Surah Al-Tariq (Arabic: الطارق) is the 86th chapter of the Qur'an, consisting of 17 verses. It is a Meccan surah, revealed before the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Madina. It is located in the 30th Juz' (part) of the Qur'an, and it follows Surah Al-Burooj. The surah is named after the "Tariq," which refers to the "piercing star" mentioned in the opening verses.
Surah Al-Tariq is a chapter that emphasizes the greatness of Allah’s ﷻ creation, the certainty of resurrection, and the importance of the Qur'an. Its verses address fundamental themes of divine power, human creation, and accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Revelation:
The early verses of Surah Al-Tariq were revealed in response to an event involving the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ uncle, Abu Talib. One day, while Abu Talib was visiting the Prophet ﷺ, a star fell and filled the sky with light and fire. The Prophet ﷺ explained that it was a star thrown into the sky as a sign from Allah ﷻ. This led to the revelation of the opening verses of the surah: Abu Talib was amazed, leading to the revelation of the beginning of Surah Al-Tariq: "By the sky and the night-comer (Al-Tariq).. and what will make you know what the night-comer is? It is the piercing star."
The verse "Let man consider from what he is created" was revealed in the context of Abu Al-Ashadd, who was a disbeliever known for his strength. He once stood challenging the Quraysh tribe, asking if anyone could remove him from where he stood, and should they be able to he would reward them. He also mocked the Prophet's ﷺ claim that Hell had 19 keepers, boasting that he could handle 10 of them on his own. This verse was revealed to refute his arrogance and challenge his disbelief.
Order of Revelation:
Surah Al-Tariq is located in the 30th part of the Qur’an, positioned between Surah Al-Buruj (85) and Surah Al-A'la (87). There are thematic connections between these surahs that create continuity and coherence in the messages they convey, together emphasize the following key themes:
- The signs in the universe and human creation as proof of Allah's ﷻ power and wisdom.
- The reality of the Day of Judgment and the fate of both believers and disbelievers.
- The importance of faith, perseverance, and the reassurance that Allah’s ﷻ plan will ultimately overcome any human schemes.
This thematic progression from cosmic signs, human creation, and resurrection in Surah Al-Tariq, to divine order and success in the afterlife in Surah Al-A'la, creates a deep connection between these three surahs. They collectively encourage reflection on the natural world, human life, and the inevitable return to Allah ﷻ.
Translation:
- Verse 1: By the sky and the Tariq,
- Verse 2: And what can make you know what is the Tariq?
- Verse 3: The piercing star.
- Verse 4: There is no soul but has a guardian over it,
- Verse 5: Let man consider from what he is created,
- Verse 6: Created from a fluid, ejected,
- Verse 7: Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs.
- Verse 8: Indeed, He [Allah] is capable of returning him [to life].
- Verse 9: On the Day all secrets will be disclosed,
- Verse 10: He [man] will have no power and no one to help him.
- Verse 11: By the sky with its recurring cycles,
- Verse 12: And [by] the earth which splits,
- Verse 13: Indeed, it [the Qur'an] is a decisive statement,
- Verse 14: And is not to be taken lightly.
- Verse 15: They are certainly devising ˹evil˺ plans,
- Verse 16: And I too am devising a guile,
-
Verse 17: So let the disbelievers be; give them respite for a while.
In-Depth:
Verses 1-3: "By the sky and the Tariq, and what can make you know what is the Tariq? The piercing star."
The surah begins with an oath by the sky and the "Tariq" (piercing star). The "Tariq" is a reference to a bright star that appears in the night sky, symbolizing Allah’s ﷻ power and creation. The rhetorical question that follows emphasizes the greatness and majesty of the "Tariq," which is beyond human comprehension. It explains that the "Tariq" is a bright, piercing star, emphasizing its brilliance and importance as a sign of Allah’s ﷻ creation.
Verses 4-8: "There is no soul but has a guardian over it, let man consider from what he is created, created from a fluid, ejected, emerging from between the backbone and the ribs. Indeed, He [Allah] is capable of returning him [to life]."
These verses indicate that each person has angels assigned to protect and record their deeds, and then Man is urged to reflect on his creation, as he is created from a small, significant quantity of fluid, reflecting on the humble origins of human life. The verses then describe the fluid's origin, highlighting the precision of human creation. Allah’sﷻ ability to revive and resurrect humans is assured, demonstrating His power over life and death.
Verses 9-10: "On the Day all secrets will be disclosed, he [man] will have no power and no one to help him."
On the Day of Judgment, all hidden deeds and intentions will be revealed and judged, and on that day, no one will be able to help or defend anyone except by their deeds.
Verses 12-14: "By the sky with its recurring cycles, and [by] the earth which splits, Indeed, it [the Qur'an] is a decisive statement, and is not to be taken lightly."
In these verses, Allah ﷻ swears by the sky that brings rain back to Earth, and the Earth which has cracks or fissures to sustain life and growth (demonstrating Allah’s ﷻ control over natural phenomena), that the Qur'an is a clear, decisive message distinguishing between truth and falsehood, and that the message is serious and significant, not trivial or mockery.
Verses 15-17: "They are certainly devising ˹evil˺ plans, and I too am devising a guile, so let the disbelievers be; give them respite for a while."
These verses refer to the disbelievers' schemes against Islam, and that Allah’s ﷻ response to the disbelievers’ schemes is more powerful and effective. It encourages patience with disbelievers, as Allah ﷻ will eventually deal with them.
Scientific Information:
The description of human creation from a "fluid ejected" and the specific mention of its origin between the backbone and the ribs is noted for its alignment with modern embryological understandings. This detailed description reflects the precision and depth of Qur'anic knowledge about human development.
Conclusion:
Surah Al-Tariq highlights the grandeur of Allah's ﷻ creation, the promise of resurrection, and the significance of the Qur'an. Its verses discuss divine power, human origins, and accountability on Judgment Day. To emphasize the message of Surah Al Tariq, here is this verse from Surah Al A'raf:
"And ˹remember˺ when your Lord brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their descendants and had them testify regarding themselves. ˹Allah asked,˺ “Am I not your Lord?” They replied, “Yes, You are! We testify.” ˹He cautioned, ˺ “Now you have no right to say on Judgment Day, ‘We were not aware of this." - (Surah Al A'raf 7:172)
This verse recalls the moment when Allah ﷻ took a covenant from all the descendants of Adam, reminding them of their inherent knowledge of their Creator, which will be a source of accountability on the Day of Judgment. Similarly, Surah Al-Tariq highlights the inevitable return of humans to Allah after their creation.
Both verses stress that humans cannot escape the truth of their creation, their responsibility, and their eventual reckoning before Allah ﷻ, linking them in their call for reflection on one's purpose and fate in the hereafter.
Merits:
- In a hadith reported by Abu Kabshah that states, "Whoever recites Surah Al-Tariq will be rewarded with ten good deeds for every star in the sky."
- In another hadith, Ali ibn Abi Talib stated that the Prophet ﷺ said: "O Ali, whoever recites it, it is as if they have recited two-thirds of the Qur’an, and for every verse they read, they will receive the reward of someone enjoining good and forbidding evil."
Translation and Pronunciation:
In the video below is a recitation that includes pronunciation and English translation. Kindly do not forget to leave a Like and subscribe to their channel.
