Revealed in Makkah, Surah Al-'Adiyat (The Courser) opens with a vivid, rhythmic oath swearing by charging war-horses panting and striking sparks of fire to grab human attention. It uses this imagery of horses loyal to their masters to expose the deep ingratitude of humans to their Creator, their intense love of wealth, and warns of the secrets of hearts being exposed.
Transliteration
WaalAAadiyati dabhan
Translation
By the racers panting
Transliteration
Faalmooriyati qadhan
Translation
Igniting sparks
Transliteration
Faalmugheerati subhan
Translation
Raiding at dawn
Transliteration
Faatharna bihi naqAAan
Translation
Raising clouds of dust
Transliteration
Fawasatna bihi jamAAan
Translation
Storming into the midst
Transliteration
Inna alinsana lirabbihi lakanoodun
Translation
Indeed, the human being is ungrateful to his Lord
Transliteration
Wainnahu AAala thalika lashaheedun
Translation
And he bears witness to that
Transliteration
Wainnahu lihubbi alkhayri lashadeedun
Translation
And he is fierce in his love of wealth
Transliteration
Afala yaAAlamu itha buAAthira ma fee alquboori
Translation
Does he not know? When the contents of the graves are scattered around
Transliteration
Wahussila ma fee alssudoori
Translation
And the contents of the hearts are obtained
Transliteration
Inna rabbahum bihim yawmaithin lakhabeerun
Translation
Their Lord, on that Day, is fully informed of them