Surah Al-A'la 87:16
سُورَةُ الأَعۡلَىٰ · Meccan · Verse 16 of 19
بَلْ تُؤْثِرُونَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا
Translation
Yet you [people] prefer the life of this world,
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Wording
This profound verse, "بَلْ تُؤْثِرُونَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا" (Rather, you prefer the worldly life), speaks directly to a universal human tendency, inviting us to reflect on our priorities. Allah is addressing humanity, particularly those who turn away from guidance, in a tone of direct rebuke and warning. It immediately follows verses that speak of success for those who purify themselves and remember their Lord, setting a stark contrast.
The Shift in "Bal"
The word "بَلْ" (bal), translated as "Rather" or "But," is a significant linguistic tool here. Scholars like Ibn Ashur explain that "bal" acts as an "idrab" (إضراب), a particle signaling a shift or transition. In this context, it doesn't just change the topic; it forcefully shifts the focus from the blessed state of those who purify themselves to the underlying reason why others fail to do so. It essentially says, "You don't do those deeds that bring success, *rather*, this is why you don't." As Mahmud Safi notes, it implies a prior, unstated refusal to act upon what leads to success, followed by this verse explaining the cause. This "bal" carries a strong sense of reprimand.
The Act of "Preferring"
The verb "تُؤْثِرُونَ" (tu'thiroon), meaning "you prefer" or "you choose one thing over another," highlights a conscious decision. The majority reading of this word uses the letter 'ta' (ت), directly addressing the audience as "you." This is often understood to be directed at the idolaters (mushrikeen) who disregard the Hereafter, but Ibn Ashur also points out its lasting relevance for believers, reminding us of the danger of prioritizing worldly gains over our ultimate salvation. It's about where our attention, care, and efforts are primarily directed.
The Allure of "This World"
The object of this preference is "ٱلْحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنْيَا" (al-hayat al-dunya), "the worldly life." What's notably unsaid in this specific verse is *what* the worldly life is being preferred *over*. The implication, made clear by the preceding verses and the verse immediately following it (which states the Hereafter is better and more lasting), is that people are preferring this transient life over the eternal blessings and ultimate reward of the Hereafter. The verse exposes a shortsightedness, a failure to look beyond immediate gratification, and a turning away from the profound reality of what awaits. This is a powerful reminder to align our choices with what truly matters, both in this life and the next.
Sources: al-Zamakhshari (al-Kashshaf), al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Jadwal fi I'rab al-Quran (Mahmud Safi), al-Jalalayn, Ibn Ashur (al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah Al-A'la 87:16 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
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