In today’s world, where consumerism and the desire for affluence often lead individuals astray from their faith and morals — and most importantly, from the inevitable reality of death — Chapter 102 of the Qur’ān encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly endeavours and their religious responsibilities, with the hopes of attaining a blissful ending. [1]
This poignant chapter, titled Rivalry in Worldly Increase, addresses a timeless human tendency: the relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and status at the expense of spiritual and moral well-being. [1]
The human inclination towards material wealth
Allah begins this transformational chapter by bringing all human inclinations to our attention:
أَلۡهَىٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ
“The mutual rivalry for piling up [the good things of this world] diverts you [from the more serious things].” [2]
The first verse is a stark observation of human behaviour.
Mankind has a tendency to measure optimal success by way of materialistic possessions and worldly achievements — and Muslims are just as susceptible to this idea.
In this following narration, we learn what the Prophet ﷺ was reported to have said while contemplating the aforementioned verse:
عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ مُطَرِّفٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، أَنَّهُ انْتَهَى إِلَى النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَهُوَ يَقُولُ
On the authority of Qatāda, Mutarrif narrated that his father met up with the Prophet ﷺ while he was saying,
ألْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ
“The mutual increase diverts you…”
He ﷺ continued,
قَالَ يَقُولُ ابْنُ آدَمَ مَالِي مَالِي وَهَلْ لَكَ مِنْ مَالِكَ إِلاَّ مَا تَصَدَّقْتَ فَأَمْضَيْتَ أَوْ أَكَلْتَ فَأَفْنَيْتَ أَوْ لَبِسْتَ فَأَبْلَيْتَ
“The son of Ādam says, ‘My wealth, my wealth’, but is there something for you [from your wealth] besides what you give in charity that remains, or you eat which perishes, or what you wear that grows worn?” [3]
Confronting mortality
حَتّى زُرْتُمُ المَقابِرَ
“…Until you visit the graveyards.” [4]
The second verse starkly underlines the undeniable coming of death, prompting us to reconsider our focus and endeavours in this momentary world.
It further encourages us to live with purpose, consciousness of our mortality, and a commitment to the Hereafter, with the aim of securing Paradise.
The Prophet ﷺ said,
لَوْ كَانَ لِابْنِ آدَمَ وَادِيَانِ مِنْ مَالٍ لَابْتَغَى ثَالِثًا وَلَا يَمْلَأُ جَوْفَ ابْنِ آدَمَ إِلَّا التُّرَابُ وَيَتُوبُ اللهُ عَلَى مَنْ تَابَ
“If the son of Ādam had two valleys full of wealth, he would desire a third. Nothing satisfies his belly but the dust of the grave, yet Allah relents to those who repent.” [5]
Through internalising the transformational meanings of this chapter, Muslims of today can find profound wisdom and guidance within it, helping them to lead a more balanced, meaningful, and spiritually fulfilling life.
Action points
-
Frequently remind one another of the reality of death, while aiming to escape the shackles of worldly temptation and possessions.
-
Understand that the true measure of success is our relationship with Allah and our deeds in this world.
-
Give ultimate priority to religiously obligated actions in our day-to-day lives.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] al-Qur’ān, 102
[2] al-Qur’ān, 102:1
[3] Tirmidhi, Vol. 4, Book 10, Hadith 2,342; https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2342
[4] al-Qur’ān, 102:2
[5] Sahīh al-Bukhārī 6,436; https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6436
