At-Takathur, (Worldly Gain)

The surah is addressed to the idol-worshipers and, conceivably, everyone infatuated by worldly goods, who pays no attention to the life hereafter. These people are driven by greed, live for the moment, and devote all their energies and resources to material comfort and enjoyment. Their whole life is a struggle for the accumulation of wealth, until they are laid to rest in their graves.

However, they seem to overlook the fact that the grave is but a temporary abode, a mere bridge to another life of accountability, judgment, and punishment or reward. Elsewhere in the Qur’an, we read: “The trumpet will be blown and, behold, they will rise from their graves and hasten to their Lord. “Woe to us,” they will say. “Who has roused us from our resting-place? This is what the Merciful has promised, and the messengers have told us the truth.” (Yasin: 51–52)

They are in for a huge surprise: “You shall know. You shall before long come to know” (3–4). The unbelievers are told: “Indeed, if only you knew the truth with certainty! You will see the fire of hell” (5–6). Had they believed and heeded the call of God’s messengers, they would have spared themselves the torment of hell, but they chose to turn away from them and are therefore told: “You will see it [hell] with your very eyes” (7).

Furthermore, they would be questioned about their wealth: “Then, on that day, you shall be questioned about the affluence you enjoyed” (8). They would be told: “You have squandered your wealth during your life and enjoyed it” (al-Ahqaf: 20).

People shall be questioned about the wealth and affluence they accumulated and enjoyed in this life, and about the reason why they did not show any gratitude for it. The enjoyment they had in this world would not last, and they would have to face up to God’s humiliating punishment. Elsewhere in the Qur’an, we read: “That is for the delight you took in falsehood on earth and the frivolity you enjoyed” (Ghafir: 75).