إِنَّمَآ أَمْوَٰلُكُمْ وَأَوْلَـٰدُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ 15
Translations
Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allāh has with Him a great reward.
Transliteration
Innama amwalukum wa awladukum fitnah; wallahu indahu ajrun adheem
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah teaches that wealth and children, while blessings from Allah, are tests (fitnah) that can distract believers from their ultimate purpose and obedience to Allah. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that these worldly possessions are temporary trials meant to reveal the sincerity of one's faith, and that true reward lies with Allah alone, not in the accumulation of material goods or family attachments that supersede divine consciousness. The ayah serves as a reminder that believers must maintain proper perspective, ensuring that love of family and wealth does not become an obstacle to following Islamic principles and remembering the Day of Judgment.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Taghabun is a Medinan chapter dealing with themes of loss and gain in the spiritual sense. This particular ayah appears in the final verses addressing believers about their priorities, urging them to shift focus from temporary worldly concerns to eternal rewards. The surah was revealed during a period when Muslim communities were establishing themselves in Medina and facing the trials of balancing family obligations with religious duties.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895), which contextualizes that while family is important, it must not eclipse one's duty to Allah. Additionally, 'Wealth and children are adornments of worldly life, but everlasting good deeds are better' (Quran 18:46), which directly complements this ayah's message.
Themes
Key Lesson
Believers should view their wealth and children as trusts from Allah and tests of their faith rather than ultimate sources of security or pride, ensuring these blessings enhance rather than diminish their devotion to Allah. The path to true success lies not in accumulating material comfort, but in maintaining righteous priorities and remembering that only deeds pleasing to Allah carry eternal value.