وَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَمَتَـٰعُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتُهَا ۚ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ ۚ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ 60
Translations
And whatever thing you [people] have been given - it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allāh is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?
Transliteration
Wa mā ūtītum min shay'in fa matā'u al-hayāti ad-dunyā wa zīnatuhā. Wa mā 'inda Allāhi khayrun wa abqā. Afalā ta'qilūn.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah emphasizes that all worldly possessions and luxuries are temporary enjoyments and adornments of this life, while what is with Allah—meaning His reward, paradise, and eternal blessings—is far superior and everlasting. Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a call to recognize the fleeting nature of material wealth and to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over worldly acquisitions. The ayah concludes with a rhetorical question appealing to human reason and intellect ('aql) to discern what truly matters.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Qasas is Meccan and deals with divine stories and guidance. This ayah fits within the broader theme of the surah which contrasts the temporary nature of worldly power and wealth (exemplified through the story of Pharaoh and his treasures) with the eternal nature of Allah's provisions and the Hereafter. It serves as a universal reminder applicable to all believers.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The world is cursed, and cursed is whatever is in it, except the remembrance of Allah and what is associated with it, and a scholar and a student of knowledge' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sahih Muslim emphasizes: 'The life of this world compared to the Hereafter is like putting your finger in the ocean—see what it takes out.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should cultivate a balanced perspective that acknowledges worldly provisions as temporary means while directing their deepest aspirations toward eternal rewards with Allah. This ayah invites reflection on what deserves our priority and investment of time, energy, and resources—ultimately calling us to use our intellect to distinguish between temporary pleasures and enduring spiritual wealth.