Let's dive deep into Surat At-Takwir! This Surat, or chapter, is the 81st in the Quran and is located in the 30th juz. It's a powerful Surat that primarily discusses the Day of Judgment. Understanding its verses can give us a profound perspective on the transient nature of this world and the importance of preparing for the hereafter. We’ll break down verses 1-29, exploring their meanings, interpretations, and significance.

Surat At-Takwir Verses 1-29: A Detailed Explanation

At-Takwir literally translates to "The Overthrowing" or "The Enfolding." The Surat gets its name from the first verse, which describes the sun being overthrown or enfolded. Each verse that follows paints a vivid picture of the cataclysmic events that will occur on the Day of Judgment. Let's analyze each section to grasp the full impact.

Verses 1-6: The End of the World as We Know It

In these initial verses, Allah SWT describes the dramatic changes in the cosmos. The verses set the stage for the Day of Judgment, portraying a world in complete disarray.

• Verse 1: إِذَا الشَّمْسُ كُوِّرَتْ (When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness])

  This verse depicts the sun losing its light and being folded up. Imagine the sun, the source of all light and energy, suddenly becoming dark. It signifies the end of the world as we know it, signaling a significant cosmic shift.

Verse 1 interpretation*: The sun being kuwirat signifies a departure from natural order. It’s a sign of the Day of Judgment and destruction, as light and energy would no longer be sustained as they are today.

• Verse 2: وَإِذَا النُّجُومُ انكَدَرَتْ (And when the stars fall, dispersing)

  Following the sun's dimming, the stars will lose their brilliance and scatter. The order and predictability of the night sky will vanish, adding to the chaos and fear.

Verse 2 interpretation*: The stars falling and scattering is symbolic of the dissolution of the celestial order, thus emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of the Qiyamah.

• Verse 3: وَإِذَا الْجِبَالُ سُيِّرَتْ (And when the mountains are moved)

  Mountains, often seen as symbols of stability and permanence, will be uprooted and set in motion. This emphasizes the scale of the destruction, as even the most solid structures will be affected.

Verse 3 interpretation*: Mountains being moved illustrates the utter devastation and change that will happen, leaving no solid ground unchanged.

• Verse 4: وَإِذَا الْعِشَارُ عُطِّلَتْ (And when full-term pregnant camels are neglected)

  This verse refers to pregnant camels, which were highly valued in Arabian society. Their neglect signifies that people will be too preoccupied with the impending doom to care about their most valuable possessions.

Verse 4 interpretation*: Neglected pregnant camels symbolizes the abandonment of worldly affections and valuables due to overwhelming fear. People will no longer care for things they once treasured.

• Verse 5: وَإِذَا الْوُحُوشُ حُشِرَتْ (And when the wild beasts are gathered)

  Wild animals, naturally dispersed, will gather together out of fear and confusion. This verse highlights the universal impact of the Day of Judgment, affecting all living creatures.

Verse 5 interpretation*: The gathering of wild beasts shows that fear and chaos will affect all living things, disrupting the natural order that governs the animal kingdom.

• Verse 6: وَإِذَا الْبِحَارُ سُجِّرَتْ (And when the seas are filled with flame)

  The seas will boil over and ignite, adding to the cataclysmic events. This verse signifies the total transformation of the natural world, as even the oceans will turn to fire.

Verse 6 interpretation*: Seas filled with flame represent a total transformation, where even the life-sustaining oceans become harbingers of destruction.

Verses 7-14: The Souls Reunited and Judged

These verses shift focus from the cosmic events to the individual souls and their judgment. It's a sobering reminder of accountability and the consequences of our actions.

• Verse 7: وَإِذَا النُّفُوسُ زُوِّجَتْ (And when the souls are paired)

  Souls will be paired, indicating the sorting of individuals based on their deeds. This pairing can be interpreted as righteous souls being joined with others like them and the wicked with their own kind.

Verse 7 interpretation*: The pairing of souls can symbolize the alignment of individuals based on their actions, leading to the formation of groups destined for similar outcomes.

• Verse 8: وَإِذَا الْمَوْءُودَةُ سُئِلَتْ (And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked)

  This verse refers to the pre-Islamic Arabian practice of burying female infants alive. On the Day of Judgment, these girls will be asked about the sin for which they were killed, holding their killers accountable.

Verse 8 interpretation*: Asking the buried girl about the reason for her murder highlights the accountability for heinous crimes, especially those committed against the vulnerable.

• Verse 9: بِأَيِّ ذَنبٍ قُتِلَتْ (For what sin was she killed?)

  This question emphasizes the injustice of infanticide and the severe consequences that await those who committed it. It serves as a condemnation of such practices and a reminder of the value of every human life.

Verse 9 interpretation*: The rhetorical question serves to highlight the injustice and cruelty of infanticide, emphasizing that there is no justification for such an act.

• Verse 10: وَإِذَا الصُّحُفُ نُشِرَتْ (And when the pages [of deeds] are spread open)

  The records of people's deeds will be made public, revealing everything they did in their lives. This verse underscores the importance of accountability and the transparency of the Day of Judgment.

Verse 10 interpretation*: The spreading of records signifies the transparency of the Day of Judgment, where every action will be revealed and accounted for.

• Verse 11: وَإِذَا السَّمَاءُ كُشِطَتْ (And when the sky is stripped away)

  The sky will be removed, revealing what lies beyond. This signifies the unveiling of the unseen realities and the end of the physical world as we know it.

Verse 11 interpretation*: Stripping away the sky symbolizes the unveiling of the unseen realities and the transition to the eternal realm.

• Verse 12: وَإِذَا الْجَحِيمُ سُعِّرَتْ (And when Hellfire is set ablaze)

  Hellfire will be fueled and intensified, ready to punish the wicked. This verse serves as a warning to those who reject the truth and disobey Allah.

Verse 12 interpretation*: Setting Hellfire ablaze emphasizes the severity of punishment awaiting those who reject truth and disobey Allah.

• Verse 13: وَإِذَا الْجَنَّةُ أُزْلِفَتْ (And when Paradise is brought near)

  Paradise will be brought close to the righteous, rewarding them for their faith and good deeds. This verse offers hope and encouragement to those who strive to please Allah.

Verse 13 interpretation*: Bringing Paradise near is a reward for the righteous, emphasizing the fulfillment of promises for those who believe and do good.

• Verse 14: عَلِمَتْ نَفْسٌ مَّا أَحْضَرَتْ (Everyone will [then] know what it has put forth)

  Each soul will know exactly what it has done in its life, both good and bad. This verse highlights personal accountability and the comprehensive nature of the judgment.

Verse 14 interpretation*: Knowing what one has put forth reinforces personal accountability, highlighting that every deed, intention, and action will be brought to light.

Verses 15-29: The Quran as a Divine Message

These verses affirm the divine origin of the Quran, emphasizing its truthfulness and the reliability of the Messenger (peace be upon him) who conveyed it.

• Verse 15: فَلَا أُقْسِمُ بِالْخُنَّسِ (So I do not swear by the retreating [stars])

  Allah SWT swears by the retreating stars, emphasizing the significance of these celestial bodies and their role in the divine order. Some scholars interpret this as referring to planets that appear to retreat in their orbits.

Verse 15 interpretation*: Allah SWT swearing by the retreating stars is to emphasize their significance, which can be interpreted as planets, and their role in the divine order.

• Verse 16: الْجَوَارِ الْكُنَّسِ (Which run [their courses] and disappear)

  These stars move and then disappear, highlighting their transient nature and the power of Allah who controls them. This verse reinforces the idea that everything in the universe is subject to Allah's will.

Verse 16 interpretation*: Running their courses and disappearing highlights their transient nature and the power of Allah SWT, controlling them.

• Verse 17: وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا عَسْعَسَ (And by the night as it closes in)

  Allah SWT swears by the night as it darkens, emphasizing the importance of this time and its significance in the natural order. The night provides rest and tranquility, and its darkness is a reminder of Allah's power.

Verse 17 interpretation*: Swearing by the night as it closes in, emphasizing its importance and significance in the natural order.

• Verse 18: وَالصُّبْحِ إِذَا تَنَفَّسَ (And by the dawn when it breathes)

  Allah SWT swears by the dawn as it breaks, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the promise of a new beginning. The dawn is a time of awakening and a reminder of Allah's mercy.

Verse 18 interpretation*: Swearing by the dawn symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of a new beginning.

• Verse 19: إِنَّهُ لَقَوْلُ رَسُولٍ كَرِيمٍ (Indeed, the Qur'an is the word [conveyed by] a noble messenger)

  The Quran is conveyed by a noble messenger, referring to the Angel Jibril (Gabriel), who brought the revelation to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This verse affirms the divine origin of the Quran and the reliability of its transmission.

Verse 19 interpretation*: The Quran is the word conveyed by a noble messenger, Angel Jibril, to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

• Verse 20: ذِي قُوَّةٍ عِندَ ذِي الْعَرْشِ مَكِينٍ ( [Who is] possessed of power [and] with the Owner of the Throne, secure [in position])

  Angel Jibril possesses great strength and holds a high position with Allah. This verse emphasizes the authority and trustworthiness of the messenger who brought the Quran.

Verse 20 interpretation*: Angel Jibril is powerful and holds a high position with Allah SWT, emphasizing his authority and trustworthiness.

• Verse 21: مُطَاعٍ ثَمَّ أَمِينٍ (Obeyed there [in the heavens] and trustworthy)

  Angel Jibril is obeyed in the heavens and is trustworthy. This reaffirms his reliability as the carrier of Allah's message.

Verse 21 interpretation*: Angel Jibril is obeyed in heavens and trustworthy, reaffirming his reliability as the carrier of Allah's message.

• Verse 22: وَمَا صَاحِبُكُم بِمَجْنُونٍ (And your companion [Muhammad] is not mad)

  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not insane, refuting the accusations of his detractors. This verse defends the Prophet's sanity and trustworthiness as a messenger of Allah.

Verse 22 interpretation*: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not insane, refuting accusations from detractors.

• Verse 23: وَلَقَدْ رَآهُ بِالْأُفُقِ الْمُبِينِ (And he has already seen him [Jibril] on the clear horizon)

  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw Angel Jibril in his true form on the clear horizon. This confirms the reality of the Prophet's encounter with the angel and the authenticity of his message.

Verse 23 interpretation*: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw Angel Jibril in his true form, confirming authenticity.

• Verse 24: وَمَا هُوَ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ بِضَنِينٍ (And he is not a withholder of [knowledge of] the unseen)

  The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) does not withhold knowledge of the unseen. He faithfully conveys what has been revealed to him, demonstrating his honesty and integrity.

Verse 24 interpretation*: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) does not withhold knowledge of the unseen, demonstrating honesty and integrity.

• Verse 25: وَمَا هُوَ بِقَوْلِ شَيْطَانٍ رَّجِيمٍ (And it is not the word of a banished devil)

  The Quran is not the word of a devil, dispelling any doubts about its divine origin. This verse emphasizes that the Quran is pure and free from any evil influence.

Verse 25 interpretation*: The Quran is not the word of devil and dispelling any doubts about its divine origin.

• Verse 26: فَأَيْنَ تَذْهَبُونَ (So where are you going?)

  This is a rhetorical question challenging those who reject the Quran. It asks them where they are heading if they turn away from the truth.

Verse 26 interpretation*: A rhetorical question challenging those who reject the Quran and asks where they are heading if they turn away from the truth.

• Verse 27: إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَالَمِينَ (It is not except a reminder for the worlds)

  The Quran is a reminder for all of humanity, guiding them to the right path. This verse emphasizes the universal message of the Quran and its importance for all people.

Verse 27 interpretation*: The Quran is a reminder for all of humanity, guiding them to the right path.

• Verse 28: لِمَن شَاءَ مِنكُمْ أَن يَسْتَقِيمَ (For whoever wills among you to take a right course)

  The Quran is a guide for those who choose to follow the right path. This verse highlights the importance of free will and the individual's responsibility to seek guidance.

Verse 28 interpretation*: The Quran is a guide for those who choose to follow the right path, highlighting importance of free will.

• Verse 29: وَمَا تَشَاؤُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ (And you do not will except that Allah wills - Lord of the worlds)

  Ultimately, our will is subject to the will of Allah. This verse emphasizes Allah's ultimate control over all things and the importance of seeking His guidance in all our affairs.

Verse 29 interpretation*: Our will is subject to the will of Allah SWT emphasizing Allah's ultimate control over all things.

Conclusion

Surat At-Takwir is a powerful reminder of the Day of Judgment and the importance of living a righteous life. By understanding its verses, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the Quran and its message. May Allah guide us all to the straight path.