Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah At-Takwir is a Makkan surah that describes the terrifying events that will occur at the end of the world and the beginning of the Day of Judgment. Allah begins the surah by mentioning the great changes that will happen in the universe, then reminds mankind that every soul will know what it has done. The surah also confirms that the Qur’an is the revelation brought by the angel Jibril and that it is a reminder for all people.
Before explaining the surah, it has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever wishes to look at the Day of Judgment as if he is seeing it with his own eyes, then let him read: ‘When the sun is wound round’ (Surah At-Takwir, 81:1), ‘When the heaven is cleft asunder’ (Surah Al-Infitar), and ‘When the heaven is split asunder’ (Surah Al-Inshiqaq).”
This shows that these surahs vividly describe the events of the Day of Resurrection.
The Great Changes on the Day of Judgment (Verses 1–14)
Allah says
“When the sun is Kuwwirat.
And when the stars Inkadarat.
and when the mountains are made to pass away,
And when the pregnant she-camels are neglected,
And when the wild beasts are gathered together.
And when the seas become as blazing fire.
And when the souls are joined with their mates.
And when the female infant (Al-Maw’udah) buried alive is questioned (Su’ilat):
for what sin she was killed,
And when the pages are laid open.
And when the heaven is Kushitat;
And when Hell is Su’irat.
and when Paradise is brought near,
Every person will know what he has brought.”
(Qur’an 81:1–14)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that these verses describe the events that will occur when the Day of Judgment begins.
The sun being “wrapped up” means that its light will disappear and it will be rolled up. The word used refers to something being folded over itself, like wrapping a turban. When this happens the sun will lose its light and be thrown away.
The stars will scatter and fall from their places. The mountains will be moved from their positions and destroyed until the earth becomes flat.
Allah then mentions that pregnant she-camels will be neglected. These camels were extremely valuable to the Arabs, especially when they were near giving birth. However, on that Day people will abandon even their most valuable possessions because of the terror of what they witness.
The wild animals will also be gathered together. Ibn ‘Abbas said, “Everything will be gathered, even the flies” (recorded by Ibn Abi Hatim).
The seas will become blazing fire, and the souls will be joined with others like them. This means that people will be gathered with those who performed the same deeds as them.
Allah then mentions the female infant who was buried alive during the time of ignorance. On the Day of Judgment she will be asked for what sin she was killed. This question will expose the crime of those who committed this oppression.
The records of deeds will be opened and distributed to people. At that moment every soul will know what it has brought forward of good or evil deeds.
The Oaths Confirming the Truth of the Qur’an (Verses 15–21)
Allah says
“But nay! I swear by Al-Khunnas.
Al-Jawar Al-Kunnas.
And by the night when it ‘As’as.
And by the day when it Tanaffas.
Verily, this is the Word a most honorable messenger.
Dhi Quwwah, with the Lord of the Throne — Makin,
obeyed there and trustworthy.”
(Qur’an 81:15–21)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that the retreating stars are stars that disappear during the day and appear again at night as they move across the sky.
Allah also swears by the night when it approaches with darkness and by the morning when it begins to shine.
These oaths emphasize the truth of the message that follows.
The “noble messenger” mentioned here refers to the angel Jibril. He is described as strong, honored with Allah, obeyed among the angels, and trustworthy in delivering revelation.
The Prophet ﷺ Is Not a Madman (Verses 22–25)
Allah says
“And your companion is not a madman.
And indeed he saw him in the clear horizon.
And he withholds not a knowledge of the Unseen.
And it is not the word of the outcast Shaytan.”
(Qur’an 81:22–25)
Explanation
Allah declares that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not insane as the disbelievers claimed.
The Prophet ﷺ saw the angel Jibril in the clear horizon in the form that Allah created him. Ibn Kathir mentions that Jibril appeared with six hundred wings when the Prophet ﷺ first saw him.
The Prophet ﷺ faithfully conveyed the revelation and did not hide anything from the people.
The Qur’an is not the speech of Shaytan, nor could Shaytan produce anything like it.
The Qur’an Is a Reminder for All People (Verses 26–29)
Allah says
“Then where are you going?
Verily, this is no less than a Reminder for the creatures.
To whomsoever among you who wills to walk straight.
And you cannot will unless that Allah wills — the Lord of all that exists.”
(Qur’an 81:26–29)
Explanation
Allah asks those who reject the Qur’an where they are going when the truth has become clear to them.
The Qur’an is a reminder for all of mankind. Whoever seeks guidance must follow it, because there is no guidance outside of it.
However, guidance ultimately occurs only by the will of Allah. No one can be guided unless Allah allows it.
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References
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), English translation, Surah At-Takwir (81).
Verified on 2026-10-21 against: Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Abridged), Surah At-Takwir.