The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah al-Ghashiyah Ayah 8-16 Conditions of the Believers in Paradise

 

88:8 Some faces on that day will be radiant, 

88:9 well-pleased with their striving, 

88:10 in a lofty Garden,

88:11 where they will hear no idle talk, 

88:12 therein is a running spring, 

88:13 therein are raised couches, 

88:14 and cups placed ready, 

88:15 and cushions ranged, 

88:16 and carpets spread out. 

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part mentions the evil end of the wicked disbelievers on the Day of Judgment and it mentions the severe punishment that they will suffer in Hell. Then the surah mentions the happy end of the believers and refers to some of the rewards that Allah has prepared for them in Paradise. This is a typical characteristic of the style of the Quran. It mentions something and then it mentions its opposite to bring the intended meaning home to those who reflect on the meanings of the Quran. 

Tafsir

88:8 Some faces on that day will be radiant, 

88:9 well-pleased with their striving, 

88:10 in a lofty Garden,

On the Day of Judgment, the faces of the believers will be radiant because of the immense pleasures they will be enjoying in Paradise that Allah has given them as a recompense for their righteous deeds in the worldly life. 

The believers will be well-pleased with their striving in the worldly life as they will have a great reward even more than what they expected and hoped. They used to work hard in the worldly life to please Allah and they will find the fruits of this striving in Paradise where they will happy.

The believers will dwell in the lofty Garden of Paradise. It is a lofty place and has a lofty rank. 

88:11 where they will hear no idle talk, 

The believers will hear no idle talk nor falsehood in Paradise. They will hear only a pleasant talk that brings happiness to the soul. The inhabitants of Paradise will speak pleasant talks that contain wisdom and praise and thankfulness to Allah for all the blessings that He has given them. Indeed, Paradise is the dwelling of Allah’s friends and the house of the chosen ones. It will not be contaminated by falsehood nor idle talks. 

88:12 therein is a running spring, 

88:13 therein are raised couches, 

88:14 and cups placed ready, 

88:15 and cushions ranged, 

88:16 and carpets spread out.  

The ayah mentions some aspects of Allah’s blessings on the believers in Paradise. First, there is a running spring in Paradise from which the believers will always drink pure and fresh water. Second, the believers will comfortably sit on beautiful, raised couches. Third, there are cups that are placed ready for the believers to drink from Paradise water and tasty drinks, which will have no negative effects on their minds. They will drink from them without having to exert any effort to have or fill them. Fourth, there will be many beautiful cushions that are ranged one after another so that the believer can recline on them and sit comfortably. Fifth, there are large and luxurious carpets that are spread out in Paradise, where the believers can sit and enjoy the great reward that Allah has prepared for them. May Allah, out of His bounty and generosity, make us of the dwellers of Paradise.

Learned Lessons from Surah al-Ghashiyah Ayah 8-16

• Allah has described Paradise, the dwelling of the believers, with wonderful attributes that make people hope to enter it by worshipping Allah alone, and performing righteous deeds for Allah’s sake. 

• The faces of the believers will be well-pleased in Paradise as they will be happy with the immense reward that Allah has given them for believing in His Oneness and performing righteous deeds for His sake in the worldly life. 

• Paradise, the dwelling of the believers, is lofty, i.e. on a lofty place and has a lofty rank. It has what the souls desire and makes the hearts happy. 

• The believers will not hear idle talk in Paradise, as it dwelling of peace and safety.

• The believers will enjoy different kinds of blessings in Paradise, such as drinking from a running spring, sitting on raised couches, having cups that are placed ready for them to use, cushions that are ranged one after another, and large and beautiful carpets on which they can sit comfortably.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah al-Ghashiyah

The Noble Quran Tafsir ibn Khathir, Surah al-Ghashiyah Englis Translation

The Noble Quran, English Translation and Tafsir, Surah al-A'la Ayah 1-8Glorifying Allah & His Ability

The Noble Quran Surah Hud English Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran English Translation and Tafsir of Surah al-Ghashiyah Ayah 1-7 Horrors of the Day of Judgment

 

88:1 Has the news of the overwhelming Event reached you?

88:2 Some faces on that day will be humiliated,

88:3 laboring, weary, 

88:4 burning in a blazing fire, 

88:5 given to drink from a boiling spring, 

88:6 no food for them but thorns, 

88:7 neither fattening nor availing against hunger.

Tafsir 

88:1 Has the news of the overwhelming Event reached you?

The interrogation is to magnify the great horrors of the Day of Judgment. It is called ‘Ghashiyah, the overwhelming Event’ because its horrors will overwhelm people so that they cannot think about anything but its terrors and overwhelming events. 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, has the news of the overwhelming Event reached you? Has the news of the Day of Judgment reached you? It will overwhelm people with its terrifying events that they will feel as if they did not receive any important news before its coming. 

The surah begins by referring to the horrors of the Day of Judgment to attract people’s attention. This introduction implies that the news and events of the Day Judgment are important matters that people should prepare themselves to encounter. 

88:2 Some faces on that day will be humiliated,

On the Day of Judgment, the faces of the disbelievers will be humiliated because of the severe torment that they will be experiencing in Hell. 

The faces are specifically mentioned because the face is the most honored part of the human body and effects of humiliation mainly appear on it. 

88:3 laboring, weary, 

The wicked dwellers of Hell, whose faces will be humiliated because of the severe torment that they will be experiencing, will be laboring and weary on the Day of Judgment. They will do hard work, such as pulling heavy chains and carrying heavy loads in Hell, which will make them weary. 

These attributes of dwellers of Hell are mentioned to criticize them, as they refrained from in Allah’s Oneness, and performing righteous deeds in the worldly life. In addition, they favored the fleeting enjoyment of the worldly life over the lasting pleasures of the Hereafter. Thus, their recompense will be humiliation and hard work after which there is no rest. 

88:4 burning in a blazing fire, 

The wicked dwellers of Hell will be burning in the blazing fire of Hell on the Day of Judgment. 

88:5 given to drink from a boiling spring, 

The wicked dwellers of Hell will be given to drink from a boiling spring. The drink of this spring will be boiled until it reaches the maximum heat temperature. 

88:6 no food for them but thorns, 

88:7 neither fattening nor availing against hunger.

The wicked dwellers of Hell will have no food but thorns, which are bitter trees in Hell with foul odor. This food will neither fatten them nor avail them against the great hunger that they will be suffering in Hell.  

In sum, the wicked dwellers of Hell will drink an extremely hot drink and eat bitter and foul thorny plants that will increase them nothing but severe pain and great suffering. They deserve such painful punishment because they disbelieved in Allah’s Oneness and were wicked in the worldly life. 

Learned Lessons from Surah al-Ghashiyah Ayah 1-7

• The Day of Judgment is a great day and it will overwhelm people with its horrors. 

• On the Day of Judgment, the faces of the disbelievers will be humiliated. 

• The disbelievers will be laboring and weary in Hell. 

• The disbelievers will burn in the very hot fire of Hell and they will be given to drink from a boiling spring. 

• The food of the disbelievers will be thorny plants that will be neither nourishing, nor fattening, nor availing against hunger. 

• Mentioning the severe punishment of the dwellers of Hell should make one refrain from doing the things that lead them to suffer such painful torment, namely, disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and doing evil deeds.

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah al-Ghashiyah

The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Ibn Kathir, Surah al-Ghashiyah

The Noble Quran Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-Inshiqaq

The Noble Quran Surah Hud English Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran Surah al-Ghashiyah English Translation and Tafsir

 

Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-Ghashiyah

Name of the Surah

This surah is called surah al-Ghashiyah because it begins by the following Ayah:  88:1 Has the news of al-Ghashiyah ‘the overwhelming Event’ reached you?

Al-Ghashiyah is one of the names of the Day of Judgment. It is called so because its great horrors will overwhelm people.  

Relationship between Surah al-A’la and al-Ghashiyah

Surah al-Ghashiyah mentions details about what is mentioned in surah al-A’la in general. Surah al-A’la mentions some attributes of the believers and disbelievers and briefly refers to Paradise and Hell. 

87:10 He who fears will be mindful, 

87:11 and the most wretched will avoid it,

87:12 who will burn in the Great Fire, 

87:17 while the Hereafter is better and more lasting.

Surah al-Ghashiyah mentions details of some of the conditions of the disbelievers and the believers. 

88:2 Some faces on that day will be humiliated,

88:3 laboring, weary, 

88:4 burning in a blazing fire, 

88:8 Some faces on that day will be radiant, 

88:9 well-pleased with their striving, 

88:10 in a lofty Garden,

Theme of Surah al-Ghashiyah

This surah, like all surahs that were revealed in Mecca, discusses the basic principles of creed, i.e. confirming Allah’s Oneness, the Day of Judgment, and reckoning on that day. Surah al-Ghashiyah also refers to some aspects in the universe that confirm Allah’s perfect ability and that Allah alone deserves sincere worship, as well as it mentions that people will return to Allah on the Day of Judgment for reckoning. 

Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] used to recite surah al-Ghashiyah frequently. An-Nu’man bin Bashir, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘Prophet Muhammad used to recite surah al-A’la and al-Ghashiyah on two days of Eid and Friday.’ 

The Noble Quran Surah al-Ghashiyah, English Translation
The Noble Quran, Tafsir ibn Kathir, English Translation
The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Surah at-Tariq, Introduction to Tafsir of Surah at-Tariq
The Noble Quran Surah Maryam English Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran, English Translation and Tafsir of Surah al-A’la Ayah 9-19 Reminder & Preparing for the Hereafter

 

87:9 So remind if the reminding profits. 

87:10 He who fears will be mindful, 

87:11 and the most wretched will avoid it,

87:12 who will burn in the Great Fire, 

87:13 then he will neither die therein nor live.

87:14 Successful is indeed he who purifies himself,  

87:15 and remembers the Name of his Lord and prays.

87:16 Nay, you prefer the worldly life,

87:17 while the Hereafter is better and more lasting.

87:18 Surely this is in the earlier Scriptures, 

87:19 the Scriptures of Ibrahim and Moses.

Relationship with the Previous Part

Messenger Muhammad was given good news in the previous part, i.e. he would memorize the Quran and would not forget it, and facilitating all his affairs. Then, Allah, Exalted be He, commanded Messenger Muhammad to remind people of what benefits them in their religion and their life. He was also commanded to invite people to follow the path of guidance. 

Then the surah mentions that only those who fear Allah will benefit from admonition, and the disobedient will turn away from it. Finally, the surah mentions that divine creeds share the same principles. 

Tafsir

87:9 So remind if the reminding profits. 

87:10 He who fears will be mindful, 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, remind people of what brings them happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Admonish them by reciting the Quran to them, as it contains beneficial teachings and admonitions. Guide them to the right path and teach them the rules of Islam. Admonish them when doing so is beneficial. That is because people are divided into two types concerning admonition: some people benefit from admonition, while others do not. Those who fear Allah benefit from admonition, as they know that they will meet Him on the Day of Judgment and that He will recompense them for their deeds. As for those who do not benefit from admonition, they insist on disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and denying the truth. Thus, reminding them will be fruitless. 

87:9 So remind if the reminding profits.

The ayah refers to the etiquette of spreading knowledge, i.e. it should not be taught to those who cannot understand it or are unwilling to benefit from it. Abdul Allah bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Messenger Muhammad said, ‘You will not narrate a narration to the people that their minds cannot grasp, but it will be a cause of affliction for some of them.’  In other words, some people may not understand the narration and this may lead them to misunderstand it, which will lead them to trouble. 

One may say, ‘Messenger Muhammad was commanded to admonish people whether the admonition benefited them or not. So why benefiting from the admonition is stipulated. The answer is as follows: 1) Messenger Muhammad did his best to admonish the disbelievers; however, his sincere admonition increased them nothing but stubbornness and tyranny.  Their unfavorable attitude saddened him and made him exert more effort to guide them to the right path. In sum, his admonition increased the disbelievers nothing but stubbornness and it did not benefit them. 2) The ayah stipulated benefiting from the admonition, but the intended meaning was to censure those who turned away from the admonition and rule out that admonition would benefit them, and Allah knows best. 

It seems that the meaning is to exhort Messenger Muhammad to keep on inviting people to the right path. Even his admonition would not benefit all people, it would benefit some of them. That is because Allah’s wisdom necessitates that some people will always follow the right path. 

87:10 He who fears will be mindful, 

O noble Messenger, a person who fears Allah’s punishment and hopes for His reward will benefit from your admonition. 

87:11 and the most wretched will avoid it,

87:12 who will burn in the Great Fire, 

87:13 then he will neither die therein nor live.

The most wretched person will avoid the admonition, and he will insist on disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and stubbornness because he does not fear Allah and His punishment. On the Day of Judgement, will burn in the Great Fire of Hell and suffer its severe torment. Then he will neither die so that his torment ends, nor live a pleasant life; rather, he will remain in Hell forever. 

87:14 Successful is indeed he who purifies himself,  

87:15 and remembers the Name of   Lord and prays.

After mentioning the evil end of the wicked, the surah mentions what brings comfort to the souls by mentioning the happy end of the successful.

A person who purifies his soul from sins and whatever displeases Allah and always remembers Allah’s name by his heart and tongue will be successful. He also prayers the obligatory prayers and as much as he can of the voluntary prayers. He will achieve what he wants in this world and the Hereafter by Allah’s bounty and mercy. 

Purification refers to avoiding void creeds, and remembering Allah’s name refers to performing Islamic obligations, the most important of which is the obligatory prayer. 

87:16 Nay, you prefer the worldly life,

87:17 while the Hereafter is better and more lasting.

O people, the path of happiness is made clear to you. However, some people ignore following the right path, as they favor the fleeting pleasures of this world over the lasting happiness of the Hereafter. 

The address is directed to all people in general. As for the believers, they favor this world by sometimes giving it a priority that they neglect working for the Hereafter. As for the disbelievers, they favor the enjoyment of this world, as they do not believe in the Hereafter.  

87:18 Surely this is in the earlier Scriptures, 

87:19 the Scriptures of Ibrahim and Moses.

The surah is concluded with referring to the fact that the principle teachings of all divine messages are the same.

What is mentioned in this surah, i.e. success of those who purify their souls from sins, exhorting to mention Allah’s name, people favor this world over the Hereafter… etc. is mentioned in the former divine Scriptures of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Moses. 

What is mentioned in the Scriptures of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Moses is not the same words and phrases; rather, the basic meanings of what is mentioned in this surah. 

Learned Lessons from Surah al-A’la Ayah 9-19

• People should be reminded of what brings them happiness in this world and the Hereafter whether the admonition benefits them or not. However, only those who fear Allah by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibition benefit from the admonition. As for those who insist on sinning, they will not benefit from the admonition.

• The wretched will avoid the admonition. Their recompense will be Hell where they will burn and suffer severe torment forever. 

• Those who purify their souls from worshipping others besides Allah and whatever displeases Allah, fulfill their obligations, and remember Allah will be successful. 

• Remembering Allah’s name is one of the righteous deeds that leads to success.

• Most people favor this world over the Hereafter. Their first concern is enjoying this world. However, the believers work for this world and the Hereafter, as they believe that they will be recompensed for their deeds in the Hereafter.

• All divine creeds have the same principle teachings, such as commanding to worship Allah alone and perform righteous deeds. 

The Noble Quran, English Translation of Surah al-A'la
The Noble Quran Tafsir ibn Kathir, English Translation
The Noble Quran: Introduction to Surah al-Fatihah [Part3] Virtues of Surah al-Fatihah
The Noble Quran Surah Jonah English Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran, English Translation and Tafsir, Surah al-A’la Ayah 1-8 Glorifying Allah & His Ability

 

87:1 Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High, 

87:2 Who created in due proportion, 

87:3 Who ordained and guided, 

87:4 and Who brought forth the pasture, 

87:5 then made it black stubble. 

87:6 We shall make you recite and you will not forget, 

87:7 save what Allah wills. Indeed, He knows the declared and what is hidden.

87:8 And We shall ease you to the way of ease. 

Tafsir 

87:1 Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High, 

The address is directed to all those who are eligible for it.     

O noble Messenger Muhammad, glorify the name of your Lord, Allah, ascribe to Him all attributes of perfection, and confirm that He is free from any imperfection. Affirm that Allah is One and has no partners nor equal. 

87:2 Who created in due proportion, 

Allah, Exalted be He, created all creatures in the best form, and in due proportion. He gave them distinctive and regular shapes, which indicates His greatness and wisdom. 

87:3 Who ordained and guided, 

Allah created all things in this universe and put them in their best position, determined their amounts and sizes according to specific manners that His wisdom necessitates, and agrees with sound reason.

Allah, the Able, ordained and decided every creature’s fate, destiny, and share of sustenance in this life. Then, He guided every creature to what it was created for and gave it means that can help it carry out the task for which it was created. 

When reflecting on the creation of plants and animals, one will see things that amaze the minds, and whose wonders need countless books to record them. 

87:4 and Who brought forth the pasture, 

87:5 then made it black stubble. 

The ayah mentions another aspect of Allah’s blessing and ability. Allah causes grass and plants to grow. First, the grass in the pasture is green, then Allah’s ability makes it black stubble. Reflecting on this change should make the believers increase in their faith and make the disbelievers consider their condition and follow the path of guidance. 

87:6 We shall make you recite and you will not forget, 

87:7 save what Allah wills. Indeed, He knows the declared and what is hidden.

The ayah mentions an aspect of Allah’s blessings on Messenger Muhammad. 

O noble Messenger Muhammad, We shall make you recite the Quran that the angel Gabriel will bring to you. We shall make you memorize it that you will not forget it except what Allah wills that you should forget. 

Indeed, Allah knows best the declared and the hidden things. Allah, out of His bounty, has not made His Messenger Muhammad forget anything of the Quran.

Ayah 6 and 7 denote a miracle. Messenger Muhammad was illiterate, but Allah made him memorize very long surahs of the Quran and he did not forget them without any repetition or studying. Besides, surah al-A’la was revealed in Mecca and it mentions something that will happen in the future, namely, Messenger Muhammad would not forget anything of the Quran, which is a miracle. 

87:8 And We shall ease you to the way of ease. 

87:9 So remind if the reminding profits.  

O noble Messenger, We shall make you memorize the Quran that you will not forget it,  We shall ease you to the way of ease in all your affairs, and We shall guide you to what brings you happiness in this world and the Hereafter.

Indeed, Allah has fulfilled His promise to Messenger Muhammad. He revealed to him an easy law and gave him a noble character. When Messenger Muhammad was supposed to choose one thing out of two things, he would always choose the easiest one. He also commanded his followers to follow the easiest way as long as it does not entail any violation of Allah’s commands.

Learned Lessons from Surah al-A’la Ayah 1-8

• The believer should glorify Allah and confirm that He is free from whatsoever imperfection in His self, names, attributes, deeds, and rules. Allah is characterized by perfection in His self, names, attributes, deeds, and rules. 

• Allah, Exalted be He, created all creatures and gave them the best form.

• Allah ordained for each creature what is suitable for it, and guided it to how to benefit from it. 

• Allah makes plants and grass grow, then He makes them black stubble. This indicates Allah’s perfect ability.

• Allah gave Messenger Muhammad good news. He told him that He would memorize the Quran and would not forget it, which was a miracle since Messenger Muhammad was illiterate and memorization needs repetition and studying. Besides, Allah told Messenger Muhammad that He would guide him to the easiest way in all his affairs, which was a great blessing. 

• Allah is All-Knowing. He knows the declared and hidden matters. 

The Noble Quran, English Translation and Tafsir, Surah al-A'la
The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Surah al-Mutaffifin Ayah 29-36 The End of Mockery
The Noble Quran, Surah Yusuf English Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran Surah al-A’la English Translation and Tafsir

 

Introduction to Tafsir of Surah al-A’la

Name of Surah al-A’la

This surah is called al-A’la ‘the most high’ because it begins by [87:1 Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High…] It is a command to glorify Allah and confirm that He is free from any imperfection and that He is characterized by all attributes and names of perfection because He is the Most High. Allah is higher than all things in this universe. This surah is also called ‘Sabbih, glorify.’ 

Relationship with the Previous Surah

Surah at-Tariq comes before surah al-A’la in the written copy of the Quran, al-Mushaf. Surah at-Tariq refers to the creation of man and plants.

86:5 So let man consider from what he was created. 

86:6 He was created from gushing water 

86:11 By the sky that rains repeatedly, 

86:12 and by the earth that splits,

Surah al-A’la mentions details about the creation of man and plants.

87:2 Who created in due proportion, 

87:3 Who ordained and guided, 

87:4 and Who brought forth the pasture, 

87:5 then made it black stubble. 

Main Topics Discussed in Surah al-A’la

Surah al-A’la discusses topics that are usually mentioned in surahs revealed in Mecca. They generally talk about the concept of worshipping Allah alone, Allah’s perfect ability, the Quran, the Day of Judgment, and noble ethics that refine man’s character. 

Surah al-A’la begins by commanding to glorify Allah and confirm that He is free from any imperfection in His self, attributes, names, deeds, statements, and rules. It also commands to ascribe all attributes of greatness and glory to Allah, as He created the creatures in the best form and made plants grow with their different shapes. 

87:1 Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High, 

87:2 Who created in due proportion, 

87:3 Who ordained and guided, 

87:4 and Who brought forth the pasture, 

87:5 then made it black stubble. 

Then the surah refers to the fact that Allah made easy the memorization of the Quran for His Messenger Muhammad that he would not forget it. Then Messenger Muhammad was commanded to admonish people to purify their souls from vices. 

87:6 We shall make you recite and you will not forget, 

87:9 So remind if the reminding profits. 

The surah is concluded with referring to the fact that whoever purifies himself from disbelief in Allah’s Oneness, constantly remembers Allah and His greatness, and does not favor the worldly life over the Hereafter will be successful. 

87:14 Successful is indeed he who purifies himself,  

87:15 and remembers the Name of his Lord and prays.

Virtue of Surah al-A’la 

An-Nu’man bin Bashir, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] used to recite surah al-A’la and al-Ghashiyah on two days of Eid and Friday.’ 

The Noble Quran, English Translation of Surah al-A'la (the Most High)

The Noble Quran, Tafsir ibn Kathir, Surah al-A'la (the Most High)

The Noble Quran: Tafsir of Surah al-Fatihah [Part 2]

The Noble Quran Surah ar-Ra'd English Translation and Tafsir

 

The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Surah at-Tariq, Ayah 11-17 The truthfulness of the Quran & Warning the Disbelievers

 

86:11 By the sky that rains repeatedly, 

86:12 and by the earth that splits,

86:13 surely it is a decisive word,

86:14 and it is not a jest. 

86:15 Indeed, they are devising a plot, 

86:16 and I too am devising a plot. 

86:17 So give the disbelievers a respite; let them for a while.

Relationship with the Previous Part

The previous part confirms Allah’s Oneness and His ability to resurrect people for reckoning on the Day of Judgment. Then this part confirms the truthfulness of the Quran and that Allah revealed it to Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him]. Then the disbelievers, who plot against Messenger Muhammad, are warned of the evil result of their plotting. Finally, Messenger Muhammad is promised that victory will be for him and the believers. 

Tafsir

86:11 By the sky that rains repeatedly, 

86:12 and by the earth that splits,

86:13 surely it is a decisive word,

86:14 and it is not a jest. 

Allah swears by the rain that repeatedly comes down from the sky whereby the earth revives. Then it splits causing plants, fruits, trees, water, and treasures to come out of its underground. 

Allah swears by the sky and the earth that the noble Quran is a decisive word in which there is no doubt. It distinguishes the truth from falsehood. It contains solemn revelation, not a jest, amusement, poetry, or magic. Allah revealed the Quran to bring people out of the darknesses of disbelief in His Oneness and falsehood to the light of belief in His Oneness and the truth. 

86:13 surely it is a decisive word,

This is an eloquent refutation of the claims of the disbelievers who say that the Quran is revealed to Messenger Muhammad to be a source of amusement because it says that they will be resurrected after death for reckoning on the Day of Judgment, which they deny. 

Mentioning that the rain comes down from the sky whereby the earth revives implies that resurrection on the Day of Judgment will certainly take place. Just as the rain causes the earth to revive, Allah, by His will and ability, will make people raise after death for reckoning. 

86:15 Indeed, they are devising a plot, 

86:16 and I too am devising a plot. 

86:17 So give the disbelievers a respite; let them for a while.

The surah is concluded with consoling Messenger Muhammad and giving him the good news of the happy end awaiting him and the believers.

Devising with regard to the disbelievers refers to the plots and schemes they do to harm Messenger Muhammad and the believers.

Devising with regard to Allah, Exalted be He, means giving the disbelievers time so that they keep on sinning and plotting against Messenger Muhammad and the believers, and then Allah suddenly seizes them at the time He wants and punishes them severely. 

The disbelievers devise plots and schemes to harm Messenger Muhammad and the believers. Allah will meet their devising and plotting with giving them time until He decides to punish them severely while they do not expect that His punishment will befall them. He will revenge on them for their plots and schemes at the suitable time He chooses. Therefore, O noble Messenger, ‘Give the disbelievers a respite and do not hope that a swift punishment should befall them. Wait for Allah’s wise scheme against them. Let them for a while. Indeed, whatever is destined to happen will surely happen, but at the time Allah wants.’

Indeed, Allah fulfilled His promise to His Messenger Muhammad and the believers. He gave them victory and severely punished the disbelievers. 

Learned Lessons from Surah at-Tariq Ayah 11-17

• Allah swears by the sky that repeatedly rains and the earth that splits producing plants that the Quran is a decisive word distinguishing the truth from falsehood. It is not something for a jest or amazement. 

• Allah revealed the Quran to Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him].

• The enemies of Islam plot against Messenger Muhammad and believers.

• Allah will justly recompense the enemies of Islam. He will give them a respite in this world so that they keep on their evil plotting until His severe punishment befalls them suddenly. He also has prepared painful torment for them in the Hereafter.

• Divine wisdom necessitates giving Islam’s enemies a respite so that they may repent of their disbelief and plotting against Islam and its followers. However, if they insist on disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and potting against the believers, Allah’s punishment will befall them at the time that He has appointed. 

The Noble Quran, Surah at-Tariq English Translation
The Noble Quran, Tafsir ibn Kathir, Surah at-Tariq
The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Surah Hud, Allah Will Certainly Give Victory to the Believers
The Noble Quran Surah Jonah English Translation and Tafsir 

 

The Noble Quran, Tafsir Surah at-Tariq, Ayah 1-10 Watchers over Human Beings

86:1 By the sky and the night comer. 

86:2 And what will make you know what the night comer is? 

86:3 It is the piercing star.

86:4 No soul but has a watcher over it.

86:5 So let man consider from what he was created. 

86:6 He was created from gushing water 

86:7 issuing from between the backbone and the ribs.

86:8 Indeed, He is able to bring him back

86:9 on the day when the secrets are tested.

86:10 Then he will have neither power nor helper.

Tafsir

86:1 By the sky and the night comer. 

86:2 And what will make you know what the night comer is? 

86:3 It is the piercing star.

At-Tariq refers to a star that appears during the night.

 Allah, Exalted be He, swears by the vast sky and the star that appears in the night.

What will you make you know what the night comer is? At-Tariq is a shining star that pierces the darkness of the night with its light whereby the travelers know their way in the sea and land and times of rains and other beneficial things to human beings are known. 

The interrogation is to magnify the greatness of the creation of this universe. It implies that human beings cannot know the reality of this far star no matter how much advancement they may achieve. Even if they can gain much information about it, still their knowledge is incomplete and commensurate with their imperfect intellects. 

Swearing by the sky and the stars that have different shapes and experience various changes indicate that their Creator, who manages their affairs is great. It is Allah, who created this marvelous universe with its wonderful sky, stars, suns, and moon, etc. 

86:4 No soul but has a watcher over it.

No soul but has a watcher from Allah over it. The watchers are angels who protect human beings from harm and dangers. They also record all deeds and statements of human beings, good or evil. In fact, Allah is the Protector and Guardian; however, the angels watch over human beings by His commands. 

The intended meaning is that all deeds and statements of human beings are recorded and they will be called to account for them on the Day of Judgment and recompensed according to them. 

86:5 So let man consider from what he was created. 

86:6 He was created from gushing water 

86:7 issuing from between the backbone and the ribs.

This part of the surah calls man’s attention to consider his creation to confirm that resurrection on the Day of Judgment for reckoning is possible and easy.

Let man consider how he was created in the first place so that he will know Allah’s perfect ability. 

Allah created man from gushing water that comes from the male and female. It comes from the backbone of the male and the ribs of the female. The embryo is formed by the combination of these fluids. It settles in the female’s womb. Then Allah creates the embryo from that fluid. 

‘Let man consider his creation, from what he was created and what he became. He was created from gushing water that comes from the backbones of the male and the ribs of the female. This fact has been secret that no one knows but Allah until the last half-century when modern science has discovered it. It has known that the male fluid is formed in the backbones of the man and the female fluid is formed in the ribs of the woman. Then they are combined and then the embryo is formed. 

The distance between the beginning and the end is great, i.e. between the gushing water from the backbones and the ribs and the rational being with his sophisticated bodily, neurological, mental, and psychological structure. This great distance that the gushing water takes to become a speaking creature reveals that there is a power that pushes this shapeless, will-less, and impotent thing to begin a long, miraculous, and great journey until it reaches this end and becomes this creature. This reveals that there is a guardian appointed by Allah that takes care of this sperm that has no shape, no reason, no will, and no ability throughout its long and miraculous journey that has great wonders more than that what man encounters from the time of his birth and his death [Fi Zilal al-Quran].’ 

86:8 Indeed, He is able to bring him back

86:9 on the day when the secrets are tested.

Allah is able to bring back man after death for reckoning on the Day of Judgment. Indeed, the One who is able to create man in the first place is able to revive him after death. 

On the Day of Judgment, the secrets will be tested, namely, what is hidden in the hearts, such as intentions. When what is hidden in the hearts is tested, they will be revealed and become known. 

Allah created man by combining the fluid from the male and the female. Then, He is able to combine his dispersed parts after death and reform man, bring him back to his original form. 

86:10 Then he will have neither power nor helper.

When man is resurrected on the Day of Judgment for reckoning, he will have neither power nor helper against Allah’s torment. On that day, the disbeliever will be helpless that he cannot help himself nor others.

In this world, he used to have a clan and family that protect him from whatever harm that may touch him. He also used to have allies and helpers who support him. However, the matter will change completely on the Day of Judgment. The disbelievers will stand alone before Allah with no power nor helper against Allah’s punishment. 

Learned Lessons from Surah at-Tariq Ayah 1-10

• Allah swears by the sky and the shining stars that every soul has watchers, who record its sustenance, deeds, and lifespan. Allah swears by whatever He wants of His creatures, but the created beings must only swear by Allah.

• Creating man from nothing is clear evidence confirming that it is possible to re-create man after death for reckoning on the Day of Judgment.

• Allah created man from the water coming from the backbones of the male and the ribs of the female. Then the embryo is formed by combining these fluids.

• Allah will resurrect people for reckoning on the Day of Judgment. On this day, all secrets, deeds, and statements will be revealed. Then people will be recompensed according to their deeds, good or evil.

• On the Day of Judgment, man will have no power nor helper against Allah’s punishment, and the disbeliever will be powerless and supportless. 

The Noble Quran English Translation of Surah at-Tariq

The Holy Quran, Tafsir ibn Kathir, Surah at-Tariq

Tafsir of Surah an-Naba' Ayah 1-16 The Disbelievers Mock the Truth

The Noble Quran Surah ar-Ra'd: Translation and Tafsir

The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Surah at-Tariq, Introduction to Tafsir of Surah at-Tariq

 

Name of Surah at-Tariq

This surah is named at-Tariq ‘the night comer’ because Allah, Exalted be He, swears by ‘86:1 By the sky and the night comer.’

At-Tariq refers to a star that appears in the night and disappears during the day. 

Relationship between Surah al-Buruj and at-Tariq

Both surahs begin by referring to the sky, [85:1 By the sky with the constellations…] [86:1 By the sky and the night comer.]

Both surahs speak about the resurrection on the Day of Judgment and some attributes of the Quran to refute the claims of the disbelievers, who said that Allah did not reveal it to His Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him].

85:13 Indeed, it is He who originates and brings again.

86:8 Indeed, He is able to bring him back…

85:21 Nay, it is a Glorious Quran,

85:22 in a Preserved Tablet.

86:13 surely it is a decisive word,

Topics Discussed in Surah at-Tariq

The main theme of surah at-Tariq, just as all surahs revealed in Mecca, is discussing belief in the resurrection and reckoning on the Day of Judgment. It confirms that the Day of Judgment will certainly take place by referring to the fact that Allah created man from nothing. Logically, One, Allah, who is able to create something from nothing, is able to recreate it after death. 

Surah at-Tariq begins by swearing by the sky and the shining stars therein to confirm that there are noble angels responsible for protecting human beings. 

86:1 By the sky and the night comer. 

86:4 No soul but has a watcher over it.

Then Allah confirms that resurrection for reckoning on the Day of Judgment is possible by referring to the fact that He created man from nothing in the first place, namely, creating Prophet Adam (the father of human beings) from dust. The One, who is able to create something from nothing is certainly able to resurrect it after death.

86:5 So let man consider from what he was created. 

86:6 He was created from gushing water 

86:7 issuing from between the backbone and the ribs.

86:8 Indeed, He is able to bring him back

Then surah at-Tariq mentions that all secrets that human beings hide in this world will be disclosed on the Day of Judgment. Human beings will stand before Allah, the Able, helpless and they will be justly recompensed for their deeds on that day. 

86:9 on the day when the secrets are tested, 

86:10 Then he will have neither power nor helper.

Surah at-Tariq is concluded with swearing by the sky that repeatedly rain and the earth that splits producing plants that the Quran is truthful and a decisive word that distinguishes between the truth and falsehood. It also warns the disbelievers of the evil end awaiting them in the Hereafter. 

86:11 By the sky that rains repeatedly, 

86:12 and by the earth that splits,

86:17 So give the disbelievers a respite; let them for a while.

Khalid bin Abi Jabal al-Udwani reported that he saw Messenger Muhammad [peace be upon him] in the market of the tribe of Thaqif in Ta’if city when he went there to invite its inhabitants to believe in Islam and support him. Khalid heard Messenger Muhammad reciting surah at-Tariq. Then he said, ‘I knew it when I was a disbeliever and recited it when I became a Muslim.’ The people of Thaqif asked me and said, ‘What did you hear that man saying?’ He said, ‘I recited surah at-Tariq to them.’ Then some men who belonged to the tribe of Quraysh and were present said, ‘We know best our companion. If we know that he invites to the truth, we shall follow him.’ 

Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘Muadh bin Jabal prayed al-Maghreb prayer ‘the evening prayer’ with some believers and he was the imam. He recited surah al-Baqarah and an-Nisa’. When Messenger Muhammad knew about that he said, ‘Do you want to put a burden on people? Was it not sufficient that you should recite surah at-Tariq, surah ash-Shams, and so on?’ 

The Noble Quran, English Translation, Surah at-Taqriq

The Noble Quran, Tafsir ibn Kathir, Surah at-Tariq 

Recitation of Surah at-Tariq Sheikh Mishary Al-Afasy 

The Noble Quran: Introduction to Tafsir of Surah at-Takwir

The Noble Quran Surah an-Nahl: Translation and Tafsir 

The Noble Quran, Tafsir of Surah al-Buruj Ayah : 12-22 Allah is All-Powerful & All-Knowing

 

85:12 Indeed, the grip of your Lord is severe. 

85:13 Indeed, it is He who originates and brings again.

85:14 and He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Loving, 

85:15 Lord of the Throne, the All-Glorious, 

85:16 Doer of whatever He wills. 

85:17 Has the story of the hosts reached you,

85:18 Pharaoh and Thamud? 

85:19 Yet those who disbelieve persistently deny, 

85:20 and Allah is behind them, encompassing. 

85:21 Nay, it is a Glorious Quran,

85:22 in a Preserved Tablet.

Relationship with the Previous Part

In the previous part, those who disbelieve, persecute, and torture the believers are threatened with severe punishment and those who believe and perform righteous deeds are promised to attain a great reward in the Hereafter. Then this part confirms Allah’s ability to do what He wants. In addition, this part refers to the attitude of the disbelievers and tyrants in every age. They insist on disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and enmity towards the believers. These facts are mentioned to act as a warning for the disbelievers and a source of hope and assurance for the disbelievers. They are also mentioned to strengthen and assure the believers’ hearts for the abuse and persecution that they may suffer at the hands of the disbelievers and the oppressors. In sum, the ayat confirm that Allah knows everything, success will be the share of the believers, and loss will be the share of the disbelievers.

Tafsir

85:12 Indeed, the grip of your Lord is severe.

O noble Messenger Muhammad, indeed, the grip of your Lord is severe when He takes revenge on the tyrants and the oppressors. When He decides to punish them, nothing can stand before His Will. So command your companions to be patient with the abuse and hardship they suffer. Verily, the happy end will be theirs. 

The ayah implies a warning to the disbelievers saying that their punishment will be like that of the people of the trench who disbelieved in Allah’s Oneness and persecuted the believers. Their abode will be Hell where they will suffer lasting torment.

85:13 Indeed, it is He who originates and brings again.

Allah is the only One who can originate the creatures in this world and then He resurrects them in the Hereafter for reckoning. He is also the only One who can punish the disbelievers and wrongdoers in this world and then He brings them again in the Hereafter. 

The ayah uses the general word ‘originates and brings again’ without specifying specific things that Allah originates and brings again to include everything that can be originated and brought back. 

85:14 and He is the All-Forgiving, the All-Loving, 

Allah is All-Forgiving. He forgives the sins of the repentant. Allah is All-Loving. He loves those who obey His commands and avoid His prohibitions. 

85:15 Lord of the Throne, the All-Glorious, 

Allah, Exalted be He, is the Lord of the All-Glorious Throne. No one knows how it looks likes, but Allah. 

85:16 Doer of whatever He wills. 

Allah, Exalted be He, does what He wants. No one can protest against what He does. When He wants something, He only says to it ‘be’ and it exists. If Allah wills, He forgives the sins of those who repent, and if He wills, He punishes the wrongdoers. No one can prevent Him from carrying out what He wants. 

85:17 Has the story of the hosts reached you,

85:18 Pharaoh and Thamud? 

The ayat mention what indicates Allah’s perfect ability to punish the disbelievers and wrongdoers. 

The interrogation is for intimidation and affirmation. The hosts refer to those who disobeyed Allah’s command and then He punished them severely. Examples of those whom Allah punished because of their insistence on disbelief in His Oneness are Pharaoh and his followers, and Thamud, the people of Prophet Saleh [peace be upon him]. Those people were wrongdoers. Therefore, Allah punished them and He will punish every wrongdoer no matter how powerful he may be.

Pharaoh and Thamud are specifically mentioned because they were tyrants and wrongdoers, as well as the people of Mecca knew their stories. It is as if the ayah says to the disbelievers of Mecca, ‘If you insist on disbelief in Allah’s Oneness and wrongdoings, your end will be like that of Pharaoh and Thamud.’ 

85:19 Yet those who disbelieve persistently deny, 

85:20 and Allah is behind them, encompassing. 

The ayah refers to the attitude of the contemporary disbelievers towards the message of Messenger Muhammad. They did not learn from what happened to the former disbelievers who were destroyed and punished for their disbelief. 

The end of Pharaoh and his followers and the people of Thamud was destruction because of their insistence on disbelief in Allah’s Oneness. However, your people, O noble Messenger Muhammad, do not learn lessons from what happened to them. Rather, they keep on denying the truth of belief in Allah’s Oneness, refusing to accept Islam, and disobeying your commands. O noble Messenger Muhammad, the disbelievers are under Allah’s control. He fully knows everything about them and they will never escape from His grip and punishment. Allah will punish them at the time He wants and decides. 

85:21 Nay, it is a Glorious Quran,

85:22 in a Preserved Tablet.

The ayah refutes the claim of the disbelievers who claim that Allah did not reveal the Quran to His Messenger Muhammad. It mentions the true status of the Quran, which falsehood can never affect it in whatsoever way. 

Nay, the matter is not as the disbelievers claim, namely, the Quran is fables of the ancients and that Allah has not revealed it to His Messenger Muhammad. Rather, the Quran is the speech of Allah that He revealed to His Messenger Muhammad. It is a Glorious Quran and is kept in the Preserved Tablet. No distortion and alternation can affect it. Satan and his followers can never reach it. 

We believe that the Quran is kept in the Preserved Tablet, but we do not know the reality of this tablet as this belongs to the realm of the unseen, which only Allah knows. 

Learned Lessons from Surah al-Buruj Ayah 12-22

• Allah’s punishment and revenge are severe. He will punish and take revenge on the disbelievers and wrongdoers.

• Allah, Exalted be He, originates the creation of people in this world and He will bring them back to life after death on the Day of Judgment. 

• Allah’s attributes are perfect. He is the All-Forgiving and He forgives the sins of those who repent of their sins and do righteous deeds. Allah is the All-Loving and He loves the believers who believe in His Oneness, obey His commands, avoid His prohibitions, and do righteous deeds.

• Allah is the Owner of the Glorious Throne and the owner of the perfect power and authority. Nothing can stand before His will and authority and no one can escape from His punishment and grip. He forgives the sins of the believers, out of His bounty, and makes them enter Paradise, and He punishes the disbelievers, out of His justice, and makes them enter Hell where they suffer a painful torment.

• Mentioning the stories of the former disbelievers and their evil end acts as consolation to the believers everywhere and at every age. It informs them that the end of disbelief is loss and destruction no matter how long it may last.

• Those who are endowed with sound understanding should learn from the evil end of the former disbelievers and oppressors. 

• The Quran is the speech of Allah that He revealed to His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad. It is not fables of the ancients as the disbelievers claim. 

• The Quran is kept in the Preserved Tablet and no distortion or change can affect it. 

The Noble Quran, Surah al-Buruj, English Translation

The Noble Quran, Tafsir ibn Kathir, Surah al-Buruj

The Noble Quran, Surah an-Nahl Ayah 97, Happy Life

The Noble Quran Surah an-Nahl: Translation and Tafsir