At-Takāthur (, "Rivalry, Competition") is the 102nd chapter (sūrah) of the Qur'an, with 8 verses (āyāt). Regarding the timing and contextual background of the believed revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), it is an earlier "Meccan surah", which means it is believed to have been revealed in Mecca, rather than later in Medina.

Summary

Text, translation, and transliteration

The translation is the Saheeh International English translation of the Qur'an. Bismi l-āhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm(i) In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful... 1 ’al hākumu t-takāthur(u) Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you 2 Ḥattā zurtumu l-maqābir(a) Until you visit the graveyards. 3 Kallā sawfa ta‘lamūn(a) No! You are going to know. 4 Thumma kallā sawfa ta‘lamūn(a) Then, no! You are going to know. 5 Kallā law ta‘lamūna ‘ilma l-yaqīn(i) No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty... 6 Latarawunna l-jaḥīm(a) You will surely see the Hellfire. 7 Thumma latarawunnahā ‘ayna l-yaqīn(i) Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty. 8 Thumma latus’alunna yawma’idhin ‘ani n-na‘īm(i) Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure.

Overview

After the bismillah, this Surah is concerned with factionalism and schism amongst people. Disagreements between individuals and groups follow us "even until you visit the tombs". Three times in a row the sura warns the reader that "you shall know" that those who sow discord are headed towards Hell. Here, proper understanding is required for entrance into Paradise, and should one not attain this on Earth, one will receive the "eye of certainty" on the Day of Judgment, when "you shall be questioned ... concerning true bliss".

Mention in ahadith