Surah Al-Qiyamah — Verse 20

Word Meanings:

• Kallā (كَلَّا): Absolutely not; a strong negation and rebuke.
• Al-ʿĀjilah (الْعَاجِلَةَ): The immediate, fleeting life of this world — its pleasures, wealth, and temporary enjoyments.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse addresses the disbelievers of Quraysh who denied the resurrection and the Day of Judgment, claiming it was impossible. Allah responds decisively: "Absolutely not!" — their denial is not based on genuine doubt or ignorance, for they know in their hearts that the One who created them from nothing is fully capable of bringing them back to life. Rather, the real reason behind their rejection is their deep attachment to this worldly life — its fleeting pleasures, its immediate gains, and its temporary allure. They love the "hasty" life that passes quickly and turn away from the everlasting life of the Hereafter, with its eternal bliss and rewards.

Their love for this world blinded their hearts, making them prefer what they can see and touch now over what Allah has promised them in the life to come. They chose the perishable over the eternal, the shadow over the substance, and in doing so, they rejected the truth that their own fitrah (natural disposition) already acknowledged.

A Call to Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and examine your own heart. Do you find yourself overly attached to the fleeting pleasures of this world — chasing after wealth, status, and comfort — while neglecting your relationship with Allah and preparation for the eternal life? This verse is a gentle yet firm reminder that our love for this world can become a veil that blinds us from the truth. The Hereafter is not a distant fantasy; it is as real as the world you live in today, and far more lasting. Let us not be among those who trade an eternal paradise for a few fleeting moments of worldly enjoyment. Instead, let us balance our lives — enjoying what Allah has permitted in this world while keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the ultimate success: the pleasure of Allah and the everlasting gardens of Jannah. The wise one is he who lives in this world as a traveler, taking provisions for the long journey ahead, not as one who settles forever in a temporary resting place.