Al Tariq

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

1 By the sky and the night comer -

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 can make you know what is the night comer?

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

3 The star of piercing brightness;

3 It is the piercing star -

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 that it has over it a protector.

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

5 So let man consider of what he is created:

5 So let man observe from what he was created.

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

6 He is created of water pouring forth,

6 He was created from a fluid, ejected,

6 He is created from a drop emitted -

7 Coming from between the back and the ribs.

7 Emerging from between the backbone and the ribs.

7 Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs:

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

8 Indeed, Allah, to return him [to life], is Able.

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 when secrets will be put on trial,

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

10 He shall have neither strength nor helper.

10 Then man will have no power or any helper.

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

11 I swear by the raingiving heavens,

11 By the sky which returns [rain]

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

12 And the earth splitting (with plants);

12 And [by] the earth which cracks open,

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 Indeed, the Qur'an is a decisive statement,

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

14 And it is no joke.

14 And it is not amusement.

14 It is not a thing for amusement.

15 Surely they will make a scheme,

15 Indeed, they are planning a plan,

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

16 And I (too) will make a scheme.

16 But I am planning a plan.

16 And I am planning a scheme.

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

17 So allow time for the disbelievers. Leave them awhile.

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