Tafsir of Ad-Dhuha 93:4

Surah Ad-Duha (The Morning Light): Verse 4

4. And the Hereafter is certainly better for you than the first [life].

There are several ways to connect this verse to what precedes it:

1. Regarding the Cessation of Revelation: The cessation of revelation should not be interpreted as the Prophet's dismissal from prophethood. At most, it could imply that he has become self-sufficient in his mission, which is a sign of impending death. Thus, the meaning is: If the cessation of revelation signals death, then death is better for you, because what you possess with Allah in the Hereafter is superior and more excellent than what you have in this world.

2. Regarding the Great Honor: When the verse {Your Lord has not forsaken you} (Ad-Duha: 3) was revealed, it conferred immense honor upon him. As if to emphasize this honor, it is then said: {And the Hereafter is certainly better for you than the first [life]}. Meaning, although this honor is great, what you have with Allah in the Hereafter is greater and more magnificent.

3. Regarding Future States (My Personal View): The meaning could be that the coming states (of honor) will be better for you than the past ones. It is as if Allah promises to continually increase his glory day by day, adding status upon status. He is told: Do not think I have neglected you; rather, every coming day, I will increase your status and majesty.

First Inquiry: By what means do we know that the Hereafter was better for him than the first life (this world)?

Answer: There are several reasons:

1. It is as if Allah is saying: In this world, you are in a state of good because you do what you desire. However, the Hereafter is better for you because We do what We desire there.
2. The Hereafter is better for you because your community (Ummah) will be gathered with you. The Ummah is to the Prophet like his children. Allah says: {And his wives are their mothers} (Al-Ahzab: 6), and he is a father to them. Since his Ummah will be in Paradise, it is as if his children will be in Paradise. The children are called the coolness of the eyes, as the righteous prayed: {And grant us from among our wives and our offspring comfort to our eyes} (Al-Furqan: 74).
3. The Hereafter is better for you because you have purchased it. This world is not truly yours. Even if the Hereafter were equal to this world, the Hereafter would still be better because what is your possession is better for you than what is not your possession. How much more so when the Hereafter has no comparison to this world in virtue?
4. The Hereafter is better for you than the first life because in this world, the disbelievers attack you. In the Hereafter, I will make your Ummah witnesses over the nations, and I will make you a witness over the Prophets. Then, I will make My very Self a witness for you, as He says: {And Allah is sufficient as a Witness * Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah} (Al-Fath: 28-29).
5. The goods of this world are few, mixed with impurity, and transient. The pleasures of the Hereafter are abundant, pure, and everlasting.

Second Inquiry: Why did He say {And the Hereafter is certainly better for you} (singular) and not {better for you all} (plural)?

Answer: This is because among those present with him were those for whom the Hereafter would be a misfortune. If Allah had generalized the statement, it would have been a lie. If He had specified only the obedient, the sinners and hypocrites would have been exposed.

For this reason, Moses (peace be upon him) said: {No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me} (Ash-Shu'ara: 62). However, concerning Muhammad (peace be upon him), those who were with him were certainly among the people of felicity, so it was appropriate to say: {Indeed, Allah is with us} (At-Tawbah: 40), as there was only a Prophet and a truthful one (Siddiq).

It is narrated that Moses (peace be upon him) went out for rain, accompanied by thousands of people for three days, but they did not receive an answer. Moses asked about the reason for the lack of response. Allah replied: "I will not answer you as long as a slanderer is among you." Moses asked who it was. Allah replied: "I detest him, so how can I accept his deeds?" Not long after, revelation came that the slanderer had died, and this was his funeral at the prayer place. So Moses went to that prayer place and found seventy funerals there. This shows how Allah conceals matters from His enemies, so how much more so from His allies!

Reflect further, for there is a subtle point here: Moses (peace be upon him) said, "If it were not for the bowing old men [among them]..." This indicates an increase in the virtue of this Ummah, because Allah used to reject thousands for the sake of one sinner, whereas here, He shows mercy to the sinners because of one obedient person.