SURAH AT–TAKWIR Chapter- 81 - JUZZ - 30

This blog is part of a series of blogs based on my research and compilation of all the Surahs of Holy Quran. An effort to make each of these Surahs understandable in an easy way. Today's effort is SURAH AT–TAKWIR Chapter- 81. If you consider it a piece of learning do comment at the bottom of the blog. May Allah forgive any mistake, omission, or error on my part in its compilation (Aameen Summa Aameen). Please do write comments about this blog at its bottom.

English Translation:

In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

1. When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness], 2. And when the stars fall, dispersing, 3. And when the mountains are removed, 4. And when full-term she-camels are neglected, 5. And when the wild beasts are gathered, 6. And when the seas are filled with flame, 7. And when the souls are paired, 8. And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, 9. For what sin she was killed, 10. And when the pages are made public, 11. And when the sky is stripped away, 12. And when Hellfire is set ablaze, 13. And when Paradise is brought near,, 14. A soul will [then] know what it has brought [with it]., 15. So I swear by the retreating stars –, 16. Those that run [their courses] and disappear –, 17. And by the night as it closes in, 18. And by the dawn when it breathes, 19. [That] indeed, the Qur’an is a word [conveyed by] a noble messenger, 20. [Who is] possessed of power and with the Owner of the Throne, secure [in position], 21. Obeyed there [in the heavens] and trustworthy. 22. And your companion is not [at all] mad. 23. And he has already seen Gabriel in the clear horizon. 24. And Muhammad is not a withholder of [knowledge of] the unseen. 25. And the Qur’an is not the word of a devil, expelled [from the heavens]. 26. So where are you going? 27. It is not except a reminder to the worlds, 28. For whoever wills among you to take a right course. 29. And you do not will except that Allah wills – Lord of the worlds.

Introduction:

Surah At-Takwir (Arabic text: التكوير‎) is the 81st chapter of the Qur’an. The surah titled in English means “The Overthrowing” and it consists of 29 verses, (ayats). It tells about signs of the coming of the day of judgement. It has 435 letters, 104 words with 84 unique words without repetition, it’s in Juzz 30 of the Holy Quran. It’s a Meccan Surah and was revealed approximately between the period of 610 – 616 AD. The word Takwir, which is the root word for the word ‘Kuwwirat’ (کورت) in the first verse, means to roll up or wrap something; like for example, a turban around the head. And perhaps using the word in relation to the sun in the first verse is a metaphor for the darkness that will encompass the sun when the world ends and Qiyamah approaches. Its name is gotten from the word Kuwwirat in the primary section. Kuwwirat is the passive voice from Takvir in the past tense, and means ‘that which is folded up’.

Where, when and why Surah Takwir was revealed:

Scholars had narrated that according to the structure of Surah E Takwir and its characteristics of composition and meanings it delivers; it was descended from Mecca. It was revealed in the early ages of the prophecy, Surah Takwir is dealing with three major issues it was revealed for, first it’s an introduction of a scene from the scenes of The End Of Days, Secondly it clarifies that the Holy Quran is delivered to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) by “Gabriel” the angel, and the fact that Prophet Muhammed is not insane nor deluded by the devil (Ash Shaytan), and Thirdly that The Holy Quran is Allah’s message to the whole of mankind as well as the people of Mecca.

Major Issues, Divine Laws and Guidance of Surah At-Takwir:

·         A scene from the scenes of the Doomsday.

·         The Qur'an is conveyed to the Prophet through angel Gabriel.

·         This message of The Qur'an is for all the people of the world.

Two Themes of Surah At-Takwir:

Ø  The Hereafter and

Ø  The Institution of Risalat (Prophethood).

The first part pointed out in the beginning verses of the Surah; those which contain the signs about the Hereafter and the occurrence of some great changes regarding the end of this world and the beginning of the Next World; the Resurrection.

The second part is in a mystical passage showing how the Great Qur'anic Revelation was true, and was revealed through the angel Gabriel, and which has a remarkable effect on man's soul for his spiritual guidance. This part is accompanied by some enlightening oaths; full of meaning.

Lesson of Surah Takwir:

Surah al-Takwir is about the signs of the resurrection, the happenings on the day of the resurrection, the greatness of the Qur'an, and its influence. The first six verses mention the first stage of the Resurrection when the sun will lose its light, the stars will scatter, the mountains will be uprooted and will disperse, the people will become heedless of their dearest possessions, the beasts of the jungle will be stupefied and will gather together, and the seas will boil up. Then the next seven verses mention the second stage when the souls will be reunited with their bodies, the records will be laid open, the people will be called to account for their crimes, the heavens will be unveiled, and Hell and Heaven will be brought into full view. After depicting the Hereafter this way, man has been left to ponder his own self and deeds, saying: "Then each man shall himself know what he has brought with him."

The people of Makkah are addressed: "Whatever Muhammad (pbuh) is presenting before you, is not the bragging of a madman, nor an evil suggestion inspired by Satan, but the word of a noble, exalted and trustworthy messenger sent by God, whom Muhammad (pbuh) has seen with his own eyes in the bright horizon of the clear sky in broad day light."

Message of Surah At-Takwir:

Every Surah in the Holy Quran always carries an important message to be delivered to the disbelievers and the infidels of Mecca, as well as the disbelievers who came after them in the following eras until the end of days.

The people of Mecca used to deny that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is a true prophet sent by Allah. They used to call him crazy, didn’t take his statements seriously, and were mocking him. Sometimes they called him a deluded by the devil.

Through Surah Takweer, Allah was sending a warning to Prophet Muhammed’s enemies about Judgment Day and how horrible it will be so they might come back to their minds and believe in Prophet Muhammed as the true Messenger of Allah and take his message seriously.

The Virtue in Studying Surah Takwir:

·         There are many traditions narrated about the importance of this Surah and studying it, such as a tradition from the Prophet (S) that says: “He who studies Surah Takwir (The Folding Up) will be saved by Allah from being exposed to shame when the book of deeds will be laid open."

·         Another tradition from the Prophet (S) says: "He who wishes to look at me on the Day of Judgment, should study Surah Takwir (The Folding Up)”.

·         The tradition has also been narrated in another form, which says: "He whose looking at the Hereafter makes him glad (as if he sees it), studies Surah Takwir (The Folding Up), 'Infitar ' (Cleaving Asunder), and 'Inshiqaq ' (The Rending Asunder)."

·         It has been reported by Abdullah ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “whoever desires to see the full spectacle of the Hereafter in front of his eyes in this World, let him read surahs, Takwir, Infitar, and Inshiqaq.”

·         “Abu Bakr [may Allah be pleased with him] said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! You have become gray.’ He said:‘I have gone gray from (Surat) Hud, Al-Waqiah, AlMursalat, `Amma Yatasa'alun (Naba) and Idhash Shamsu Kuwwirat (Takwir)”

(The reason is that the horrible events of the Hereafter are so clearly illustrated in them that it makes every conscious person prematurely old).

·         It is also narrated from Imam Sadiq who said: "He who studies Surah 'Abasa and Takwir will be with the Mercy and Grace of Allah in the eternal Heaven and this is easy for Him when He will and he will be under the shade of God’s kindness and grace in the eternal Heaven and its gardens.”

·         Recitation of this Surah is especially good for the eyes. It improves vision and removes any eye ailments

·         If somebody recites this Surah (i.e. Surah Takwir) and asks for rain, Allah will provide rain for him."

·         This is a very important Surah to recite in the month of Ramadan.

Conclusion:

Surah Takwir discusses some important topics, namely Qiyamah and in this part is divided into main issues: the end and destruction of the world and resurrection; the second part of Surah Izash Shamsu Kuwwirat (اذا الشمس کورت) delves into the Prophet and refuting the accusation of madness that the disbelievers had attributed to him, some qualities of Gabriel who is the bringer of the message and attributes of the Quran itself as well as an indication of the topic of free will and Divine will. In short, Surah At-Takwir is a profound chapter of the Quran that warns humanity of the impending Day of Judgment and the cosmic upheaval that will accompany it. It calls upon people to recognize the signs of Allah’s power and sovereignty in the universe and to live in accordance with His guidance. By contemplating the themes and messages of this Surah, believers can deepen their faith and strive to lead lives of righteousness and piety.

Supplication:

Ø  Lord! We know that we cannot be on the straightway unless you help us, so we seek your help.

Ø  Lord! We have decided to go on the guided way; we ask for your Divine Will, too.

Ø  Lord! Your throne of Judgment, in the Hereafter, is very frightening, and our Records contain few good deeds. Please forgive us with Your Own Sublime Graciousness; not with your strict Justice. 

Researched & Compiled By:

Ovais Asad Khan