This is quite an early Meccan Sura, perhaps the sixth or seventh in chronological order. It opens with a series of highly mystical metaphors suggesting the breakup of the world as we know it (verses 1 to 13) and the enforcement of complete personal responsibility for each soul (verse 14). Then there is a mystical passage showing how the Koranic Revelation was true, and revealed through the angel Gabriel, and not merely a rhapsody from one possessed. Revelation is given for man's spiritual guidance (verses 14 to 29).
Comparable with this Sura are Suras 82 and 84 which may be read with this.
C.261-(Verses 1 to 29)-How can the soul's self-conviction be fitly expressed, except by types of tremendous cataclysms in nature, and still more by tremendous searchings in the heart of man? These want deep pondering. When once the spiritual Dawn has "breathed away" the Darkness of the Night, the Vision Glorious clears all doubts, and brings us face to face with Truth. The highest Archangel in heaven is sent by Allah to bring these truths to men through their Apostle. Allah's Grace flows freely: we have but to tune our Will to His, -- the ever loving Righteous Allah.
81:1 SURA 81. Takwir, or the Folding Up. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. When the sun (with its spacious light) is folded up;
81:2 When the stars fall, losing their luster;
81:3 When the mountains vanish (like a mirage);
81:4 When the she camels, ten months with young, are left untended;
81:5 When the wild beasts are herded together (in human habitations);
81:6 When the oceans boil over with a swell;
81:7 When the souls are sorted out, (being joined, like with like);
81:8 When the female (infant), buried alive, is questioned --
81:9 For what crime she was killed;
81:10 When the Scrolls are laid open;
81:11 When the World on High is unveiled;
81:12 When the Blazing Fire is kindled to fierce heat;
81:13 And when the Garden is brought near; --
81:14 (Then) shall each soul know what it has put forward.
81:15 So verily I call to witness the Planets -- that recede,
81:16 Go straight, or hide;
81:17 And the Night as it dissipates;
81:18 And the Dawn as it breathes away the darkness; --
81:19 Verily this is the word of a most honorable Messenger,
81:20 Endued with Power, with rank before the Lord of the Throne,
81:21 With authority there, (and) faithful to his trust.
81:22 And (O people!) your Companion is not one possessed;
81:23 And without doubt he saw him in the clear horizon.
81:24 Neither doth he withhold grudgingly a knowledge of the Unseen.
81:25 Nor is it the word of an evil spirit accursed.
81:26 Then whither go ye?
81:27 Verily this is no less than a Message to (all) the Worlds:
81:28 (With profit) to whoever among you wills to go straight:
81:29 But ye shall not will except as Allah wills, -- the Cherisher of the Worlds.
