Surah 81
At-Takwirالتكوير
The Overthrowing · 29 verses · Meccan
In plain wordsEditorial
Written by the editors. Not a translation, and
not a source. It carries the AALAMIN Editor signature and the
date it was signed, because someone has to answer for it.
Twenty-nine verses: the sun wound round, the stars fallen, the mountains moved, the seas set alight — and, placed among those without change of tone, the infant girl buried alive asked for what sin she was killed.
AALAMIN Editor · signed 29 August 2026
not a scholar — what this signature means
I am not a scholar, and nothing here asks you to treat me as one. The plain words on this site are my restatement of what the five translations shown above say, together with counts derived from the text itself — nothing more. I sign them so that a named person is accountable for every sentence, not so you'll take my word for anything. The authority on this page is the text and its translators. If my words don't match theirs, mine are the ones that are wrong.
إِذَا ٱلشَّمْسُ كُوِّرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)idhaa sh-shamsu kuwwirat
DIN 31635ʾiḏā š-šamsu kuwwirat
When the sun is rolled up.
Compare translations (4)
When the sun is overthrown
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
When the sun is folded up
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
WHEN the sun shall be FOLDED UP
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
When the sun shall be folded up
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلنُّجُومُ ٱنكَدَرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa n-nujoomu nkadarat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā n-nuǧūmu nkadarat
When the stars are dimmed.
Compare translations (4)
And when the stars fall
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the stars do fall
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the stars shall fall
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the stars shall fall
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلْجِبَالُ سُيِّرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa l-jibaalu suyyirat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā l-ǧibālu suyyirat
When the mountains are set in motion.
Compare translations (4)
And when the hills are moved
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the mountains are moved
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the mountains shall be set in motion
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the mountains shall be made to pass away
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلْعِشَارُ عُطِّلَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa l-'ishaaru 'uttilat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā l-ʿišāru ʿuṭṭilat
When the relationships are suspended.
Compare translations (4)
And when the camels big with young are abandoned
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the she-camels ten months gone with young shall be neglected
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the she-camels shall be abandoned
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the camels ten months gone with young shall be neglected
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلْوُحُوشُ حُشِرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa l-wuhooshu hushirat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā l-wuḥūšu ḥuširat
When the beasts are gathered.
Compare translations (4)
And when the wild beasts are herded together
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the beasts shall be crowded together
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the wild beasts shall be gathered together
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the wild beasts shall be gathered together
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلْبِحَارُ سُجِّرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa l-bihaaru sujjirat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā l-biḥāru suǧǧirat
When the oceans are set aflame.
Compare translations (4)
And when the seas rise
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the seas shall surge up
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the seas shall boil
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the seas shall boil
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلنُّفُوسُ زُوِّجَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa n-nufoosu zuwwijat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā n-nufūsu zuwwiǧat
When the souls are paired.
Compare translations (4)
And when souls are reunited
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when souls shall be paired with bodies
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when souls shall be paired with their bodies
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the souls shall be joined again to their bodies
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلْمَوْءُۥدَةُ سُئِلَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa l-maw'oodatu su'ilat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā l-mawʾūdatu suʾilat
When the girl, buried alive, is asked:
Compare translations (4)
And when the girl-child that was buried alive is asked
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the child who was buried alive shall be asked
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the female child that had been buried alive shall be asked
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the girl who hath been buried alive shall be asked
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
in a signed study →
بِأَىِّ ذَنۢبٍ قُتِلَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)bi'ayyi dhanbin qutilat
DIN 31635biʾayyi ḏanbin qutilat
For what crime was she killed?
Compare translations (4)
For what sin she was slain
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
for what sin she was slain
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
For what crime she was put to death
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
for what crime she was put to death
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
in a signed study →
وَإِذَا ٱلصُّحُفُ نُشِرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa s-suhufu nushirat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā ṣ-ṣuḥufu nuširat
The translators word this verse differently
When the records are made public.
Compare translations (4)
And when the pages are laid open
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the pages shall be spread out
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the leaves of the Book shall be unrolled
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the books shall be laid open
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلسَّمَآءُ كُشِطَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa s-samaa'u kushitat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā s-samāʾu kušiṭat
When the sky is peeled away.
Compare translations (4)
And when the sky is torn away
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when the heaven shall be flayed
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when the Heaven shall be stripped away
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when the heaven shall be removed
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلْجَحِيمُ سُعِّرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa l-jaheemu su''irat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā l-ǧaḥīmu suʿʿirat
The translators word this verse differently
When the Fire is set ablaze.
Compare translations (4)
And when hell is lighted
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when hell shall be set ablaze
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when Hell shall be made to blaze
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when hell shall burn fiercely
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَإِذَا ٱلْجَنَّةُ أُزْلِفَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wa'idhaa l-jannatu uzlifat
DIN 31635waʾiḏā l-ǧannatu ʾuzlifat
When Paradise is brought near.
Compare translations (4)
And when the Garden is brought nigh
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
And when Paradise shall be brought nigh
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And when Paradise shall be brought near
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and when paradise shall be brought near
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
عَلِمَتْ نَفْسٌ مَّآ أَحْضَرَتْ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)'alimat nafsun maa ahdarat
DIN 31635ʿalimat nafsun mā ʾaḥḍarat
Each soul will know what it has readied.
Compare translations (4)
(Then) every soul will know what it hath made ready
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
The soul shall know what it has produced
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Every soul shall know what it hath produced
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
Every soul shall know what it hath wrought
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
فَلَآ أُقْسِمُ بِٱلْخُنَّسِ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)falaa uqsimu bil-khunnas
DIN 31635falā ʾuqsimu bil-ḫunnasi
The translators word this verse differently
I swear by the galaxies.
Compare translations (4)
Oh, but I call to witness the planets
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
I need not swear by the stars that slink back
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
It needs not that I swear by the stars of retrograde motions
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
Verily I swear by the stars which are retrograde
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
ٱلْجَوَارِ ٱلْكُنَّسِ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)al-jawaari l-kunnas
DIN 31635al-ǧawāri l-kunnasi
The translators word this verse differently
Precisely running their courses.
Compare translations (4)
The stars which rise and set
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
moving swiftly, slinking into their dens
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Which move swiftly and hide themselves away
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
which move swiftly, and which hide themselves
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَٱلَّيْلِ إِذَا عَسْعَسَ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wallayli idhaa 'as'as
DIN 31635wallayli ʾiḏā ʿasʿasa
And by the night as it recedes.
Compare translations (4)
And the close of night
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
Nor by the night when darkness draws on
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And by the night when it cometh darkening on
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and by the night, when it cometh on
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَٱلصُّبْحِ إِذَا تَنَفَّسَ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)was-subhi idhaa tanaffas
DIN 31635waṣ-ṣubḥi ʾiḏā tanaffasa
The translators word this verse differently
And by the morn as it breathes.
Compare translations (4)
And the breath of morning
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
Nor by the morn when it first breathes up
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And by the dawn when it brighteneth
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
and by the morning, when it appeareth
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
إِنَّهُۥ لَقَوْلُ رَسُولٍ كَرِيمٍ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)innahu laqawlu rasoolin kareem
DIN 31635ʾinnahu laqawlu rasūlin karīmin
The translators word this verse differently
This is the speech of a noble messenger.
Compare translations (4)
That this is in truth the word of an honoured messenger
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
Verily, it is the speech of a noble apostle
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
That this is the word of an illustrious Messenger
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
that these are the words of an honourable messenger
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
ذِى قُوَّةٍ عِندَ ذِى ٱلْعَرْشِ مَكِينٍ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)dhee quwwatin 'inda dhee l-'arshi makeen
DIN 31635ḏī quwwatin ʿinda ḏī l-ʿarši makīnin
Endowed with power, eminent with the Lord of the Throne.
Compare translations (4)
Mighty, established in the presence of the Lord of the Throne
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
mighty, standing sure with the Lord of the throne
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Endued with power, having influence with the Lord of the Throne
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
endued with strengeth, of established dignity in the sight of the possessor of the throne
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
مُّطَاعٍ ثَمَّ أَمِينٍ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)mutaa'in thamma ameen
DIN 31635muṭāʿin ṯamma ʾamīnin
The translators word this verse differently
Obeyed and honest.
Compare translations (4)
(One) to be obeyed, and trustworthy
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
obeyed and trusty too
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Obeyed there by Angels, faithful to his trust
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
obeyed by the angels under his authority, and faithful
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَمَا صَاحِبُكُم بِمَجْنُونٍ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wamaa saahibukum bimajnoon
DIN 31635wamā ṣāḥibukum bimaǧnūnin
Your friend is not possessed.
Compare translations (4)
And your comrade is not mad
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
Your comrade is not mad
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
And your compatriot is not one possessed by djinn
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
And your companion Mohammed is not distracted
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَلَقَدْ رَءَاهُ بِٱلْأُفُقِ ٱلْمُبِينِ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)walaqad ra'aahu bil-'ufuqi l-mubeen
DIN 31635walaqad raʾāhu bil-ʾufuqi l-mubīni
He saw him on the luminous horizon.
Compare translations (4)
Surely he beheld Him on the clear horizon
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
he saw him on the plain horizon
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
For he saw him in the clear horizon
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
He had already seen him in the clear horizon
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَمَا هُوَ عَلَى ٱلْغَيْبِ بِضَنِينٍ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wamaa huwa 'alaa l-ghaybi bidaneen
DIN 31635wamā huwa ʿalā l-ġaybi biḍanīnin
The translators word this verse differently
And He does not withhold knowledge of the Unseen.
Compare translations (4)
And he is not avid of the Unseen
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
nor does he grudge to communicate the unseen
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Nor doth he grapple with heaven's secrets
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
And he suspected not the secrets revealed unto him
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَمَا هُوَ بِقَوْلِ شَيْطَٰنٍ رَّجِيمٍ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wamaa huwa biqawli shaytaanin rajeem
DIN 31635wamā huwa biqawli šayṭānin raǧīmin
The translators word this verse differently
And it is not the word of an accursed devil.
Compare translations (4)
Nor is this the utterance of a devil worthy to be stoned
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
Nor is it the speech of a pelted devil
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Nor doth he teach the doctrine of a cursed Satan
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
Neither are these the words of an accursed devil
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
فَأَيْنَ تَذْهَبُونَ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)fa'ayna tadhhaboon
DIN 31635faʾayna taḏhabūna
The translators word this verse differently
So where are you heading?
Compare translations (4)
Whither then go ye
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
Then whither do ye go
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Whither then are ye going
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
Whither, therefore, are ye going
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ لِّلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)in huwa illaa dhikrun lil'aalameen
DIN 31635ʾin huwa ʾillā ḏikrun lilʿālamīna
The translators word this verse differently
It is only a Reminder to all mankind.
Compare translations (4)
This is naught else than a reminder unto creation
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
It is but a reminder to the worlds
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
Verily, this is no other than a warning to all creatures
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
This is no other than an admonition unto all creatures
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
لِمَن شَآءَ مِنكُمْ أَن يَسْتَقِيمَ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)liman shaa'a minkum an yastaqeem
DIN 31635liman šāʾa minkum ʾan yastaqīma
The translators word this verse differently
To whoever of you wills to go straight.
Compare translations (4)
Unto whomsoever of you willeth to walk straight
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
to whomsoever of you pleases to go straight
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
To him among you who willeth to walk in a straight path
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
unto him among you who shall be willing to walk uprightly
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734
وَمَا تَشَآءُونَ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَٰلَمِينَ
Easy-read · not authoritative
Easy-read (simplified)wamaa tashaa'oona illaa an yashaa'a llaahu rabbu l-'aalameen
DIN 31635wamā tašāʾūna ʾillā ʾan yašāʾa llāhu rabbu l-ʿālamīna
But you cannot will, unless God wills-The Lord of the Worlds.
Compare translations (4)
And ye will not, unless (it be) that Allah willeth, the Lord of Creation
Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · published 1930
but ye will not please, except God, the Lord of the world, should please
Edward Henry Palmer · published 1880
But will it ye shall not, unless as God willeth it, the Lord of the worlds
John Medows Rodwell · published 1861
But ye shall not will, unless God willeth, the Lord of all creatures
George Sale · published 1734
Sources
In-depth analysis →
- Talal Itani · 2012
- Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall · 1930
- Edward Henry Palmer · 1880
- John Medows Rodwell · 1861
- George Sale · 1734