Sūrat al-Taghābun

Sūrah No. 64. Revealed in Madīnah, 18 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

Whoever recites Sūrat al-Taghābun in the wājib salāt it will be an intercessor for him on the Day of Judgment, and a just witness, and it will not leave him until he enters Heaven – Imam Ja‘far al-Sādiq (a)

Note: Quranic Scholars say that the reward is connected to the contents of the Sūrah and requires that recitation be done with awareness, comprehension, reflection and having an intention of implementation.

General synopsis of contents

This Sūrah is the last of the five Musabbihāt Sūrahs. Others are al-Hadīd, al-Hahsr, al-Saff and al-Jumu‘ah. This sūrah includes:

1) Glorification and praise of Allah (vv. 1-4)

2) Learning from the fate of the past people who rejected faith (vv. 5-7)

3) The Day of Judgment (vv. 9-10)

4) Discussion on family and wealth (vv. 14-15)

5) An invitation to give charity (vv. 16-17)

Selected Lessons

1) The qualities of Allah described in the Quran help us appreciate and revere Him. We can never comprehend His essence but can understand His qualities.

2) The Day of Judgment will be a day of gain for some and loss for others.

3) Wealth and children can be a diversion and means of trial.

4) Giving in the way of Allah is like giving a loan. It will be reimbursed manifold, although it belongs to Him in the first place.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 64:12 – Obey Allah and obey the Apostle; but if you turn away, then Our Apostle’s duty is only to communicate in clear terms.

2) 64:15 – Your possessions and children are a test, and Allah—with Him is a great reward!

Activities for self-study

1) List all the qualities of Allah Y mentioned in this Sūrah.

2) How is the Day of Judgment a day of profit and loss? Identify the different recompenses outlined in the Sūrah which affirm this.