Tafsir from Tafsir Ibn Kathir
Surah At-Tariq is a Makkan surah. It reminds people that Allah sees everything they do and that He has the power to resurrect them after death. The surah calls people to reflect on their creation and warns the disbelievers that their plots against the truth will not succeed.
The Oath by the Night Star (Verses 1–3)
Allah says:
“By the heaven and At-Tariq.
And what will make you know what At-Tariq is?
“The star, Ath-Thaqib.”
(Qur’an 86:1–3)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that Allah swears by the heaven and by At-Tariq, which refers to a star that appears at night. The word Tariq means something that comes at night, because it is hidden during the day and only seen when darkness comes.
Allah then clarifies its meaning by saying:
“The star, Ath-Thaqib.”
Ibn Abbas said that this refers to a star that shines brightly. Ikrimah said, ‘It is illuminating and it burns the Shaytan.’
Every Soul Has a Guardian (Verse 4)
Allah says:
“There is no human being but has a protector over him.”
(Qur’an 86:4)
Explanation
Ibn Kathir explains that every human being has a guardian appointed by Allah. These angels protect a person from harm and calamities by the command of Allah.
Allah says elsewhere:
“For Him, there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the command of Allah.”
(Qur’an 13:11)
Reflecting on Human Creation (Verses 5–7)
Allah says:
“So, let man see from what he is created!
He is created from a water gushing forth,
Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs.”
(Qur’an 86:5–7)
Explanation
Allah calls people to reflect on their origin. Ibn Kathir explains that human beings were created from a fluid that gushes forth. This refers to the reproductive fluid from which a child is formed.
Ibn Abbas explained that this fluid comes from the man and the woman. The backbone refers to the man, while the ribs refer to the woman. The child is created from both by the permission of Allah.
Allah’s Power to Resurrect (Verse 8)
Allah says:
“Verily, He is Able to bring him back!”
(Qur’an 86:8)
Explanation
This verse affirms that Allah is able to resurrect human beings after death. Ibn Kathir explains that the One who created man the first time is certainly able to bring him back again.
Allah mentions this proof many times in the Qur’an: the One who begins creation can easily repeat it.
The Day Secrets Will Be Exposed (Verses 9–10)
Allah says:
“The Day when all the secrets will be examined.
Then he will have no power nor any helper.”
(Qur’an 86:9–10)
Explanation
On the Day of Judgment, everything hidden will be revealed. Ibn Kathir explains that the inner secrets of people will be exposed and made known.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Every betrayer will have a flag raised for him behind his back, and it will be said, ‘This is the betrayal of so-and-so, the son of so-and-so.’”
On that Day a person will have no strength to defend himself and no one will be able to help him against the punishment of Allah.
The Qur’an Is a Decisive Word (Verses 11–14)
Allah says:
“By the sky which gives rain again and again,
And the earth which splits.
Verily, this is the Word that separates,
And it is not a thing for amusement.”
(Qur’an 86:11–14)
Explanation
Allah swears by the sky that repeatedly sends down rain and by the earth that splits open to produce plants.
Ibn Abbas explained that “the sky that returns” refers to rain that falls again and again. The earth splitting refers to the earth opening so that plants can grow.
After these oaths, Allah declares that the Qur’an is a word that separates truth from falsehood. It is not something trivial or playful, but a serious revelation that guides people.
The Plots of the Disbelievers (Verses 15–17)
Allah says:
“Verily, they are but plotting a plot.
And I am planning a plan.
So, give a respite to the disbelievers; deal gently with them for a while.”
(Qur’an 86:15–17)
Explanation
The disbelievers plotted against the message of the Qur’an and tried to prevent people from following it. However, Allah informs that He also has a plan against them.
Ibn Kathir explains that the Prophet ﷺ was commanded to be patient and give them time. Their punishment would come later, and Allah would deal with them for their rejection of the truth.
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