At-Takwir

The Overthrowing

Verses

Revelation Period

Makkan

Reason for the Name

Named after the state of the sun described in the very first verse , [object Object], meaning "folded up," "wound round," or "overthrown," signifying the loss of its light—one of the initial cataclysmic events of the Day of Judgment.

Summary

This powerful Makkan Surah paints a striking picture of the initial stages of the Day of Judgment. It begins with a rapid succession of twelve dramatic events that will signal the end of the current world order . These include cosmic upheavals like the sun losing its light, stars falling, mountains moving, seas boiling, as well as earthly events like wild beasts gathering and neglected camels. Amidst this chaos, souls are paired, scrolls of deeds are laid open, Hellfire is ignited, and Paradise is brought near. A particularly poignant scene describes the questioning of the infant girl buried alive , underscoring the perfect justice of that Day.

The second half of the Surah shifts focus to emphatically confirm the divine origin of the Quran. Allah swears by celestial phenomena that this message is conveyed by a noble, powerful, and trustworthy angelic messenger (Jibril, AS). It strongly refutes the claims of the disbelievers that the Prophet (PBUH) was mad or possessed, asserting that he truly saw the angel and is conveying a message from the Lord of the Worlds.

The Surah concludes by stating that the Quran is a reminder for whoever wills to take a straight path, while also affirming that human will is subordinate to the will of Allah.

Core Message

To vividly portray the terrifying reality and certainty of the Day of Judgment through dramatic cosmic signs, and to affirm the divine truth and authenticity of the Quranic revelation brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) via the noble Angel Jibril (AS).

Themes

The Day of Judgment (Qiyamah) and its certainty
Cosmic and earthly signs of the Last Hour
Accountability, reckoning, and divine justice
Condemnation of female infanticide (Wa'd al-Banat)
The truthfulness and divine source of the Quran (Wahy)
The role, nobility, and power of Angel Jibril (AS) as the conveyor of revelation
The veracity and sanity of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Divine Will vs. Human Will

Key Verses

"When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness], And when the stars fall, dispersing, And when the mountains are removed..." - Significance: Provides a terrifying and awe-inspiring depiction of the universe's collapse at the start of the Day of Judgment.
"And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, For what sin she was killed?" - Significance: A powerful verse highlighting the absolute justice of Allah, where even the most voiceless victims of oppression will see justice done, condemning a specific cruel practice of pre-Islamic Arabia.
"[That] indeed, it [the Quran] is a word [conveyed by] a noble messenger [Jibril], Owner of power, [and] high rank with the Lord of the Throne, Obeyed there [in the heavens] and trustworthy." - Significance: Establishes the lofty status and trustworthiness of Angel Jibril (AS), emphasizing the integrity of the Quranic revelation.
"And your companion [Muhammad] is not [at all] mad. And he has already seen him [Jibril] in the clear horizon. And he is not avid [i.e., withholding] of [knowledge of] the unseen." - Significance: Directly defends the Prophet (PBUH) against accusations and confirms the reality of his encounter with the Angel.
"And you do not will except that Allah wills - Lord of the worlds." - Significance: A crucial theological point balancing human agency with divine sovereignty. Humans choose, but ultimately only what Allah wills comes to pass.

Stories

The sequence of events marking the onset of the Day of Judgment .
The reference to the pre-Islamic practice of burying infant girls alive .

Personalities

Angel Jibril (AS): Referred to indirectly but clearly as the "noble messenger" (Rasoolin Kareem) who brought the Quran, described with attributes of power, rank, obedience (by other angels), and trustworthiness .
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Referred to as "your companion" (Sahibukum), defending his sanity and affirming his vision of Jibril (AS) .

Practical Guidance

To take the Day of Judgment seriously and live life with awareness of accountability to Allah.
To reflect on the immense power of Allah manifest in the creation and its eventual end.
To understand the gravity of injustice and oppression, knowing that all wrongs will be righted.
To build certainty (Yaqeen) in the Quran as the unaltered word of Allah, delivered by a trustworthy Angel to a truthful Prophet (PBUH).
To strive towards righteousness and guidance, while humbly recognizing that guidance is ultimately from Allah.

Points of Reflection

How does visualizing the dramatic events described in the opening verses impact my perspective on worldly life and its temporary nature?
The Surah defends the Prophet (PBUH) against accusations. How can I respond with wisdom and clarity when the Prophet (PBUH) or the Quran is misrepresented today?
How does verse ("And you do not will except that Allah wills...") influence my understanding of effort, reliance on Allah (Tawakkul), and acceptance of outcomes?

Unique Features

Known for its powerful, rhythmic, and concise portrayal of the signs of the Hour.
The specific, poignant mention of the questioning of the buried infant girl .
Its strong emphasis on validating the chain of revelation (Allah -> Jibril -> Muhammad PBUH).
Its status as a very early Makkan revelation, focused on establishing core beliefs.

Connection to Chapters

Follows Surah 'Abasa (80), which also deals with the theme of revelation, responsibility, and the Day of Judgment (referring to 'As-Saakhkhah' - The Deafening Blast). Surah At-Takwir intensifies the description of the Day of Judgment with vivid imagery.
Precedes Surah Al-Infitar (82), which opens with similar themes of cosmic upheaval ("When the sky breaks apart..."), continuing the focus on the events of the Last Day and accountability. These Surahs work together to impress upon the listener the undeniable reality of the Hour.