وَلَلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لَّكَ مِنَ ٱلْأُولَىٰ 4
Translations
And the Hereafter is better for you than the first [life].
Transliteration
Wa-l-lākhiratu khayrun laka mina-l-ūlā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah assures the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that the Hereafter is better for him than this worldly life. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari interpret this as divine consolation during the early Meccan period when the Prophet faced hardship and rejection, emphasizing that eternal reward far surpasses temporary worldly concerns. The verse establishes the fundamental Islamic principle that the Afterlife holds incomparably greater value and permanence than the fleeting pleasures and trials of this world.
Revelation Context
Surah Ad-Duhaa was revealed during a period when the Prophet experienced a temporary cessation of revelations (fatra), which caused him distress. This surah serves as divine reassurance and comfort, and this particular ayah reminds him that despite present difficulties, the ultimate reward and honor await him in the Hereafter, reinforcing his patience and steadfastness.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'This world compared to the Hereafter is like one of you dipping his finger in the ocean—let him see what returns with him' (Sahih Muslim). Also relevant: 'The best of you are those who have the best character, and the worst of you are those who are stingy and miserly' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), emphasizing priorities of the next life over worldly accumulation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers to maintain perspective during life's difficulties by recognizing that whatever trials or rejections occur in this world are insignificant compared to the eternal reward awaiting the righteous in the Hereafter. It encourages shifting our priorities from accumulating temporary worldly gains to investing in actions that secure lasting success in the next life.