ٱلنَّجْمُ ٱلثَّاقِبُ 3
Translations
It is the piercing star
Transliteration
An-najmu ath-thaqib
Tafsir (Explanation)
This phrase refers to the piercing star, commonly understood by classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari to refer to the bright star Sirius or a similarly luminous celestial body that penetrates the darkness of night. The word 'thaqib' (piercing/penetrating) emphasizes the star's brilliance and visibility, and scholars interpret this as an oath Allah swears by to emphasize the certainty of resurrection and divine power. The mention of this star serves as a sign of Allah's creative might and the reality of the afterlife, establishing the foundation for the surah's main theme of accountability before Allah.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tariq is a Meccan surah revealed during the early period of Islam when the Quraysh were rejecting the message of monotheism and the concept of resurrection. The surah begins with oaths sworn by celestial bodies to establish the certainty of the Day of Judgment and to challenge those who deny it. This ayah is part of the introductory oaths that set the solemn tone for the message about divine judgment.
Related Hadiths
While no hadith directly interprets this specific ayah, Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim contain hadiths about the Prophet's teachings on celestial signs and their connection to divine power. The general principle relates to hadiths emphasizing that Allah's creation in the heavens is a proof of His existence and power, as mentioned in various authentic collections.
Themes
Key Lesson
The brilliance of the stars reminds us that Allah's creation is a constant testament to His power and majesty, and we should reflect upon these signs as evidence of our accountability before Him in the Hereafter. This ayah encourages believers to look beyond the material world and recognize the divine order as a confirmation of resurrection and ultimate justice.