About Surah At-Taghabun

Muslims wishing to migrate from Makkah faced a painful obstruction: their own spouses and children stood in their way. Addressed to this specific dilemma, these eighteen Madinan verses reframe familial opposition as a spiritual trial. The text takes its name, At-Taghabun, from its ninth ayah, describing the Day of Judgment as a moment of "Mutual Loss and Gain"—an accounting where eternal profit is weighed against devastating deficit.

The text opens by asserting that all beings across the heavens and earth glorify a sole Creator, then points to the historical destruction of nations who rejected their messengers. It refutes those who deny the Resurrection, affirming that every hidden reality falls under divine omniscience. From universal sovereignty, the focus narrows to the domestic sphere, warning that family members can become spiritual hazards.

The verses offer consolation for confiscated wealth, followed by a mandate to listen, obey, and spend charitably. Worldly assets and offspring are established as temporary tests, demanding that piety supersede family ties. Beyond these earthly struggles, Allah remains the ultimate Protector and the inevitable point of return.

Surah At-Taghabun (The Mutual Disillusion) — 18 verses

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

64:1

Everything that is in the heavens and earth glorifies God; all control and all praise belong to Him; He has power over everything.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:2

It is He who created you, yet some of you disbelieve and some believe: God sees everything you do.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:3

He created the heavens and earth for a true purpose; He formed you and made your forms good: you will all return to Him.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:4

He knows what is in the heavens and earth; He knows what you conceal and what you reveal; God knows very well the secrets of every heart.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:5

[Disbelievers], have you not heard about those who disbelieved before you? They tasted the evil consequences of their conduct, and a painful torment awaits them.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:6

That is because their messengers came to them with clear signs, yet they said, ‘Should we take guidance from mere mortals?’, rejected the message, and turned away. But God had no need for them: He is all sufficient, worthy of all praise.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:7

The disbelievers claim they will not be raised from the dead. Say [Prophet], ‘Yes indeed! I swear by my Lord! You will be raised and then you will be informed about everything you have done: an easy matter for God.’

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:8

So believe in God, in His Messenger, and in the light We have sent down: God is fully aware of what you do.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem

64:9

When He gathers you for the Day of Gathering, the Day of mutual neglect, He will cancel the sins of those who believed in Him and acted righteously: He will admit them into Gardens graced with flowing streams, there to remain for ever- the supreme triumph.

M.A.S. Abdel Haleem