Transliteration:( Kalla law ta'lamoona 'ilmal yaqeen )
The word "if" in the verse is a concealed function, meaning that had they truly understood the consequences, their behavior would have been different.
The verse emphasizes the difference between types of faith and knowledge. Faith after hearing about something provides convincing knowledge, while faith after seeing it provides positive knowledge. However, faith that becomes clear after it has manifested is absolute knowledge.
A classical example of this distinction can be found in accepting the sanctity of Makkah. Initially, one may accept its sanctity after hearing about it. Then, they may gain further understanding from a distant view of it, and finally, after entering the city and experiencing it firsthand, they gain absolute knowledge.
In the same way, our faith is based on convincing knowledge, while the belief of the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is based on absolute knowledge. Furthermore, the Noble Companions and certain special saints are granted positive knowledge of matters related to faith. While still in this world, they are able to see glimpses of Paradise and Hell, which further strengthens their understanding of the Afterlife.
The tafsir of Surah Takathur verse 5 by Ibn Kathir is unavailable here.
Please refer to Surah Takathur ayat 1 which provides the complete commentary from verse 1 through 8.
(102:5) Nay, would that you knew with certainty of knowledge (what your attitude will lead to, you would never have acted the way you do).
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
[1981]- The conclusion of this verse is estimated to be "...you would not have been distracted from preparing for the Hereafter."
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