Surah At-Takwir [81]

 

Part 1

Surah At-Takwir is the 81st chapter of the Quran, consisting of 29 verses. The word "Takwir" means "the folding up" or "the enfolding," which refers to the cosmic events described in the surah that signify the approach of the Day of Judgment.

Verse 1:
"When the sun (with its spacious light) is folded up,"

This verse describes a cosmic event in which the sun, which is a source of light and energy for the Earth, will be folded up or extinguished. It signifies a momentous occurrence, indicating the Day of Judgment.

Verses 2-4:
"When the stars fall, losing their lustre, when the mountains are made to vanish, when the pregnant she-camels are neglected,"

These verses describe further signs and upheavals that will take place on the Day of Judgment. The falling of stars signifies the celestial bodies losing their brightness or being destroyed. The disappearance of mountains represents the drastic changes that will occur in the physical landscape. The neglect of pregnant she-camels refers to the abandonment of normal care and responsibility, reflecting the disruption and chaos of that Day.

Verses 5-7:
"When the wild beasts are herded together in human habitations, when the oceans surge and overflow, when souls are reunited with their bodies,"

These verses continue to depict the extraordinary events that will transpire on the Day of Judgment. The herding of wild beasts in human habitations symbolizes the breakdown of the natural order and the mingling of different realms. The surging and overflowing of the oceans represent the disturbance and upheaval in the environment. The reunion of souls with their bodies refers to the resurrection and the gathering of all human beings for accountability.

Verses 8-10:
"When the girl-child buried alive is asked for what sin she was slain, when the pages are laid open, when the sky is peeled away,"

These verses highlight the accountability and justice that will prevail on the Day of Judgment. The practice of burying infant girls alive, which was prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia, is mentioned as a grave sin that will be questioned and condemned. The opening of the pages refers to the unveiling and exposure of the record of deeds, signifying the transparency and fairness of the judgment. The peeling away of the sky denotes the removal of the veil that separates the earthly realm from the higher realms, revealing the full majesty of the divine presence.

Verses 11-14:
"When the Hellfire is set ablaze, when Paradise is brought near, then a soul will know what it has brought [with it]."

These verses describe the contrasting destinations and consequences on the Day of Judgment. The Hellfire is ignited, indicating the punishment and torment that await the wicked. Paradise is brought near, signifying the reward and bliss that await the righteous. The final verse emphasizes that each soul will come to realize and acknowledge the true nature of its deeds and the responsibility it carries.

Surah At-Takwir serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment and the ultimate accountability of human beings. It portrays the cosmic upheavals and extraordinary events that will occur, underscoring the power and control of Allah over the universe. The surah highlights the importance of recognizing and reflecting upon one's actions, as well as the consequences that await in the Hereafter.

As always, it is important to study the context, themes, and broader teachings of the Quran to gain a comprehensive understanding. The Quran is a complete book of guidance, and individual verses should be understood within the overall framework of its message.

 Here's some additional information about Surah At-Takwir and its broader themes:

The surah begins by describing the folding up of the sun, the falling of stars, the vanishing of mountains, and the neglect of pregnant she-camels. These extraordinary events serve as signs of the imminent Day of Judgment and indicate the immense power and control of Allah over the universe.

The surah then highlights further signs of the impending Day, including the herding of wild beasts in human habitations, the surging and overflowing of the oceans, and the reunion of souls with their bodies. These events symbolize the disruption of the natural order, the upheaval in the environment, and the gathering of humanity for accountability.

The surah addresses the grave sin of burying infant girls alive, which was a practice prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia. It highlights the injustice of this act and emphasizes that on the Day of Judgment, those who committed such crimes will be held accountable and questioned for their deeds.

The surah also mentions the pages being laid open, signifying the unveiling and exposure of the record of deeds. This emphasizes the transparency and fairness of the judgment that will take place, where every action and intention will be brought to light.

Furthermore, the surah describes the Hellfire being set ablaze, representing the punishment and torment that await the wicked, while Paradise is brought near, indicating the reward and bliss that await the righteous. This serves as a reminder of the contrasting destinations and consequences in the Hereafter.

Overall, Surah At-Takwir serves as a powerful reminder of the Day of Judgment, the accountability of human beings, and the ultimate justice of Allah. It highlights the signs and upheavals that will occur before the Day, stressing the need for reflection, repentance, and righteous actions in this worldly life.

As with any chapter of the Quran, a comprehensive understanding of Surah At-Takwir is achieved by studying its context, themes, and the overall teachings of the Quran. The Quran is a complete book of guidance that provides insight into the purpose of life, the nature of the human condition, and the path to righteousness. Individual verses should be understood within the broader framework of its message.

 Part 2

Here is an explanation of verses 15-29 in Chapter 81 of the Quran, Surah At-Takwir:

Verse 15:
"When the heavens are opened."

This verse signifies the opening or unfolding of the heavens, indicating a major cosmic event that will occur on the Day of Judgment. It represents the removal of barriers and the unveiling of the unseen realms.

Verses 16-18:
"When the mountains are moved and made to pass away. And when the hellfire is set ablaze. And when Paradise is brought near."

These verses continue to describe the extraordinary events that will take place on the Day of Judgment. The moving and passing away of mountains symbolize the complete transformation and alteration of the physical landscape. The setting ablaze of the Hellfire represents the punishment and torment that await the wicked. The bringing near of Paradise signifies the reward and bliss that await the righteous.

Verses 19-21:
"Then every soul will know what it has brought [with it]. So I swear by the retreating stars. Those that run [their courses] and disappear."

These verses emphasize the awareness and realization that each soul will have regarding its own deeds and actions. Every individual will come to know the consequences and outcomes of their choices and behavior. The use of an oath by Allah, swearing by the retreating stars that run their courses and disappear, adds emphasis and certainty to this truth.

Verses 22-25:
"And by the night as it closes in. And by the dawn as it breathes. Indeed, the Qur'an is a word [conveyed by] a noble messenger. [Who is] possessed of power and with the Owner of the Throne, secure [in position]."

These verses highlight the importance and significance of the Quran, the word of Allah, revealed through a noble messenger. The night closing in and the dawn breathing symbolize the passage of time and the cycles of day and night, underscoring the constancy and continuity of Allah's message. The mention of the noble messenger being in the secure position with the Owner of the Throne signifies the authority and trustworthiness of the message.

Verses 26-29:
"Obeyed there [in the heavens] and trustworthy. And your companion is not [at all] mad. And he has already seen Gabriel in the clear horizon. And Muhammad is not a withholder of [knowledge of] the unseen."

These verses address the objections and doubts raised by the disbelievers regarding the sanity and authenticity of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his message. It affirms that the angels in the heavens obey and trust in the message of the Prophet. It clarifies that the Prophet is not insane and has indeed witnessed the angel Gabriel in a clear and unmistakable manner. Furthermore, it asserts that the Prophet does not withhold any knowledge of the unseen but conveys the revelations he receives.

Surah At-Takwir serves as a reminder of the Day of Judgment, the accountability of human beings, and the consequences of their actions. It emphasizes the transformative and profound nature of the events that will occur, as well as the certainty and truthfulness of the Quranic message.

As always, it is important to study the context, themes, and broader teachings of the Quran to gain a comprehensive understanding. The Quran is a complete book of guidance, and individual verses should be understood within the overall framework of its message.

 

 Here's some additional information about Surah At-Takwir and its verses 15-29:

Surah At-Takwir is a chapter of the Quran that vividly describes the cosmic events and signs of the Day of Judgment. It serves as a powerful reminder of the immense power and control of Allah over the universe and emphasizes the accountability of human beings for their actions in this worldly life.

Verse 15 states that the heavens will be opened. This opening refers to the removal of barriers and the unveiling of the unseen realms. It signifies a momentous event that will occur on the Day of Judgment, allowing for a profound connection between the earthly realm and the higher realms.

Verses 16-18 continue to depict the extraordinary events of the Day of Judgment. The movement and passing away of mountains symbolize the complete transformation and alteration of the physical landscape. It highlights the magnitude of the changes that will occur, indicating the dissolution of the familiar world. The setting ablaze of the Hellfire represents the punishment and torment that awaits the wicked, while the bringing near of Paradise signifies the reward and bliss that awaits the righteous.

Verses 19-21 emphasize the realization and awareness that every soul will have regarding its own deeds and actions. On the Day of Judgment, individuals will fully comprehend the consequences and outcomes of their choices and behavior. The mention of the retreating stars in an oath by Allah adds emphasis and certainty to this truth.

Verses 22-25 draw attention to the significance of the Quran as the word of Allah. The night closing in and the dawn breathing symbolize the passage of time and the cycles of day and night, highlighting the constancy and continuity of Allah's message. The mention of the noble messenger, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), being in a secure position with the Owner of the Throne affirms the authority and trustworthiness of the message.

Verses 26-29 address the objections and doubts raised by the disbelievers regarding the sanity and authenticity of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his message. It asserts that the angels in the heavens obey and trust in the message brought by the Prophet. It clarifies that the Prophet is not insane and has witnessed the angel Gabriel in a clear and unmistakable manner. Furthermore, it affirms that the Prophet does not withhold any knowledge of the unseen but conveys the revelations he receives.

Overall, Surah At-Takwir serves as a powerful reminder of the Day of Judgment and the accountability of human beings. It emphasizes the transformative and profound nature of the events that will occur, as well as the certainty and truthfulness of the Quranic message.

It is important to approach the study of the Quran with a comprehensive understanding of its context, themes, and broader teachings. The Quran is a complete book of guidance that provides insight into the purpose of life, the nature of the human condition, and the path to righteousness. Individual verses should be understood within the broader framework of its message.