Surah At-Tariq — Verse 1

Word Meanings:

• Wa-s-sama'i: By the heaven — the well-known celestial expanse above us, which Allah swears by to draw attention to His magnificent creation.
• Wa-t-tariq: By the "Tariq" — the star that appears at night. The word "tariq" comes from the root "taraqa," meaning to strike or knock, because the star "knocks" at the night with its light, appearing suddenly and brightly. It refers to any celestial body that shines in the darkness of the night.

Tafsir (Explanation):

In this opening verse of Surah At-Tariq, Allah Almighty takes an oath by two of His magnificent creations: the heaven and the night star. The heaven, with its vastness, order, and beauty, stands as a testament to Allah's power and wisdom. The "Tariq" is the star that pierces the darkness of the night with its radiant light, appearing like a visitor who knocks at the door of the night. This star is described as "tariq" because it emerges and becomes visible during the night, and every star that appears at night is called by this name.

By swearing by these two creations, Allah draws our attention to the wonders of the universe He has fashioned. The heaven reminds us of His infinite greatness, while the star that shines in the darkness reminds us of His guidance that illuminates the path of humanity amid the darkness of ignorance and error. Just as the star appears in the night sky to guide travelers and beautify the heavens, so too does divine revelation come to guide humanity through the darkness of this worldly life.

The oath here serves as a powerful introduction to the profound truths that follow in the surah — the reality of accountability, the certainty of resurrection, and the all-encompassing knowledge of Allah. When Allah swears by His creation, it is to awaken the hearts of His servants, making them reflect on the signs around them and realize that the One who created these magnificent wonders is surely capable of everything He has promised.

Da'wah Reflection:

Dear reader, pause and ponder: the very star that twinkles in the night sky above you is a witness to Allah's majesty and a reminder of His constant watch over you. The One who placed that brilliant light in the darkness of space is the same One who sent His guidance to illuminate your heart. When you look up at the heavens, let it strengthen your faith and remind you that nothing in this universe — and nothing in your life — escapes His sight. The night star appears without fail, and so too does Allah's mercy and care reach you without fail, if only you turn to Him with sincerity. Let this beautiful cosmic scene be a call to you: just as the star shines in the darkness, let your faith shine in the darkness of this world, and let your heart be illuminated with the light of the Qur'an.