Living The Quran
From Issue: 961 [Read full issue]
Mutual Loss
Al-Taghabun (Mutual Loss) Sura 64: Verse 9 (partial)
"The day He will gather you together: on the day of gathering, that will be the day of mutual loss."
It has been said that Yawm al-taghbun is one of the names of the Day of Judgment. This refers to the gain of one at the loss of another on that Day. The fortunate ones will see themselves escaping the places of the wretched ones that they would have inherited, had they been wretched ones; and the wretched ones will see the places of the fortunate ones escape them that they would have inherited, had they been the fortunate ones. Thus, it will be a mutual loss. (Zamakhshari)
The utter loss of the disbelievers will become evident on the Day of Judgment when they are deprived of eternal delight because of their abandonment of faith. Moreover, believers will realize a certain 'loss,' as well, because they will then realize their missed opportunities in life for increased righteous works. (Al-Khazin)
Perhaps in plain terms, since everyone will lose something or the other of his good deeds to others, as a penalty for wrongs done, it will be a day of mutual loss for all.
Compiled From:
"Ishraq Al-Ma'ani" - Syed Iqbal Zaheer, p. 293
"The Gracious Quran" - Ahmad Zaki Hammad, pp. 271, 272