Sūrat al-Tāriq

Sūrah No. 86. Revealed in Makkah, 17 verses.

Merits of reciting the Sūrah

The Prophet a has said: Whoever recites Sūrat al-Tariq in the obligatory prayer will have a rank and status with Allah on the Day of Judgment and will be from the companions of the Prophets in Heaven.

Note: The reward is not just for reciting the Sūrah but for implementing its teachings in life.

General synopsis of contents

1) An oath and the truth of a protector for every soul (vv. 1-4)

2) Creation of the human being (vv. 5-7)

3) The Day of Judgement (vv. 8-10)

4) Oaths and the truth of the Quran (vv. 11-14)

5) Warning for the unbelievers (vv. 15-17)

Selected Lessons

1) Every human being has protective angels who record and preserve deeds.

2) The origin of the human being is a lesson in humility and a reminder of the resurrection.

3) Human beings plan, but Allah has His own plan.

Suggested verses for reflection and memorization.

1) 86:4 – There is a guard over every soul.

2) 86:5 – So let man consider from what he was created.

3) 86:15-16 – Indeed they are devising a scheme, and I [too] am devising a plan.

Activities for self-study

1) What are some reminders in this Sūrah that would make the human being humble?

2) The creation of the human being has been mentioned in different places in the Quran. Check the detailed description in Q 22:5.