Surah At-Taghabun is one of the chapters of Al-Musabihat, which simply means it begins with Allah’s glorification. It’s also the 64th chapter of the Quran.
In this article, we’ll explore in depth this Surah, beginning from its meaning, and then transitioning to the most important concepts, its benefits, and quick tips on how to memorize it effectively.
What is Surah At-Taghabun?
Let’s start by what does ‘Tagahbun’ mean. In English, it’s as close to “Mutual Disillusion”. It refers to the unraveling or unveiling of people’s deeds and sins during judgment day, where there will be those who lose and those who gain or win.
Some important facts about this Surah:
- It was sent down before Surah At-Tahrim.
- A relatively short surah that consists of 18 verses.
- It has a disputed place of revelation (some say it’s Madani, while other scholar says it’s a Makki)
Join the Online Quran Classes for Adults and learn the Quran at your own pace, from the comfort of your home, with qualified teachers.
Surah At-Taghabun has plenty of benefits, we’re listing the most thought-provoking ones below:
1. Eternal Bliss
One of the most compelling benefits of reciting Surah At-Taghabun is the promise of eternal bliss in Heaven. Various verses within the Surah allude to the rewards awaiting the faithful person. Islamic scholars have often cited these verses as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the ultimate goal of human life.
First, and most importantly, these promises including the imagery of heaven have a strong psychological impact:
It has a psychological anchor, instilling hope and optimism among believers. The promise strengthens faith and provides a sense of purpose, encouraging individuals to lead a life aligned with ethical and spiritual principles.
2. Protection from the Brutality of Rulers
Surah At-Taghabun has been historically recited as a form of spiritual armor against the brutality and injustice of rulers. Examples from Islamic history, such as the reigns of certain caliphs and sultans, demonstrate the Surah’s protective qualities.
But how exactly does the Surah promise or pose this protection?
The Surah acts as a form of spiritual shielding, offering protection through its verses. While the exact mechanism is a matter of faith; recitation invokes divine intervention, safeguarding the individual from harm.
The protection extends to be a legal one because when rulers, dictatorial or not, read the threats and promises in the Surah, it can guide them to the right path. Simply, the verses serve as a reminder to rulers about the divine laws governing justice and fairness.
3. Material Prosperity
Surah At-Taghabun is often cited for its potential to bring about material prosperity. While the Quran primarily focuses on spiritual wealth, it also acknowledges the importance of material well-being.
The possibility of increased wealth in Dunya serves as a motivational factor for many believers. It encourages a positive outlook on life and work, fostering a sense of responsibility and ethical conduct in financial matters.
Many believers have experienced noticeable flow in their financial life, or any material aspect like business, food, or familial prosperity. This can be explained by their mindful recitation or reading to Surah At-Taghabun and believing in Allah’s promises.
4. Divine Guidance
The verses of Surah At-Taghabun are believed to bring clarity and wisdom about one’s life, and the decision one needs to make.
The act of seeking guidance through the recitation of this Surah can have a calming effect on the mind. It helps alleviate anxiety and indecisiveness, providing a sense of direction and purpose.
5. Peaceful Departure from Life
One of the highly significant benefits of reciting Surah At-Taghabun is the assurance of safety from sudden, untimely death. The Surah is believed to prepare the soul for a peaceful transition, allowing the individual to settle worldly pleasures, and prepare for the eternal and greater purpose in a believer’s life, heaven.
Nothing compares to a sudden death, this surah, among plenty of others in the Quran assures the believer of a peaceful departure. It can have a profound effect on, the hearts of many and significantly, can change their course of life for the better.
6. Spiritual Healing
The belief in the healing power of Surah At-Taghabun, which of course doesn’t substitute medical intervention, can serve as a psychological and spiritual boost. It’s evident that a peaceful mindset is a strong mindset, paving the way for a healthy body.
7. Protection from Epidemics
Along the same lines, In times of crises, Surah At-Taghabun is often recited as a form of divine protection against epidemics or other pressing health crises that Allah sends as a test to his people.
Obviously, this doesn’t mean it negates or substitutes medical protocol. However, the surah acts as a spiritual safeguard. When people tend to surrender to anxiety and depression in crisis, the words of Allah are there to soothe and comfort.
8. Relief from Debt
How could a surah relieve someone from debt, you might ask…
Take a look at this verse concerning lending people money:
“If you lend to Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. For Allah is Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing.” 64:17
The verse is about giving people in need a valuable and halal charity. When it’s given to those really in need, without showing it off but doing it with the best intentions for Allah’s sake, Allah calls it a “good loan” that will eventually be multiplied. It’s a concept of reciprocation of good deeds that never go to waste.
9. Fulfilling Urgent Needs
The verses of this surah have the power of comforting the believer that Allah is all-knowing of his people’s needs.
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. 64:12
Purify your soul with the Tazkiyah Course with Taqwa, a program that focuses on spiritual purification and growth.
What Does Taghabun Mean?
In this surah, Taghabun means the exchange between the people of Heaven and Hell, as the believers chose the bliss and disbelievers chose the torment.
˹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. 64:9
Why was Surah At-Taghabun Revealed?
One of the reasons for sending down Surah At-Taghabun was a Makki man who converted to Islam and wanted to migrate to Medina with other Muslims.
But his people blamed him for his decision due to leaving without his family.
That’s why Allah revealed the 14th verse:
{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} (64:14).
The companion Ikrimah Bin Abo Gahl (may Allah be pleased upon him) reported that some Makki men didn’t want to leave their families while others immigrated to Medina.
But they found out the other Muslims learned from the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) when they came to Medina, so they regretted and wanted to punish their families.
Lessons from Surah At-Taghabun
There are many lessons learned in just the 18 verses of At-Taghabun, let’s explore these below and back them up with verses from the surah:
1. Foregrounding Allah’s power
The first verses show the ability of Allah as he created heaven, earth, and humans in what he saw as the best appearance:
{He created the heavens and the earth for a purpose. He shaped you ˹in the womb˺, perfecting your form. And to Him is the final return} (64:3)
The fourth verse demonstrates Allah’s ability to know everything that happens in the heavens and the earth and what people hide:
{He knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth. And He knows whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal. For Allah knows best what is ˹hidden˺ in the heart.} (64:4)
2. Severe punishment is the destiny of nonbelievers
In the fifth verse, Allah faces the nonbelievers with their denies of believing in the resurrection:
{Have the stories of those who disbelieved before not reached you ˹pagans˺? They tasted the evil consequences of their doings, and they will suffer a painful punishment} (5:64)
Moreover, the earlier nations didn’t believe the messengers of Allah, they mocked them and disregarded their guidance; those also got their punishment for nonbelieving.
{That was because their messengers used to come to them with clear proofs, but they said ˹mockingly˺, “How can humans be our guides?” So they persisted in disbelief and turned away. And Allah was not in need ˹of their faith˺. For Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy} (64:6)
3. Believing Allah’s messengers is rewarded
The day of Taghabun is when the believers are finally rewarded with Heaven but the nonbelievers will stay in Hell.
{˹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 forever and ever. That is the ultimate triumph.} (64:9)
4. Obeying Allah and relying on him
In the 12th, Allah calls the people to obey him as he is the only worthy of worship.
{Allah—there is no god ˹worthy of worship˺ except Him. So in Allah let the believers put their trust} (64:13)
5. Warning of life temptations
Wealth and children can be sedition for the believers as they can distract them from obeying Allah or not, testing their faith.
{Your wealth and children are only a test, but Allah ˹alone˺ has a great reward} (64:15)
Discover the profound Benefits of Surah Mulk, a chapter that serves as a beacon of guidance and a source of immense blessings. It’s a Makki Surah, emphasizing the sovereignty of Allah and offering protection to its reciters.
How to Memorize Surah At-Taghabun?
- Associate each verse with its meaning and tafsir.
- Begin by learning the proper recitation from your favorite reciter.
- Recite the verses loudly in a quiet space to retain them effectively and keep them clear in your memory without distraction.
- Use prayer as a chance to recite what you memorized.
- Don’t challenge yourself by trying to memorize it all at once, but divide it into sections. For example, there are 18 verses, you can divide those into six verses per time.
Learn about the Benefits of Surah Muzammil for marriage in our comprehensive guide. While there are no proven benefits specific to marriage, the Surah offers valuable lessons on patience, prayer, and the importance of giving Sadaqah.
This surah has many lessons to learn from such as proving Allah has a great ability of creation and who disbelieved in resurrection got a severe punishment in the hereafter.
