The surah calls humanity to reflect on their creation, recognize Allah’s power, and prepare for the Day of Judgment.
Translation of Surah Al-Tariq (Chapter 86)
By the sky and the night visitor,
And what can make you know what the night visitor is?
It is the piercing star,
There is no soul but that it has over it a protector.
So let man observe from what he was created.
He was created from a fluid, ejected,
Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs.
Indeed, He [Allah] is Able to return him [to life].
On the Day when secrets will be put on trial,
Then he will have no power or any helper.
By the sky which returns [rain],
And [by] the earth which splits [with sprouts],
Indeed, it [the Qur’an] is a decisive statement,
And it is not amusement.
Indeed, they are planning a plan,
But I am planning a plan.
So allow time for the disbelievers. Leave them awhile.
Summary from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an (by Maulana Maududi)
Context and Theme: This chapter/ surah, emphasizing the power of Allah, the reality of human creation, and the inevitability of the Day of Judgment. It serves as a reminder to humanity of their origin, accountability, and the truth of the Qur’an, while warning disbelievers of their futile plans against Allah’s will.
Key Points from Tafheem-ul-Qur’an:
Oaths and Their Significance (Verses 1-3): The surah begins with an oath by the sky and the “night visitor” (interpreted as a bright, piercing star). The star symbolizes light penetrating darkness, signifying divine guidance and the Qur’an’s role in illuminating hearts. The oath draws attention to the grandeur of Allah’s creation and His watchfulness.
Divine Surveillance (Verse 4): Every soul has a guardian angel appointed by Allah, recording its deeds. This underscores human accountability and Allah’s omniscience, refuting the notion that actions go unnoticed.
Human Creation (Verses 5-7): Man is urged to reflect on his humble origin—created from a mere drop of fluid emanating from between the backbone and ribs. This highlights Allah’s creative power and man’s dependence on Him, humbling human arrogance.
Resurrection and Judgment (Verses 8-10): Allah, who created man from nothing, is fully capable of resurrecting him. On the Day of Judgment, hidden secrets will be exposed, and man will stand powerless, without allies, facing divine justice.
Oaths of Natural Phenomena (Verses 11-12): The sky, with its cycle of rain, and the earth, which splits to produce vegetation, testify to Allah’s power and the truth of resurrection. These natural processes mirror the cycle of life, death, and revival.
The Qur’an’s Authority (Verses 13-14): The Qur’an is described as a decisive word, not a source of entertainment. Its purpose is to guide, warn, and establish truth, demanding serious attention.
Plots of Disbelievers vs. Allah’s Plan (Verses 15-17): Disbelievers scheme to undermine the truth, but Allah’s plan is supreme and unassailable. The surah advises patience, giving respite to disbelievers, as their efforts will ultimately fail.