Surah At-Takwir (سُورَةُ التَّكۡوِيرِ) — Translation, Meaning & Tafsir

Overview

At-Takwir (سُورَةُ التَّكۡوِيرِ) — "The Overthrowing" is the 81st chapter of the Holy Quran. It contains 29 verses and is a Meccan (Makki) surah.

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Selected Verses

Verse 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ إِذَا ٱلشَّمْسُ كُوِّرَتْ

WHEN THE SUN is shrouded in darkness,

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Verse 2

وَإِذَا ٱلنُّجُومُ ٱنكَدَرَتْ

and when the stars lose their light,

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Verse 3

وَإِذَا ٱلْجِبَالُ سُيِّرَتْ

and when the mountains are made to vanish,

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Verse 4

وَإِذَا ٱلْعِشَارُ عُطِّلَتْ

and when she-camels big with young, about to give birth, are left untended,

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Verse 5

وَإِذَا ٱلْوُحُوشُ حُشِرَتْ

and when all beasts are gathered together,

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Verse 6

وَإِذَا ٱلْبِحَارُ سُجِّرَتْ

and when the seas boil over,

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Verse 7

وَإِذَا ٱلنُّفُوسُ زُوِّجَتْ

and when all human beings are coupled [with their deeds],

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Verse 8

وَإِذَا ٱلْمَوْءُۥدَةُ سُئِلَتْ

and when the girl-child that was buried alive is made to ask

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Verse 9

بِأَىِّ ذَنۢبٍۢ قُتِلَتْ

for what crime she had been slain,

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Verse 10

وَإِذَا ٱلصُّحُفُ نُشِرَتْ

and when the scrolls [of men's deeds] are unfolded,

...and 19 more verses. Read the full surah in your Quran or via a trusted Islamic app.

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Key Themes

The surah of At-Takwir (The Overthrowing) covers important Islamic themes including faith, guidance, and the relationship between humanity and Allah. As a Meccan (Makki) surah, it reflects the spiritual and theological context of that period of revelation.

Virtues of Reading This Surah

Regular recitation of the Quran is highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it." — Sahih Al-Bukhari

Reading any portion of the Quran brings immense rewards. Make a habit of reciting Surah At-Takwir as part of your daily Quran reading.

How to Recite

1. Make wudu (ritual purification) before touching the Mushaf
2. Begin with "A'udhu billahi minash-shaytanir-rajim" (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil)
3. Begin with Bismillah (except in Surah At-Tawbah)
4. Recite with tarteel (measured, deliberate pace)
5. Reflect on the meaning as you recite

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When was Surah At-Takwir revealed? It was revealed during the Meccan (Makki) period of the Prophet's ﷺ mission.

Q: How many verses does Surah At-Takwir have? It contains 29 ayaat (verses).

Q: What does "The Overthrowing" mean? The name "At-Takwir" translates to "The Overthrowing" in English.