Tafsir & Commentary
The Nightcommer (الطارق) · Meccan
وَمَا هُوَ بِٱلْهَزْلِ14
86:14
Translation — Sahih International
And it is not amusement.
Transliteration
Wa mā huwa bil-hazl
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that the Quran is not a jest or amusement, but a serious divine message. Ibn Kathir emphasizes that Allah is declaring the Quran's gravity and purpose, refuting the accusations of the disbelievers who dismissed it as mere poetry or entertainment. Al-Tabari notes this serves as a powerful rebuttal to those who treated revelation with levity, establishing that God's word demands serious contemplation and obedience.
Revelation Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)
Surah At-Tariq was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet Muhammad. This ayah comes near the conclusion of the surah, serving as a definitive statement about the Quran's nature in response to Meccan pagans who mocked the revelation and its message of monotheism and accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), reflecting the Quran's serious purpose. Additionally, 'Whoever treats the Quran with contempt has disbelieved' relates to the gravity emphasized in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lessons
This ayah reminds believers that the Quran is a sacred trust demanding sincere engagement and respect, not casual treatment. For modern readers, it encourages approaching Islamic teachings with gravity and purpose, recognizing that faith is not entertainment but a comprehensive life-guidance from the Creator.