وَتَتَّخِذُونَ مَصَانِعَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَخْلُدُونَ 129
Translations
And take for yourselves constructions [i.e., palaces and fortresses] that you might abide eternally?
Transliteration
Wa tattakhidhūna masāni'a la'allakum takhlidūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to the people of 'Ad who built great fortresses and structures, hoping through their architectural achievements to achieve immortality or permanence in this world. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as a manifestation of their arrogance and denial of death, reflecting their rejection of the Hereafter and divine accountability. The ayah serves as a rebuke to those who place false hope in worldly constructions and material accomplishments rather than in obedience to Allah and preparation for the eternal life.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ash-Shu'ara, which recounts the stories of various prophets and the nations that rejected them. Specifically, this verse discusses the arrogance of the people of 'Ad and their material prosperity under Prophet Hud. The surah uses these historical narratives as warnings to the Meccan polytheists about the consequences of rejecting divine guidance.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The most hated person to Allah is Ad-Dajjal,' and spoke extensively about those who deny the Hereafter. Additionally, Hadith Qudsi reminds believers that worldly life is temporary: 'This world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever' (Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that no amount of worldly construction, wealth, or human achievement can protect us from death or grant us eternal life—only faith in Allah and righteous deeds can do so. It is a timeless reminder to avoid the trap of materialism and to remember that all earthly accomplishments are temporary and will perish.
Related Ayahs
قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أُوتِيتُهُۥ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ عِندِىٓ ۚ أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ أَهْلَكَ مِن قَبْلِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلْقُرُونِ مَنْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُ قُوَّةً وَأَكْثَرُ جَمْعًا ۚ وَلَا يُسْـَٔلُ عَن ذُنُوبِهِمُ ٱلْمُجْرِمُونَ
He said, "I was only given it because of knowledge I have." Did he not know that Allāh had destroyed before him of generations those who were greater than him in power and greater in accumulation [of wealth]? But the criminals, about their sins, will not be asked.
وَيَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ تَرَى ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا۟ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ وُجُوهُهُم مُّسْوَدَّةٌ ۚ أَلَيْسَ فِى جَهَنَّمَ مَثْوًى لِّلْمُتَكَبِّرِينَ
And on the Day of Resurrection you will see those who lied about Allāh [with] their faces blackened. Is there not in Hell a residence for the arrogant?
أَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِهِۦ ۚ بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ طَاغُونَ
Did they suggest it to them? Rather, they [themselves] are a transgressing people.
وَدَخَلَ جَنَّتَهُۥ وَهُوَ ظَالِمٌ لِّنَفْسِهِۦ قَالَ مَآ أَظُنُّ أَن تَبِيدَ هَـٰذِهِۦٓ أَبَدًا
And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, "I do not think that this will perish - ever.