What if everything you are chasing today — wealth, status, success, followers, recognition — disappears one day?
The Qur’an answers this uncomfortable truth with one profound sentence:
“كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍ”
A reminder from Surah Ar-Rahman that shakes the heart and reshapes how a believer views life, success, and death.
This verse is not meant to create despair.
It is meant to liberate the human heart from the illusion of permanence and redirect it toward what truly lasts — Allah and the Hereafter.
Let’s explore the meaning, classical tafsir, and the powerful life strategy hidden within this verse.
What Does “Kullu Man Alaiha Faan” Mean?
Kullu Man Alaiha Faan” means “Everyone upon the earth will perish.” It is a verse from Surah Ar-Rahman (55:26) reminding humanity that every living being and worldly power will eventually disappear, while only Allah remains eternal.
The Verse in the Qur’an
Arabic
كُلُّ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا فَانٍ
وَيَبْقَىٰ وَجْهُ رَبِّكَ ذُو الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ
Transliteration
Kullu man ʿalayhā fān.
Wa yabqā wajhu rabbika dhul-jalāli wal-ikrām.
English (Saheeh International)
“Everyone upon the earth will perish,
And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.”
Urdu (Fateh Muhammad Jalandhari)
“جو کچھ زمین پر ہے سب فنا ہونے والا ہے،
اور تمہارے رب کی ذات باقی رہے گی جو بزرگی اور عزت والی ہے۔”
Reference: Qur’an — Surah Ar-Rahman (55:26–27)
Word-by-Word Meaning of the Verse
The phrase “Kullu Man Alaiha Faan” consists of four Arabic words that collectively describe the universal reality of mortality. Each word emphasizes that every living being on earth is temporary and destined to vanish.
| Arabic | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| كُلُّ | Kullu | Every / All |
| مَنْ | Man | Whoever |
| عَلَيْهَا | Alaiha | Upon it (the earth) |
| فَانٍ | Faan | Perishing / destined to vanish |
This linguistic structure shows complete universality.
No one escapes this rule.
Not kings.
Not scholars.
Not empires.
Classical Tafsir Explanation
Classical Islamic scholars explain that this verse reminds humans that all creation is temporary and dependent on Allah. Only Allah’s existence is eternal, while everything else eventually disappears. The verse encourages humility, detachment from worldly pride, and preparation for the Hereafter.
Tafsir of Ibn Kathir
According to Ibn Kathir:
This verse declares that every living creature will die and that only Allah remains everlasting.
He explains that the verse is a reminder of:
- the temporary nature of dunya
- the eternal nature of Allah
- the inevitable return of all creation to their Creator.
It is also connected to the reality that all worldly authority fades, while Allah’s sovereignty never ends.
Tafsir of Al-Tabari
Al-Tabari explains that the verse includes:
- humans
- jinn
- animals
- every creature on earth.
Everything that exists within the created world will eventually cease to exist.
Only Allah’s “Face” (Wajh) remains, meaning His eternal essence and divine existence.
Supporting Qur’anic Evidence
1. Everything Will Perish Except Allah
The Qur’an repeats this message in multiple places to emphasize the temporary nature of worldly life. Another powerful verse states that everything will perish except Allah’s essence.
From Surah Al-Qasas (28:88)
Arabic
كُلُّ شَيْءٍ هَالِكٌ إِلَّا وَجْهَهُ
Transliteration
Kullu shay’in hālikun illā wajhah.
English
“Everything will perish except His Face.”
Urdu
“ہر چیز فنا ہونے والی ہے سوائے اس کی ذات کے۔”
2. Life of Dunya Is Temporary
The Qur’an also describes worldly life as temporary enjoyment that quickly fades. This verse explains that wealth, status, and worldly achievements are temporary tests, not permanent realities.
From Surah Al-Hadid (57:20)
English Meaning
“Know that the life of this world is only play, amusement, adornment, boasting among you, and competition in wealth and children.”
Urdu
“جان لو کہ دنیا کی زندگی کھیل تماشا، زینت اور باہمی فخر کا ذریعہ ہے۔”
Supporting Hadith About the Temporary World
1. Remember Death Often
The Prophet ﷺ advised believers to frequently remember death because it breaks attachment to worldly pleasures and reminds a person to prepare for the Hereafter.
Hadith from Sunan al-Tirmidhi:
Arabic
أَكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ هَاذِمِ اللَّذَّاتِ
Meaning
“Remember often the destroyer of pleasures: death.”
2. Be Like a Traveler in This World
The Prophet ﷺ compared life in this world to the short stay of a traveler. This hadith teaches Muslims not to become overly attached to temporary worldly comforts.
Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari:
Arabic
كُنْ فِي الدُّنْيَا كَأَنَّكَ غَرِيبٌ أَوْ عَابِرُ سَبِيلٍ
Meaning
“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveler.”
Unlock Abundance: The Secret of Prophet Musa’s Most Powerful Dua
Explore the profound meaning of “Rabbi Inni Lima Anzalta…” for those seeking goodness and provision.
Finding Peace in Trials: Why “Allah is With Us” Changes Everything
A deep dive into La Tahzan: How Surah At-Tawbah provides a shield against anxiety and grief.
The Temporary World Framework
The Temporary World Framework is a spiritual mindset derived from Qur’anic teachings. It guides Muslims to recognize the temporary nature of life, detach from excessive worldly attachment, trust Allah, and focus on eternal success in the Hereafter.
Step 1 — Dunya Awareness
The first step is realizing that everything on earth will disappear.
This awareness removes arrogance and pride.
Step 2 — Detachment from Excess
When a believer understands the temporary nature of life, attachment to:
- status
- wealth
- popularity
- social validation
naturally weakens.
The heart becomes calmer.
Step 3 — Tawakkul
Instead of relying completely on worldly systems, believers place their trust in Allah.
They understand:
The world is temporary.
Allah is eternal.
Step 4 — Akhirah Focus
When the illusion of permanence disappears, the believer begins investing in:
- good deeds
- charity
- prayer
- remembrance of Allah.
These are the only investments that last forever.
Why This Verse Matters Today
In the modern world people chase success, wealth, and digital recognition as if they will last forever. This verse reminds humanity that everything in the world eventually fades, and true success lies in preparing for the eternal life of the Hereafter.
Today people compete for:
- followers
- luxury lifestyles
- online validation
- temporary fame.
Yet the Qur’an reminds us:
Everything disappears.
Only Allah remains.
People Also Ask:
“Kullu Man Alaiha Faan” means everyone on earth will perish. It comes from Surah Ar-Rahman and reminds believers that worldly life is temporary while Allah alone is eternal.
The verse appears in Surah Ar-Rahman (55:26–27) in the Qur’an.
The verse teaches that all creation is temporary and that believers should focus on eternal success in the Hereafter rather than becoming attached to temporary worldly achievements.
Islam teaches that recognizing the temporary nature of life helps believers develop humility, gratitude, patience, and stronger faith in Allah.
The Heart of the Message
“Kullu Man Alaiha Faan” is not a message of sadness.
It is a message of clarity.
When a believer understands that everything will perish:
- arrogance disappears
- greed weakens
- gratitude increases
- faith becomes stronger.
The Qur’an gently reminds us that the world is not our permanent home.
It is only a journey toward eternity.
