the farmers, but quickly turns yellow, dries, and scatters as dust (or chaff).
• Significance of the Parable: Ibn Kathir explains that this illustrates the transience of life: youth and strength are followed by old age and decay, ultimately ending in death.
• The Two Destinies: The verse concludes by stating that in the Hereafter, there is either a "severe punishment" or "forgiveness from Allah and His pleasure," reinforcing that this life is merely a "deluding enjoyment".
• Purpose of the Parable: The purpose is to remind believers not to be deceived by the superficial beauty and temporary pleasures of the world, encouraging focus on the afterlife.

Applicability Today (Very Powerful)

This verse almost reads like a description of modern life:

• Social Media Culture  where:
• Play is entertainment
• Adornment is curated lifestyles
• Boasting is posting achievements
• Competition is followers, wealth, status
• Consumerism  We have endless desire for more wealth, better lifestyle and elevated status. This exhibits the stark naked reality of never-ending dissatisfaction. This race keeps us running after the mirage all along our lives, not leaving even an iota of satisfaction and contentment.
• Identity Crisis Almost  everyone defines himself with top career positions, wealth and an image of him better than everyone else. It is for them that is verse says: "That is not your true worth."
• Mental Health Insight For those chasing the mirage of this Dunya, Anxiety, Comparison, and Emptiness is the end product. Because we are always chasing something designed to fade.

What the Verse is NOT Saying

It is NOT saying  to leave the world completely, reject success, family, or wealth - Rather it encourages a believer to Use dunya - but don’t be used by it, Stay engaged - but not attached

Practical Takeaways

• Enjoy life—but don’t be deceived by it
• Work hard—but don’t define yourself by results
• Compete—but in good deeds (khayr)

Remember: Everything you see will fade - What you send forward (ākhirah) remains. Thus this verse gives a lens to see reality clearly to know that life is like a beautiful season that will pass and Don’t mistake the season for the destination. It doesn’t tell you to abandon life—it teaches you How to live in the world without losing your soul to it.

An effort has been made to expand this verse with meaningful insertions and explanation. More can be added to it by deeper reflection of this verse to steer life to the guided path as described in Al Qur'an and disassociate ourselves from the galore and glitter of our present life - for a restraint today will turn into an eternal blessing for us in the life of the Hereafter.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference pages: 

• Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.
• Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects
• Selected Verses from the Qur'an. 

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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