The Meaning of Surah Al-Tariq Explain the meaning of Surah Al-Tariq . Reply Surah Al-Burooj (85) and Surah Al-Tariq (86) form a pair, which complement the subject matter of each other. The central theme of both these Surahs , on the one hand, is to remove the doubts and to give answers to the objections of the Quraish regarding the Day of Judgment. While, on the other, it is to remind them of the consequences of their persecution of the believers and of their rejection of the Prophet (pbuh)'s message. In the first Surah ( Al-Burooj ) the Qur'an has based its arguments (which support the Day of Judgment) on the most apparent signs of God's omnipotence, mercy, wisdom and providence - all of which necessitate Justice - spread in the physical world as well as in the history of mankind. In the second Surah ( Al-Tariq ) the Qur'an has based its arguments (in support of the Day of Judgment) on the most apparent signs of God's omnipotence and wisdom, spread in the physical world as well as those which are apparent in the creation of man. With this brief introduction in perspective, let us now take a look at a simple translation of Surah Al-Tariq . The sky [which encompasses you from all sides] bears witness, as well as those that visit in the night, [which watch over you]; and what do you understand, what are those that visit in the night? These are shining stars. They bear witness that there is a guardian over each soul. (Verse 1 - 4) [But these rejecters still insist in their rejection of the Day of Rising] so, let this man reflect from what is he created. He is created from an ejaculated fluid that comes from between the loins and the ribs. [He should consider that if his Lord can shape him into a man from this fluid, then] indeed, He can bring him back to life [after his death]. (Verse 5 - 8) That Day, when the secrets of the heart are brought out in the open, then he shall neither have any power [to save himself] nor any helpers. (Verse 9 - 10) And the skies that pour water [due to which,] the earth is burst open [with new growth], these [the skies and the earth, also] bear witness that what We have stated [regarding the Day of Judgment] is sure to pass, it is no joke. (Verse 11 - 14) [O Prophet,] They are only hatching a plot [by rejecting this obvious truth and thereby they are trying to deceive their followers regarding the Day of Judgment]. While, I too am hatching a plot [that I should catch them only after they are left with no excuses for rejecting my message]. Therefore, ignore these rejecters. Just ignore them for a while. (Verse 15 - 17) A brief explanation of some of the parts of the Surah follows: In the first verse, the Qur'an has brought the encompassing skies and the shining stars to our attention. The skies limit us within its boundaries and the shining stars are like guards watching over us. This arrangement of the physical world, which can easily be compared by a protected fence for a herd, bears witness to the fact that the affairs of this world are not running unsupervised and man shall not be left unanswerable. On the contrary, this arrangement should remind us that guards, who guard us at all times, surround us too. Thus, there will definitely be a Day, on which all men shall face the consequences of their deeds and no one shall be able to escape it. In verse five to eight, the rejecters are reminded of their creation and are asked to ponder on the fact that if God can bring them to life from a despicable drop of water, then why can't he bring them back to life after they are dead and buried. In verse 11 and 12, another aspect of the physical world is brought to our attention. We see that the lifeless earth is brought to life through the water that falls from the skies. With this water it gets life and bursts itself open for the green fields and plantations. All this happens because of God's directives. This process bears witness that, in the same way, when God shall send His directive regarding the rising of the dead, no one shall be able to stop him. If God can bring the lifeless earth back to life, with a few drops of water and the plantations buried deep inside the earth come out of it alive, then why can't God bring man back to life after his death. Indeed He can. In the final verses, the Qur'an has directed the Prophet (pbuh) to ignore the rejecters for a while, so that they accumulate all the evil deeds that they can and are not left with any excuses. But this respite given to the rejecters is only for a while. When their time comes, they shall be taken away to face the Lord of the worlds and they shall then have to answer for all their evil deeds. I hope this helps. In case any aspect remains unclear, please feel free in writing back to me at your convenience. Regards The Learner