Sūrat al-Takwīr

Sūrah No. 81. Revealed in Makka, 29 verses. This Sūrah was revealed in the early years of the Prophet’s mission.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

The Prophet a said: Whoever recites Sūrat al-Takwīr Allah will protect him from being humiliated when his book of deeds is opened.

Note – This protection will be for those who act upon the verses they recite.

General synopsis of contents

1) Signs of the day of Judgment (vv. 1-14)

2) Oaths on the truthfulness of the Prophet a (vv. 15-25)

3) An admonishment for the human being (vv. 26-29)

Selected Lessons

1) There will be many extraordinary events before the Day of Judgment.

2) The system in nature is in the control of Allah and He can change it as and when He wishes.

3) The Prophet a has a high status and Allah answers the accusations against him.

4) The human being cannot realize something he wishes unless Allah wishes it for him.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 81:14 – Then a soul shall know what it has prepared [for itself]

2) 81:26 – So where are you going?

3) 81:29 – You will not wish unless it is wished by Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.

Activities for self-study

1) How do verses 19-25 describe the Prophet a? List the qualities mentioned.

2) Verse no.27 describes the Quran as ‘Dhikr’. This adjective for the Quran is mentioned in many other verses of the Quran. Check some of those verses. (see 15:9, 21:50, 38:1, 38:49)