Surah Al-Qiyamah — Verse 21

Word Meanings:

• تَذَرُونَ (Tadharūn): You leave, abandon, or forsake.
• الْآخِرَةَ (Al-Ākhirah): The Hereafter — the eternal life after death, including the Resurrection, Judgment, Paradise, and Hellfire.

Tafsir (Explanation):

The verse addresses those who deny the Resurrection and the Day of Judgment, rebuking their misguided attitude. It clarifies that their claim — that there is no resurrection or recompense — is utterly false. Rather, the real reason behind their denial is their deep attachment to this worldly life and its fleeting pleasures. They rush toward the temporary delights of the world, chasing wealth, status, and desires, while completely neglecting the eternal life to come.

The Hereafter is not something distant or uncertain; it is the ultimate reality that awaits every soul. Yet, they abandon it — meaning they fail to prepare for it through sincere faith, righteous deeds, and obedience to Allah’s commands. They ignore the obligations Allah has placed upon them, such as prayer, charity, and justice, and they indulge in what He has forbidden. Their hearts are so consumed by the immediate gratification of this world that they turn their backs on the everlasting bliss of Paradise and the severe punishment of Hellfire.

This verse serves as a profound wake-up call: the one who prioritizes the temporary over the eternal has indeed lost the true bargain. The world, with all its allure, is but a passing shadow, while the Hereafter is the everlasting abode. How foolish it is to sacrifice an eternal kingdom for a fleeting moment of pleasure!

A Da’wah Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and reflect: Where is your heart leaning? Every day, we make choices that reveal our true priorities. If we find ourselves constantly chasing the world — its money, its status, its comforts — while our prayers lag, our charity diminishes, and our repentance is delayed, then we are exactly as this verse describes: leaving the Hereafter behind.

But the door of mercy is always open. Allah, the Most Merciful, calls you today to rebalance your life. You do not have to abandon the world entirely; rather, you are invited to give the Hereafter its due share. A few moments of sincere supplication, a small act of kindness, a prayer offered on time — these are seeds planted for an eternal harvest. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer.” (Al-Bukhari)

So, let this verse be a gentle reminder: Do not let the glitter of this world blind you to the everlasting joy that awaits those who believe and do good. The Hereafter is not a loss; it is the ultimate gain. Choose it today, and you will find peace in this life and success in the next.