Explore the meaning of Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning). Learn about the signs of the Day of Judgment, the power of revelation, and the truth of the Prophet’s message. Understand the lessons of Surah At-Takwir in simple words for deeper faith.
Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning)
Introduction
Surah At-Takwir, the 81st chapter of the Holy Quran, is a powerful and vivid description of the cataclysmic events that will unfold at the end of the world. Revealed in Makkah, it consists of 29 verses and carries a deeply moving tone that stirs the human heart.
The name “At-Takwir” comes from the Arabic root meaning “to fold up” or “to roll up,” referring to the imagery in its opening verse, where the sun is folded away, losing its light and brilliance. The Surah paints a striking picture of the cosmic upheaval and the collapse of the natural order — stars falling, mountains vanishing, the seas overflowing, and every living being facing the reality of the Hereafter. These scenes are not merely symbolic but serve as a reminder of the Day of Judgment’s certainty, when all hidden truths will be revealed, and no soul will be able to deny the reality before it.
The Surah also addresses the authenticity of the Quran and the truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the Messenger of Allah, affirming that the revelation is not the word of a soothsayer or a madman but a divine message meant for guidance. Its concise yet forceful verses awaken the conscience, urging humanity to prepare for the inevitable meeting with their Lord. 0 0 0
Surah 81 – At-Takwir (The Overturning): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. When the sun is wrapped up (in darkness),
2. And when the stars fall, losing their light,
3. And when the mountains are set in motion,
4. And when the ten-month pregnant camels are left unattended,
5. And when the wild beasts are gathered together,
6. And when the seas are set ablaze,
7. And when the souls are paired,
8. And when the baby girl buried alive is asked,
9. For what sin she was killed,
10. And when the records (of deeds) are laid open,
11. And when the sky is stripped away,
12. And when the Hellfire is set ablaze,
13. And when Paradise is brought near –
14. Then every soul will know what it has brought forward.
15. So I swear by the receding stars,
16. That run their course and disappear,
17. And by the night as it departs,
18. And by the morning as it breathes,
19. Indeed, this is the word of a noble messenger,
20. Possessing great power, established with the Owner of the Throne, secure in position,
21. Obeyed there in the heavens, and trustworthy.
22. And your companion is not mad.
23. And indeed, he saw him on the clear horizon.
24. And he does not withhold (from you) what is unseen.
25. And it is not the word of an accursed devil.
26. So where are you going?
27. It is nothing but a reminder to all the worlds –
28. For whoever among you wills to be upright.
29. But you will not will, except as Allah, the Lord of the worlds, wills. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah At-Takwir is a masterpiece of divine eloquence that combines breathtaking imagery with a profound spiritual warning. Its verses, short and rhythmically intense, strike the listener with a sense of urgency and awe. The Surah’s vivid depictions of the universe’s unraveling are meant to shake people out of complacency, making them realize the fragility of the world they take for granted. The imagery of natural forces collapsing — the sun losing its light, the stars scattering, the mountains disappearing — is both terrifying and humbling, reminding us that the same Creator who sustains the universe can also bring it to an end in an instant. In its latter part, the Surah turns the listener’s attention to the source of the message itself, asserting the divine origin of the Quran and the noble character of the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) who brought it down. This powerful combination of cosmic scenes and spiritual affirmation serves a dual purpose: to awaken belief in the unseen and to inspire trust in the revelation. For a reflective mind, Surah At-Takwir is not only a prophecy of the end but also a mirror for the soul, prompting an honest self-examination before the day when all secrets will be laid bare. 0 0 0
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Frequently Asked Questions on Surah At-Takwir
Q1. What is Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) about?
Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) is about the terrifying events of the Day of Judgment, when the sun is folded up, the stars fall, and the world is overturned, reminding people of resurrection and accountability.
Q2. Why is Surah 81 called At-Takwir (The Overturning)?
Surah 81 is called At-Takwir (The Overturning) because it begins with the description of the sun being folded up and the cosmic order being overturned as a sign of the end of the world.
Q3. How many verses are there in Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning)?
Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) has 29 verses, revealed in Makkah, focusing on resurrection, divine power, and the truth of revelation.
Q4. What lessons can we learn from Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning)?
Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) teaches the certainty of the Day of Judgment, the futility of worldly pride, the truthfulness of the Prophet, and the trustworthiness of the Angel Jibreel.
Q5. How does Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) describe the Hereafter?
Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) describes the Hereafter with vivid images of cosmic collapse, human accountability, and the exposure of deeds.
Q6. Where was Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) revealed?
Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) was revealed in Makkah and emphasizes core Islamic beliefs in resurrection, revelation, and divine truth.
Q7. Why is Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) important for believers?
Surah 81: At-Takwir (The Overturning) is important because it strengthens belief in the Hereafter, affirms the Prophet’s truthfulness, and calls believers to prepare for accountability before Allah.
