The verse “Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul Maut” from the Noble Quran highlights the reality of life after death. The full verse and its various interpretations (Tafsir) underscore the inevitability of death for all living beings, followed by resurrection and accountability in the Hereafter.
Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul Maut In Arabic Text
The Kullu nafsin is written in Arabic text as;
كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ
Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul Maut Meaning In English
Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul means Every soul will taste death.
Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul Maut Verses In Quran
Kullu Nafsin can be found in three surahs in the Quran. The first verse of kullu Nafsin is in Surah Al Imran, verse 185. The others are in vere 35, surah Al Anbiya and verse 57 in surah Ankabut respectively.
Verse #1 Surah Al Imran verse 185
كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوۡنَ أُجُورَكُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَٰمَةِۖ فَمَن زُحۡزِحَ عَنِ ٱلنَّارِ وَأُدۡخِلَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ فَقَدۡ فَازَۗ وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ إِلَّا مَتَٰعُ ٱلۡغُرُورِ
Transliteration
Kullu nafsin zaaa’iqatul mawt; wa innamaa tuwaffawna ujoorakum Yawmal Qiyaamati faman zuhziha ‘anin Naari wa udkhilal Jannata faqad faaz; wa mal hayaatud dunyaaa illaa mataa’ul ghuroor.
Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul Maut Meaning In English
Every soul will taste death, and only on the Day of Resurrection will you be requited in full [for your deeds]. Whoever is saved from the fire and admitted to paradise will have triumphed, for the life of this world is nothing but a fleeting vanity.
Verse #2 Surah Al Anbiya verse 35
كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةًۖ وَإِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ
Meaning: Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned.
Verse #3 Surah Ankabut verse 57
كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۖ ثُمَّ إِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ
Meaning: Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.
READ ALSO: Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajiun Meaning, Arabic Text & Benefits
Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul Maut How Many Times in Quran
Kullu Nafsin Zaikatul Maut appears three times in the Quran, and it is found in:
- Surah Al Imran verse 185
- Surah Al Anbiya verse 35
- Surah Ankabut verse 57
Explanation of the verse
This verse serves as a reminder to not be overly attached to this world, as it is fleeting and deceiving. Its allure is temporary, and ultimately, everyone will pass away and enter the realm of eternity, where they will be held accountable for their actions.
The ultimate triumph is achieving salvation from the fire and entering paradise, where unimaginable delights await. Failure to attain this triumph means eternal suffering.
This verse subtly references the joy and punishment in the intermediate state (al-barzakh), where souls receive a partial reckoning for their deeds.
The full reckoning will occur on the Day of Resurrection, as stated in the verse. Additionally, the Quran hints at a lesser punishment in this world, preceding the greater punishment in the afterlife (Surah as-Sajdah, 32:21).
The verse highlights the ultimate reality, especially when disbelievers seem to thrive and enjoy luxuries, while Muslims face hardships and limitations.
However, this is not a cause for distress, as both joy and sorrow in this world are fleeting. Death is inevitable, and worldly comforts and hardships are transient.
A wise person should focus on the afterlife, where deeds will be rewarded or punished severely and eternally. The ultimate success is achieving salvation from Hell and entering Paradise, which may come immediately for the righteous or after purification for sinning Muslims.
Disbelievers, however, will eternally dwell in Hell, deceived by their brief worldly gains. The verse concludes that worldly life is an illusion, where material pleasures lead to future hardships, and current hardships become treasures in the Hereafter.
Allah declares that every living being will experience death, emphasizing that only He is the Eternal and Ever-Living One.
This truth is comforting, as it reminds us that death is a shared fate, and none can escape it. When the world comes to an end, Allah will initiate the Day of Resurrection, recompensing creation for their deeds, big or small.
The ultimate success is achieving salvation from Hell and entering Paradise, which is incomparably better than this fleeting life.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) likened this life to a mere drop in the ocean, insignificant compared to the Hereafter.
Believers are encouraged to recognize the transient nature of this life and strive for obedience to Allah, seeking solace in His eternal presence.
Amidst life’s challenges and the enemy’s discouraging words, believers find strength in Allah’s promise of ultimate triumph and eternal bliss.