Surah AL-Tariq [86]

Chapter 86 of the Quran is called Surah At-Tariq. It is a Makkan chapter consisting of 17 verses. Here is a brief explanation of the verses in this chapter:

Verses 1-3:
"By the sky and the night comer - and what can make you know what the night comer is? - It is the piercing star."

These verses begin with an oath by the sky and the night comer (the celestial body that appears at night). The rhetorical question challenges the listener to reflect on the significance and nature of this celestial object. The focus then shifts to the piercing star, drawing attention to its brightness and piercing radiance.

Verses 4-7:
"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."

These verses highlight the protective nature that Allah has established for every human being. Each person has a guardian or protector that watches over them. The verses then guide individuals to reflect on their own creation. They remind people that they were created from a fluid (semen) that is ejected and emerges from the area between the backbone and the ribs. This serves as a reminder of the humble and miraculous origin of human life.

Verses 8-11:
"Indeed, Allah, to return him [to life], is Able. The Day when secrets will be put on trial, then man will have no power or any helper."

These verses affirm Allah's ability and power to resurrect human beings after death. They emphasize the Day of Judgment when all the secrets and deeds of individuals will be exposed and brought to account. On that day, no one will have the power or any helper to escape the consequences of their actions.

Verses 12-17:
"By the sky which returns [rain], and [by] the earth which cracks open, indeed, 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."

These verses take oaths by the sky that brings forth rain and the earth that splits open to allow vegetation to grow. The purpose of these oaths is to emphasize the truth and decisiveness of the Quran as a divine revelation. It asserts that the Quran is not a work of amusement or idle talk. It is a profound and decisive statement of truth.

The verses then address the disbelievers who plot and scheme against the truth. It asserts that no matter what plans they may devise, Allah is the ultimate planner and will ultimately prevail. The disbelievers are granted respite and allowed time to reflect and reconsider their disbelief.

Overall Themes:
Surah At-Tariq highlights the power and ability of Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It draws attention to the celestial bodies and their role in the divine plan. The chapter also emphasizes the miraculous nature of human creation and the accountability of individuals on the Day of Judgment.

The chapter serves as a reminder of the decisive and truthful nature of the Quran. It asserts that the Quran is not a work of amusement but a profound statement of guidance and truth. It warns the disbelievers of the consequences of their disbelief and reminds them to reflect and reconsider their position.

Overall, Surah At-Tariq calls individuals to ponder upon the signs of creation, recognize the power and wisdom of Allah, and reflect on their own creation and accountability. It encourages believers to take the Quran seriously, acknowledging its decisive nature and seeking guidance from it.

Here are some additional points about Surah At-Tariq:

Verses 1-3:
The verses begin with an oath by the sky and the night comer, drawing attention to the celestial bodies and their significance in the grand design of the universe. The mention of the piercing star highlights its brightness and radiance, emphasizing its awe-inspiring nature.

Verses 4-7:
These verses remind individuals of their creation and the protective nature established by Allah for every human being. Each person has a guardian or protector watching over them. The mention of the creation from a fluid (semen) ejected from between the backbone and ribs highlights the intricate and miraculous process of human reproduction.

Verses 8-11:
These verses affirm the power of Allah to resurrect human beings after death. They emphasize the Day of Judgment, when all secrets and deeds will be exposed and individuals will be held accountable for their actions. It emphasizes the ultimate powerlessness of individuals on that day, as no one will have the ability to escape the consequences of their deeds or find any helper.

Verses 12-17:
These verses take additional oaths by the sky and the earth to assert the truth and decisiveness of the Quran as a divine revelation. It emphasizes that the Quran is not a work of amusement or idle talk but a profound and decisive statement of truth. It contrasts the sincere message of the Quran with the plotting and scheming of the disbelievers. It asserts that no matter what plans they may devise, Allah is the ultimate planner, and His plan will prevail.

The verses conclude by granting respite to the disbelievers and allowing them time to reconsider their disbelief. It reminds them to reflect upon the signs of creation and the truth of the Quran before it is too late.

Overall Themes:
Surah At-Tariq highlights the power and wisdom of Allah as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It draws attention to the celestial bodies and their role in the divine plan. The chapter emphasizes the miraculous nature of human creation and the accountability of individuals on the Day of Judgment.

Furthermore, the chapter serves as a reminder of the decisive and truthful nature of the Quran. It asserts the seriousness of the Quran as a divine revelation and warns against treating it as mere amusement or idle talk. It highlights the contrast between the sincere message of the Quran and the plotting and scheming of the disbelievers.

Surah At-Tariq calls individuals to reflect upon the signs of creation, recognize the power and wisdom of Allah, and acknowledge their own creation and accountability. It encourages believers to take the Quran seriously, seek guidance from it, and warns the disbelievers of the consequences of their disbelief while granting them time for reflection.

Overall, the chapter emphasizes the ultimate power and authority of Allah, the importance of recognizing His signs, and the need for individuals to align themselves with the truth and guidance provided by the Quran.