Overall meaning : I swear by the dawn, by the ten nights, by the even and the odd and by the night when it runs its course that you, unbelievers, will certainly be punished. Is there not in all this a sufficient oath for those who are endowed with reason and understanding, so that they may desist from their sins?
Have you not seen, Muhammad, how your Lord severely punished the tribe of ‘Aad, the people of Iram, known for its lofty buildings, the like of which has never been created in any other land; how He inflicted His severe punishment on the tribe of Thamud who carved out homes in the mountains of their valley; and how He meted out His punishment to Pharaoh, the Lord of the Stakes?
All these acted tyrannically and transgressed all bounds of equity in their lands, spreading much corruption because of their unbelief and disobedience; therefore, your Lord, Muhammad, sent down upon down a severe punishment, and they all perished. Your Lord surely observes and watches the actions of such tyrants who spread corruption in this worldly life and will destroy them.