Surah At-Taghabun (The Mutual Disillusion)

At-Taghabun refers to the "Day of Mutual Loss and Gain" or "Mutual Disillusion," a name for the Day of Resurrection when true winners and losers become clear.

At-Taghabun is the 64th chapter of the Quran, a Medinan surah of 18 ayahs. It opens by affirming that everything in the heavens and earth glorifies God, who holds sovereignty and praise and has power over all things. The surah reflects on creation, the origins of humankind, and the certainty of resurrection, addressing those who deny being raised again. It draws its name from a term describing the Day of Judgment as a day of mutual gain and loss, when reality is unveiled and each soul sees the outcome of its choices. The surah calls for belief in God and His messenger and in the light that has been sent down, and it counsels patience amid trials, warning that spouses, children, and wealth can be a test. It ends by urging God-consciousness, obedience, and generous spending, promising that good given will be multiplied.

Surah number: 64
Revelation: Medinan
Ayahs: 18
Arabic: التغابن

Read Surah At-Taghabun online — full Arabic text with the Pickthall English translation.

Main themes

God's sovereignty over all creation
The certainty of resurrection and accountability
The Day of Judgment as mutual gain and loss
Family and wealth as tests of faith
Trust in God amid hardship and misfortune
God-consciousness, obedience, and charitable giving

Why this surah matters

At-Taghabun belongs to a series of short Medinan surahs and is noted for its striking name, which frames the afterlife as a settling of accounts where apparent worldly winners and losers may be reversed. It is often cited for its balanced treatment of faith and trials, particularly its counsel that hardship unfolds by God's knowledge and that family can be both a blessing and a test. Many Muslims turn to its verses on patience and reliance on God during personal difficulty, valuing its concise summary of belief, accountability, and steadfastness.

Frequently asked questions

What does At-Taghabun mean?

It refers to the Day of Resurrection described as a day of mutual gain and loss, when the true outcomes of people's choices are revealed and worldly appearances are overturned.

Is At-Taghabun Meccan or Medinan?

It is commonly classified as Medinan, though a minority of scholars have discussed a Meccan character for parts of it; the mainstream placement is Medinan.

What comfort does the surah offer during hardship?

It teaches that no misfortune occurs except by God's knowledge and counsels patience, trust in God, and continued good conduct through trials involving family, wealth, and adversity.

Read Surah At-Taghabun

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