إِنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ رَجْعِهِۦ لَقَادِرٌ 8
Translations
Indeed, He [i.e., Allāh], to return him [to life], is Able.
Transliteration
Innahu alaa rajʿihi laqadir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Allah is certainly capable of bringing humanity back to life on the Day of Resurrection. Ibn Kathir explains this as a reference to Allah's power over resurrection (al-ba'th), emphasizing that just as He created humans initially, He is fully capable of recreating them. The context follows the oath by the heavens and the piercing star, underscoring the certainty of the Day of Judgment and divine accountability.
Revelation Context
Surah At-Tariq is a Meccan surah primarily concerned with affirming the reality of the afterlife and resurrection, which was a central point of contention between the Prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh deniers. This ayah appears near the end of the surah as conclusive evidence of Allah's absolute power over resurrection, addressing the skepticism of those who doubted the possibility of life after death.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The Mighty and Majestic One says: The son of Adam denies me, and he has no right to do so. And he insults me, and he has no right to do so. As for his denial of me, it is his saying: He will not bring me back as He brought me forth the first time. And as for his insulting me, it is his saying: Allah has taken to Himself a son, when I am the One, the Self-Sufficient' (Sahih Bukhari). This hadith relates to the themes of resurrection and divine power mentioned in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds us that Allah's power is absolute and that resurrection is not merely possible but certain—a reassuring message for believers facing the uncertainties of life and death. For those who deny the afterlife, it serves as a powerful reminder that their disbelief does not negate reality, and they will ultimately face divine judgment.