Surah Ta-Ha 20:131
سُورَةُ طه · Meccan · Verse 131 of 135
وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَىٰ مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِۦٓ أَزْوَٰجًۭا مِّنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ ۚ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌۭ وَأَبْقَىٰ
Translation
and do not gaze longingly at what We have given some of them to enjoy, the finery of this present life: We test them through this, but the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Worldly Mirror
This verse, a profound counsel from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), extends as a vital lesson to all believers. It addresses a deep human inclination to gaze upon the material prosperity of others and offers a clear perspective on true value.
What We See
The ayah begins with a powerful prohibition: وَلَا تَمُدَّنَّ عَيْنَيْكَ (wa la tamuddanna 'aynik), meaning "Do not stretch your eyes" or "do not cast longing glances." This isn't just about a casual glance; it's a caution against allowing one's heart to be drawn to or envious of the worldly enjoyments Allah has bestowed upon various groups, particularly those who are heedless of His path, as explained by al-Muyassar and Tazkirul Quran. These are described as زَهْرَةَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا (zahrat al-hayat al-dunya), the "blossom of worldly life." Just as a blossom is beautiful but fleeting, so too are these material comforts.
Why It's Given
Allah clarifies the purpose of such worldly abundance for those who seemingly enjoy it without striving in His way: لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ (linaftinahum fihi), "so that We may test them by it." As Israr Ahmad explains, these worldly goods are a means of trial. Sayyid Qutb adds that this worldly glamour is not a true blessing for them but a test that can distract and lower their spiritual vision.
The True Provision
In profound contrast, Allah then states: وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ (wa rizqu Rabbika khayrun wa abqa), "And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting." What is this superior provision? Israr Ahmad, linking this to a similar verse in Surah al-Hijr, suggests it refers to the Quran itself, and specifically Surah al-Fatiha, as a profound spiritual sustenance. Tazkirul Quran expands this to include remembrance of Allah, contemplation of the Hereafter, a life of worship and God-consciousness (taqwa), and the concern for guiding others. This spiritual wealth is enduring, unlike the transient material world.
A Worldly Mirror for Us
This verse serves as a powerful mirror for our own hearts and the societies we live in.
* Inner Self: It prompts us to examine our inner state: Do we find ourselves wistfully looking at others' homes, cars, or lifestyles, especially when our own path feels challenging? Do we succumb to feelings of inadequacy or envy? Sayyid Qutb's reflection reminds us not to let worldly glitters diminish our high spiritual aspirations. The verse calls for contentment with Allah's decree and a profound re-evaluation of what constitutes true richness.
* Community and Society: On a broader level, the ayah challenges societal norms that often equate success solely with material gain. It encourages us to cultivate a community that values spiritual capital – faith, good deeds, and connection with Allah – above fleeting material possessions. As Tazkirul Quran wisely points out, a believer's life of faith and struggle, while seemingly difficult compared to others' ease, yields a far more valuable and enduring provision from Allah.
* Spiritual Diagnosis: The verse invites a spiritual re-alignment, urging us to root our hopes and values not in the passing "blossom" of this world, but in the certainty of Allah's lasting provision, which promises fulfillment in this life and the next. It's a call to patience, gratitude, and a profound trust in Allah's wisdom in distributing both trials and blessings.
Sources: Israr Ahmad (Bayan ul Quran), Ibn al-Jawzi (Zad al-Masir), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), Tazkirul Quran, al-Munir (Wahba al-Zuhayli)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Ta-Ha 20:131 is discussed in 7 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah Ta-Ha 20:131 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.