فَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَىْءٍ فَمَتَـٰعُ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ 36
Translations
So whatever thing you have been given - it is but [for] enjoyment of the worldly life. But what is with Allāh is better and more lasting for those who have believed and upon their Lord rely
Transliteration
Famā ūtītum min shay'in famată'u al-hayāti ad-dunyā, wa mā 'inda Allāhi khayrun wa-abqā lilladhīna āmanū wa-'alā rabbihim yatawakkallūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah teaches that whatever worldly possessions and provisions believers receive are merely temporary enjoyments of this fleeting life, while what Allah has in store for those who have faith and trust in Him is far superior and eternal. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this verse distinguishes between the perishable nature of worldly gains and the permanent, everlasting rewards of the Hereafter, encouraging believers to prioritize spiritual wealth over material accumulation and to place their complete reliance (tawakkul) upon Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Ash-Shuraa, a Meccan chapter revealed during the early period of Islam. It contextually addresses the believers' challenges in a materialistic society and reinforces the Islamic perspective that worldly success should not distract from ultimate spiritual goals and trust in Divine providence.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi 3895), emphasizing balance in worldly matters. Additionally, Hadith Qudsi states: 'Whoever puts his trust in Me, I shall suffice him' (Tirmidhi), directly supporting the theme of tawakkul in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should recognize that material possessions are temporary and should not become the focus of life; instead, they must cultivate sincere faith and complete trust in Allah, knowing that the eternal rewards He has prepared for the faithful far exceed any worldly benefit.
Related Ayahs
إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ فِىٓ أَهْلِهِۦ مَسْرُورًا
Indeed, he had [once] been among his people in happiness;
وَمَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ لَهِىَ ٱلْحَيَوَانُ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ
And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.
فَلَمَّآ أَنجَىٰهُمْ إِذَا هُمْ يَبْغُونَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ ۗ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّمَا بَغْيُكُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُم ۖ مَّتَـٰعَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَنُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ
But when He saves them, at once they commit injustice upon the earth without right. O mankind, your injustice is only against yourselves, [being merely] the enjoyment of worldly life. Then to Us is your return, and We will inform you of what you used to do.
وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ ۖ وَلَلدَّارُ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يَتَّقُونَ ۗ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ
And the worldly life is not but amusement and diversion; but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allāh, so will you not reason?