Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
And the life of this world is nothing but play and amusement. But far better is the house in the Hereafter for those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2). Will you not then understand?
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
وَمَاwamāAnd not
ٱلْحَيَوٰةُl-ḥayatu(is) the life
ٱلدُّنْيَآl-dun'yā(of) the world
إِلَّاillāexcept
لَعِبٌۭlaʿibuna play
وَلَهْوٌۭ ۖwalahwunand amusement
وَلَلدَّارُwalalddārubut the home
ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُl-ākhiratu(of) the Hereafter
خَيْرٌۭkhayrun(is) best
لِّلَّذِينَlilladhīnafor those who
يَتَّقُونَ ۗyattaqūna(are) God conscious
أَفَلَاafalāThen not
تَعْقِلُونَtaʿqilūna(will) you reason
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 32)➊ {وَمَاالْحَيٰوةُالدُّنْيَاۤ … :} Because of the fleeting nature of worldly life, it has been called amusement and play. (Razi) That is, in comparison to the real and everlasting life of the Hereafter, the life of this world and its pleasures are just like children's games and amusements, which end after a short while. See Surah Hadid (20). Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "To go out in the path of Allah for one evening or one morning is better than the world and whatever is in it, and a place in Paradise equal to the size of your bow, or the space occupied by your whip, is better than the world and whatever is in it. And if a woman from the people of Paradise were to look down upon the people of the earth, she would illuminate the space between the heavens and the earth and fill it with fragrance, and the scarf on her head is better than the world and whatever is in it." [ بخاری، الجہاد والسیر، باب الحورالعین و صفتھن : ۲۷۹۶ ]
➋ {وَلَلدَّارُالْاٰخِرَةُخَيْرٌ … :} That is, the home of the Hereafter is far better than this world, but only for those who avoid disbelief, polytheism, hypocrisy, and major sins. Otherwise, for the disbeliever, the life of this world is better, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [ اَلدُّنْيَاسِجْنُالْمُؤْمِنِوَجَنَّةُالْكَافِرِ ][ مسلم، الزھد، باب الدنیا سجن…:۲۹۵۶ ] "The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever."
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
The exegesis of this verse has been done along with the previous verse.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
32. The life of this world is nothing but play [36] and amusement, and the home of the Hereafter is surely better for those who fear Allah. Will you not then understand?
[36] In What Sense is the Life of This World Play and Amusement:
This does not mean that there is absolutely no seriousness in the life of this world, or that it has been created merely for play, amusement, or entertainment. Rather, it means that in comparison to the real and everlasting life of the Hereafter, this life is like a person who spends some time in play and amusement to pass the time, and then turns his attention back to his real work. This play and amusement is only for those who are superficial and worldly, and since the majority of people living in this world are such that they remain lost in the attractions of this world, therefore, sometimes the life of this world is called play and amusement, and sometimes it is called a means of deception. Otherwise, for the believers and those who fear Allah, every moment of this worldly life is precious, because whatever they sow in this world, that is what they will reap in the Hereafter.