Surah Name: At-Taghabun (سورة التغابن)
Translation: The Mutual Loss and Gain
Origin of name: The surah takes its name from the word "taghabun," which appears in verse 9, referring to the Day of Judgment as the "Day of Mutual Loss and Gain," when the reality of people's deeds becomes clear.
Surah Number: 64
Number of Ayahs (Verses): 18
Makki or Madani: Madani
Approximate Time of Revelation: Early years of the Madinan period
Historical Context
Surah At-Taghabun was revealed during the early phase of the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) time in Medina. This period was marked by a transition for the Muslim community as they began to establish their identity and organize their society in a new environment following the emigration (Hijrah) from Makkah.
Early Muslims who migrated to Medina had often left behind their families, properties, and wealth, facing deep emotional and social challenges. According to historical reports, some Muslims initially hesitated to migrate due to pressure or attachment to their families and possessions. Later, when they saw the peace and blessings experienced by those who had migrated earlier, they regretted their decision. Some even considered punishing their relatives who had discouraged their migration. During this time, a verse from this surah was revealed, reminding believers not to blame or harm their families [1][2][3].
The reference to Judgment Day as a “day of mutual loss and gain” also mirrored the early community’s awareness of accountability, not just in battle or migration, but in everyday decisions. This teaching was crucial in shaping the mindset of a newly forming Muslim society within a diverse and often challenging Madinan environment.
ʿIrbad ibn Sariya narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) used to recite the Musabbihāt (Al-Hadid; Al-Hashr; As-Saff; Al-Jumuʿah; At-Taghabun) before sleeping and said: In them is a verse that is more valuable than a thousand verses. [4]
References:
[1] Tirmidhī, “Tafsīr”, 64
[2] Al-Ṭabarī, Jāmiʿ al-bayān, vol. 28, pp. 158–161
[3] Al-Wāḥidī, Asbāb al-Nuzūl, p. 341
[4] Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Musnad, IV, 128; Abu Dawud, “Adab”, 97; Tirmidhi, “Virtues of the Qur’an”, 21; “Supplications”, 22.
Main Themes of Surah At-Taghabun
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Glorification of Allah and His Power:
The surah begins by declaring that everything in the universe praises Allah. It emphasizes His complete knowledge, authority, and ability to create and control all things. Allah is aware of all human actions, whether hidden or revealed. -
Purpose of Life and Reminder from Past Nations:
The surah explains that humans were created in the best form and that prophets were sent to guide them. Those who rejected their messages in the past faced severe consequences. These stories are meant to be warnings for those who deny the truth today. -
Reality of the Day of Judgment:
The surah refers to the Day of Judgment as "the Day of Loss and Gain" (Yawm at-Taghabun). This is the day when the truth will become clear. People will realize whether they have succeeded by believing and obeying Allah, or failed by rejecting His guidance. -
Tests of Family and Wealth:
Believers are warned that their spouses, children, and wealth can be a test. If these blessings distract them from obeying Allah, they may lead to failure. Therefore, one must prioritize faith and use these blessings responsibly. -
Forgiveness and Mercy:
The surah encourages believers to respond to challenges with patience, and to avoid harshness, especially towards family members who may have misguided them. Mercy, not revenge, is encouraged. -
Preparation for the Afterlife:
Believers are reminded to live with purpose, aiming for eternal success. Obeying Allah, helping others, and resisting selfish desires are key steps towards achieving joy in the hereafter.
Key Lessons from Surah At-Taghabun
- Allah created humans in the best way and knows both what is hidden and what is shown.
- The Day of Judgment is real and will be the day when truth and falsehood become clear.
- Family, wealth, and children are tests in life and should not distract from obeying Allah.
- Believers must remain patient, avoid punishing others for past mistakes, and forgive.
- Those who are saved from selfishness are the ones who succeed.
Notable Ayahs from Surah At-Taghabun
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Verse 1:
"Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth ˹constantly˺ glorifies Allah. The kingdom is His, and all praise is for Him. For He is Most Capable of everything."
A powerful opening that declares all of creation praises and belongs to Allah. -
Verse 9:
"˹˹Consider˺ the Day He will gather you ˹all˺ for the Day of Gathering—that will be the Day of mutual loss and gain. So whoever believes in Allah and does good, He will absolve them of their sins and admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow, to stay there for ever and ever. That is the ultimate triumph."
The Day of Judgment is called the Day of Loss and Gain, where the true winners and losers will be known. -
Verse 11:
"No calamity befalls ˹anyone˺ except by Allah’s Will. And whoever has faith in Allah, He will ˹rightly˺ guide their hearts ˹through adversity˺. And Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of all things."
A reminder that all events happen according to Allah’s plan, and believers are guided through their hardships. -
Verses 14-15:
"O believers! Indeed, some of your spouses and children are enemies to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon, overlook, and forgive ˹their faults˺, then Allah is truly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Your wealth and children are only a test, but Allah ˹alone˺ has a great reward."
Relationships can be a test, and showing forgiveness reflects divine mercy. -
Verse 17:
"If you lend to Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. For Allah is Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing."
Encouragement for charity, promising multiplied rewards and divine forgiveness.
