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86. The Nightcomer
(or The Morning Star)

THIS CHAPTER of 17 early Meccan verses was revealed after This Countryside 90 and before The Moon 54. The title Tariq is a popular man's name today, as it was with the conquerer of Spain in 711 A.D.

The translation should evoke some mystery, yet not confuse us; here the name clearly means the morning star that announces dawn. This shows the dramatic symbolism found in many Arabic names.

In the name of God, the Mercy-giving, the Merciful !


* By the sky and the Nightcomer!
* What will make you
realize what the Nightcomer is?
* The star shining [before dawn]!

* Each soul has a guardian [set up] over it,
* so let everyman notice
what he has been created from.
* He was created from a fluid ejected
* from between his backbone and his ribs.
* He is Able to revive him
* on a day when secrets will be tested;
** so he will have no strength [left]
nor any supporter.

* By the sky with its cycle,
* by the earth cracking open,
* it is a decisive statement!
* It is no joke.

** They are hatching some plot
* while I too am hatching a plot;
* so put up with disbelievers;
put up with them as long as you can!


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Published with authorization from Dr.T.B.Irving .