وَءَاثَرَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا 38
Translations
And preferred the life of the world,
Transliteration
Wa āthara al-hayāta ad-dunyā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This phrase means 'and preferred the worldly life,' referring to those who choose temporal pleasures and material gains over the Hereafter. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, this describes the spiritual state of those who prioritize immediate gratification and worldly desires, neglecting their ultimate accountability before Allah. The ayah emphasizes the destructive choice of valuing perishable worldly pursuits over eternal spiritual salvation.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Nazi'at, a Meccan surah that discusses the Day of Judgment and the fate of different groups on that day. It specifically describes the condition of those who rejected faith and chose worldly pursuits, serving as a warning to the believers about the consequences of prioritizing dunya (the worldly life) over the Hereafter (akhirah).
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever makes the Hereafter his goal, Allah will suffice him regarding worldly concerns. But whoever makes the worldly life his goal, Allah will leave him in its hardship.' (Tirmidhi) | 'The example of the dunya and akhirah is like the example of the East and West; as you move towards one, you move away from the other.' (Ibn Majah)
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that choosing temporary worldly comforts over eternal spiritual values leads to spiritual ruin and regret on the Day of Judgment. Muslims should constantly evaluate their priorities and ensure that their pursuit of worldly needs does not eclipse their remembrance of Allah and preparation for the Hereafter.