كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ 3
Translations
No! You are going to know.
Transliteration
Kalla sawfa ta'lamun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah is Allah's emphatic rejection of the heedlessness and false sense of security of those preoccupied with worldly competition and accumulation. The word 'Kalla' (nay/verily) serves as a decisive rebuttal, and 'sawfa ta'lamun' (you will soon know) is a stern warning that the Day of Judgment will reveal the truth and consequences of their actions. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize this as a warning that the reality of the afterlife will become undeniably clear to all, dispelling their worldly delusions.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Takathur was revealed in Mecca and addresses the pre-Islamic Arab obsession with tribal rivalry, wealth accumulation, and worldly competition that distracted them from remembering Allah and preparing for the afterlife. This ayah continues the surah's theme of warning against the spiritual danger of being consumed by worldly pursuits rather than spiritual preparation.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Tirmidhi) - emphasizing focus on meaningful priorities rather than competitive accumulation. Also relevant is the hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet warned about being preoccupied with wealth and status.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that worldly distractions and competitive accumulation are temporary illusions, and that true knowledge and accountability await us before Allah. The spiritual lesson is to prioritize one's relationship with the Divine and preparation for the eternal life over endless pursuit of material gains and status.