Al Tariq

1 I swear by the heaven and the comer by night;

1 By the Sky and the Night - Visitant (therein); -

2 And what will make you know what the comer by night is?

2 And what will explain to thee what the Night - Visitant is? -

3 The star of piercing brightness;

3 (It is) the Star of piercing brightness; -

4 There is not a soul but over it is a keeper.

4 There is no soul but has a protector over it.

5 So let man consider of what he is created:

5 Now let man but think from what he is created!

6 He is created of water pouring forth,

6 He is created from a drop emitted -

7 Coming from between the back and the ribs.

7 Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs:

8 Most surely He is able to return him (to life).

8 Surely (Allah) is able to bring him back (to life)!

9 On the day when hidden things shall be made manifest,

9 The Day that (all) things secret will be tested,

10 He shall have neither strength nor helper.

10 (Man) will have no power, and no helper.

11 I swear by the raingiving heavens,

11 By the Firmament which returns (in its round),

12 And the earth splitting (with plants);

12 And by the Earth which opens out (for the gushing of springs or the sprouting of vegetation), -

13 Most surely it is a decisive word,

13 Behold this is the Word that distinguishes (Good from Evil):

14 And it is no joke.

14 It is not a thing for amusement.

15 Surely they will make a scheme,

15 As for them, they are but plotting a scheme,

16 And I (too) will make a scheme.

16 And I am planning a scheme.

17 So grant the unbelievers a respite: let them alone for a while.

17 Therefore grant a delay to the Unbelievers: Give respite to them gently (for awhile).