At-Tariq

Reason for the Name

Named after the oath sworn by Allah in the first verse 86:1, "By the sky and At-Tariq (The Night-Comer)". Verse 86:3 clarifies At-Tariq as "An-Najm ath-thaqib" (The Piercing Star), referring to a celestial body prominent at night.

Summary

This concise Makkan Surah begins with powerful oaths by the heavens and the "Night-Comer" (a piercing star), immediately establishing the theme of divine watchfulness by stating that every single soul has a guardian appointed over it 86:1-4. It then challenges humankind to reflect on their own creation – originating from a seemingly insignificant fluid ejected from between the backbone and ribs – as undeniable proof of Allah's ability to resurrect them 86:5-8.

The Surah vividly describes the Day of Judgment as the time "when secrets will be put on trial" 86:9, a day when humans will have no power or helper of their own 86:10. Further oaths, this time by the rain-giving sky and the plant-splitting earth 86:11-12, affirm the Quran's decisive and serious nature, contrasting it with mere amusement 86:13-14.

It concludes by acknowledging the plots of the disbelievers against the truth but assures that Allah also plans, instructing the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to grant the disbelievers a temporary respite 86:15-17.

Core Message

Emphasizes Allah's constant observation over every soul, the humble origin of human creation as proof of resurrection, and the ultimate distinction between truth and falsehood on the Day of Judgment.

Themes

• Divine Guardianship and Observation (over every soul) 86:4
• Human Creation (from humble origins) 86:5-7
• Proof of Resurrection (linked to initial creation) 86:8
• The Day of Judgment (exposure of secrets) 86:9-10
• The Power and Ability of Allah (in creation and recreation)
• The Decisive Nature and Truth of the Quran 86:13-14
• Disbelievers' Schemes vs. Allah's Plan 86:15-16
• Divine Respite (granting time to deniers) 86:17

Key Verses

• 86:4 "There is no soul but that it has over it a protector (or guardian)." - Significance: Highlights constant divine awareness and the accountability of every individual.
• 86:5-7 "So let man observe from what he was created. He was created from a fluid, ejected, Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs." - Significance: A powerful call to reflect on human origins, fostering humility and demonstrating Allah's power to create and thus recreate (resurrect).
• 86:9 "The Day when secrets will be put on trial (or examined)." - Significance: A stark reminder of the Day of Judgment where hidden intentions and deeds will be exposed.
• 86:13-14 "Indeed, the Qur'an is a decisive statement, And it is not amusement." - Significance: Affirms the ultimate truth, seriousness, and authority of the Quran.

Stories

This chapter focuses more on theological arguments (creation, resurrection, judgment) and divine declarations rather than specific historical narratives or detailed stories of prophets.

Personalities

No specific historical figures or prophets are named in this Surah. The address is general ('man' - [object Object] in 86:5 or directed towards the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) (implicitly in the command to grant respite in 86:17.

Practical Guidance

• Cultivate constant awareness (Taqwa) of Allah, knowing that every action and even hidden thought is observed and recorded 86:4.
• Reflect on one's humble biological origin to counter arrogance and foster gratitude towards the Creator 86:5-7.
• Live life with the certainty of accountability, striving to purify intentions and actions, as hidden matters will be exposed 86:9-10.
• Approach the Quran with seriousness and respect, recognizing it as the decisive criterion between truth and falsehood 86:13-14.
• Develop trust in Allah's ultimate plan when facing opposition or the schemes of those who deny the truth 86:15-16.
• Practice patience and wisdom when dealing with denial, understanding the concept of divine respite 86:17.

Points of Reflection

• How does the knowledge that a guardian (angel) witnesses my every deed impact my daily choices and private moments? (Reflecting on 86:4
• In moments of pride or despair, how can remembering my creation from 'ejected fluid' reorient my perspective towards humility and dependence on Allah? (Reflecting on 86:5-7
• What hidden aspects of my life ('secrets') would I be most concerned about if they were exposed today, and how does the reality of Yawm As-Sara'ir (the Day secrets are examined) motivate me to change? (Reflecting on 86:9

Unique Features

• Starts with distinct oaths by celestial phenomena (sky and piercing star).
• Directly uses human biological creation as a primary argument for the resurrection.
• Specifically mentions the exposure of "secrets" (As-Sara'ir) on the Day of Judgment.
• Concludes with the concept of granting respite to the disbelievers.

Connection to Chapters

• Preceded by Surah Al-Buruj (85): Al-Buruj ends by emphasizing the protected nature of the Quran in the Preserved Tablet 85:21-22. At-Tariq continues the theme of the Quran's significance by declaring it a "decisive statement" 86:13. Both chapters address the opposition of disbelievers and Allah's power.
• Followed by Surah Al-A'la (87): Al-A'la begins by commanding the glorification of Allah, "the Most High, Who created and proportioned" 87:1-2, directly complementing At-Tariq's theme of reflecting on Allah's power through creation 86:5-7. Both are Makkan chapters focusing on core tenets of faith.