Chapter 86 - 30
The Visitor by Night (Surah Al-Tariq)
(17 verses in total; revealed in Makkah)
A short chapter calling attention to stars as they become visible at night, so will life manifest itself in its true nature in the afterlife since every soul is preserved and subject to its conducts.
Key themes in this short chapter are as follows:
- Just as the darkness of night allows stars to become visible, so will afterlife make the soul visible in its true nature
- It is imperative for human beings to reflect on its own physical creation and its progression as rainwater bring life on earth and fully developed to serve our needs
- This Qur’an has message of profound importance that we should not neglect, lest God’s displeasure descends on us in this life and the life to come
In the Name of God, the God of Mercy, the Endower of Mercy!
The heaven!
The Visitor by night!
How will you know what the Visitor by night is?
It is a star of intense brightness!
For every soul there is but a keeper! (v. 1-4)
Let mankind consider the nature of its creation
Out of water gushing forth
From between the backbone and the breastbone
God is, indeed, capable of bringing it back to life! (v. 5–8)
The Day when hidden things are uncovered
When none will have power or help
When the sky pours down rain
The earth cracks open (with herbage)! (v. 9–12)
This Word (revelation) is monumental
Not to be taken lightly!
Yet, they scheme a plan
And I (God) make a plan
Give respite to the deniers and the ungrateful
Let them be for a while! (v. 13–17)
1See other similar verses – 50:18, 82:10-12, 6:61, 13:11
