The Comet (Al-Taareq)
In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate
CONSIDER the heavens and that which comes in the night! 1 And what shall teach thee what is the night-star? 2 It is the star that pierces through [life's] darkness: 3 Over every soul there is a watcher. 4 So let man consider from what he is created. 5 He was created from spurting fluid, 6 issuing between the loins and the breast-bones. 7 Lo! He verily is Able to return him (unto life) 8 The Day when all the secrets (deeds, prayers, fasting, etc.) will be examined (as to their truth). 9 he shall have no power, and no helper. 10 By the rotating heavens 11 And the earth which opens up (with verdure), 12 BEHOLD, this [divine writ] is indeed a word that distinguishes between truth and falsehood, 13 and it is certainly not a jest. 14 They are hatching up a plot, 15 And I (too) am planning a plan. 16 So respite the unbelievers; delay with them awhile. 17