Surah An-Nazi'at — Verse 38

Word Meanings:

• "آثَرَ" (āthara): He preferred, chose, or gave precedence to something over another.
• "الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا" (al-ḥayāt al-dunyā): The worldly life — the temporary, fleeting life of this world with its desires, pleasures, and distractions.

Explanation of the Verse:

This verse describes the second category of people on the Day of Judgment — those who transgressed against Allah's commands and rebelled against His guidance. Their defining trait is that they preferred the worldly life over the Hereafter. They gave priority to the fleeting pleasures, wealth, status, and desires of this temporary world, while neglecting the eternal life to come. They followed their whims and passions, choosing immediate gratification over the everlasting rewards of Paradise. Their hearts were so attached to the material world that they turned away from the call of truth, the obligations of faith, and the remembrance of Allah. For such people, the consequence is the Fire — a painful and eternal punishment, as mentioned in the following verses.

A Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and reflect on this profound truth: the life of this world, no matter how long or enjoyable, is but a passing moment compared to the eternal Hereafter. Allah, in His infinite mercy, has shown us the path of success — but the choice remains ours. Every time we prioritize our desires over His commands, we are, in essence, preferring the temporary over the everlasting. Yet, the door of repentance is always open. Allah calls us back to Him, reminding us that the Hereafter is far better and more enduring. So let us not be among those who trade an eternal paradise for a handful of fleeting pleasures. Let us be wise, for the wise one is he who prepares for the eternal life while still in this world — a world that is but a farm for the Hereafter. Choose wisely, for your choice today determines your tomorrow forever.