Adapted from Tafsir Ibn Ashur

Themes and purpose:

This Makkan surah is dedicated to proving the certainty of the Resurrection and divine recompense. It establishes this reality through powerful oaths sworn by the cosmos and through the precise stages of human creation. The surah affirms Allah’s comprehensive knowledge over deeds and promises the Prophet (ﷺ) swift victory and divine support against the deniers.

Context of Revelation:

Era: Makkan by consensus.

Context: The surah was revealed early in the Prophet’s mission (before the 10th year of prophethood) to counter the polytheists' denial of the Resurrection, using direct, undeniable proofs from the cosmos and the human body.

Chronology: It is counted as the 36th surah in the order of revelation, revealed after Sūrat al-Balad and before al-Qamar.

Name and Ayah Count:

Name: The surah is known as "Sūrat al-Ṭāriq" (The Nightcomer) and "Sūrat al-Samā’i wa-al-ṭāriq" (By the Heaven and the Nightcomer), for the opening oath.

Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) customarily recited this surah in the Isha prayer together with Sūrat al-Burūj.

Ayah Count: 17 ayahs by consensus.

Surah Overview:

• Using the cosmic oath and the precision of human creation as proofs of Allah’s power and wisdom. [1-3]
• Affirming the necessity of recompense for deeds and proving the certainty of the Resurrection. [4]
• Establishing the possibility of recreating the human body by detailing the delicate origin of man from a fluid emitted. [5-7]
• Emphasizing the meticulous recording and counting of all human deeds. [4, 10]
• Praising the Quran and asserting its truthfulness as a decisive word, not a mockery or a joke. [13-14]
• Consoling the Prophet (ﷺ), warning the polytheists of their impending punishment, and promising the Prophet (ﷺ) swift victory and aid. [15-17]