Sūrah At-Taghābun Mutual Disillusion
التغابن
18 verses, Madanī (some say Makkī). Everything glorifies Allah. Those who disbelieved their deeds are worthless. The day of mutual disillusion when the companions of Paradise see their reward and those of Hell see their loss. Your spouses and children may be enemies to you but if you pardon and forgive Allah is forgiving and merciful.
Surah Overview
Key Themes from Ibn Kathīr
Spouses and children as possible enemies (64:14): "O you who believe indeed among your spouses and your children are enemies to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook and forgive then indeed Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." Ibn Kathīr: revealed about men in Makkah whose wives and children prevented them from emigrating to Madīnah clinging to them, their wealth, their tribe. When they finally arrived in Madīnah and saw how much they had missed, they wanted to punish their families. Allah commanded pardon and forgiveness instead.
Fitna of wealth and children (64:15): "Your wealth and your children are only a fitna (test) but with Allah is a great reward." Ibn Kathīr: the test nature of both they are beloved, but can become the reason for missing the greater life. The test: does your love for them lead you toward obedience or away from it?
- The first creation and Allah's knowledge (64:1–4): Everything in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah. He created you some disbelieved, some believed He sees what you do. He created the heavens and earth with truth and shaped you and perfected your shapes. He knows what you conceal and what you declare, and knows what is in the breasts.
- The Nations that denied messengers (64:5): "Has there not come to you the news of those who disbelieved before and tasted the consequence of their affair and they will have a painful punishment?" Ibn Kathīr: the historical warning connects to the theological warning the same fate awaits those who follow the same path.
- The trust in Allah (64:13): "Allah no deity except Him and upon Allah let the believers rely." Ibn Kathīr: tawakkul as the conclusion of the divine-names passage knowing Allah's attributes leads naturally to complete reliance on Him.
- A beautiful loan to Allah (64:17): "If you loan Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allah is Appreciative and Forbearing." Ibn Kathīr: spending in Allah's cause is described as a loan not because Allah needs it, but because He guarantees the return many times over.
- Allah knows the innermost secrets (64:4): "He knows what is within the chests." Ibn Kathīr: the divine awareness of intentions and hidden thoughts makes every act of worship an intimate interaction nothing is hidden from the One to whom you pray.