English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

Allah swears by the sky and by the “night star”.

The oath draws attention to a great sign in the sky and what follows after it.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

This is a form of magnification: what will make you truly know what the night star is?

Allah highlights its greatness before explaining it.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

The night star is the piercing, shining star—its light “pierces” and reaches far. The most correct understanding is that this is a general name that includes all piercing stars.

الثَّاقِب means: a bright light that pierces through the darkness.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

The point sworn to is that every soul has a guardian over it who preserves and records its good and evil deeds—and it will be repaid according to what was preserved.

A serious reminder: nothing of a person’s deeds is lost or ignored.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

Let the human being reflect on his own creation and his beginning.

Reflection on one’s origin breaks arrogance and prepares for certainty of resurrection.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

He was created from a gushing fluid—meaning: semen.

دَافِق: gushing and poured forth.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

This semen comes out from between the backbone and the ribs (tarā’ib). It may mean between the man’s backbone and the woman’s tarā’ib (her chest), and it may also mean that the man’s semen comes from a place between his backbone and his own tarā’ib; and this is more fitting in the context.

التَّرَائِب: a term used for the upper chest area; Saʿdi notes its usage and the most fitting reading here.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

The One who brought the human being into existence from a gushing fluid—and from such a difficult place—is surely able to return him in the Hereafter and resurrect him for recompense. A second interpretation is mentioned, but the intended meaning is the return for resurrection.

Resurrection is not far-fetched for the One who created from the very beginning.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

On that Day, the hidden secrets of hearts are tested and exposed: whatever was inside—good or evil—appears openly. In this world, many matters remain concealed, but on the Day of Resurrection righteousness and wickedness become public.

Important: the inner reality becomes visible—no concealment remains.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

Then he will have no power to defend himself, and no external helper to support him. This oath points to the state of people in their deeds and at the time of their recompense.

On that Day, strength and alliances do not save—only truth and deeds.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

Allah then swears a second oath affirming the truth of the Qur’an: the sky “returns” with rain every year, and it also “returns” with Allah’s decrees and affairs continually; and the earth splits for plants to grow, and it also splits to bring out the dead.

الرَّجْع: returning—especially the recurring return of rain and divine decrees.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

And the earth is described as “splitting”: it splits for vegetation to emerge—by which humans and animals live—and it also splits to bring out the dead.

الصَّدْع: splitting open—sprouting life now, and releasing the dead later.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

This Qur’an is a decisive word: a clear, true, and evident statement.

It separates truth from falsehood with clarity.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

It is not mere jest; it is serious truth. It is the speech that separates between groups and views, and by it disputes are settled.

This is revelation—its rulings and truth are not play.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

The deniers plot a plot: they scheme to repel the truth and support falsehood.

Their efforts aim to weaken truth—yet truth remains.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

And Allah also plans—so that the truth will be manifest even if the disbelievers hate it, and to repel their falsehood. This shows who is truly dominant: a human is too weak and insignificant to overcome the All-Powerful, All-Knowing in His plan.

Allah’s plan prevails; human plots do not defeat Him.

English Tafsir (Al-Sa‘di):

Give the disbelievers a little respite—only a short time. Then they will know the outcome of their matter when punishment descends upon them.

The delay is brief; the end is certain.

Summary of the Meanings:

Allah swears by the sky and the piercing night star, magnifying this sign before the reminder that follows.

Every soul is watched and its deeds are preserved. Man is reminded of his origin, and Allah is fully able to return him for resurrection—when secrets are exposed and no power or helper remains.

The Qur’an is decisive truth and not jest. Though deniers plot, Allah’s plan prevails, and they are only given a short respite before the outcome arrives.