سُوْرَةُ الْاَعْلٰي

Surah Al-A'laa (87) — Ayah 17

The Most High · Meccan · Juz 30 · Page 592

وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰٓ ﴿17﴾
Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.
وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةُ wal-ākhiratu While the Hereafter
خَيْرٌۭ khayrun (is) better
وَأَبْقَىٰٓ wa-abqā and everlasting

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.

The tafsir of this verse may be read with the following verses.

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.

17. 1. Because the world and everything in it is perishable, whereas the life of the Hereafter is everlasting and eternal, therefore a wise person does not prefer a perishable thing over that which is everlasting.

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.

Yet the Hereafter is better [11] and more lasting.

[11] That is, your real ailment is that you prefer the world over the Hereafter, whereas the Hereafter is better than the world for two reasons. First, the blessings there are far superior to the blessings of this world. Second, the blessings there are everlasting and never-ending, while the blessings of this world are perishable.