Sūrah At-Ṭāriq (سورة الطارق)
Verses: 17
Place of Revelation: Meccan
🌌 Name & Opening Verse
The name comes from the word "Aṭ-Ṭāriq", which appears in the first verse:
"By the sky and the night-comer (ṭāriq)." (86:1)
The word ṭāriq literally means one who comes by night, and it’s often interpreted to mean:
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A piercing star (as explained in verse 3)
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Or metaphorically: a mysterious visitor in the dark, pointing to the unknown or the suddenness of divine truths.
📖 Verse-by-Verse Reflection
🔭 Verses 1–3: Celestial Oath
"By the sky and the night-comer –
And what can make you know what the night-comer is?
It is the piercing star (an-najmu ath-thāqib)."
Allah begins with a powerful cosmic oath:
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The night sky, vast and mysterious
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The piercing star, interpreted by many scholars as:
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A bright celestial object,
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A metaphor for divine knowledge that penetrates the darkness of ignorance.
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🌠 The imagery sets the tone: there are things hidden in darkness that only God reveals.
🧍♂️ Verses 4–10: Human Creation & Accountability
"There is no soul but that it has over it a protector." (86:4)
"So let man observe from what he was created.
He was created from a fluid, ejected,
Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs." (86:5–7)
These verses remind the human:
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You are watched over (by angels or divine protection).
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Your origin is humble — from a gushing fluid, i.e., sperm.
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Yet, despite this, humans become arrogant and heedless of their origin and destiny.
"Indeed, Allah is Able to return him [to life]" (86:8)
This addresses disbelief in resurrection. God says:
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If He created you from a drop, He can resurrect you just as easily.
"The Day when secrets will be put on trial…" (86:9)
Every hidden intention, thought, or sin will be exposed.
"Then man will have no power or helper." (86:10)
On the Day of Judgment, no excuse, no ally, and no escape — only truth remains.
☄️ Verses 11–14: Heavenly and Earthly Truths
"By the sky which returns (rain),
And the earth which cracks open (with vegetation),
Indeed, the Qur’an is a decisive statement,
And it is not amusement."
These verses highlight two recurring signs:
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The sky, which returns rain — a cycle of life and mercy.
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The earth, which splits open — a metaphor for both life (growth) and death (resurrection).
🌧️🌱 Just as the sky gives rain and the earth produces life, the Qur’an gives truth — and it’s not a game or a story. It's serious and final.
⚔️ Verses 15–17: The Fate of Disbelievers
"Indeed, they are planning a plan,
But I am planning a plan.
So allow time for the disbelievers. Leave them awhile."
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This is a reassurance to the Prophet ﷺ and the believers:
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The enemies of truth plot and resist, but God has His own divine plan.
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Justice will come — but in God’s perfect timing.
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🧠 Key Themes of Sūrah At-Ṭāriq
| Theme | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Divine Watchfulness | Every soul has a watcher. Nothing escapes God's knowledge. |
| Human Fragility | Remember your humble origin. Arrogance is unfounded. |
| Certainty of Resurrection | The God who created you once can create you again. |
| Exposure of Secrets | No hidden deed or thought will remain hidden. |
| The Power of the Qur’an | It is decisive, serious, and not to be taken lightly. |
| Patience with Opposition | Let the disbelievers scheme — God’s plan prevails. |
🕊️ Reflection
🌠 The night may hide many things — but the piercing star (truth) shines through.
This surah reminds us that:
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You are never alone, even in the darkest hour.
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The truth of the Qur'an is sharper than any sword.
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Everything will be laid bare — so live with sincerity before the secrets are revealed.
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