By the sun and its brightness

And [by] the moon when it follows it

And [by] the day when it displays it[1931] [1931] The earth. Also interpreted as the sun. The same applies to the following verse.

And [by] the night when it covers [i.e., conceals] it

And [by] the sky and He who constructed it

And [by] the earth and He who spread it

And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it[1932] [1932] i.e., balanced and refined it, creating in it sound tendencies and consciousness.

And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness,

He has succeeded who purifies it,

And he has failed who instills it [with corruption].

Thamūd denied [their prophet] by reason of their transgression,

When the most wretched of them was sent forth.[1933] [1933] To hamstring the she-camel which had been sent by Allāh as a sign to them.

And the messenger of Allāh [i.e., Ṣāliḥ] said to them, "[Do not harm] the she-camel of Allāh or [prevent her from] her drink."

But they denied him and hamstrung[1934] her. So their Lord brought down upon them destruction for their sin and made it equal [upon all of them]. [1934] And then killed.

And He does not fear the consequence thereof.[1935] [1935] Allāh is not asked about what He does, but His servants will be asked. See 21:23.