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Chapter 100

The Chargersal-ʿĀdiyāt ( العاديات )

11 verses • revealed at Meccan

»The surah that opens with the mention of galloping war steeds that it calls The Chargers, whose very hoofs strike sparks upon the rocky earth as they carry their riders furiously into the midst of the fray life. It takes its name from “the chargers” (al-ʿadiyāt) mentioned in verse 1. The surah touch upon Gods swearing by the warhorses He has subjected to man’s use that man is ungrateful and misguided.«

The surah is also known as Snorting Steeds, The Charging Mares, The Charging Steeds, The War Steeds, Those That Run, Those Who Run

بِسمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحمٰنِ الرَّحيمِ

Yusuf Ali: In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1
وَالعادِياتِ ضَبحًا

Yusuf Ali

This is one of the earlier Meccan Sūras. In the depth of its mystery and the rhythm and sublimity of its language and symbolism, it may be compared with S. 79. Its subject-matter is the irresistible nature of spiritual power and knowledge, contrasted with unregenerate man’s ingratitude, pettiness, helplessness, and ignorance.
C. 280 | [100:1-11] There are those that fight, with eager charge, the hosts of evil, and storm its citadel. But unregenerate Man shows less than gratitude for God’s most gracious bounties: his life bears witness to his treason and his greed. God’s knowledge is all-embracing; all things hidden will be laid bare at Judgment.
By the (Steeds)1 that run, with panting (breath),
  • The substantive proposition is in verses 6-8 below, and the metaphors and symbols enforcing the lesson are in verses 1-5 here. These symbols have at least three layers of mystic meaning: (1) Look at the chargers (mares or swift camels) panting for war on behalf of their masters. Off they go, striking fire with their hoofs by night at the behest of their riders; they push home the charge in the morning, chivalrously giving the enemy the benefit of daylight; and regardless of flashing steel or the weapons of their enemies they boldly penetrate into the midst of their foe, risking their lives for the Cause. Does unregenerate man show that fidelity to his Lord God? On the contrary he is ungrateful to God; he shows that by his deeds; he is violently in love with wealth and gain and things that perish. (2) By the figure of metonymy the brave fidelity of the war-horse may stand for that of the brave and true men who rally to the standard of God and carry it to victory, contrasted with the poltroonery and pettiness of unregenerate man. (3) The whole conflict, fighting, and victory, may be applied to spiritual warfare against those who are caught and overwhelmed by the camp of Evil.