86 The Morning Star
86:1 By the Sky and the Night-Visitant (therein);-
86:2 And what will explain to thee what the Night-Visitant is?-
86:3 (It is) the Star of piercing brightness;-
86:4 There is no soul but has a protector over it.
86:5 Now let man but think from what he is created!
Humans are formed from “drop emitted” (Pickthall: “a gushing fluid”) that issues “from between the backbone [Pickthall: “loins”] and the ribs.”
86:6 He is created from a drop emitted-
86:7 Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs:
86:8 Surely (God) is able to bring him back (to life)!
86:9 The Day that (all) things secret will be tested,
86:10 (Man) will have no power, and no helper.
86:11 By the Firmament which returns (in its round),
86:12 And by the Earth which opens out (for the gushing of springs or the sprouting of vegetation),-
86:13 Behold this is the Word that distinguishes (Good from Evil):
Pickthall: The Quran “is a conclusive word.”
86:14 It is not a thing for amusement.
86:15 As for them, they are but plotting a scheme,
86:16 And I am planning a scheme.
Allah plots against non-Muslims.
86:17 Therefore grant a delay to the Unbelievers: Give respite to them gently (for awhile).
“Give respite to them gently (for awhile).”
(How long is “a while”?)
