Summary of Quran Chapter 81 Surah At-Takwir Winding Round and Losing its Light

Surah At-Takwir, the 81st chapter of the Quran, is a Meccan surah consisting of 29 verses. It is named after the term “takwir,” which refers to folding or wrapping, symbolizing the cosmic upheaval on the Day of Judgment. The surah vividly describes a series of cataclysmic events that will occur at the end of the world, emphasizing the power and inevitability of the final reckoning.

The initial verses depict dramatic scenes of cosmic disorder: the sun is wrapped up, stars losing their light, mountains made to move, pregnant camels neglected, wild beasts gathering, seas boiling over, and souls being reunited with their bodies. These images serve to illustrate the sheer magnitude and terror of the Day of Judgment.

Following these descriptions, the surah emphasizes the accountability of human actions, highlighting that each soul will be aware of its past deeds. The text then shifts to affirm the authenticity of the Quran and the reliability of the Prophet Muhammad as a messenger. It underscores that the Quran is a divine revelation conveyed by a noble and trustworthy angel, believed to be Jibreel (Gabriel).

The concluding verses stress the inevitability of the prophesied events, urging people to reflect on the signs and prepare for the final day. The surah calls for mindfulness and adherence to the guidance provided by the Quran, reinforcing the message of monotheism and the significance of the hereafter. 

 

Surah At-Takwir

 

Surah al-Takwir closely resembles the three surahs that follow it in terms of its content and style. Due to this similarity, these four surahs [Surah al-Takwir (Winding Round and Losing its Light), Surat al-Infitar (The Cleaving), Surat al-Mutaffifin (Those Who Deal in Fraud), and Surat al-Inshiqaq (The Splitting Asunder)] are also recognized as sub-groups. However, regarding the arrangement of pairs, Surah al-Takwir is related to Surat al-Infitar, while Surat al-Mutaffifin forms a pair with its later surat, Surat al-Inshiqaq.

Hadith: Narrated by Abu Hurairah:

The Prophet PBUH said: The sun and the moon will be folded up (or joined together or deprived of their lights) on the Day of Resurrection. Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, hadith No: 422.