This edition of M.H. Shakir’s translation of the Holy Qur’an is a reproduction of the one published in 2011 by Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an, Inc. of Elmhurst, New York, U.S.A. Some textual and formatting changes have been introduced into this edition without changing the meaning but making the text more attractive to the Western reader, taking into consideration the modern usage of English.

The ISBNs of the previous edition are as follows:

ISBN-10: 0940368188

ISBN-13: 978-0940368187

We hope the reader will appreciate this edition, and we pray the Almighty to enable us to earn His Pleasure, Allāhomma Āmeen.

Chapter 1

EDITOR’S NOTE

There are now over 75 different translations of the Holy Qur’ān into 35 various languages, and these numbers are expected to keep growing…

The Holy Qur’ān is the final conclusion of all divine revelations especially those that descended to the family of the Abrahamic faith: It particularly sums up what was revealed in the Torah of Moses and in the Bible of Jesus Christ, peace with them. Islam’s first and most significant tenet is Tawhid, the belief in the One and only God Who reveals the same truth to all nations, addressing each of them in its own language, according to its own understanding, culture and traditions, hence the differences among religions. Muslims believe that since there is only One God, there is likewise one single truth, one human race that descended from one and the same couple: Adam and Even, that there is one and the same heaven, Paradise, one hell, and one way to achieve salvation and eternal bliss.

While inviting the faithful to lead a pious and righteous life, the Holy Qur’ān also contains many observations about natural phenomena and details that totally agree with modern scientific discoveries, a testimony that there is no conflict between Islam and science as took place during the Middle Ages between science and the Church. Read in the Holy Qur’ān about the creation of planets in the universe referred to as “worlds” (1:2), about the earth splitting from the sun then getting cooled in preparation for life (21:30), about the creation of everything in pairs (36:36), about the succession of the night and the day (36:37), about the numerous earthly and celestial phenomena… Read in it about the galaxies, the stars, the planetary systems, and the orbiting of the sun and the moon (36:38-40), the creation of which, the Holy Qur’ān asserts, is greater and more complex than that of our human species. The Holy Qur’ān refers to the heavenly strata (84:18-25) and to the “heavenly bodies,” the asteroids and the comets. It informs us that water is the origin of life (21:30). Read in the Holy Qur’ān about the stages through which the human embryo passes until it develops a living being (23:12-15); it is in complete agreement with modern science. And the Holy Qur’ān refers to the gradual evolution, to the six periods of aeons that culminate in the life as we know it (7:54).

Is there any description of our creation more eloquent than this? Is there anyone who can alter this sequence in our creation? If all human beings are unable to come into this world in any way other than the one stated in these verses, then it is the speech of the Almighty, the Creator of everything and everyone, the Lord of the Worlds. So praise be to God and Exalted is He above what they otherwise describe and claim.

The Holy Qur’ān contains a vast wealth of knowledge relevant to the science of astronomy; it enjoins the faithful to contemplate on the creation of the heavens and earth, encouraging them to look above to witness the wonders of the heavenly kingdom so they may realize the greatness and omnipotence of their Creator.

No human being can ever be acquainted with all the knowledge embedded in the Holy Qur’ān, for it is the speech of the Almighty, the Praised and the Glorified One, Who has said, “Say: If the sea were ink for the words of my Lord, the sea would surely be consumed before the words of my Lord are exhausted even if We were to bring the like of it to add thereto” (Qur’ān, 18:109).

Years ago, when I lived in the United States, and according to the request of my dear and respectful Brother-in-Iman, Mr. Aunali Khalfan of Tahrike-Tarsile-Qur’ān, Inc., of New York, I edited three English translations of the Holy Qur’ān two of which only were published: the one by M.H. Shakir, this one, and the other by Mir Ahmed Ali which remains to be widely in circulation, and you can look it up via its ISBNs: 0-9761870-0-0, which was published by the United Muslim Foundation of Lake Mary, Florida, without a date of publication indicated, and 978-1-879402-39-3 which was published by Tahrike-Tarsile-Qur’an, Inc., with the indication that it was the first U.S. edition and bearing the date of 2008. Both editions bear my name as their Editor, and you can order them Online. The third, Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation which I edited, has not seen the light yet and most likely it never will. Personally, I prefer Shakir’s translation over the other two, and I feel honored and privileged to edit his great translation for the second time.

There have been other editions of this translation that are now in print and continue to be marketed globally: The eleventh edition of this translation of Shakir was published in 1999 by Tahrike-TarsileQur’ān, Inc., which was preceded by an edition published by the World Organization for Islamic Services (WOFIS), according to the Introduction to the said 1999 Tahrike edition which does not tell us when WOFIS published its edition. This 1999 edition bears ISBN 0940368-18-8 and Library of Congress Catalog Number 84-060213 the date of release of its previous, tenth, edition, according to Amazon, is January 7, 1993. This edition received 14 book reviews, a glorious testimony to its distinction and superior quality. I edited this translation once more, and the new edition was released few days ago, that is, on April 17, 2014. It bears ISBN-10: 1499161379 and ISBN-13: 978-1499161373. In less than two weeks from the date of its recent release, it received eight favorable reviews, an outstanding record…! All these editions contain only English translation. This time I have included the Arabic text as well in a fancy type font, and I think the readers world-wide will Insha-Allāh be pleased with it.

Who was M.H. Shakir? All editions referred to above do not tell us anything about him. Ansariyan printed last year (2013) a large volume (2032 pages) of the Holy Qur’ān in both Arabic and English bearing ISBN 978-964-219-300-4. It contains the texts of four English translators of the Holy Qur’ān: 1) S.V. Mir Ahmed Ali (but not the one I edited), 2) Abdullah Yusuf Ali, 3) Dr. T.B. Irving and 4) M.H. Shakir. The non-Muslim name of Dr. T.B. Irving is Thomas Ballantyne Irving. He changed his name to al-Hajj Ta`leem Ali Abu Nasr after his acceptance of the Islamic faith in the early 1950s. Dr. Irving was born in 1941 in Preston, Ontario (now Cambridge), Canada, but his family roots go back to the United States where he died on September 24, 2002. His first American translation of the Holy Qur’an, which Amana Books of Brattleboro, Vermont, U.S.A., published in 1992, carried the title of The Noble Qur’an. I assisted Dr. Irving in promoting his translation as per his request which he conveyed to me over the phone when I was living in Falls Church, Virginia, few yards from the Dar al-Hijra Mosque. I put at his disposal the extensive mailing list of the organization over which I presided, i.e. the International Islamic Society of Virginia, Inc., which contained thousands of up-to-date addresses of men and organizations of distinctions inside and outside the U.S.

The recent edition of the Holy Qur’ān which Ansariyan published last year provided brief biographies of the first three translators but not a word about Shakir, apologizing by saying that it could not obtain “a suitable biography of this translator.” I think this apology reflects the controversy surrounding the real identity of this translator…

There are two theories regarding Shakir’s identity:

1. One theory says that his name is محمد حبيب شاكر Muhammed Habib Shakir son of Ahmed ibn Abdul-Qadir. He was an Egyptian judge who was born in Cairo in 1866 and died in 1939 and was a graduate of Cairo’s Al-Azhar University, as was his father. He was the supreme judge قاضي القضاة of the Sudan from 1890 - 1893 when both Egypt and the Sudan comprised a single country.

2. The other theory, which seems to me to be more likely, says that “M.H. Shakir” is only a pen name for one Muhammedali Habib Shakir son of Habib Isma`eel of the famous “House of Habib” of Gujarat, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Habib Isma`eel was born in 1878, and this House is famous for its “Habib Bank” which has branches not only in Pakistan but also abroad in India, Africa, Canada, France and elsewhere.

Why do I think that the second theory is more likely? Studying the mindset of the society in which the first, Egyptian, Shakir lived, one can easily conclude that that society was too conservative to permit any English or non-English translation of the Holy Qur’ān, labeling such an act as a “blasphemy”. The Pakistani Habib family, contrariwise, was more open-minded, highly educated and desired to serve Islam especially during the early phases of the birth of Pakistan as an independent nation founded in 1947 on the teachings of Islam by Muhammed-Ali Jinnah, its great leader. Islamic fervor may have been the catalyst behind the production of Shakir’s English translation of the Holy Qur’ān, and surely Allāh knows best.

If the reader, however, is genuinely interested in tracing Shakir’s real identity, he can consult one or all of these references: 1) Islam Online – biography of a translator; 2) Introduction to Multiple Translations of the Qur’ān; 3) the Ahmadiyya Movement posts an article on the Internet suggesting that “M.H. Shakir” is a “fraud”; 4) “Shakir Identified” by the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-e-Islam Lahore (AAIIL), U.S.A., and 5) A report into several translations of the Holy Qur’ān by John Olsson.

Why was Shakir reluctant to tell us something about himself? I do not know the answer, but what I know for sure is that I regard his translation to be the very best, making this assessment based on my knowledge of English in which I specialized both in my undergraduate and graduate studies, writing, editing and translating into it a good number of works which the reader can review on Amazon’s web portal (www.amazon.com).

The reader is requested to pray for my success in producing a new English translation of the Holy Qur’ān which I have decided to produce this year, Insha-Allāh. I am not pleased with the existing translations because they all seem to be word-for-word translations, a technique which never works for any book of literature or theology, let alone the unique Book of the Almighty.

May the Almighty guide out steps to what He loves and prefers, Allāhomma Āmeen, Wassalamo Alaikom.

Yasin T. al-Jibouri Jumada

II 29, 1435 A.H./April 30, 2014 A.D.

Chapter 2

SURA 1 THE OPENING/PREAMBLE [Al-Fatiha]

1. In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

2. Praise belongs to Allāh, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds,

3. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

4. Master of the Day of Judgment.

5. You do we worship, and Your aid do we seek.

6. Show us the straight path,

7. The path of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, neither that of those whose (portion) is Your wrath, nor of those who have strayed.

Chapter 3

SURA 2 THE COW (Al-Baqarah) 286

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Alīf Lām Mīm

2. This is the Book; in it is sure guidance, without doubt, to those who fear Allāh,

3. Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.

4. And who believe in the revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.

5. They are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

6. As for those who reject faith, it is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.

7. Allāh has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; the penalty they (incur) is great.

8. Among people are those who say, “We believe in Allāh and the Last Day,” but they do not (really) believe.

9. Fain would they deceive Allāh and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves and do not realize (it)!

10. A disease is in their hearts; and Allāh has increased their disease, and the penalty they (incur) is grievous, because they deceive (only their own selves).

11. When it is said to them, “Do not make mischief on the earth,” they say, “Why, we only want to make peace!”

12. Surely, they are the ones who make mischief, but they do not even realize (it).

13. When it is said to them, “Believe as the others believe,” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools believe?” No, without doubt they are the fools, but they do not realize.

14. When they meet those who believe, they say, “We believe,” but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say, “We are really with you; we (were) only jesting.”

15. Allāh will throw back their mockery on them, and grant them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander aimlessly like the blind.

16. Such are those who have bartered guidance for error: But their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.

17. Their analogy is that of men who kindled a fire; when it lit all around them, Allāh took away their light and left them in utter darkness, so they could not see.

18. Deaf, dumb, and blind; they will not return (to the path).

19. Or (another analogy) is that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky; in it are zones of darkness, and thunder and lightning: They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunder-clap, terrified by the thought of death, but Allāh is ever round the rejecters of faith!

20. The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them, they walk in it, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allāh willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing, for Allāh has power over all things.

21. O people! Adore your Guardian Lord Who created you and those who came before you that you may have the chance to learn righteousness.

22. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy, and sent down rain from the heavens, and bestowed fruits for your sustenance? Then do not set up rivals to Allāh when you know (the truth).

23. And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Sūra such as this; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allāh, if your (doubts) are true.

24. But if you cannot–and surely you cannot–then fear the Fire fueled by men and stones, which is prepared for those who reject faith.

25. But grant the glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they shall have gardens with rivers flowing beneath. Every time fruits are served to them they say, “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given the like thereof; and they have (pure and holy) mates; and they shall live there (forever).

26. Allāh does not disdain to use analogies of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is the truth from their Lord; but those who reject faith say, “What does Allāh mean by this analogy?” By it He causes many to stray, and many He leads onto the right path, but He does not cause (any) to stray, except those who divert from (the path).

27. Those who break God's covenant after its confirmation, and those who rend asunder what Allāh has ordered to be joined and make mischief on earth: These cause loss (only) to their own selves.

28. How can you reject faith in Allāh, seeing that you were lifeless and He gave you life, then He will cause you to die and will bring you to life again, and you will be returned to Him once more?

29. It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth; moreover, His design comprehended the heavens, for He gave order and perfection to the seven firmaments; and He has perfect knowledge of all things.

30. Behold! Your Lord said to the angels, “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said, “Will You place therein one who will create mischief and shed blood? While we celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?” He said, “I know what you do not know.”

31. And He taught Adam the names (nature) of all things; then He placed them before the angels and said, “Tell Me the names of these (things) if you are right.”

32. They said, “Glory to You: We have no knowledge except what You have taught us: In truth it is You Who are perfect in knowledge and wisdom.”

33. He said, “O Adam! Tell them their natures.” When he had told them, Allāh said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?”

34. And behold! We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam;” and they bowed down except Iblis; he refused and was haughty; he was of those who reject faith.

35. We said, “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the garden, and eat of the bountiful things in it (where and when) you will, but do not approach this tree or you will run into harm and transgression.”

36. Then Satan made them slip out from the (garden) and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said, “Get you down, all (you people), with enmity among you. Your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood will be on earth–for a while.”

37. Then Adam learned words of inspiration from his Lord, and his Lord turned toward him; for He is Oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.

38. We said, “Get down, all of you, from here; and if, as is sure, guidance comes to you from Me, those who follow My guidance shall know no fear, nor shall they grieve.

39. “But those who reject faith and belie Our signs shall be the companions of the Fire; there shall they dwell (forever).”

40. O Children of Israel! Remember the (special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your covenant with Me as I fulfill My covenant with you, and fear none but Me.

41. And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and do not be the first to disbelieve therein, nor sell My signs for a small price, and fear Me, and Me alone.

42. And do not cover truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth when you know (it).

43. And be steadfast in prayer; pay the zakāt; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).

44. Do you require right conduct from the people and forget (to practice it) yourselves, and yet you study the Scriptures? Will you not understand?

45. No, seek (God's) help with patient perseverance and prayer; it is indeed hard, except to those who are humble,

46. Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.

47. O Children of Israel! Remember the (special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you above all others (for My message).

48. Then guard yourselves against a Day when no soul shall avail any other, nor shall intercession be accepted for it, nor shall compensation be taken from it, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).

49. And remember We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: They set hard tasks and punishments for you, slaughtered your sons and let your women live; this was a tremendous trial from your Lord.

50. And remember We parted the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh's people before your very eyes.

51. And remember We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence you took the calf (for worship), and you committed a grievous wrong.

52. Even then We forgave you; there was a chance for you to be grateful.

53. And remember We gave Moses the Scriptures and the criterion (for right and wrong): There was a chance for you to be rightly guided.

54. And remember Moses said to his people, “O my people! You have indeed wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf; so turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and execute (the wrongdoers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He turned toward you (in forgiveness); for He is Oft Returning, the Most Merciful.

55. And remember you said, “O Moses! We shall never believe in you until we see Allāh manifestly,” but you were dazed with thunder and lightning even as you looked on.

56. Then We raised you up after your death: You had the chance to be grateful.

57. And We gave you the shade of clouds and sent down to you manna and quails, saying, “Eat of the good things We have provided for you.” (But they rebelled;) they did not harm Us, but they harmed their own souls.

58. And remember We said, “Enter this town, and eat of the plenty in it as you wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good deeds.”

59. But the transgressors changed the word from what had been given to them; so We sent a plague from heavens on the transgressors because they repeatedly violated (Our command).

60. And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said, “Strike the rock with your staff.” Then twelve springs gushed forth from it. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allāh and do no evil nor mischief on earth.

61. And remember you said, “O Moses! We cannot endure one kind of food (always); so ask your Lord to produce for us of what the earth grows its pot-herbs, and cucumbers, its garlic, lentils and onions.” He said, “Will you exchange the better for the worse? Go to any town, and you shall find what you want!” They were covered with humiliation and misery: They drew God's Wrath upon themselves. This is so because they went on rejecting God's Signs and killing His messengers without a just cause. This is so because they rebelled and went on transgressing.

62. Those who believe (in the Qur’ān) and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians, and who believe in Allāh and the last day, and work righteousness, shall all have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

63. And remember We made a covenant with you and We raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai) (saying), “Hold firmly to what We have given you and always remember its contents; perhaps you may fear Allāh.”

64. But you turned back after that: Had it not been for God's grace and mercy to you, you would surely have been among the lost (ones).

65. And you knew very well those among you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath: We said to them, “Be you apes, despised and rejected.”

66. So We made it an example to their own time and to their posterity and a lesson to those who fear Allāh.

67. And remember Moses said to his people, “God commands you to sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Are you making a laughing-stock of us?” He said, “God save me from being an ignorant (fool)!”

68. They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what (heifer) it is.” He said, “He says: The heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middling age; now do as you are commanded!”

69. They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make her color plain to us.” He said, “He says: a fawn-colored heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of the beholders!”

70. They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what she is: all heifers are alike to us; we truly wish to be guided, if Allāh wills.”

71. He said, “He says: A heifer not trained to till the soil nor water the fields; sound and without a blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” Then they offered her in sacrifice, but grudgingly.

72. Remember you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves about the crime, but Allāh was to bring forth what you hid.

73. So We said, “Strike the (body) with a piece of the (heifer).” Thus Allāh brings the dead to life and shows you His signs; perhaps you may understand.

74. From then (on) your hearts were hardened: they became like rocks, and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; there are others which, when split asunder, send forth water, and others which sink for fear of Allāh. And Allāh is not unmindful of what you do.

75. Can you (O men of faith) entertain the hope that they will believe in you, seeing that a party of them heard the word of Allāh, and perverted it knowingly after understanding it?

76. Behold! When they meet men of faith, they say, “We believe.” But when they meet each other in private, they say, “Shall you tell them what Allāh has revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?” Do you not understand (their aim)?

77. Do they not know that Allāh knows what they conceal and what they reveal?

78. Among them are those who are illiterate; these do not know the Book but (see in it their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture.

79. Then woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, “This is from Allāh,” to traffic with it for a miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands write, and for the gain they get from it.

80. And they say, “The Fire shall not touch us except for a few numbered days.” Say: “Have you taken a promise from Allāh, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that you say things about Allāh that you do not know?”

81. Surely those who seek gain in evil and are engulfed in their sins they are the companions of the Fire: they shall dwell in it (forever).

82. But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are the companions of the garden: they shall dwell in it (forever).

83. And remember We made a covenant with the Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but Allāh; treat your parents and kindred and orphans and those in need with kindness; speak fairly to people; be steadfast in prayer; and pay the zakāt. Then you turned back, except for a few among you, and you backslide (even now).

84. And remember We made a covenant with you (to this effect): Do not shed blood among you, nor turn out your own people from your homes. And you solemnly ratified this and you can bear witness to this.

85. After this it is you, the same people, who kill each other and banish some of your folk from their homes, and assist (their enemies) against them, in guilt and rancor; and if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, though it was unlawful for you to banish them. Then do you believe in only a part of the Book and reject the rest? But what is the reward of those among you who behave like this other than disgrace in this life? And on the Day of Judgment they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allāh is not unmindful of what you do.

86. These are the people who barter for the life of this world at the expense of the Hereafter; their penalty shall not be lessened, nor shall they be helped.

87. We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers; We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear (signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever a Messenger comes to you with something you do not desire, you are puffed up with pride? Some you called impostors and others you murdered!

88. They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve God's word; we need no more).” Undoubtedly God's curse is on them for their blasphemy. Little do they believe.

89. And when a Book from Allāh comes to them, confirming what is with them–even though for ages they had prayed for victory against those without faith–when what they (should) have recognized comes to them, they refuse to believe in it. But God's curse is on those who do not have faith.

90. They have sold their souls for a miserable price, by denying (the revelation) which Allāh has sent down, in insolent envy that Allāh of His grace should send it to whomever of His servants He pleases. Thus have they brought wrath upon wrath on their own selves. And the punishment of those who reject faith is humiliating.

91. When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allāh has sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us.” Yet they reject all besides, even if it is truth confirming what is with them. Say: “Then why have you killed God's prophets in the past, if you did indeed believe?”

92. Moses came to you with clear (signs); yet you worshipped the calf (even) after that, and you behaved wrongfully.

93. And remember We made a covenant with you and raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai), (saying), “Hold firmly to what We have given you and keep (to the Law).” They said, “We hear, and we disobey;” and they had to drink into their hearts (of the taint) of the calf because of their faithlessness. Say: “Vile indeed are the behests of your faith, if you have any faith (at all)!”

94. Say: “If the last abode, with Allāh, is especially for you and not for anyone else, then seek death, if you are sincere.”

95. But they will never seek death, on account of the (sins) which their hands have sent on before them. And Allāh is well acquainted with the wrongdoers.

96. You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy for life–even more than the idolaters; each of them wishes he could live for a thousand years. But granting him such a life will not save him from (due) punishment, for Allāh sees well all that they do.

97. Say: “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel–for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by God's will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe,

98. “Whoever is an enemy to Allāh and His angels and Messengers, to Gabriel and Michael–Beware! Allāh is an enemy to those who reject faith.”

99. We have sent clear signs (āyāt) to you; and none reject them except those who are perverse.

100. Is it not (the case) that every time they make a covenant, some of them throw it aside? In truth, most of them are faithless.

101. And when a Messenger from Allāh came to them, confirming what was with them, some of the People of the Book threw away God's Book behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!

102. They followed what the evil ones said (falsely) against the power of Solomon: The blasphemers, not Solomon, the evil ones, were teaching men magic and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut. But neither of these taught anyone (such things) without saying, “We are only for trial; so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sow discord between man and wife. But they could not harm anyone in this way except with God's permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what benefited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And the price for which they sold their souls was vile, if they only knew!

103. Had they kept their faith and guarded themselves from evil, their reward from their Lord would have been far better, if they only knew!

104. O people of faith! Do not speak ambiguous words (to the Messenger), but words of respect; and listen (to him): There is a grievous punishment for those without faith.

105. Neither the faithless among the People of the Book, nor the pagans, ever wish that anything good should come to you from your Lord. But Allāh will choose for His special Mercy whomsoever He wills– for Allāh is Lord of grace abounding.

106. We neither abrogate any of Our revelations nor cause them to be forgotten without substituting something better or similar: Do you not know that Allāh has power over all things?

107. Do you not know that the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh! And you have no patron or helper besides Him.

108. Would you question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? But whoever changes from faith to faithlessness has undoubtedly strayed from the straight way.

109. Quite a number of the People of the Book, out of selfish envy, wish they could turn you back to faithlessness after you have believed, after the truth has become manifest to them: But forgive and overlook, till Allāh accomplishes His purpose; for Allāh has power over all things.

110. And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. And whatever good you send forth before you for your souls, you shall find it with Allāh; for Allāh well sees all that you do.

111. And they say, “No one shall enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian.” These are their (vain) desires. Say: “Show us your proof if you are truthful.”

112. Nay! Whoever submits entirely to Allāh and is a doer of good deeds–he will get his reward from his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

113. The Jews say, “The Christians have nothing (to stand) upon,” and the Christians say, “The Jews have nothing (to stand) upon.” Yet they (profess to) study the (same) Book. Their word is like that which is said by those who do not know, but Allāh will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgment.

114. And who is more unjust than he who forbids God's name to be celebrated in places for the worship of Allāh? Whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such (people) should enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this life and an exceeding torment in the life to come.

115. The East and the West belong to Allāh: Wherever you turn, God's presence is there. For Allāh is all Pervading, all-Knowing.

116. They say, “God has begotten a son.” Glory be to Him! Nay! All that is in the heavens and on the earth belongs to Him. Everything worships Him.

117. The primal origin of the heavens and the earth is due to Him: When He decrees a matter He says to it, “Be,” and it is.

118. Those without knowledge say, “Why does Allāh not speak to us? Or why does a sign not come to us?” So said the people before them: words of similar meaning. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made the signs clear to any people who hold firmly to faith (in their hearts).

119. Surely We have sent you in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. But you shall be asked no questions about the companions of the blazing Fire.

120. Neither the Jews nor the Christians will ever be pleased with you unless you follow their form of religion. Say: “God's guidance that is the (only) guidance.” Were you to follow their desires after the knowledge which has reached you, then you would find neither protector nor helper against Allāh.

121. Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied. They are the ones who believe in it, (and as for) those who reject faith in it–the loss is their own.

122. O Children of Israel! Remember the special favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you above all others (for My message).

123. Then guard yourselves against a Day when no soul shall avail any other, nor shall compensation be accepted from it, nor shall intercession profit it, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).

124. And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled. He said, “I will make you an Imam (guide) to the nations.” He pleaded, “And also (make Imams) of my offspring!” He answered, “But My promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.”

125. Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety, and take the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it around, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (in it in prayer).

126. And remember Abraham said, “My Lord, make this a city of peace, and feed fruits to its people–those of them who believe in Allāh and the Last Day.” He said, “(Yes,) and as for those who reject faith–for a while I will grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of the Fire, a (truly) evil destination!”

127. And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us; for You are the all-Hearing, the all Knowing.

128. “Our Lord! Make us Muslims, bowing to Your (will), and make our progeny a Muslim people, bowing to Your (will), and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn to us (in mercy): for You are the Oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.

129. “Our Lord! Send among them a Messenger of their own who will recite Your Signs to them and instruct them in the Scriptures and wisdom, and sanctify them; for You are Exalted in might, Wise.”

130. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? We chose him and made him pure in this world, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of the righteous.

131. Behold! His Lord said to him, “Bow (your will to me).” He said, “I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the universe.”

132. And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, and so did Jacob: “O my sons! Allāh has chosen the faith for you; then do not die except in the faith of Islam.”

133. Were you witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? See, he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We shall worship your Allāh and the Allāh of your fathers–of Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac–the One (true) Allāh: To Him we bow (in Islam).”

134. That was a people that has passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and you of what you do! There is no question of their merits in your case!

135. They say, “Become Jews or Christians if you want to be guided (to salvation).” Say: “No! (I would rather follow) the religion of Abraham the true, and he did not join gods with Allāh.”

136. Say: “We believe in Allāh and in the revelation given to us and to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and the one given to Moses and Jesus, and given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another of them, and we bow to Allāh (in Islam).”

137. So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allāh will suffice you against them, and He is the all-Hearing, the all-Knowing.

138. (Our religion is) the Baptism of Allāh; and who can baptize better than Allāh? And it is He Whom we worship.

139. Say: Will you dispute with us about Allāh, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord, that we are responsible for our deeds and you for yours, and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him?

140. Or do you say that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do you know better than Allāh? Ah! Who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allāh? But Allāh is not unmindful of what you do!

141. That was a people that has passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did, and you of what you do! There is no question of their merits in your case.

142. The fools among the people will say, “What has turned them from the Qibla which they had before?” Say: Both East and West belong to Allāh. He guides whomsoever He pleases to a way that is straight.

143. Thus have We made of you a justly balanced Ummat (nation) so that you may be witnesses to the nations, and the Messenger a witness to you; and We appointed the Qibla which you had before, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the faith). Indeed it was a momentous (change), except to those guided by Allāh. And Allāh would never make your faith of no effect. For Allāh is most surely full of kindness, the Most Merciful to all people.

144. We see you turn your face to the heavens (for guidance): Now We shall turn you to a Qibla that will please you. Then turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: Wherever you are, turn your faces in that direction. The People of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord, nor is Allāh unmindful of what they do.

145. Even if you were to bring all the signs (together) to the People of the Book, they would not follow your Qibla; nor are you going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other's Qibla. If you, after knowledge has reached you, were to follow their (vain) desires! Then you would be (clearly) in the wrong.

146. The People of the Book know this as they know their own sons; but some of them conceal the truth which they themselves know.

147. The truth is from your Lord, so have no doubts at all.

148. Each has a goal to which Allāh turns him; then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good. Wherever you are, Allāh will bring you together. For Allāh has power over all things.

149. Wherever you start from, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: That is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allāh is not unmindful of what you do.

150. So wherever you start from, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; wherever you are, turn your face towards it: That there be no grounds for dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so do not fear them, but fear Me; that I may complete My favors to you and you may (consent to) be guided.

151. (You have already received) a similar (favor) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, reciting to you Our signs and sanctifying you and instructing you in Scriptures and wisdom and in new knowledge.

152. Then remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject faith.

153. O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for Allāh is with those who patiently persevere.

154. And do not say of those who are killed in the way of Allāh, “They are dead.” No, they are living, though you do not perceive (it).

155. Rest assured that We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere,

156. Who say, when afflicted with calamity, “To Allāh do we belong, and to Him do we return.”

157. They are the ones on whom God's blessings and mercy (descend), and they are the ones who receive guidance.

158. Behold! The Safa and Marwa are among God's symbols. So if those who visit the House in the season or at other times should circle them, they have not sinned in this. And if anyone obeys his own impulse to do good, be sure that Allāh is He Who recognizes and knows.

159. Those who conceal the clear (Signs) and the guidance We have sent down after We have made it clear for the people in the Book! God's curse, and the curse of those entitled to curse, shall be upon them,

160. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the truth): I turn to them; for I am oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.

161. Those who reject faith and die rejecting! God's curse and the curse of the angels and of all mankind is upon them.

162. They will abide in it: Their penalty will not be lessened, nor will respite be theirs.

163. And your Allāh is One Allāh: There is no god but He, Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

164. Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of night and day; in the sailing of ships through the ocean for the benefit of mankind; in the rain which Allāh sends down from the skies; and the life which He gives with it to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters throughout the earth; in the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth; (here) indeed are signs for wise people.

165. Yet there are men who (worship) others besides Allāh as equal (with Allāh): They love them as they should love Allāh. But those of faith are overflowing in their love for Allāh. If only the unrighteous could see, behold! They would see the penalty: That all power belongs to Allāh, and Allāh will strongly enforce the penalty.

166. Then those who are followed would rid themselves of those who follow (them): They would see the penalty, and all relations between them would be cut off.

167. And those who followed would say, “If only we had one more chance, we would rid ourselves of them, as they have rid themselves of us.” Thus will Allāh show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets, nor will there be a way out of the Fire for them.

168. O people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the evil one, for he is an avowed enemy to you.

169. For he commands you (to do) what is evil and shameful, and that you should say of Allāh what you have no knowledge of.

170. When it is said to them, “Follow what Allāh has revealed,” they say, “No! We shall follow the ways of our fathers.” What! Even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance?!

171. The analogy for those who reject faith is as if one were to shout like a goat-herd to things that listen to nothing but calls and cries: Deaf, dumb and blind, they are void of wisdom.

172. O you who believe! Eat of the good things that We have provided for you and be grateful to Allāh, if it is Him you worship.

173. He has only forbidden you dead meat and blood and the flesh of swine and that on which any name other than that of Allāh has been invoked, but if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, then is he guiltless. For Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

174. Those who conceal God's Revelations in the Book and purchase a miserable profit for them! they swallow nothing but fire; Allāh will not address them on the Day of Resurrection, nor purify them; their penalty will be grievous.

175. They are the ones who buy error instead of guidance and torment instead of forgiveness. Ah! What boldness (they show) for the Fire!

176. (Their doom is) because Allāh sent down the Book in truth but those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in a schism far (from the purpose).

177. It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West; but it is righteousness to believe in Allāh and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the messengers, to spend of your wealth, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves, to be steadfast in prayer and pay the zakāt, to fulfill the contracts which you have made, and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity and throughout all times of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing.

178. O you who believe! The law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: The free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand and compensate him with handsome gratitude; this is a concession and a mercy from your Lord. After this, whoever exceeds the limits shall be in grave penalty.

179. O you men of understanding! The law of equality is life-(saving) to you, that you may restrain yourselves.

180. It is prescribed for you that when death approaches any of you, if he leaves behind any goods, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin in goodness, a duty incumbent on the pious.

181. If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allāh hears and knows all things.

182. But if anyone fears partiality or wrong-doing on the part of the testator and makes peace between (the parties concerned), he has done no wrong: For Allāh is oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.

184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) in later days. There is a ransom for those who can do it (only with hardship): the feeding of one who is indigent. But it is better for him who will grant more of his own free will, and it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.

185. Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur’ān was sent down as guidance to mankind, as well as clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) in later days. Allāh intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him because He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.

186. When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls upon Me: Let them also listen to My call with a will, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.

187. You are permitted to approach your wives on the night of the fasts. They are your garments. And you are their garments. Allāh knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allāh has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while you are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allāh: Do not approach them. Thus does Allāh make clear His signs to men that they may learn self-restraint.

188. And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for judges, with the intent of wrongfully and knowingly eating up a little of (other) people's property.

189. They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time in (the affairs of) men and for pilgrimage. It is no virtue if you enter your houses from the back: It is virtue if you fear Allāh. Enter houses through the proper doors: And fear Allāh (so) that you may prosper.

190. In the cause of Allāh fight those who fight you, but do not transgress the limits; for Allāh does not love the transgressors.

191. And kill them wherever you catch them and turn them out from wherever they have turned you out, for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there. But if they fight you, kill them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.

192. But if they cease, Allāh is oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

193. And (continue) fighting them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and justice and faith in Allāh prevail; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except towards those who practice oppression.

194. The prohibited month for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohibited, there is the law of equality. Then, if anyone transgresses the prohibition against you, likewise transgress against him. But fear Allāh and know that Allāh is with those who restrain themselves.

195. And spend of your wealth in the cause of Allāh and do not make your own hands contribute to your destruction, but do good; for Allāh loves those who do good.

196. And complete the Hajj or `Umra in the service of Allāh. But if you are prevented (from completing it), send an offering for sacrifice, such as you may find, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you is ill or has an ailment in his scalp (necessitating shaving), (he should) in compensation either fast or feed the poor or offer sacrifice; and when you are in peaceful conditions (again), if anyone wishes to continue the `Umra on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford; he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in (the precincts of) the Sacred Mosque. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is strict in punishment.

197. The months for Hajj are well known. If anyone undertakes the duty during them, let there be no obscenity nor wickedness, nor wrangling during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (rest assured) Allāh knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O you who are wise!

198. It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Lord (during the pilgrimage). Then when you pour down from (Mount) Arafat, celebrate the praises of Allāh at the sacred monument and celebrate His praises as He has directed you, even though you went astray before this.

199. Then pass on quickly from the place from which the multitude usually does so, and ask for God's forgiveness. For Allāh is the oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

200. So when you have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allāh, as you used to celebrate the praises of your fathers; yes, (and) with far more heart and soul. There are men who say, “Our Lord! Grant us (Your bounties) in this world!” But they will have no portion in the Hereafter.

201. And there are those who say, “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and defend us from the torment of the Fire!”

202. These will be allotted what they have earned, and Allāh is swift in accounting.

203. Celebrate the praises of Allāh during the appointed days, but if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allāh and know that you will surely be gathered before Him.

204. There is the type of man whose speech about this world's life may dazzle you, and he calls Allāh to witness about what is in his heart; yet he is the most contentious of enemies.

205. When he turns his back, his aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allāh does not love mischief.

206. When it is said to him, “Fear Allāh,” he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Hell suffices him, a truly evil bed (to lie on)!

207. And there is the type of man who gives his life to earn God's pleasure; and Allāh is full of kindness to (His) devotees.

208. O you who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and do not follow the footsteps of the Evil One; for he is an avowed enemy to you.

209. If you backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then know that Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

210. Will they wait until Allāh comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the question is settled (thus)? But all questions go back to Allāh (for decision).

211. Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent them. But if anyone substitutes (something else), after God's favor has come to him, Allāh is strict in punishment.

212. The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allāh bestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.

213. Mankind was one single nation, and Allāh sent messengers with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between people in matters wherein they differed; but the People of the Book, after the clear Signs came to them, did not differ among themselves except through selfish insubordination. Allāh by His grace guided the believers to the truth concerning their differences, for Allāh guides whomso-ever He pleases to a path that is straight.

214. Or do you think that you shall enter the garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and the believers who were with him cried, “When (will) God's help come?” Ah! Surely God's help is (always) near!

215. They ask you what they should spend (in charity). Say: Whatever you spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers, and whatever good you do! God knows it well.

216. Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it; but you might dislike a thing that is good for you and love a thing that is bad for you. But Allāh knows, and you do not.

217. They ask you about fighting in the prohibited month. Say: “Fighting during it is a grave (offense); but in the sight of Allāh, it is more grave to prevent access to the path of Allāh, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its members. Tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any one turns back from his faith and dies in unbelief, his deeds will bear no fruit in this life nor in the Hereafter; he will be a companion of the Fire and he will dwell therein (forever).”

218. Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of God, they have hope of God's mercy; and Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

219. They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: “There is great sin and some profit in them for men; but the sin is greater than the profit.” They ask you how much they are to spend. Say: “What exceeds your needs.” Thus does Allāh make His Signs clear to you so that you may consider,

220. (Their bearing) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask you about orphans. Say: “The best thing to do is what is good for them; if you mix their affairs with yours, they are your brothers; but Allāh knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. Had Allāh wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in power, Wise.”

221. Do not marry unbelieving women (idolatresses), until they believe; a slave woman who believes is better than a woman who does not believe, even though she may allure you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A believing slave is better than an unbeliever (who is free), even though he may allure you. Unbelievers (only) invite you to the Fire. But Allāh by His grace invites you to the garden (of bliss) and to forgiveness, and He makes His signs clear to mankind so that they may celebrate His praise.

222. They ask you about women's menstruation. Say: “It is a discomfort; so keep away from women during their menstruation and do not approach them until they are clean. But when they have purified themselves, you may approach them in any manner, time, or place ordained for you by Allāh. For Allāh loves those who turn to Him constantly, and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.”

223. Your wives are as a tilth to you; so approach your tilth when or how you please. But do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allāh and know that you are to meet Him (in the Hereafter) and grant (these) glad tidings to the believers.

224. And in your oaths, do not make God's (name) an excuse for not doing good or acting rightly or making peace among others; for Allāh is the all-Hearing, all Knowing.

225. Allāh will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts; and He is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

226. For those who take a vow of abstention from their wives, a waiting period of four months is ordained; if then they return, Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

227. But if they have resolved on a divorce, Allāh hears and knows all things.

228. Concerning themselves, divorced women shall wait for three monthly periods, nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allāh has created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allāh and the Last Day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is fair; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them and Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

229. Divorce is only permissible twice; after that, the parties should either hold together on equitable terms or separate with kindness. It is not lawful for you to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to observe the limits set by Allāh. If you (judges) truly fear that they would be unable to observe the limits set by Allāh, there is no blame on either of them if she gives something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allāh; so do not transgress them. If anyone violates the limits set by Allāh, such persons wrong (themselves as well as others).

230. So if a husband divorces his wife (irrevocably), he cannot, after that, remarry her until after she has married another husband and he has divorced her. In that case there is no blame on either of them if they reunite, provided they feel that they can observe the limits set by Allāh. Such are the limits set by Allāh, which He makes plain to those who understand.

231. When you divorce women and they fulfill their waiting period (`iddat), either take them back on equitable terms or set them free on equitable terms; but do not take them back to injure them or to take undue advantage of them; if anyone does that, he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat God's Signs lightly but solemnly rehearse God's favors to you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and wisdom for your instruction. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is well acquainted with all things.

232. When you divorce women and they fulfill their waiting period (`Iddat), do not prevent them from marrying their (former) husbands, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all among you who believe in Allāh and the Last Day, to (make) you more virtuous and pure, and Allāh knows and you do not.

233. Mothers shall nurse their children for two whole years, if the father wishes, to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. An heir shall have the same duty; if, after mutual consent and consultation, they both decide on weaning, there is no blame on them. If you decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you offered, on equitable terms. But fear Allāh and know that Allāh sees well what you do.

234. If any of you dies and leaves widows behind, they shall wait four months and ten days: When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they make arrangements for themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allāh is well acquainted with what you do.

235. There is no blame on you if you make an offer of marriage or hold it in your hearts. Allāh knows that you cherish them in your hearts, but do not make a secret contract with them except on honorable terms, nor sign the marriage contract till the prescribed term is fulfilled. And know that Allāh knows what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him, and know that Allāh is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

236. There is no blame on you if you divorce women before consummation or the fixation of their dower, but grant them (a suitable gift), the wealthy man according to his means, and the poor one according to his means; a gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.

237. And if you divorce them before consummation but after the fixation of a dower for them, then (you owe them) half of the dower unless they remit it, or (the man's half) is remitted by the person who holds the marriage tie, and the (man's) remission (of one half) is nearest to righteousness. And do not forget liberality among yourselves. For Allāh sees well all that you do.

238. Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the middle prayer and stand before Allāh in a devout (frame of mind).

239. If you fear (an enemy), pray while walking or riding (as may be most convenient), but when you are safe, celebrate God's praises in the manner He taught you, which you did not know (before).

240. Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year's maintenance and residence, but if they leave (the residence), there is no blame on you for what they do by themselves, provided it is reasonable, and Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

241. For divorced women maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty for the righteous.

242. Thus Allāh makes His signs clear to you, so you may understand.

243. Have you not considered those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands (in number), for fear of death? Allāh said to them, “Die.” Then He restored them to life, for Allāh is full of bounty to mankind, yet most of them are ungrateful.

244. Then fight in the cause of Allāh and know that Allāh hears and knows all things.

245. Who will grant Allāh a beautiful loan, which Allāh will double to his credit and multiply many times? It is Allāh Who gives (you) want or plenty, and to Him you will return.

246. Have you not considered the chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? They said to a prophet (who was) among them, “Appoint a king for us, so we may fight in the cause of Allāh.” He said, “Is it possible that you would not fight if you were commanded to fight?” They said, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allāh, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and families?” But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except for a small band among them. But Allāh has full knowledge of the wrongdoers.

247. Their prophet said to them, “God has appointed T,.alu,-t as your king.” They said, “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he is to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted with wealth in abundance?” He said, “God has chosen him over you and has gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allāh grants His authority to whom He pleases. Allāh cares for all, and He knows all things.”

248. And their prophet (also) said to them, “A sign of his authority is that the Ark of the Covenant shall come to you, with (an assurance) in it of security from your Lord and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is a symbol for you if you indeed have faith.”

249. When Talut set forth with the armies, he said, “God will test you at the stream: If anyone drinks of its water, he will not go with my army: Only those who do not taste of it go with me: A mere sip out of the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river, he and the faithful ones with him said, “This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet Allāh said, “How often, by God's will, has a small force vanquished a big one? Allāh is with those who steadfastly persevere.”

250. When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed, “Our Lord! Pour out patience on us and make our steps firm; help us against those who reject faith.”

251. By God's will they routed them; and David slew Goliath, and Allāh gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And if Allāh had not checked one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed have been full of mischief, but Allāh is full of bounty to all the worlds.

252. These are God's Signs: We recite them to you in truth; truly you are one of the Messengers.

253. We endowed those Messengers with gifts, some more than others: To one of them Allāh spoke; others We raised to degrees (of honor). To Jesus, the son of Mary, We gave clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allāh had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to argue, some believing and others rejecting. If Allāh had so willed, they would not have fought each other, but Allāh fulfills His plan.

254. O you who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. Those who reject faith are the wrongdoers.

255. Allāh! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Eternal. Neither slumber can seize Him nor sleep. All things in the heavens and on earth are His. Who is there who can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what (appears to his creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they grasp anything of His knowledge except as He wills. His throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He never tires in guarding and preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory).

256. Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clearly from error: Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allāh has grasped the most trustworthy lifeline, one that never breaks. And Allāh hears and knows all things.

257. Allāh is the Protector of the believers: From the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. The patrons of those who reject faith are the Evil Ones: They will lead them forth from light into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the Fire, to dwell in it (forever).

258. Have you not considered the one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord because Allāh had granted him power? Abraham said, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death.” He said, “I grant life and death.” Abraham said, “But it is Allāh Who causes the sun to rise in the East: Then you, make it rise in the West.” So did he confound the one who (arrogantly) rejected faith. And Allāh does not guide the unjust people.

259. Or (take) the analogy of one who passed by a village, all in ruins to its roofs. He said, “Oh! How shall Allāh (ever) bring it to life, after its death?” But Allāh caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said, “How long did you tarry (like that)?” He said, “(Perhaps) a Day or part of a Day.” He said, “No, you tarried a hundred years like that; so look at your food and your drink; they show no Signs of age, and look at your donkey. And so We may make a Sign out of you to the people. Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh!” When this was shown clearly to him, he said, “I know that Allāh has power over all things.”

260. Behold! Abraham said, “My Lord! Show me how You grant life to the dead.” He said, “Then do you not believe?” He said, “Yes, but to satisfy my own understanding.” He said, “Take four birds; tame them to come back to you; put parts of them on every hill and call to them: They will come to you (flying) with speed. Then know that Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.”

261. The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allāh is that of a kernel of corn: It grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred kernels. Allāh gives manifold increase to whom He pleases: And Allāh cares for all and He knows all things.

262. Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allāh and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury! Their reward is with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

263. Kind words and covering up faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allāh is free of all wants, and He is Most Forbearing.

264. O you who believe! Do not cancel your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury! [It is] like those who spend their substance to be seen by men but do not believe in Allāh or the Last Day. They are in parable like a hard, barren rock on which is a little soil; a heavy rain falls on it, leaving it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with anything they have earned. And Allāh does not guide those who reject faith.

265. And the comparison for those who spend their substance, seeking to please Allāh and to strengthen their souls, is a high and fertile garden: Heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it does not receive heavy rain, light moisture suffices. Allāh sees well whatever you do.

266. Does any of you wish that he should have a garden with date palms and vines and streams flowing underneath and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age and his children are not strong (enough to look after themselves)! That it should be caught in a fiery whirlwind and burnt up? Thus does Allāh make (His) Signs clear to you, (so) that you may consider.

267. O you who believe! Grant of the good things which you have (honorably) earned and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you and do not even try to get anything bad, so that you may grant away some of it, when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allāh is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

268. The Evil One threatens you with poverty and invites you to odious conduct. Allāh promises you His forgiveness and bounties and Allāh cares for all and He knows all things.

269. He grants wisdom to whomsoever He pleases, and he to whom wisdom is granted receives a truly overflowing benefit, but none will grasp the message except men of understanding.

270. And whatever you spend in charity or devotion, be sure Allāh knows it all. But the wrongdoers have no helpers.

271. If you disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if you conceal them and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you: It will remove some of your (stains of) evil from you. And Allāh is well acquainted with what you do.

272. It is not required of you (O Messenger), to set them on the right path, but Allāh sets whom He pleases on the right path. Whatever good things you grant benefit your own souls, and you shall do so only seeking the “Face” of Allāh. Whatever good you grant shall be paid back to you, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.

273. (Charity is) for those in need, who, in God's cause, are restricted (from travel) and cannot move about in the land, seeking (trade or work). The ignorant man thinks, because of their modesty, that they are free from want. You shall know them by their (unfailing) mark: They do not beg importunately from all and sundry, and whatever good you grant, rest assured Allāh knows it well.

274. Those who spend of their wealth (in charity) by night and by Day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

275. Those who devour usury will not stand except like those driven to madness by the touch of the Evil One. That is because they say, “Trade is like usury," but Allāh has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who desist, after receiving direction from their Lord, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allāh (to judge), but those who repeat (the offense) are companions of the Fire: They will dwell in it (forever).

276. Allāh will deprive usury of all blessing, but will grant increase for deeds of charity, for He does not love ungrateful and wicked creatures.

277. Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and establish regular prayers and pay the zakāt will have their reward with their Lord: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

278. O you who believe! Fear Allāh and grant up what remains of your demand for usury, if you truly believe.

279. If you do not do it, take note of war from Allāh and His Messenger, but if you turn back, you shall have your capital sums: Do not deal unfairly, and you shall not be dealt with unfairly.

280. If the debtor is in difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But it you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you, if you only know.

281. And fear the Day when you shall be brought back to Allāh. Then every soul shall be paid what it has earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.

282. O you who believe! When you deal with each other in transactions involving future obligations in a fixed period of time, write them down. Let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: Let not the scribe refuse to write: As Allāh has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear his Lord Allāh and not diminish what he owes. If the liable party is mentally deficient or weak or personally unable to dictate, let his guardian dictate faithfully. And get two witnesses from among your own men, and if there are no two men, then a man and two women, such as you choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the one can remind the other. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). Do not disdain to write down (your contract) for a future period, whether it be small or big: It is more just in the sight of Allāh, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to prevent doubts among yourselves, but if it be a transaction which you carry out on the spot among yourselves, there is no blame on you if you do not write it down. But take witnesses whenever you make a commercial contract, and do not let either the scribe or the witness suffer harm. If you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allāh, for it is Allāh Who teaches you. And Allāh is well acquainted with all things.

283. If you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, accept collateral (which may serve the purpose). And if one of you deposits something on trust with another, let the trustee (faithfully) discharge his trust, and let him fear his Lord. Do not conceal evidence, for whoever conceals it, his heart is tainted with sin. And Allāh knows all that you do.

284. All that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allāh. Whether you show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allāh calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, for Allāh has power over all things.

285. The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believes in Allāh, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. “We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His Messengers.” And they say, “We hear, and we obey: (We seek) Your forgiveness, Our Lord, and You are the end of all journeys.”

286. Allāh does not place a burden on any soul greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Do not condemn us if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord! Do not lay a burden on us like the one You laid on those before us. Our Lord! Do not lay a burden on us greater than we have the strength to bear. Blot out our sins, and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector; help us against those who stand against faith.”

Chapter 4

SURA 3 THE FAMILY OF IMRAN (Ali-Imran) 200

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Alīf Lām Mīm

2. Allāh! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.

3. It is He Who sent down the Book to you (step by step), in truth, confirming what went before it, and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of Judgment between right and wrong).

4. Then those who reject faith in the Signs of Allāh will suffer the severest penalty, and Allāh is Exalted in might, Lord of retribution.

5. Truly nothing is hidden from Allāh on earth or in the heavens.

6. It is He Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in might, the Wise.

7. It is He Who has sent down the Book to you; there are basic (fundamental) verses (of established meaning) in it; they are the foundation of the Book; others are allegorical. But those with perversity in their hearts follow its allegorical parts, seeking discord and searching for their own hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allāh, and those who are firmly grounded in knowledge. Say, “We believe in the Book; the whole of it is from our Lord.” And none will grasp the message except men of understanding.

8. “Our Lord!” (they say,) “do not let our hearts deviate now that You have guided us, but grant us mercy from Your Own Presence, for You are the Giver of unlimited bounties.

9. “Our Lord! You are He Who will gather mankind together on a Day about which there is no doubt, for Allāh never fails His promise.”

10. Those who reject faith! Neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will be of any help to them against Allāh: They are themselves but fuel for the Fire.

11. (Their plight will be) no better than that of the people of Pharaoh and their predecessors: They denied Our Signs, and Allāh called them to account for their sins, for Allāh is strict in punishment.

12. Say to those who reject faith, “You will soon be vanquished and gathered together in Hell, a truly evil bed (to lie on)!

13. “There has already been a Sign for you in the two armies that met (in combat): One was fighting in the cause of Allāh, the other resisting Allāh, and their eyes saw twice their number. But Allāh supports and aids whom He pleases. This is a warning for those who have eyes to see.”

14. In the eyes of men, the love of things they covet! Women and sons, heaped-up hoards of gold and silver, horses branded (for blood and excellence), and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land, (all) seem fair. Such are the possessions of this world's life, but nearness to Allāh is the best goal.

15. Say: Shall I grant you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous, there are gardens near to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; their eternal home is there, with pure (and holy) companions, and the good pleasure of Allāh, for (all) His servants are in God's sight,

16. (Namely,) those who say, “Our Lord! We have truly believed: Then forgive us our sins and save us from the agony of the Fire,”

17. And those who show patience, firmness and self-control, who are true (in word and deed), who worship devoutly, who spend (in the way of Allāh), and who pray for forgiveness in the early Hours of the morning.

18. There is no god but He: As witnessed by Allāh, His angels and those endowed with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in power, the Wise.

19. According to Allāh, (true) religion is Islam (submission to His will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent from it except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny God's Signs, Allāh is swift in calling to account.

20. So if they dispute with you, say: “I have submitted my whole self to Allāh and so have those who follow me.” And say to the People of the Book and to the unlearned, “Do you (also) submit yourselves?” If they do, they are rightly guided, but if they turn back, your duty is to convey the message, and (all) His servants are in God's sight.

21. As for those who deny God's Signs and, in defiance of right, kill the Prophets and kill those who teach just dealing with mankind, announce a grievous penalty to them.

22. They are the ones whose works will bear no fruit in this world nor in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help (them).

23. Have you not considered those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allāh to settle their dispute, but some of them turn back and decline (the arbitration).

24. This (is so) because they say, “The Fire will only touch us for a few numbered Days.” Their forgeries have deceived them as to their own religion.

25. But how (will they fare) when We gather them together on a Day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will receive exactly what it has earned without (favor or injustice)?

26. Say: “O Allāh! Lord of power (and Judgment), You grant dominions to whomsoever You please: And You strip away dominions from whomsoever You please; You endow with honor whom You please, and You abase whomsoever You please: all good is in Your hands. Truly, You have power over all things.

27. “You cause the night to gain on the Day, and You cause the Day to gain on the night; You bring the living out of the dead, and You bring the dead out of the living, and You grant sustenance to whom You please, without measure.”

28. Let the believers not take unbelievers for friends or helpers rather than believers: If any do so, there will be no help from Allāh in anything: Unless (you do so) by way of precaution, (so) that you may guard yourselves from them. But Allāh cautions you (to remember) Him, for the final goal is Allāh.

29. Say: “Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allāh knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens and what is on earth. And Allāh has power over all things.

30. “On the Day when every soul will be confronted with all the good it has done and all the evil it has done, it will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil. But Allāh cautions you (to remember) Him. And Allāh is full of kindness to those who serve Him.

31. Say: “If you love Allāh, follow me: Allāh will love you, and forgive you your sins, for Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful.”

32. Say: “Obey Allāh and His Messenger.” But if they turn back, Allāh does not love those who reject faith.

33. Allāh chose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of 'Imran above all people,

34. Offspring, one of the other: And Allāh hears and knows all things.

35. Behold! A woman of 'Imran (Amram) said, “O my Lord! I dedicate what is in my womb to You specifically to serve You, so accept this from me, for You hear and know all things.”

36. After she had given birth, she said, “O my Lord! I have given birth to a female child!” And Allāh knew best what she brought forth, "and in no way is the male like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Your protection from the Evil One, the Rejected.”

37. Her Lord accepted her most graciously; He made her grow in purity and beauty: She was assigned to the care of Zakariya (Zacharias). Every time he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said, “O Mary! From where does this (come) to you?” She said, “From Allāh, for Allāh provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without measure.”

38. There Zakariya prayed to his Lord, saying, “O my Lord! Grant me pure offspring, for You are He Who hears prayer!”

39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him, “God gives you glad tidings of John, a witness to the truth of a Word of Allāh, and (also) noble, chaste, and a Prophet of the (good) company of the righteous.”

40. He said, “O my Lord! How shall I have a son, seeing I am very old and my wife is barren?” “Thus does Allāh accomplish what He wills,” was the answer.

41. He said. “O my Lord! Grant me a Sign!” The answer was: “Your Sign shall be that you shall speak to no man for three Days except through Signals. Then celebrate the praises of your Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morn.”

42. Behold! The angels said, “O Mary! Allāh has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of all nations.

43. “O Mary! Worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate yourself and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down.”

44. This is part of the tidings of the unseen which We reveal to you (O Messenger) by inspira-tion: You were not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary, nor were you with them when they disputed (the point).

45. Behold! The angels said, “O Mary! Allāh gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and in the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allāh.

46. “He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity, and he shall be (of the company) of the righteous.”

47. She said, “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?” He said, “Even so: Allāh creates what He wills: When He has decreed a plan, He but says to it `Be,' and it is!

48. “And Allāh will teach him the Book and wisdom, the Law and the Gospel.

49. “And (appoint him) a Messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): `I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. I make the figure of a bird for you out of clay, as it were, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God's leave: And I heal those born blind and the lepers, and I bring the dead to life, by God's leave, and I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses. Surely there is a Sign in this for you if you do believe.

50. `(I have come to you) to bear witness to the Law which came before me and to make lawful to you part of what was (once) forbidden to you: I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allāh, and obey me.

51. `It is Allāh Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a straight way.'”

52. When Jesus found unbelief on their part, he said, “Who will be my helpers in (the Cause of) Allāh?” Said the disciples, “We are God's helpers: We believe in Allāh and bear witness that we are Muslims.

53. “Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed and we follow the Messenger; then count us among those who bear witness.”

54. And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allāh too planned, and Allāh is the best of planners.

55. Behold! Allāh said, “O Jesus! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow you superior to those who reject faith until the Day of Resurrection: Then all of you shall return to Me and I will judge between you concerning what you argued about.

56. “As for those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter,and they will have no one to help (them).

57. “As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, Allāh will pay them their reward (in full), but Allāh does not love wrongdoers.

58. “This is what We recite to you of the Signs and the message of wisdom.”

59. This analogy of Jesus before Allāh is as that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was.

60. The truth (comes) from Allāh alone; so do not be one who doubts.

61. If anyone disputes this matter with you, now after (full) knowledge has come to you, say: “Come! Let us gather together, our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray and invoke God's curse on the liars!”

62. This is the true account: There is no god but Allāh, and God! He indeed is the Exalted in power, the Wise.

63. But if they turn back, Allāh has full knowledge of those who do mischief.

64. Say: “O People of the Book! Come to common terms between us and you: That we worship none but Allāh, (so) that we do not associate partners with Him, (so) that we do not set up lords and patrons from among ourselves other than Allāh.” Then if they turn back, say: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to God's will).”

65. O People of the Book! Why do you dispute about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have you no understanding?

66. Ah! You are those who fell to disputing (even) in matters of which you had some knowledge! But why do you dispute about matters of which you have no knowledge? It is Allāh Who knows, and you who do not know!

67. Abraham was not a Jew nor was he a Christian, but he was true in faith and bowed his will to God's will (which is Islam), and he did not join gods with Allāh.

68. Without doubt, the nearest of kin among men to Abraham are those who follow him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: And Allāh is the Protector of those who have faith.

69. Some of the People of the Book wish to lead you astray. But they shall lead (only) themselves astray, and they do not perceive!

70. O People of the Book! Why do you reject God's Signs, of which you (yourselves) are witnesses?

71. O People of the Book! Why do you cover up truth with falsehood and conceal the truth, while you have knowledge?

72. Some of the People of the Book say, “Believe in the morning what is revealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the Day, perhaps they (themselves) may turn back.

73. “And believe no one unless he follows your religion.” Say: “True guidance is God's guidance: (Beware) lest a Revelation be sent to someone (else) similar to the one that was sent to you. Or that those (receiving such Revelation) should argue with you before your Lord.” Say: “All bounties are in God's Hands: He grants them to whomsoever He pleases: And Allāh cares for all and He knows all things.”

74. for His mercy He specially chooses whomsoever He pleases, for Allāh is the Lord of unlimit-ed bounties.

75. Some of the People of the Book, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you continually demand it, because, they say, “We are not required (to keep faith) with these ignorant (pagans).” But they tell a lie against Allāh, and they know it (well).

76. Nay! Those who keep their sworn faith and act rightly, truly Allāh loves those who act rightly.

77. As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allāh and their own sworn word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter: Nor will Allāh (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgment, nor will He cleanse them (of sin): They shall have a grievous penalty.

78. There are some among them who distort the Book with their tongues: (As they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is not part of the Book, and they say, “That is from Allāh,” but it is not from Allāh: It is they who tell a lie against Allāh, and they know it (well)!

79. It is not (possible) that a man who is given the Book and wisdom and the Prophetic mission would say to people, “Worship me rather than Allāh.” On the contrary (he would say), “Worship Him Who is truly the Cherisher of all, for you have taught the Book and you have studied it earnestly.”

80. Nor would he instruct you to take angels and Prophets for lords and patrons. What! Would he have you believe falsely after you have bowed your will (to Allāh in Islam)?

81. Behold! Allāh made a covenant with the Prophets, saying, “I grant you a Book and wisdom; then a Messenger comes to you confirming what is with you; believe in him and help him.” Allāh said, “Do you agree and take this My covenant as binding on you?” They said, “We agree.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”

82. If any turn back after this, they are perverted transgressors.

83. Do they seek something other than the religion of Allāh? While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His will (accepted Islam), and all of them shall be brought back to Him.

84. Say: “We believe in Allāh and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, and in (Books) given to Moses, Jesus and the Prophets from their Lord: We make no distinction between one and another among them, and we bow our will to Allāh (in Islam).”

85. If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allāh), it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will rank among those who have lost (all spiritual good).

86. How shall Allāh guide those who reject faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that clear Signs had come to them? But Allāh does not guide an unjust people.

87. Their reward is to have the curse of Allāh, His angels and all mankind (rest) upon them.

88. They will live under that, nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be their (lot).

89. Except for those who repent (even) after that and make amends, for truly Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

90. But those who reject faith after they accepted it and then go on adding to their defiance of the faith, their repentance will never be accepted, for they are those who have (intentionally) strayed.

91. As for those who reject faith and die rejecting, all the gold in the earth, if they offered it as ransom, would never be accepted from them. A grievous penalty is (reserved) for them, and they will find no helpers.

92. You shall never attain righteousness unless you (freely) grant of what you love, and whatever you grant, truly Allāh knows it well.

93. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself, before the Law (of Moses) was revealed. Say: “Bring the Law and study it, if you are men of truth.”

94. If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allāh, they are indeed unjust wrongdoers.

95. Say: “God speaks the truth: Follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the pagans.”

96. The first House (of worship) appointed for men was the one at Bekka (Mecca), full of blessing and guidance for all kinds of beings:

97. Manifest Signs are in it; (for example,) the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage to this place is a duty men owe God, those who can afford the journey, but if anyone denies faith, Allāh is not in need of any of His creatures.

98. Say: “O People of the Book! Why do you reject the Signs of Allāh, when Allāh Himself is a witness to everything you do?”

99. Say: “O People of the Book! Why do you hinder those who believe from God's path, seeking to make it crooked, while you yourselves were witnesses (to God's covenant)? But Allāh is not unmindful of all that you do.”

100. O you who believe! If you listen to a faction among the People of the Book, they would (indeed) render you apostates after you have believed!

101. And how would you deny faith while the Signs of Allāh are recited to you and the Messenger lives among you? Whoever holds firmly to Allāh will be shown a straight way.

102. O you who believe! Fear Allāh as He should be feared, and do not die except in a state of Islam.

103. And hold together fast to the rope (lifeline) which Allāh (stretches out to you), and do not be divided among yourselves, and remember God's favor unto you with gratitude, for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that you became brothers by His grace, and you were on the brink of the pit of Fire and He saved you from it. Thus does Allāh make His Signs clear to you: That you may be guided.

104. Let a party of people arise out of you, inviting (everyone) to what is good, enjoining (them to do) what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones who attain felicity.

105. Do not be like those who are divided among themselves and fall into disputes after receiving clear Signs: There is a dreadful penalty for them.

106. On the Day when some faces will (shine with) white and some faces will be (in) black (darkness); those whose faces will be (in the) darkness (will be told), “Did you reject faith after accepting it? Then taste the penalty for rejecting faith.”

107. But those whose faces will be (lit with) white, they will be in (the light of) God's mercy, to dwell therein (forever).

108. These are God's Signs: We recite them to you in truth: And Allāh means no injustice to any of His creatures.

109. To Allāh belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. To Him do all questions go back (for decision).

110. You are the best people raised up for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allāh. Had the People of the Book only had faith, it would have been best for them: Some among them have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.

111. They will do you no harm, barring a slight annoyance; if they come out to fight you, they will turn their backs to you, and they shall get no help.

112. Shame is pitched over them (like a tent) wherever they are found, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allāh and from men; they draw God's Wrath on themselves, and (the tent of) destitution is pitched over them. This is (so) because they rejected God's Signs and killed the Prophets in defiance of right; this is (so) because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.

113. Not all of them are alike: Some of the People of the Book stand (for the right); they recite God's Signs all night long and then prostrate themselves in adoration.

114. They believe in Allāh and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and they (hasten to emulate all) good deeds; they rank among the righteous.

115. Nothing of the good they do will be rejected, for Allāh knows well those who do right.

116. Those who reject faith, neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them at all against Allāh: They will be companions of the Fire, dwelling in it (forever).

117. What they spend during the life of this (material) world is like a wind which brings a nipping frost: It strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: It is not Allāh Who has wronged them, but they wrong their own selves.

118. O you who believe! Do not be intimate with those outside your ranks: They will not fail to corrupt you. They only desire your ruin: Rank hatred has already appeared from their mouths: What their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made the Signs plain to you, if you have wisdom.

119. Ah! You are those who love them, but they do not love you, though you believe in the whole of the Book. When they meet you, they say, “We believe,” but when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say: “Perish in your rage; Allāh knows well all the secrets of the heart.”

120. If anything good befalls you, it grieves them, but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice in it. But if you are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you, for Allāh comprehends all that they do.

121. Remember that morning you left the household (early) to post the faithful at their battle stations, and Allāh hears and knows all things.

122. Remember (how) two of your parties contemplated cowardice, but Allāh was their Protector, and the faithful should (always) put their trust in Allāh.

123. Allāh helped you at Badr, when you were a small weak force; then fear Allāh; thus you may show your gratitude.

124. Remember you said to the faithful: Is it not enough for you that Allāh should help you with three thousand angels sent down (especially for you)?

125. Yes, if you remain firm and act rightly, even if the enemy should rush headlong on you here, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels, making a tremendous on-slaught.

126. Allāh made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts, (in any case) there is no help except from Allāh the Exalted, the Wise,

127. That He might cut off a fringe of the unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose.

128. The decision is not for you (but for Allāh): Whether He turns in mercy to them or punishes them, for they are indeed wrongdoers.

129. All that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allāh. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, but Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

130. O you who believe! Do not devour usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allāh, (so) that you may (really) prosper.

131. Fear the Fire prepared for those who reject faith.

132. And obey Allāh and the Messenger, that you may obtain mercy.

133. Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a garden whose width is that (of the whole) of the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous,

134. Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity or in adversity, who restrain (their) anger and pardon (all) men, for Allāh loves those who do good,

135. And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allāh to mind and pray for forgiveness for their sins–and who can forgive sins except Allāh?!–and are never obstinate in knowingly persisting in (the wrong) they have done,

136. The reward for them is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens with rivers flowing underneath, an eternal dwelling: How excellent a prize for those who work (and struggle)!

137. Many were the ways of life that have passed away before you: Travel through the earth and see what became of those who rejected truth.

138. Here is a plain statement to men, guidance and instruction to those who fear Allāh!

139. So do not lose heart or fall into despair, for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith.

140. If a wound has touched you, rest assured a similar wound has touched the others. We grant such Days (of varying fortunes) to men and men by turns, (so) that Allāh may know those who believe and that He may take to Himself martyr witnesses (to truth) from your ranks. And Allāh does not love the wrongdoers.

141. God's object is also to purge those who are true in faith and to deprive of blessing those who resist faith.

142. Did you think you would enter heaven without Allāh testing those of you who fought hard (in His cause) and remained steadfast?

143. You did indeed wish for death before you met it: Now you have seen it with your own eyes (and you flinch)!

144. Muhammed is no more than a Messenger: Many Messengers passed away before him. If he died or were killed, would you then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, he would not harm Allāh in the least, but Allāh (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.

145. Nor can a soul die except by God's leave, the term being fixed as though in writing. If any desires a reward in this life, We shall grant it to him, and if any desires a reward in the Hereafter, We shall grant it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those who (serve Us with) gratitude.

146. How many Prophets fought (for Allāh), and with them large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in the way of Allāh, nor did they weaken (in will) or grant in. And Allāh loves those who are firm and steadfast.

147. All that they said was, “Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and anything we may have done that transgressed our duty: Make our feet firm and help us against those who resist faith.”

148. And Allāh gave them a reward in this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter (awaits them), for Allāh loves those who do good.

149. O you who believe! If you obey the unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels and you will turn back (from faith), to your own loss.

150. Nay! Allāh is your Protector and He is the best of helpers.

151. We shall soon cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, because they joined companions with Allāh, for which He had sent no authority: They shall dwell in the Fire: And evil is the abode of the wrongdoers!

152. Allāh truly fulfilled His promise to you when, with His permission, you were about to annihilate your enemy, until you flinched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight (of the booty) you covet. There are some among you who long for this world and some who long for the Hereafter. Then He diverted you from your foes to test you, but He forgave you, for Allāh is full of grace to those who believe.

153. Behold! You were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at anyone, and behind you the Messenger was calling you back. There Allāh gave you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for (the booty) that had escaped you and for (the ill) that had befallen you, for Allāh is well aware of all that you do.

154. After (the turmoil) of the distress, He sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band was stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, moved by wrong suspicions of God, suspicions caused by ignorance. They said, “What business is this of ours?” Say: “Indeed, this business is wholly God's.” They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to you. They say (to themselves), “Had we had anything to do with this matter, we should not have been in the slaughter here.” Say: “Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death,” but (all this was for) Allāh to test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts, for Allāh knows well the secrets of your hearts.

155. Those of you who turned back on the Day the two armies met, it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But Allāh has blotted out (their fault), for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

156. O you who believe! Do not be like the unbelievers, who say of their brothers, when they are travelling through the earth or engaged in fighting, “If they had stayed with us, they would not have died or been killed.” This (is so) that Allāh may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. It is Allāh Who gives life and death, and Allāh sees well all that you do.

157. And if you are killed or die in the way of Allāh, forgiveness and mercy from Allāh are far better than everything they could amass.

158. And if you die or are killed, lo! You are brought together before Allāh.

159. It is from God's mercy that you deal with them gently. If you were severe or hard-hearted, they would have broken away from you; so overlook (their faults) and ask for (God's) forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters (of importance). Then, when you have reached a decision, put your trust in Allāh, for Allāh loves those who put their trust (in Him).

160. If Allāh helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, who can help you? Then let believers put their trust in Allāh.

161. No Prophet could (ever) be false to his trust. If any person is so false, on the Day of Judgment he shall restore what he misappropriated; then every soul shall receive its due, whatever it earned! And none shall be dealt with unfairly.

162. Is the man who follows God's good pleasure like the man who draws God's Wrath onto himself, and whose home is in Hell, an evil destination?!

163. There are varying ranks in the sight of Allāh, and Allāh sees well all that they do.

164. Allāh conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them God's Signs, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scriptures and wisdom, while before that they had been in manifest error.

165. What! When a single disaster strikes you, although you struck (your enemies) with one twice as great, do you say,"Where does this come from?” Say (to them): “It comes from yourselves, for Allāh has power over all things.”

166. What you suffered on the Day the two armies met was with God's leave, so that He might test the believers,

167. And the hypocrites as well. They were told, “Come, fight for Allāh, or (at least) drive (the enemy out of your city).” They said, “Had we known how to fight, we would certainly have followed you.” That Day, they were nearer to unbelief than to faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts. But Allāh has full knowledge of all they conceal.

168. (They are) the ones who say (of their dead brothers) while they themselves sit (at ease), “If only they had listened to us, they would not have been killed.” Say: “Avert your own death, if you speak the truth.”

169. Do not think of those who are slain in God's Way as dead; Nay! They live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord.

170. They rejoice in the bounty provided by Allāh: And with regard to those left behind who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (martyrs) rejoice in the fact that on them is no fear, nor shall they grieve.

171. They rejoice in God's grace and bounty and in the fact that Allāh does not suffer the reward of the faithful to be lost (in the least).

172. Of those who answered the call of Allāh and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong, have a great reward.

173. Men said to them, “A great army is gathering against you,” and frightened them, but it (only) increased their faith: They said, “God suffices us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.”

174. And they returned with grace and bounty from Allāh: No harm ever touched them, for they followed God's good pleasure: And Allāh is the Lord of unlimited bounties.

175. It is only the Evil One who prompts you to fear his votaries: Do not be afraid of them, but fear Me, if you have faith.

176. Do not grieve over those who rush headlong into unbelief: They will not harm Allāh in the least: God's plan is that He will grant them no portion in the Hereafter, except a severe punishment.

177. Those who purchase unbelief at the price of faith, they will not harm Allāh in the least, but they will have a grievous punishment.

178. Do not let the unbelievers think that Our respite to them is good for them: We grant them respite so they may grow in their iniquity, but they will have a humiliating punishment.

179. Allāh will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He separates what is evil from what is good. Nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the unseen. But He chooses of His Messengers (for the purpose) whomsoever He pleases. So believe in Allāh and His Messengers: And if you believe and do right, you have a reward without measure.

180. And do not let those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allāh has given them of His grace think that it is good for them: Nay, it will be the worst for them: Soon the things they covetously withheld shall be tied to their necks like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgment. The heritage of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh, and Allāh is well-acquainted with all that you do.

181. Allāh has heard the taunt of those who say, “Truly, Allāh is poor and we are rich!” We shall certainly record their words and (their act) of killing the Prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say, “Taste the penalty of the scorching Fire!

182. “This is (so) because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent forth before you, for Allāh never harms those who serve Him.”

183. They (also) said, “God took our promise not to believe in a Messenger unless he showed us a sacrifice consumed by fire.” Say: “Messengers came to you before me, with clear Signs and even with what you ask for: Why then did you kill them, if you speak the truth?”

184. Then if they reject you, Messengers were likewise rejected before you, who came with clear Signs, with Books of dark prophecies, and with the Book of enlightenment.

185. Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and is admitted to the garden will have attained the object (of life), for the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.

186. You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if you persevere patiently and guard against evil, then that will be a determining factor in all affairs.

187. And remember Allāh made a covenant with the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to mankind and not to hide it, but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased some miserable gain with it! And they made a vile bargain!

188. Do not think that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done, do not think that they can escape the penalty, for them is a truly grievous penalty.

189. The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh, and Allāh has power over all things.

190. Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and Day, there are indeed Signs for men of understanding.

191. Men who celebrate God's praises standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (with the thought,) “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this for nothing! Glory to You! Grant us salvation from the penalty of the Fire.

192. “Our Lord! Any whom You admit to the Fire, truly You cover (them) with shame, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers!

193. “Our Lord! We have heard the call of one calling (us) to faith, `Believe in the Lord,' and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out our iniquities from us, and take our souls to You in the company of the righteous.

194. “Our Lord! Grant us what You promised us through Your Messenger, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement, for You never break Your promise.”

195. And their Lord has accepted this from them, and answered them, “I will never suffer the work of any of you, male or female, to be lost: You are members of each other: Those who have left their homes, or been driven out of them, or suffered harm in My cause, or fought or been killed, truly, I will blot out their iniquities from them, and admit them into gardens with rivers flowing beneath, a reward from the presence of Allāh, and the best of rewards is from His presence.”

196. Do not let how the unbelievers strut about through the land deceive you:

197. Little is it for enjoyment: Their ultimate home is Hell: What an evil bed (to lie on)!

198. On the other hand, for those who fear their Lord are gardens with rivers flowing beneath; they shall dwell in them (forever), a gift from the presence of Allāh, and what is in God's presence is the best (bliss) for the righteous.

199. And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allāh, in the Revelation to you, and in the Revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allāh: They will not sell God's Signs for a miserable price! Their reward is with their Lord, and Allāh is swift in account.

200. O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy: Vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other and fear Allāh (so) that you may prosper.

Chapter 5

SURA 4 THE WOMEN (Al-Nisa) 176

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, created his mate of similar nature, and from the two scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; reverence Allāh, through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you), for Allāh always watches over you.

2. Restore orphans' property to them (when they come of age); do not substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones, and do not devour their substance (by mixing it up) with your own, for this is indeed a great sin.

3. If you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry two, or three, or four women of your choice, but if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or those whom your right hands possess. That will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.

4. And (on marriage) grant the women their dower as a free gift, but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with honest cheer.

5. Do not surrender your property, which Allāh has made a means of support for you, to those weak in understanding, but feed and clothe them with it, and speak words of kindness and justice to them.

6. Test orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if (by) then you find they have sound Judgment, release their property to them, but do not consume it wastefully, nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off, let him claim no remuneration, but if he is poor, let him have what is just and reasonable for himself. When you release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence, but Allāh is all Sufficient in taking account.

7. There is a share for men and a share for women out of what is left by parents and closest relatives, whether the property be small or large, a determinate share.

8. But if at the time of division, other relatives or orphans or poor are present, feed them out of the (property), and speak words of kindness and justice to them.

9. Let those (disposing of an estate) have the same fear in their minds as they would have for their own if they had left a helpless family behind: Let them fear Allāh and speak appropriate words (of comfort).

10. Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a Fire into their own bodies: They will soon be enduring a blazing Fire!

11. Allāh (thus) directs you regarding your children's (inheritance): To the male, a portion equal to that of two females: If only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheritance; if only one, her share is a half, for parents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children; if no children, and the parents are the (only) heirs, the mother has a third; if the deceased left brothers (or sisters), the mother has a sixth. (The distribution in all cases is) after the payment of legacies and debts. You do not know whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allāh and Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Wise.

12. In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child, but if they leave a child, you get a fourth, after payment of legacies and debts. In what you leave, their share is a fourth, if you leave no child, but if you leave a child, they get an eighth, after payment of legacies and debts. If the man or woman whose inheritance is in question has left neither parents nor offspring, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth, but if more than two, they share in a third, after payment of legacies and debts; so that no loss is caused (to anyone). Thus is it ordained by Allāh, and Allāh is all-Knowing, Most Forbearing.

13. These are limits set by Allāh: Those who obey Allāh and His Messenger will be admitted to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell in them (forever), and that will be the supreme achievement.

14. But those who disobey Allāh and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to the Fire, to dwell in it: And they shall have a humiliating punishment.

15. If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, take the evidence of four (reliable) witnesses from among you against them, and if they testify, confine them to houses until death claims them, or Allāh ordains some (other) way for them.

16. If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, leave them alone, for Allāh is oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.

17. Allāh accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; Allāh will turn in mercy to them, for Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

18. There is no effect in the repentance of those who continue to do evil until death faces one of them and he says, “Now I have truly repented,” nor of those who die rejecting faith, for them We have prepared a most grievous punishment.

19. O you who believe! You are forbidden from inheriting women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dower you have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary, live with them on a footing of kindness and equity. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something and Allāh brings about a great deal of good out of it.

20. But if you decide to take one wife in place of another, even if you had given the latter a whole treasure for dower, do not take the least bit of it back: Would you take it by slander and a manifest wrong?

21. And how could you take it when you have had marital relations with each other, and they have made a solemn covenant with you?

22. And do not marry women whom your fathers married, except what is past: It was shameful and odious, a truly abominable custom.

23. You are prohibited (from marrying): your mother, daughters, sisters, father's sisters, mother's sisters, brother's daughters, sister's daughters, foster-mothers (who nursed you), foster-sisters, your mothers-in-law, your step-daughters under your guardianship, those born of your wives with whom you have had marital relations, no prohibition if you have not had them, (those who have been) wives of your sons proceeding from your loins, and two sisters in wedlock at one and the same time, except for what is past,for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

24. Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess. Thus has Allāh ordained (prohibitions) against you: Except for these, all others are lawful, provided you seek (them in marriage) with gifts from your property, desiring chastity, not lust. Seeing that you derive benefit from them, grant them (at least) their prescribed dowers, but if after a dower is prescribed, you mutually agree (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and Allāh is all-Knowing, all Wise.

25. If some of you do not have the means to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And Allāh has full knowledge of your faith. You are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their masters, and grant them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking lovers: When they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin, but it is better for you to practice self-restraint: And Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

26. Allāh wishes to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you, and (He wishes to) turn to you (in mercy): And Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Wise.

27. Allāh wishes to turn to you, but those who follow their desires wish for you to turn away (from Him), far, far away.

28. Allāh wishes to make your burden lighter, for man was created weak (in flesh).

29. O you who believe! Do not eat up your property among yourselves in vanities, but let there be traffic and trade among you by mutual good-will: Nor kill (or destroy) yourselves, for truly Allāh has been Most Merciful to you.

30. If any do that in rancor and injustice! We shall soon cast them into the Fire: And that is easy for Allāh.

31. If you (only) avoid the most heinous of the things you are forbidden to do, We will drive out all the evil in you, and admit you to a gate of great honor.

32. And in no way should you covet those things in which Allāh has bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: Men are allotted what they earn, and women what they earn, but ask Allāh of His bounty, for Allāh has full knowledge of all things.

33. To (benefit) everyone, We have appointed sharers and heirs to property left by parents and relatives. Also grant those to whom your right hand was pledged their due portion as well, for truly Allāh is Witness to all things.

34. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women because Allāh has given one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient, and guard in (the husband's) absence what Allāh would have them guard. As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, (first) admonish them, (next,) refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly), but if they return to obedience, do not seek means (of annoyance) against them, for Allāh is Most High, Great (above all of you).

35. If you fear a breach between the two, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allāh will cause their reconciliation, for Allāh has full knowledge and is acquainted with all things.

36. Worship Allāh, and do not join any partners with Him: And do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess, for Allāh does not love the arrogant, the vainglorious;

37. (Nor) those who are stingy or enjoin stinginess on others or hide the bounties which Allāh has bestowed on them, for We have prepared a punishment for those who resist faith that will steep them in contempt.

38. (Nor) those who spend of their substance for (other) men to see, but have no faith in Allāh and the Last Day: If any take the Evil One for their intimate, what a dreadful intimate he is!

39. And what burden would it be on them if they had faith in Allāh and in the Last Day, and they spent out of what Allāh has given them for sustenance? For Allāh has full knowledge of them.

40. Allāh is never unjust in the least degree: If there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from His own presence a great reward.

41. Then how (would it be) if We brought a witness from each people and We brought you as a witness against these people!

42. On that Day those who reject faith and disobey the Messenger will wish that they could melt into the ground, but they will never hide a single fact from Allāh!

43. O you who believe! Do not approach prayers with a clouded mind, until you can understand all that you say, nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (except when traveling on the road), until after washing your whole body. If you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from offices of nature, or you have been in contact with women, and you find no water, then take for yourselves clean sand or earth, and rub your faces and hands with it, for Allāh blots out sins and forgives again and again.

44. Have you not considered those who were given a portion of the Book? They traffic in error and wish you would lose the right path.

45. But Allāh has full knowledge of your enemies: Allāh is enough for a Protector, and Allāh is enough for a Helper

46. Among the Jews there are some who shift words from their (right) places, and say: “We hear and we disobey,” and “Hear what is not heard,” and “Ra`ina,” with a twist of their tongues and a slander to the faith. If only they had said, “We hear and we obey,” and “Do hear,” and “Do look at us,” it would have been better for them, and more proper, but Allāh has cursed them for their unbelief, and only few of them will believe.

47. O you People of the Book! Believe in what We have (now) revealed, confirming what was (already) with you, before We change the face and fame of some (of you) beyond all recognition, and turn them backwards, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for God's decision must be carried out.

48. Allāh does not forgive that partners should be set up with Him, but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allāh is to devise a truly heinous sin.

49. Have you not considered those who claim sanctity for themselves? No, but (it is) Allāh (Who) sanctifies whom He pleases and they will never fail to receive justice in the least little thing.

50. See how they invent a lie against Allāh! But that by itself is a manifest sin!

51. Have you not considered those who were given a portion of the Book? They believe in sorcery and evil, and say to the unbelievers that they are better guided in the (right) way than the believers!

52. They are (men) whom Allāh has cursed: And those whom Allāh has cursed, you will find, have no one to help (them).

53. Do they have a share in dominion or power? See, they do not grant a penny to their fellow men!

54. Or do they envy mankind for what Allāh has given them of His bounty? But We had already given the people of Abraham the Book and wisdom, and conferred a great kingdom on them.

55. Some of them believed and some of them averted their faces from him: And Hell is enough for a burning Fire.

56. We shall soon cast those who reject Our Signs into the Fire: As often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins (so) that they may taste the penalty, for Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

57. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We will soon admit (them) to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, their eternal home: They shall have pure and holy companions there: We will admit them to cool and dense shade.

58. Allāh commands you to return your trusts to those to whom they are due, and that when you judge between man and man, you judge with justice: How truly excellent is the teaching He gives you! For Allāh is all-Hearing, all-Seeing.

59. O you who believe! Obey Allāh, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allāh and His Messenger, if you do believe in Allāh and the Last Day: That is best and most suitable for final determination.

60. Have you not considered those who declare that they believe in the Revelations that have come to you and to those before you? Their (real) wish is to resort together for Judgment (in their disputes) to the Evil One, though they were ordered to reject him. But Satan's wish is to lead them astray, far away (from the right path)

61. You see the hypocrites avert their faces from you in disgust when it is said to them, “Come to what Allāh has revealed and to the Messenger.”

62. But how (will it be) when they are seized by misfortune, because of the deeds which their hands have sent before? Then they come to you, swearing by Allāh, “We meant no more than good-will and conciliation!”

63. Allāh knows what is in the hearts of those men; so keep clear of them, but admonish them, and speak to them a word to reach their very souls.

64. We did not send a Messenger but to be obeyed, in accordance with God's will. If only, when they were unjust to themselves, they had come to you and asked God's forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked for forgiveness for them, (then) they would have found Allāh truly oftReturning, the Most Merciful.

65. But no, by your Lord, they can have no (real) faith, until they make you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance to your decisions, but accept them with fullest conviction.

66. Had We ordered them to sacrifice their lives or to leave their homes, very few of them would have done it, but if they had done what they were (actually) told (to do), it would have been best for them, and would have gone farthest to strengthen their (faith).

67. And then We would have given them a great reward from Our presence,

68. And We would have shown them the straight way.

69. All those who obey Allāh and the Messenger are in the company of those blessed with the God of Allāh, of the Prophets (who teach) the sincere (lovers of truth), the witnesses (who testify), and the righteous (who do good): Ah! What a beautiful fellowship!

70. Such is God's bounty: And it is sufficient that Allāh knows all.

71. O you who believe! Take your precautions, and either go forth in parties or go forth all together.

72. There are certainly men among you who would stay behind: If a misfortune befalls you, they say, “God favored us in that we were not there with them.”

73. But if Allāh sends you good fortune, they would surely say, as if there had never been ties of affection between you and them, “Oh! I wish I had been with them; I would then have made a fine thing of it!”

74. Let those who trade the life of this world for the Hereafter fight for Allāh; to the one who fights in God's cause, whether he is killed or is victorious! We shall soon grant him a reward of great (value).

75. And why should you not fight in the cause of Allāh and of the weak who are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children who cry out: “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors, and grant us a protector from You, and grant us a helper from You!”

76. Those who believe fight for the cause of Allāh, and those who reject faith fight for the cause of evil, so fight against the friends of Satan: Satan's cunning is truly feeble.

77. Have you not considered those who were told to hold back their hands (from fighting) but establish regular prayers and spend in pay the zakāt? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! Some of them feared men as, or even more than, they should have feared Allāh: They say, “Our Lord! Why have You ordered us to fight? Would You not grant us respite till (the end of) our (natural) term, near (enough)?” Say: “The enjoy-ment of this world is short: The Hereafter is the best for those who do right: You will never be dealt with unfairly in the very least!

78. “Wherever you are, death will find you, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!” If some good happens to them, they say, “This is from Allāh;” but if evil, they say, “This is from you (O Prophet).” Say: “All things are from Allāh.” But what has come to these people, that they fail to understand a single fact?

79. Whatever good, (O man!) happens to you is from Allāh, but whatever evil happens to you, is from your (own) soul. And We have sent you as a Messenger to (instruct) mankind: And Allāh suffices for a Witness.

80. He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allāh, but if any turn away, We have not sent you to watch over their (evil deeds).

81. They have “obedience” on their lips, but when they leave you, some of them meditate all night on things very different from what you tell them, but Allāh records their nightly (plots), so keep clear of them, and put your trust in Allāh, and Allāh is enough as Administrator of affairs.

82. Do they not (carefully) consider the Qur’ān? Had it been from (anyone) other than Allāh, they would surely have found many discrepancies in it.

83. When some matter touching (public) safety or fear comes to them, they divulge it. Had they only referred it to the Messenger, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have tested it from them (directly). Were it not for God's grace and mercy to you, all but a few of you would have fallen into Satan's clutches.

84. Then fight in God's cause! You are held responsible for only your own self and urge the believers (to fight, too). It may be that Allāh will restrain the fury of the unbelievers, for Allāh is the Strongest in might and in punishment.

85. Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner in it: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause shares in its burden: And Allāh has power over all things.

86. When a (courteous) greeting is offered to you, respond to it with a greeting still more courteous, (or at least) of equal courtesy. Allāh takes careful account of all things.

87. Allāh! There is no god but He: Surely He will gather you together on the Day of Judgment, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than God's?

88. Why should you be divided into two parties about the hypocrites? Allāh has upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would you guide those whom Allāh has thrown out of the way? You will never find the way for those whom Allāh has thrown out of the way.

89. They only want for you to reject faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they are), but do not take friends from their ranks until they flee (from what is forbidden) in the way of Allāh. But if they renege, seize them and kill them wherever you find them! And (in any case) do not take friends or helpers from their ranks,

90. Except those who join a group with which you have a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allāh had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but do not fight you, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allāh has opened no way for you (to fight them).

91. You will find others who wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: Every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb to it: if they do not withdraw from you or grant you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and kill them wherever you get them. In their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them.

92. A believer should never kill a believer, but (if that happens) by mistake, (compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave and pay compensation to the family of the deceased, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family and a believing slave should be freed, for those who find this beyond their means, a fast for two successive months (is prescribed): By way of repentance to Allāh, for Allāh is all Knowing and all-Wise.

93. If a man kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to dwell in it (forever): And God's Wrath and curse are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.

94. O you who believe! When you go abroad in God's cause, investigate carefully and do not say to anyone who greets you, “You are not a believer,” (out of) greed for the perishable goods of this life: There are abundant profits and spoils with Allāh. Just so were you yourselves before, till Allāh conferred His favors on you: Therefore investigate carefully, for Allāh is well aware of all that you do.

95. Those believers who sit (at home) and receive no injury are not equal to those who strive and fight in God's cause with their possessions and their persons. Allāh has granted a higher rank to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home): Allāh has promised good to all (the faithful), but He has given those who strive and fight a special reward above those who sit (at home),

96. Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and forgiveness and mercy, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

97. When angels take the souls of those who die in sin against their souls, they say, “In what (plight) were you?” They reply, “We were weak and oppressed on earth.” They say, “Was not God's earth spacious enough for you to stay away (from evil)?” Such men will find their abode in Hell, what an evil refuge!

98. Except those who are (truly) weak and oppressed, men, women, and children, who have no means in their power, nor (a guide-post) to direct their way.

99. for these, there is hope that Allāh will forgive, for Allāh blots out (sins) and forgives again and again.

100. He who forsakes his home in God's cause, finds many a refuge in the wide and spacious earth: If he should die as a refugee from home for Allāh and his Messenger, his reward becomes due and sure with Allāh: And Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

101. When you travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten your prayers, for fear the unbelievers may attack you, for the unbelievers are your relentless enemies.

102. When you (O Messenger) are with them and stand to lead them in prayer, let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with you, taking their weapons with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them take their positions in the rear, and let the other party, which has not yet prayed, come forward and let them pray with you, taking all precautions and bearing weapons: The unbelievers wish, should you be negligent of your weapons and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush, but there is no blame on you if you put away your weapons because of the inconvenience of rain or because you are ill, but take (every) precaution for yourselves. Allāh has prepared a humiliating punishment for the unbelievers.

103. When you have finished (congregational) prayers, celebrate God's praises standing, sitting or lying down on your sides, but when you are free from danger, set up regular prayers, for such prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times.

104. And do not slacken in pursuing the enemy: If you are suffering hardships, they are suffering similar hardships, but you have hope from Allāh, while they have none. And Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

105. We have sent the Book down to you in truth (so) that you might judge between men, as guided by Allāh, so do not be (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust,

106. But seek the forgiveness of Allāh, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

107. Do not contend on behalf of those who betray their own souls, for Allāh does not love those given to treachery and crime.

108. They may hide (their crimes) from men, but they cannot hide (them) from Allāh, seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by night, in words that He cannot approve: And Allāh comprehends all that they do.

109. Ah! These are the sort of men on whose behalf you may contend in this world, but who will contend with Allāh on their behalf on the Day of Judgment, or who will carry out their affairs?

110. If anyone does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks God's forgiveness, he will find Allāh oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

111. And if anyone commits a sin, he commits it against his own soul, for Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

112. But if anyone commits a fault or a sin and blames it on someone innocent, he bears (both) a falsehood and a flagrant sin (on himself).

113. But for God's grace to you and His mercy, some of them would certainly have plotted to lead you astray. But (in fact) they will only lead their own souls astray, and they can do no harm to you in the least, for Allāh has sent down the Book and wisdom to you and taught you what you did not know (before), and God's grace to you is great.

114. In most of their secret talks there is no good save if one exhorts (people) to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation among people, (secrecy is permissible): We shall soon grant a reward of the highest (value) to the one who does this, seeking God's good pleasure.

115. If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that suitable to men of faith, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell, what an evil refuge!

116. Allāh does not forgive (the sin of) joining other gods with Him, but He forgives whom He pleases for sins other than this: One who joins other gods with Allāh has strayed far, far away (from the right path)

117. Leaving Him, (the pagans) call only on female deities: They are calling only on Satan, the persistent rebel!

118. Allāh cursed him, but he said, “I will take a set portion of Your servants.

119. “I will mislead them and I will create false desires in them; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle and to deface the (fair) nature created by Allāh.” Whoever, forsaking Allāh, takes Satan for a friend has surely suffered a manifest loss.

120. Satan makes them promises and creates false desires in them, but Satan's promises are nothing but deception.

121. They (his dupes) will have their dwelling in Hell, and they will find no way of escape from it.

122. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness! We shall soon admit them to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever. God's promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than God's?

123. Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can prevail): Whoever commits evil will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find any protector or helper besides Allāh.

124. If any, male or female, do deeds of righteousness and have faith, they will enter heaven and not the least injustice will be done to them.

125. Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allāh, does good, and follows the way of Abraham, the true in faith? For Allāh took Abraham for a friend.

126. But all things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allāh: And it is He Who encompasses all things.

127. They ask your instruction concerning the women. Say: Allāh does instruct you about them: And (remember) what has been rehearsed to you in the Book concerning the orphans of women to whom you do not grant the prescribed portions and yet whom you desire to marry, as well as the children who are weak and oppressed: That you stand firm for justice to orphans. There is no good deed that you do that Allāh is not well-acquainted with.

128. If a wife fears cruelty or desertion on her husband's part, there is no blame on them if they arrange an amicable settlement between them, and such settlement is best, even though men's souls are swayed by greed. But if you do good and practice self-restraint, Allāh is well-acquainted with all that you do.

129. You can never be fair and just to women, even if it is your ardent desire, but do not turn completely away (from a woman) so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If you come to a friendly understanding and practice self-restraint, Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

130. But if they disagree (and must part), Allāh will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty, for Allāh is all-Caring, all-Wise.

131. All things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allāh. Truly We have directed the People of the Book before you and you (O Muslims) to fear Allāh. But if you deny Him, behold! All things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allāh, and Allāh is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

132. Certainly, all things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allāh, and Allāh is enough to carry through all affairs.

133. If it were His will, He could destroy you, O mankind, and create another race, for He has the power to do this.

134. If anyone desires a reward in this life, in God's (gift) is the reward (both) of this life and of the Hereafter, for Allāh is all-hearing, all-Seeing.

135. O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allāh, even against your own selves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor, for Allāh can best protect both. Do not follow the lusts (of your hearts) lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, truly Allāh is well-acquainted with all that you do.

136. O you who believe! Believe in Allāh and His Messenger, and the Scriptures He sent to His Messenger and the Scriptures He sent to those before (him). And whoever denies Allāh, His angels, His Books, His Messengers and the Day of Judgment, has gone far, far astray.

137. Those who believe, then reject faith, then believe (again) and (again) reject faith, and go on increasing in unbelief! God will not forgive them nor guide them on the way.

138. Convey to the hypocrites the glad tidings that for them there is only a grievous penalty.

139. Yes, (and as for) those who take unbelievers for friends rather than believers: Do they seek honor among them? No, all honor is with Allāh.

140. He has already sent you word in the Book that when you hear God's Signs held in defiance and ridicule, you are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: If you did, you would be like them, for Allāh will collect the hypocrites and those who defy faith, all in Hell.

141. (These are) the ones who wait and watch you: If you gain a victory from Allāh, they say, “Were we not with you?” But if the unbelievers achieve some success, they say (to them), “Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the believers?” But Allāh will judge between you on the Day of Judgment. And Allāh will never grant the unbelievers a way (to triumph) over the believers.

142. The hypocrites think they are deceiving Allāh, but He will return their deceit to them: When they stand up in prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen by men, but they remember Allāh very little.

143. (They are) distracted in mind even in the midst of it, being (sincerely) for neither one group nor the other. You will never find the way for one whom Allāh leaves astray.

144. O you who believe! Do not take unbelievers for friends rather than believers: Do you wish to offer Allāh an open proof against yourselves?

145. The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: You will find no helper for them.

146. Except for those who repent, mend (their lives), hold fast to Allāh and purify their religion in God's sight: If so, they will be (counted) among the believers. And Allāh will soon grant the believers a reward of immense value.

147. What can Allāh gain by punishing you, if you are grateful and you believe? No, it is Allāh Who recognizes (all good) and knows all things.

148. Allāh does not love that evil should be announced in public speech, except where injustice has been done, for Allāh is all-Hearing, all-Knowing.

149. Whether you reveal a good deed or conceal it, or cover evil with pardon, truly Allāh blots out (sins) and has power (in the Judgment of values).

150. Those who deny Allāh and his Messengers, and (those who) wish to separate Allāh from His Messengers, saying, “We believe in some but reject others,” and (those who) wish to take a midway course,

151. In truth, they are (equally) unbelievers, and We have prepared a humiliating punishment for unbelievers.

152. To those who believe in Allāh and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of the Messengers, We shall soon grant their (due) rewards, for Allāh is oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

153. The People of the Book ask you to cause a book to descend to them from heavens: Indeed they asked Moses for an even greater (miracle), for they said, “Show us Allāh manifestly,” but they were dazed with thunder and lightning for their presumption. Yet they worshipped the calf even after clear Signs had come to them; even so We forgave them, and gave Moses manifest proofs of authority.

154. And for their covenant We raised over them (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai), and (on another occasion) We said, “Enter the gate with humility;” and (once again) We commanded them, “Do not transgress in the matter of the Sabbath.” And We made a solemn covenant with them.

155. (They have incurred divine displeasure:) In that they broke their covenant, that they rejected the Signs of Allāh; that they killed the messengers in defiance of right; (so much so) that they said, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve God's Word; we need no more);” No, Allāh has set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it that they believe.

156. That they rejected faith; that they uttered a grave false charge against Mary.

157. That they (boasting) said, “We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allāh.” But they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ in this are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge but only conjecture to follow, for surely they did not kill him.

158. No, Allāh raised him up to His presence, and Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

159. And all of the People of the Book must believe in him before their death, and on the Day of Judgment he will be a witness against them.

160. for the iniquity of the Jews, We made certain good and wholesome (foods) unlawful for them which had been lawful for them; since they hindered many from God's way,

161. Since they took usury, though they were forbidden, and they devoured men's substance wrongfully; We have prepared a grievous punishment for those among them who reject faith.

162. But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what has been revealed to you, and (especially) those who establish regular prayer and pay the zakāt and believe in Allāh and in the Last Day: We shall soon bestow a great reward upon them.

163. We have sent you inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the messengers after him; We sent inspiration to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.

164. We have already told you the story of some Messengers; of others We have not, and All āh spoke directly to Moses.

165. Messengers who gave good news as well as warnings, (so) that mankind, after (the coming) of the Messengers, should have no plea against Allāh, for Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

166. But Allāh bears witness that what He has sent to you, He has sent from His (Own) Knowledge, and the angels bear witness, but Allāh is enough for a Witness.

167. Those who reject faith and keep (men) from the Way of Allāh have truly strayed far, far away from the path.

168. Those who reject faith and do wrong! God will not forgive them nor guide them to anyway,

169. Except the way of Hell, to dwell in it forever: And this is easy for Allāh.

170. O mankind! The Messenger has come to you in truth from Allāh: Believe in him: It is best for you. But if you reject faith, all things in the heavens and on earth belong to Allāh: And Allāh is all-Knowing, all Wise.

171. O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allāh anything but truth. Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, was (no more than) a Messenger of Allāh, and His Word which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him, so believe in Allāh and His Messengers. Do not say “Trinity;” desist: It will be better for you, for Allāh is One Allāh: Glory be to Him: (Exalted is He) above having a son. All things in the heavens and on earth belong to Him. And Allāh is enough as a Disposer of affairs.

172. Christ does not disdain to serve and worship Allāh, nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allāh): Those who disdain His worship and are arrogant! He will gather them all together before Himself to (answer).

173. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will grant them their (due) rewards, and more, out of His bounty, but those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty, nor will they find any to protect or help them besides Allāh.

174. O mankind! Truly a convincing proof has come to you from your Lord, for We have sent you a manifest light. 175 Then those who believe in Allāh and hold fast to Him! He will soon admit them to mercy and grace from Him, and guide them to Himself by a straight way.

175. As for those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him, He will cause them to enter into His mercy and grace and shall guide them to Himself on a right path.

176. They ask you for a fatwa (legal decision). Say: Allāh directs (thus) about those who leave no offspring or parents as heirs. If it is a man who dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: If (the deceased was) a woman who left no child, her brother takes her inheritance: If there are two sisters, they shall have two-thirds of the inheritance (between them): If there are brothers and sisters, (they share), the male receiving twice the share of the female. Thus Allāh makes (His law) clear to you, lest you err. And Allāh has knowledge of all things.

Chapter 6

SURA 5 THE TABLE SPREAD (Al Ma'ida) 120

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. O you who believe! Fulfill (all) obligations. Lawful to you (for food) are all four-footed animals, with the exceptions named, but game animals are forbidden while you are in the sacred precincts or in pilgrim garb, for Allāh commands according to His will and plan.

2. O you who believe! Do not violate the sanctity of God's symbols, nor of the sacred month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people going to the sacred House seeking the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But when you are clear of the sacred precincts and of the pilgrim garb, you may hunt, and do not let the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the sacred mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and rancor: Fear Allāh, for Allāh is strict in punishment.

3. Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine and that on which a name of other than the name of Allāh has been invoked, that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death, that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal, unless you are able to slaughter it (in due form), that which is sacrificed on stone (altars). The division (of meat) by raffling with arrows is also (forbidden): That is impiety. This Day those who reject faith have given up all hope of your religion: Yet do not fear them, but fear Me. This Day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion. But if any are forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allāh is indeed oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

4. They ask you what is lawful for them (as food). Say: (All) good and pure things are lawful for you: And what you have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner Allāh taught you; eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allāh over it, and fear Allāh, for Allāh is swift in taking account.

5. This Day (all) good and pure things are made lawful for you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful for you and yours is lawful for them. (Lawful for you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but (also) chaste women among the People of the Book revealed before your time, when you grant them their due dowers, and desire chastity not lewdness, nor secret intrigues. If anyone rejects faith, his work is fruitless, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).

6. O you who believe! When you prepare for prayer, wash your faces, hands and arms to the elbows; rub your heads (with your wet hands), and (likewise) wipe your feet (with your wet hands) to the ankles. If you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes out after having used the privy, or you have been in (a sexual) contact with women, and you find no water…, then take clean sand or earth and rub your faces and hands with it (tayammum). Allāh does not wish to place you in a difficult (situation) but to make you clean and to complete His favor to you, (so) that you may be grateful.

7. And remember God's favor to you, and His covenant which He ratified with you, when you said, “We hear and we obey.” And fear Allāh, for Allāh knows well the secrets of your hearts.

8. O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allāh, as witnesses to fair dealing, and do not let the hatred of others towards you make you swerve towards wrong and depart from justice. Be just: That is next to piety: And fear Allāh, for Allāh is well-acquaint-ed with all that you do.

9. To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness Allāh has promised forgiveness and a great reward.

10. Those who reject faith and deny Our Signs will be companions of the Fire.

11. O you who believe! Remember God's favor to you when certain men plotted to stretch out their hands against you, but (Allāh) held back their hands from you: So fear Allāh, and let believers put (all) their trust in Allāh.

12. Earlier, Allāh made a covenant with the Children of Israel, and We appointed twelve captains among them, and Allāh said, “I am with you: If you (but) establish regular prayers, pay the zakāt, believe in My Messengers, honor and assist them and loan Allāh a beautiful loan, truly I will wipe away your evils, and admit you to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, but if any of you, after this, resists faith, he has truly wandered from the straight path.”

13. But because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard: They change the words from their (right) places and forget a good part of the message that was sent them, nor will you cease to find them, barring a few! ever bent on (new) deceits, but forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds), for Allāh loves those who are kind.

14. With those, too, who call themselves Christians, We made a covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent to them: So We estranged them, with enmity and hatred among each other, until the Day of Judgment. And Allāh will soon show them what they have done.

15. O People of the Book! Our Messenger has come to you explaining to you much of the Book that you used to hide and overlooking much (that is unnecessary): A (new) light and a clear Book has come to you from Allāh,

16. With it does Allāh guide all those who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and leads them out of darkness to the light by His will, guides them to a path that is straight.

17. Certainly they disbelieve, those who say: “Allāh is the Messiah son of Mary” Say: “Who, then, can control any-thing against (the Command of) Allāh if He wishes to destroy the Messiah son of Mary, his mother and all those on earth?” To Allāh belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is in-between them; He creates whatever He pleases, and Allāh has power over all things.

18. (Both) Jews and Christians say, “We are the sons of Allāh and His beloved.” Say: “Why then does He punish you for your sins? No, you are but men, of the men He has created: He forgives whom He pleases, and He punishes whom He pleases: And the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between, belongs to Allāh: And He is the final goal (of all).”

19. O People of the Book! Now Our Messenger has come to you, to make (things) clear to you, after a pause in (the series of) Our Messenger, lest you should say, “No bearer of glad tidings came to us, and no one warned us (against evil).” But now a bearer of glad tidings has come to you, someone to warn you (from evil): And Allāh has power over all things.

20. Remember Moses said to his people, “O my people! Remember God's favor to you, when He produced Prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given any other people.

21. “O my people! Enter the holy land which Allāh has assigned to you and do not turn back disgracefully, for then you will be overthrown, to your own ruin.”

22. They said, “O Moses! An exceedingly strong people are in this land: We shall never enter it until they leave it: If they leave, then we shall enter.”

23. (But) among (their) God-fearing men were two on whom Allāh had bestowed His grace: They said, “Assault them at the (proper) gate: Once you are in, victory will be yours. But put your trust in Allāh (first) if you have faith (in Him).”

24. They said, “O Moses! While they remain there, we shall never be able to enter till the end of time. You go, and your Lord, and you two fight, while we sit here (and watch).”

25. He said, “Lord! I have control only over myself and my brother, so separate us from these rebellious people!”

26. Allāh said, “So the land will be out of their reach for forty years; in distraction will they wander through the land, but do not grieve for these rebellious people.”

27. Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! They each presented a sacrifice (to Allāh): It was accepted from one, but not from the other. The latter said, “I will certainly kill you.” “Surely,” the former said, “God accepts the sacrifice of those who are righteous.

28. “If you raise your hand against me to kill me, it is not for me to raise my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allāh, the Cherisher of the worlds.

29. “For me, I intend to let you draw on yourself my sin as well as yours, for you will be among the companions of the Fire, and that is the reward of wrong-doers.”

30. The other's (evil-insinuating) nafs (spirit) led him to murder his brother: He murder-ed him and became one of the lost ones.

31. Then Allāh sent a crow who scratched the ground to show him how to hide the shame of his brother. “Woe unto me,” he said, “Was I not even able to be like this crow and hide the shame of my brother?” Then he became full of regret.

32. On that account We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person, unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he killed all people: And if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all people. Then, even though Our Messengers came to them with clear Signs, yet even after that many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.

33. The punishment of those who wage war against Allāh and His Messenger, and strive with all their might for mischief throughout the land is: Execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: That is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter,

34. Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: In that case, know that Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful.

35. O you who believe! Do your duty to Allāh, seek means of approaching Him, and strive with all your might in His cause (so) that you may prosper.

36. As for those who reject faith, if they had twice as much of everything on earth to grant as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgment, it would never be accepted from them. A grievous penalty would (still) be theirs.

37. They would desire to escape from the Fire, but they will never escape from it: Their penalty will be one that endures.

38. As for the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands: A punishment by way of example, from Allāh, for their crime: And Allāh is Exalted in power.

39. But if the thief repents after his crime and amends his conduct, Allāh turns to him in forgiveness, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

40. Do you not know that the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh (alone)? He punishes whom He pleases, and He forgives whom He pleases: And Allāh has power over all things.

41. O Messenger! Do not grieve over those who race each other into unbelief: (Whether it be) among those who say, “We believe,” with their lips but whose hearts have no faith, or among the Jews, men who will listen to any lie (and) will even listen to others who have never so much as come to you. They change the words from their (right) times and places; they say, “If you are given this, take it, but if not, beware.” If Allāh intends to test anyone, you have no authority whatsoever over him against Allāh. For such, it is not God's will to purify their hearts. For them there is disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment in the Hereafter.

42. (They are fond of) listening to falsehood, of devouring anything forbidden. If they do come to you, either judge between them or decline to interfere. If you decline, they cannot hurt you in the least. If you judge, then judge equitably between them, for Allāh loves those who judge equitably.

43. But why do they come to you for decisions when they have (their own) laws before them? God's (plain) commands are there. Yet even after that, they would turn away, for they are not (really) people of faith.

44. It was We Who revealed the Torah (to Moses) in which there was guidance and there was light. With it, the prophets who submitted to God’s will judged (matters) for those who were Jews, and the rabbis and the doctors of Law, for the protection of God's Book was entrusted to them, and they were witnesses to it; therefore, do not fear men, but fear Me, and do not sell My Signs for a miserable price. Those who fail to judge by (the light of) what Allāh has revealed are (no better than) the unbelievers.

45. In it We ordained (this) for them: “Life for life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and wounds equal for equal.” But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for himself. And those who fail to judge by (the light of) what Allāh has revealed are (not better than) the wrongdoers.

46. And We sent Jesus, the son of Mary, in their footsteps, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: Guidance and light was in it, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: A guidance and an admonishment to those who fear Allāh.

47. Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allāh has revealed in it. Those who fail to judge by (the light of) what Allāh has revealed are (not better than) those who rebel.

48. We have revealed the Scriptures to you in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before them, and guarding them in safety; so judge between them by what Allāh has revealed, and do not follow their vain desires, straying from the truth that has come to you. We have prescribed a Law and an open way to each of you. Had Allāh so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He has given you; so, strive as in a race in all virtues. Allāh is the goal of all of you; it is He Who will show you the truth of the matters about which you dispute.

49. And that you should judge among them by what Allāh has revealed to you, and do not follow their vain desires, but beware of them lest they should lure you (away) from any of what Allāh has sent down to you. And if they turn away, be assured that it is God's purpose to punish them for some of their crimes. And truly most men are rebellious.

50. Then do they seek a Judgment of (the days of) ignorance? But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can grant better Judgment than Allāh?

51. O you who believe! Do not prefer the Jews and Christians as friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors of each other. And any among you who turns to them (preferring their friendship) is one of them. Truly Allāh does not guide the unjust people.

52. You see how those with a disease in their hearts eagerly run about among them saying, “We fear lest a change of fortune should bring us a disaster.” Ah! Perhaps Allāh will grant (you) victory or a decision according to His will. Then will they repent of the thoughts which they secretly harbored in their hearts.

53. And those who believe will say, “Are these the men who swore their strongest oaths by Allāh that they were with you?” All that they do will be in vain, and they will fall into (nothing but) ruin.

54. O you who believe! If any among you turns back from his faith, Allāh will soon bring about a people whom He will love as they will love Him, gentle with the believers, mighty against the rejecters, fighting in the way of Allāh, and never afraid of the reproaches of those who find fault. That is God's grace which He will bestow on whom He pleases: And Allāh encompasses all, and He knows all things.

55. Your (real) friends are (no less than) Allāh, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) believers, those who establish regular prayers and pay the zakāt, and bow down humbly (in worship).

56. As for those who turn to Allāh, His Messenger and the (fellowship of the) believers (as guardians), such is the fellowship of Allāh that must certainly triumph.

57. O you who believe! Do not take as guardians and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport, be they from among those who received the Scriptures before you (Jews and Christians), or from among those who reject the faith; but fear Allāh, if you have (true) faith.

58. When you proclaim your call to prayer, they take it as a mockery and sport; that is (so) because they are people without understanding.

59. Say: “O People of the Book! Do you disapprove of us for no reason besides (the fact) that we believe in Allāh and the Revelation that has come to us and that which came before (us), and (perhaps) that most of you are rebellious and disobedient?”

60. Say: “Shall I point out to you something much worse than this (as judged) by the treatment it received from Allāh? Those who incurred the curse of Allāh and His Wrath, those whom He transformed into apes and swine, those who worshipped evil; these are (many times) worse in rank, and far more astray from the straight path!”

61. When they come to you, they say, “We believe,” but in fact they enter with a mind against faith, and they leave with the same, but Allāh knows fully all that they hide.

62. You see many of them competing with each other in committing sin and rancor and in eating of forbidden things; truly evil is what they do.

63. Why do not the rabbis and the doctors of Law forbid them from their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating forbidden things? Their deeds are truly evil.

64. The Jews say, “God's hands are tied.” Let their hands be tied up, and let them be cursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay! His hands are widely outstretched: He gives and spends (of His bounty) as He pleases, but in most of them the Revelation that comes to you from Allāh increases their obstinate rebellion and blasphe-my. We have placed enmity and hatred among them till the Day of Judgment. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allāh extinguishes it, but they (continually) strive to make mischief on earth. And Allāh does not love those who make mischief.

65. Had the People of the Book only believed and been righteous, We would truly have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them into the gardens of bliss.

66. And had they only stood fast to the Torah, the Gospel and all the Revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. Some of them are on the right path, but many of them follow an evil course.

67. O Messenger (Muhammed)! Proclaim the (message) which has been sent to you from your Lord. If you do not, you will not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission: And Allāh will defend you from men (who mean mischief). For Allāh does not guide those who reject faith.

68. Say: “O People of the Book! You have no grounds to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Torah, the Gospel (Bible) and all the Revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” In most of them, it is the Revelation that comes to you from your Lord that increases their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But do not grieve over (these) faithless people.

69. Those who believe (in the Qur’ān), those who follow the Jewish Scriptures, and the Sabians and Christians, any of those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and do righteous deeds, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

70. We certainly made a covenant with the Children of Israel and sent them Messengers. Every time a Messenger came to them with what they themselves did not desire, some (of them) they called impostors, and some they killed.

71. They thought there would be no affliction, so they became blind and deaf: Yet Allāh (in mercy) turned to them: Yet again many of them became blind and deaf. But Allāh sees well all that they do.

72. Those who say, “God is Christ, the son of Mary,” blaspheme. Christ (himself) said, “O Children of Israel! Worship Allāh, my Lord and your Lord.” Allāh will forbid the garden to anyone who joins other gods with Allāh, and the Fire will be his abode. There will be no one to help the wrongdoers.

73. Those who say, “God is one of three in a trinity” blaspheme, for there is no god except (the) One God (Allāh). If they do not desist from their (blasphemous) words, truly a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.

74. Why do they not turn to Allāh and seek His forgiveness, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful?

75. Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger (of Allāh); many Messengers passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both used to eat their (daily) food. See how Allāh makes His Signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are turned away from the truth!

76. Say: “Instead of Allāh, will you worship something which has no power either to harm or to benefit you? But God is the One Who hears and knows all things.”

77. Say: “O People of the Book! In your religion, do not exceed the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by and who misled many and (themselves) strayed from the straight course.

78. Those from among the Children of Israel who rejected the faith were cursed by the tongue of David and Jesus son of Mary because they disobeyed and persisted in their excesses.

79. Nor did they (usually) forbid one another (from committing) the iniquities which they commited: Their deeds were truly evil.

80. You see many of them turning in friendship to the unbelievers. Truly evil are (the deeds) which their souls have sent forth before them, (with the result) that God's Wrath is upon them, and they will abide in torment.

81. Had they only believed in Allāh, in the Messenger and in what has been revealed to him, they would never have taken them for friends and protectors, but most of them are rebellious wrongdoers

82. The Jews and pagans are among the believers’ worst enemies, while those who say, “We are Christians” are among the nearest to the believers in love because among these are men who are devoted to learning, men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant.

83. And when they listen to the Revelation received by the Messenger, you will see their eyes overflow with tears, for they recognize the truth: They pray, “Lord! We believe; so do count us among the witnesses…,

84. “What cause can we have not to believe in Allāh and the truth which has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?”

85. And for this prayer of theirs, Allāh has rewarded them with gardens with rivers flowing beneath them for their eternal abode. Such is the reward of those who do good deeds.

86. As for those who reject the faith and deny Our Signs, they shall be the fellows of the Fire.

87. O you who believe! Do not render as unlawful the good things which Allāh has made lawful for you, and do not commit excesses, for Allāh does not love those given to excesses.

88. Eat of the things which Allāh has provided for you, what is lawful and good, and fear Allāh in Whom you believe.

89. Allāh will not call you to account for what is futile of your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths. For expiation, feed ten poor persons as you would feed your (own) family, or clothe them, or grant a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths you have sworn, but guard your oaths. Thus Allāh makes His Signs clear to you (so) that you may be grateful.

90. O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (the dedication of) stones and (divination by) arrows are an abomination! (They are) Satan's handiwork: avoid such (abominations so) you may prosper.

91. Satan's plan is (to use) intoxicants and gambling to cause enmity and hatred among you and hinder you from the remembrance of Allāh and from prayer: Then will you not abstain?

92. Obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and beware (of evil): If you do turn back, know that it is Our Messenger's duty to proclaim (the message) in the clearest manner.

93. There is no blame on those who believe and do deeds of righteousness for what they ate (in the past), when they (henceforward) guard them-selves from evil and believe, and do deeds of righteousness (or) again, if they guard themselves from evil and do good. For Allāh loves those who do good.

94. O you who believe! Allāh is testing you with the game that is well within reach of your hands and spears (so) He may test those who fear Him in the unseen; those who transgress after this will have a grievous penalty.

95. O you who believe! Do not kill game while in the sacred precincts or in the pilgrim garb. If any of you does so intentionally, the compensation is an offering, brought to the Ka'ba, of a domestic animal equivalent to the one he killed, as judged by two just men among you; or by way of atonement, the feeding of the poor; or its equivalent in fasts (so) that he may taste the penalty for his deed. Allāh forgives what is past, for repetition Allāh will exact the penalty from him, for Allāh is Exalted, Lord of Retribution.

96. The pursuit of water-game and its use for food is lawful for you, for the benefit of your own selves and those who travel, but the pursuit of land-game is forbidden as long as you are in the sacred precincts or in the pilgrim garb. And fear Allāh to Whom you shall return.

97. Allāh made the Ka`ba, the Sacred House, a safe refuge for men, as well as the Sacred Months, the animals for offerings, and the garlands that mark them, (so) that you may know that Allāh has knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth and that Allāh is well acquainted with all things.

98. Be informed that Allāh is strict in punishment and that Allāh is oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

99. The Messenger's duty is only to proclaim (the message), but Allāh knows all that you reveal and you conceal.

100. Say: “Things that are bad and things that are good are not equal, even though the abundance of the bad may dazzle you; so, fear Allāh, O you who understand, (so) that you may prosper.”

101. O you who believe! Do not ask questions about things which, if made plain to you, might trouble you. But if you ask about things while the Qur’ān is being revealed, they will be made plain to you: Allāh will forgive those, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.

102. Some people before you had asked such questions, and on that account they lost their faith.

103. It was not Allāh Who instituted (superstitions like those of) a slit-ear she-camel, or a she camel let loose for free pasture, or sacrifices to idols for twin-births in animals, or stallion-camels freed from work; it is blasphemers who invent a lie against Allāh, but most of them lack wisdom.

104. When it is said to them, “Come to what Allāh has revealed; come to the Messenger,” they say, “The ways we found our fathers following are enough for us.” What?! Even though their fathers had neither knowledge nor guidance?

105. O you who believe! Guard your own souls: If you follow (right) guidance, no harm can come to you from those who stray. Allāh is the goal of all of you: It is He Who will show you the truth of all that you do.

106. O you who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses from among yourselves when making bequests: Two just men of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if you are journeying through the earth and death seems imminent. If you doubt (their truth), detain them both after prayers, and let them both swear by Allāh: “We do not wish for any worldly gain in this, even if the (beneficiary) may be our close relative: We shall not hide the evidence before Allāh: If we do, then behold! May the sin be upon us!”

107. But if it becomes known that these two were guilty of the sin (of perjury), let two others stand forth in their places nearest in kin from among those who claim a lawful right: Let them swear by Allāh: “We affirm that our witness is truer than that of those two, and that we have not trespassed (beyond the truth): If we did, behold! Let the sin be on us!”

108. That is most suitable (so) that they may grant the evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be taken after their oaths. But fear Allāh, and listen (to His counsel), for Allāh does not guide a rebellious people.

109. One Day Allāh will gather the Messengers together and will ask, “What was the response you received (to your teaching)?” They will say, “We have no knowledge: It is You Who knows in full all that is hidden.”

110. Then Allāh will say, “O Jesus son of Mary! Recount My favor to you and your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so that you spoke to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! You made the figure of a bird out of clay, as it were, by My permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My permission, and you healed those born blind and the lepers by My permission. And behold! You raised the dead by My permission. And behold! I restrained the Children of Israel from (violence to) you when you showed them the clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said, `This is nothing but obvious magic.'

111. “And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and My Messenger: They said, `We have faith, and bear witness that we bow to Allāh as Muslims.'”

112. Behold! The disciples said, “O Jesus son of Mary! Can your Lord send us a table set (with food) from the heavens?” Jesus said, “Fear Allāh, if you have faith.”

113. They said, “We only wish to eat of it and satisfy our hearts and to know that you really have told us the truth, and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”

114. Jesus son of Mary said, “O Lord our Allāh! Send us a table set (with food) from heaven that there may be for us, for the first and the last of us, a solemn festival and a Sign from You, and provide for our sustenance, for You are the best Sustainer (of our needs).”

115. Allāh said, “I will send it down for you, but if any of you resists faith after that, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on anyone among all the peoples.”

116. And behold! Allāh will say, “O Jesus son of Mary! Did you say to men, `Worship me and my mother as gods instead of Allāh?'” He will say, “Glory to You, I could never say what I had no right (to say). If I had said such a thing, You surely would have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I do not know what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden.

117. “I never said anything to them except what You commanded me to say: `Worship Allāh, my Lord and your Lord', and I was a witness over them while I lived among them; when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things.

118. “If You punish them, they are Your servants: If You forgive them, You are the Exalted, the Wise.”

119. Allāh will say, “This is a Day when the truthful benefit from their truth: Theirs are gardens with rivers flowing beneath, their eternal abode: Allāh is well-pleased with them, and they with Allāh: That is the great salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).

120. The dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that they contain belongs to Allāh, and it is He Who has power over all things.

Chapter 7

SURA 6 CATTLE (Al-An'am) 165

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Praise belongs to Allāh Who created the heavens and the earth and made the darkness and the light. Yet those who reject faith hold (others) as equal with their Guardian-Lord.

2. It is He Who created you from clay and then decreed a stated term (for you). And there is another determined term in His presence; yet you doubt within yourselves!

3. And He is Allāh in the heavens and on earth. He knows what you hide and what you reveal, and He knows the (reward) which you earn (by your deeds).

4. But never did a single one of their Lord's Signs reach them that they did not turn away from.

5. And now they reject the truth when it reaches them, but they will soon learn the reality of what they used to mock.

6. Do they not see how many of those before them We destroyed? Generations We had established on the earth, in strength such as We have not given to you, for whom We poured out rain from the skies in abundance, and gave (fertile) streams flowing beneath their (feet): Yet We destroyed them for their sins, and raised fresh generations in their wake (to succeed them).

7. Had We sent you a written (message) on paper, so that they could touch it with their hands, surely the unbelievers would have said, “This is nothing but obvious magic!”

8. They say, “Why is not an angel sent down to him?” If We did send down an angel, the matter would be settled at once, and no respite would be granted to them.

9. If We had made it an angel, We would have sent him as a man, and We would certainly have caused them confusion in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.

10. (Many) Messengers before you were mocked, but the scoffers were hemmed in by what they mocked.

11. Say: “Travel throughout the earth and see what became of those who rejected truth.”

12. Say: “To whom does all that is in the heavens and on earth belong?” Say: “To Allāh. He has ordained (the rule of) mercy for Himself; there is no doubt whatsoever that He will gather you together on the Day of Judgment. As for those who have lost their souls, they will never believe.

13. “All that dwells (or lurks) in the night and the Day belongs to Him. For He is all Hearing, all Knowing.”

14. Say: “Shall I take for my protector any other than Allāh, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and He feeds and is not fed?” Say: “Nay! But I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allāh (in Islam), and do not be of the company of those who join gods with Allāh.”

15. Say: “If I disobeyed my Lord, I would truly fear the penalty of a mighty Day.

16. “On that Day, if the penalty is averted from any, it is because of God's mercy, and that would be (salvation), the obvious fulfillment of all desire.

17. “If Allāh touches you with affliction, no one else but He can remove it; if He touches you with happiness, He has power over all things.

18. “He is the Supreme, (watching) over His worshippers, and He is the Wise One; He is acquainted with all things.”

19. Say: “What evidence carries the most weight?” Say: “God is Witness between me and you: This Qur’ān has been revealed to me by inspiration (so) that I may warn you and all whom it reaches. Can you possibly bear witness that there is another god besides Allāh?” Say: “Nay! I cannot bear witness!” Say: “But in truth He is the One Allāh, and I am truly innocent of (your blasphemy of) joining others with Him.”

20. Those to whom We have given the Book know this as they know their own sons; therefore, those who have lost their own souls refuse to believe.

21. Who does more wrong than someone who invents a lie against Allāh or rejects His Signs? But truly the wrongdoers shall never prosper.

22. One Day, We shall gather them all together: We shall say to those who ascribed partners (to Us), “Where are the partners whom you (invented and) talked about?”

23. Then no excuse will be (left) for them to say but, “By Allāh, Our Lord, we were not those who joined gods with Allāh.”

24. See how they lie against their own souls! But the (lie) which they invented will abandon them.

25. Some of them (pretend to) listen to you, but We have thrown veils on their hearts, so they do not understand it, and deafness in their ears; if they saw every one of the Signs, they would not believe in them; whenever they come to you, they (only) dispute with you; the unbelievers say, “These are nothing but tales of the ancients.”

26. They keep others away from it, and they keep themselves away, but they only destroy their own souls, and they do not perceive it.

27. If you could only see when they are confronted with the Fire! They will say, “If only we could be sent back! Then we would not reject our Lord's Signs, but would be among those who believe!”

28. Yes, what was once concealed will become manifest to their own (eyes), but if they were returned, they would certainly relapse to the things they were forbidden, for they are indeed liars.

29. And they (sometimes) say, “There is nothing except our life on this earth, and we shall never be raised up again.”

30. If you could only see when they are confronted with their Lord! He will say, “Is this not the truth?” They will say, “Yes, by our Lord!” He will say, “Then taste the penalty, because you rejected faith.”

31. Lost indeed are they who treat it as a falsehood that they must meet God, until suddenly the Hour is on them, and they say, “Ah! Woe unto us that we took no thought of it!” For they bear their burdens on their backs, and the burdens they bear are truly evil!

32. What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But the abode in the Hereafter is best for those who are righteous. Will you then (still) not understand?

33. We truly know the grief which their words cause you: It is not you they reject: It is God's Signs that the wicked hold in contempt.

34. The Messengers before you were rejected: They bore their rejection and their wrongdoing with patience and constancy, until Our aid reached them: None can alter God's words (and decrees). You have already received some account of those Messengers.

35. If their rejection weighs heavily on your mind, (of what avail) if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a Sign? If it were God's will, He would gather them together to true guidance; so, do not be among those who are swayed by ignorance (and impatience)!

36. Those who listen (in truth) will certainly accept: As for the dead, Allāh will raise them up, and to Him they shall return.

37. They say, “Why is it that no Sign is sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “God certainly has power to send down a Sign, but most of them do not understand.”

38. Not an animal (lives) on earth, nor a being flies on its wings, but (is part of) communities like you. We have omitted nothing from the Book, and they shall (all) be gathered to their Lord in the end.

39. Those who reject Our Signs are deaf and dumb, in the midst of deep darkness: Allāh leaves whomsoever He pleases to wander, and He places whomsoever He wills on the straight path.

40. Say: “Think to yourselves, if God's Wrath were to come upon you, or the Hour (that you dread), would you then call on someone other than Allāh? (Reply) if you are truthful!

41. “Nay! You would (certainly) call upon Him, and if it is His Will, He would remove (the distress) which made you call upon Him and you would forget (the false gods) which you join with Him!”

42. Before you, We sent (Messengers) to many nations and We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity so that they might learn humility.

43. When the suffering from Us reached them, why did not they then learn humility? On the contrary, their hearts became hardened, and Satan made their (sinful) acts seem alluring to them.

44. But when they forgot the warning they had received, We opened the gates of all (good) things to them, until in the midst of their enjoyment of Our gifts, We suddenly called them to account, and then they were plunged into despair!

45. The last remnant of the wrongdoers was cut off. Praise belongs to Allāh, Cherisher of the worlds.

46. Say: “Think, if Allāh took away your hearing and your sight and sealed up your hearts, what god other than Allāh could restore them to you?” See how We explain the Signs by various (symbols), yet they turn away!

47. Say: “Do you think, if the punishment of Allāh comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, any will be destroyed except those who do wrong?”

48. We send the Messengers only to give glad tidings and to warn: So those who believe and mend (their lives), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

49. But those who reject Our Signs shall be punished, because they would not cease transgress-ing.

50. Say: “I do not tell you that God's treasures are with me, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.” Say: “Can the blind be held equal to the seeing? Then will you not consider?”

51. Grant the warning to those whose (hearts) fear that they will be brought (to Judgment) before their Lord: They will have no protector nor intercessor except Him: That they may guard (against evil).

52. Do not send away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face. They have nothing to gain from you, and you have nothing to gain from them, that you should turn them away and thus be (one) of the unjust.

53. Thus We tested some of them by comparison with others, that they should say, “Are these those of us whom Allāh has favored?” Does Allāh not know best those who are grateful?

54. When those who believe in Our Signs come to you, say: “Peace be on you: Your Lord has ordained upon Himself (the rule of) mercy: Truly, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and later repented and amended (his conduct), He is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”

55. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail (so) that the way of the sinners may be shown clearly.

56. Say: “I am forbidden to worship those other than God! whom you call upon.” Say: “I will not follow your vain desires: If I did, I would stray from the path and not be in the company of those who receive guidance.”

57. Say: “For me, I (work) on a clear Sign from my Lord, but you reject Him. What you would see hastened is not in my power. The command rests with none but Allāh: He declares the truth, and He is the best of Judges.”

58. Say: “If what you would see hastened were in my power, the matter would be settled at once between you and me. But Allāh knows best those who do wrong.”

59. The keys of the unseen, the treasures that none but He knows, are with Him. He knows whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but with His knowledge: There is not a grain in the darkness (or depths) of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry (green or withered), but is (recorded) in a clear record (for those who can read).

60. It is He Who takes your souls by night, and has knowledge of all that you have done by day. He raises you up again by day (so) that an appointed Term may be fulfilled; in the end, all of you will return Him; then He will show you the truth of all that you did.

61. He is the Omnipotent, (ever watching) over His worshippers, and He sets guardians over you. At length, when death approaches one of you, Our angels take his soul, and they never fail in their duty.

62. Then men return to Allāh, their Protector, the (only) Reality: Is not the command His? And He is the swiftest in taking account.

63. Say: “Who is it that delivers you from the dark recesses of land and sea, when you call upon Him in humility and silent terror: `If He only delivers us from these (dangers), (we vow) we shall truly show our gratitude'?”

64. Say: “It is Allāh Who delivers you from these and all (other) distresses, yet you worship false gods!”

65. Say: “He has power to send calamities unto you, from above and from below, or to cover you with confusion in party divisions, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance, each from the other.” See how We explain the Signs by various (symbols) (so) that they may understand.

66. But your people reject this, though it is the truth. Say: “I am not responsible for arranging your affairs.

67. “There is a time limit forevery message and you will soon know it.”

68. When you see men engaged in vain discourse about Our Signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes you forget, then after recollection, do not sit in the company of the ungodly.

69. No responsibility falls on the righteous on their account, but it is (their duty) to remind them (so) that they may (learn to) fear Allāh.

70. Leave alone those who take their religion to be mere play and amusement, and are deceived by the life of this world. But proclaim (to them) this (truth): That every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own acts: It will find for itself neither protector nor intercessor other than Allāh: If it offered every ransom (or reparation), none would be accepted: Such is (the end of) those who deliver themselves to ruin by their own acts: They will have for drink (only) boiling water, and for punishment, one most grievous, for they persisted in rejecting Allāh.

71. Say: “Shall we actually call on others besides God, things that can do us neither good nor harm, and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allāh? Like one whom the evil ones have made a fool, wandering bewildered throughout the earth, his friends calling `Come to us', (vainly) guiding him to the path?” Say: “God's guidance is the (only) guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Lord of the worlds,

72. “To establish regular prayers and to fear Allāh, for we shall be returned to Him.”

73. It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): (On) the Day He says, “Be,” behold! It is. His word is the truth. (On) the Day the trumpet will be blown, the dominion will be His. He knows the concealed as well as that which is revealed. For He is the Wise One (Who is) well acquainted (with all things).

74. Lo! Abraham said to his father Azar, “Do you take idols for gods? For I see you and your people in manifest error.”

75. Likewise We showed Abraham the power and the malakoot (laws) of the heavens and the earth, (so) that (through understanding) he might be certain.

76. When the night covered him over, he saw a star: He said, “This is my Lord.” But when it set, he said, “I do not love those that set.”

77. When he saw the moon rising in splendor, he said, “This is my Lord.” But when the moon set, he said, “Unless my Lord guides me, I shall surely be among those who go astray.”

78. When he saw the sun rising in splendor, he said, “This is my Lord; this is the greatest (of all).” But when the sun set, he said, “O my people! I am (now) free from your (guilt) of ascribing partners to Allāh.

79. “For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, toward Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and I shall never ascribe partners to Allāh.”

80. His people disputed with him. He said, “Do you (come) to dispute with me about Allāh, when He (Himself) has guided me? I do not fear (the beings) you associate with Allāh: Unless my Lord wills, (nothing can happen). In His knowledge, My Lord comprehends all things: Will you not be admonished?

81. “How should I fear (the beings) you associate with Allāh, when you do not fear to grant partners to Allāh without having been given any authority? Which of (us) two parties has more right to security? (Tell me) if you know.

82. “It is those who believe and do not confuse their beliefs with falsehood that are (truly) secure, for they are on (right) guidance.”

83. That was the reasoning about Us which We gave to Abraham (to use) against his people: We raise whomsoever We will degree after degree, for your Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge.

84. We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob: We guided all (three): And before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny: David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron; thus do We reward those who do good deeds.

85. And Zakariya and John and Jesus and Elias: All in the ranks of the righteous.

86. And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot: And We favored all (of them) above the nations,

87. (Them) and their fathers and progeny and brothers did We choose and guide to a straight path.

88. This is God's guidance: He gives that guidance to whom He pleases of His worshippers. If they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be in vain.

89. These were the men to whom We gave the Book and authority and Prophethood: If these (their descendants) reject them, surely We shall entrust their charge to a new people who do not reject them.

90. Those were the (Prophets) who received God's guidance: Follow the guidance they received. Say: “I ask no reward for this from you: This is no less than a message for the nations.”

91. They underestimate Allāh when they say, “God sends down nothing to man (by way of Revelation).” Say: “Who then sent down the Book that Moses brought, a light and guidance to man? But you make it into (separate) sheets for show, while you conceal much (of its contents) and taught what you did not know, neither you nor your fathers.” Say: “God (sent it down).” Then leave them to plunge in vain discourse and trifling.

92. And this is a Book which We have revealed, bringing blessings, and confirming (the Revelations) which came before it (so) that you may warn the mother of cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book), and they are constant in attending to their prayers.

93. Who can be more wicked than one who invents a lie against Allāh or says, “I have received inspiration,” when he has received nothing, or (again) who says, “I can reveal the like of what Allāh has revealed.” If you could only see how the wicked (fare) in the flood of confusion at death! The angels stretch forth their hands, (saying,) “Surrender your souls. This Day you shall receive your reward, a penalty of shame because you used to tell lies against Allāh and scornfully reject His Signs!”

94. And behold! You come to Us bare and alone as We created you for the first time: You have left behind you all (the favors) which We bestowed upon you: We do not see your intercessors with you whom you thought to be partners in your affairs: So now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (petty) fancies have abandoned you!

95. It is Allāh Who causes the seed grain and the date-stone to split and sprout. He causes the living to issue from the dead, and He is the One to cause the dead to issue from the living. That is Allāh; then how are you lured away from the truth?

96. He it is Who cleaves the Daybreak (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquility, and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time): Such is His Judgment and order, the One Exalted in power, the Omniscient.

97. It is He Who makes the stars (as beacons) for you, (so) that you may guide yourselves through the dark vastness of land and sea with their help: We explain Our Signs for people who know.

98. It is He Who has produced you from a single person: Here is a place of sojourn and a place of departure: We explain Our Signs for people who under-stand.

99. It is He Who sends down rain from the skies: With it We produce vegetation of all kinds: From some We produce green (crops), out of which We produce grain, heaped up (at harvest); out of the date-palm and its sheaths (or spathes come) clusters of dates hanging low and near: And (then there are) gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety): When they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes on it and its ripeness. Behold! In these things there are Signs for people who believe.

100. Yet they make the jinns equals with Allāh, though Allāh created the jinns, and without any knowledge, they falsely attribute sons and daughters to Him. Praise and glory be to Him! (For He is) above what they attribute to Him!

101. The primal origin of the heavens and the earth is due to Him: How can He have a son when He has no consort? He created all things, and He has full knowledge of all things.

102. That is Allāh your Lord! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things: Then worship Him: And He has power to dispose of all affairs.

103. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp encompasses all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.

104. Now proofs to open your eyes have come to you from your Lord: If any will see, it will be for (the good of) his own soul; if any will be blind, it will be to his own (harm): I am not (here) to watch over your doings.

105. Thus We explain the Signs by various (symbols, so) that they may say, “You have taught us diligently,” and (so) that We may make the matter clear to those who know.

106. Follow what you are taught by inspiration from your Lord: There is no god but He: And turn away from those who join gods with Allāh.

107. Had it been God's plan, they would not have taken false gods, but We did not make you one to watch over their doings, nor are you set over them to dispose of their affairs.

108. Do not revile those whom they call upon besides Allāh, lest out of spite they revile Allāh in their ignorance. Thus We have made each people's doings alluring to them. In the end they will return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.

109. They swear their strongest oaths by Allāh that if a (special) Sign comes to them, they will believe in it. Say: “Certainly (all) Signs are in God's power, but what will make you (Muslims) realize that even if (special) Signs came, they would not believe?”

110. We (too) shall turn their hearts and their eyes to (confusion), even as they refused to believe in the first instance: We shall leave them in their trespasses, to wander in distraction.

111. Even if We did send them angels, and the dead spoke to them, and We gathered together all things before their very eyes, they are not the ones to believe, unless it is in God's plan, but most of them ignore (the truth).

112. Likewise We made forevery messenger an enemy, evil ones among men and jinns, inspiring each other with flowery dis-courses by way of deception. If your Lord had so planned, they would not have done it: So leave them and their inventions alone.

113. Let the hearts of those who have no faith in the Hereafter incline to such (deceit): Let them delight in it and let them earn from it what they may.

114. Say: “Shall I seek for a judge any other than Allāh while it is He Who sent you the Book explained in detail?” Those to whom We have given the Book know fully well that it has been sent down from your Lord in truth. Then never be one of those who doubt.

115. Your Lord's word finds its fulfillment in truth and in justice: None can change His words, for He is the One Who hears and knows all.

116. If you were to follow most of those on earth, they would lead you away from the way of Allāh. They follow nothing but conjecture: They do nothing but lie.

117. Your Lord knows best who strays from His way. He knows best who they are that receive His guidance.

118. So eat of (meats) on which God's Name has been pronounced, if you have faith in His Signs.

119. Why should you not eat (meats) on which God's name has been pronounced, when He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except under compulsion of necessity? But many mislead (men) by their appetites unchecked by knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who transgress.

120. Avoid all sin, open or secret: Those who earn sin will get due recompense for their “earnings.”

121. Do not eat (meats) on which God's Name was not pronounced: That would be impiety. But the evil ones constantly urge their friends to contend with you; if you were to obey them, you truly would be pagans.

122. Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life and a light whereby he could walk among men, be like one who is in the depths of darkness from which he can never come out? Thus, it has been made to those without faith to see their own (foul) deeds as pleasing.

123. Thus We have placed leaders in every town its wicked men to plot (and burrow) in it, but they only plot against their own souls, but they do not perceive it.

124. When a Sign (from Allāh) comes to them, they say, “We shall not believe until we receive one (exactly) like those received by God's Messenger.” Allāh knows best where (and how) to carry out His mission. Soon the wicked will be overtaken by humiliation before Allāh and a severe punishment for all their plots.

125. Those whom Allāh (in His plan) wills to guide, He opens their breast to Islam; those whom He wills to leave straying! He makes their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: Thus does Allāh (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe.

126. This is the way of your Lord, leading straight: We have explained the Signs for those who receive admonishment.

127. There will be a home of peace for them in the presence of their Lord: He will be their Friend because they practiced (righteousness).

128. One Day He will gather them all together, (and say,) “O you assembly of jinns! You took a great (toll) of men.” Their friends among men will say, “Our Lord! We made a profit from each other, but (alas!) we reached our term, which You appointed for us.” He will say, “Let the Fire be your dwelling-place.” You will dwell in it forever, except as Allāh wills. For your Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge.

129. Thus We make the wrongdoers turn to each other, because of what they earn.

130. O you assembly of jinns and men! Did no Messenger come to you from among you, telling you of the meeting of this Day of yours? They will say, “We bear witness against our own selves.” It was the life of this world that deceived them. So they will bear witness against their own selves that they rejected faith.

131. (The Messengers were sent) thus, for your Lord would not destroy men's habitations for their wrong-doing while their occupants were unwarned.

132. Degrees (or ranks) are (assigned) to all according to their deeds, for your Lord is not unmindful of anything they do.

133. Your Lord is self-Sufficient, full of mercy: If it were His will, He could destroy you and in your place appoint whomsoever He will as your successors, just as He raised you up from the posterity of other people.

134. All that has been promised to you will come to pass, nor can you frustrate it (in the least).

135. Say: “O my people! Do whatever you can: I will do (my part): You will soon know who will have the (best) end in the Hereafter: Certainly the wrong-doers will not prosper.”

136. They assigned Him a share out of what Allāh has produced in abundance in tilth and in cattle: They say, according to their delusions, “This is for Allāh, and this is for Our partners”! But the share of their “partners” does not reach Allāh, while God's reaches their “partners!” Their Judgment is evil (and unjust)!

137. Even so, in the eyes of most of the pagans, their “partners” made the slaughter of their children attractive in order to lead them to their own destruction and cause confusion in their religion. If Allāh had willed, they would not have done so, but leave them and their inventions alone.

138. And they say that such and such cattle and crops are taboo, and no one should eat of them except those whom, according to them! We wish; further, there are cattle forbidden to yoke or burden, and cattle on which God's name is not pronounced (at slaughter); inventions against God's Name: He will soon requite them for their inventions.

139. They say: “What is in the wombs of such and such cattle is specially reserved (for food) for our men, and forbidden to our women, but if it is still-born then all have shares in it.” He will soon punish them for their (false) attribution (of superstitions to Allāh), for He is full of wisdom and knowledge.

140. Those who, from folly and without knowledge, slay their children and forbid food which Allāh has provided for them, inventing (lies) against Allāh, are lost. They have indeed gone astray and heeded no guidance.

141. It is He Who produces gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): Eat their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the Day that the harvest is gathered. But do not waste by excess, for Allāh does not love the extravagant.

142. Some of the cattle are for burden and some for meat. Eat what Allāh has provided for you, and do not follow in the footsteps of Satan, for he is an avowed enemy to you.

143. (Take) eight (heads of cattle) in (four) pairs: A pair of sheep and a pair of goats; say, has He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or (the young) within the wombs of the two females?! Tell me with knowledge if you are truthful;

144. Of camels (take) a pair and a pair of oxen; (then) say: Has He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or the (the young), within the wombs of the two females?!

145. Say: “I do not find in the message I received by inspiration any (meat) forbidden to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it be dead meat, or blood poured forth, or the flesh of swine, for it is an abomination, or, what is impious, (meat) on which any name other than God's has been invoked.” But (even so), if a person is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, your Lord is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

146. For those who followed the Jewish Law, We forbade every (animal) with undivided hoof, and We forbade them the fat of the ox and the sheep, except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or is mixed up with a bone: This (was) in recompense for their willful disobedience, for We are true (in Our ordinances).

147. If they accuse you of falsehood, say: “Your Lord is full of all-embracing mercy, but His Wrath will never be turned back from guilty people.”

148. Those who attribute partners to Allāh will say, “If Allāh had wished, we would not have attributed partners to Him, nor would our fathers, nor would we have had any taboos.” So did their ancestors argue falsely, until they tasted of Our Wrath. Say: “Have you any (certain) knowledge? If so, produce it before us. You follow nothing but conjecture: You do nothing but lie.”

149. Say: “The conclusive argument is with Allāh: Had it been His will, He could indeed have guided you all.”

150. Say: “Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allāh forbade so and so.” If they bring such witnesses, do not be among them, nor should you follow the vain desires of those who treat Our Signs as falsehoods, and those who do not believe in the Hereafter, for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord.

151. Say: “Come, I will recite what Allāh has (really) prohibited for you: Do not join anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; do not kill your children on a plea of want; We provide sustenance for you and for them; do not come near to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; do not take life, which Allāh has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: Thus He commands you, (so) that you may learn wisdom.

152. “And do not come near to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; grant measure and weight with (full) justice; We place no burden on any soul, except what it can bear; whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a close relative is concerned, and fulfill God's Covenant: Thus He commands you, (so) that you may remember.”

153. Truly, this is My way, leading straight: Follow it: Do not follow (other) paths: They will scatter you about from His (great) path: Thus He commands you (so) that you may be righteous.

154. Moreover, We gave Moses the Book, completing (Our favor) to those who would do right, and explaining all things in detail, and a guide and a mercy, (so) that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord.

155. And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: So follow it and be righteous (so) that you may receive mercy:

156. Lest you should say, “The Book was sent down to two peoples before us, and for our part, we remained unacquainted with all that they learned by assiduous study.”

157. Or lest you should say, “If the Book had only been sent down to us, we should have followed its guidance better than they.” Now a clear (Sign) has come to you from your Lord, and a guide and a mercy: Then who could do more wrong than one who rejects God's Signs and turns away from them? In good time We shall requite those who turn away from Our Signs, with a dreadful penalty for turning away.

158. Are they waiting to see if the angels come to them, or your Lord (Himself), or special Signs from your Lord?! The Day that special Signs come from your Lord, it will do no good for a soul to believe in them then if it did not believe before, nor earned righteousness through its faith. Say: “Wait: And we too are waiting.”

159. As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you have no part in them in the least: Their affair is with Allāh: In the end, He will tell them the truth of all that they did.

160. He who does good shall have ten times as much to his credit: He who does evil shall only be recompensed according to his evil. No wrong shall be done to (any of) them.

161. Say: “Surely, my Lord has guided me to a straight way, a religion of right, the path (trod) by Abraham the true in faith, and (certainly) he did not join gods with Allāh.”

162. Say: “Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allāh, the Cherisher of the worlds:

163. “He has no partner: This am I commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His will.”

164. Say: “Shall I seek for (my) Cherisher (anyone) other than Allāh, when He is the Cherisher of all things (that exist)?” Every soul draws the wages of its acts on none but its own self: No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of any other. In the end, your goal is Allāh: He will tell you the truth of the things about which you disputed.

165. It is He Who has made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He has raised you in ranks, some above others (so) that He may try you in the gifts He has given you, for your Lord is quick in punishment: Yet He is indeed oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Chapter 8

SURA 7 THE HEIGHTS (AL-A'raf) 206

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Alīf Lām Mīm ¯ād.

2. A Book revealed to you, so do not let your heart be oppressed anymore by any difficulty on that account, that with it you might warn (the erring) and teach the believers.

3. Follow (O mankind!) the Revelation given to you by your Lord, and do not follow (anyone) other than Him as friends or protectors. You remember very little of admonishment.

4. How many towns have We destroyed (for their sins)? Our punishment caught them suddenly by night or while they slept for their afternoon rest.

5. When (thus) Our punishment took them, they uttered no cry but: “We truly did wrong.”

6. Then We shall question those to whom Our message was sent and those by whom We sent it.

7. And truly We shall recount their whole story with knowledge, for We were never absent (at any time or place).

8. The balance that Day will be (absolutely) true: Those whose scale (of good) will be heavy, will prosper.

9. Those whose scale will be light will find their souls in perdition because they treated Our Signs wrongfully.

10. It is We who have placed you on earth with authority and provided you with means for the fulfillment of your life on it: Small thanks do you grant!

11. It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We ordered the angels to bow down to Adam, and they bowed down, but Iblis did not; he refused to be of those who bow down.

12. (Allāh) said, “What prevent-ed you from bowing down when I commanded you?” He said, “I am better than him: You created me from Fire and him from clay.”

13. (Allāh) said, “Get you down from here: It is not for you to be arrogant; be gone, for you are of the meanest (of creatures).”

14. He said, “Grant me a respite till the Day they are raised up.”

15. (Allāh) said, “Be you among those who have a respite.”

16. He said, “Because You have thrown me out of the way, lo! I will lie in wait for them on Your straight way.

17. “Then I will assault them from the front and the rear, from their right and their left: Nor will You find gratitude (for Your mercies) in most of them.”

18. (Allāh) said, “Be gone, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow you! I will fill Hell with all of you.

19. “O Adam! You and your wife dwell in the garden and enjoy (its good things) as you wish, but do not approach this tree, or you will encounter harm and transgression.”

20. Then Satan began to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before): He said, “Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree lest you become angels or such beings as live forever.”

21. And he swore to them both that he was their sincere adviser.

22. So by deceit he brought about their fall: When they tasted of the tree, they became aware of their shame and they began to sew the leaves of the garden together over their bodies. And their Lord questioned them, “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy to you?”

23. They said, “Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If You do not forgive us and do not grant us Your mercy, we shall certainly be lost.”

24. (Allāh) said, “Get you down, with enmity between you. Your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood will be on earth, for a while.”

25. He said, “On it you shall live, and on it you shall die: And you shall be raised from it (at last).”

26. O you children of Adam! We have given you clothing to cover your shame as well as to be an adornment to you, but the clothing of righteousness, that is the best. Such are among God's Signs, that they may receive admonishment!

27. O children of Adam! Do not let Satan seduce you just as he led your parents out of the garden, stripping them of their clothing to expose their shame, for he and his tribe watch you from a position where you cannot see them: We made the evil ones friends (only) to those without faith.

28. When they do anything that is shameful, they say, “We found our fathers doing so,” and “God commanded us thus.” Say: “No, Allāh never commands what is shameful: Do you say of Allāh what you do not know?”

29. Say: “My Lord has commanded justice, and that you set your whole selves (to Him) at every time and place of prayer, and call upon Him, making your devotion sincere in His sight: Such as He created you in the beginning, so shall you return.”

30. Some He has guided: Others (by their choice) have deserved to lose their way: Because rather than Allāh, they took the evil ones for their friends and protectors, and they think that they receive guidance.

31. O children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: Eat and drink, but do not waste by excess, for Allāh does not love the wasteful.

32. Say: Who has forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of Allāh, which He has produced for His servants, and the clean and pure things (which He has provided) for sustenance? Say: During the life of this world, they are for those who believe, (and) purely for them on the Day of Judgement. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who understand.

33. Say: The things that my Lord has truly forbidden are: shameful deeds, whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of partners to Allāh, for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allāh of which you have no knowledge.

34. A term is appointed for every people: When their term has been reached, they cannot cause an Hour's delay, nor can they advance (it one Hour in anticipation).

35. O you children of Adam! Whenever Messenger come to you from among you, reciting My Signs to you, those who are righteous and mend (their lives), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

36. But those who reject Our Signs and treat them with arrogance, they are companions of the Fire, to dwell in it (forever).

37. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allāh or rejects His Signs? As for such, each must receive the portion set for them in the book (of decrees), until (the time) when Our messengers (of death) arrive and take their souls, they (shall) say, “Where are the things that you used to invoke besides Allāh?” They will reply, “They have abandoned us,” and they will bear witness against themselves that they had rejected Allāh.

38. He will say, “Enter into the company of the peoples, men and jinns, who passed away before you into the Fire.” Every time a new people enters, it curses its sisterpeople (that went before), until they follow each other, all into the Fire. The last says about the first, “Our Lord! It is these who misled us: So grant them double the penalty in the Fire.” He will say, “Doubled for all,” but this you do not understand.

39. Then the first will say to the last, “See then, you have no advantage over us; so taste the penalty for all that you did!”

40. The gates of heaven will not open to those who rejected Our Signs and treated them with arrogance, nor will they enter the garden until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle: Such is Our reward for the sinners.

41. For them there is Hell, as a couch (below) and folds and folds of covering above: Such is Our requital of those who do wrong.

42. But those who believe and work righteousness! We place no burden on any soul but what it can bear, they will be companions of the garden, to dwell in it (forever).

43. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury; there will be rivers flowing beneath them, and they shall say, “Praise belongs to Allāh, Who has guided us to this (felicity): We could never have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allāh: The Messenger of our Lord really did bring us the truth.” And they shall hear the cry: “Behold the garden before you! You have been made its inheritors, for your deeds (of righteousness).”

44. The companions of the garden will call out to the companions of the Fire, “We have found our Lord's promises to us to be true: Have you also found your Lord's promises true?” They shall say, “Yes;” but a crier shall proclaim between them, “God's curse is on the wrongdoers.

45. “Those who would hinder (men) from God's path and would seek something crooked in it: They were those who denied the Hereafter.”

46. There shall be a veil between them, and on the heights there will be men who will know everyone by his marks: They will call out to the companions of the garden, “Peace be on you.” They will not have entered, but they will have an assurance (of it).

47. When their eyes turn towards the companions of the Fire, they will say, “Our Lord! Do not send us to the company of the wrongdoers.”

48. The men on the heights will call to certain men whom they will know from their marks, saying, “Of what benefit were your hoards and your arrogant ways to you?

49. “So! Are these not the men whom you swore that Allāh would never bless with His mercy? Enter the garden: No fear shall be on you, nor shall you grieve.”

50. The companions of the Fire will call to the companions of the garden, “Pour water down to us or anything that Allāh provides for your sustenance.” They will say, “God has forbidden both of these things to those who rejected Him,

51. “Those who took their religion to be mere amusement and play and were deceived by the life of the world.” That Day We shall forget them as they forgot the meeting of this Day of theirs, and as they always used to reject Our Signs.

52. For We had certainly sent a Book to them, based on knowledge, which We explained in detail, a guide and a mercy to all who believe.

53. Do they just wait for the final fulfillment of the event? On the Day the event is finally fulfilled those who disregarded it before will say, “The Messenger of our Lord did indeed bring true (tidings). Have we no intercessors now to intercede on our behalf? Or could we be sent back? Then we would behave differently from our behavior in the past.” In fact, they will have lost their souls and the things they invented will abandon them.

54. Your Guardian-Lord is Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority): He draws the night over the Day like a veil, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon and the stars, (all) governed by laws under His command. Indeed, it is He Who creates and Who governs. Blessed be Allāh, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!

55. Call on your Lord with humility and in private, for Allāh does not love those who transgress beyond bounds.

56. Make no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts), for the mercy of Allāh is (always) near to those who do good.

57. It is He who sends the winds like heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy: When they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a land that is dead, make rain descend on it, and produce every kind of harvest with it: Thus shall We raise up the dead: Perhaps you may remember.

58. From land that is clean and good by the will of its Cherisher, (rich) produce springs up, after its kind, but from land that is bad, nothing springs up but what is meager: Thus do We explain the Signs by various (symbols) to those who are grateful.

59. We sent Noah to his people. He said, “O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful Day!”

60. The leaders of his people said, “Ah! It's obvious (your mind) is wandering by.”

61. He said, “O my people! My (mind) is not wandering by: On the contrary, I am a Messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds!

62. “I merely fulfill the duties of my Lord's mission towards you: My advice to you is sincere, and I know from Allāh something that you do not know.

63. “Do you wonder that, through a man of your own people, a message has come to you from your Lord to warn you, so that you may fear Allāh and perhaps receive His mercy?”

64. But they rejected him and We delivered him, and those with him, in the ark, but We overwhelmed those who rejected Our Signs in the flood. They were truly a blind people!

65. To the `Ād people, (We sent) Hu,-d, one of their (own) kin: He said, “O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. Will you not fear (Allāh)?

66. The leaders of the unbelievers among his people said, “Ah! We see you are an imbecile,” and “We think you are a liar!”

67. He said, “O my people, I am not imbecile; (I am) a Messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds!

68. “I merely fulfill the duties of my Lord's mission towards you: I am a sincere and trustworthy adviser to you.

69. “Do you wonder that, through a man of your own people, a message has come to you from your Lord to warn you? Remember that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah and gave you a high rank among the nations. Remember the benefits (you have received) from Allāh: So that you may prosper.”

70. They said, “Do you come to us (so) that we may worship Allāh alone and grant up the cult of our fathers? Bring us what you threaten us with, if you are telling the truth!”

71. He said, “Punishment and Wrath have already come upon you from your Lord: Do you dispute with me over names which you and your fathers have devised without authority from Allāh? Then wait: I am with you also waiting.”

72. By Our mercy, We saved him and those who followed him, and We cut off the roots of those who rejected our Signs and did not believe.

73. (We sent) Salih to the Thamūd people: One of their own kin: He said, “O my people! Worship Allāh; you have no other god but Him. Now a clear (Sign) has come to you from your Lord! This she-camel is a Sign to you from Allāh: So leave her to graze on God's earth, and let her come to no harm, or you shall be seized with a grievous punishment.

74. “And remember how He made you inheritors after the '}d people and gave you homes in the land: You build palaces and castles for yourselves on (open) plains, and carve out homes in the mountains; so remember the benefits (you have received) from Allāh, and refrain from evil and mischief on earth.”

75. The leaders of the arrogant party among his people said to those who were reckoned powerless, the believers among them, “Do you really know that Salih is a Messenger from his Lord?” They said, “We truly believe in the Revelation which has been sent through him.”

76. The arrogant party said, “As for us, we reject what you believe in.”

77. Then they hamstrung the she camel, and insolently defied their Lord's order, saying, “O Salih! Bring about your threats, if you are a Messenger (of Allāh)!”

78. So the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes in the morning!

79. So Salih left them, saying, “O my people! I did indeed convey to you the message for which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but you do not love good counsellors!”

80. We also (sent) Lot: He said to his people, “Do you commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?

81. “For you practice your lusts on men in preference to women: You are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.”

82. And his people gave no answer but this: They said, “Drive them out of your city: These are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!”

83. But We saved him and his family, except his wife: She was among those who lagged behind.

84. And We rained a shower (of brimstone) down on them: Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime!

85. To the Madyan people We sent Shu`aib, one of their own kin: He said, “O my people! Worship Allāh; you have no other god but Him. Now a clear (Sign) has come to you from your Lord! Grant just measure and weight, and do not withhold from the people the things that are their due, and make no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order: That will be best for you, if you have faith.

86. “And do not crouch down on every road, breathing threats, hindering from the path of Allāh those who believe in Him, and seeking something crooked in it, but remember how you were few and He multiplied you. And bear in mind what the end of those who made mischief was.

87. “And if there is a party among you who believes in the message with which I have been sent, and a party which does not believe, wait patiently until Allāh decides between us, for He is the best to decide.”

88. The leaders, the arrogant party among his people, said, “O Shu`aib! We shall certainly drive you out of our city, (you) and those who believe with you: Or else you (you and they) shall have to return to our ways and religion.” He said, “What! Even though we detest (them)?

89. “We would actually invent a lie against Allāh if we returned to your ways after Allāh has rescued us from them: Nor could we, in any way, return to them unless it be the will and plan of the Lord our Allāh. Our Lord can reach the farthest recesses of things through His knowledge. Our trust is in Allāh. Our Lord! Decide between us and our people in truth, for You are the best to decide.”

90. The leading unbelievers among his people said, “If you follow Shu`aib, then rest assured you are ruined!”

91. But the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning!

92. The men who rejected Shu`aib became as if they had never been in the (very) homes where they had flourished: The men who rejected Shu`aib, they were the ones who were ruined!

93. So Shu`aib left them, saying, “O my people! I did indeed convey to you the messages for which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but how shall I lament over a people who refuse to believe!”

94. Whenever We sent a Prophet to a town, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order for them to learn humility.

95. Then We changed their suffering into prosperity, until they grew and multiplied, and began to say, “Our fathers (too) were touched by suffering and affluence.” Behold! We called them to account all of a sudden, while they did not realize (their peril).

96. If the people of the towns had only believed (in) and feared Allāh, We would certainly have released to them (all kinds of) blessings from heavens and earth, but they rejected (the truth), and We brought them to account for their misdeeds.

97. Did the people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our punishment by night while they were asleep?

98. Or else did they feel secure against its coming in broad Daylight while they played about (carefree)?

99. Did they then feel secure against God's plan? But no one can feel secure from God's plan, except those (doomed) to ruin!

100. Is it not a guiding (lesson) to those who inherit the earth after its (previous) residents, that, if We so willed, We could punish them (too) for their sins, and seal up their hearts so that they could not hear?

101. Such were the towns whose story We (thus) relate to you: Truly their Messenger came to them with clear (Signs), but they would not believe what they had rejected before. Thus does Allāh seal up the heart of those who reject faith.

102. We did not find most men true to their covenant, but We found most of them rebellious and disobedient.

103. Then after them, We sent Moses with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them: So see what the end of those who made mischief was.

104. Moses said, “O Pharaoh! I am a Messenger from the Lord of the worlds.

105. “One for whom it is right to say nothing but truth about Allāh. Now I have come to you (people) with a clear (Sign) from your Lord. So let the Children of Israel leave with me.”

106. (Pharaoh) said, “If you have really come with a Sign, then show it, if you are telling the truth.”

107. Then (Moses) threw his rod, and behold! It was a serpent, plain (for all to see)!

108. And he drew out his hand and behold! It was white to all beholders!

109. The chiefs of Pharaoh's people said, “This is truly an expert sorcerer.

110. “His plan is to drive you out of your land. Then what do you counsel?”

111. They said, “Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and send men to the cities to collect

112. “And bring back all of (our) expert sorcerers to you.”

113. So the sorcerers came to Pharaoh: They said, “Of course we shall have a (suitable) reward if we win!”

114. He said, “Yes, (and more), for in that case you shall be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person).”

115. They said, “O Moses! Will you throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?”

116. Moses said, “You throw (first).” So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, for they showed a great (feat of) magic.

117. We put it into Moses's mind by inspiration: “Throw your rod (now).” And behold! It immediately swallows up all the falsehoods they fake!

118. Thus truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect.

119. So the (great ones) were vanquished there and then, and were made to look small.

120. But the sorcerers fell down prostrate in adoration,

121. Saying, “We believe in the Lord of the worlds,

122. “The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”

123. Pharaoh said, “Do you believe in Him before I grant you permission? Surely this is a trick which you have planned in the city to drive out its people, but soon shall you know (the consequences).

124. “Rest assured I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross.”

125. They said, “For us, we are but sent back to our Lord.

126. “But you wreak your vengeance on us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! Pour out patience and constancy on us, and take our souls to You as Muslims (who bow to Your will)!”

127. The chiefs of Pharaoh's people said, “Will you leave Moses and his people to spread mischief in the land and to abandon you and your gods?” He said, “We will kill their male children; we will allow (only) their females to live, and we have irresistible (power) over them.”

128. Moses said to his people, “Pray for help from Allāh, and (wait) in patience and constancy, for the earth is God's to grant as a heritage to such of His servants as He pleases, and the end is (best) for the righteous.”

129. They said, “We have had (nothing but) trouble, both before and after you came to us.” He said, “It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you inheritors in the earth, that He may try you in this way by your deeds.”

130. We punished the people of Pharaoh with years (of drought) and shortness of crops (so) that they might receive admonition.

131. But when good (times) came, they said, “This is due to us;” when gripped by calamity, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him! Behold! In truth the evil omens are theirs in God's sight, but most of them do not understand!

132. They said (to Moses), “Whatever Signs you bring, to work sorcery on us with them, we shall never believe in you.”

133. So We sent (plagues) on them, wholesale death, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood: Signs openly self explained, but they were steeped in arrogance, a people given to sinning.

134. Every time the penalty fell on them, they said, “O Moses! On our behalf call upon your Lord by virtue of His promise to you: If you remove the penalty from us, we shall truly believe in you, and we shall send the Children of Israel away with you.”

135. But every time We removed the penalty from them according to a fixed term which they had to fulfill, behold! They broke their word!

136. So We exacted retribution from them: We drowned them in the sea because they rejected Our Signs and failed to take warning from them.

137. And We made a people, considered weak (and of no account), inheritors of lands in both east and west, lands to which We sent down Our blessings. The fair promise of the Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had patience and constancy, and We leveled to the ground the great works and fine buildings which Pharaoh and his people erected (with such pride).

138. We took the Children of Israel (safely) across the sea. They came upon a people devoted entirely to some idols they had. They said, “O Moses! Fashion for us a god like the gods they have.” He said, “Surely you are a people without knowledge.

139. “As for these folks, the cult they are in is (but) a fragment of a ruin, and vain indeed is the (worship) which they practice.”

140. He said, “Shall I seek for you a god other than the (true) Allāh, when it is Allāh who has endowed you with gifts above the nations?”

141. And remember We rescued you from Pharaoh's people, who afflicted you with the worst of penalties, who killed your male children and left your females live: That was a momentous trial from your Lord.

142. We appointed thirty nights for Moses, and completed (the period) with ten (more): Thus the term (of communion) with his Lord, forty nights, was completed. And Moses had charged his brother Aaron (before he went up), “Act for me among my people: Do right, and do not follow the way of those who make mischief.”

143. When Moses came to the place appointed by Us, and his Lord addressed him, he said, “O my Lord! Show (Yourself) to me (so) that I may look upon You.” Allāh said, “By no means can you see Me (manifestly), but look upon the mount; if it abides in its place, then you shall see Me.” When his Lord manifested His glory on the mount, He made it as dust and Moses fell down in a swoon. When he recovered his senses, he said, “Glory be to You! I turn to You in repentance, and I am the first to believe.”

144. (Allāh said, “O Moses!) I have chosen you above (other) men, by the mission I (have given you) and the words I (have spoken to you): Then take the (Revelation) which I grant you, and be of those who offer thanks.”

145. And We ordained laws for him in the tablets in all matters, commanding and explaining all things (and said), “Take and hold these with firmness, and enjoin your people to hold fast by the best in the precepts: Soon I will show you the homes of the wicked (how they lie desolate).”

146. Those who behave arrogantly on earth in defiance of right! I will turn them away from My Signs; they will not believe in them, and if they see the way of right conduct, they will not adopt it as the way, but if they see the way of error, that is the way they will adopt, for they rejected Our Signs and failed to take warning from them.

147. Those who reject Our Signs and the meeting in the Hereafter, their deeds are in vain: Can they expect to be rewarded except as they have wrought?

148. In his absence, the people of Moses made the image of a calf out of their ornaments (for worship): It seemed to low: Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor show them the way? They took it for worship and they did wrong.

149. When they repented and saw that they had erred, they said, “If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we shall indeed be of those who perish.”

150. When Moses came back to his people, angry and grieved, he said, “You have done evil in my place in my absence: Did you make haste to bring on the Judgment of your Lord?” He put down the tablets, seized his brother by (the hair of) his head, and dragged him to him. Aaron said, “Son of my mother! The people did indeed consider me nothing, and came near to killing me! Do not make the enemies rejoice over my misfortune, and do not count me among the people of sin.”

151. Moses prayed, “O my Lord! Forgive me and my brother! Admit us into Your mercy! For You are the Most Merciful!”

152. Those who took the calf (for worship) will indeed be overwhelmed with Wrath from their Lord and with shame in this life: Thus do We reward those who invent (falsehood).

153. But those who do wrong and repent after that and (sincerely) believe, your Lord is truly oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful after that.

154. When the anger of Moses subsided, he took up the tablets: In the writing on them there was guidance and mercy for such as fear their Lord.

155. And Moses chose seventy of his people for Our place of meeting: When they were seized with violent quaking, he prayed, “O my Lord! If it had been Your will, You could have destroyed both them and  myself a long time ago: Would You destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? This is no more than Your trial: By it You cause whomsoever You will to stray, and You lead whomsoever You please to the right path. You are our Protector, so forgive us and grant us Your mercy, for You are the best of those who forgive.

156. “And ordain for us what is good, in this life and in the Hereafter, for we have turned to You.” He said, “I visit whom I will with My punishment, but My mercy extends to all things. I shall ordain that (mercy) for those who do right, and pay the zakāt, and those who believe in Our Signs.

157. “Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures), in the Law and the Gospel, for he commands them to what is just and forbids them from what is evil: He allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); he releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are on them. So it is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper.”

158. Say: “O people! I am sent to you all, as the Messenger of Allāh, to Whom the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs: There is no god but He: It is He Who gives both life and death, so believe in Allāh and his Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believed in Allāh and His words: Follow him (so) that you may be guided.”

159. Some of the people of Moses guide and do justice in the light of truth.

160. We divided them into twelve tribes (or nations). We directed Moses by inspiration when his (thirsty) people asked him for water: “Strike the rock with your staff.” Twelve springs gushed forth from it: Each group knew its own place for water. We gave them the shade of clouds, and sent down manna and quails to them (saying,) “Eat of the good things We have provided for you.” (But they rebelled:) They did no harm to Us, but they harmed their own souls.

161. And remember it was said to them, “Dwell in this town and act in it as you wish, but say the word of humility and enter the gate in a posture of humility; We shall forgive you your faults; We shall increase (the portion of) those who do good.”

162. But the transgressors among them changed the word from what had been given to them; so We sent a plague from heavens upon them because they transgressed repeatedly.

163. Ask them concerning the town standing close by the sea. Behold! They transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. On the Day of their Sabbath their fish came to them openly holding up their heads, but on the Day they had no Sabbath, they did not come: Thus We made a trial of them, for they were given to transgression.

164. When some of them said, “Why do you preach to a people whom Allāh will destroy or visit with a terrible punishment?” The preachers said, “To discharge our duty to your Lord, and perhaps they may fear Him.”

165. When they disregarded the warnings that had been given to them, We rescued those who forbade evil, but We visited the wrongdoers with a grievous punishment because they were given to transgression.

166. When they transgressed (all) prohibitions in their insolence, We said to them, “Be apes, despised and rejected.”

167. Behold! Your Lord declared that He would send against them, to the Day of Judgment, those who would afflict them with a grievous penalty. Your Lord is quick in retribution, but He is also oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

168. We broke them up into sections on this earth. Some among them are righteous, and some are the opposite. We have tried them with both prosperity and adversity so that they might turn (to Us).

169. An (evil) generation came after them: They inherited the Book, but they chose the vanities of this world (for themselves), saying (as an excuse), “We will be forgiven (for everything).” (Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book made with them, that they would not ascribe to Allāh anything but the truth? And they study what is in the Book. But the abode in the Hereafter is best for the righteous: Will you not understand?

170. As for those who hold fast to the Book and establish regular prayers! We will never suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.

171. When We shook the mount over them, as if it had been a canopy, and they thought it was going to fall on them, (We said,) “Hold firmly to what We have given you and (even) remember what is in it, perhaps you may fear Allāh.”

172. When your Lord drew forth from the children of Adam, from their loins, their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying,) “Am I not your Lord (Who cherishes and sustains you)?” They said, “Yes! We do bear witness!” (This,) lest you should say on the Day of Judgment, “We were never mindful of this.”

173. Or lest you should say, “Our fathers before us may have taken false gods, but we are (their) descendants after them: Will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who were vain doers?”

174. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail! And perhaps they may turn (to Us).

175. Relate to them the story of the man to whom We sent Our Signs; he passed them by, so Satan followed him up, and he went astray.

176. Had it been Our will, We would have elevated him with Our Signs, but he inclined to the earth and followed his own vain desires. His analogy is that of a dog: If you attack him, he lolls out his tongue, or if you leave him alone he (still) lolls out his tongue. That is the analogy of those who reject Our Signs; so relate the story, perhaps they may reflect.

177. People who reject Our Signs and wrong their own souls are the evil example.

178. (The one) whom Allāh guides is the one on the right path: those whom He rejects from His guidance are the people who perish.

179. We have made many jinns and men for Hell: They have hearts with which they do not understand, eyes with which they do not see, and ears with which they do not hear. They are like cattle! Nay, they are more misguided, for they are heedless (of warning).

180. The most beautiful names belong to Allāh, so call on Him by them, but shun such men as use profanity in His names, for what they do, they will soon be requited.

181. Of those We have created are people who direct (others) with truth, and dispense justice with it.

182. We shall gradually visit those who reject Our Signs with punishment, in ways they do not perceive.

183. I will grant them respite, for My plan is strong (and unfailing).

184. Do they not reflect? Their companion is not seized with madness: He is but a perspicuous warner.

185. Do they see nothing in the government of the heavens and the earth and all that Allāh has created? ( Do they not see) that it may well be that their term is drawing near to an end? In what message after this will they then believe?

186. For those whom Allāh rejects from His guidance, there can be no guide; He will leave them in their trespasses, wandering in distraction.

187. They ask you about the (final) Hour, when will its appointed time be? Say: “The knowledge of this is with my Lord (alone): None but He can reveal when it will occur; its burden will be weighty through the heavens and the earth. Only it will come suddenly to you.” They ask you as if you were eagerly searching for it; say: “The knowledge of this is with Allāh (alone), but most men do not know.”

188. Say: “I have no power over any good or harm to myself except as Allāh wills. If I had knowledge of the unseen, I would have multiplied all good, and no harm would have touched me. I am only a warner and a bringer of glad tidings to those who have faith.”

189. It is He who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, so that he might dwell with her (in love). When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about (unnoticed). When she grows heavy, they both pray to Allāh their Lord (saying,) “If You grant us a goodly child, we vow we shall (always) be grateful.”

190. But when He grants them a goodly child, they ascribe a share in the gift they have received to others, but Allāh is Exalted, high above the partners they ascribe to Him.

191. Do they truly ascribe to Him as partners things that can create nothing but are themselves created?

192. They can offer them no aid, nor can they aid their own selves!

193. If you call them to guidance, they will not obey; for you it is the same whether you call them or hold your peace!

194. Truly those whom you call upon besides Allāh are servants like you: Call upon them and let them listen to your prayer, if you are (indeed) truthful!

195. Do they have feet to walk by? Or hands to hold (things) with? Or eyes to see with? Or ears to hear with? Say: “Call your god-partners, scheme (your worst) against me, and grant me no respite!

196. “For my Protector is Allāh, Who revealed the Book (from time to time), and He will choose and befriend the righteous.

197. “But those you call upon besides Him are unable to help you, and even to help their own selves.”

198. If you call them to guidance, they do not hear. You will see them looking at you, but they do not see.

199. Hold to forgiveness; command what is right, but turn away from the ignorant.

200. If a suggestion from Satan assails your (mind), seek refuge with Allāh, for He hears and knows (all things).

201. When a thought of evil from Satan assaults those who fear Allāh, they remember Allāh and lo! They see (rightly)!

202. But their kin (the evil ones) plunge them deeper into error, and never relax (their efforts).

203. If you do not bring them a Revelation, they say, “Why have you not assembled it?” Say: “I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord: This is (nothing but) illuminations from your Lord, and guidance and mercy for those who have faith.”

204. When the Qur’ān is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace (so) that you may receive mercy.

205. And (O reciter!) remember your Lord in your (very) soul, with humility and in reverence, without loudness in words, in the mornings and evenings, and do not be of those who are unheedful.

206. Those who are near to your Lord do not disdain to worship Him: They celebrate His praises and bow down before Him.

Chapter 9

SURA 8 SPOILS OF WAR (Al-Anfal) 75

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. They ask you concerning (things taken as) spoils of war. Say: “(Such) spoils are at the disposal of Allāh and the Messenger, so fear Allāh, and keep the relations among yourselves straight: Obey Allāh and His Messenger, if you believe.”

2. Believers are those who, when Allāh is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His Signs recited, they find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord,

3. Who establish regular prayers and spend (freely) out of the gifts We have granted them for sustenance:

4. Such are truly the believers: They have grades of dignity with their Lord, forgiveness, and generous sustenance.

5. Just as your Lord ordered you out of your house in truth even though a party among the believers disliked it,

6. Disputing with you concerning the truth after it was made manifest, as if they were being driven to death and they (actually) saw it,

7. Behold! Allāh promised you that one of the two (enemy) parties would be yours: You wished that the unarmed one would be yours, but Allāh willed to justify the truth according to His words, and to cut off the roots of the unbelievers,

8. (So) that He might justify truth and prove falsehood false, distasteful though it be to those in guilt.

9. Remember (how) you imploreed your Lord's assistance, and He answered you, “I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks upon ranks.”

10. Allāh made it but a message of hope, and an assurance to your heart: (In any case) there is no help except from Allāh: And Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

11. Remember He covered you with a sort of drowsiness, to grant you calm as from Himself, and He caused rain to descend on you from heavens, to clean you with it, to remove the stain of Satan from you, to strengthen your hearts, and to plant your feet firmly.

12. Remember (how) your Lord inspired the angels (with the message): “I am with you: Grant firmness to the believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the unbelievers: Smite above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them.”

13. This (is so) because they contended against Allāh and His Messenger: If any contend against Allāh and His Messenger, Allāh is strict in punishment.

14. Thus (it will be said), “Then taste of the (punishment), for those who resist Allāh, the penalty is the Fire.”

15. O you who believe! When you meet the unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them.

16. If any turns his back to them on such a day, unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat to a troop (of his own), he draws God's anger on himself, and his abode is Hell, an evil refuge (indeed)!

17. It was not you who killed them; it was Allāh: When you threw (a handful of dust), it was not your act, but God's: In order that He might test the believers through a gracious trial from Himself, for Allāh is He Who hears and knows (all things).

18. That, and also because Allāh is He Who renders the plans and stratagems of the unbelievers feeble.

19. (O unbelievers!) If you prayed for victory and judgment, now the judgment has come to you: If you desist (from wrong), it will be best for you: If you return (to the attack), so shall We. Your forces will be not the least good to you even if they were multiplied, for truly Allāh is with those who believe.

20. O you who believe! Obey Allāh and His Messenger, and do not turn away from him when you hear (him speak).

21. Nor be like those who say, “We hear,” but do not listen:

22. For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allāh are the deaf and the dumb, those who do not understand.

23. Had Allāh found any good in them, He would indeed have made them listen; (as it is,) if He had made them listen, they would have only turned back and declined (to believe).

24. O you who believe! Grant your response to Allāh and His Messenger when He calls upon you to what gives you life, and know that Allāh comes in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom you shall (all) be gathered.

25. And fear tumult or oppression which affects not (only) those of you who do wrong in particular, and be informed that Allāh is strict in punishment.

26. Remember when you were a small (band), despised through-out the land, and afraid that men might despoil and kidnap you, but He provided a safe haven for you, strengthened you with His aid, and gave you good things for sustenance (so) that you might be grateful.

27. O you who believe! Do not betray the trust of Allāh and the Messenger, nor knowingly misappropriate things entrusted to you.

28. And know that your possessions and your progeny are only a trial, and that your highest reward lies with Allāh.

29. O you who believe! If you fear Allāh, He will grant you a criterion (to judge between right and wrong), remove from you (all) evil (that may afflict) you, and forgive you, for Allāh is the Lord of grace unbounded.

30. Remember how the unbelievers plotted against you, to keep you in bonds, or kill you, or get you out (of your home). They plot and plan, and Allāh also plans, but Allāh is the best of planners.

31. When Our Signs are recited to them, they say, “We have heard this (before): If we wished, we could say (words) like these: These are nothing but the tales of the ancients.”

32. Remember how they said, “O Allāh! If this is indeed the truth from You, rain down on us a shower of stones from the sky, or send us a grievous penalty.”

33. But Allāh was not going to send them a penalty while you were among them, nor was He going to send it while they could ask for pardon.

34. But what plea have they that Allāh should not punish them, when they keep (people) out of the sacred Mosque, and they are not its guardians? No men can be its guardians except the righteous, but most of them do not understand.

35. Their prayer at the House (of Allāh) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands: (Its only answer can be,) “Taste the penalty because you blas-phemed.”

36. The unbelievers spend their wealth to hinder (men) from the path of Allāh, and so will they continue to spend, but in the end they will have (only) regrets and sighs; at length they will be overcome, and the unbelievers will be gathered together in Hell,

37. In order that Allāh may separate the impure from the pure, put the impure one on the other, heap them together, and cast them all into Hell. They will be the losers.

38. Say to the unbelievers, if they desist (now from unbelief), their past will be forgiven, but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a warning for them).

39. And continue to fight them until there is no more tumult or oppression, and justice and faith in Allāh prevail altogether and everywhere, but if they cease, truly Allāh sees all that they do.

40. If they refuse, rest assured that Allāh is your Protector, the best to protect and the best to help.

41. And know that out of all the booty that you may acquire (in war), a fifth share is assigned to God, and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, to the orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer, if you believe in Allāh and in the Revelation We sent down to Our servant on the day of testing, the day of the meeting of the two forces, for Allāh has power over all things.

42. Remember you were on the hither side of the valley, and they on the farther side, and the caravan on lower ground than you. Even if you had made a mutual appointment to meet, you would certainly have failed in the appointment, but (you met thus), (so) that Allāh might accomplish a matter already enacted (so) that those who died might die after a clear Sign (had been given), and those who lived might live after a clear Sign (had been given). And truly Allāh is He Who hears and knows (all things).

43. Remember in your dream Allāh showed them to you as few: If He had shown them to you as many, you would surely have been discouraged, and you would surely have disputed in (your) decision, but Allāh saved (you), for He knows well the (secrets) of (all) hearts.

44. And remember when you met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes, and He made you appear as contemptible in their eyes (so) that Allāh might accomplish a matter already enacted, for all questions go back to Allāh (for decision).

45. O you who believe! When you meet a force, be firm, and remember Allāh much (and often, so) that you may prosper.

46. And obey Allāh and His Messenger, and do not fall into any disputes, lest you should lose heart and your power departs, and be patient and persevering, for Allāh is with those who patiently persevere.

47. And do not be like those who started from their homes insolently and to be seen of men, and to hinder (men) from the path of Allāh, for Allāh compasses round about all that they do.

48. Remember (how) Satan made their (sinful) acts seem alluring to them and said, “No one among men can overcome you this day, while I am near to you.” But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he turned on his heels, and said, “Lo! I am clear of you! Lo! I see what you do not see! Lo! I fear Allāh, for Allāh is strict in punishment.”

49. Lo! The hypocrites say, and those with a disease in their hearts, “These people, their religion has misled them.” But if any trusts in Allāh, behold! Allāh is Exalted in might, Wise.

50. If you could see, when the angels take the souls of the unbelievers (at death), (how) they smite their faces and their backs (saying), “Taste the penalty of the blazing Fire.

51. “Because of (the deeds) which your (own) hands sent forth, for Allāh is never unjust to His servants:

52. “(Deeds) after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them: They rejected the Signs of Allāh, and Allāh punished them for their crimes, for Allāh is strong and strict in punishment:

53. “Because Allāh will never change the grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: And truly Allāh is He Who hears and knows (all things).”

54. “(Deeds) after the manner of the people of Pharaoh and those before them.” They treated the Signs of their Lord as false; so We destroyed them for their crimes, and We drowned Pharaoh's people, for they were all oppressors and wrongdoers.

55. The worst of beasts in the sight of Allāh are those who reject Him: They will not believe.

56. They are those with whom you made a covenant, but they break their covenant every time, and they do not fear (Allāh).

57. If you gain mastery over them in war, disperse them, with those who follow them, (so) that they may remember.

58. If you fear treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms, for Allāh does not love the treacherous.

59. Do not let unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): They will never frustrate (them).

60. Prepare your strength against them to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies of Allāh and your enemies and others besides whom you may not know but whom Allāh knows. Whatever you spend in the cause of Allāh shall be repaid to you, and you will not be treated unjustly.

61. But if the enemy inclines towards peace, incline towards peace (as well), and trust in Allāh, for He is the One Who hears and knows (all things).

62. Should they intend to deceive you, truly Allāh suffices you: He it is Who has strengthened you with His aid and with (the company of) the believers:

63. (Moreover) He has put affection between their hearts: Even if you had spent all that is on earth, you could not have produced that affection, but Allāh has done it, for He is Exalted in might, Wise.

64. O Messenger! Allāh is sufficient for you, (for you) and for those who follow you among the believers.

65. O Messenger! Urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty among you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: If a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the unbelievers, for these are people without understanding.

66. For the present, Allāh has lightened your (task), for He knows that there is a weak spot in you, but (even so), if there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred, and if a thousand, they will vanquish two thousand, with God's permission, for Allāh is with those who patiently persevere.

67. It is not fitting for a Messenger that he should have prisoners of war until he has thoroughly subdued the land. You look on the temporal goods of this world, but Allāh looks to the Hereafter, and Allāh is Exalted in might, Wise.

68. Had it not been for a previous ordinance from Allāh, a severe penalty would have reached you for the (ransom) that you took.

69. But (now) enjoy what you took in war, lawful and good, but fear Allāh, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

70. O Messenger! Say to those who are captives in your hands: “If Allāh finds any good in your hearts, He will grant you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, for Allāh Is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”

71. But if they have treacherous designs against you (O Messenger!), they have already been in treason against Allāh, so He has given (you) power over them, and Allāh has (full) knowledge and wisdom.

72. Those who believed and adopted exile and fought for the faith with their property and their persons in the cause of Allāh, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid, these are (all) friends and protectors, one of another. As for those who believed but did not come into exile, you owe no duty of protection to them until they seek your aid in religion; it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance: And (remember that) Allāh sees all that you do.

73. The unbelievers are protectors, one of another: Unless you do this (protect each other,) there would be tumult and oppression on earth and a great mischief.

74. Those who believe and adopt exile and fight for the faith in the cause of Allāh, as well as those who grant (them) asylum and aid, these are (all) in very truth the believers: Forgiveness of sins and a most generous provision is for them.

75. And those who accept faith subsequently and adopt exile and fight for the faith in your company, they are of you. But kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the Book of Allāh. Truly Allāh is well acquainted with all things.

Chapter 10

SURA 9 REPENTANCE (Tawba or Bara'a) 129

1. A (declaration) of immunity (or dissociation coming) from Allāh and His Messenger to (regarding) those of the pagans with whom you have contracted mutual alliances.

2. Then go backwards and forwards for four months (as you will) throughout the land, but know that you cannot frustrate Allāh (by your falsehood), but that Allāh will cover with shame those who reject Him.

3. And an announcement from Allāh and His Messenger to the people (assembled) on the day of the great pilgrimage, that Allāh and His Messenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the pagans. If, then, you repent, it would be best for you, but if you turn away, know that you cannot frustrate Allāh. And proclaim a grievous penalty to those who reject faith.

4. (But the treaties are) not dissolved with those pagans with whom you have entered into alliance and who have not subsequently failed you in anything or aided anyone against you. So fulfill your agreements with them to the end of their term, for Allāh loves the righteous.

5. But when the forbidden months are past, fight and kill the pagans wherever you find them and seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war), but if they repent and establish regular prayers and pay the zakāt, then open the way for them, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

6. If one of the pagans asks you for asylum, grant it to him so that he may hear the word of Allāh, and then escort him to where he can be secure, that is (so) because they are men without knowledge.

7. How can there be an agreement between Allāh and His Messenger and the pagans except those with whom you made a treaty near the Sacred Mosque? As long as these stand true to you, stand true to them, for Allāh loves the righteous.

8. How (can there be such an agreement), seeing that if they get an advantage over you, they do not respect in you the ties either of kinship or of covenant? They entice you with (fair words from) their mouths, but their hearts are averse from you, and most of them are rebellious and wicked.

9. They have sold God's Signs for a miserable price, and they have hindered (many) from His way: The deeds they have done are truly evil.

10. In a believer they do not respect the ties either of kinship or of covenant. It is they who have transgressed all bounds.

11. But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and pay the zakāt, they are your kin in faith: (Thus) do We explain the Signs in detail for those who understand.

12. But if they violate their oaths after their covenant, and taunt you for your faith, fight the chiefs of disbelieve, for their oaths are nothing to them (so) that thus they may be restrained.

13. Will you not fight people who violated their oaths, plotted to expel the Messenger, and took to aggression by being the first (to assault) you? Do you fear them? No, it is Allāh whom you should more justly fear, if you believe (in Him)!

14. Fight them, and Allāh will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, and heal the breasts of believers.

15. He removes the rage of the hearts, and Allāh turns (mercifully) to whomsoever He pleases; surely Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Wise.

16. Or do you think that you will be abandoned, as though Allāh did not know those among you who strive mightily, and take none for friends and protectors except Allāh, His Messenger, and the (community of) believers? But Allāh is well acquainted with (all) that you do.

17. It is not for those who join gods with Allāh to visit or maintain God's mosques while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. Their deeds bear no fruit: They shall dwell in the Fire.

18. God's mosques shall be visited and maintained by those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day, establish regular prayers, and pay the zakāt and fear none (at all) except Allāh. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.

19. Do you make the giving of water to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque, equal (the pious service of) those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and strive mightily in God's cause? They are not comparable in God's sight: And Allāh does not guide wrongdoers.

20. Those who believe and suffer exile and strive mightily in God's cause with their possessions and their persons have the highest rank in God's sight: They are the people who will achieve (salvation).

21. Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of gardens for them containing enduring delights.

22. They will dwell in them forever. Truly there is a reward, the greatest (of all), in God's presence.

23. O you who believe! Do not take your fathers and brothers for protectors if they love infidelity above faith: If any of you do so, they commit wrongdoing.

24. Say: If your fathers, sons, brothers, mates, or kindred, the wealth you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, or the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allāh, or His Messeng-er, or the striving in His cause, then wait until Allāh brings about His decision, and Allāh does not guide the rebellious.

25. Assuredly Allāh did help you on many battle-fields and on the Day of Hunain: Behold! Your great numbers elated you, but they did not avail you at all: The land, for all its vastness, constrained you and you turned back in retreat.

26. But Allāh poured His calm upon the Messenger and upon the believers and sent down forces which you did not see: He punished the unbelievers: Thus does He reward those without faith.

27. After this, Allāh will again turn (in mercy) to whom He will, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

28. O you who believe! Truly the pagans are unclean; so do not let them approach the Sacred Mosque after this year of theirs. And if you fear poverty, Allāh will soon enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Wise.

29. Fight those who do not believe in Allāh and the Last Day, and do not hold as forbidden (the things) that have been forbidden by Allāh and His Messenger, and do not acknowledge the religion of truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizya with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.

30. The Jews call `Uzair a son of Allāh, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allāh. That is a saying from their mouths; (in this) they merely imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God's curse be on them: How they are deluded away from the truth!

31. They take their priests and anchorites to be their lords in Allāh' stead, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary though they were commanded to worship only One Allāh: There is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him: (He is far) from having the parents they associate (with Him).

32. They would wish to extinguish God's light with their mouths, but Allāh will not allow but that His light should be perfected, even though the unbelievers may detest (it).

33. It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to proclaim it over all religions, even though the pagans may detest (it).

34. O you who believe! There really are many among the priests and anchorites who devour the substance of men in falsehood and hinder (them) from God's way. And there are those who hoard up gold and silver and do not spend in God's way: Announce a most grievous penalty to them.

35. On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the Fire of Hell, and their foreheads, flanks and backs branded with it, “This is the (treasure) you hoarded up for yourselves: Then taste the (treasures) you hoarded!”

36. In God's sight, the number of months (in a year) is twelve! so ordained by Him (on) the Day He created the heavens and the earth; four of them are sacred; that is the straight usage. So do not wrong yourselves in this, and fight the pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allāh is with those who restrain themselves.

37. Truly the transposing (of a prohibited month) is an addition to unbelief: The un-believers are led to wrong by this, for they make it lawful one year, and forbidden another, in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allāh and make such forbidden ones lawful. The evil of their course seems pleasing to them. But Allāh does not guide those who reject faith.

38. O you who believe! What is the matter with you, then, when you are asked to go forth in God's cause, (and) you cling heavily to the earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? The comfort of this life is very little as compared with the Hereafter.

39. Unless you go forth, He will punish you with a grievous penalty, and put others in your place, but you would not harm Him in the least. For Allāh has power over all things.

40. If you do not help (your leader), (it does not matter:) For Allāh truly helped him: When the unbelievers drove him out, he had no more than one companion: The two of them were in the cave, and he said to his companion, “Do not fear, for Allāh is with us.” Then Allāh sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which you did not see, and humiliated to the depths the word of the unbelievers. But God's word is exalted to the heights, for Allāh is Exalted in might, Wise.

41. Go forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive and struggle in God's cause with your possessions and your persons. That is best for you, if you (only) knew.

42. Had there been an immediate gain (in sight), and the journey easy, they would (all) without doubt have followed you, but the distance was long (and weighed) on them. They would indeed swear by Allāh, “If we only could, we would certainly have come out with you.” They would destroy their own souls, for Allāh knows that they are certainly lying.

43. Allāh grant you grace! Why did you grant them exemption until those who told the truth were seen by you in a clear light and you had proved the liars?

44. Those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day do not ask you for an exemption from fighting with their wealth and persons: And Allāh knows well those who do their duty.

45. The only ones who ask you for exemption are those who do not believe in Allāh and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt, so that they are tossed to and fro in their doubts.

46. If they had intended to come out, they would certainly have made some preparation for it, but Allāh was averse to their being sent forth; so He made them lag behind and they were told, “Sit among those who sit (inactively).”

47. If they had come out with you, they would not have added to your (strength) but only (caused) disorder, hurrying to and fro in your midst and sowing sedition among you, and there would have been some among you who would have listened to them, but Allāh knows well those who do wrong.

48. Indeed they had plotted sedition before and upset matters for you, until the truth arrived and God's decree became manifest, much to their disgust.

49. Among them is (many) a man who says, “Grant me exemption and do not draw me into trial.” Have they not fallen into trial already? And Hell truly surrounds the unbelievers (from all sides).

50. If good befalls you, it grieves them, but if a misfortune befalls you, they say, “We certainly took our precautions beforehand,” and they turn away rejoicing.

51. Say: “Nothing will happen to us except what Allāh has decreed for us: He is our Protector.” And let the believers put their trust in Allāh.

52. Say: “Can you expect (any fate) for us other than one of two glorious things, (martyrdom or victory)? But we can expect for you either that Allāh will send His punishment from Himself, or by our hands. So wait (in expectation); we too will wait with you.”

53. Say: “Spend (for the cause) willingly or unwillingly: It will not be accepted from you, for you are truly a rebellious and wicked people.”

54. The only reasons that their contributions are not accepted are (because) they reject Allāh and His Messenger, that they come to prayer without earnest-ness, and that they offer contributions unwillingly.

55. Do not let their wealth and their sons dazzle you: In reality, God's plan is to punish them with these things in this life, and that their souls may perish in their (very) denial of Allāh.

56. They swear by Allāh that they are truly of you, but they are not of you; yet they are afraid (to appear in their true colors).

57. If they could find a place to flee to, or caves, or a place of concealment, they would turn straight to them, with an obstinate rush.

58. And there are men among them who slander you in the matter of (the distribution of) alms. If they are given part of them, they are pleased, but if not, behold! They are indignant!

59. If only they had been content with what Allāh and His Messenger had given them and said, “God is sufficient for us, Allāh and His Messenger will soon grant us of His bounty: We turn our hopes to Allāh!” (That would have been the right course).

60. Alms are for the poor and the needy and those employed to administer the (funds), for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth), for those in bondage and in debt, in the cause of Allāh, and for the wayfarer: (Thus is it) ordained by Allāh, and Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

61. There are men among them who harm the Prophet and say, “He is (all) ear.” Say, “He listens to what is best for you; he believes in Allāh, has faith in the believers, and is a mercy to those of you who believe.” But those who harm the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.

62. To you they swear by Allāh, in order to please you, but it is more fitting that they should please Allāh and His Messenger, if they are believers.

63. Do they not know that the fire of Hell is for those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger? There they shall dwell. That is the supreme disgrace.

64. The hypocrites are afraid lest a Sūra should be sent down about them, showing them what is (really passing) in their hearts. Say: “Mock! But truly Allāh will bring to light all that you fear (to be revealed).”

65. If you question them, they declare (with emphasis), “We were only talking idly and in play.” Say: “Was it Allāh and His Signs and His Messenger that you were mocking?”

66. Do not make any excuses: You have rejected faith after accepting it. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you because they are sinners.

67. The hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other: They enjoin evil and forbid what is just and withhold their hands. They have forgotten Allāh; so He has forgotten them. Truly the hypocrites are rebellious and perverse.

68. Allāh has promised the hypocrites, men and women, and the rejecters of faith, the fire of Hell: They shall dwell in it: It is sufficient for them: God's curse and an enduring punishment is (in store) for them.

69. As in the case of those before you: They were mightier than you in power and more flourishing in wealth and children. They had their share of enjoyment, and you have yours, as did those before you, and you indulge in idle talk as they did. Their works are fruitless in this life and in the life Hereafter, and they will lose (all spiritual good).

70. Has not the story reached them of those before them: the people of Noah, and 'Ād, and Thamūd; the people of Abraham, the men of Madyan, and the cities overthrown? Their Messengers came to them with clear Signs. It is not All āh Who wrongs them, but they wrong their own souls.

71. The believers, men and women, are protectors of each other: They enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: They observe regular prayers, pay the zakāt, and obey Allāh and His Messenger. Allāh will pour His mercy on them, for Allāh is Exalted in power, Wise.

72. Allāh has promised the believers, men and women, gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell in them, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the good pleasure of Allāh: that is the supreme joy.

73. O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell, a truly evil refuge.

74. They swear by Allāh that they said nothing (evil), but they really uttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam, and they meditated a plot which they were unable to carry out: This revenge of theirs was (their) only return for the bounty with which Allāh and His Messenger had enriched them! If they repent, it would be best for them, but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allāh will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall have no one on earth to protect or help them.

75. There are men among them who made a covenant with Allāh that if He bestowed on them of His bounty, they would grant (largely) in charity and be truly among those who are righteous.

76. But when He bestowed of His bounty, they became covetous and turned back (from their covenant), averse (from its fulfillment).

77. So as a consequence, He has put hypocrisy into their hearts, (to last) till the Day on which they shall meet Him because they broke their covenant with Allāh, and because they lied (again and again).

78. Do they not know that Allāh knows their secret (thoughts) and their secret counsels, and that Allāh knows well all things unseen?

79. Those who slander the believers who grant themselves freely to (deeds of) charity, as well as those who can find nothing to grant except the fruits of their labor, and throw ridicule on them! God will throw back their ridicule on them: And they shall have a grievous penalty.

80. Whether you ask for their forgiveness or not, (their sin is unforgivable:) If you ask seventy times for their forgiveness, Allāh will not forgive them because they have rejected Allāh and His Messenger, and Allāh does not guide those who are perversely rebellious.

81. Those who were left behind (in the Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their inaction behind the back of the Messenger of Allāh: They hated to strive and fight with their goods and their persons in God's cause: They said, “Do not go forth in the heat.” Say, “The fire of Hell is fiercer in heat.” If only they could understand!

82. Let them laugh a little: They will weep a great deal: A recompense for the (evil) that they commit.

83. If, then, Allāh brings you back to any of them and they ask your permission to come out (with you), say: “You shall never come out with me, or fight an enemy with me, for you preferred to sit inactively on the first occasion: Then sit (now) with those who lag behind.”

84. Nor should you ever pray for any of them who dies, nor stand at his grave, for they rejected Allāh and His Messenger and died in a state of perverse rebellion.

85. Nor let their wealth nor their sons dazzle you: God's plan is to punish them with these things in this world, and (so) that their souls may perish in their (very) denial of Allāh.

86. When a Sūra comes down, enjoining them to believe in Allāh and to strive and fight along with His Messenger, those with wealth and influence among them ask you for exemption and say, “Leave us (behind): We would be with those who sit (at home).”

87. They prefer to be with (the women) who remain behind (at home): Their hearts are sealed, so they do not understand.

88. But the Messenger and those who believe with him strive and fight with their wealth and their persons: (All) good things are for them: And it is they who will prosper.

89. Allāh has prepared for them gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell in them: that is the supreme joy.

90. And there were, among the desert Arabs (also), men who made excuses and came to request exemption, and those who were false to Allāh and His Messenger (merely) sat inactively. A grievous penalty will soon seize the unbelievers among them.

91. There is no blame on those who are infirm, or ill, or who find no resources to spend (on the cause), if they are sincere (in duty) to Allāh and His Messenger: There can be no grounds (for complaint) against those who do right: And Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

92. Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mount, and when you said, “I can find no mounts for you,” they turned back, their eyes streaming with tears of grief because they had no resources with which to provide the expenses.

93. The grounds (for complaint) are against those who request exemption while they are rich. They prefer to stay with the (women) who remain behind: Allāh has sealed their hearts; so they do not know (what they miss).

94. They will present their excuses to you when you return to them. Say: “Present no excuses: We shall not believe you: Allāh has already informed us of the true state of matters concerning you: It is your actions that Allāh and His Messenger will observe: In the end, you will be brought back to Him Who knows what is hidden and what is revealed: He will then show you the truth of all that you did.”

95. They will swear to you by Allāh, when you return to them, that you may leave them alone. So leave them alone, for they are an abomination, and Hell is their dwelling place, a fitting recompense for the (evil) that they did.

96. They will swear to you that you may be pleased with them, but if you are pleased with them, Allāh is not pleased with those who disobey.

97. The Arabs of the desert are the worst in unbelief and hypocrisy and most fitted to be in ignorance of the command which Allāh has sent down to His Messenger, but Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Wise.

98. Some of the desert Arabs look upon their payments as a fine, and watch for disasters for you: On them (will) be the disaster of evil, for Allāh is He Who hears and knows (all things).

99. But some of the desert Arabs believe in Allāh and the Last Day, and look on their payments as pious gifts bringing them nearer to Allāh and obtaining the prayers of the Messenger. Yes, they truly bring them nearer (to Him): Allāh will soon admit them to His mercy, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

100. The vanguard (of Islam), the first of those who forsook (their homes) and those who aided them, and (also) those who followed them in (all) good deeds, God is wellpleased with them, as are they with Him: He has prepared gardens for them, underneath which rivers flow, to dwell in them forever: that is the supreme joy.

101. Some of the desert Arabs around you are hypocrites, as well as (desert Arabs) among the Medina folks: They are obstinate in hypocrisy: You do not know them: We know them: We shall punish them twice, and in addition they shall be sent to a grievous penalty.

102. (There are) others (who) have acknowledged their wrong-doings: They have mixed an act that was good with another that was evil. Perhaps Allāh will turn to them (in mercy), for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

103. Take alms from their wealth, so you might purify and sanctify them, and pray on their behalf. Your prayers are truly a source of security for them: And Allāh is One Who hears and knows.

104. Do they not know that Allāh accepts repentance from His votaries and receives their gifts of charity and that Allāh is truly the oft-Returning, the Most Merciful?

105. Say: “Work (righteous-ness). Allāh will soon observe your deeds, (as will) His Messenger and the believers: You will soon be brought back to the Knower of what is hidden and what is revealed, then He will show you the truth of all that you did.”

106. There are (still) others, held in suspense for God's command (as to) whether He will punish them or turn in mercy to them: And Allāh is all-Knowing, Wise.

107. And there are those who put up a mosque by way of mischief and infidelity, to disunite the believers, and in preparation for one who warred against Allāh and His Messenger before. They will truly swear that their intention is nothing but good, but Allāh declares that they are certainly liars.

108. Never stand forth in it; there is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of your standing forth (for prayer) in it. There are men in it who love to be purified, and Allāh loves those who make themselves pure.

109. Then which is best? He who lays his foundation on piety to Allāh and His good pleasure? Or he who lays his foundation on an undermined sand-cliff ready to crumble to pieces? And it does crumble to pieces with him into the fire of Hell. And Allāh does not guide wrong-doers.

110. The foundation of those who so build is never free from suspicion and shakiness in their hearts, until their hearts are cut to pieces. And Allāh is all-Knowing, Wise.

111. Allāh has purchased the persons and properties of the believers; the garden (of Paradise) is theirs (in return); they fight in His cause, and kill and are killed: A promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur’ān: And who is more faithful to His covenant than Allāh? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded: that is the supreme achievement.

112. Those who turn (to Allāh) in repentance, who serve Him and praise Him, who wander in devotion to God's cause, who bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer, who enjoin good and forbid evil and observe the limits set by God, (these do rejoice). So proclaim the glad tidings to the believers.

113. It is not fitting, for the Prophet and those who believe, that they should pray for forgiveness for pagans, even though they be of kin, after it is clear to them that they are companions of the Fire.

114. And Abraham prayed for his father's forgiveness only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to Allāh, he dissociated himself from him, for Abraham was most tender-hearted, forbearing.

115. And Allāh will not mislead people after He has guided them, in order that He may make clear to them what to fear (and avoid)! for Allāh has knowledge of all things.

116. the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh. He gives life and He takes it away. You have no protector nor helper other than Him.

117. Allāh turned with favor to the Prophet, the Muhajirs, and the Ansars: Whoever followed him during the time of distress, after the hearts of some of them had nearly swerved (from duty), but He turned to them (also), for He is to them the Most Kind, the Most Merciful.

118. (He turned in mercy also) to the three who were left behind: (They felt guilty, so much so) that the earth seemed constrained to them, for all its spaciousness, and their (very) souls seemed straitened, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allāh and no refuge but in Him. Then He turned to them (so) that they might repent, for Allāh is oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.

119. O you who believe! Fear Allāh and be with those who are true (in word and deed).

120. It was not fitting for the people of Medina and the Bedouin Arabs of the neighborhood, to refuse to follow God's Messenger, or to prefer their own lives to his because they could suffer or do nothing, but (it) was reckoned to their credit as a deed of righteousness, whether they suffered thirst, or fatigue, or hunger, in God's cause, or trod paths to raise the unbelievers' ire, or received any injury whatsoever from an enemy, for Allāh does not suffer the reward of those who do good to be lost.

121. Nor could they spend anything (for the cause), small or great, nor cut across a valley, but the deed is written down to their credit that Allāh might re-quite their deed with the best (reward).

122. Nor should all the believers go forth together: If (members of) a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they returned to them (so) that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).

123. O you who believe! Fight the unbelievers who surround you, and let them find firmness in you, and know that Allāh is with those who fear Him.

124. Whenever a Sūra comes down, some of them say, “Which of you has had his faith increased by it?” Yes, those who believe, their faith is increased (thereby), and they rejoice.

125. But those with a disease in their hearts, it will add doubt to their doubt, and they will die in a state of unbelief.

126. Do they not see that they are tried once or twice every year? Yet they do not turn in repentance, and they take no heed.

127. Whenever a Sūra comes down, they look at each other, (saying,) “Does anyone see you?” Then they turn aside; Allāh has turned their hearts (from the light), for they are people who do not understand.

128. Now a Messenger has come to you from among yourselves: It grieves him that you should perish: He is ardently anxious over you; he is most kind and merciful to the believers.

129. But if they turn away, say: “God suffices me that there is no god but He: My trust is in Him! He, the Lord of the Supreme Throne (of Glory)!”

Chapter 11

SŪRA 10 Jonah [Ūnus] 109

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. All these are the verses of the Book of Wisdom.

2. Is it a matter of bewilderment to men that We have sent Our inspiration to a man from among themselves (so) that he should warn mankind, and grant the glad tidings to the believers that they have the lofty rank of truth before their Lord, (but) the unbelievers say, “This is indeed an evident sorcerer!”

3. Truly your Lord is Allāh Who created the heavens and the earth in six days and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him) except with His leave. This is Allāh your Lord; therefore, serve Him: Will you not celebrate His praises?

4. You will return to Him! God's promise to all is true and sure. It is He Who begins creation and repeats it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness, but those who reject Him will have nothing but draughts of boiling fluids, and a grievous penalty; (this is so) because they rejected Him.

5. It is He Who made the sun a shining glory and the moon a light (of beauty) and measured out stages for her (so) that you might know the number of years and the count (of time). Allāh created this only in truth and righteousness. (Thus) does He explain His Signs in detail for those who understand.

6. Truly, in the alternation of night and day, and in all that Allāh has created, in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who fear Him.

7. Those who do not rest their hope on their meeting with Us but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who do not heed Our Signs,

8. Their abode is the Fire because of the (evil) they earned.

9. Those who believe and work righteousness, their Lord will guide them because of their faith: Rivers will flow beneath them in gardens of bliss.

10. (This will be) their cry therein, “Glory to You, O All āh!” and “Peace” will be their greeting therein! And they end their cry with, “Praise belongs to Allāh, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!”

11. If Allāh were to hasten for men the ill (they have earned) as they would fain hasten on the good, then their respite would be settled at once. But We leave those who do not rest their hope of their meeting with Us in their trespasses, wandering in distraction to and fro.

12. When trouble touches a man, he cries to Us (in all postures)! lying down on his side, or sitting, or standing. But when We have solved his trouble, he passes on his way as if he had never cried to Us for a trouble that touched him! Thus do the deeds of transgressors seem fair in their eyes!

13. We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong: Their Messengers came to them with clear Signs, but they would not believe! Thus do We requite those who sin!

14. Then We made you heirs in the land after them to see how you would behave!

15. But when Our clear Signs are recited to them, those who do not rest their hope on their meeting with Us say, “Bring us a reading other than this, or change this.” Say: “It is not for me, of my own accord, to change it: I follow nothing but what is revealed to me: If I were to disobey my Lord, I myself would fear the penalty of a great Day (to come).”

16. Say: “If Allāh had so willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you. I have tarried among you a whole lifetime before this: Will you still not understand?”

17. Who does more wrong than those who forge a lie against Allāh, or deny His Signs? But sinners will never prosper.

18. They serve, besides Allāh, things that neither hurt them nor benefit them, and they say, “These are our intercessors with Allāh.” Say: “Do you indeed inform Allāh of something He does not know in the heavens or on earth? Glory to Him! And He is far above the partners they ascribe (to Him)!”

19. Mankind was only one nation, but differed (later). Had it not been for a word that went forth before from your Lord, their differences would have been settled between them.

20. They say, “Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “The unseen is only for Allāh (to know). Then wait: I too will wait with you.”

21. When We make mankind taste of some mercy after adversity has touched them, behold! They take to plotting against Our Signs, Say: “God is swifter to plan!” Truly, Our messengers record all the plots that you make!

22. It is He Who enables you to traverse through land and sea so that you even board ships, they sail with a favorable wind with them, and they rejoice at that; then a stormy wind comes and the waves come to them from all sides, and they think they are being overwhelmed: They cry to Allāh, sincerely offering (their) duty unto Him, saying, “If You deliver us from this, we shall truly show our gratitude!”

23. But when He delivers them, behold! They transgress insolently throughout the earth in defiance of right! O mankind! Your insolence is against your own souls, an enjoyment of the life of the present: In the end, you return to Us, and We shall show you the truth of all that you did.

24. The analogy of the life of the present is the rain which We send down from the skies: By its mingling, the produce of the earth arises, which provides food for men and animals: (It grows) till the earth is clad with its golden ornaments and is decked out (in beauty): The people to whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it: Our command reaches it by night or by day, and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished only the day before! Thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect.

25. But Allāh calls (them) to the abode of peace: He guides whom He pleases to a straight way.

26. There is a goodly (reward) for those who do right! Yes, more (than in measure)! No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces! They are companions of the garden; they will abide in it (forever)!

27. But those who have earned evil will have a reward of the like of it: Ignominy will cover their (faces): No defender will be covered, as it were, with pieces from the depth of the darkness of night: They are companions of the Fire: They will abide in it (forever)!

28. One Day We shall gather them all together. Then We shall say to those who joined gods (with Us), “To your place! You and those you joined as partners.” We shall separate them, and their partners shall say, “It was not us whom you worshipped!

29. “God suffices for a Witness between us and you: We certainly knew nothing of your worship of us!”

30. There, every soul will prove (the fruits of) the deeds it sent before: They will be brought back to Allāh, their rightful Lord, and their invented falsehoods will abandon them.

31. Say: “Who is it that sustains you (in life) from the sky and from the earth? Or Who is it that has power over hearing and sight? And Who is it that brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living? And Who is it that rules and regulates all affairs?” They will soon say, “God.” Say, “Then will you not show piety (to Him)?”

32. Such is Allāh, your true Cherisher and Sustainer: Apart from truth, what (remains) but error? How then are you turned away?

33. Thus is the word of your Lord proved true against those who rebel: Truly they will not believe.

34. Say: “Of your partners, can any originate creation and repeat it?” Say: “It is Allāh Who originates creation and repeats it: Then how are you deluded away (from the truth)?”

35. Say: “Of your `partners,' is there any who can grant any guidance towards truth?” Say: “It is Allāh Who gives guidance towards truth. Then is He Who gives guidance to truth more worthy to be followed, or he who does not find guidance unless he (himself) is guided? Then what is the matter with you? How do you judge?”

36. But most of them follow nothing but fancy: Truly fancy can be of no avail against truth. Allāh is very well aware of all that they do.

37. This Qur’ān is not such as can be produced by any other than Allāh; on the contrary, it is a confirmation of (Revelations) that went before it and a fuller explanation of the Book, in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.

38. Or do they say, “He forged it?” Say: “Then bring a Sūra like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can, besides Allāh, if you speak the truth!”

39. No, they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot encompass, even before its elucidation has reached them; those before them likewise made charges of falsehood, but see what the end of the wrongdoers was!

40. Some of them believe in it and some do not: And your Lord knows best those who are out for mischief.

41. If they charge you with falsehood, say: “My work is for me, and yours is for you! You are free from responsibility for what I do, and I for what you do!”

42. Some among them (pretend to) listen to you, but can you make the deaf hear, even though they are without understanding?

43. And some among them look at you, but can you guide the blind, even though they will not see?

44. Truly Allāh will not deal unjustly with man in anything: It is man who wrongs his own soul.

45. One Day He will gather them together: (It will be) as if they had tarried but an Hour of a Day: They will recognize each other: Assuredly those who denied the meeting with Allāh and refused to receive true guidance will be lost.

46. Whether We show you (realized in your lifetime) some part of what We promise them! or We take your soul (to Our mercy before that), in any case, they return to Us: Ultimately Allāh is Witness to all that they do.

47. A Messenger was sent to every people: When their Messenger comes (to them), the matter will be judged between them with justice and they will not be wronged.

48. They say, “When will this promise come to pass, if you speak the truth?”

49. Say: “I have no power over any harm or benefit to myself except as Allāh wills. A term is appointed for every people: When their term is reached, they cannot cause an hour of delay, nor can they advance (it an hour in anticipation).”

50. Say: “Do you see, if His punishment should come to you by night or by Day, what portion of it would the sinners wish to hasten?

51. “Would you then believe in it at last, when it actually comes to pass? (It will then be said,) `Ah! Now? And (before) you wanted to hasten it on!”'

52. At length the wrongdoers will be told, “Taste the enduring punishment! You get only the recompense of what you earned!”

53. They seek to be informed by you, “Is that true?” Say: “Yes! By my Lord! It is the very truth! And you cannot frustrate it!”

54. Every soul that has sinned, if it possessed all that is on earth, would gladly grant it away in ransom: They would declare (their) repentance when they see the penalty, but the Judgment between them will be with justice, and no wrong will be done to them.

55. Is it not (the case) that whatever in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allāh? Is it not (the case) that God's promise is assuredly true? Yet most of them do not understand.

56. It is He Who gives life and Who takes it, and you shall all be brought back to Him.

57. O mankind! An admonition has come to you from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts! and for those who believe, a guidance and a mercy.

58. Say: “In the bounty of Allāh, and in His mercy, let them rejoice in that.” That is better than the (wealth) they hoard.

59. Say: “Do you see what things Allāh has sent down to you for sustenance? Yet you hold forbidden some of those things, and (some others) lawful.” Say: “Has Allāh really permitted you, or do you invent (things) to attribute to Allāh?”

60. And what do those who invent lies against Allāh think of the Day of Judgment? Truly Allāh is full of bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.

61. In whatever business you may be, and whatever portion you may be reciting from the Qur’ān, and whatever deed you (mankind) may be doing, We are Witnesses of it when you are deeply engrossed in it. Nor is (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in heavens hidden from your Lord. And not the least and not the greatest of these things but are recorded in a clear record.

62. Behold! Truly there is no fear on the friends of Allāh, nor shall they grieve.

63. Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil,

64. (There) are glad tidings for them, in the life of the present and in the Hereafter: There can be no change in the words of Allāh. This indeed is the supreme joy.

65. Do not let their speech grieve you, for all power and honor belong to Allāh: It is He Who hears and knows (all things).  . ْ

66. Behold! All creatures truly belong to Allāh, in the heavens and on earth. What do those who worship as His “partners” follow other than Allāh? They follow nothing but fancy, and they do nothing but lie.

67. It is He Who has made the night (for) you so that you may rest in it and the day to make things visible (to you). Truly (there) are Signs in this for those who listen (to His message).

68. They say, “God has begotten a son!” Glory be to Him! He is self-sufficient! All things in the heavens and on earth are His! You have no warrant for this! Do you say about Allāh what you do not know?

69. Say: “Those who invent a lie against Allāh will never prosper.”

70. A little enjoyment in this world, and then they will return to Us, then We shall make them taste the severest penalty for their blasphemies.

71. Relate the story of Noah to them. Behold! He said to his people, “O my people! If it is hard on your (minds) that I should stay (with you) and commemorate the Signs of God! yet I put my trust in Allāh. Then get an agreement about your plan and among your partners, so your plan will not be dark and dubious to you. Then pass your sentence on me, and grant me no respite.

72. “But if you turn back, (consider) I have asked no reward of you: My reward is due only from Allāh, and I have been commanded to be of those who submit to God's will (in Islam).”

73. They rejected him, but We delivered him and those with him in the ark, and We made them inherit (the earth), while We overwhelmed those who rejected Our Signs in the flood. Then see what the end of those who were warned (but did not heed) was!

74. Then We sent (many) Messengers to their people after him: They brought them clear Signs, but they would not believe what they had already rejected before. Thus do We seal the hearts of the transgressors.

75. Then after them We sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his chiefs with Our Signs. But they were arrogant: They were people (immersed) in sin.

76. When the truth came to them from Us, they said, “This is indeed obvious sorcery!”

77. Said Moses, “Do you say (this) about the truth when it has (actually) reached you? Is it magic? And sorcerers will not prosper.”

78. They said, “Have you come to us to turn us away from the ways we found our fathers following so that you and your brother may have greatness in the land? But we shall not believe in you!”

79. Said Pharaoh, “Bring me every well-versed sorcerer.”

80. When the sorcerers came, Moses said to them, “Throw what you (wish) to throw!”

81. When they had their throw, Moses said, “What you have brought is sorcery: Allāh will surely make it of no effect, for Allāh does not render the deeds of those who make mischief prosperous.

82. “And by His words, Allāh proves and establishes His truth, however much the sinners may hate it!”

83. But none believed in Moses except some offspring of his people, because they feared Pharaoh and his chiefs lest they should persecute them, and certainly Pharaoh was mighty on the earth and one who transgressed all bounds.

84. Moses said, “O my people! If you (really) believe in Allāh, then put your trust in Him if you submit (your will to His).”

85. They said, “We put our trust in Our Lord! Do not make us a trial for those who practice oppression.

86. “And deliver us by Your mercy from those who reject (You).”

87. We inspired Moses and his brother with this message: “Provide dwellings for your people in Egypt; turn your dwellings into places of worship, and establish regular prayers, and give glad tidings to those who believe!”

88. Moses prayed, “Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed splendor and wealth in the life of the present on Pharaoh and his chiefs, and so, Our Lord, they misled (men) from Your path. Deface, our Lord, the features of their wealth, and send hardness to their hearts, so they will not believe until they see the grievous penalty.”

89. Allāh said, “Your prayer is accepted (O Moses and Aaron)! So stand straight, and do not follow the path of those who do not know.”

90. We took the children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hosts followed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed with the flood, he said, “I believe that there is no god except the One in whom the children of Israel believe: I am of those who submit (to Allāh in Islam).”

91. (It was said to him,) “Ah now! But a little while before you were in rebellion! And you did mischief (and violence)!

92. “This day We shall save you in your body (so) that you may be a Sign to those who come after you! But truly, many among mankind are heedless of Our Signs!”

93. We settled the children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place and provided sustenance of the best for them: It was after knowledge had been granted to them that they fell into schisms. Truly Allāh will judge between them as to the schisms among them, on the Day of Judgment.

94. If you were in doubt as to what We have revealed to you, ask then those who have been reading the Book before you: The truth has indeed come to you from your Lord, so in no way should you be of those who doubt.

95. Nor should you be of those who reject God's Signs or else you should be of those who perish.

96. Those against whom the word of your Lord has been verified would not believe,

97. Even if every Sign was brought to them, until they see (for themselves) the grievous penalty.

98. Why was there not a single town (among those We warned) which believed, so its faith should have benefited it except the people of Jonah? When they believed, We removed the penalty of ignominy from them in the life of the present and permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.

99. Had it been your Lord's will, they would all have believed! all who are on earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?!

100. No soul can believe except by the will of Allāh, and He will place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand.

101. Say: “Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth,” but neither Signs nor warners profit those who do not believe.

102. Do they then expect (anything) but (what happened in) the days of the men who passed away before them? Say: “Then wait, for I too will wait with you.”

103. In the end We deliver Our Messenger and those who believe: Thus is it fitting on Our part that We should deliver those who believe!

104. Say: “O people! If you are in doubt as to my religion, (behold!) I do not worship what you worship, other than Allāh! But I worship God! Who will take your souls (at death): I am commanded to be (in the ranks) of the believers.”

105. And further (thus): “Set your face towards religion with true piety and never in any way should you be of the unbelievers,

106. “Nor call on any other than Allāh such will neither profit you nor hurt you: If you do, behold! You shall certainly be of those who do wrong.”

107. If Allāh touches you with harm, there is none (who) can remove it but He: If He designs some benefit for you, there is none (who) can keep His favor back: He causes it to reach whomsoever of His servants He pleases. And He is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

108. Say: “O people! Now truth has reached you from your Lord! Those who receive guidance do so for the good of their own souls; those who stray do so to their own loss: And I am not (set) over you to arrange your affairs.”

109. Follow the inspiration sent to you, and be patient and constant, till Allāh decides, for He is the best to decide.

Chapter 12

SURA 11 HUD 123

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Alīf Lām Rā. (This is) a Book, with basic or fundamental verses (of established meaning), further explained in detail, from One Who is Wise and well acquainted (with all things):

2. (It teaches) that you should worship none but Allāh. (Say:) “I am truly (sent) to you from Him to warn and to bring glad tidings.

3. (“And to preach thus,) `Seek your Lord's forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance so that He may grant you good (and true) enjoyment for an appointed term and bestow His bounteous grace upon all who abound in merit! But if you turn away, then I fear for you the penalty of a great Day.

4. “`Return to Allāh, and He has power over all things.”'

5. Behold! They fold up their hearts so that they may lie hidden from Him! Ah! Even when they cover themselves with their garments, He knows what they conceal and what they reveal, for He knows well the (innermost secrets) of the heart.

6. The sustenance of every moving creature on earth depends on Allāh: He knows the time and place of its temporary stay: All is in a clear record.

7. It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His throne was over the waters, so that He might test you, which of you is best in conduct. But if you were to say to them, “You shall indeed be raised up after death,” the unbelievers would be sure to say, “This is nothing but obvious sorcery!”

8. If We delay the penalty for them for an appointed Term, they are sure to say, “What keeps it back?” Ah! On the Day it (actually) reaches them, nothing will turn it away from them, and they will be completely encircled by what they once mocked!

9. If We grant man a taste of mercy from Us, and then withdraw it from him, behold! He is in despair and (falls into) blasphemy.

10. But if We grant him a taste of (Our) favors after adversity has touched him, he is sure to say, “All evil has departed from me.” Behold! He falls into exultation and pride!

11. Those who show patience and constancy and do righteous deeds do not do so; (there) is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward for them.

12. Perhaps you may (feel inclined) to grant up a part of what is revealed to you, and your heart feels straitened lest they should say, “Why is not a treasure sent down to him, or why does not an angel come down with him?” But you are there only to warn! It is All āh Who arranges all affairs!

13. Or they may say, “He forged it.” Say, “Then bring ten Sūras forged like it, and call whomsoever you can (to your aid) other than Allāh if you speak the truth!

14. “Then if they (your false gods) do not answer your (call), know that this Revelation is sent down (replete) with the knowledge of Allāh, and that there is no god but He! Will you submit (to Islam) even then?”

15. Those who desire the life of the present and its glitter! We shall pay them (the recompense of) their deeds in it, without reduction.

16. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire: the designs they frame there are vain, and the deeds they do are of no avail!

17. Can they be (like) those who accept a clear (Sign) from their Lord, and whom a witness from Himself teaches, as the Book of Moses did before it, (be) a guide and a mercy? They believe in it, but those of the sects that reject it, the Fire will be their promised meeting place. Then do not be in doubt about it, for it is the truth from your Lord: Yet many among men do not believe!

18. Who does more wrong than those who invent a lie against Allāh? They will be returned to their Lord's presence, and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied against their Lord!” Behold! God's curse is on those who do wrong!

19. Those who would hinder (men) from God's path and would seek something crooked in it: These were those who denied the Hereafter!

20. In no way will they frustrate (His design) on earth, nor do they have protectors besides Allāh! Their penalty will be doubled! They lost the power to hear, and they did not see!

21. They are the ones who have lost their own souls: And the (fancies) they invented have abandoned them!

22. Without a doubt, these are the very ones who will lose the most in the Hereafter!

23. But those who believe and do righteous deeds and humble themselves before their Lord! they will be companions of the garden, to dwell in it forever!

24. These two kinds (of men) may be compared to the blind and deaf, and to those who can see and hear well. Are they equal when compared? Then will you not take heed?

25. We sent Noah to his people (with a mission), “I have come to you with a clear warning:

26. “That you serve none but Allāh: Truly I fear for you the penalty of a grievous Day.”

27. But the chiefs of the unbelievers among his people said, “We see (in) you nothing but a man like ourselves: Nor do we see any follow you except for the meanest among us, immature in judgment: Nor do we see in (all of) you any merit above us: In fact, we think you are liars!”

28. He said, “O my people! See if I have a clear Sign from my Lord, and that He has sent mercy to me from His own presence, but that the mercy has been obscured from your sight; shall we compel you to accept it when you are averse to it?

29. “And O my people! I ask you for no wealth in return: My reward is from none but Allāh, but I will not drive away (in contempt) those who believe, for truly they are to meet their Lord, and I see you are the ignorant ones!

30. “And O my people! Who would help me against Allāh if I drove them away? Then will you not take heed?

31. “I do not tell you that God's treasures are with me, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I claim to be an angel. And I do not say, of those whom your eyes despise, that Allāh will not grant them (all) that is good: Allāh knows best what is in their souls: If I did, I would indeed be a wrongdoer.”

32. They said, “O Noah! You have disputed with us, and you have greatly prolonged the dispute with us: Now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you speak the truth!”

33. He said, “Truly, Allāh will bring it on you if He wills, and then you will not be able to frustrate it!

34. “My counsel will be of no profit to you, much as I desire to grant you (good) counsel, if Allāh wills to leave you astray: He is your Lord! And you will return to Him!”

35. Or do they say, “He has forged it?” Say: “If I had forged it, on me were my sins! And I am free of the sins of which you are guilty!”

36. It was revealed to Noah: “None of your people will believe except those who have already believed! So do not grieve any longer over their (evil) deeds.

37. “But construct an ark under Our eyes and Our inspiration, and do not (continue to) address Me on behalf of those who are in sin, for they are about to be overwhelmed (in the flood).”

38. He immediately started constructing the Ark: Every time the chiefs of his people passed by him they ridiculed him. He said, “If you ridicule us now, we (in our turn) can likewise look down on you with ridicule!

39. “But you will soon know on whom a penalty will descend that will cover them with shame, a lasting penalty will be unleashed.”

40. At length, behold! Our command came, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! We said, “Embark in it two of each kind, male and female, and your family except those against whom the word has already gone forth, and the believers.” But only a few believed with him.

41. So he said, “Embark on the Ark, in the name of Allāh, whether it sails or be anchors! For rest assured, my Lord is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful!”

42. So the Ark floated with them on waves (towering) like mountains. And Noah called out to his son, who had stayed aloof, “O my son! Embark with us, and do not be with the unbelievers!”

43. The son replied, “I will go to some mountain: It will save me from the water.” Noah said, “On this Day nothing can save anyone from God's command, except for those on whom He has mercy!” And the waves came between them, and the son was among those overwhelmed in the deluge.

44. When the word went forth: “O earth! Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold (your rain)!” the water abated, and the matter was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi and the word went forth: “Away with the wrongdoers!”

45. And Noah called upon his Lord and said, “O Lord! Surely my son is of my family, and Your promise is true, and You are the most just of Judges!”

46. He said, “O Noah! He is not of your family, for his conduct is unrighteous. So do not ask of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I grant you counsel, lest you should act like the ignorant!”

47. Noah said, “O my Lord! I seek refuge with You, lest I should ask You for that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy on me, I would indeed be lost!”

48. The word came: “O Noah! Come down (from the Ark) with peace from Us, and blessings on you and on some of the peoples (who will spring) from those with you, but (there will be other) people to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time), but in the end a grievous penalty will reach them from Us.”

49. These are some of the stories of the unseen, which We have revealed to you: Before this, neither you nor your people knew them. So persevere patiently, for the end is for those who are pious.

50. To the 'Ād people (We sent) Hud, one of their own kin. He said, “O my people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. You only invent (your other) gods!

51. “O my people! I ask no reward of you for this (message). My reward is from none but Him Who created me: Then will you not understand?

52. “And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him (in repentance): He will send you the skies pouring abundant rain and add strength to your strength, so do not turn back in sin!”

53. They said, “O Hud! You have not brought us any clear (Sign), and we are not the ones to desert our gods on (account of) your word! Nor do we believe in you!

54. “We say nothing except that (perhaps) some of our gods may have seized you with imbecility.” He said, “I call Allāh as my witness, and you bear witness, that I am free from the sin of ascribing to Him,

55. “Other gods as partners! So scheme (your worst) against me, all of you, and grant me no respite.

56. “I put my trust in Allāh, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature, but He has a hold on its forelock. Truly, it is my Lord Who is on a straight path.

57. “If you turn away, (at least) I have conveyed the message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people to succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least, for my Lord cares and watches over all things.”

58. So when Our decree was issued, We saved Hu,-d and those who believed with him by Our Own (special) grace: We saved them from a severe penalty.

59. Such were the 'Ād people: They rejected the Signs of their Lord and Cherisher, disobeyed His Messenger, and followed the command of every powerful, obstinate transgressor.

60. And they were pursued by a curse in this life, and on the Day of Judgment. Ah! Behold! For the 'Ād rejected their Lord and Cherisher! Ah! Behold!'Ād, the people of Hud, were removed (from sight)!

61. To the Thamu,-d people (We sent) Sa,-lih, one of their own kin. He said, “O my people! Worship Allāh: You have no other god but Him. It is He Who produced you from the earth and settled you on it: Then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him (in repentance), for my Lord is (always) near, ready to answer.”

62. They said, “O Sa,-lih! You have been of us a center of our hopes before this! Do you (now) forbid us from worshipping what our fathers worshipped? But we are really in a (disquieting) doubt about that to which you invite us.”

63. He said, “O my people! Do you see? If I have a clear (Sign) from my Lord and He has sent mercy unto me from Himself, who then can help me against Allāh if I were to disobey Him? What then would you add to my (portion) but perdition?

64. “And O my people! This she-camel is a symbol to you: Leave her feed on God's (free) earth, and inflict no harm on her, or a swift penalty will seize you!”

65. But they hamstrung her; so he said, “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three Days: (Then your ruin will come:) This is a promise not to be belied!”

66. When Our decree came to pass, We saved Sa,-lih and those who believed with him by Our Own (special) grace from the ignominy of that day, for the Lord! He is the strong One, able to enforce His will.

67. The (mighty) blast overtook the wrongdoers, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morn,

68. As if they had never dwelt and flourished there. Ah! Behold! For the Thamūd (people) rejected their Lord and Cherisher! Ah! Behold! The Thamūd (people) were removed (from sight)!

69. Our messengers came to Abraham with glad tidings. They said, “Peace!” He answered, “Peace!” and hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf.

70. But when he saw (that) their hands did not go (out) towards the (meal), he felt some mistrust of them and began to fear them. They said, “Have no fear; we have been sent against the people of Lot.”

71. And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed, but We gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and of Jacob after him.

72. She said, “Alas! Shall I bear a child, seeing that I am an old woman, and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed a thing to wonder about!”

73. They said, “Do you wonder at God's decree? God's grace and blessings be upon you, O you people of the house! For He is truly worthy of all praise, full of all glory!”

74. When fear had subsided from (the mind of) Abraham and the glad tidings had reached him, he began pleading with Us for Lot's people.

75. For Abraham was, without doubt, forbearing, compassionate, and given to look to Allāh.

76. O Abraham! Do not seek this! Your Lord's decree has gone forth: A penalty comes for them that cannot be turned back!

77. When Our messengers came to Lot, he was grieved on their account and felt powerless (to protect) them. He said, “This is a distressful Day.”

78. And his people came rushing towards him, and they had long been in the habit of practicing abominations. He said, “O my people! Here are my daughters: They are purer for you (if you marry)! Now fear Allāh, and do not cover me with shame about my guests! Is there not a single rightminded man among you?”

79. They said, “You know well we have no need of your daughters: In fact, you know quite well what we want!”

80. He said, “If only I had power to suppress you or if I could betake myself to some powerful support… ”

81. (The messengers) said, “O Lot! We are messengers from your Lord! By no means shall they reach you! Now travel with your family while a part of the night still remains, and let none of you look back, but your wife (will remain behind): What happens to the people will happen to her. Morning is their appointed time: Is not the morning near?”

82. When Our decree came to pass, We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer,

83. Marked as from your Lord: Nor are they ever far from those who do wrong!

84. To the Madyan people (We sent) Shu`aib, one of their own kin. He said, “O my people! Worship Allāh: You have no other god but Him. And do not grant short measure or weight: I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the penalty of a day that will engulf (you) all round.

85. “And O my people! Grant just measure and weight, and do not withhold from the people the things that are their due. Do not commit evil in the land with intent to do mischief.

86. “What Allāh leaves you is best for you, if you (only) believed! But I am not a keeper over you!”

87. They said, “O Shu`aib! Does your (religion of) prayer command you that we abandon the worship which our fathers practiced, or that we cease doing what we like with our property? Truly, you are the one that forbears with faults and is right-minded!”

88. He said, “O my people! See whether I have a clear (Sign) from my Lord, and He has given me (pure and) good sustenance as from Himself? I do not wish, in opposition to you, to do what I forbid you from doing. I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power, and my success (in my task) can only come from Allāh: In Him do I trust, and unto Him do I look.

89. “And O my people! Do not let my dissent (from you) cause you to sin, lest you should suffer a fate like that of the people of Noah or of Hu,-d or of Sa,-lih, nor are the people of Lot far off from you!

90. “But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him (in repentance), for my Lord is indeed full of mercy and loving kindness.”

91. They said, “O Shu`aib! We do not understand much of what you say! In fact we see that you have no strength among us! Were it not for your family, we would certainly have stoned you! For you have no great position among us!”

92. He said, “O my people! Then is my family of more consideration with you than Allāh? For you cast Him away behind your backs (with contempt). But truly My Lord encompasses on all sides all that you do!

93. “And O my people! Do whatever you can: I will do (my part): You will soon know who it is on whom the penalty of ignominy descends, and who is a liar! And watch! For I too am watching with you!”

94. When Our decree came to pass, We saved Shu`aib and those who believed with him by Our Own (special) mercy, but the (mighty) blast seized the wrongdoers, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morning,

95. As if they had never dwelt and flourished there! Ah! See how the Madyan (people) were removed (from sight) as the Thamu,-d were removed!

96. And We sent Moses with Our clear (Signs) and manifest authority,

97. To Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they followed Pharaoh's command, and Pharaoh's command was not the right (guidance).

98. He will go before his people on the Day of Judgment and lead them (all) into the Fire (as cattle are led to water), but this leading (and) the place led to will be truly woeful!

99. And they are followed by a curse in this (life) and on the Day of Judgment: And the gift that will be given (to them) is woeful!

100. These are some of the stories of communities which We relate to you, some of them are standing, and some have been mown down (by the sickle of time).

101. It was not We Who wronged them: They wronged their own souls: The deities, other than Allāh, whom they invoked, profited them not a whit when your Lord's decree came to pass: Nor did they add anything (to their lot) but perdition!

102. Such is Your Lord's chastisement when He chastises communities in the midst of their wrong: His chastisement is truly grievous and severe.

103. (There) is a Sign in that for those who fear the penalty of the Hereafter; that is a Day on which mankind will be gathered together; that will be the Day of testimony.

104. Nor do We delay it but for an appointed Term.

105. When that Day comes, no soul shall speak except (with) His permission; some of those (gathered) will be wretched and some will be blessed.

106. Those who are wretched shall be in the Fire: There will be (nothing) in it for them (but) heaving sighs and sobs:

107. They will dwell in it for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Lord wills, for your Lord is the (sure) Accomplisher of what He plans.

108. And those who are blessed shall be in the garden: They will dwell in it for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Lord wills: A gift without an end.

109. Then do not be in doubt as to what these men worship. They worship nothing but what their fathers worshipped before (them), but truly We shall pay them back their (full) portion without (the least) abatement,

110. We certainly gave the Book to Moses, but differences arose in it: Had it gone forth before from your Lord, the matter would have been decided between them, but they are in doubt concerning it.

111. And surely your Lord will pay back to all (the full recompense) of their deeds, for He knows well all that they do.

112. Therefore stand firm (on the straight path) as you are commanded, you and those with you who turn (to Allāh), and do not transgress (from the path), for He sees well all that you do.

113. And do not incline to those who do wrong, or else the Fire will seize you, and you have no protectors other than Allāh, nor shall you be helped.

114. And establish regular prayers at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night, for those things that are good remove those that are evil: Be that the word of remembrance for those who remember (their Lord):

115. And be steadfast in patience, for truly Allāh will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.

116. Why were there not, among the generations before you, persons endowed with balanced good sense, prohibiting (others) from mischief in the earth, except a few among them whom We saved (from harm)? But the wrong-doers pursued the enjoyment of the good things of life which were given them and persisted in sin.

117. Nor would your Lord be the one to destroy communities for a single wrong-doing, if their members were likely to mend.

118. If your Lord had so willed, He could have made mankind one people, but they will not cease to dispute,

119. Except those on whom He has bestowed His mercy: And He created them for this: And your Lord's word shall be fulfilled: “I will fill Hell with jinns and men, all together.”

120. All that We relate to you of the stories of the Messenger! We make your heart firm with them: The truth comes to you in them, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance for those who believe.

121. Say to those who do not believe: “Do whatever you can: We shall do Our part;

122. “And wait! We too shall wait.”

123. The unseen (secrets) of the heavens and the earth belong to Allāh, and every affair goes back to Him (for decision): Then worship Him, and put your trust in Him: And your Lord is not unmindful of anything that you do.

Chapter 13

SŪRA 12 JOSEPH [YUSUF] 111

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Alīf Lām Rā. These are the symbols (or verses) of the Book that clearly manifests (every-thing).

2. We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ān so that you may learn wisdom.

3. We relate the most beautiful of stories to you, as We reveal this (portion of the) Qur’ān to you: Before this, you too were among those who did not know it.

4. Behold! Joseph said to his father, “O father! I saw eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!”

5. Said (the father), “My (dear) little son! Do not narrate your vision to your brothers lest they should concoct a plot against you, for Satan is an avowed enemy of man!

6. “Thus your Lord will choose you and teach you the interpretation of stories (and events) and perfect His favor unto you and unto the posterity of Jacob even as He perfected it unto your fathers Abraham and Isaac before that! For Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.”

7. Truly (there) are Signs (or symbols) in (the story of) Joseph and his brothers for seekers (of the truth).

8. They said, “Truly our father loves Joseph and his brother more than us though we are a goodly body! Really our father is obviously wandering (in his mind)!

9. “Kill Joseph, or cast him out to some (unknown) land, so that your father's favor may yours alone: (There will be time enough) for you to be righteous after that!”

10. One of them said, “Do not kill Joseph, but if you must do something, hurl him to the bottom of the well. He will be picked up by some caravan of travellers.”

11. They said, “O father! Why do you not trust us with Joseph, seeing that we are indeed His sincere well-wishers?

12. “Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and we shall take every care of him.”

13. (Jacob) said, “It truly saddens me that you should take him away: I fear lest the wolf should devour him while you are not attending to him.”

14. They said, “If the wolf were to devour him while we are (such a large) party, then we indeed should have (first) perished ourselves!”

15. So they took him away, and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom of the well, and We put (this message) into his heart: “(One day) you will surely tell them the truth of this affair of theirs while they do not recognize you… ”

16. Then they came to their father in the early part of the night, weeping.

17. They said, “O father! We went racing with one another and left Joseph with our things, and the wolf devoured him… but you will never believe us even though we tell the truth.”

18. They stained his shirt with false blood. He said, “No, but your minds have made up a tale (that may pass) with you. (For me,) patience is most fitting. Despite what you assert, it is Allāh (alone) Whose help can be sought… ”

19. Then a caravan of travellers came. They sent their water-carriers (for water), and he let down his bucket (into the well)… He said, “Ah there! Good news! Here is a (fine) young man!” So they concealed him as a treasure! But Allāh knows well all that they do!

20. The (brothers) sold him for a miserable price: for a few dirhams counted out: In such low estimate they held him!

21. The man in Egypt who bought him said to his wife, “Make his stay (among us) honorable: Maybe he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son.” Thus did We establish Joseph in the land so that We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events). And Allāh has full power and control over His affairs, but most among man-kind do not know it.

22. When Joseph attained his full manhood, We granted him power and knowledge; thus do We reward those who do right.

23. But she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him from his (true) self: She fastened the doors and said, “Now come, you (dear one)!” He said, “God forbid! Truly (your husband) is my lord! He made my sojourn agreeable! Truly those who do wrong come to no good!”

24. And she desired him (with passion), and he would have desired her had he not seen the evidence of his Lord; thus (We ordained) that We turn away (all) evil and shameful deeds from him, for he was one of Our servants, sincere and purified.

25. So they both raced each other to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They both found her husband near the door. She said, “What is the (fitting) punishment for one who formed an evil design against your wife, if not prison or a grievous chastisement?”

26. He said, “She was the one who sought to seduce me from my (true) self.” And one of her family bore witness (thus:) “If his shirt is rent from the front, then her tale is true and he is a liar!

27. “But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she is the liar and he is telling the truth!”

28. So when he saw his shirt, that it was torn at the back! (Her husband) said, “Behold! It is a snare of you women! Truly, your snare is mighty!

29. “O Joseph, turn aside from this! (O wife,) ask forgiveness for your sin, for truly you have been at fault!”

30. In the city, ladies said, “The wife of the (great) `Aziz is seeking to seduce her slave from his (true) self: Truly he has inspired her with passionate love: We see she is evidently going astray.”

31. When she (Zulaikha) heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them. She gave each one of them a knife, and she said (to Joseph), “Come out before them.” When they saw him, they extolled him and (in their amazement), cut their hands: They said, “God preserve us! This is no mortal! This is none other than a noble angel!”

32. She said, “There before you is the man about whom you blamed me! I sought to seduce him from his (true) self but he firmly saved himself from guilt! … And now, if he does not do my bidding, he shall certainly be cast into prison and (what is more) be in the company of the most vile!”

33. He said, “O Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me: Unless you turn their snare away from me, I would feel inclined towards them (in my youthful folly) and join the ranks of the ignorant.”

34. So his Lord heard (his prayer) and turned their snare away from him: Truly He hears and knows (all things).

35. Then it occurred to the men, after they had seen the Signs, (that it was best) to imprison him for a time.

36. Now two young men came into prison with him. One of them said, “(In a dream,) I see myself pressing wine.” The other said, “I see myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head while birds are eating it.” “Tell us,” (they said,) “the truth and meaning of this, for we see you are one who does good (to all).”

37. He said, “Before any food comes (in due course) to feed either of you, I will surely reveal to you the truth and meaning of this ere it comes to pass; that is part of the (duty) which my Lord has taught me. (I assure you) I have abandoned the ways of people who do not believe in Allāh and (even) deny the Hereafter.

38. “And I follow the ways of my fathers! Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and we could never attribute any partners whatsoever to Allāh: that is of God's grace to us and to mankind, yet most men are not grateful.

39. “O my prison companions! (I ask you): Are many lords differing among themselves better or the One Allāh, the Supreme and Irresistible?

40. “If not Him, you indeed worship nothing but names which you have invented, you and your fathers, for which Allāh has sent you no authority. The command is for none but Allāh: He has commanded that you worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men do not understand…

41. “O my two companions in prison! As for one of you, he will pour out wine for his lord to drink: As for the other, he will be crucified and birds will eat off his head. (So) has that matter about which you two inquire been decreed… ”

42. And to one of the two whom he considered about to be saved he said, “Mention me to your lord.” But Satan made him forget to mention him to his lord, and (Joseph) lingered in prison for a few (more) years.

43. The king (of Egypt) said, “I see (in a vision) seven fat cows devoured by seven lean ones, and seven green ears of corn, and seven (others) withered. O chiefs! Explain my vision to me if you can interpret visions.”

44. They said, “A confused medley of dreams, and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams.”

45. But the man who had been released, one of the two (who had been in prison) and who now bethought him after (such a long) time, said, “I will tell you the truth of its interpretation; so, let me go.”

46. “O Joseph!” (He said,) “O man of truth! Expound to us (the dream) of seven fat cows whom seven lean ones devour, and of seven green ears of corn and (seven) others withered (so) that I may return to the people, and they may understand.”

47. (Joseph) said, “For seven years you shall diligently sow as is your custom: And the harvests that you reap, you shall leave them in the ear, except a little, of which you shall eat.

48. “Then after that (there) will come seven dreadful (years), which will devour what you shall have laid by in advance for them, (all) except a little which you will have (specially) guarded.

49. “Then after that (there) will come a year in which the people will have abundant water, and in which they will press (wine and oil).”

50. So the king said, “`Bring him to me.” But when the messenger came to him, (Joseph) said, “Go back to your lord, and ask him, `What is the state of mind of the ladies who cut their hands?' For my Lord is certainly well aware of their snare.”

51. (The king) said (to the ladies), “What was your affair when you sought to seduce Joseph from his (true) self?” The ladies said, “God preserve us! We know no evil against him!” The wife of the `Aziz said, “Now the truth manifests itself (to all): It was I who sought to seduce him from his (true) self: He is indeed of those who are (always) true (and virtuous).

52. “This (I say), in order for him to know that I have never been false to him in his absence, and that Allāh will never guide the snare of the false ones.

53. “Nor do I absolve my own self (of blame): The (human soul) is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord bestows His mercy, but surely the Lord is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”

54. So the king said, “Bring him to me; I will take him specially for my service.” Therefore when he spoke to him, he said, “Rest assured this day that you are before our own presence with firmly established rank and fully proven fidelity!”

55. (Joseph) said, “Set me over the store-houses of the land: I will indeed guard them, as one who knows (their importance).”

56. Thus We gave Joseph established power in the land, to take possession of it as, when or where he pleased. We bestow Our mercy on whomsoever We please, and We do not suffer the reward of those who do good deeds to be lost.

57. But truly the reward of the Hereafter is the best for those who believe and are constantly righteous.

58. Then Joseph's brothers came: They entered his presence and he knew them but they did not know him.

59. Having furnished them with provisions (suitable) for them, he said, “Bring me a brother you have of the same father as your own selves; do you not see that I pay out full measure and that I provide the best hospitality?

60. “Now if you do not bring him to me, you shall have no measure (of corn) from me, nor shall you (even) come near me.”

61. They said, “We shall seek to get his father yield in his regard to this; indeed we shall do it.”

62. And (Joseph) told his servants to put their stock-in-trade (with which they had bartered) into their saddle bags, so they should know it only upon returning to their people so that they might come back.

63. Now, having returned to their father, they said, “O our father! We shall get no more measures of grain (unless we take our brother); so, send our brother with us so that we may get our measure, and we will surely take every care of him.”

64. He said, “Shall I trust you with him with any result other than when I trusted you with his brother before? But Allāh is the best to take care (of him), and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!”

65. Then when they opened their baggage, they found their stock-in-trade had been returned to them. They said, “O our father! What (more) can we desire? This our stock-in-trade has been returned to us, so we shall get (more) food for our family; we shall take care of our brother, and (at the same time) add a full camel's load (of grain to our provisions): This is but a small quantity.”

66. (Jacob) said, “I will never send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me, in God's name, that you will be sure to bring him back to me unless you yourselves are hemmed in (and made powerless).” And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said, “May Allāh be the Witness and Guardian over all that we say!”

67. Further he said, “O my sons! Do not enter all by one gate: Enter by different gates. Not that I can profit you anything against Allāh (with my advice); none can command except Allāh. I put my trust in Him, and let all who trust put their trust in Him.”

68. And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined, it did not profit them in the least against (the plan of) Allāh: It was but a necessity of Jacob's soul, which he discharged. For he was, by Our instruction, full of knowledge, but most men do not know.

69. When they came into Joseph's presence, he received his (full) brother to stay with him. He said (to him), “Behold! I am your own brother; so do not grieve at any of their doings.”

70. At length, when he had furnished them with provisions (suitable) for them, he put the drinking cup in his brother's saddlebag. Then a crier shouted out, “O you (in) the caravan! Behold! You are thieves, without doubt!”

71. They said, turning towards them, “What are you missing?”

72. They said, “We are missing the king's beaker; there is (the reward of) a camel-load for whoever produces it; I will be bound by it.”

73. (The brothers) said, “By Allāh! You know well that we did not come to make mischief in the land, and we are not thieves!”

74. (The Egyptians) said, “Then what shall be the penalty for this, if you are (proven) to have lied?”

75. They said, “The penalty should be that the one in whose saddle-bag it is found be held (as bondman) to atone for the (crime). Thus do we punish the wrongdoers!”

76. So he began (the search) with their baggage, before (he came to) his brother's baggage. At length he brought it out of his brother's baggage. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king except that Allāh willed it (so): We raise whom We please to degrees (of wisdom), but the One, the all-Knowing, is endowed over all (others) with knowledge.

77. They said, “If he steals, there was a brother of his who stole before (him).” But Joseph kept these things locked in his heart, not revealing the secrets to them. He (simply) said (to himself), “You are in a worse position, and Allāh knows best the truth of what you assert!”

78. They said, “O exalted one! Behold! He has an aged and venerable father (who will grieve for him), so take one of us in his place, for we see that you are (gracious) in doing good.”

79. He said, “God forbid that we take any other than him with whom we found our property: Indeed (if we did so), we would be acting wrongfully.”

80. Having seen no hope of his (yielding), they conferred privately. The leader among them said, “Do you not know that your father took an oath from you in God's name, and how, before this, you failed in your duty with Joseph? Therefore I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allāh commands me, and He is the best to command.

81. “Turn back to your father and say, `O father! Behold! Your son committed a theft: We bear witness only to what we know, and we could not keep guard over the unseen!

82. “`Ask (people in) the town where we have been and the caravan with which we returned, and (you will find out that) we are indeed telling the truth.”'

83. Jacob said, “No, but you have yourselves contrived a story (good enough) for you. So patience is most fitting (for me). Maybe Allāh will bring them all (back) to me (in the end), for He is indeed full of knowledge and wisdom.”

84. And he turned away from them and said, “How great is my grief for Joseph!” His eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy.

85. They said, “By Allāh! You will (never) cease to remember Joseph until you reach the last extremity of illness, or until you die!”

86. He said, “I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allāh and I know from Allāh that which you do not know…

87. “O my sons! Go and inquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of God's truly soothing mercy: No one despairs of God's rawh, soothing mercy, except those who have no faith.”

88. Then when they came (back) into (Joseph's) presence, they said, “O exalted one! Distress has seized us and our family; (now) we have brought but scanty capital, so pay us full measure, (we pray you), and treat it as charity to us, for Allāh rewards the charitable.”

89. He said, “Do you know how you dealt with Joseph, and his brother, not knowing (what you were doing)?”

90. They said, “Are you indeed Joseph?” He said, “I am Joseph, and this is my brother: Allāh has indeed been gracious to us (all): Behold! He who is righteous and patient, Allāh will never suffer the reward of those who do right to be lost.”

91. They said, “By Allāh! Allāh has truly preferred you over us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!”

92. He said, “Let no reproach be (cast) on you this day: Allāh will forgive you, and He is the most merciful of those who show mercy!

93. “Go with this my shirt, and cast it over my father's face: He will come to see (clearly). Then come (here) to me together with all your family.”

94. When the caravan left (Egypt), their father said, “I do indeed sense the presence of Joseph! Nay! Do not think I am a fool!”

95. They said, “By Allāh! Truly you are wandering in your old mind.”

96. Then when the bearer of the good news came, he cast (the shirt) over his face, and he immediately regained clear vision. He said, “Did I not say to you that I know from Allāh what you do not know?”

97. They said, “O father! Ask forgiveness for our sins for us, for we were truly at fault.”

98. He said, “I will soon ask my Lord for forgiveness for you, for He is truly oft-Forgiving, Merciful.”

99. Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his parents with himself and said, “Enter Egypt (all) in safety if it pleases Allāh.”

100. And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity), and they (all) fell down in prostration before him. He said, “O my father! This is the fulfillment of my vision of old! Allāh has made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you (all here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Truly my Lord understands best the mysteries of all that He plans to do, for truly He is full of knowledge and wisdom.

101. “Lord! You have indeed bestowed upon me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events. O Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter; take my soul (at death) as one submitting to Your will (as a Muslim), and unite me with the righteous.”

102. Such is one of the stories of the unseen which We reveal by inspiration to you: Nor were you (present) with them when they designed their plans together in the process of weaving their plots.

103. Yet most people will have no faith however ardently you desire (otherwise).

104. And you ask no reward of them for this: It is no less than a message for all creatures.

105. And how many Signs in the heavens and the earth do they pass by? Yet they turn (their faces) away from them!

106. And most of them do not believe in Allāh without associating (others as partners) with Him!

107. Then do they feel secure when the covering veil of God's Wrath comes against them, or when the (final) Hour suddenly comes against them while they do not perceive?

108. Say: “This is my way: I do invite to God on evidence as clear as seeing with one's (own) eyes! I and whoever follows me: Glory to Allāh! And I will never join other gods with Allāh!”

109. Nor did We send any but men before you (as Messengers) to whom We inspired, (men) living in human habitations. Do they not travel through the earth and see what the end of those before them was? But the abode of the Hereafter is best for those who do right. Then will you not understand?

110. (Respite will be granted) till the time when the Messengers give up hope (of their people) and (come to) think that they were treated as liars; Our help (will then) reach them, and (until) those whom We will are delivered to safety. But Our punishment will never be warded off from the criminal people.

111. In their stories there is instruction for men endowed with understanding. It is not an invented tale, but a confirmation of what went before it, a detailed exposition of all things, a guide and a mercy for those who believe.

Chapter 14

SŪRA 13 THUNDER [AL-RA`D] 43

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Alīf Lām Mīm Rā. These are the Signs (or verses) of the Book: What has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, but most men do not believe.

2. Allāh is He Who raised the heavens with no pillars that you can see; He is firmly established on the throne (of authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law)! Each one runs (its course) for an appointed Term. He regulates affairs, explaining the Signs in detail, so that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.

3. And it is He Who spread out the earth, and set on it mountains standing firm, and (flowing) rivers, and He made fruits of every kind in pairs, two and two: He draws the night as a veil over the day. behold! There are truly Signs in these things for those who consider!

4. And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighboring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees growing out of single roots or otherwise, watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent to eat than others. Behold! There are truly Signs in these things for those who understand!

5. If you marvel (at their lack of faith), strange is their saying: “When we are (actually) dust, shall we indeed be in a renewed creation?!” They are those who deny their Lord! They are those round whose necks will be yokes (of servitude): They will be companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (forever)!

6. They ask you to hasten on the evil in preference to the good; yet (many) exemplary punishments have come to pass before them! But truly your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind for their wrong-doing, and truly your Lord is (also) strict in punishment.

7. And the unbelievers say, “Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?” But you are truly a warner and a guide to every people.

8. Allāh knows what every female (womb) bears, and that of which the wombs fall short (of term) or exceed. Every single thing is before His sight in (due) proportion.

9. He knows the unseen and the seen. He is the Great, the Most High.

10. It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceals his speech or declares it; whether he lies hidden at night or walks freely during the day.

11. For his sake, there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by God's command. Truly Allāh will never change a people's condition until they change it themselves (with their own souls), but (once) Allāh decrees the punishment of a people, there can be no turning back, nor will they find any protector besides Him.

12. It is He Who shows you the lightning by way of both fear and hope: It is He who raises up the clouds, heavy with (fertilizing) rain!

13. Nay! Thunder declares His praises, and so do the angels, with awe: He flings the loud voiced thunder-bolts, and with them He strikes whomsoever He pleases… Yet these (are the men) who (dare to) dispute about Allāh, with the strength of His power (supreme)!

14. In truth, prayer is for Him (alone): Any others they call upon besides Him hear them no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water to reach their mouth but it does not reach them: For the prayer of those without faith is nothing but (futile) wandering (in the mind).

15. Whatever beings in the heavens and the earth prostrate to Allāh (acknowledging subjection) with willingly or unwillingly; so do their shadows in the morns and the eves.

16. Say: “Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?” Say: “It is Allāh.” Say: “Do you then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to their own selves?” Say: “Are the blind equal to those who see? Or are the depths of darkness equal to the light?” Or do they assign partners to Allāh, who have created (anything) as He has created, so that the creation seemed similar to them? Say: “Allāh is the Creator of all things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible.”

17. He sends down water from the skies and the channels flow, each according to its measure: But the torrent bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make into ornaments or utensils, there is likewise scum. Thus does Allāh shows forth the truth and vanity (through parables): For the scum likewise disappears, cast out; while what is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus does Allāh set forth parables.

18. (All) good things are for those who respond to their Lord. But those who do not respond to Him, even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth, and as much more, they would offer it for ransom (in vain). The reckoning will be terrible for them: Their abode will be Hell; what a bed of misery!

19. Then is one who knows that what has been revealed to these from your Lord is the truth like one who is blind? It is those who are endowed with understanding (are the ones) who receive admonition,

20. Those who fulfill God's covenant and do not fail in their sworn word;

21. Those who join together those things which Allāh has commanded to be joined, hold their Lord in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning;

22. Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; establish regular prayers, spend, out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly, and shun evil with goodness: For those there is the final attainment of the (eternal) home,

23. Gardens of perpetual bliss: They shall enter therein, as well as the righteous among their fathers, spouses, and offspring: And angels shall approach them from every gate (with the salutation):

24. “Peace be to you, for you patiently persevered! Now how excellent is the final home!”

25. But those who break God's covenant after having sworn their word to it, and rend asunder those things which Allāh has commanded to be joined, and commit mischief in the land, the curse is upon them; the terrible home is theirs!

26. Allāh increases or decreases the sustenance (He grants) to whomsoever He pleases. And they rejoice in the life of this world, but the life of this world (compared to the Hereafter) is but a little comfort.

27. The unbelievers say, “Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “Truly Allāh leaves whomsoever He wills to stray; but He guides to Himself those who turn to Him in penitence,

28. “Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allāh: For without doubt, hearts do find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allāh.

29. “Every bliss, and a beautiful place of (final) return is for those who believe and do righteous deeds.”

30. Thus have We sent you to people before whom (other) peoples have (long since gone by and) passed away so that you might recite to them what We reveal to you by inspiration; yet they reject (Him), the Most Gracious! Say: “He is my Lord! There is no god but He! My trust is in Him, and to Him do I turn.”

31. If there were a Qur’ān with which mountains were moved, or the earth were cloven asunder, or the dead were made to speak, (this would be the one)! But, truly, the authority in these things is with Allāh! Do not the believers know that, had Allāh (so) willed, He could have guided all mankind (to the right path)? But the unbelievers, disaster will never cease to seize them for their (ill) deeds, or to settle close to their homes, until God's promise comes to pass, for, truly, Allāh will not fail His promise.

32. (Many) Messengers before you were mocked, but I granted respite to the unbelievers, and finally I punished them; then how (terrible) was My requital?!

33. Then is He Who stands over every soul (and knows) all that it does (like any other)? Yet they ascribe partners to Allāh. Say: “But name them! Is it that you inform Him of something on earth He does not know about, or is it (just) a show of words?” Nay! To those who do not believe, their pretense seems pleasing, but (that) keeps them back from the path, and those whom Allāh leaves to stray, no one can guide.

34. (There) is a penalty for them in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is the penalty of the Hereafter, and they have no defender against Allāh.

35. The parable of the garden which the righteous are promised: rivers flow beneath it: the enjoyment of it is perpetual and so is the shade therein: such is the requital of the righteous, and the requital of the unbelievers is the Fire.

36. Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice at what has been revealed to you, but there are among the clans those who reject a part of it. Say: “I am commanded to worship Allāh and not to join partners with Him. I call unto Him, and I return to Him.”

37. Thus have We revealed it as a Judgment of authority, in Arabic. If you were to follow their (vain) desires after the knowledge which has reached you, then you would find neither protector nor defender against Allāh.

38. We sent Messengers before you, and appointed wives and children for them, and it was never the part of any Messenger to bring a Sign except as Allāh permitted. A Book is (revealed) for each period.

39. Allāh blots out or confirms whatever He pleases: The mother of the Book is with Him.

40. Whether We show you (during your lifetime) part of what We promised them, or take your soul to Ourselves (before it is all accomplished), your duty is to make (the message) reach them: It is Our part to call them to account.

41. Do they not see that We gradually reduce the land from its outlying borders? (Where) Allāh commands, there is none to cancel His command. And He is swift in calling to account.

42. Those before them (also) devised plots; but the master-planning in all things is God's. He knows the deeds of every soul, and the unbelievers will soon know who gets home in the end.

43. The unbelievers say, “You are not a Messenger.” Say: “Allāh is enough for a witness between me and you, and those who have knowledge of the Book.”

Chapter 15

SŪRA 14 [IBRAHIM] 52

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Alīf Lām Rā. A Book which We have revealed to you, so that you might lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into the light, by their Lord's permission, to the way of the One Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!

2. (The way) of Allāh to Whom all things in the heavens and earth belong! But alas for the unbelievers, for (their lack of faith will bring them) a terrible penalty!

3. Those who love the life of this world more than the Hereafter, who hinder (men) from God's path and seek something crooked in it: They are astray by a long distance.

4. We did not send a Messenger except (to teach) in the language of his own people, in order to make (things) clear to them. Nay! Allāh leaves straying those whom He pleases and guides whom He pleases, and He is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

5. We sent Moses with our Signs (and the command), “Bring your people out of the depths of darkness into the light, and teach them to remember the Days of Allāh.” Truly there are Signs in this for those who are firmly patient and constant, grateful and appreciative.

6. Remember! Moses said to his people, “Remember God's favor to you when He delivered you from Pharaoh's people: They set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women live: This was a tremendous trial from your Lord.”

7. And remember! Your Lord had it (publicly) declared, “If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) to you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.”

8. And Moses said, “If you show ingratitude, you and all on earth together, yet Allāh is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

9. Has not the story reached you, (O people!), of those who (went) before you? Of the people of Noah, 'Ād, and Thamūd? And of those who (came) after them? None knows them but Allāh. Messengers came to them with clear (Signs); but they put their hands up to their mouths and said, “We deny (the mission) for which you have been sent, and we are really in (disquieting) doubt as to that to which you invite us.”

10. Their Messengers said, “Is there a doubt about Allāh, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? It is He Who invites you so that He may forgive your sins and grant you respite for an appointed Term!” They said, “Ah! You are no more than a human like ourselves! You wish to turn us away from the (gods) our fathers used to worship: Then bring us some clear authority.”

11. Their Messengers said to them, “True, we are human like yourselves, but Allāh grants His grace to such of His servants as He pleases. It is not for us to bring you an authority except as Allāh permits. And let all men of faith put their trust in Allāh.

12. “We have no reason not to put our trust in Allāh. He has truly guided us to the ways we (follow). We shall certainly bear with patience all the harm you may cause us, for those who put their trust (in anyone) should put their trust in Allāh.”

13. And the unbelievers said to their Messengers, “Rest assured we shall drive you out of our land, or you shall return to our religion.” But their Lord inspired them (with this message): “Truly We shall cause the wrongdoers to perish!

14. “And truly We shall cause you to abide in the land, and succeed them. This is for those who fear the time when they stand before My tribunal, those who fear the punishment denounced.”

15. But they sought victory and decision (there and then), and frustration was the lot of every powerful obstinate transgressor.

16. Hell faces such one, and he is given boiling fetid water to drink.

17. He will sip it in gulps, but he will never come close to swallowing it down his throat: Death will come to him from every quarter, yet he will not die, and an unrelenting chastisement will be in store for him.

18. The analogy of those who reject their Lord is that their deeds are as ashes on which the wind blows furiously on a tempestuous Day: They have no power over anything they have earned: that is straying far, far (from the goal).

19. Do you not see that Allāh created the heavens and the earth in truth? If He so wills, He can remove you and put a new creation (in your place).

20. Nor is that any great matter for Allāh.

21. They will all be marshalled together before Allāh: Then the weak ones will say to those who were arrogant, “For us, we only followed you; can you then avail us at all against God's Wrath?” They will reply, “Had we received God's guidance, we would have given it to you: To us it makes no difference (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience: For us there is no way to escape.”

22. And when the matter is decided, Satan will say, “It was Allāh Who gave you a promise of truth: I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you except to call you, but you listened to me: Then do not reproach me, but reproach your own souls. I cannot listen to your cries, nor can you listen to mine. I reject your former act in associating me with Allāh. There must be a grievous penalty for wrongdoers.”

23. But those who believe and do righteous deeds will be admitted to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever, with their Lord's permission: Their greeting there will be: “Peace!”

24. Do you not see how Allāh sets forth a parable? A goodly word is like a goodly tree whose root is firmly fixed and branches (reach) to the heavens;

25. It brings forth its fruit at all times, by its Lord's permission. So Allāh sets forth parables for men so that they may receive admonishment.

26. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree. It is pulled up by the root from the surface of the earth: It has no stability.

27. Allāh will empower those who believe with the word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter: But Allāh will leave to stray those who do wrong: Allāh does what He wills.

28. Have you not considered those who have changed God's favor into blasphemy and caused their people to fall to the house of perdition?

29. Into Hell? They will burn there, an evil place to stay in!

30. And they set up (idols) as equal to Allāh, to mislead (men) from the path! Say: “Enjoy (your brief power)! But truly you are making it straight to Hell!”

31. Speak to My servants who have believed, that they establish regular prayers, and spend (in charity) out of the sustenance We have given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day in which there will be neither mutual bargaining, nor befriending.

32. It is Allāh Who has created the heavens and the earth, and He sends down rain from the skies, and with it brings fruits with which to feed you; it is He Who has made the ships subservient to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command, and He has (also) made the rivers subservient to you.

33. And He has made subservient to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses, and He has (also) made the night and Day subservient to you.

34. And He grants you of all that you ask for. But if you count God's favors, you will never be able to number them: Truly, man is given to injustice and ingratitude.

35. Remember Abraham said, “O my Lord! Make this city one of peace and security, and safeguard me and my sons against worshipping idols.

36. “O my Lord! They have indeed led many among mankind astray: He then who follows my (ways) is of me, and he who disobeys me, but You are indeed oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

37. “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your sacred House; so that, O our Lord, they may establish regular prayer; therefore, fill the hearts of some people with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may offer thanks.

38. “O our Lord! Truly You know what we conceal and what we reveal: For nothing whatsoever is hidden from Allāh, whether on earth or in heavens.

39. “Praise belongs to Allāh Who has granted me Ishmael and Isaac despite old age: For truly my Lord is the Hearer of prayer!

40. “O my Lord! Make me one who establishes regular prayers, and also (raise such) among my offspring, O our Lord! And accept my prayer.

41. “O Lord! Grant (us) Your forgiveness: myself, my parents and (all) believers on the Day when the reckoning is established!”

42. Do not think that Allāh does not heed the deeds of those who do wrong. He merely gives them respite against a Day when eyes will stare fixedly in horror,

43. Running forward, with necks outstretched, heads uplifted, with their gaze turning back to them, and their hearts a (gaping) void.

44. So warn mankind of the Day when the Wrath reaches them. The wrongdoers will then say, “Lord! (Grant) us respite (if only) for a short term: We will answer Your call, and follow the Messengers!” “What?! Were you not wont to swear before that you would suffer no decline?

45. “And did you dwell in the dwellings of those who wronged their own souls? You were clearly shown how We dealt with them, and We put forth many parables for your benefit!”

46. The plots they made were truly mighty, but their plots were (well) within God's sight, even though they were such as would shake mountains!

47. Never think that Allāh will fail His Messengers in His promise, for Allāh is exalted in power, Lord of retribution.

48. One Day the earth will be changed to a different earth, and so will the heavens, and (men) will be marshalled forth, before Allāh, the One, the Supreme;

49. And you will see the sinners that Day chained together in fetters;

50. Their garments of liquid pitch, and their faces covered with fire;

51. (so) that Allāh may re-quite each soul according to what it has earned, and truly Allāh is swift in calling to account.

52. Here is a message for mankind: Let them take warning from it, and let them know that He is (no other than) one Allāh; Let men of understanding take heed.

Chapter 16

SŪRA 15 THE ROCKY TRACT [AL-HIJR] 99

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Alīf Lām Rā. These are the Āyāt of Revelation, of a Qur’ān that makes things clear.

2. Again and again will those who disbelieve wish that they had bowed (to God's will) in Islam.

3. Leave them alone to enjoy (the good things of this life) and to please themselves: Let (false) hope amuse them: Knowledge will soon (undeceive them).

4. We never destroyed a population that had not a term decreed and assigned before-hand.

5. Neither can a nation anticipate its term, nor delay it.

6. They say, “O you to whom the message is being revealed! Truly you are possessed!

7. “Why do you not bring angels to us if you have the truth?”

8. We do not send the angels down except for a just cause: If they came (to the ungodly), behold! They would have no respite!

9. We have, without doubt, sent down the message, and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).

10. We sent Messengers before you among the nations of old:

11. Never a Messenger came to them but they mocked him.

12. Just so do We let it creep into the hearts of the sinners,

13. That they should not believe in the (message); yet the ways of the ancients have passed away.

14. Even if We opened out to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue (all day) ascending through it,

15. They would only say, “Our eyes have been intoxicated: Nay! We have been bewitched by sorcery.”

16. It is We Who have set out the zodiacs in the heavens and made them beautiful to (all) beholders;

17. And We have guarded them from every accursed evil spirit:

18. But any who gains a hearing by stealth is pursued by a blazing Fire, a visible flame.

19. And We have spread the earth out (like a carpet), set firm and immovable mountains on it, and produced in it all kinds of things in due balance.

20. And We have provided means of subsistence in it for you and for those whom you are not to sustain.

21. And there is not a thing but its (inexhaustible sources and) treasures are with Us; but We only send them down in due and ascertainable measures.

22. And We send the fertilizing winds, then cause the rain to fall from the sky, thus providing you with water (in abundance), though you are not the guardians of its stores.

23. And truly, it is We Who grant life and death: It is We Who remain the inheritors (after all passes away).

24. We know those of you who hasten forward and those who lag behind.

25. Assuredly it is your Lord Who will gather them together, for He is Perfect in wisdom and knowledge.

26. We created man from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape;

27. And We had created the jinns before from the fire of a scorching wind.

28. Behold! Your Lord said to the angels, “I am about to create man, from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape;

29. “When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in obeisance to him.”

30. So all the angels prostrated together:

31. Except Iblis; he refused to be among those who prostrated.

32. (Allāh) said, “O Iblis! What is your reason for not being among those who prostrated?”

33. (Iblis) said, “I am not one to prostrate to man whom You created out of sounding clay, from mud molded into shape.”

34. (Allāh) said, “Then get out from here, for you are rejected, accursed.

35. “And the curse shall be on you till the Day of Judgment.”

36. (Iblis) said, “Lord! Then grant me respite till the Day the (dead) are raised.”

37. (Allāh) said, “Respite is granted to you,

38. “Till the Day of the appointed time.”

39. (Iblis) said, “Lord! Because You have put me in the wrong, I will make (wrong) seem fair to them on earth. And I will put them all in the wrong,

40. “Except Your servants among them, the sincere and purified ones (by Your grace).”

41. (Allāh) said, “This (way of My sincere servants) is truly a way that leads straight to Me.

42. “For you shall have no authority over My servants except those who put themselves in the wrong and follow you.

43. And truly Hell is the promised abode for them all!”

44. There are seven gates to it: A (special) class (of sinners is assigned) for each of those gates.

45. The righteous (will be) amid gardens and fountains (of clearflowing water).

46. (Their greeting will be:) “Enter in peace and security.”

47. And We shall remove any lurking sense of injury from their hearts: (They will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on thrones (of dignity).

48. No sense of fatigue shall touch them therein, nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave.

49. Tell My servants that I am indeed the oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful;

50. And that My penalty will be indeed the most grievous penalty.

51. Tell them about Abraham's guests,

52. When they entered into his presence and said, “Peace!” He said, “We are apprehensive of you!”

53. They said, “Have no fear! We grant you glad tidings of a son endowed with wisdom.”

54. He said, “Do you grant me glad tidings now that old age has seized me? Of what, then, is your glad tidings?”

55. They said, “We grant you glad tidings in truth; do not then despair!”

56. He said, “And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except those who go astray?”

57. Abraham said, “What, then, is the business on which you (have come), O messengers (of Allāh)?”

58. They said, “We have been sent to a people (deeply immersed) in sin,

59. “Except the followers of Lot: We are certainly (charged) to save them (from harm), all –

60. “Except his wife who, we have ascertained, will be among those who will lag behind.”

61. At length when the messengers arrived among the followers of Lot,

62. He said, “You appear to be uncommon folk.”

63. They said, “Yes, we have come to you to accomplish that which they doubt

64. “We have brought you what is inevitably due, and assuredly we tell the truth.

65. “Travel by night with your family, when a portion of the night (remains), and bring up the rear: Let no one among you look back but pass on to where you are ordered.”

66. And We made this decree known to him, that the last remnants of those (sinners) would be cut off by the morning.

67. The inhabitants of the city came in (mad) joy (at news of the young men).

68. Lot said, “These are my guests: Do not disgrace me:

69. “But fear Allāh, and do not shame me;”

70. They said, “Did we not forbid you (to speak) for all and sundry?”

71. He said, “My daughters are there (for marriage), if you must act (so).”

72. Truly, by your life (O Prophet), in their wild intoxication, they wandered in distraction, to and fro.

73. But the (mighty) blast overtook them by the morning,

74. And we turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones as hard as baked clay.

75. Behold! (There) are Signs in this for those who understand by tokens.

76. And the (cities were) right on the highway.

77. Behold! (There) is a Sign in this for those who believe!

78. And the Companions of the Wood were also wrongdoers;

79. So we exacted retribution on them. They, too, were on an open highway, plain to see.

80. The Companions of the rocky tract also rejected the Messengers:

81. We sent them Our Signs, but they persisted in turning away therefrom.

82. They hewed their edifices out of the mountains, (feeling themselves) secure.

83. But the (mighty) blast seized them one morning,

84. And all that they did (with such art and care) was of no avail to them!

85. We created the heavens, the earth, and everything between them for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming (when this will be manifest). So overlook (their faults) with gracious forgiveness.

86. For truly it is your Lord Who is the Master-Creator; He knows all things.

87. And We have bestowed upon you the seven oft-repeated (verses) and the Grand Qur’ān.

88. Do not strain your eyes (wistfully) at what We have bestowed on some of them, nor should you grieve over them, but lower your wing (in gentleness) to the believers.

89. And say: “I am indeed one who warns openly and without ambiguity,”

90. (Of such Wrath) as We sent down to those who divided (their Scriptures into arbitrary parts),

91. (Also to those) who have made the Qur’ān into shreds (as they please).

92. Therefore, by your Lord, We will surely call them to account,

93. For all their deeds.

94. Therefore, expound openly what you are commanded, and turn away from those who join false gods with Allāh.

95. For We are sufficient to you against those who scoff,

96. Those who associate another god with Allāh: But they will soon come to know.

97. We do indeed know how your heart is distressed at what they say.

98. But celebrate the praises of your Lord, and be of those who prostrate in adoration.

99. And serve your Lord until the Hour that is certain to come to you.

Chapter 17

SŪRA 16 BEES [AL-NAHL] 128

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. God's command (inevitably) comes (to pass); so, do not seek to hasten it: Glory to Him, and far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him!

2. He sends His angels to those of His servants as He pleases with inspiration of this command: “Warn (mankind) that there is no god but I, so do your duty to Me.”

3. He has created the heavens and the earth for just ends: He is far above having the partners they ascribe to Him!

4. He has created man from a sperm drop, and behold! This same (man) becomes an open disputant!

5. And He has created cattle for you: From them you derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and you eat of their (meat).

6. And you have a sense of pride and beauty in them as you drive them home in the evening, and as you lead them forth to pasture in the morning.

7. And they carry your heavy loads to lands you could not (otherwise) reach except with distressed souls: For your Lord is indeed Most Kind, the Most Merciful:

8. And (He has created) horses, mules, and donkeys for you to ride and use for show, and He has created (other) things of which you have no knowledge.

9. And the way leads straight to Allāh, but there are ways that turn aside: Had Allāh so willed, He would have guided you all.

10. It is He Who sends down rain from the sky: From it you drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation whereby you feed your cattle.

11. With it He produces corn, olives, date-palms, grapes, and every kind of fruit for you: Truly (there) is a Sign in this for those who grant thought.

12. And Allāh has made the night and the day subservient to you, (and) the sun and the moon, and the stars are subject to His command: Truly (there) are Signs in this for men who are wise.

13. And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colors (and qualities): Truly (there) is a Sign in this for men who celebrate the praises of Allāh (in gratitude).

14. . It is He Who has made the sea subservient, that you may eat from it meat that is fresh and tender,

15. . And He has set up mountains standing firm on the earth lest it should shake with you, and rivers and roads so that you may guide yourselves (as you travel);

16. And marks and Sign-posts, and by the stars do men guide themselves.

17. Then is He Who creates like one who does not create? Will you not receive admonishment?

18. If you were to count God's favors, you would never be able to count them at all: For Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful.

19. And Allāh knows what you conceal and what you reveal.

20. Those whom they invoke besides Allāh create nothing and are themselves created.

21. (They are) dead, lifeless: Nor do they know when they will be raised up.

22. Your Allāh is one Allāh: As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, and they are arrogant.

23. Undoubtedly Allāh knows what they conceal and what they reveal: Truly He does not love the arrogant.

24. When it is said to them, “What is it that your Lord has revealed?” they say, “Tales of the ancients!”

25. On the Day of Judgment, let them bear their own burdens in full, and also (something) of the burdens of those without knowledge whom they misled; alas! How grievous the burdens they will bear!

26. Those before them also plotted (against God's way): But Allāh took their structures off their foundations, and the roof fell upon them from above, and the Wrath seized them from directions they did not perceive.

27. Then, on the Day of Judgment, He will cover them with shame and say, “Where are my `partners' about whom you used to dispute (with the godly)?” Those endowed with knowledge will say, “This Day, indeed, are the unbelievers covered with shame and misery,

28. “(Namely,) those whose lives the angels take in a state of wronging their own souls.” Then they would offer submission (with the pretense), “We did no evil (knowingly).” (The angels will reply,) “Nay! But truly Allāh knows all that you did;

29. “So enter the gates of Hell, to dwell therein (forever). Thus the abode of the arrogant is truly evil.”

30. (When) it is said to the righteous, “What is it that your Lord has revealed?” they say, “All that is good.” For those who do good deeds, there is good in this world, and the abode of the Hereafter is even better. And the abode of the righteous is truly excellent,

31. Gardens of eternity which they will enter: Beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers: In them they will have all that they wish; thus does Allāh reward the righteous:

32. Those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), “Peace be to you! Enter the garden because of the good which you did (during your lifetime).”

33. Do the (ungodly) wait until the angels come to them, or your Lord's command comes (for their doom)? Those who went before them acted thus. But Allāh did not wrong them: Nay! They wronged their own souls.

34. But the evil results of their deeds overtook them, and that very (Wrath) at which they had scoffed hemmed them in.

35. The worshippers of false gods say, “Had Allāh so willed, we would not have worshipped anything other than Him, neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have prescribed prohibitions other than His.” So did those who went before them. But what mission do Messengers have other than to preach the clear message?

36. For We assuredly sent a Messenger to every nation (with the command,) “Serve Allāh and eschew evil.” Some people Allāh guided, and on some error became inevitably (established). So travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those who denied (the truth) was.

37. If you are anxious for their guidance, Allāh does not guide those whom He leaves to stray, and there is none to help them.

38. They swear their strongest oaths by Allāh that Allāh will not raise up those who die: Nay! It is but a promise (binding) upon Him in truth, yet people do not realize it.

39. (They must be raised up) so that He may make manifest to them the truth of that about which they differ, and so that the rejecters of truth may realize that they had truly (surrendered to) falsehood.

40. For to anything which We have willed, We merely say the word, “Be,” and it is.

41. To those who leave their homes for God's Cause, having suffered oppression, We will assuredly grant a goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater, if they only realize (it)!

42. (They are) those who persevere in patience and put their trust in their Lord.

43. And the Messengers whom We sent before you were also only men to whom We granted inspiration: If you do not realize this, so ask those who possess the message.

44. (We sent them) with clear Signs and books of dark prophecies, and We have revealed the message to you (also) so that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them, and so that they may grant thought.

45. Then do those who devise evil (plots) feel secure that Allāh will not cause the earth to swallow them up, or that the Wrath will not seize them from directions they little perceive?

46. Or that He may not call them to account in the midst of their going to and fro, without a chance of their frustrating Him?

47. Or that He may not call them to account by a process of slow wastage! for your Lord is truly full of kindness and mercy.

48. Do they not look at God's creation, (even) among (inanimate) things, how their (very) shadows turn round, from the right and the left, prostrating themselves to Allāh in the humblest manner?

49. And all that is in the heavens and on earth renders obeisance to Allāh, whether moving (living) creatures or the angels: For none are arrogant (before their Lord).

50. They all revere their Lord, high above them, and they do all that they are commanded.

51. Allāh has said, “Do not take two gods (for worship): For He is just one Allāh: Then fear Me (and Me alone).”

52. Whatever in the heavens and on earth belongs to Him, and duty is always due to Him: Then will you fear any other than Allāh?

53. And you have no good thing that does not come from Allāh, and moreover, when you are touched by distress, you cry to Him with groans;

54. Yet, when He removes the distress from you, behold! Some of you turn to other gods to join with their Lord,

55. (As if) to show ingratitude for the favors We have bestowed upon them! Then enjoy (your brief day); you will soon know (your folly)!

56. And they (even) assign, to things they do not know, a portion of what We have bestowed for their sustenance! By Allāh, you shall certainly be called to account for your false inventions.

57. And they assign daughters to Allāh! Glory be to Him! And for themselves (sons) they desire!

58. When news is brought to one of them of (of the birth of) a female, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!

59. He hides himself with shame from his people because of the bad news he has received! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! What an evil decision they make!

60. To those who do not believe in the Hereafter, the analogy of evil applies: To Allāh applies the highest analogy: For He is exalted in power, full of wisdom.

61. If Allāh were to punish men for their wrongdoing, He would not leave a single living creature on (earth): But He gives them respite for a stated term: When their term expires, they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a single Hour, just as they would not be able to advance it (a single Hour).

62. They attribute to Allāh what they hate (for themselves), and their tongues assert the falsehood that all good things are for themselves: Without doubt the Fire is (prepared) for them, and they will be the first to be hurled therein!

63. By Allāh, We (also) sent (Our Messengers) to nations before you; but Satan made their own acts seem alluring (to them): He is also their patron today, but they shall have a most grievous penalty.

64. And We revealed the Book to you for the express purpose that you should clarify for them those things in which they differ, and so that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.

65. And Allāh sends down rain from the skies, and with it gives life to the land after its death: Truly (there) is a Sign in this for those who listen.

66. And truly you will (also) find an instructive Sign in cattle. From what is within their bodies, between excretions and blood, We produce, for your drink, milk, pure and agreeable to those who drink it.

67. And from the fruit of the date palm and the vine you get wholesome food and drink: Behold! (There) is also a Sign in this for those who are wise.

68. And your Lord taught the bees to build their cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations;

69. Then eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find the spacious paths of your Lord with skill: From within their bodies, a drink of varying colors issues, in which (there) is healing for men: Truly (there) is a Sign in this for those who ponder.

70. It is Allāh Who creates you and takes your souls at death, and some of you are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known (much): For Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Powerful.

71. Allāh has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others; those favored with more are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so as to be equal in that respect. Then will they deny God's favors?

72. And Allāh has made mates (and companions) of your own nature for you and made sons and daughters and grandchildren out of them for you, and provided of the best sustenance for you: Then will they believe in vain things and be ungrateful to God's favors?

73. And they worship other than Allāh those such as have no power of providing them with anything in the heavens or on earth for sustenance and cannot possibly have such power?

74. Do not invent similitudes to Allāh, for Allāh knows, and you do not.

75. Allāh sets forth the parable (of two men: one) a slave in the service of another; he has no power of any sort, while (the other) a man on whom We have bestowed goodly favors from Us, and he spends (freely) of it, privately and publicly: Are the two equal? (By no means;) Praise belongs to Allāh. But most of them do not understand.

76. Allāh sets forth (another) parable of two men: One of them is dumb, with no power of any sort; he is a wearisome burden to his master; whichever way he directs him, he brings him no good: Is such a man equal to one who commands justice and is on a straight path?

77. The mystery of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh. And the decision of the Hour (of Judgment) is as the twinkling of an eye, or even quicker: For Allāh has power over all things.

78. It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers, when you knew nothing, and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affection (so) that you may grant thanks (to Allāh).

79. Do they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of (the air and) the sky? Nothing holds them up but (the power of) Allāh. Truly (there) are Signs in this for those who believe.

80. It is Allāh Who made your habitations homes of rest and tranquility for you, and made (tents as) dwellings for you out of the skins of animals, which you find so light (and handy) when you travel and when you tarry (in your travels), and out of their wool, and their soft fibers (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich fabrics and articles of convenience, (to serve you) for a time.

81. It is Allāh Who made, out of the things He created, some things to grant you shade; of (some of) the mountains He made for your shelter; He made you garments to protect you from heat, and coats of mail to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus does He complete his favors unto you so that you may bow to His will (in Islam).

82. But if they turn away, your duty is only to preach the clear message.

83. They recognize God's favors; then they deny them, and most of them are ungrateful.

84. One Day We shall raise a witness from all peoples: Then no excuse will be accepted from the unbelievers, nor will they receive any favors.

85. When the wrongdoers (actually) see the penalty, it will in no way then be mitigated, nor will they receive respite.

86. When those who ascribe partners to Allāh see their “partners,” they will say, “Our Lord! These are our `partners' whom we used to invoke besides You!” But they will throw back their word at them (and say), “You are truly liars!”

87. That Day they will (openly) show (their) submission to Allāh, and all their inventions shall abandon them.

88. Those who reject Allāh and hinder (men) from God's path, for them We will add penalty to penalty, because they used to spread mischief.

89. One Day We shall raise from all peoples a witness against them, from among themselves, and We shall bring you as a witness against these (people), and We revealed to you the Book explaining all things, a guide, a mercy, and glad tidings to Muslims.

90. Allāh commands justice, good deeds, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, injustice and rebellion: He instructs you so that you may receive admonishment.

91. Fulfill God's covenant when you have entered into it, and do not break your oaths after you have confirmed them; you have truly made Allāh your surety, for Allāh knows all that you do.

92. And do not be like a woman who breaks the yarn she has spun into untwisted strands after it has become strong. Nor take your oaths to practice deception among yourselves, lest one party should be more numerous than another, for Allāh will test you by this, and on the Day of Judgment He will certainly make clear to you (the truth of) what you disagreed about.

93. If Allāh so willed, He could make you all one people: But He leaves to stray whomsoever He pleases, and He guides whomsoever He pleases: But you shall certainly be called to account for all your deeds.

94. And do not take your oaths, then practice deception among yourselves, with the result that someone's foot may slip after it was firmly planted, and you may have to taste the evil (consequences) of having hindered (people) from God's path, and a mighty Wrath descends upon you.

95. Nor sell God's covenant for a miserable price: For a far better (prize) for you is with Allāh, if you only know.

96. What is with you must vanish: What is with Allāh will endure. And We will certainly bestow rewards on those who patiently persevere, according to the best of their deeds.

97. Whoever does righteous deeds, man or woman, and has faith, truly We will grant him a new life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow their rewards upon them, according to the best of their deeds.

98. When you recite the Qur’ān, seek God's protection against Satan, the rejected one.

99. He has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.

100. His authority is over only those who take him as patron and who join partners with Allāh.

101. When we substitute one Revelation with another, and Allāh knows best what He reveals (in stages), they say, `You are but a forger.” But most of them do not understand.

102. Say: “The Holy Spirit has brought the Revelation from your Lord in truth in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a guide and glad tidings to Muslims.”

103. We know indeed that they say, “It is a man who teaches him.” The tongue of the one to whom they wickedly point is notably foreign, while this is pure and clear Arabic.

104. Allāh will not guide those who do not believe in God's Signs, and a grievous penalty will be theirs.

105. It is those who do not believe in God's Signs that forge falsehood: It is they who lie!

106. Anyone who, after accepting faith in Allāh, utters unbelief, except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in faith, but those who open their breast to unbelief! God's Wrath is upon them and a dreadful penalty will be theirs.

107. This (is so) because they love the life of this world more than the Hereafter, and Allāh will not guide those who reject faith.

108. They are those whose hearts, ears, and eyes Allāh has sealed up, and they take no heed.

109. Without doubt, they will perish in the Hereafter.

110. But truly your Lord, to those who leave their homes after trials and persecution, and who thereafter strive and fight for the faith and patiently persevere, your Lord, after all this, is oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

111. One Day, every soul will come up struggling for itself, and every soul will be recompensed (fully) for all its actions, and none will be dealt with unjustly.

112. Allāh sets forth a parable: A city enjoying security and serenity, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: Yet it was ungrateful for God's favors, so Allāh made it taste of hunger and terror (in extremes, closing in on it) like a garment (from every side) because of the (evil) which (its people) wrought.

113. And a Messenger came to them from among themselves, but they falsely rejected him; so the Wrath seized them even in the midst of their iniquities.

114. So eat of the lawful and good sustenance which Allāh has provided for you, and be grateful for God's favors, if it is He Whom you serve.

115. He has only forbidden you dead meat and blood, and the flesh of swine, and any (food) over which a name of any other than that of Allāh has been invoked. But if one is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits, then Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

116. But do not say, for any false thing that your tongues may put forth!”This is lawful, and this is forbidden,” so as to ascribe false things to Allāh. For those who ascribe false things to Allāh will never prosper.

117. (There) is but a paltry profit (in such falsehood); but they will have a most grievous penalty.

118. We prohibited for the Jews such things as We have mentioned to you before: We did them no wrong, but they were used to doing wrong to their own selves.

119. But truly your Lord, to those who do wrong in ignorance, but who afterwards repent and make amends, your Lord, after all this, is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

120. Abraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allāh (and) true in faith, and he did not join gods with Allāh:

121. He showed his gratitude for God's favors, Who chose him and guided him to a straight way.

122. And We gave him good in this world, and he will be in the ranks of the righteous in the Hereafter.

123. So We have taught you the inspired (message), “Follow the ways of Abraham, the true in faith, and he did not join gods with Allāh.”

124. The Sabbath was only made (strict) to those who disagreed (about its observance); but Allāh will judge between them on the Day of Judgment regarding their differences.

125. Invite (all) to your Lord's way with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and debate with them in ways that are best and most gracious: For your Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance.

126. And if you retaliate, do it in no worse a way than they did to you: But if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.

127. . And be patient, for your patience is but from Allāh; nor grieve over them, and do not feel distressed because of their plots.

128. For Allāh is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good deeds.

Chapter 18

SŪRA 17 CHILDREN OF ISRAEL [BANU ISRA’EEL] 111

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Glory to (Allāh) Who took His servant for a journey by night from the sacred mosque to the farthest mosque whose precincts We blessed so that We might show him some of Our Signs, for He is the One who hears and sees (all things).

2. We gave Moses the Book and made it a guide to the Children of Israel, (commanding,) “Do not take other than Me as Disposer of (your) affairs.”

3. O you who are sprung from those whom We carried (in the ark) with Noah! Truly he was a most grateful devotee.

4. And We gave (clear) warning to the Children of Israel in the Book, that twice they would do mischief on earth and be elated with mighty arrogance (and twice they would be punished)!

5. When the first of the warnings came to pass, We sent Our servants against you, given to terrible warfare: They entered the very inmost parts of your homes, and it was a warning (completely) fulfilled.

6. Then We granted you the return against them: We gave you increase in resources and sons, and made you the more numerous.

7. If you did well, you did well for your own selves; if you did evil, (you did it) against your own selves. So when the second of the warnings came to pass, (We permitted your enemies) to disfigure your faces, and to enter your temple as they had entered it before, and to visit all that fell into their power with destruction.

8. It could be that your Lord may (yet) show mercy unto you; but if you revert (to your sins), We shall revert (to punishing you), and We have made Hell a prison for those who reject (faith).

9. Truly this Qur’ān guides to what is most right (or stable), and gives the glad tidings to the believers who do deeds of righteousness that they shall have a magnificent reward;

10. And to those who do not believe in the Hereafter, (it announces) that We have prepared a (truly) grievous penalty for them.

11. The prayer that man should make for good, he makes for evil, for man is given to hasty (deeds).

12. We have made the night and the day as two (of Our) Signs: The Sign of the night We have obscured, while We made the Sign of the day to enlighten you so that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and so that you may know the number and count of the years: We have explained all things in detail.

13. We have fastened every man's fate on his own neck: On the Day of Judgment We shall bring a scroll out for him, which he will see spread open.

14. (It will be said to him:) “Read your (own) record: On this Day, your soul is sufficient on this Day to make out an account against you.”

15. Whoever receives guidance receives it for his own benefit: Whoever goes astray does so to his own loss: No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another: Nor would We visit any with Our Wrath until We had sent a Messenger (to warn):

16. When We decree to destroy a population, We (first) send Our command-ment to those among them who are given the good things of this life but they transgress therein, so that (in the end) the word is proven true against them, then We destroy them with utter destruction.

17. How many generations have We destroyed since Noah? And your Lord is enough to note and see the sins of His servants.

18. If anyone desires the transitory things (of this life), We readily grant them such things as We please, (and) in the end We provide Hell for them: They will burn therein, disgraced and rejected.

19. Those who desire the (things of) the Hereafter and strive towards them with all due struggle and have faith, they are the ones whose endeavor is acceptable (to Allāh).

20. We bestow your Lord's bounties freely on all: these as well as those; Your Lord's bounties are not confined (to anyone).

21. See how We have bestowed more on some than on others; but truly the Hereafter is greater in rank and gradation and greater in excellence.

22. Do not take another object of worship with Allāh or else you (O man!) should sit in disgrace and destitution.

23. Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age during your lifetime, do not say a word of contempt to them, nor should you repel them, but address them in terms of honor.

24. And, out of kindness, lower the wing of humility for them and say, “Lord! Bestow Your mercy on them even as they cherished me in childhood.”

25. Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts: If you do deeds of righteousness, truly He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence),

26. And render to their kindred their due rights, as (well as) to those in want, and to the wayfarer: But do not squander (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.

27. Truly spendthrifts are brothers of the evil ones, and the evil one is ungrateful to his Lord.

28. And even if you have to turn away from them in pursuit of the mercy which you expect from your Lord, speak a word of kindness to them.

29. Do not (like a stingy person) make your hand tied to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach, so that you become blameworthy and destitute.

30. Truly your Lord provides sustenance in abundance for whomsoever He pleases, and He provides in a just measure, for He knows and regards all His servants.

31. Do not kill your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you: Truly killing them is a great sin.

32. Nor should you come nigh to adultery, for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil one, opening the road (to other evils).

33. Nor should you take away the life which Allāh has made sacred except for a just cause. And if anyone is killed wrongfully, We have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): But do not let him exceed the bounds in the matter of taking life away, for he is helped (by the Law).

34. Do not approach the orphan's property except to improve it until he attains the age of full strength, and fulfill (every) promise, for inquiries will be made regarding (every) promise (on the Day of Reckoning).

35. Grant full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight: that is the most fitting and the most advantageous in the final determination.

36. And do not follow that of which you have no knowledge, for (on the Day of Reckoning) inquiries will be made into every act of hearing or seeing or (feeling in) the heart.

37. Nor should you walk on earth with insolence, for you cannot rend the earth asunder nor reach the mountains in height.

38. The evil of all such things is hateful in the sight of your Lord.

39. These are among the (precepts of) wisdom which your Lord has revealed to you. Do not take another object of worship with Allāh lest you should be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected.

40. Then has your Lord (O pagans!) preferred sons for you and taken daughters among the angels for Himself?! Truly you utter a most dreadful saying!

41. We have explained (things) in various (ways) in this Qur’ān, in order that they may receive admonishment, but it only increases their flight (from the truth)!

42. Say: If there had been (other) gods with Him, as they say! Behold! They would certainly have sought out a way to the Lord of the throne!

43. Glory to Him! He is high above all that they say! Exalted and Great (beyond measure)!

44. The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: Not a thing exists that does not celebrate His praise, but you do not understand how they declare His glory! Truly He is oft-Forbearing, Most Forgiving!

45. When you recite the Qur’ān, We put an invisible veil between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter;

46. And We put coverings over their hearts (and minds) lest they should understand the Qur’ān, and deafness into their ears: When you commemorate your Lord, and Him alone, in the Qur’ān, they turn their backs, fleeing (from the truth).

47. We know best why they listen to you, when they listen to you, and when they meet in private. Behold! The wicked ones say, “You follow none other than a bewitched man!”

48. See what analogies they strike for you: But they have gone astray, and they can never find a way.

49. They say, “What?! When we are reduced to bones and dust, should we really be raised up (to be) a new creation?!”

50. Say: “(Nay! Whether) you be stones or iron,

51. “Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest (to be raised up, yet you will be raised up)!” Then will they say, “Who will cause us to return?” Say: “He Who created you the first time!” Then they will wag their heads towards you and say, “When will that be?” Say, “Maybe it will be quite soon!

52. “It will be on a Day when He will call you, and you will answer (His call) with (words of) His praise, and you will think that you tarried but a little while!”

53. Tell my servants that they should say (only) those things that are best, for Satan sows dissension among them, for Satan is an avowed enemy of man.

54. . It is your Lord Who knows you best: If He pleases, He grants you mercy, or if He pleases, He punishes: We have not sent you to dispose of their affairs for them.

55. And it is your Lord Who knows best all beings that are in the heavens and on earth: We bestowed on certain Prophets more (and different) gifts than on others, and We granted David (the gift of) the Psalms.

56. Say: “Call upon those besides Him whom you fancy: They have neither the power to remove your troubles from you nor to change them.”

57. Those whom they call upon do indeed desire (for themselves) the means of access to their Lord, even those who are nearest: They hope for His mercy and fear His Wrath, for the Wrath of your Lord is something to heed.

58. There is no town that We shall not destroy before the Day of Judgment or punish it with a dreadful penalty: that is written in the (eternal) record.

59. And We refrain from sending the Signs only because the former generations treated them as false: We sent the she-camel to the Thamūd (people) to open their eyes, but they treated her wrongfully: We only send the Signs by way of terror (and warning against evil).

60. Behold! We told you that your Lord encompasses mankind round about: We granted the vision which We showed you only as a trial for men, as also the cursed tree (mentioned) in the Qur’ān: We put terror (and warning) into them, but it only increases their inordinate transgression,

61. Behold! We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam.” They bowed down except Iblis: He said, “Shall I bow down to one whom You created from clay?”

62. He said, “Do you see? This is the one whom You have honored above me! If You will grant me a respite till the Day of Judgment, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway, all but a few!”

63. Allāh said, “Go your way; if any of them follows you, truly Hell will be the recompense of (all of) you, an ample recompense.

64. “Lead to destruction those whom you can among them, with your (seductive) voice; make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry; share with them their wealth and children, and make promises to them.” But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.

65. “As for My servants, you shall have no authority over them.” Your Lord is enough for a Disposer of affairs.

66. Your Lord is He Who makes the ship go smoothly for you through the sea so that you may seek of His bounty, for He is to you Most Merciful.

67. When distress seizes you at sea, those whom you call upon besides Him abandon you! But when He brings you back safely to land, you turn away (from Him)! Man is indeed most ungrateful!

68. Do you then feel secure that He will not cause you to be swallowed up underneath the earth when you are on land, or that He will not send against you a violent tornado (with showers of stones) so that you find no one to carry out your affairs for you?

69. Or do you feel secure that He will not send you back a second time to sea and send against you a heavy gale to drown you because of your ingratitude so that you find no helper in it against Us?

70. We have honored the sons of Adam, provided them with conveyance on land and sea, given them good and pure things for sustenance, and conferred special favors upon them above a great part of Our creation.

71. One Day We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imams. Those who are given their record in their right hand will read it (with pleasure), and they will not be dealt with unjustly in the least.

72. But those who were blind in this world will be blind in the Hereafter, and most people stray from the path.

73. And their purpose was to tempt you away from what We had revealed to you, to substitute in Our name something quite different: (In that case,) behold! They would certainly have made you (their) friend!

74. And had We not given you strength, you would almost have inclined to them a little.

75. In that case We would have made you taste an equal portion (of punishment) in this life, and an equal portion in death, and, moreover, you would have found none to help you against Us!

76. Their purpose was to scare you off the land in order to expel you; but in that case they would not have stayed (in it) after you except for a little while.

77. (This was Our) way with the Messengers We sent before you: You will find no change in Our ways.

78. . Establish regular prayers at the sun's decline till the darkness of the night, and the morning prayer and (Qur’ānic) recitation, for the prayer and recitation in the morning carry their testimony.

79. And pray in the wee hours of the morning: (It would be) an additional prayer (or spiritual good) for you: Your Lord will soon raise you to a station of praise and glory!

80. Say: “O Lord! Let my entry be by the gate of truth and honor, and likewise my exit by the gate of truth and honor, and grant me an authority from Your presence to aid me."

81. And say: “Truth has (now) arrived, and falsehood perished, for falsehood is bound to perish (by its very nature).”

82. We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur’ān that in which there is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: To the unjust ones it causes nothing but loss after loss.

83. Yet when We bestow our favors upon man, He turns away and becomes remote on his side (instead of coming to Us), and when evil seizes him, he gives up to despair!

84. Say: “Everyone acts according to his own disposition: But your Lord knows best who it is that is best guided on the way.”

85. They ask you concerning the spirit (of inspiration) Say: “The spirit (comes) by the command of my Lord: Only a little knowledge is communicated to you, (O man!)”

86. If it were Our will, We could take away what We have sent you by inspiration: Then you would find none to plead your affair in that matter as against Us,

87. Except for mercy from your Lord, for His bounty to you is (truly) great.

88. Say: “If all mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’ān, they would not be able to produce the like of it, even if they backed each other up with help and support.”

89. And We have explained to man, in this Qur’ān, every kind of analogy, yet most men refuse (to receive it) except with ingratitude!

90. They say, “We shall not believe in you until you cause a spring to gush forth for us from the earth,

91. “Or (until) you have a garden of date trees and vines, and cause rivers to gush forth in their midst, carrying abundant water;

92. “Or (until) you cause the sky to fall in pieces, as you say (will happen) against us; or you bring Allāh and the angels before (us) face to face;

93. “Or you have a house adorned with gold, or you mount a ladder right into the skies. No, we shall not even believe in your mounting until you send down to us a Book that we can read.” Say: “Glory to my Lord! Am I anything but a man, a Messenger?”

94. What kept men back from belief when guidance came to them was nothing but this: They said, “Has Allāh sent a man like us to be (His) Messenger?”

95. Say, “Were angels settled on earth, walking about in peace and quiet, We would certainly have sent them down from the heavens an angel as a Messenger.”

96. Say: “Allāh is enough for a Witness between me and you, for He is well acquainted with His servants, and He sees (all things).”

97. Whoever Allāh guides is on true guidance; but whoever He leaves to stray, you will find no protector for them besides Him. On the Day of Judgment We shall gather them together, prone on their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf: Their abode will be Hell: Every time it shows abatement, We shall increase the fierceness of the Fire for them.

98. That is their recompense because they rejected Our Signs and said, “When we are reduced to bones and broken dust, should we really be raised up (to) a new creation?”

99. Do they not see that Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth, has power to create the like of them (anew)? Only He has decreed an appointed term of which there is no doubt: But the unjust ones refuse (to receive it) except with ingratitude.

100. Say: “If you had control of the treasures of the mercy of my Lord, behold! You would keep them back for fear of spending them, for man is (always) stingy!”

101. We gave nine clear Signs to Moses: Ask the Children of Israel: When he came to them, Pharaoh said to him, “O Moses! I truly consider you to have been worked upon by sorcery!”

102. Moses said, `You know well that these things have been sent down by none except the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye opening evidence, and I truly consider you, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!”

103. So he resolved to remove them from the face of the earth: But We drowned him and all who were with him.

104. And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, “Dwell securely in the land (of promise).” But when the second of the warnings came to pass, We gathered you together in a mingled crowd.

105. We sent down the (Qur’ān) in truth, and it has descended in truth, and We sent you but to give glad tidings and to warn (sinners).

106. (It is) a Qur’ān which We have divided (into parts), in order that you might recite it to men at intervals: We have revealed it by stages.

107. Say: “Whether you believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration.”

108. And say: “Glory to our Lord! Truly our Lord's promise has been fulfilled!”

109. They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their (earnest) humility.

110. Say: “Call upon Allāh, or call upon the Rahman: By whatever name you call upon Him, (it is well:) For the Most beautiful names belong to Him. Do not say your prayer loudly, nor say it in a very low tone, but seek a middle course between.”

111. . Say: “Praise belongs to Allāh, Who begets no son and has no partner in (His) dominion: Nor (needs) He any to protect Him from humiliation: Yes, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!”

Chapter 19

SŪRA 18 THE CAVE [AL-KAHF] 110

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. (All) Praise belongs to Allāh Who has sent the Book to His servant, and has allowed no crookedness therein:

2. (He has made it) straight (and clear) so that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible punishment from Him, and that He may give glad tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they shall have a goodly reward,

3. In which they shall remain forever:

4. Further, that He may (also) warn those who say, “Allāh has begotten a son.”

5. They have no knowledge of such a thing, nor had their fathers. It is a grievous thing that their mouths articulate. What they say is nothing but falsehood!

6. You would only, perhaps, fret yourself to death, following after them, in grief, if they do not believe in this message.

7. We have made what is on earth but as a glittering show for the earth so that We may test them as to which of them are best in conduct.

8. Truly, We shall make what is on earth but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage).

9. Or do you reflect that the companions of the cave and of the inscription were wonders among Our Signs?

10. Behold! The youths went to the cave: They said, “Our Lord! Bestow mercy from Yourself on us, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way!”

11. Then We drew (a veil) over their ears for a number of years in the cave, (so that they did not hear:)

12. Then We raised them again in order to test which of the two parties was best in calculating the term of years they had tarried!

13. We relate their story to you in truth: They were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance:

14. We gave strength to their hearts: Behold! They stood up and said, “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth: We shall never call upon any god other than Him: If we did, we would indeed have uttered an enormity!

15. “These our people have taken to worshipping gods other than Him: Why do they not bring forward a clear (and convincing) authority for what they do? Who does more wrong than those who invent a falsehood against Allāh?

16. “When you turn away from them and the things they worship other than Allāh, go to the cave: Your Lord will shower His mercy on you and bring your affair towards comfort and ease.”

17. You would have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their cave, and when it set, leave them behind to the left, while they lay in the open space in the midst of the cave. These are among God's Signs. He whom Allāh guides is on right guidance; but he whom Allāh leaves to stray, you will find no protector for him, (no one) to lead him to the right way.

18. You would have deemed them awake, while they were asleep, and We turned them on their left sides, their dog stretching forth his two forelegs on the threshold: If you had come upon them, you would have certainly run from them and would certainly have been filled with terror.

19. Such (being their state), We raised them up (from sleep) so that they might question each other. One of them said, “How long have you stayed (here)?” They said, “We have stayed (perhaps) a day, or part of a Day.” (At length) they (all) said, “Allāh (alone) knows best how long you have stayed here… Now send one of you to the town with this money of yours: Let him find out which is the best food (to be obtained) and bring some to you so that (you may) satisfy your hunger thereby, and let him be careful and courteous, and do not let him tell anyone about you.

20. “For if they should come upon you, they would stone you or force you to return to their cult, and in that case you would never attain prosperity.”

21. Thus We made their case known to people so that they might know that God's Promise is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour of Judgment. Behold; they dispute among themselves as to their affair. (Some) said, “Construct a building over them.” Their Lord knows best about them: Those who prevailed over their affair said, “Let us surely build a place of worship over them.”

22. (Some) say they were three, and the dog was the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog the sixth, doubtfully guessing the unknown; (yet others) say they were seven and the dog being the eighth. Say: “My Lord best knows their number; only a few know their (real number).” Therefore, do not enter into controversies concerning them, except on clear matters, nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers.

23. Nor say of anything, “I shall certainly do so and so tomorrow.”

24. Without adding, “If so pleases Allāh!” And call your Lord to mind when you forget and say, “I hope that my Lord will guide me ever closer, (even) than this, to the right course.”

25. So they stayed in their cave three hundred years, and (some) add nine (more).

26. Say: “Allāh knows best how long they stayed: (The knowledge of) the secrets of the heavens and the earth is with Him: How clearly He sees, how finely He hears (everything)! They have no protector other than Him; nor does He share His command with anyone whatsoever.

27. And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord; none can change His words, and you will find no refuge other than Him.

28. And keep your soul content with those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His face, and do not let your eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this life; nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect our remembrance, one who follows his own desires and whose case has gone beyond all bounds.

29. Say, “The truth is from your Lord.” Let him who will believe, and let him who will reject (it): We have prepared for the wrongdoers a Fire whose (smoke and flames are) like the wall and roof of a tent to hem them in: If they implore relief, they will be granted water like molten brass that will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink! What a horrible couch to recline upon!

30. As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, truly We shall not suffer the reward of any who do a (single) righteous deed to perish.

31. (There) will be gardens of eternity for them with rivers flowing beneath; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade; they will recline there on raised thrones. How good the recompense! What a beautiful couch to recline upon!

32. Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grapevines and surrounded them with date-palms; in between the two We placed corn-fields.

33. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and did not fail in the slightest in this: Between them We caused a river to flow.

34. The produce this man had was (abundant). He said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument, “I have more wealth than you, and more honor and power in (my following of) men.”

35. He went into his garden in a state (of mind) unjust to his soul. He said, “I do not believe that this will ever perish,

36. “Nor do I believe that the Hour (of Judgment) will (ever) come. Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find (there) something better in exchange.”

37. His companion said to him, arguing, “Do you deny Him Who created you out of dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned you into a man?

38. “But for my part, (I think) that He is Allāh, my Lord, and I shall associate none with my Lord.

39. “As you went into your garden, why did you not say, `God's will (be done)! There is no power but with Allāh?!' If you see me less than you in wealth and sons,

40. “It may be that my Lord will grant me something better than your garden, and that He will send thunderbolts from heavens on your garden (by way of reckoning), making it (but) slippery sand!

41. “Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that you will never be able to find it.”

42. So his fruits (and enjoyment) were rounded up (with ruin), and he kept wringing his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had (now) crumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say, “Woe is me! If only I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher!”

43. Nor did he have anyone to help him against Allāh, nor was he able to deliver himself.

44. There, the (only) protection comes from Allāh, the True One. He is the best to reward, and the best to grant success.

45. Tell them the analogy of the life of this world. It is like the rain which We send down from the skies: The earth's vegetation absorbs it, soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds scatter. Allāh (alone) prevails over all things.

46. Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world. But the things that endure, the good deeds, are best as rewards and (the basis for) hopes in your Lord's sight.

47. One Day We shall remove the mountains, and you will see the earth as a level stretch, and We shall gather them all together, nor shall We leave out any one of them.

48. And they will be marshalled before your Lord in ranks, (with the announcement,) “Now you have come to Us (bare) as We first created you. Yes, you thought We would not fulfill the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!”

49. And the book (of deeds) will be placed (before you), and you will see the sinners in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “Ah! Woe unto us! What a book this is! It leaves out nothing small or great but takes account of it!” They will find all that they did, placed before them, and your Lord will not treat a single one of them with injustice.

50. Behold! We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam.” They bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the jinns, and he broke his Lord's command. Will you then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! The exchange would be evil for the wrongdoers!

51. I did not call them to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor (even) their own creation, nor is it for Me to take leaders (of men) as helpers!

52. One Day He will say, “Call upon those whom you thought were My partners,” and they will call upon them, but they will not listen to them, and We shall make a place of common perdition for them.

53. And the sinners shall see the Fire and apprehend that they all must enter it; they will find no means to turn away from it.

54. We have explained in detail in this Qur’ān, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of analogy, but man is contentious in most things.

55. And what is there to keep men back from believing, now that guidance has come to them, nor from praying for forgiveness from their Lord, but that (they ask that) the ways of the ancients be repeated with them, or the Wrath be brought to them face to face?

56. We only send the Messengers to give glad tidings and to grant warnings, but the unbelievers dispute with vain argument in order to weaken the truth with this, and they treat My Signs, as well as the fact that they are warned, as jests!

57. And who does more wrong than one who is reminded of his Lord's Signs but turns away from them, forgetting the (deeds) his hands have sent forth? We have truly set veils over their hearts lest they should understand this, and deafness over their ears. If you call them to guidance, even then they will never accept guidance.

58. But your Lord is Most Forgiving, full of mercy. If He were to call them (at once) to account for what they have earned, then surely He would have hastened their punishment, but they have their appointed time beyond which they will find no refuge.

59. Such were the populations We destroyed when they committed iniquities but We fixed an appointed time for their destruction.

60. behold, Moses said to his attendant, “I will not grant up until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travel.”

61. But, having reached the junction, they forgot (about) their fish, which took its course (straight) through the sea as in a tunnel.

62. Having passed for (a distance), Moses said to his attendant, “Bring us our early meal; we have truly suffered much fatigue at this (stage of) our journey.”

63. He replied, “Did you see (what happened) when we went to the rock? I did indeed forget (about) the fish; none but Satan made me forget to tell (you) about it: It took its course through the sea in a marvelous way!”

64. Moses said, “That was what we were seeking.” So they retraced their steps, following (the path they had come).

65. And they found one of Our servants, on whom We had bestowed mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our Own presence.

66. Moses said to him, “May I follow you if you teach me something of the (higher) truth which you have been taught?”

67. (The other) said, “Truly, you will not be able to have patience with me!

68. “And how can you have patience about things you do not completely understand?”

69. Moses said, “If Allāh so wills, you will find me (truly) patient: Nor shall I disobey you in anything.

70. The other said, “Then if you want to follow me, ask me no question about anything until I myself speak to you concerning it.”

71. So they both proceeded: Until, when they were in the boat, he scuttled it. Moses said, “Did you scuttle it in order to drown those in it? You have done a truly strange thing!”

72. He answered, “Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?”

73. Moses said, “Do not rebuke me for forgetting, nor grieve me by raising difficulties in my case.”

74. Then they proceeded: Until, when they met a young man, he slew him. Moses said, “Did you kill an innocent person who had killed no one? You have done a truly foul (unheard of) thing!”

75. He answered, “Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?”

76. (Moses) said, “If I ever ask you about anything after this, do not keep me in your company: Then you would have received (full) excuse from my side.”

77. Then they proceeded: Until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling down, but he set it up straight. (Moses) said, “If you had wished, surely you could have exacted some recompense for it!”

78. He answered, “This is the parting between me and you: Now I will tell you the interpretation of (those things) over which you were unable to remain patient.

79. “As for the boat, it belonged to certain men in dire want: They sailed on the water: I only wished to render it unserviceable because a certain king, who seized every boat by force, was after them.

80. “As for the youth, his parents were people of faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to Allāh) and (man).

81. “So we desired that their Lord would grant them in exchange (a son) purer (in conduct) and closer in affection.

82. “As for the wall, it belonged to two youths, orphans, in the town; there was a buried treasure beneath it, to which they were entitled; their father had been a righteous man, so your Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and uncover their treasure, a mercy (and favor) from your Lord. I did not do it of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those things) over which you were unable to keep patient.”

83. They ask you concerning DhulQarnain (Double-Horns). Say, “I will recite to you something of his story.”

84. Truly We established his power on earth, and We granted him the ways and the means to all ends.

85. One (such) way he followed,

86. Until, when he reached the setting of the sun, he found it set in a spring of murky water: He found a people near it: We said, “O Dhul-Qarnain (Double-Horns)! (You have authority,) either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness.”

87. . He said, “Whoever does wrong, we shall punish him; then he shall be sent back to his Lord, and He (too) will punish him with a punishment unheard of (before).

88. “But whoever believes, and does righteous deeds! He shall have a goodly reward, and his task will be easy as We order it by Our command.”

89. Then he followed (another) way.

90. Until, when he came to the rising of the sun, he found it rising on a people for whom We had provided no protection against the sun.

91. (He left them) as they were: We had a full knowledge, beforehand, of what he had.

92. Then he followed (another) way,

93. Until, when he reached (a tract) between two mountains, he found on their sides a people who scarcely understood a word.

94. They said, “O Dhul-Qarnain! The Gog and Magog (people) commit great mischief on earth: Shall we then render you tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?”

95. He said, “(The power) in which my Lord has established me is better (than tribute): Therefore help me with strength (and labor): I will erect a strong barrier between you and them:

96. “(So) bring me blocks of iron.” At length, having filled up the space between the two steep mountain sides, he said, “Blow (with your bellows).” Then, having made it (red) as fire, he said, “Bring me molten lead so that I may pour over it.”

97. Thus they were made powerless to scale it or to dig through it.

98. He said, “This is a mercy from my Lord: But when my Lord's promise comes to pass, He will make it into dust, and my Lord's promise is true.”

99. On that Day, We shall leave them surge like waves on top of one another: The trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together.

100. And on that Day, We shall present Hell, all spread out, for the unbelievers to see,

101. (The unbelievers) whose eyes had been under a veil from remembering Me, and who had been unable even to hear.

102. Do the unbelievers think that they can take My servants as protectors besides Me? Truly We have prepared Hell for the unbelievers for (their) entertainment.

103. Say: “Shall we tell you of those who lose most in respect of their deeds?

104. “Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life, while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds?”

105. They are those who deny their Lord's Signs and the fact of their having to meet Him (in the Hereafter): Their deeds will be in vain, nor shall We grant them any weight on the Day of Judgment.

106. That is their reward: Hell, because they rejected faith and took My Signs and My messengers by way of jest.

107. As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the gardens of Paradise,

108. In which they shall dwell (forever): They will lack nothing therein.

109. Say: “If the ocean were ink (with which to write out) my Lord's words, the ocean would be exhausted before my Lord's words even if We added another ocean like it, for its aid.”

110. Say: “I am but a man like your own selves, (but) the inspiration has come to me that your Allāh is One Allāh: Whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him do righteous deeds, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as (His) partner.”

Chapter 20

SŪRA 19 MARY [MARYAM] 98

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Kāf Hā Yā 'Ain ¯ād.

2. (This is) a recital of your Lord's mercy to His servant Zakariya.

3. Behold! He cried to his Lord in secret,

4. Praying, “O Lord! My bones are infirm, and the hair on my head glistens with gray: But I am never unblessed, O Lord, in my prayers to You!

5. “Now I fear (for what) my relatives (and colleagues will do) after me: But my wife is barren, so grant me an heir as from Yourself,

6. “(One who) will (truly) inherit me and inherit the posterity of Jacob, and make him, O Lord, one with whom You are well pleased!”

7. (His prayer was answered:) “O Zakariya (Zacharias)! We grant you glad tidings of a son: His name shall be Yahya (John the Baptist): We have never conferred distinction on any by that name before.”

8. He said, “O Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?”

9. He said, “So (it will be): your Lord says, `That is easy for Me: I did indeed create you before, when you were nothing!”'

10. (Zacharias) said, “O Lord! Grant me a Sign.” “Your Sign,” was the answer, “shall be that you will speak to no man for three nights, although you are not mute.”

11. So Zakariya came out to his people from his chamber: He told them by signs to celebrate God's praises in the morning and in the evening.

12. (To his son came the command:) “O Yahya! Take hold of the Book firmly.” And We gave him wisdom even as a youth,

13. And pity (for all creatures) as from us, and purity: He was devout,

14. And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious.

15. So peace with him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up to life (again)!

16. Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the east.

17. She placed a screen (to shelter herself) from them: Then We sent Our ruh to her, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.

18. She said, “I seek refuge from you in (Allāh) Most Gracious: (Do not come near) if you fear Allāh.”

19. He said, “No, I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a holy son.”

20. She said, “How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?”

21. He said, “So (it shall be): Your Lord says, `That is easy for Me, and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign to men and a mercy from Us.' It is a matter (so) decreed.”

22. So she conceived him, and she retired to a remote place.

23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palmtree: She cried (in her anguish), “Ah! Would that I had died before this! Would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!”

24. But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): “Do not grieve! Your Lord has provided a brook beneath you;

25. “And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you; it will let fresh ripe dates fall upon you.

26. “So eat and drink and cool (your) eyes. And if you see any man, say, `I have vowed a fast to (Allāh) Most Gracious, so this day I will not converse with any human being.”'

27. At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said, “O Mary! You have brought a truly amazing thing!

28. “O sister of Aaron! Your father was not a man of evil, nor your mother an unchaste woman!”

29. But she pointed to the babe. They said, “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?”

30. He said, “I am indeed a servant of Allāh: He has given me Revelation and made me a Prophet;

31. “And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and has enjoined prayer and charity on me as long as I live;

32. “(He) has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable;

33. “So peace is on me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I shall be raised up to life (again)!”

34. Such (was) Jesus, the son of Mary: (It is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.

35. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allāh that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.

36. Truly, Allāh is my Lord and your Lord: Therefore serve Him: This is a way that is straight.

37. But the sects differed among themselves, and woe unto the unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of a momentous Day!

38. How plainly will they see and hear, (on) the Day that they will appear before Us! But the unjust today are in manifest error!

39. But warn them of the Day of distress, when the matter will be determined, for they are negligent, and they do not believe!

40. It is We Who will inherit the earth and all beings on it: They will all be returned to Us.

41. Also mention in the Book (the story of) Abraham: He was a man of truth, a Prophet.

42. . Behold! He said to his father, “O father! Why worship that which neither hears nor sees, and can benefit you nothing?

43. “O father! Knowledge has come to me which has not reached you, so follow me: I will guide you to a way that is even and straight.

44. “O father! Do not serve Satan, for Satan is a rebel against (Allāh) Most Gracious.

45. “O father! I fear lest a penalty should afflict you from (Allāh) Most Gracious, so that you become a friend to Satan.”

46. (The father) replied, “Do you hate my gods, O Abraham? If you do not forbear, I will really stone you: Now get away from me for a long while!”

47. Abraham said, “Peace be on you: I will pray to my Lord for your forgiveness, for He is Most Gracious to me.

48. “And I will turn away from (all of) you and from those whom you invoke besides Allāh: I will call upon my Lord: Perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall not be unblessed.”

49. When he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allāh, We bestowed Isaac and Jacob upon him, and We made each one of them a Prophet.

50. And We bestowed of Our mercy on them, and We granted them a lofty honor on the tongue of truth.

51. Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses, for he was specially chosen, and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.

52. And We called him from the right side of Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to Us, for mystic (discourse).

53. And, out of Our mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a Prophet.

54. Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ishmael: He was (strictly) true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.

55. He used to enjoin prayer and charity on his people, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.

56. Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a Prophet:

57. And We raised him to a lofty station.

58. Those were some of the prophets on whom Allāh bestowed His grace from among the posterity of Adam and of those whom We carried (in the ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel, of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allāh) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down prostrating in adoration, tearful.

59. But after them, there followed a posterity who forgot prayer and followed their own lust: They will soon face destruction,

60. Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds, for these will enter the garden and will not be wronged in the least:

61. Gardens of eternity, those which (Allāh) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the unseen, for His promise must come to pass.

62. There they will not hear any vain discourse but only salutations of peace, and there they will have their sustenance, morning and evening.

63. Such is the garden which We grant as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard (themselves) against evil.

64. (The angels say,) “We descend only by your Lord's command: What is before us, and what is behind us, and what is between belongs to Him, and your Lord never forgets,

65. “Lord of the heavens and the earth, and of all that is between them, so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship: Do you know of any who is worthy of the same name as He?”

66. Man says, “What?! When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?”

67. But does not man remember that We created him before out of nothing?

68. So, by your Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and the evil ones too; then We shall bring them forth on their knees round about Hell;

69. . Then We shall certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allāh) Most Gracious.

70. And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein.

71. Every one of you will pass over it: This, with your Lord, is a decree which must be carried out.

72. But We shall save those who guarded (themselves) against evil, and We shall leave the wrongdoers in it, (humbled) to their knees.

73. When Our clear Signs are recited to them, the unbelievers say to those who believe, “Which of the two sides is best in position? Which makes the best show in council?”

74. But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed, who were even better in equipment and in glitter to the eye?

75. Say: “If any men go astray, (Allāh) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see God's warning (being fulfilled, either in punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour, they will at length realize who is in the worst position, and (who is the) weakest in strength!

76. “And Allāh advances in guidance those who seek guidance, and the things that endure, the good deeds, are best as rewards in your Lord's sight and best in respect of (their) eventual returns.”

77. Have you then seen the (sort of) man who rejects Our Signs yet says, “I shall certainly be given wealth and children”?

78. Has he penetrated the unseen, or has he taken a contract with (Allāh) Most Gracious?

79. Nay! We shall record what he says, and We shall add and add to his punishment.

80. All that he speaks of shall return to Us, and he shall appear before Us bare and alone.

81. And they have taken (for worship) gods other than Allāh, to grant them power and glory!

82. Instead, they shall reject their worship and become adversaries.

83. Do you not see that We have set the evil ones against the unbelievers to incite them with fury?

84. So make no haste against them, for We only count out to them a (limited) number (of days).

85. The Day We shall gather the righteous to (Allāh) Most Gracious, like a band presented before a king for honors,

86. And We shall drive the sinners into Hell, like thirsty cattle driven to water:

87. None shall have the power of intercession except those who have received permission (or promise) from (Allāh) Most Gracious.

88. They say, “(Allāh) Most Gracious has begotten a son!”

89. You have truly put forth a most monstrous thing!

90. At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin,

91. That they should invoke a son for (Allāh) Most Gracious.

92. For it is not fitting with the majesty of (Allāh) Most Gracious that He should beget a son.

93. Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allāh) Most Gracious as a servant.

94. He takes an account of them (all) and has numbered them (all) exactly.

95. And on the Day of Judgment every one of them will come before Him all alone.

96. (Allāh) Most Gracious will bestow love on those who believe and do deeds of righteousness.

97. So We have made the (Qur’ān) easy in your own tongue, that with it you may yet give glad tidings to the righteous and warnings to people given to contention.

98. But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed? Can you find a single one of them (now) or hear (so much as) a whisper of theirs?

Chapter 21

SŪRA 20 TA HA 135

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Tā Hā.

2. We have not sent down the Qur’ān to you to be (an occasion) for your distress,

3. But only as an admonition to those who fear (Allāh),

4. A Revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.

5. (Allāh) Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne (of authority).

6. To Him belong what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil.

7. If you pronounce the word aloud, (it is no matter:) For He truly knows what is secret and what is yet more hidden.

8. Allāh! There is no god but He! The most beautiful names belong to Him.

9. Has the story of Moses reached you?

10. Behold! He saw a fire, so he said to his family, “Wait here: I perceive a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand from it or find some guidance at the fire.”

11. But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: “O Moses!

12. “Truly I am your Lord! Therefore take off your shoes (in My presence): You are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.

13. “I have chosen you: Listen, then, to the inspiration (sent to you).

14. “Truly, I am Allāh: There is no god but Me, so serve Me (alone), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.

15. “Truly the Hour is coming! My design is to keep it hidden, forevery soul to receive its reward according to the measure of its endeavor.

16. “Therefore do not let those who do not believe in it but follow their own lust divert you from it lest you should perish!”

17. “And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?”

18. He said, “It is my rod: I lean on it: With it I beat down fodder for my flocks, and in it I find other uses.”

19. (Allāh) said, “Throw it, O Moses!”

20. He threw it, and behold! It was a snake, active in motion.

21. (Allāh) said, “Seize it, and do not fear: We shall return it at once to its former condition…

22. “Now draw your hand close to your side: It shall come forth white (and shining), without a blemish, as another Sign,

23. “In order that We may show you (two) of Our greater Signs.

24. “Go to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds.”

25. (Moses) said, “O Lord! Expand my breast for me;

26. “Ease my task for me;

27. “And remove the impediment from my speech,

28. “So they may understand what I say:

29. “And grant me a minister from my family,

30. “Aaron, my brother;

31. “Add to my strength through him,

32. “And make him share my task:

33. “So that we may celebrate Your praise without stint

34. “And remember You without stint:

35. “For You are He Who (ever) regards us.”

36. (Allāh) said, “Your prayer is granted, O Moses!”

37. “And we truly conferred a favor on you another time (before).

38. “Behold! We sent, by inspiration, the message to your mother:

39. “`Place (the child) in the chest, and toss (the chest) into the river: The river will cast him up on the bank and he will be taken up by one who is an enemy to Me and an enemy to him': But I cast (the garment of) love over you from Me, and (this) in order that you may be reared under Mine eye.

40. “Behold! Your sister went forth and said, `Shall I lead you to one who will nurse and rear the (child)?' Thus did We bring you back to your mother, so that her eyes might be cooled and she would not grieve. Then you killed a man, but We saved you from trouble, and We tried you in various ways. Then you stayed a number of years with the people of Madyan. Then you came hither as ordained, O Moses!

41. “And I have prepared you for Myself (for service)…

42. “Go, you and your brother, with My Signs, and do not slacken, either of you, in keeping Me in remembrance.

43. “Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds;

44. “Speak mildly to him; perhaps he may take warning or fear (Allāh).”

45. Then (Moses and Aaron) said, “Our Lord! We fear lest he should hasten with insolence against us, or lest he should transgress all bounds.”

46. He (Allāh) said, “Do not you both be afraid; I am with you, hearing and seeing.”

47. “So both of you go to him, and say, `Truly we are Messengers sent by your Lord: Send forth, therefore, the Children of Israel with us, and do not afflict them: We have indeed come with a Sign from your Lord! And peace to all who follow guidance!

48. “`It has truly been revealed to us that the penalty (awaits) those who reject and turn away.”'

49. When this message was (delivered), (Pharaoh) said, “Who, then, O Moses, is the Lord of you two?”

50. He said, “Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created) thing its form and nature, and further, gave (it) guidance.”

51. (Pharaoh) said, “What then is the condition of previous generations?”

52. He replied, “The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: My Lord never errs, nor forgets:

53. “He Who has made the earth for you, spread out like a carpet; (Who) has enabled you to go about on it by roads (and channels), and has sent down water from the sky.” With it We have produced various pairs of plants each separate from the others.

54. Eat and feed your cattle: Truly (there) are Signs in this for men endowed with under-standing.

55. We created you from the (earth), and We shall return you into it, and We shall raise you from it again.

56. And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he rejected and refused.

57. He said, “Have you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Moses?

58. “But we can surely produce magic to match yours! So make an appointment between us and you, which we shall not fail to keep, neither we nor you, in a place where both shall have even chances.”

59. Moses said, “Your appointment is the day of the festival, and let the people be assembled when the sun is well up.”

60. So Pharaoh withdrew: He concerted his plan, and then came (back).

61. Moses said to him, “Woe unto you! Do not forge a lie against Allāh, lest He should destroy you (at once) utterly by chastisement: The forger must suffer frustration!”

62. So they disputed, one with another, over their affair, but they kept their talk secret.

63. They said, “These two are certainly (expert) magicians: Their object is to drive you out of your land with their magic, and to do away with your most cherished institutions.

64. “Therefore concert your plan, and then assemble in ranks: He wins (all along) today who gains the upper hand.”

65. They said, “O Moses! Do you want to throw (first) or shall we be the first to throw?”

66. He said, “Nay! You throw first!” Then, lo, their ropes and staffs, so it seemed to him on account of their magic, began to be in a lively motion!

67. So Moses conceived a (sort of) fear in his mind.

68. We said, “Do not fear! For you truly have the upper hand:

69. “Throw what is in your right hand: It will quickly swallow up what they have faked. What they have faked is but a magician's trick, and the magician does not thrive (no matter) where he goes.”

70. So the magicians were thrown down to prostration: They said, “We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.”

71. (Pharaoh) said, “Do you believe in Him before I grant you permission? Surely this must be your leader who has taught you magic! Be assured I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palm-trees, so you shall know for certain, which of us can grant the more severe and the more lasting punishment!”

72. They said, “We shall never regard you as greater than the clear Signs that have come to us, or than Him Who created us! So decree whatever you want to decree, for you can only decree (about) the life of this world

73. "For us, we believe in Our Lord: May He forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you compelled us, for Allāh is best and Most Abiding.”

74. Truly he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at Judgment)! Hell is for him: He shall neither die nor live therein.

75. But those who come to Him as believers who have done righteous deeds, exalted ranks are for them,

76. Gardens of eternity beneath which rivers flow: They will dwell in them forever: Such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil).

77. We sent an inspiration to Moses, “Travel by night with My servants, and strike a dry path for them through the sea, without fear of being overtaken (by Pharaoh), and without (any other) fear.”

78. Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but the waters completely overwhelmed them and covered them up.

79. Pharaoh led his people astray instead of leading them aright.

80. vered you from your enemy, and We made a covenant with you on the side of Mount (Sinai), and We sent down manna and quails to you:

81. (Saying,) “Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess with them, lest My Wrath should justly descend on you, and those on whom My Wrath descends do truly perish!

82. “But, without doubt, I am (also) He that forgives, again and again, those who repent, believe, and do right, who are ready to receive true guidance.”

83. When Moses was up on the mount, Allāh said, “What made you hasten in advance of your people, O Moses?”

84. He replied, “Behold, they are close on my footsteps: I hastened to you, O Lord, to please you.”

85. (Allāh) said, “We have tested your people in your absence: The Samiri (Samarian) has led them astray.”

86. So Moses returned to his people in a state of indignation and sorrow. He said, “O my people! Did your Lord not make a handsome promise to you? Did then the promise seem to you long (in coming)? Or did you desire that Wrath should descend on you from your Lord, so you broke your promise to me?”

87. They said, “We did not break the promise to you, as far as lay in our power: But we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the (whole) people, and we threw them (into the Fire), and that was what the Samiri suggested.

88. “Then he brought out (of the fire) before the (people) the image of a calf: It seemed to low, so they said, `This is your god, and the god of Moses, but (Moses) has forgotten!”'

89. Could they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?

90. Aaron had already said to them before this, “O my people! You are being tested in this, for truly your Lord is (Allāh) Most Gracious, so follow me and obey my command.”

91. They had said, “We will not abandon this cult, but we will devote ourselves to it until Moses returns to us.”

92. (Moses) said, “O Aaron! What kept you back, when you saw them going wrong,

93. “From following me? Did you then disobey my order?”

94. (Aaron) replied, “O son of my mother! Do not seize (me) by my beard nor by (the hair of) my head! Truly I feared lest you should say, `You have caused a division among the Children of Israel, and you did not respect my word!”'

95. (Moses) said, “What then is your case, O Samiri?”

96. He replied, “I saw what they did not see, so I took a handful (of dust) from the footprint of the Messenger, and threw it (into the calf): Thus did my soul suggest to me.”

97. (Moses) said, “Begone! Your (punishment) in this life will be that you will say, `Do not touch me;' and moreover (for a future penalty) you have a promise that will not fail: Now look at your god, to whom you have become a devoted worshipper: We will certainly (melt) it in a blazing fire and scatter it in the sea!”

98. But the Allāh of all of you is the One Allāh: There is no god but He: He comprehends all things in His knowledge.

99. Thus do We relate to you some stories of what happened before, for We have sent you a message from Our own presence.

100. If any do turn away from it, truly they will bear a burden on the Day of Judgement;

101. They will abide in this (state), and the burden will be grievous to them on that Day,

102. The Day when the trumpet will sound (so) that Day, We shall gather the sinners, bleary-eyed (with terror).

103. They will consult each other in whispers: “You did not wait longer than ten (days);”

104. We know best what they will say, when their leader most eminent in conduct will say, “You waited not longer than a day!”

105. They ask you about the mountains: Say: “My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust;

106. “He will leave them as plains smooth and level;

107. “You will see nothing crooked or curved in their place.”

108. On that day will they follow the caller (straight): No crookedness (can they show) Him: All sounds shall humble themselves in the presence of (Allāh) Most Gracious: You shall hear nothing but the tramp of their feet (as they march).

109. On that Day no intercession shall be of avail except for those for whom permission has been granted by (Allāh) Most Gracious and whose word is acceptable to Him.

110. He knows what (appears to His creatures as) before or after or behind them: But they shall not encompass it with their knowledge.

111. (All) faces shall be humbled before (Him)-the Living, the SelfSubsisting, the Eternal: The one who carries iniquity (on his back) will truly be hopeless.

112. But he who does deeds of righteousness, and has faith, will have no fear of harm nor of any curtailment (of what is his due).

113. Thus We have sent down this, an Arabic Qur’ān, and explained in it in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allāh, or that it may cause them to remember (Him).

114. Allāh is high above all, the King, the Truth! Do not be in haste with the Qur’ān before its Revelation to you is completed, but say, “O Lord! Advance me in knowledge.”

115. We had already, beforehand, made a covenant with Adam, but he forgot, and We found no firm resolve on his part.

116. When We said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam,” they prostrated, but not Iblis: He refused.

117. Then We said, “O Adam! Truly this is an enemy to you and your wife, so do not let him get you both out of the garden, lest you should land in misery.

118. “There is (enough provision) in it for you not to go hungry nor naked,

119. “Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the sun's heat.”

120. But Satan whispered evil to him: He said, “O Adam! Shall I lead you to the tree of eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?”

121. As the result, they both ate of the tree, so their nakedness appeared to them: They began to sew together leaves from the garden for their covering: Thus did Adam disobey His Lord and allow himself to be seduced.

122. But his Lord chose him (for His grace): He turned to him and gave him guidance.

123. He said, “Get down, both of you, all together, from the garden, with enmity one to another; but if, as is sure, guidance come to you from Me, whosoever follows My guidance will not lose his way nor fall into misery.

124. “But whosoever turns away from My message, truly for him life is narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.”

125. He will say, “O Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?”

126. (Allāh) will say, “Thus did you disregard Our Signs when they came to you, so will you be disregarded this Day.”

127. Thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and does not believe in His Lord's Signs, and the penalty of the Hereafter is far more grievous and enduring.

128. Is it not a warning to such men (to remember) how many generations before them We destroyed, in whose haunts they (now) move? Truly (there) are Signs in this for those endowed with understanding.

129. Had it not been for a word that went forth before from your Lord, (their punishment) must necessarily have come; but there is a term appointed (for respite).

130. Therefore be patient with what they say, and (constantly) celebrate the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; Yes, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day (so) that you may have (spiritual) joy.

131. Nor strain your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to some of them, the splendor of the life of this world, through which We test them: But your Lord's provision is better and more enduring.

132. Enjoin prayer on your people, and be constant in it. We do not ask you to provide sustenance: We provide it for you. But the (fruit of) the Hereafter is for righteousness.

133. They say, “Why does he not bring us a Sign from his Lord?” Has not a clear Sign come to them of all that was in the former Books of Revelation?

134. And if We had inflicted a penalty on them before this, they would have said, “Our Lord! If only You had sent us a Messenger, we would certainly have followed Your Signs before we were humbled and put to shame.”

135. Say: “Each one (of us) is waiting, so wait, and you will soon know who is on the straight and even way, and who it is that has received the right guidance.”

Chapter 22

SŪRA 21 PROPHETS [AL-ANBIYA’] 112

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Mankind's reckoning comes closer and closer, yet they do not heed, and they turn away.

2. (Nothing) ever comes to them of a renewed message from their Lord, but they listen to it as in jest,

3. Their hearts toying as with trifles. The wrongdoers conceal their private counsels (saying), “Is this more than a man like yourselves? Will you yield to witchcraft with your eyes open?”

4. Say: “My Lord knows (every) word (spoken) in the heavens and the earth: He is the One Who hears and knows (all things).”

5. “No,” they say, “(these are) medleys of dreams! No, he forged it! No, he is (but) a poet! Then let him bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to (Prophets) of old!”

6. (As for those) before them, not one of the populations which We destroyed believed: Will these believe?

7. The Messengers We sent before you were also men, to whom We granted inspiration: If you do not realize this, ask those who have the message.

8. Nor did We grant them bodies that ate no food, nor were they exempt from death.

9. In the end we fulfilled Our promise to them, and We saved them and those whom We pleased, but We destroyed those who transgressed beyond bounds.

10. We have revealed a Book for you (O men!) in which there is a message for you: Will you then not understand?

11. How many a town did We utterly destroy because of their iniquities, setting up other people in their places!

12. Yet, when they felt Our punishment (coming), behold! They (tried to) flee from it.

13. Do not flee, but return to the good things of this life which were given (to) you, and to your homes so that you may be called to account.

14. They said, “Ah! Woe unto us! We were indeed wrongdoers!”

15. And that cry of theirs did not cease till We made them as a mown field, as ashes mute and subdued.

16. We did not create the heavens and earth and all that is between for (idle) sport!

17. If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We would surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)!

18. Nay! We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold! Falsehood perishes! Ah! Woe unto you for the (false) things you ascribe (to Us).

19. All (creatures) in the heavens and on earth belong to Him: Even those who are in His (very) presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they (ever) weary (of serving Him):

20. They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever flag or rest.

21. Or have they taken gods from the earth (for worship) who can raise (the dead)?

22. If there were other gods besides Allāh in the heavens and the earth, there would have been confusion in both! But glory to Allāh, the Lord on the Throne, high above what they attribute to Him!

23. He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned (for theirs).

24. Or have they taken (other) gods for worship besides Him? Say: “Bring your convincing proof: This is the message of those with me and the message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, and so turn away.

25. We sent no Messenger before you without this inspiration sent to him by Us: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me.

26. And they say, “(Allāh) Most Gracious has begotten offspring.” Glory to Him! They are (but) servants raised to honor.

27. They do not speak before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His command.

28. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (glory).

29. If any of them should say, “I am a god besides Him,” We would reward such a god with Hell: Thus do We reward those who do wrong.

30. Do not the unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before We clove them asunder? We made every living thing from water. Then will they not believe?

31. And We have set mountains standing firm on the earth lest it should shake with them, and We have made broad highways (between mountains) on it for them to pass through (so) that they may receive guidance

32. And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: Yet they turn away from the Signs which these things (point to)!

33. It is He Who created the night and the day, the sun and the moon: All (celestial bodies) swim along, each in its own course.

34. We did not grant permanent life (here) to any man before you: If you should die, would they live permanently?

35. Every soul shall have a taste of death, and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial: You must return to Us.

36. When the unbelievers see you, they treat you only with ridicule. “Is this,” (they say,) “the one who talks of your gods?” And they blaspheme at the mention of (Allāh) Most Gracious!

37. Man is a creature of haste: I will show you My Signs soon (enough): Then you will not ask Me to hasten them!

38. They say, “When will this promise come to pass, if you are telling the truth?”

39. If only the unbelievers knew (the time) when, they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor from their backs, and no help can reach them!

40. Nay! It may come to them all of a sudden and confound them: Then they will have no power to avert it, nor will they (then) get a respite.

41. (Many) Messengers before you were mocked; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.

42. Say: “Who can keep you safe by night and by day from (the Wrath of Allāh) Most Gracious?” Yet they turn away from the mention of their Lord.

43. Or do they have gods that can guard them from Us? They have no power to aid themselves, nor can they be defended from Us.

44. Nay! We gave the good things of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them; do they not see that We gradually reduce the land from its outlying borders? Then is it they who will win?

45. Say: “I only warn you according to Revelation.” But the deaf will not hear the call (even) when they are warned!

46. If only a breath of your Lord's Wrath touches them, they will then say, “Woe unto us! We did indeed do wrong!”

47. We shall set up scales of justice on the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it (to account), and We suffice to take account.

48. In the past We granted Moses and Aaron the criterion (for Judgment), and a light and a message for those who would guard themselves against evil,

49. Those who fear their Lord in their most secret thoughts, and who hold the Hour (of Judgment) in awe.

50. And this is a blessed message which We have sent down. Will you then reject it?

51. We bestowed on Abraham his rectitude of conduct, and We were well acquainted with him.

52. Behold! He said to his father and his people, “What are these images to which you are (so assiduously) devoted?”

53. They said, “We found our fathers worshipping them.”

54. He said, “You have truly been in manifest error, you and your fathers.”

55. They said, “Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who jest?”

56. He said, “Nay! Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. He created them (from nothing), and I am a witness to this (fact).

57. “And by Allāh, I have a plan for your idols, after you go away and turn your backs… ”

58. So he broke them to pieces, (all) except their chief, so that they might turn (and ponder).

59. They said, “Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be a man of impiety!”

60. They said, “We heard a youth talk of them: He is called Abraham.”

61. They said, “Then bring him before the people so that they may bear witness.”

62. They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?”

63. He said, “No, this was done by their biggest one! Ask them, if they can speak intelligently!”

64. So they turned to themselves and said, “Surely you are the ones in the wrong!”

65. Then they were confounded with shame: (They said,) “You know fully well that these (idols) do not speak!”

66. (Abraham) said, “Then do you worship, besides Allāh, things that can neither do you any good nor can they harm you in the least?

67. “Fie upon you and upon the things that you worship besides Allāh! Have you any sense at all?… ”

68. They said, “Burn him and protect your gods, if you would do (anything at all)!”

69. We said, “O fire! Be cool and (a means of) safety for Abraham!”

70. Then they sought a stratagem against him: But We made them the ones that lost most!

71. We delivered him and (his nephew) Lot (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations.

72. And We bestowed upon him Isaac and, as an additional boon, (a grandson,) Jacob, and We made every one of them righteous.

73. And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our command, and We inspired to them to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to pay the zakāt, and they constantly served Us (and only Us).

74. And We bestowed Judgment and knowledge also to Lot, and We saved him from the town which practiced abomination: Truly they were a people given to evil, rebellious.

75. And We admitted him into Our mercy, for he was one of the righteous.

76. (Remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) before: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him and his family from the great distress.

77. We helped him against people who rejected Our Signs: Truly they were a people given to evil, so We drowned them (in the flood) all together.

78. And remember David and Solomon, when they gave Judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night: We witnessed their Judgment.

79. We inspired Solomon with the (right) understanding of the matter: We gave each (of them) Judgment and knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises with David: It was We Who did (these things).

80. It was We Who taught him the making of coats of mail for your benefit, to guard you from the violence of each other; will you then show gratitude?

81. It was Our power that made the violent (unruly) wind blow (tamely) for Solomon, subservient to his order, to the land which We had blessed, for We know all things.

82. And of the evil ones, (there) were some who dived for him, and did other work besides, and it was We Who guarded them.

83. And (remember) Job when he cried to his Lord, “Truly distress has seized me, but You are the Most Merciful of those who have mercy.”

84. So We listened to him: We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him, and doubled their number, as a grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who serve Us.

85. And (remember) Ishmael, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl, all (men) of constancy and patience;

86. We admitted them into Our mercy, for they were of the righteous ones.

87. . And remember Dhun-Nun, when he departed in wrath: He imagined that We had no power over him! But he cried through the depths of darkness, “There is no god but You: Glory to You: I was truly wrong!”

88. So We listened to him and delivered him from distress, and thus do We deliver those who have faith.

89. And (remember) Zakariya, when he cried to his Lord, “O Lord! Do not leave me without offspring, though You are the best of inheritors.”

90. So We listened to him and We granted him John: We cured his wife's (barrenness) for him. These three were ever quick in emulation in good deeds: They used to call upon Us with love and reverence, and humble themselves before Us.

91. And (remember) the one who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our rūh, spirit, and We made her and her son a Sign for all peoples.

92. Truly this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: Therefore serve Me (alone).

93. But (later generations) severed their affair (of unity), one from another: (Yet) they will all return to Us.

94. Whoever does any act of righteousness and has faith, his endeavor will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favor.

95. But it is binding upon any population which We have destroyed that they shall not return,

96. Until the Gog and Magog (people) are let through (their barrier), and they swiftly swarm from every elevated place.

97. Then will the true promise draw nigh (to fulfillment): Then behold! The eyes of the unbelievers will fixedly stare in horror: “Ah! Woe unto us! We were truly heedless of this; nay, we truly did wrong!”

98. Truly you (unbelievers) and the (false) gods that you worship besides Allāh are (but) fuel for Hell! You will (surely) come to it!

99. If these had been gods, they would not have gone there! But each one of them will abide therein.

100. There, sobbing will be their lot, nor will they hear (anything else) there.

101. Those for whom the good (record) from Us has gone before will be far removed therefrom.

102. They will not hear the slightest sound of Hell: in what their souls desire that they will dwell.

103. The great terror will bring them no grief: But the angels will meet them (with the greeting): “This is your Day, (the Day) that you were promised.”

104. The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed), even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new one: A promise We have undertaken: Truly We shall fulfill it.

105. Before this We wrote in the Psalms, after the message (had been given to Moses): “My servants, the righteous, shall inherit the earth.”

106. Truly in the (Qur’ān) is a message for people who would (truly) worship Allāh.

107. We sent you only as a mercy for all creatures.

108. Say: “What has come to me by inspiration is that your Allāh is one Allāh: Will you therefore bow to His will (in Islam)?”

109. But if they turn back, say: “I have proclaimed the message to you all fairly and in truth; but I do not know whether what you are promised is near or far.

110. “It is He Who knows what you reveal and what you conceal (in your hearts).

111. “I do not know but that it may be a trial for you, and a grant of (worldly) livelihood (to you) for a time.”

112. Say: “O Lord! Judge in truth! Our Lord Most Gracious is the One Whose assistance should be sought against the blasphemies you utter!”

Chapter 23

SŪRA 22 PILGRIMAGE [AL-HAJJ] 78

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. O mankind! Fear your Lord, for the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgment) will be a terrible thing!

2. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother shall forget her suckling babe, and every pregnant female shall drop her load (unformed): You shall see mankind as in a drunken riot, but not drunk: Yet God's Wrath will surely be dreadful.

3. Yet among men there are those who dispute about Allāh, without knowledge, and follow every evil one obstinate in rebellion!

4. It is decreed, about the (evil one), that whoever turns to him for friendship, he will lead him astray, and he will guide him to the penalty of the fire.

5. O mankind! If you have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our power) to you, and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that you may reach your age of full strength, and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much). And (further), you see the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life); it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).

6. This is so because Allāh is the Reality: It is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who has power over all things.

7. And truly the Hour will come: There can be no doubt about it, or about (the fact) that Allāh will raise up all who are in the grave.

8. Yet there is among men such one who disputes about Allāh, without knowledge, without guidance, and without a book of enlightenment,

9. (Disdainfully) bending his side, in order to (lead men) astray from God's path. For him there is a disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Judgment We shall make him taste the penalty of the burning (Fire).

10. (It will be said,) “This is so because of the deeds which your hands sent forth, for truly Allāh is not unjust to His servants.”

11. There are among men some who serve Allāh, as it were, on the verge: If good befalls them, they are well content with it; but if a trial comes to them, they turn upon their faces: They lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is a manifest loss!

12. They call upon such deities, besides Allāh, as can neither hurt nor benefit them (so) that is straying far indeed (from the Way)!

13. (Perhaps) they call upon one whose harm is nearer than his benefit: Evil, indeed, is the patron, and evil is the companion (for help)!

14. Truly Allāh will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, for Allāh carries out all that He plans.

15. If any thinks that Allāh will not help him (His Messenger) in this world and the Hereafter, let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and cut (himself) off: Then let him see whether that will remove what enrages (him)!

16. Thus We have sent down clear Signs, and truly Allāh guides whom He pleases!

17. Those who believe (in the Qur’ān), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, the Christians, Magians, and the polytheists! God will judge among them on the Day of Judgment, for Allāh is Witness to all things.

18. Do you not see that all things that are in the heavens and on earth, the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals, and a great number among mankind, bow down in worship to Allāh? But a great number are also fit for punishment; whoever Allāh disgraces, none can raise to honor, for Allāh carries out all that He wills.

19. These two antagonists dispute with each other about their Lord: But those who deny (their Lord), a garment of fire will be cut out for them: boiling water will be poured over their heads.

20. What is within their bodies, as well as (their) skins, will be scalded with it.

21. In addition there will be iron maces (to punish) them.

22. Every time they wish to get away from it, from anguish, they will be forced back into it, and (it will be said), “Taste the penalty of burning!”

23. Allāh will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds, to gardens with rivers flowing beneath: There they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk.

24. For they have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speech; they have been guided to the path of Him Who is worthy of (all) praise.

25. As for those who have rejected (Allāh) and would keep (men) back from God's way and from the sacred Mosque, which We have made (open) to (all) men, the dweller there and the visitor from the country are equal there, and any whose purpose there is profanity or wrong-doing! We will cause them to taste of a most grievous penalty.

26. Behold! We assigned the site of the (sacred) house for Abraham, (saying,) “Do not associate anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify My house for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate (in it in prayer).

27. “And proclaim the pilgrimage among men; they will come to you on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;

28. “That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate God's name through the appointed days, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): Then eat of them and feed the distressed ones in want.

29. “Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the ancient house.”

30. Such (is the pilgrimage): Whoever honors God's sacred rites, for him it is good in the sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food during the pilgrimage) are cattle, except those mentioned to you (as exceptions): But shun the abomination of idols, and shun the word that is false,

31. Being true in faith to Allāh, and never assigning partners to Him: If anyone assigns partners to Allāh, it is as if he had fallen from heavens and snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a remote place.

32. Such (is his state), and whoever honors God's symbols (in the sacrifice of animals), such (honor) should come truly from piety of heart.

33. In them you have benefits for an appointed term: In the end their place of sacrifice is near the ancient House.

34. To every people We appointed rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate God's name over the sustenance He gave them of animals (fit for food). But your Allāh is One Allāh: Then submit your wills to Him (in Islam) and grant the glad tidings to those who humble themselves,

35. To those whose hearts, when Allāh is mentioned, are filled with awe, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them.

36. The sacrificial camels We have made for you as among God's symbols: (There) is (much) good for you in them: Then pronounce God's name over them as they line up (for sacrifice): When they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat of them and feed such as (do not beg but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: Thus have We made animals subservient to you so that you may be grateful.

37. It is not their blood that reaches Allāh. It is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subservient to you, that you may glorify Allāh for guiding you, and proclaim the glad tidings to all who do right.

38. Truly Allāh will defend those who believe: Truly Allāh does not love anyone who is a traitor to faith, or who shows ingratitude.

39. To those against whom war is waged, permission is given (to fight) because they are wronged, and truly Allāh is most powerful in their aid;

40. (They are) those who in defiance of right have been expelled from their homes (for no reason) except that they say, “Our Lord is Allāh.” If Allāh did not check one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which God's name is commemorated in abundant measure, would surely have been destroyed. Allāh will certainly aid those who aid His (cause), for truly Allāh is full of strength, exalted in might, (able to enforce His will).

41. (They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and grant pay the zakāt, enjoin right and forbid wrong: The end (and decision) of (all) affairs rests with Allāh.

42. If they label your (mission) as false, so did the peoples before them (with their prophets), the people of Noah, and 'Ād and Thamūd;

43. Those of Abraham and Lot;

44. And the companions of the Madyan people, and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the unbelievers and (only) after that did I punish them. How (terrible) was My rejection (of them)!

45. How many a town have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing?! They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and mansions lofty and well-built?!

46. Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind but the hearts in their breasts.

47. Yet they ask you to hasten on the punishment! But Allāh will not fail in His promise. Truly a day in your Lord's sight is like a thousand years of your reckoning.

48. And to how many populations did I grant respite, which were given to wrong-doing? In the end I punished them. To Me is the destination (of all).

49. Say: “O men! I am (sent) to you only to grant a clear warning.

50. “Those who believe and do righteous deeds, for them is forgiveness and a sustenance most generous.

51. “But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them! They will be companions of the Fire.”

52. We never sent a Messenger or a Prophet before you but, when he framed a desire, Satan threw some (vanity) into his desire: But Allāh will cancel anything (vain) that Satan throws in, and Allāh will confirm (and establish) His Signs, for Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom:

53. That He may make the suggestions thrown in by Satan only a trial for those in whose hearts there is a disease and who are hardened of heart: Truly the wrongdoers are in a schism far (from the truth):

54. And that those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Qur’ān) is the truth from your Lord, and that they may believe in it, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it, for truly Allāh guides those who believe to the Straight Way.

55. Those who reject faith will not cease to be in doubt concerning (Revelation) until the Hour (of Judgment) comes suddenly upon them, or the penalty of a Day of disaster comes to them.

56. On that Day Allāh will have the dominion: He will judge between them, so those who believe and do righteous deeds will be in the gardens of delight.

57. And for those who reject faith and deny Our Signs there will be a humiliating punishment.

58. Those who leave their homes for God's Cause and are then slain or die! God will truly bestow a goodly provision on them: Truly Allāh is He Who bestows the best provision.

59. Truly He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased, for Allāh is all-Knowing, Most Forbearing.

60. That (is so). And if one has retaliated to no greater extent than the injury he received, and is again oppressed, Allāh will help him, for Allāh is One Who blots out (sins) and forgives (again and again).

61. That is because Allāh merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and truly it is Allāh Who hears and sees (all things).

62. That is because God! He is the Reality, and those besides Him whom they invoke, they are but vain falsehood: Truly Allāh is He, the Most High, the Most Great.

63. Do you not see that Allāh sends down rain from the sky, and the earth immediately becomes clad in green? For Allāh is He Who understands the finest mysteries, and is well-acquainted (with them).

64. All that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Him, for truly Allāh is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

65. Do you not see that Allāh has made subservient to you all that is on earth, and the ships that sail through the sea by His command? He withholds the sky (rain) from falling on the earth except by His permission, for Allāh is Most Kind and Most Merciful to man.

66. It is He Who gave you life, will cause you to die, and will again grant you life: Truly man is a most ungrateful creature!

67. For every people We have appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow; then do not let them dispute with you on the matter, but invite (them) to your Lord, for you are assuredly on the Right Way.

68. If they wrangle with you, say: “Allāh knows best what you are doing.

69. “Allāh will judge between you on the Day of Judgment concerning the matters in which you differ.”

70. Do you not know that Allāh knows all that is in heavens and on earth? Indeed it is all in a record, and that is easy for Allāh.

71. Yet they worship, besides Allāh, things for which no authority has been sent down to them, and of which they have (really) no knowledge, for those who do wrong there is no helper.

72. When Our clear Signs are recited to them, you will notice a denial on the faces of the unbelievers! They nearly attack with violence those who recite Our Signs to them. Say: “Shall I tell you of something (far) worse than these Signs? It is the fire (of Hell)! Allāh has promised it to the unbelievers! And that destination is evil!”

73. O men! Here is a parable set forth! Listen to it! Those on whom you call, besides Allāh, cannot create (even) a fly, if they all met together for the purpose! And if the fly should snatch anything away from them, they would have no power to retrieve it from the fly: Those who petition and those whom they petition are all feeble!

74. They have not made any just estimate of Allāh, for Allāh is He Who is strong and able to carry out His Will.

75. Allāh chooses messengers from angels and from men, for Allāh is He Who hears and sees (all things).

76. He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and all questions go back to Allāh (for decision).

77. O you who believe! Bow down, prostrate, and adore your Lord, and do good deeds so that you may prosper.

78. And strive in His cause as you ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline:) He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the creed of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, before now and in this (Revelation) so that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular prayer, grant pay the zakāt, and hold fast to Allāh! He is your Protector, the best to protect, and the best to help!

Chapter 24

SŪRA 23 THE BELIEVERS [AL-MU'MINUN] 118

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. The believers must (eventually) win through,

2. Those who humble themselves in their prayers;

3. Who avoid vain talk;

4. Who are active in deeds of charity;

5. Who guard their private parts,

6. Except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess! for (in their case) they are free from blame,

7. But those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors.

8. Those who faithfully observe their trust and their covenants,

9. And who (strictly) guard their prayers;

10. Those will be the heirs,

11. Who will inherit Paradise: They will dwell in it (forever).

12. We created man from a quintessence (of clay);

13. Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed;

14. Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then We made a (fetus) lump of that clot; then We made bones out of that lump and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed another creature out of it, so blessed be Allāh, the Best to create!

15. After that, at length, you will die.

16. On the Day of Judgment you will be raised up again.

17. And We have made seven tracts above you, and We are never unmindful of (Our) creation.

18. And We send down water from the sky in (due) measure, and We cause it to soak into the soil, and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease).

19. With it We grow gardens of date-palms and vines for you: You have abundant fruits in them, and you eat (and have enjoyment) of them.

20. Also a tree springing out of Mount Sinai which produces oil and relish for those who use it for food.

21. And You have an instructive example in cattle (too); from within their bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are numerous (other) benefits in them for you (besides), and you eat of their (meat);

22. And you ride on them, as well as in ships.

23. Further, We sent a long line of prophets for your instruction. We sent Noah to his people: He said, “O people! Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him: Will you not fear (Him)?”

24. The chiefs of the unbelievers among his people said, “He is no more than a man like yourselves: He wishes to assert his superiority over you: If Allāh had wished (to send messengers), He could have sent down angels: We never heard such a thing (as he says) among our ancestors of old.”

25. (And some) said, “He is only a possessed man: Wait (and be patient) with him for some time.”

26. (Noah) said, “O Lord! Help me; they accuse me of falsehood!”

27. So We inspired him (with this message): Construct the ark with Our sight and under Our guidance: Then when Our command comes and the fountains of the earth gush forth, take pairs of every species, male and female, on board, and your family, except those against whom the word has already gone forth, and do not address Me in favor of the wrongdoers, for they shall be drowned (in the flood).

28. And when you have embarked on the ark, you and those with you, say: “Praise belongs to Allāh Who has saved us from the people who do wrong.”

29. And say: “O Lord! Enable me to disembark with Your blessing, for You are the Best to enable (us) to disembark.”

30. Truly there are Signs in this (for men who understand); (thus) do We try (men).

31. Then We raised another generation after them;

32. And We sent a Messenger to them from among themselves, (saying,) “Worship Allāh! You have no other god but Him. Will you not fear (Him)?”

33. And the chiefs of his people, who disbelieved and denied the meeting in the Hereafter, and on whom We had bestowed the good things of this life, said, “He is no more than a man like yourselves; he eats of what you eat and drinks of what you drink.

34. “If you obey a man like yourselves, behold, you will certainly be lost.

35. “Does he promise that when you die and become dust and bones, you shall be brought forth (again)?!

36. “Far, very far is that which you are promised!

37. “There is nothing but our life in this world! We live and we shall die! But we shall never be raised up again!

38. “He is only a man who invents a lie against Allāh, but we are not to believe in him!”

39. (The Prophet) said, “O Lord! Help me; they accuse me of falsehood.”

40. (Allāh) said, “In only a little while, they are sure to be sorry!”

41. Then the blast overtook them justly, and We made them like rubbish of dead leaves (floating on the stream of time)! So away with the people who do wrong!

42. Then We raised other generations after them.

43. No people can hasten their term, nor can they delay it.

44. Then We sent our Messengers in succession: Every time a Messenger came to a people, they accused him of falsehood, so We made them follow each other (in punishment): We made them as a tale (that is told), so away with a people that will not believe!

45. Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our Signs and manifest authority

46. To Pharaoh and his chiefs: But they behaved insolently: They were arrogant people.

47. They said, “Shall We believe in two men like ourselves? And their people are our subjects!”

48. So they accused them of falsehood, and they became of those who were destroyed.

49. And We granted Moses the Book, so that they might receive guidance.

50. And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a Sign: We gave them both shelter on high ground, affording rest and security and furnished with springs.

51. O Messengers! Enjoy (all) good and pure things, and do righteous deeds, for I am well acquainted with (all) that you do.

52. And truly this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: Therefore fear (only) Me.

53. But people have cut off their affair (of unity) between them into sects: Each party rejoices in what is with it.

54. But leave them in their confused ignorance for some time.

55. Do they think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth and sons,

56. We would hasten them on in every good? Nay! They (simply) do not understand.

57. Truly those who live in awe for fear of their Lord,

58. Those who believe in the Signs of their Lord,

59. Those who do not join partners (in worship) with their Lord,

60. And those who dispense charity with their hearts full of fear because they will return to their Lord;

61. It is they who hasten in every good deed and who are foremost in doing so.

62. We do not place a burden on any soul greater than it can bear: Before Us is a record which clearly shows the truth: They will never be wronged.

63. But their hearts are in confused ignorance of this, and there are, besides that, deeds of theirs which they will (continue) to do,

64. Until, when We seize in punishment those among them who received the good things of this world, behold! They will groan in supplication!

65. It will be said, “Do not groan in supplication this Day, for you shall certainly not be helped by Us.

66. “My Signs used to be recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels,

67. “In arrogance, talking nonsense about the (Qur’ān), like one telling fables by night.”

68. Do they not ponder over the word (of Allāh) or has anything (new) come to them that did not come to their fathers of old?

69. Or do they not recognize their Messenger, that they deny him?

70. Or do they say, “He is possessed”? Nay! He has brought them the truth, but most of them hate the truth.

71. Had the truth had been in accord with their desires, truly the heavens and the earth, and all beings in them, would have been in confusion and corruption! Nay! We have sent them their admonishment, but they turn away from their admonition.

72. Or is it that you ask them for some recompense? But the recompense of your Lord is best: He is the Best of those who grant sustenance.

73. Truly you call them to the Straight way.

74. And truly those who do not believe in the Hereafter are deviating from that way.

75. If We had mercy on them and removed their distress, they would obstinately persist in their transgression, wandering to and fro in distraction.

76. We inflicted punishment on them, but they did not humble themselves to their Lord, nor do they submissively entreat (Him)!

77. Until We open on them a gate leading to a severe punishment: Then behold! They will be plunged into despair therein!

78. It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: Small thanks do you grant!

79. And He has multiplied you throughout the earth, and you shall be gathered back to Him.

80. It is He Who gives life and death, and the alternation of night and day (is due) to Him: Then will you not understand?

81. On the contrary, they say things similar to what the ancients said.

82. They say, “What?! When we die and become dust and bones, could we really be raised up again?!

83. “Such things have been promised to us and to our fathers before! They are nothing but tales of the ancients!”

84. Say: “To Whom does the earth and all beings on it belong? (Answer) if you know!”

85. They will say, “To Allāh!” Say: “Yet will you not receive admonishment?”

86. Say: “Who is the Lord of the seven heavens, and the Lord of the throne (of glory) supreme?”

87. They will say, “(They belong) to Allāh.” Say: “Then will you not be filled with awe?”

88. Say: “Who is it in Whose hands is the governance of all things! Who protects (all), but is not protected (by any)? (Answer) if you know.”

89. They will say, “(It belongs) to Allāh.” Say: “Then how are you deluded?”

90. We have sent them the truth: But they truly adhere to falsehood!

91. No son did Allāh beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (If there were many gods,) behold! Each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have overpowered others! Glory to Allāh! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!

92. He knows what is hidden and what is open: He is too Sublime above the partners they attribute to Him!

93. Say: “O Lord! If You show me (in my lifetime) what they are warned against,

94. “Then, O Lord! Do not place me among the people who do wrong!”

95. And We are certainly able to show you (in fulfillment) what they are warned against.

96. Repel evil with what is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say.

97. And say: “O Lord! I seek refuge with You from the suggestions of the evil ones;

98. “And I seek refuge with You, O Lord, lest they should come near me.”

99. (They will be in falsehood) until, when death comes to one of them he says, “O Lord! Send me back (to life),

100. “So that I may do righteous deeds in the things I neglected.” “By no means!” It is but a word he says! (There) is a barrier before them till the Day they are raised up.

101. Then when the trumpet is blown, there will be no more relationships between them that Day, nor will one ask about another!

102. Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy will attain salvation:

103. But those whose balance is light will who have lost their souls; they will abide in Hell.

104. The fire will burn their faces and they will grin in it, with their lips displaced.

105. “Were not My Signs recited to you, and you treated them only as falsehoods?”

106. They will say, “Our Lord! Our misfortune overwhelmed us and we became a people astray!

107. “Our Lord! Bring us out of this: If ever we return (to evil), we shall then be wrongdoers indeed!”

108. He will say, “Be driven into it (with ignominy)! And do not speak to Me!

109. “Some of my servants used to pray, `Our Lord! We believe; so forgive us and have mercy upon us, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!'

110. “But you treated them with ridicule, so much so that (ridiculing) them made you forget My message while you were laughing at them!

111. “I have rewarded them this Day for their patience and constancy: They are truly the ones who have achieved bliss… ”

112. He will say, “What number of years did you stay on earth?”

113. They will say, “We stayed a day or part of a day, but ask those who keep account.”

114. He will say, “You stayed only a little (while), if only you had known!

115. “Then did you think that We had created you in jest, and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?”

116. Therefore Exalted be Allāh, the King, the Reality; there is no god but He, the Lord of the throne of honor!

117. If anyone invokes any other god besides Allāh, he has no authority for it, and his reckoning will be only with his Lord! And truly the unbelievers will never succeed!

118. So say: “O Lord! Grant us forgiveness and mercy for You are the best of those who show mercy!”

Chapter 25

SŪRA 24 LIGHT [AL-NOOR] 64

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. A Sūra which We have sent down and which We have ordained: In it We have sent down clear Signs so that you may receive admonishment.

2. The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication, whip each of them a hundred lashes; do not let compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allāh, if you believe in Allāh and the Last Day, and let some believers witness their punishment.

3. Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry any but a woman similarly guilty, or an unbeliever, nor let any except such a man or an unbeliever marry such a woman: Such a thing is forbidden to the believers.

4. And those who charge chaste women and do not produce four witnesses (to support their allegation), flog them with eighty lashes, and reject their evidence ever after that, for such men are wicked transgressors;

5. Unless they repent after that and mend (their conduct), for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

6. And for those who charge their spouses and have no evidence but their own (in support), their solitary evidence (can be received) if they bear witness four times (with an oath) by Allāh that they are solemnly telling the truth.

7. And the fifth (oath should be) that they solemnly invoke God's curse on themselves if they tell a lie.

8. But it would avert the punishment from the wife, if she bears witness four times (with an oath) by Allāh, that (her husband) is telling a lie;

9. And the fifth (oath) should be that she solemnly invokes God's curse on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth.

10. If it were not for God's grace and mercy unto you, and that Allāh is oft-Returning, full of wisdom, (you would be ruined indeed).

11. Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: Do not think it to be an evil to you: On the contrary, it is good for you: To every man among them (will come the punishment) of the sin that he committed, and for him who took on himself the lead among them, (there) will be a grievous penalty.

12. Why did not the believers, men and women, when you heard of the affair, think well of their own people and say, “This (charge) is an obvious lie”?

13. Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses, such men, in God's sight, (show) themselves as liars!

14. Were it not for God's grace and mercy upon you, in this world and the Hereafter, a grievous penalty would have seized you because you rushed glibly into this affair.

15. Behold! You received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things of which you had no knowledge, and you thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in God's sight.

16. And why did you not, when you heard it, say, “It is not right for us to speak of this: Glory to Allāh! This is a most serious slander!”

17. Allāh admonishes you that you may never repeat such (conduct), if you are (true) believers.

18. And Allāh makes the Signs plain to you, for Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

19. Those who love (to see) scandal publicized widely among the believers will have a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allāh knows, and you do not know.

20. Were it not for God's grace and mercy upon you, and that Allāh is full of kindness and mercy (you would be ruined indeed).

21. O you who believe! Do not follow Satan's footsteps: If any follows into Satan's footsteps, he will (only) command what is shameful and wrong, and were it not for God's grace and mercy upon you, none of you would have ever been pure: But Allāh purifies whom He pleases, and Allāh is One Who hears and knows (all things).

22. Do not let those among you who are endowed with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in God's cause: Let them forgive and overlook: Do you not wish that Allāh should forgive you? For Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

23. Those who slander chaste women, indiscreet but believing, are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter; for them there is a grievous penalty (in store),

24. On the Day when their tongues, hands, and feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.

25. On that Day Allāh will pay them back (all) their just dues, and they will realize that Allāh is the (very) truth that makes all things manifest.

26. Impure Women are for impure men, and impure men are for impure women, and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity: These are not affected by what people say, for them there is forgiveness and an honorable provision.

27. O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them: that is best for you so that you may heed (what is seemly).

28. If you find no one in the house, do not enter until permission is granted to you: If you are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves, and Allāh knows well all that you do.

29. It is no fault on your part if you enter houses not inhabited which serve some (other) use for you, and Allāh has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal.

30. Tell the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them, and Allāh is well acquainted with all that they do.

31. And tell the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, fathers, husbands' fathers, sons, husbands' sons, brothers or brothers' sons, or sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have not attained the awareness of sex, and that they should not stamp their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O you believers! Turn altogether towards Allāh so that you may attain bliss.

32. Marry those among you who are single, the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: If they are in poverty, Allāh will grant them means out of His grace, for Allāh encompasses all, and He knows all things.

33. Let those who do not find the means for marriage keep themselves chaste until Allāh gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), grant them such a deed if you know any good in them; yes, grant them something out of the means which Allāh has given to you. But do not force your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, so that you may make a gain in the frail goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, after such compulsion, Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful (to them).

34. We have already sent down to you verses making things clear, an illustration from (the story of) people who passed away before you, and an admonishment for those who fear (Allāh).

35. Allāh is the light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His light is as if there were a niche and a lamp within it: The lamp is enclosed in glass: The glass as it were a brilliant star lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is almost luminous, though fire scarce touches it: Light upon light! Allāh guides whom He wills to His light: Allāh sets forth parables for men, and Allāh knows all things.

36. (Such a light is lit) in houses which Allāh has permitted to be raised to honor to celebration His name therein: He is glorified in them in the mornings and the evenings (again and again),

37. By men whom neither sale nor merchandise can divert from remembering Allāh, nor from regular prayers, nor from the practice of pay the zakāt. Their (only) fear is of the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new),

38. That Allāh may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His grace, for Allāh provides for those whom He wills, without measure.

39. But the unbelievers' deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which are parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes to it, he finds it to be nothing. But he finds Allāh (ever) with him, and Allāh will pay him his account, and Allāh is swift in taking account.

40. Or (the unbelievers' state) is like the depths of darkness in a vastly deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by (dark) clouds: Depths of darkness, one above another: If a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! For any to whom Allāh does not grant light, there is no light (at all)!

41. Do you not see that it is Allāh Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth celebrate, and the birds with wings outstretched? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allāh knows well all that they do.

42. Yes, the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh, and Allāh is the final goal (of all).

43. Do you not see that Allāh makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? Then you will see rain come forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) with hail in them: He strikes with it whomsoever He pleases and He turns it away from whomsoever He pleases. The vivid flash of His lightning nearly blinds the sight.

44. It is Allāh Who alternates the night and the Day: Truly (there) is an instructive example in these things for those who have vision!

45. And Allāh has created every animal from water, some of them creep on their bellies; some walk on two legs, and some walk on four. Allāh creates what He wills, for truly Allāh has power over all things.

46. We have indeed sent down Signs that make things manifest, and Allāh guides whom He wills to a way that is straight.

47. They say, “We believe in Allāh and in the Messenger, and we obey.” But even after that, some of them turn away: They are not (really) believers.

48. When they are summoned to Allāh and His Messenger, so that he may judge between them, behold! Some of them decline (to come).

49. But if the right is on their side, they come to him in all submission.

50. Is there a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt, or are they in fear that Allāh and His Messenger will deal unjustly with them? Nay! It is they themselves who do wrong.

51. The answer of the believers, when summoned to Allāh and His Messenger so that he may judge between them, is no other than this: They say, “We hear and we obey.” These are the ones who will attain felicity.

52. It is those who obey Allāh and His Messenger, and fear Allāh and do right, who will win (in the end).

53. They swear their strongest oaths by Allāh that, if only you would command them, they would leave (their homes). Say: “Do not swear; obedience is (more) reasonable: Truly, Allāh is well acquainted with all that you do.”

54. Say: “Obey Allāh, and obey the Messenger: But whoever turns away is only responsible for the duty placed on him and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (message).”

55. Allāh has promised those among you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them inheritance (of power) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, that He will establish their religion in authority, the one which He has chosen for them, and that He will change (their state), from the fear in which they (lived) to one of security and peace: They will worship Me (alone) and not associate anything with Me. If any reject faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked.

56. So establish regular prayer and grant pay the zakāt, and obey the Messenger so that you may receive mercy.

57. Never think that the unbelievers are going to frustrate (God's plan) on earth: Their abode is the Fire, and it is truly an evil refuge!

58. O you who believe! Let those whom your right hands possess and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come into your presence) on three occasions: Before morning prayers; while you doff your clothes for the noonday heat, and after the late-night prayers: These are your three times of undressing: Other than during those times, it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: Thus does Allāh make clear the Signs to you, for Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

59. But when the children among you come of age, let them (also) ask for permission, as do those senior to them (in age): Thus does Allāh make clear His Signs to you, for Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

60. Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage, there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided they do not make a wanton display of their beauty: But it is best for them to be modest, and Allāh is One Who sees and knows all things.

61. It is no fault in the blind nor in one born lame, nor in one afflicted with illness, nor in yourselves, that you should eat in your own houses, or those of your fathers, or your mothers, or your brothers or your sisters, or your father's, brothers, or your father's sisters, or your mother's brothers, or your mother's sisters, or in houses of which the keys are in your possession, or in the house of a close friend of yours: There is no blame on you, whether you eat in company or separately. But if you enter houses, greet each other, a greeting of blessing and purity as from All āh. Thus does Allāh make clear the Signs to you (so) that you may understand.

62. Only those are believers who believe in Allāh and His Messenger: When they are with him on a matter requiring collective action, they do not depart until they have asked for his permission; those who ask for your permission are the ones who believe in Allāh and His Messenger; so when they ask for your leave, for some business of theirs, grant leave to those of them whom you will, and ask Allāh for their forgiveness, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

63. Do not deem the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another: Allāh knows those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse: Then let those beware who resist the Messenger's order lest some trial should befall them, or a grievous penalty be inflicted on them.

64. Rest assured that whatever in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allāh. He knows well what you are intent upon, and one Day they will be brought back to Him, and He will tell them the truth of what they did, for Allāh knows all things.

Chapter 26

SŪRA 25 THE CRITERION [AL-FURQAN] 77

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Blessed is He Who sent down the criterion to His servant so that it may be an admonishment to all nations;

2. To Him belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He has not begotten a son, nor does He have a partner in His dominion: It is He Who created all things and ordained them in due proportions.

3. Yet they have taken, besides Him, gods that can create nothing while they themselves are created; (gods) that have no control over harm or benefit to themselves; nor can they control death nor life nor resurrection.

4. But the unbelievers say, “This is nothing but a lie which he has forged, and others have helped him at it.” In truth it is they who have put forward an iniquity and a falsehood.

5. And they say, “Tales of the ancients, which he has caused to be written, and they are dictated to him morning and evening.”

6. Say: “The (Qur’ān) was sent down by the One Who knows the mystery (that is) in the heavens and the earth: Truly He is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”

7. And they say, “What sort of a Messenger is this who eats food and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to him to grant admonishment with him?

8. “Or (why) has no treasure been bestowed upon him, or why does he (not) have a garden for enjoyment?” The wicked ones say, “You follow no one other than a bewitched man.”

9. Behold what kinds of comparisons they make for you! But they have gone astray, and they will never be able to find a way!

10. Blessed is He Who, if that were His will, could grant you better (things) than those, gardens beneath which rivers flow, and He could grant you palaces (secure to dwell in).

11. Nay! They deny the Hour (of the Judgment to come): But We have prepared a blazing fire for those who deny the Hour:

12. When it sees them from a faroff place, they will hear its fury and its raging sigh.

13. And when they are cast, tied together, into a constricted place in it, they will plead for destruction there and then!

14. “This Day do not plead for a single destruction: Plead for destruction oft-repeated!”

15. Say: “Is that best, or the eternal garden promised to the righteous?” For them, that is a reward as well as a goal (of attainment).

16. “All that they desire will be in it for them: They will dwell (in it) forever: A promise to be prayed for from your Lord.”

17. On the Day He gathers them together as well as those whom they worship besides Allāh, He will ask, “Was it you who led these My servants astray, or did they themselves stray from the path?”

18. They will say, “Glory to You! It was not proper for us that we should take others besides You for protectors: But You bestowed good things (in life) on them and their fathers, until they forgot the message, for they were a (worthless and) lost people.”

19. (Allāh will say,) “Now they have proved you liars in what you say, so you cannot avert (your penalty) nor (get) help.” And whoever among you does wrong, We shall make him taste of a grievous penalty.

20. And the Messengers whom We sent before you were all (men) who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others: Will you have patience? For Allāh is One Who sees (all things).

21. Those who do not fear the meeting with Us (for Judgment) say, “Why are not the angels sent down to us, or (why) do we not see our Lord?” They have a truly arrogant conceit of themselves, and mighty is the insolence of their impiety!

22. The Day they see the angels, no joy will there be to the sinners that Day: The (angels) will say, “There is a barrier altogether forbidden (to you)!”

23. And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did (in this life), and We shall make such deeds as floating dust scattered about.

24. The companions of the garden will be well, that Day, in their abode, and have the fairest of places for repose.

25. The Day the heavens are rent asunder with clouds, and the angels are sent down, descending (in ranks)

26. That Day, the dominion of right and truth shall be (wholly) for (Allāh) Most Merciful: It will be a Day of dire difficulty for the unbelievers.

27. The Day that the wrongdoer bites at his hands, he will say, “Oh! Would that I had taken a (straight) path with the Messenger!

28. “Ah! Woe unto me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!

29. “He led me astray from (God's) message after it had come to me! Ah! The evil one is only a traitor to man!”

30. Then the Messenger will say, “O Lord! Truly my people took this Qur’ān for just foolish nonsense.”

31. Thus We have made, among the sinners, an enemy forevery Prophet: But the Lord is enough to guide and to help:

32. Those who reject faith say, “Why is not the Qur’ān revealed to him all at once?” Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen your heart by it, and We have recited it to you in gradual, wellarranged stages.

33. And they bring you no question but We reveal the truth and the best explanation (of it) to you.

34. Those who will be gathered to Hell (prone) on their faces, they will be in an evil plight, and the path most astray.

35. Before this, We sent Moses the Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister;

36. And We commanded, “Go both of you to the people who have rejected Our Signs.” And those (people) We destroyed with utter destruction.

37. And the people of Noah! when they rejected the Messengers, We drowned them, and We made them as a Sign for mankind, and We have prepared a grievous penalty for (all) wrongdoers;

38. As also 'Ād and Thamūd, and the companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them.

39. To each We set forth parables and examples, and each We reduced to utter annihilation (for their sins).

40. And the (unbelievers) must indeed have passed by the town on which a shower of evil was poured: Then did they not see it (with their own eyes)? Yet they do not fear the resurrection.

41. When they see you, they treat you only with mockery: “Is this the one whom Allāh has sent as a Messenger?!

42. “He truly would almost have misled us from our gods, had it not been that we were constant to them!” Soon will they know, when they see the penalty, who it is who is most misled in path!

43. Do you see such one who takes his own passion (or impulse) as his god? Could you be his disposer of affairs?

44. Or do you think that most of them listen or understand? They are only like cattle; Nay, they are worse astray in path.

45. Have you not turned your vision to your Lord, how He prolongs the shadow?! If He willed, He could make it stationary! Then We make the sun its guide:

46. Then We draw it in towards Ourselves, a contraction by easy stages.

47. And it is He Who makes the night as a robe for you, and sleep as repose, and makes the day (as it were) resurrection.

48. And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy, and We send down purifying water from the sky,

49. So that with it We may grant life to a dead land, and slake the thirst of things We have created, cattle and men in great multitudes.

50. And We have distributed the (water) among them, so that they may celebrate (Our) praises, but most men are averse (to anything) but (rank) ingratitude.

51. Had it been Our will, We would have sent a warner to every town.

52. Therefore do not listen to the unbelievers, but strive against them with utmost striving, with the (Qur’ān).

53. It is He Who has set free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salty and bitter; yet He has made a barrier between them, an inviolable obstruction.

54. It is He Who has created man from water: Then He has established relationships of lineage and marriage, for your Lord has power (over all things).

55. Yet they worship, besides Allāh, things that can neither benefit nor harm them, and the unbeliever is a helper (of evil), against his own Lord!

56. But We only sent you to give glad tidings and admonishment.

57. Say: “I ask no reward of you for it but this: that each one may take a (straight) path to his Lord.”

58. And put your trust in Him Who lives and does not die, and celebrate His praise, and He is well acquainted with the faults of His servants;

59. He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), Allāh Most Gracious: Then ask about Him one acquainted (with such things).

60. When it is said to them, “Adore (Allāh) Most Gracious,” they say, “And what is (Allāh) Most Gracious? Shall we adore what you command us?” And it increases their flight (from the truth).

61. Blessed is He Who made the constellations in the skies, and placed in them a lamp and a moon giving light;

62. And it is He Who made the night and the day to follow each other, for those who have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.

63. And the servants of (Allāh) Most Gracious are those who walk on earth in humility, and when the ignorant ones address them, they say, “Peace!”

64. Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord, prostrating, and standing;

65. Those who say, “Our Lord! Avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is truly a grievous affliction,

66. “It is truly evil as an abode and as a place of rest.”

67. Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant nor stingy, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes);

68. Those who do not invoke any other god with Allāh, nor kill such life as Allāh has made sacred, except for a just cause, nor commit fornication, and any who does this (not only) meets punishment,

69. (But) on the Day of Judgment, the penalty will be doubled to him, and he will dwell in it in ignominy,

70. Unless he repents, believes, and does righteous deeds, for Allāh will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

71. And whoever repents and does good deeds has truly turned to Allāh with an (acceptable) turning;

72. Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by a vain discourse, they pass by it with honorable (avoidance);

73. Those, when admonished with their Lord's Signs, are the ones who do not droop down at them as if they were deaf or blind:

74. And those who pray, “Our Lord! Grant us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and grant us (the grace) to lead the righteous.”

75. Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven because of their patient constancy; they shall be met there with salutations and peace,

76. Dwelling therein: How beautiful an abode and a place of rest!

77. Say (to the rejecters): “My Lord would not care about you had you prayed Him, but you have indeed rejected (Him), and soon the inevitable (punishment) will come!”

Chapter 27

SŪRA 26 POETS [AL-SHU'ARA'] 227

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Tā Sīn Mīm.

2. These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.

3. It may be that you fret your soul with grief if they do not believe.

4. If (such) were Our will, We could send down a Sign to them from the sky to which they would bend in humility.

5. But no newly-revealed message comes to them from (Allāh) Most Gracious, but they turn away from it.

6. They have indeed rejected (the message), so they will soon (enough) know the truth of what they mocked!

7. Do they not look at the earth, how many noble things of all kinds We have produced on it?

8. Truly (there) is a Sign in this, but most of them do not believe.

9. And truly your Lord is He, Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

10. Behold, your Lord called upon Moses, “Go to the people of iniquity,

11. “The people of Pharaoh: Will they not fear Allāh?”

12. He said, “O Lord! I do fear that they will charge me with falsehood:

13. “My breast will be straitened, and my speech may not go (smoothly), so send to Aaron.

14. “And (further), they have a charge of crime against me, and I fear they may slay me.”

15. Allāh said, “By no means! Then proceed, both of you, with Our Signs; We are with you listening.

16. “So go forth, both of you, to Pharaoh, and say: `We have been sent by the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds;

17. “`So send the Children of Israel with us.”'

18. (Pharaoh) said, “Did we not cherish you as a child among us, and did you not stay in our midst many years of your life?

19. “And you committed a deed which (you know) you did, and you are an ungrateful (wretch)!”

20. Moses said, “I did it then, when I was in error.

21. “So I fled from you (all) when I feared you; but my Lord has (since) vested upon me Judgment (and wisdom) and appointed me one of the Messengers.

22. “And this is the favor with which you reproach me, that you have enslaved the Children of Israel.”

23. Pharaoh said, “And what is the `Lord and Cherisher of the worlds?”'

24. (Moses) said, “The Lord and Cherisher of the heavens and the earth, and all between, if you want to be quite sure.”

25. (Pharaoh) said to those around, “Do not listen (to what he says).”

26. (Moses) said, “Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers from the beginning!”

27. (Pharaoh) said, “Truly your Messenger who has been sent to you is a veritable madman!”

28. (Moses) said, “Lord of the east and the west, and all between! If you only had sense!”

29. (Pharaoh) said, “If you put forward any god other than me, I will certainly put you in prison!”

30. (Moses) said, “Even if I showed you something clear (and) convincing?”

31. (Pharaoh) said, “Show it then, if you are telling the truth!”

32. So (Moses) threw his rod, and behold, it was a serpent, plain (for all to see)!

33. And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all beholders!

34. (Pharaoh) said to the chiefs around him, “This is indeed a skillful sorcerer:

35. “His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what do you counsel?”

36. They said, “Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch heralds to the cities to collect

37. “And bring up to you all (our) skillful sorcerers.”

38. So the sorcerers were gathered for the appointment of a wellknown day,

39. And the people were told, “Are you (now) assembled?

40. “So that we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?”

41. So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh, “Of course, shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win?”

42. He said, “Yes, (and more), for in that case you shall be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person).”

43. Moses said to them, “Throw what you are about to throw!”

44. So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said, “By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!”

45. Then Moses threw his rod, when behold, it straightway swallowed up all the falsehoods which they faked!

46. Then the sorcerers fell down, prostrating in adoration,

47. Saying, “We believe in the Lord of the worlds,

48. “The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”

49. (Pharaoh) said, “Do you believe in Him before I grant you permission? Surely he is your leader who has taught you sorcery! But you will soon know!

50. “I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!”

51. They said, “It does not matter! For us, we shall merely return to our Lord!

52. “Our only desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!”

53. By inspiration We told Moses, “Travel by night with My servants, for surely you will be pursued.”

54. Then Pharaoh sent heralds to (all) the cities,

55. (Saying,) “These (Israelites) are only a small band,

56. “And they are raging furiously against us;

57. “But we are a multitude amply fore-warned.”

58. So We expelled them from gardens, springs,

59. Treasures, and every kind of honorable position;

60. Thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things.

61. So they pursued them at sunrise.

62. And when the two hosts saw each other, the people of Moses said, “We are sure to be overtaken.”

63. (Moses) said, “By no means! My Lord is with me! Soon He will guide me!

64. Then We told Moses by inspiration, “Strike the sea with your rod.” So it divided, and each separate part became like a huge, firm mass of a mountain.

65. And We made the other party approach it.

66. We delivered Moses and all who were with him;

67. But We drowned the others.

68. Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.

69. And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

70. And recite to them (something of) Abraham's story.

71. Behold! He said to his father and his people, “What do you worship?”

72. They said, “We worship idols, and we remain constantly in attendance on them.”

73. He said, “Do they listen to you when you call (upon them), or do they do you any benefit or harm?”

74. They said, “No, but we found our fathers doing (what we do).”

75. He said, “Do you then see what you have been worshipping,

76. “You and your fathers before you?

77. “For they are enemies to me; not so the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds;

78. “Who created me, and it is He Who guides me;

79. “Who gives me food and drink,

80. “And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me;

81. “He will cause me to die, and then to live (again);

82. “And Who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the Day of Judgment…

83. “O Lord! Bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous;

84. “Grant me honorable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest (generations);

85. “Make me one of the inheritors of the garden of bliss;

86. “Forgive my father because he is among those who went astray;

87. “And let me not be in disgrace on the Day when (men) will be raised up;

88. “The Day on which neither wealth nor sons will be of any avail,

89. “But only he (will prosper) who brings to Allāh a sound heart;

90. “To the righteous, the garden will be brought near,

91. “And to those straying in evil, the Fire will be placed in full view;

92. “And it shall be said to them, `Where are the (gods) you worshipped,

93. “`Besides Allāh? Can they help you or help themselves?'

94. “Then they will be thrown headlong into the (Fire), they and those straying in evil,

95. “And the whole hosts of Iblis together,

96. “They will say there in their mutual bickering,

97. “`By Allāh, we were truly in manifest error,

98. “`When we held you as equals with the Lord of the worlds;

99. “`And our seducers were only those who were steeped in guilt.

100. “`Now, then, we have none to intercede (for us),

101. “`Nor a single friend to feel (for us).

102. “`Now if we only had a chance to return, we would truly be of those who believe!”'

103. Surely (there) is a Sign in this, but most of them do not believe.

104. And truly the Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

105. The people of Noah rejected the Messengers.

106. Behold, their brother Noah said to them, “Will you not fear (Allāh)?

107. “I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust:

108. “So fear Allāh, and obey me.

109. “I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds:

110. “So fear Allāh, and obey me.”

111. They said, “Shall we believe in you when it is the meanest that follow you?”

112. He said, “And what do I know as to what they do?

113. “Their account is only with my Lord, if you could (but) understand.

114. “I am not one to drive away those who believe.

115. “I am sent only to warn plainly in public.”

116. They said, “If you do not desist, O Noah! You shall be stoned (to death).”

117. He said, “O Lord! Truly my people have rejected me.

118. “Then judge between me and them openly, and deliver me and those of the believers who are with me.”

119. So We delivered him and those with him in the ark filled (with all creatures).

120. Therefore We drowned those who remained behind.

121. Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.

122. And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

123. The 'Ād (people) rejected the Messengers.

124. Behold! Their brother Hud said to them, “Will you not fear (Allāh)?

125. “I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.

126. “So fear Allāh and obey me.

127. “I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.

128. “Do you build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves?

129. “And do you erect fine buildings for yourselves in the hope of living in them (forever)?

130. “And when you flex your strong hand, do you do it like men of absolute power?

131. “Now fear Allāh and obey me.

132. “Yes, fear Him Who has freely bestowed on you all that you know.

133. “He has freely bestowed on you cattle and sons,

134. “And gardens and springs.

135. “I truly fear the penalty of a great Day for you.”

136. They said, “It is the same to us whether you admonish us or you are not among (our) admonishers!

137. “This is no other than a customary device of the ancients.

138. “And we are not the ones to receive pains and penalties!”

139. So they rejected him, and We destroyed them. Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.

140. And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

141. The Thamūd (people) rejected the Messengers.

142. Behold! Their brother Salih said to them, “Will you fear (Allāh)?

143. “I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.

144. “So fear Allāh and obey me.

145. “I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.

146. “Will you be left secure, in (the enjoyment of) all that you have here?

147. “Gardens and springs,

148. “And corn-fields and datepalms with spathes nearly breaking (with the weight of fruit)?

149. “And you carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with great skill.

150. “But fear Allāh and obey me;

151. “And do not follow the bidding of those who are extravagant,

152. “Who make mischief in the land, and do not mend (their ways).”

153. They said, “You are only one of those bewitched!

154. “You are no more than a mortal like us: Then bring us a Sign, if you are telling the truth!”

155. He said, “This is a she-camel: She has a right to watering, and you have a right to watering, (separately) on a day appointed.

156. “Do not touch her with harm, lest the penalty of a great day should seize you.”

157. But they ham-strung her: Then they became full of regrets.

158. But the penalty seized them. Truly (there) is a Sign in this, but most of them do not believe.

159. And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

160. The people of Lot rejected the Messengers.

161. Behold! Their brother Lot said to them, “Will you not fear (Allāh)?

162. “I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.

163. “So fear Allāh and obey me

164. “I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.

165. “Of all the creatures in the world, will you approach males,

166. “And leave those whom Allāh has created for you to be your mates? Nay, you are a people transgressing (all limits)!”

167. They said, “If you do not desist, O Lot! You will assuredly be cast out"

168. He said, “I do detest your doings.”

169. “O Lord! Deliver me and my family from the things they do!”

170. So We delivered him and his family, all

171. Except an old woman who lingered behind.

172. But the rest We destroyed utterly.

173. We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone), and the shower on those who were admonished (and did not heed) was evil!

174. Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.

175. And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

176. The Companions of the Wood rejected the Messengers.

177. Behold! Shu`aib said to them, “Will you not fear (Allāh)?

178. “I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.

179. “So fear Allāh and obey me.

180. “I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.

181. “Grant just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud).

182. “And weigh with true and fair measure.

183. “And do not withhold things justly due to men, nor commit evil in the land, doing mischief.

184. “And fear Him Who created you and (Who created) the generations before (you).

185. They said, “You are only one of those bewitched!

186. “You are no more than a mortal like us, and indeed we think you are a liar!

187. “Now cause a piece of the sky to fall on us, if you are truthful!”

188. He said, “My Lord knows best what you do.”

189. But they rejected him. Then the punishment of a day of overshadowing gloom seized them, and that was the penalty of a great day.

190. Truly (there) is a Sign in that: But most of them do not believe.

191. And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

192. Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds:

193. With it came down the Spirit of Faith and Truth

194. To your heart and mind, that you may admonish

195. In the perspicuous Arabic tongue,

196. Without doubt it is (announced) in the mystic books of former peoples.

197. Is it not a Sign to them that the learned of the Children of Israel knew it (as true)?

198. Had We revealed it to any of the non-Arabs,

199. And had he recited it to them, they would not have believed in it.

200. Thus We have caused it to enter the hearts of the sinners.

201. They will not believe in it until they see the grievous penalty;

202. But the (penalty) will come to them suddenly, while they do not perceive it;

203. Then they will say, “Shall we be respited?”

204. Do they then ask for Our penalty to be hastened on?

205. Do you see? If We let them enjoy (this life) for a few years,

206. Then there comes to them at length the (punishment) which they were promised!

207. It will not benefit them that they enjoyed (this life)!

208. We never destroyed a nation that did not have its warners,

209. By way of reminder, and We are never unjust.

210. No evil ones have brought down this (Revelation):

211. It would neither suit them, nor would they be able (to produce it).

212. In fact, they have been removed far from even (a chance of) hearing it.

213. So do not call upon any other god with Allāh, or you will be among those under the penalty.

214. And admonish your nearest in kin,

215. And lower your wing to the believers who follow you.

216. Then if they disobey you, say, “I am free (of responsibility) for what you do!”

217. And put your trust in the Exalted in might, the Merciful,

218. Who sees you standing forth (in prayer),

219. And your movements among those who prostrate.

220. For it is He Who hears and knows all things.

221. Shall I inform you, (O people!) on whom it is that the evil ones descend?

222. They descend on every lying, wicked person,

223. (Into whose ears) they pour hearsay vanities, and most of them are liars.

224. And the poets, it is those straying in evil, who follow them:

225. Do you not see that they wander distracted in every valley?

226. And that they say what they do not practice?

227. Except those who believe, do righteous deeds, engage much in the remembrance of Allāh, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked, and the unjust assailants will soon know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!

Chapter 28

SŪRA 27 ANTS [AL-NAML] 93

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Tā S īn. These are verses of the Qur’ān, a Book that makes (things) clear;

2. A guide, and glad tidings for the believers,

3. Those who establish regular prayers and grant pay the zakāt, and also are quite sure of the Hereafter.

4. As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We make their deeds pleasing in their eyes, so they wander about in distraction.

5. Such are they for whom a grievous penalty is (waiting), and in the Hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss.

6. As for you, the Qur’ān is bestowed upon you from the presence of One Who is Wise and all-Knowing.

7. Behold! Moses said to his family, “I perceive a fire; I will soon bring you some news from there, or I bring you a burning brand to light our fuel so that you may warm yourselves.”

8. But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard: “Blessed are those in the fire and those around, and glory to Allāh, Lord of the worlds!

9. “O Moses! Verily I am Allāh, the Exalted in might, the Wise! …

10. “Now throw your rod!” But when he saw it moving (of its own) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and did not retrace his steps. “O Moses,” (it was said,) “Do not fear: Truly, in My presence, Messengers have no fear,

11. “But if any have done wrong and have later substituted good in the place of evil, truly, I am oftForgiving, the Most Merciful.

12. “Now put your hand into the opening of your bosom, and it will come forth white without blemish: (These are) among the nine Signs (you will take) to Pharaoh and his people: For they are a rebellious people in transgression.”

13. But when Our Signs, that should have opened their eyes, came to them, they said, “This is manifest sorcery!”

14. And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced of them, so see what the end of those who acted corruptly was!

15. We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said, “Praise belongs to Allāh, Who has favored us above many of His servants who believe!”

16. And Solomon was David's heir. He said, “O people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and (a little) of all things has been bestowed on us: This is truly a manifest grace (from Allāh).”

17. And Solomon's hosts, of jinns and men and birds, were marshalled before him, and they were all kept in order and ranks.

18. At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said, “O ants, get into your homes, lest Solomon and his hosts should crush you (under their feet) unknowingly.”

19. So he smiled, amused at her speech, and said, “O my Lord! Grant me that I show gratitude for Your favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous deeds that will please You, and admit me, by Your grace, to the ranks of Your righteous servants.”

20. And he reviewed the birds and said, “Why is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?

21. “I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty or kill him, unless he brings me a clear reason (for his absence).”

22. But the hoopoe was not far away, then he said, “I have compassed (territory) which you have not, and I have come to you from Saba with true tidings.

23. “I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite, and she has a magnificent throne.

24. “I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allāh: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes and has kept them away from the path, so they receive no guidance,

25. “(Kept them away from the path,) that they should not worship Allāh Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you hide and what you reveal.

26. “God! There is no god but He! (Allāh) of the supreme throne!”

27. (Solomon) said, “Soon we shall see whether you have told the truth or lied!

28. “Go with this letter of mine and deliver it to them: Then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return… ”

29. (The queen) said, “Chiefs! Here a letter worthy of respect is delivered to me!

30. “It is from Solomon and is (as follows): `In the Name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful:

31. “`Do not be arrogant against me but come to me submitting to the true religion.'”

32. She said, “Chiefs! Advise me in (this) matter: I have not decided a matter except in your presence.”

33. They said, “We are endowed with strength, and given to vehement war: But the command is with you; so consider what you will command.”

34. She said, “When kings enter a town, they ruin it, and make the noblest of its people the meanest: Thus do they behave.

35. “But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer my) ambassadors return.”

36. When (the emissary) came to Solomon, he (Solomon) said, “Do you grant me abundance of wealth? But what Allāh has given me is better than what He has given you! No, it is you who rejoice in your gift!

37. “Go back to them, and rest assured we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: We shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed).”

38. He said (to his company), “Chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?”

39. Said an `Ifrit, of the jinns, “I will bring it to you before you rise from your council: I truly have full strength for the purpose and may be trusted.”

40. One who had knowledge of the Book said, “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of your eye!”… Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said, “This is by the grace of my Lord! To test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a boon) for his own soul, but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is free of all needs, supreme in honor! … ”

41. He said, “Alter her throne beyond recognition: Let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or whether she is one of those who receive no guidance.”

42. So when she arrived, she was asked, “Is this your throne?” She said, “It was just like this, and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allāh (in Islam).”

43. And what she used to worship diverted her from worshipping Allāh: For she (descended) from people who had no faith.

44. She was asked to enter that lofty palace: But when she saw it, she thought it was a lake, and she uncovered her legs. He said, “This is only a palace paved smoothly with slabs of glass.” She said, “O Lord! I have truly wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the worlds.”

45. We had sent their brother Salih to the Thamūd (people), saying, “Serve Allāh.” But behold! They became two factions quarrelling with each other.

46. He said, “O my people! Why do you ask to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only you ask Allāh for forgiveness, you may hope to receive mercy.”

47. They said, “We augur ill omen from you and those who are with you.” He said, “Your ill omen is with Allāh; yes, you are people being tried.”

48. In the city, there were nine men of a family who made mischief in the land and would not reform.

49. They said, “Swear a mutual oath by Allāh that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance), `We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'”

50. They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they did not perceive it.

51. Then see what the end of their plot was! So We destroyed them and their people, all (of them).

52. Now such were their houses! in total destruction! because they committed wrongdoing: Truly (there) is a Sign in this for people of knowledge.

53. And We saved those who believed and did righteous deeds.

54. We also sent Lot (as a Messenger): Behold! He said to his people, “Do you do what is shameful though you see (its iniquity)?

55. “Would you really approach men in your lusts rather than women? No, you are a (grossly) ignorant people!”

56. But his people gave no other answer but this: They said, “Drive Lot's followers out of your city: These are truly men who want to be clean and pure!”

57. But We saved him and his family, except his wife: We deemed her to be among those who lagged behind.

58. And We rained down a shower (of brimstone) on them, and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but did not heed)!

59. Say: Praise belongs to Allāh, and peace on His servants whom He has chosen for His message. Who is better? Allāh or the false gods they associate with Him?

60. Or Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yes, we cause well-planted orchards to grow with it, full of beauty and delight: It is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allāh? No, they are a people who swerve from justice.

61. Or Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set immovable mountains on it, and made a separating barrier between the two bodies of flowing water? (Can there be another) god besides Allāh? No, most of them do not know.

62. Or Who listens to the distressed (soul) when it calls upon Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allāh? Small heed do you pay!

63. Or Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy? (Can there be another) god besides Allāh? Allāh is high above what they associate with Him!

64. Or Who originates creation, then repeats it, and Who gives you sustenance from heavens and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allāh? Say: “Bring forth your argument, if you are telling the truth!”

65. Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allāh, knows what is hidden: Nor can they perceive when they shall be raised up (for Judgment).

66. Still less can their knowledge comprehend the Hereafter: Nay! They are in doubt and uncertainty about it; nay, they are blind thereto!

67. The unbelievers say, “What?! when we become dust! we and our fathers! Shall we really be raised (from the dead)?

68. “It is true we were promised this! we and our fathers before us: These are nothing but tales of the ancients.”

69. Say: “Travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those guilty (of sin) has been.”

70. But do not grieve over them, nor distress yourself because of their plots.

71. They also say, “When will this promise (come to pass), if you are truthful?”

72. Say: “It may be that some of the events which you wish to hasten on may be (close) in your pursuit!”

73. But truly your Lord is full of grace to mankind: Yet most of them are ungrateful.

74. And truly your Lord knows all that their hearts hide, as well as all that they reveal.

75. Nor is there anything unseen, in heavens or on earth, but is (recorded) in a clear record.

76. Truly this Qur’ān explains to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.

77. And it certainly is a guide and mercy to those who believe.

78. Truly your Lord will decide between them by His decree, and He is Exalted in might, all-Knowing.

79. So put your trust in Allāh: For you are on (the path of) manifest truth.

80. Truly you cannot cause the dead to listen, nor can you cause the deaf to hear the call, (especially) when they turn back in retreat.

81. Nor can you guide the blind, (to prevent them) from straying; only those who believe in Our Signs will you get to listen, and they will submit to Islam.

82. And when the word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), We shall produce from the earth a beast that will speak to them: He will speak to them because mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs.

83. One Day, We shall gather together from every people a party of those who rejected Our Signs, and they shall be kept in ranks,

84. Until, when they come (before the Judgment), Allāh will say, “Did you reject My Signs, or did you not comprehend them, or what was it that you did?”

85. And the word will be fulfilled against them, because of their wrongdoing, and they will be unable to speak (in plea).

86. Do they not see that We have made the night for them to rest in and the day to grant them light? Truly (there) are Signs in this for people who believe!

87. And the Day that the trumpet will be sounded! those who are in the heavens and those on earth will be smitten with terror except those whom Allāh will please (to exempt), and all shall come (to His presence) as beings abased.

88. You see the mountains and think them firmly fixed: But they shall pass away as the clouds pass away: (Such is) the artistry of Allāh Who disposes of all things in perfect order: For He is well acquainted with all that you do.

89. If any do good, good will (accrue) to them from it, and they will be secure from terror that Day.

90. And if any do evil, their faces will be thrown headlong into the Fire: “Do you receive a reward other than what you have earned by your deeds?”

91. For me, I have been commanded to serve the Lord of this city Who has sanctified it and to Whom all things (belong), and I am commanded to be of those who bow in Islam to God's will,

92. And to recite the Qur’ān, and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls, and if any stray, say: “I am only a warner.”

93. And say: “Praise belongs to Allāh Who will soon show you His Signs, so that you know them.” And your Lord is not unmindful of all that you do.

Chapter 29

SŪRA 28 THE NARRATIONS [AL-QASAS] 88

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Tā Sīn Mīm.

2. These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.

3. We recite to you some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in truth, for (the benefit of) people who believe.

4. Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and divided its people into parties, oppressing a small group among them: He killed their sons but he let their women alive: For he was truly a mischief-maker.

5. And We wish to be gracious to those who were being oppressed in the land, to make them leaders (in faith) and to make them the heirs,

6. To establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Haman and their hosts, at their hands, the very things they feared.

7. So We sent this inspiration to Moses' mother: “Nurse (your child), but when you have fears about him, cast him into the river, but do not fear or grieve: For We shall restore him to you, and We shall make him one of Our Messengers.”

8. Then the people of Pharaoh picked him up (from the river): (It was intended) that (Moses) should be an adversary to them and a cause of sorrow: For Pharaoh and Haman and (all) their hosts were men of sin.

9. The wife of Pharaoh said, “(Here is) a joy of the eye, for me and for you: Do not kill him. It may be that he will be of use to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they did not perceive (what they were doing)!

10. But there came to be a void in the heart of Moses' mother: She was almost going to disclose his (case), had We not strengthened her heart (with faith), so that she might remain a (firm) believer.

11. And she said to the sister of (Moses), “Follow him.” So she (the sister) watched him from a distance without their knowledge.

12. And We ordained that he refused to be nursed, until (his sister came up and) said, “Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?”

13. Thus did We restore him to his mother so that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve and that she might know that God's promise is true: But most of them do not understand.

14. When he reached full age and was firmly established (in life), We bestowed wisdom and knowledge on him: For thus do We reward those who do good deeds.

15. And he entered the city when its people were not watching, and he found two men fighting there! one of his own religion, and the other of his foes. Now the man of his own religion appealed to him against his foe, and Moses struck him with his fist and put an end to him. He said, “This is a deed of evil (Satan): For he is an enemy that manifestly misleads!”

16. He prayed, “O Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul! So forgive me!” So (Allāh) forgave him: For He is the oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

17. He said, “O Lord! Because You have bestowed Your grace on me, I shall never be a help to those who sin!”

18. So he remained in the city the next day, looking about, apprehensive when, behold, the man who had sought his help the day before cried for his help (again). Moses said to him, “You are truly, it is clear, an erring person!”

19. Then, when he decided to lay hold of the man who was an enemy to both of them, that man said, “O Moses! Do you intend to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your intention is none but to become a powerful violent man in the land, and not to be one who sets things right!”

20. And there came a man, running, from the furthest end of the city. He said, “O Moses! The chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so get away, for I grant you sincere advice.”

21. He therefore went away from there, looking about, apprehensive. He prayed, “O Lord! Save me from people given to wrongdoing.”

22. Then when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, he said, “I hope that my Lord will show me the straight path.”

23. And when he arrived at the watering (place) in Madyan, he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said, “What is the matter with you?” They said, “We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take back (their flocks), and our father is a very old man.”

24. So he watered (their flocks) for them; then he turned back to the shade, and said, “O Lord! Truly I am in a (desperate) need of any good that You send me! … ”

25. Afterwards one of the (girls) came (back) to him, walking bashfully. She said, “My father invites you to reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.” So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said, “Do not fear: You have escaped (well) from the unjust people.”

26. One of the (girls) said, “O father! Hire him on wages; truly the best of men for you to employ is the (man) who is strong and trustworthy… ”

27. He said, “I intend to wed one of my daughters to you on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be (a grace) from you. But I do not intend to place you under a difficulty: You will truly find me, if Allāh wills, one of the righteous.”

28. He said, “Be that (the agreement) between me and you: Whichever of the two terms I fulfill, let there be no ill-will to me, and Allāh is Witness to what we say.”

29. When Moses had fulfilled the term and was travelling with his family, he perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Tur. He said to his family, “Wait; I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you some news from there, or a burning firebrand so that you may warm yourselves.”

30. But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard from the right bank of the valley, in the blessed spot of the bush: “O Moses! Truly I am Allāh, the Lord of the worlds…

31. “Now throw your rod!” But when he saw it moving (of its own) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat and did not retrace his steps: “O Moses!” (it was said,) “Draw near, and do not fear: For you are secure.

32. “Put your hand into the opening of your bosom, and it will come forth white without blemish, and draw your hand close to your side (to guard) against fear. These are two arguments from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs: For truly they are a rebellious and wicked people.”

33. He said, “O Lord! I have killed a man among them, and I fear lest they should kill me.

34. “And my brother Aaron! he is more eloquent in speech than I am, so send him with me as a helper, to confirm (and strengthen) me, for I fear that they may accuse me of falsehood.”

35. He said, “We will certainly strengthen you through your brother, and vest authority upon you both, so they shall not be able to harm you: With Our Signs you shall triumph! you two as well as those who follow you.”

36. When Moses came to them with Our clear Signs, they said, “This is nothing but fake sorcery: We have never heard the same from our fathers of old!”

37. Moses said, “My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose end will be best in the Hereafter; certainly the wrongdoers will not prosper.”

38. Pharaoh said, “O chiefs! I know no god for you but myself: Therefore, O Haman! Light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay, and build me a lofty palace so that I may mount up to the Allāh of Moses: But as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a liar!”

39. And he was arrogant and insolent in the land beyond reason! he and his hosts: They thought that they would not have to return to Us!

40. So We seized him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea: Now see what the end of those who did wrong was!

41. And We made them (but) leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Judgment they shall find no help.

42. In this world We made a curse to follow them, and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the loathed (and despised).

43. We revealed the Book to Moses after We destroyed the earlier generations, (to grant) insight to men and guidance and mercy so that they might receive admonishment.

44. You were not on the western side when We decreed the commission to Moses, nor were you a witness (to those events).

45. But We raised up (new) generations, and long were the ages that passed since then, but you were not a dweller among the people of Madyan, reciting Our Signs to them, but it is We Who send Messengers (with inspiration).

46. Nor were you at the side of (the mountain of) Tur when We called (to Moses), yet (you are sent) as a mercy from your Lord, to grant warning to a people to whom no warner had come before you, so that they may receive admonishment.

47. If (We had) not (sent you to Quraish)! in case a calamity should seize them for (the deeds) that their hands have sent forth, they might say, “Our Lord! Why did You not send us a Messenger? Then we would have followed the Signs and been among those who believe!”

48. But (now), when the truth has come to them from Ourselves, they say, “Why are not (Signs) sent to him like those which were sent to Moses?” Then do they not reject (the Signs) which were formerly sent to Moses? They say, “Two kinds of sorcery, each assisting the other!” And they say, “For us, we reject all (such things)!”

49. Say: “Then bring a Book from Allāh, a better guide than either of them, so that I may follow it! (Do so,) if you are truthful!”

50. But if they do not listen to you, know that they only follow their own desires, and who is more astray than one who follows his own desires without guidance from Allāh? For Allāh does not guide people given to wrongdoing.

51. Now We have caused the word to reach them in order that they may receive admonishment.

52. Those to whom We sent the Book before this! they do believe in this (Revelation);

53. And when it is recited to them, they say, “We believe in it, for it is the truth from our Lord: Indeed we have been Muslims (bowing to God's will) even before this.”

54. Twice they will be given their reward, because they have persevered, they avert evil with good and they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.

55. And when they hear vain talk, they turn away from it and say, “Our deeds are for us, and yours are for you; peace be unto you: We do not seek the ignorant.”

56. It is true you will not be able to guide whoever whom you love: Allāh guides those whom He wills, and He knows best those who receive guidance.

57. They say, “If we were to follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land.” Have We not established a secure sanctuary for them, to which fruits of all kinds! a provision from Ourselves! is brought as tribute? But most of them do not understand.

58. And how many a town did We destroy which exulted in their life (of ease and plenty)?! Now those houses of theirs, after them, are deserted! all but (a miserable) few! and We are their heirs!

59. Nor was your Lord the One to destroy a town until He had sent a Messenger to it, rehearsing Our Signs to them: Nor are We going to destroy a town except when its inhabitants practice iniquity.

60. The (material) things which you are given are but the conveniences of this life and the glitter of it, but what is with Allāh is better and more enduring; will you then not understand?

61. Are (these two) alike? One to whom We have made a goodly promise and who is going to reach its (fulfillment), and one to whom We have given the good things of this life, but who, on the Day of Judgment, will be among those brought up (for punishment)?

62. That Day Allāh will call to them and say, “Where are My `partners' whom you imagined (to be as such)?”

63. Those against whom the charge will be proven, will say, “Our Lord! These are the ones whom we led astray: We led them astray, as we were astray ourselves: We free ourselves (from them) in Your presence! It was not us they worshipped.”

64. It will be said (to them), “Call upon your `partners' (for help).”  They will call upon them, but they will not listen to them, and they will see the penalty (before them); (how they will wish,) `If only they had been open to guidance!'

65. That Day (Allāh) will call to them and say, “What was the answer you gave to the Messengers?”

66. Then the (whole) story that Day will seem obscure to them (like light to the blind) and they will not be able (even) to question each other.

67. But any who (in this life) has repented, believed, and has done righteous deeds, will have hopes to be among those who achieve salvation.

68. Your Lord creates and chooses as He pleases: They have no choice (in the matter): Glory to Allāh! And He is far above the partners they ascribe (to Him)!

69. And your Lord knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal.

70. And He is Allāh: There is no god but He. To Him be praise, at the first and at the last: The command is His, and to Him shall you (all) be brought back.

71. Say: Do you see? If Allāh were to make the night perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allāh Who can grant you light? Will you then not listen?

72. Say: Do you see? If Allāh were to make the day perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allāh who can grant you night in which you can rest? Will you then not see?

73. It is out of His mercy that He has made night and day for you that you may rest in it, and so you may seek of His grace, and so you may be grateful.

74. The Day on which He calls upon them, He will say, “Where are My `partners' whom you imagined (to be as such)?”

75. And from each people We shall draw a witness, and We shall say, “Produce your proof.” Then they shall know that the truth is in Allāh (alone), and the (lies) which they invented will abandon them.

76. Qarun was surely of the people of Moses, but he acted insolently towards them: Such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys were a burden to a body of strong men. Behold! His people said to him, “Do not exult, for Allāh does not love those who exult (in riches).

77. “But seek, with the (wealth) which Allāh has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this, and the end is (best) for the righteous.”

78. He said, “This has been given to me because of certain knowledge which I have acquired.” Did he not know that before him Allāh had destroyed (entire) generations which were mightier than him and greater in the amount (of riches which) they had collected? But the wicked ones are not called to account (immediately) for their sins.

79. So he went forth to his people proud of his worldly glitter. Those whose (only) aim is (the enjoyment of) the life of this world said, “Oh! (We wish) we had the like of what Qarun has, for he is truly a lord of mighty good fortune!”

80. But those who had been granted (true) knowledge said, “Alas! God's reward (in the Hereafter) is best for those who believe and do righteous deeds. None shall attain this, though, except those who steadfastly persevere (in doing good deeds).”

81. Then We caused the earth to swallow him and his house up, and he had not (the least) party to help him against Allāh, nor could he help his own self.

82. And those who had envied his position the day before began to say on the morrow: “Ah! It is indeed Allāh Who increases the provision and decreases it to any of His servants as He pleases! Had it not been that Allāh was gracious unto us, He would have caused the earth to swallow us up! Ah! Surely those who reject Allāh will never prosper.”

83. We shall grant that (eternal) abode of the Hereafter to those who intend no high-handedness nor mischief on earth, and the end is (best) for the righteous.

84. If anyone does good deeds, his reward is better than his deed, but if anyone does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds.

85. Truly He Who ordained the Qur’ān for you will bring you back to the place of return. Say: “My Lord knows best who brings true guidance, and who is in manifest error.”

86. And you had not expected that the Book would be sent to you except as a mercy from your Lord: Therefore do not lend support in any way to those who reject (God's message).

87. And let nothing keep you back from God's Signs after they have been revealed to you, and invite (people) to your Lord, and do not be of the company of those who join gods with Allāh.

88. And do not call on another god besides Allāh. There is no god but He. Everything (that exists) will perish except His face. Command belongs to Him, and you will (all) be brought back to Him.

Chapter 30

SŪRA 29 THE SPIDER [AL-'ANKABUT] 69

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Alīf Lām Mīm.

2. Do men think that they will be left alone upon saying, “We believe,” and that they will not be tested?

3. We tested those before them, and Allāh will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.

4. Do those who practice evil think that they will get the better of Us? Their Judgment is surely evil!

5. For those whose hopes are in the meeting with Allāh (in the Hereafter, let them strive), for the term (set) by Allāh is surely coming, and He hears and knows (all things).

6. And if any strive (with might and main), they do so for their own souls: For Allāh is free of all needs from all creation.

7. Those who believe and do righteous deeds, We shall blot out from them all evil (that may be) in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.

8. We have enjoined kindness to parents on man: But if they (either of them) strive (to force) you to join with Me (in worship) anything of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. You (all) have to return to Me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that you did.

9. And those who believe and do righteous deeds! We shall admit them to the company of the righteous.

10. There are among men those who say, “We believe in Allāh;” but when they suffer affliction in (the cause of) Allāh, they treat men's oppression as if it were God's Wrath! And if help comes (to you) from your Lord, they are sure to say, “We have (always) been with you!” Does Allāh not know best all that is in the hearts of all creation?

11. And Allāh most certainly knows those who believe and those who are hypocrites.

12. And the unbelievers say to those who believe, “Follow our path, and we will bear (the consequences) of your faults.” They will never in the least bear their faults: In fact they are liars!

13. They will bear their own burdens, and (other) burdens along with their own, and on the Day of Judgment they will be called to account for their falsehood.

14. We sent Noah to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty: But the deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin.

15. But We saved him and the companions of the ark, and We made the (ark) a Sign for all peoples!

16. And (We also saved) Abraham: Behold! He said to his people, “Serve Allāh and fear Him: That will be best for you, if you understand!

17. “You worship idols besides Allāh, and you invent falsehood. The things that you worship besides Allāh have no power to grant you sustenance, so seek sustenance from Allāh; serve Him, and be grateful to Him: You will surely return to Him.

18. . “And if you reject (the message), so did generations before you, and the duty of the Messenger is only to preach publicly (and clearly).”

19. Do they not see how Allāh originates creation, then repeats it? Truly that is easy for Allāh.

20. Say: “Travel throughout the earth and see how Allāh originated creation, so will Allāh produce a later creation, for Allāh has power over all things.

21. “He punishes whomsoever He pleases, and He grants mercy to whomsoever He pleases, and you are returned to Him.

22. “Not on earth nor in heavens will you be able to frustrate (His plan by fleeing), nor do you have any other protector or helper besides Allāh.”

23. Those who reject God's Signs and the meeting with Him (in the Hereafter)! it is they who shall despair of My mercy: It is they who will (suffer) a most grievous penalty.

24. So the answer of (Abraham's) people was only that they said, “Slay him or burn him.” But Allāh saved him from the fire: Truly (there) are Signs in this for people who believe.

25. And he said, “For you, you have taken (for worship) idols besides Allāh, by way of friendship between you and out of love for this life, but on the Day of Judgment you shall disown and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have none to help (you).”

26. But Lot had faith in Him: He said, “I will leave home for the sake of my Lord, for He is Exalted in might and Wise.”

27. And We gave (Abraham) Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life, and he was (of the company) of the righteous in the Hereafter.

28. And (remember) Lot; behold, he said to his people, “You commit such lewdness as no people in creation (ever) committed before you.

29. “Do you indeed approach men, and cut off the highway? And practice wickedness (even) in your assemblies?” But his people gave no answer except this: They said, “Bring upon us God's Wrath if you tell the truth.”

30. He said, “O Lord! Help me against the people who do mischief!”

31. When Our messengers came to Abraham with the glad tidings, they said, “We are indeed going to destroy the people of this town, for truly they are (given to) crime.”

32. He said, “But Lot is there.” They said, “We know well who is there: We will certainly save him and his followers, except his wife: She is of those who lag behind!”

33. And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was grieved on their account, and felt powerless (to protect) them: But they said, “Have no fear or grief: We are (here) to save you and your followers, except your wife: She is of those who will lag behind.

34. “For we are going to bring down on the people of this township a punishment from heavens, because they have been wickedly rebellious.”

35. And We have left an obvious Sign of it for any people who (care to) understand.

36. To the Madyan (people) (We sent) their brother Shu`aib. He said, “O my people! Serve Allāh, and fear the last Day, and do not commit evil on the earth, with intent to do mischief.”

37. But they rejected him: Then the mighty blast seized them, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morn.

38. Remember also the 'Ād and the Thamūd (people): (Their fate) will appear clearly to you from (the traces) of their buildings. The evil one made their deeds alluring to them, and kept them back from the path, though they were gifted with intelligence and skill.

39. (Remember also) Qaru,-n, Pharaoh and Hama,-n: Moses came to them with clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on earth; yet they could not outstrip (Us).

40. Each one of them We seized for his crime: Of them, against some we sent a violent tornado (with showers of stones); some were caught by a (mighty) blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up, and some We drowned (in the sea): It was not Allāh Who oppressed them: They oppressed their own souls.

41. The parable of those who take protectors other than Allāh is that of the spider that builds (for itself) a house, but truly the spider's house is the flimsiest of houses, if they only knew.

42. Truly Allāh knows of (everything) that they call upon besides Him, and He is Exalted (in power), Wise.

43. And such are the parables We set for mankind, but only those who have knowledge understand them.

44. Allāh created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): Truly (there) is a Sign in that for those who believe.

45. Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to you and establish regular prayers, for prayers restrain from shameful and unjust deeds, and remembrance of Allāh is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allāh knows the deeds that you do.

46. And do not argue with the People of the Book except with means that are better (than mere disputation), unless it is with those who inflict wrong (and injury): But say: “We believe in the Revelation which has come to us and in that which came to you; our Allāh and yours is One, and it is to Him that we bow down (in Islam).”

47. Thus (it is) that We have revealed the Book to you. Some of the People of the Book believe in it, as also do some of these (pagan Arabs), and none but the unbelievers reject Our Signs.

48. And you were not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor are you (able) to transcribe it with your right hand: In that case, indeed, those who utter vanities would have doubted.

49. Nay! Here are obvious Signs in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge, and none but the unjust reject Our Signs.

50. Yet they say, “Why are no Signs sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “The Signs are indeed with Allāh, and I am indeed a clear warner.”

51. And is it not enough for them that We have sent down to you the Book which is recited to them? Truly (there) is mercy in it and a reminder to those who believe.

52. Say: “God suffices for a witness between me and you: He knows what is in the heavens and on earth.” And it is those who believe in vanities and reject Allāh who will perish (in the end).

53. They ask you to hasten on the punishment (for them): Had it not been for an appointed Term (of respite), the punishment would certainly have come to them, and it will certainly reach them suddenly, while they do not perceive it!

54. They ask you to hasten on the punishment, but Hell will surely encompass the rejecters of faith!

55. On the Day that the punishment covers them from above them and from below, and (a voice) shall say, “Taste (the fruits) of your deeds!”

56. O My servants who believe! Truly, My earth is spacious: Therefore serve Me (and Me alone)!

57. Every soul shall have a taste of death: In the end you shall be brought back to Us.

58. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness! to them We shall grant a home in heavens! lofty mansions beneath which rivers flow! to dwell therein forever; an excellent reward for those who do (good deeds),

59. Those who patiently persevere and put their trust in their Lord and Cherisher!

60. . How many are the creatures that do not carry their own sustenance? It is Allāh Who sustains them and you, for He hears and knows (all things).

61. If indeed you ask them Who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to His law), they will certainly reply, “God.” Then how are they deluded away (from the truth)?

62. Allāh increases the sustenance (which He gives) to whichever of His servants He pleases, and He (similarly) grants by (strict) measure (as He pleases), for Allāh has full knowledge of all things.

63. And if indeed you ask them Who sends down rain from the sky, and gives life with it to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, “God!” Say, “Praise belongs to Allāh!” But most of them do not understand.

64. What is the life of this world but amusement and play? Truly the home in the Hereafter! that is true life indeed, if they only knew.

65. Now, if they embark on a boat, they call on Allāh, making their devotion sincerely (and exclusively) to Him, but when He delivers them safely to a (dry) land, behold, they grant a share (of their worship to others)!

66. Disdaining ungratefully Our gifts and giving themselves up to (worldly) enjoyment! But soon will they know.

67. Then do they not see that We have made a secure sanctuary, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in that which is vain, rejecting God's grace?

68. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allāh or rejects the truth when it reaches him?! Is there no room in Hell for those who reject faith?

69. And those who strive in Our (cause)! We will certainly guide them to Our paths, for truly Allāh is with those who do right.

Chapter 31

SŪRA 30 THE ROMAN [AL-RUM] 60

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Alīf Lām Mīm.

2. The Roman Empire has been defeated,

3. In a land close by, but they, (even) after (this) defeat, will soon be victorious,

4. Within a few years. The decision is with Allāh, in the past and in the future: On that day the believers shall rejoice,

5. With God's help. He helps whomsoever He wills, and He is Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

6. (It is) God's promise. Allāh never departs from His promise: But most men do not understand.

7. They know only the outer (things) in the life of this world: But they are heedless of the end of things.

8. Do they not reflect? Allāh did not create the heavens and the earth and all between them except for just ends and for an appointed Term: Yet there are truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)!

9. Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them was? They were superior to them in might: They tilled the soil and populated it in greater numbers than these have done: Their Messengers came to them with clear (Signs which they rejected, to their own destruction): It was not Allāh Who wronged them but they wronged their own souls.

10. In the long run, the end of those who do evil will be extremely evil because they rejected God's Signs and held them with ridicule.

11. It is Allāh Who begins (the process of) creation, then repeats it; then you shall all be brought back to Him.

12. On the Day the Hour is established, the guilty will be struck dumb with despair.

13. They will have no intercessor among their “partners,” and they will (themselves) reject their “partners.”

14. On the Day the Hour is established! that Day (all men) shall be sorted out.

15. Those who have believed and did righteous deeds shall be made happy in a mead of delight.

16. And those who have rejected faith and falsely denied Our Signs and the meeting of the Hereafter, those shall be brought forth to punishment.

17. So glorify Allāh when night overtakes you and when you rise in the morn;

18. Yes, praise be to Him, in the heavens and on earth, and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline.

19. It is He Who brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living, Who gives life to earth after its death, and thus shall you be brought out (from death).

20. Among His Signs is this, that He created you from dust, and then! see, you are men scattered (far and wide)!

21. And among His Signs is this, that He created mates for you from your own selves that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); truly (there) are Signs in that for those who reflect.

22. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your tongues and complexions: Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who know.

23. And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and the quest that you (make for livelihood) out of His bounty: Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who listen.

24. And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after its death: Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who are wise.

25. And among His Signs is this, that heavens and earth stand by His command: Then when he calls you by a single call out of the earth, behold, you (straightway) come forth!

26. To Him belongs everything that is in the heavens and on earth: All are devoutly obedient to Him.

27. It is He Who begins (the process of) creation, then repeats it, and it is most easy for Him. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (we can think of) in the heavens and on earth, for He is Exalted in might, full of wisdom.

28. He propounds a similitude to you from your own (experience). Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess, to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? Do you fear them as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the Signs in detail to people who understand.

29. Nay, the wrongdoers (merely) follow their own lust, being devoid of knowledge. But who will guide those whom Allāh leaves to stray? There will be no helpers for them.

30. So set your face steadily and truly to the faith: (Establish) God's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: (Let there be) no change in the work (wrought) by Allāh: That is the standard religion: But most among mankind do not understand.

31. Turn back in repentance to Him and fear Him: Establish regular prayers, and do not be among those who join gods with Allāh,

32. Those who split up their religion, and became (mere) sects, each party rejoicing in what is with it!

33. When trouble touches men, they cry to their Lord, turning back to Him in repentance: But when He gives them a taste of His mercy, behold! Some of them pay part worship to other gods besides their Lord,

34. (As if to) show their ingratitude for the (favors) We have bestowed on them! Then enjoy (your brief day), but you will soon know (your folly)

35. Or have We sent down authority to them, which points out to them the things associated with Him in worship?

36. When We grant men a taste of mercy, they exult at it, and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands had sent forth, behold, they are in despair!

37. Do they not see that Allāh increases the provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases? Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who believe.

38. So grant what is due to kindred, the needy, and the way-farer. That is best for those who seek God's countenance and it is they who will prosper.

39. That which you lay out for increase through the property of (other) people will have no increase with Allāh: But that which you lay out for charity, seeking God's countenance, (will increase): It is these who will get a multiple recompense.

40. It is Allāh Who has created you: Further, He has provided for your sustenance; then He will cause you to die, and again He will grant you life. Are there any of your (false) “partners” who can do a single one of these things? Glory to Him! And He is high above the partners they attribute (to Him)!

41. Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that (Allāh) may grant them a taste of some of their deeds, so that they may turn back (from evil).

42. Say: “Travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before (you) was: Most of them worshipped others besides Allāh.”

43. But set your face to the right religion, before the Day come from Allāh which none can avert: On that Day men shall be divided (in two groups):

44. Those who reject faith will suffer from that rejection, and those who do righteous deeds will spread their couch (of repose) for themselves (in heavens):

45. So that He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds with His bounty, for He does not love those who reject faith.

46. Among His Signs is that He sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, giving you a taste of His (grace and) mercy! that the ships may sail (majestically) by His command and that you may seek of His bounty, so that you may be grateful.

47. We did indeed send Messengers before you to their (respective) peoples, and they came to them with clear Signs: Then, to those who transgressed, We meted out retribution, and it was due from Us to aid those who believed.

48. It is Allāh Who sends the winds, and they raise clouds: Then He spreads them in the sky as He wills and breaks them into fragments, until you see raindrops issue from their midst: Then when He makes them reach whoever of His servants He wills, behold, they rejoice thereat!

49. Even though, before they received (the rain)! just before this! they were confounded with despair!

50. Then contemplate (O man!) the Signs of God's Mercy! How He gives life to the earth after its death: Truly the same will grant life to the dead, for He has power over all things.

51. And if We (merely) send a wind from which they see (their tilth) turn yellow! behold! After that they become ungrateful (unbelievers)!

52. So truly you cannot make the dead hear, nor can you make the deaf hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away.

53. Nor can you lead back the blind from their straying: You will make hear only those who believe in Our Signs and submit (their will in Islam).

54. It is Allāh Who created you in a state of (helpless) weakness, then gave (you) strength after weakness, then, after strength, will grant (you) weakness and a hoary head: He creates as He wills, and it is He Who has all knowledge and power.

55. On the Day that the Hour (of reckoning) is established, the transgressors will swear that they tarried only an hour: Thus were they used to being deluded!

56. But those endowed with knowledge and faith will say, “Indeed you did tarry, within God's decree, till the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection: But you were not aware!”

57. So on that Day no excuse of theirs will avail the transgressors, nor will they be invited to seek grace (by repentance).

58. Truly We have propounded for men, in this Qur’ān, every kind of parable: But if you bring any Sign to them, the unbelievers are sure to say, “You do nothing but talk vanities.”

59. Thus does Allāh seal up the hearts of those who do not understand.

60. So patiently persevere, for truly God's promise is true: Do not let those who have (themselves) no certainty of faith shake your firmness.

Chapter 32

SŪRA 31 LUQMAN 34

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Alīf Lām Mīm.

2. These are verses of the Book of Wisdom,

3. A guide and a mercy to the doers of good,

4. Those who establish regular prayers, and grant pay the zakāt, and have (in their hearts) the assurance of the Hereafter.

5. These are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and these are the ones who will prosper.

6. But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales, without knowledge, to mislead (men) from God's path and throw ridicule (on the path): for such, there will be a humiliating penalty.

7. When Our Signs are recited to such one, he turns away in arrogance, as if he did not hear  them, as if there were deafness in his ears: So announce a grievous penalty to him.

8. For those who believe and do righteous deeds, there will be gardens of bliss,

9. To dwell therein. God's promise is true, and He is Exalted in power, wise.

10. He created the heavens without pillars that you can see; He set on earth mountains standing firmly, lest it should shake with you, and He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and produce on earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs.

11. Such is God's creation: Now show Me what is there that others besides Him have created: Nay, but the transgressors are in manifest error.

12. We bestowed wisdom on Luqman: “Show (your) gratitude to Allāh.” Any who is grateful does so to the benefit of his own soul: But if any is ungrateful, truly Allāh is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

13. Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction, “O son! Do not join (others) with Allāh in worship, for false worship is indeed the highest wrongdoing.”

14. And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and his weaning was in two years: (Hear the command:) “Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: I am (your final) goal.

15. “But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them: Yet keep them company in this life justly (and with consideration), and follow the path of those who turn to Me (in love): In the end all of you shall return to me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that you did.”

16. “O son!” (said Luqman,) “If there be (but) the weight of a mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allāh will bring it forth, for Allāh understands the finest mysteries, (and) He is well-acquainted (with them).

17. “O son! Establish regular prayers, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong, and bear with patient constancy whatever betide you, for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs.

18. “And do not swell your cheek (in pride) at men, nor walk in insolence throughout the earth, for Allāh does not love any arrogant boaster.

19. “And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice, for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the asses.”

20. Do not you see that Allāh has made all things in the heavens and on earth subservient to you, and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are among men those who dispute about Allāh without knowledge and without guidance and without an enlightening Book!

21. When they are told to follow the (Revelation) that Allāh has sent down, they say, “Nay! We shall follow the ways we found our fathers (following).” What?! Even if Satan beckons them to the penalty of the (blazing) Fire!

22. Whoever submits himself wholly self to Allāh and does good deeds has truly grasped the most trustworthy handhold, and the end and decision of (all) matters rests with Allāh.

23. But if any rejects faith, do not let his rejection grieve you: Their return is to Us, and We shall tell them the truth of their deeds, for Allāh knows well all that is in (men's) hearts.

24. We grant them pleasure for a little while: In the end We shall drive them to an unrelenting chastisement.

25. If you ask them Who it is that created the heavens and the earth, they will certainly say, “God.” Say: “Praise belongs to Allāh!” But most of them do not understand.

26. All things in heavens and on earth belong to Allāh: Truly Allāh is He (Who is) free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

27. And if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean (were ink), with seven oceans behind it to add to its (supply), God's words would still not be exhausted (in the writing), for Allāh is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

28. And your creation or your Resurrection is in no wise but as an individual soul, for Allāh is He Who hears and sees (all things).

29. Do you not see that Allāh merges night into day and He merges day into night that He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law), each running its course for an appointed Term, and that Allāh is well-acquainted with all that you do?

30. That is so because Allāh is the (only) Reality, and because whatever else they invoke besides Him is falsehood, and because Allāh is the most high, the most great.

31. Do you not see that the ships sail through the ocean by God's grace so that He may show you of His Signs? Truly (there) are Signs in this for all who constantly persevere and offer thanks.

32. When a wave covers them like the canopy (of clouds), they call upon Allāh, offering Him sincere devotion. But when He delivers them safely to land, there are among them those who halt between (right and wrong). But none reject Our Signs except a perfidious ungrateful (wretch)!

33. O mankind! Do your duty to your Lord, and fear (the coming of) a Day when no father can do anything for his son, nor a son can do anything for his father. Truly, God's promise is true: Then do not let this present life deceive you nor let the Chief Deceiver deceive you about Allāh.

34. Truly the knowledge of the Hour is with Allāh (alone). It is He Who sends down rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. Nor does anyone know what it is that he will earn tomorrow: Nor does anyone know in what land he is to die. Truly full knowledge is with Allāh and He is acquainted (with all things).

Chapter 33

SŪRA 32 PROSTRATION [SAJDA] 30

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Alīf Lām Mīm.

2. (This is) the Revelation of the Book in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.

3. Or do they say, “He has forged it”? Nay, it is the truth from the Lord so that you may admonish a people to whom no warner has come before you in order that they may receive guidance.

4. It is Allāh Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six days, and He is firmly established on the throne (of authority): You have none, besides Him, to protect or intercede (for you): will you then not receive admonishment?

5. He regulates (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth: In the end (all affairs) will go up to Him, on a Day the span whereof will be (as) a thousand years of your reckoning.

6. Such is He, the Knower of all things, hidden and open, the Exalted (in power), the Merciful;

7. He Who has made everything which He has created excellently. He began the creation of man with (nothing more than) clay,

8. And made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a despised fluid:

9. But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding): Small thanks do you grant!

10. And they say, “What?! When we lie, hidden and lost, in the earth, shall we indeed be in a renewed creation?” Nay, they deny the meeting with their Lord!

11. Say, “The angel of death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls; then you shall be brought back to your Lord.”

12. If only you could see when the guilty ones bend their heads down before their Lord, (saying,) “Our Lord! We have seen and we have heard: Now then send us back (to the world): We will do righteous deeds, for we do indeed believe (now).”

13. If We had so willed, We could certainly have brought every soul its true guidance: But the word from Me will come true. “I will fill Hell with jinns and men all together.”

14. “So taste, for you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours, and We too will forget you! taste the eternal penalty for your (evil) deeds!”

15. Only those believe in Our Signs who, when they are recited to them, fall down prostrating, celebrating the praises of their Lord, nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.

16. Their limbs forsake their beds of sleep while they call upon their Lord, in fear and in hope, and they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed upon them.

17. Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in store) for them! as a reward for their (good) deeds.

18. Then is the man who believes not better than the one who is rebellious and wicked? They are not equal.

19. For those who believe and do righteous deeds, (there) are gardens as hospitable homes for their (good) deeds.

20. As for those who are rebellious and wicked, their abode will be the Fire: Every time they wish to get away from it, they will be forced into it, and it will be said to them, “Taste the penalty of the Fire, which you were wont to reject as false.”

21. And indeed We will make them taste of the penalty of this (life) prior to the supreme penalty, in order that they may (repent and) return.

22. And who does more wrong than one to whom his Lord's Signs are recited, and who then turns away from them? Truly We shall exact (due) retribution from them.

23. Truly We gave the Book to Moses: Then do not doubt its reaching (you), and We made it a guide to the Children of Israel.

24. And We appointed leaders from among them, giving guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to believe in Our Signs.

25. Truly your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment, in the matters about which they differ (among themselves).

26. Does it not teach them a lesson, how many generations We destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they (now) go to and fro? Truly (there) are Signs in that: Then do they not listen?

27. And do they not see that We drive rain to a parched soil (bare of herbage), and produce crops with it, providing food for their cattle and their own selves? Do they not have vision?

28. They say, “When will this decision be, if you are telling the truth?”

29. Say: “On the Day of decision, no avail will it be to the unbelievers if they believe (then)! Nor will they be granted a respite.”

30. So turn away from them, and wait: They too are waiting.

Chapter 34

SŪRA 33 THE ALLIES [AL-AHZAB] 73

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. O Prophet! Fear Allāh, and do not listen to the unbelievers and hypocrites: Truly Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

2. But follow what comes to you by inspiration from your Lord, for Allāh is well-acquainted with (all) that you do.

3. And put your trust in Allāh, and Allāh is enough as a Disposer of affairs.

4. Allāh has not made two hearts in (one) body for any man: Nor has He made your wives whom you divorce by Zihar your mothers: Nor has He made your adopted sons as your sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech. But Allāh tells (you) the truth, and He shows the (right) way.

5. Call them by (the names) of their fathers: That is more just in God's sight, but if you do not know their father's (names, call them) your brethren in faith, or your Maulas. But there is no blame on you if you make a mistake in this: (What counts is) the intention of your hearts, and Allāh is oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.

6. The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood relations among each other have closer personal ties, in God's decree, than (the brotherhood of) believers and Muhajirs: Nevertheless do what is just to your closest friends: Such is the decree (of Allāh).

7. And remember We took from the Prophets their covenant as (We did) from you: From Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus son of Mary: We took a solemn covenant from them:

8. That (Allāh) may question the (custodians) of truth concerning the truth they (were charged with), and He has prepared a grievous penalty for the unbelievers.

9. O you who believe! Remember God's grace (bestowed) upon you, when hosts came down on you (to overwhelm you): But We sent a hurricane and force that you did not see against them. But Allāh sees (clearly) all that you do.

10. Behold! They came upon you from above you and from below you, and behold, the eyes became dim and the hearts gaped up to the throats, and you even imagined various (vain) thoughts about Allāh!

11. In that situation, the believers were tried; they were shaken by a tremendous shaking.

12. And behold! The hypocrites and those in whose hearts there is a disease say, “God and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion!”

13. Behold! Some of them said, “You men of Yathrib! You cannot stand (the attack)! So go back!” And a band of them asked the Prophet for leave, saying, “Truly our houses are bare and exposed,” though they were not exposed: They intended nothing but to run away.

14. And if an entry had been effected to them from the sides of the (city), and they had been incited to sedition, they would certainly have brought it to pass, with only a brief delay!

15. Yet they had already made a covenant with Allāh not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allāh must (surely) be answered for.

16. Say: “Running away will not benefit you if you are running away from death or slaughter, and even if (you do escape), you will be allowed to enjoy no more than a brief (respite).”

17. Say: “Who can shield you from Allāh if it is His wish to punish you or to be merciful to you?” Nor will they find any protector or helper for themselves, besides Allāh.

18. Truly Allāh knows those among you who keep back (men) and those who say to their brethren, “Come along to us,” but do not come to the fight except for just a short while,

19. Covetous over you. Then when fear comes, you will see them looking to you, their eyes revolving like (those of) one over whom death hovers: But when the fear is past, they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods. Such men have no faith, so Allāh has made their deeds of no avail, and that is easy for Allāh.

20. They think that the coalitions have not withdrawn, and should the coalitions come (again), they would wish they were in the desert (wandering) among the bedouins, seeking news about you (from a safe distance), and if they were in your midst, they would fight only a little.

21. In God's Messenger, you truly have a beautiful pattern of (conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the final Day, and who engages much in God's praise.

22. When the believers saw the confederate forces, they said, “This is what Allāh and His Messenger had promised us, and what Allāh and His Messenger told us is true.” And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.

23. Some of the believers have been true to their covenant with Allāh, some of them have completed their vow to (the extreme), while some (still) wait: But they have never changed (their determination) in the least:

24. That Allāh may reward the men of truth for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if that be His will, or turn to them in mercy, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

25. And Allāh turned the unbelievers back for (all) their fury: They gained no advantage, and Allāh suffices the believers in their struggle. And Allāh is full of strength, able to enforce His will.

26. And those of the People of the Book who aided them, Allāh took them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts, (so much so that) some you killed, and some you took prisoners.

27. And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their possessions, and of a land which you had not frequented (before). And Allāh has power over all things.

28. O Prophet! Say to your consorts: “If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, then come! I will provide for your enjoyment and set you free in a handsome manner.

29. “But if you seek Allāh and His Messenger, and the abode of the Hereafter, truly Allāh has prepared a great reward for the well-doers among you.”

30. O consorts of the Prophet! If any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the punishment would be doubled to her, and that is easy for Allāh.

31. But any of you who is devout in the service of Allāh and His Messenger, and does righteous deeds, to her We shall grant her reward twice and We have prepared a generous sustenance for her.

32. O consorts of the Prophet! You are not like any (other) women: If you fear (Allāh), do not be too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart there is a disease should be moved with desire: But speak a speech (that is) just.

33. And stay in your houses, and do not make a dazzling display, like that in the former times of ignorance, and establish regular prayer and grant pay the zakāt, and obey Allāh and His Messenger. And Allāh only wishes to remove all abomination from you, you members of the family, and to make you pure and spotless.

34. And recite what is rehearsed to you in your homes of the Signs of Allāh and His wisdom, for Allāh understands the finest mysteries and is well-acquainted (with them).

35. For Muslim men and women! for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who grant in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise! for them all Allāh has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

36. It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allāh and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision. If anyone disobeys Allāh and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.

37. Behold! You said to one who had received God's grace and your favor, “Retain your wife (in wedlock), and fear Allāh.” But you hid in your heart what Allāh was about to make manifest: You feared the people, but it is more fitting for you to fear Allāh. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to you in order that (in the future) there may be no difficulty for the believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved (their marriage) with them with the necessary (formality), and God's command must be fulfilled.

38. There can be no difficulty for the Prophet in what Allāh has indicated to him as a duty. It was the practice (approved) of by Allāh among those of old who have passed away. And God's command is a determined decree.

39. (It is the practice of those) who preach God's messages and fear Him, and fear none but Allāh, and Allāh suffices to call (men) to account.

40. Muhammed is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) God's Messenger, and the seal of the Prophets, and Allāh has full knowledge of all things.

41. O you who believe! Celebrate God's praises and do so often;

42. And glorify Him morning and evening.

43. It is He Who sends blessings to you, as do His angels so that He may bring you out of the depths of darkness into light, and He is full of mercy to the believers.

44. Their salutation on the Day they meet Him will be “Peace!” And He has prepared a generous reward for them.

45. O Prophet! We have truly sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner,

46. And as one who invites (people) to God's (grace) by His leave, and as an illuminating lamp.

47. Then grant the glad tidings to the believers that they shall have a very great bounty from Allāh.

48. And do not obey (the requests) of the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and do not heed their annoyances, but put your trust in Allāh, for Allāh is enough as a disposer of affairs.

49. O you who believe! When you marry believing women, and then divorce them before you have touching them, you do not have to count a period of `Iddat in their regard, so grant them some provisions, and release free in a handsome manner.

50. O Prophet! We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have paid their dowers lawful to you, and those whom your right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allāh has assigned to you, and daughters of your paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of your maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Mecca) with you, and any believing woman who dedicates herself to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her! this (is) only for you, and not for the believers (at large); We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess! in order that there should be no difficulty for you. And Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

51. You may defer any of them that you please, and you may receive any you please, and there is no blame on you if you invite one whose (turn) you had set aside. This would be closer to the cooling of their eyes, the prevention of their grief, and their satisfaction! that of all of them! with that which you have to grant to them, and Allāh knows (all) that is in your hearts, and Allāh is all-Knowing, Most Forbearing.

52. It is not lawful for you (to marry more) women after this, nor to change them for (other) wives, even though their beauty may attract you, except any your right hand may possess (as hand-maidens), and Allāh watches over all things.

53. O you who believe! Do not enter the Prophet's houses until permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) do not wait for its preparation: But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behavior) annoys the Prophet: He is too bashful to dismiss you, but Allāh is not too bashful (to tell you) the truth. And when you ask (his ladies) for anything you want, ask them from behind a barrier: That is more purifying for your hearts and theirs. Nor is it right for you that you should annoy God's Messenger, or that you should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is an enormity in God's sight.

54. Whether you reveal anything or conceal it, truly Allāh has full knowledge of all things.

55. There is no blame (on these ladies if they appear) before their fathers or their sons, their brothers, or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their women, or the (slaves) whom their right hands possess. And (ladies,) fear Allāh, for Allāh is Witness to all things.

56. Allāh and His angels send blessings unto the Prophet: O you who believe! Send blessings unto him, and salute him with all respect.

57. Those who annoy Allāh and His Messenger! God has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter, and has prepared a humiliating punishment for them.

58. And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin.

59. O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over themselves (when outside): That is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not harassed, and Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful

60. Truly, if the hypocrites, and those with a disease in their hearts, and those who stir up sedition in the city, and do not desist, We shall certainly stir you up against them: Then they will not be able to stay in it as your neighbors for any length of time:

61. They shall be cursed: Wherever they are found, they shall be seized and killed (without mercy).

62. (Such was) the practice (approved) by Allāh among those who lived before: You will find no change in the practice (approved) by Allāh.

63. Men ask you concerning the Hour: Say: “Knowledge of this is with Allāh (alone).” And what will make you understand? Perhaps the Hour is near!

64. Truly Allāh has cursed the unbelievers and prepared a blazing fire for them,

65. To dwell in it forever: They will find no protector nor helper.

66. The Day that their faces are turned upside down in the fire, they will say, “Woe unto us! Would that we had obeyed Allāh and obeyed the Messenger!”

67. And they would say, “Our Lord! We obeyed our chiefs and our great men, and they misled us from the (right) path.

68. “Our Lord! Grant them double the penalty and curse them with a very great curse!”

69. O you who believe! Do not be like those who vexed and insulted Moses, but Allāh cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered, and he was honorable in God's sight.

70. O you who believe! Fear Allāh, and (always) say a word directed to the right (course):

71. That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: He who obeys Allāh and His Messenger has already attained the highest achievement.

72. We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains: But they refused to undertake it, being afraid of it: But man undertook it: He was truly unjust and most ignorant;

73. (With the result) that Allāh has to punish the hypocrites, men and women, and the unbelievers, men and women, and Allāh turns in mercy to the believers, men and women, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Chapter 35

SŪRA 34 [SABA] 54

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Praise (all of it) belongs to Allāh to Whom all things in the heavens and earth belong: Praise to Him in the Hereafter, and He is full of wisdom, acquainted with all things.

2. He knows all that goes to earth, and all that comes out of it; all that descends from the sky and all that ascends into it, and He is the Most Merciful, the oft-Forgiving.

3. The unbelievers say, “The Hour will never come to us.” Say: “Nay! But most surely, by my Lord, it will come upon you; by Him Who knows the unseen! from Whom not the least little atom in the heavens or on earth is hidden: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the clear record:

4. That He may reward those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, for such there shall be forgiveness and a most generous sustenance.”

5. But those who strive against Our Signs to frustrate them! for those (there) will be a penalty, a most humiliating punishment.

6. And those to whom knowledge has come see that the (Revelation) sent down to you from your Lord is the truth, and that it guides (them) to the path of the Exalted (in might), the One worthy of all praise.

7. The unbelievers say (in ridicule), “Shall we point out to you a man that will tell you, when you are all scattered to pieces in disintegration, that you shall (then be raised) as a new creation?

8. “Has he invented falsehood against Allāh, or has a spirit (seized) him?” Nay, it is those who do not believe in the Hereafter who are in (real) penalty, and in manifest error.

9. Do they not see what is before them and behind them of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Truly (there) is a Sign in this forevery devotee who turns to Allāh (in repentance).

10. We had bestowed a grace from Ourselves on David: O you mountains! Reverberate God's praises with him! And you birds (also)! And We made the iron pliant to him;

11. (Commanding:) “Make coats of mail, balancing the rings of armor chain very well, and do righteous deeds, for surely I see (clearly) all that you do.”

12. And (We made) the wind (obedient) to Solomon: Its early morning (stride) was a month's (journey), and its evening (stride) was a month's (journey), and We made a font of molten brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked before him, by his Lord's permission, and if any of them turned aside from Our command, We made him taste of the penalty of the blazing Fire.

13. They worked for him as he desired, (making) arches, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places): “Grant thanks, O sons of David, indeed few of My servants are grateful!”

14. Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff, so when he fell down, the jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating penalty (of their tasks).

15. There was a Sign for Saba in their homeland: two gardens to the right and to the left. “Eat of the sustenance (provided) by your Lord, and be grateful to Him: a good land and an oft-Forgiving Lord!”

16. But they turned away (from Allāh), and We sent the flood (released) from the dams against them, and We converted their two garden (rows) into “gardens” producing bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few (stunted) Lote-trees.

17. That was the requital We gave them because they ungratefully rejected faith, and We never grant (such) requital except to those who are ungrateful rejecters.

18. Between them and the cities on which We had poured our blessings, We had placed cities in prominent positions, and between them We had appointed stages of journey in due proportion: Travel in them, secure, by night and by Day.

19. But they said, “Our Lord! Place long distances between our journey-stages.” So they wronged themselves (in this). At length We made them as a tale (that is told), and We dispersed them all in scattered fragments. Truly (there) are Signs in this forevery (soul that is) patiently constant and grateful.

20. And Satan proved (that) his conjecture (was) true, and they followed him, all but some who believed.

21. But he had no authority over them! except that We might test the man who believes in the Hereafter from the one who is in doubt concerning it, and your Lord watches over all things.

22. Say: “Call upon other (gods) whom you fancy, besides Allāh: They have no power! not the weight of an atom! in the heavens or on earth; they have no (sort of) share in it, nor is any of them a helper to Allāh.

23. “No intercession can avail in His presence except for those for whom He has granted permission. So far (is this the case) that, when terror is removed from their hearts (at the Day of Judgment, then) they will say, `What is it that your Lord commanded?' They will answer, `What is true and just, and He is the Most High, the Most Great.”'

24. Say: “Who gives you sustenance, from the heavens and the earth?” Say: “It is Allāh, and it is certain that either we or you are on the right guidance or in manifest error!”

25. Say: “You shall not be questioned as to our sins, nor shall we be questioned as to what you do.”

26. Say: “Our Lord will gather us together and will in the end decide the matter between us (and you) in truth and justice, and He is the One to decide, the One Who knows all.”

27. Say: “Show me those whom you have joined with Him as partners: By no means (can you do so). Nay! He is All āh, exalted in power, wise.”

28. We have sent you only as a universal (messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men do not understand.

29. They say, “When will this promise (come to pass) if you are telling the truth?”

30. Say: “The appointment for you is a Day which you cannot delay for an hour nor can you advance.”

31. The unbelievers say, “We shall neither believe in this scripture nor in (any) that (came) before it.” (If) you could only see when the wrongdoers are made to stand before their Lord, throwing back the word (of blame) on one another! Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones, “Had it not been for you, we would certainly have been believers!”

32. The arrogant ones will say to those who had been despised, “Was it we who kept you back from guidance after it reached you? Nay, rather it was you who transgressed.”

33. Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones, “Nay! It was a plot (of yours) by day and by night. Behold! You (constantly) ordered us to be ungrateful to Allāh and to attribute equals to Him!” They will declare (their) repentance when they see the penalty: We shall put yokes on the necks of the unbelievers: It would only be a requital for their (ill) deeds.

34. We never sent a warner to a town except that the wealthy among them said, “We do not believe in the (message) with which you have been sent.”

35. They said, “We have more wealth and sons, and we cannot be punished.”

36. Say: “Truly my Lord increases and decreases the provision to whomsoever He pleases, but most men do not understand.”

37. It is neither your wealth nor your sons that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: But only those who believe and do righteous deeds, these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied reward for their deeds, while they (reside) securely in the dwellings on high!

38. Those who strive against Our Signs to frustrate them will be turned into punishment.

39. Say: “Truly my Lord increases and decreases the sustenance to such of His servants as He pleases; and whatever you spend (in His cause) He replaces it, for He is the best of those who grant sustenance.”

40. One Day He will gather them all together and say to the angels, “Was it you whom these men used to worship?”

41. They will say, “Glory to You! Our (tie) is with You, as Protector, not with them. Nay, they worshipped only the jinns: Most of them believed in them.”

42. So on that Day they shall have no power over each other, for benefit or harm, and We shall say to the wrongdoers, “Taste the penalty of the Fire which you used to deny!”

43. When Our clear Signs are recited to them, they say, “This is only a man who wishes to hinder you from the (worship) which your fathers practiced.” And they say, “This is only an invented falsehood!” And the unbelievers say of the truth when it comes to them, “This is nothing but obvious magic!”

44. But We had not given them books which they could study, nor sent Messengers to them before you as warners.

45. And their predecessors rejected (the truth); these have not received a tenth of what We had granted to those: Yet when they rejected My Messengers, how (terrible) My rejection (of them) was!

46. Say: “I do admonish you on one point: That you stand up before God! (It may be) in pairs, or (it may be) singly, and reflect (within yourselves): Your companion is not possessed: He is no less than a warner to you, in the face of a terrible penalty.”

47. Say: “I ask no reward of you: It is (all) in your interest: My reward is due only from Allāh, and He is Witness to all things.”

48. Say: “Truly my Lord casts the (mantle of) truth (over His servants)! He has full knowledge of (all) that is hidden.”

49. Say: “The truth has arrived, and falsehood neither creates anything new, nor restores anything at all.”

50. Say: “If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my own soul: But if I receive guidance, it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me: It is He Who hears all things and is (ever) near.”

51. If you could only see when they quake with terror: But then there will be no escape (for them), and they will be seized from a position (quite) near.

52. And they will say, “(Now) we believe in the (truth).” But how could they receive (faith) from a position (so) far off,

53. Seeing that they rejected faith (entirely) before, and that they (continued to) cast (slanders) on the unseen from a position far off?

54. And a barrier is placed between them and their desires, as was done in the past with their partisans, for they were indeed in (disquieting) doubt.

Chapter 36

SŪRA 35 THE ORIGINATOR OF CREATION [FATIR] 45

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Praise belongs to Allāh Who created the heavens and the earth (out of nothing), Who made the angels messengers with wings, two, or three, or four (pairs): He adds to creation as He pleases, for Allāh has power over all things.

2. What Allāh out of His mercy bestows on mankind, none can withhold: What He withholds, none can grant, apart from Him, and He is the One Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

3. O mankind! Remember God's grace upon you! Is there a Creator, other than Allāh, to grant you sustenance from heavens or earth? There is no god but He: How then are you deluded away from the truth?

4. And if they reject you, Messengers were rejected before you: All affairs go back to Allāh for decision.

5. O mankind! Certainly God's promise is true. Then do not let this present life deceive you, nor let the Chief Deceiver deceive you about Allāh.

6. Truly Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents so that they may become companions of the blazing Fire.

7. For those who reject Allāh (there) is a terrible penalty: But for those who believe and do righteous deeds, (there) is forgiveness and a magnificent reward.

8. Then is he to whom the evil of his conduct is made alluring, so that he sees it as good, (equal to one who is rightly guided)? For Allāh leaves whomsoever He wills to stray, and guides whomsoever He pleases. So do not let your soul go out in (vain) sighing after them, for Allāh knows well all that they do!

9. It is Allāh Who sends forth the winds so that they raise up the clouds, and We drive them to a land that is dead, and revive the earth with them after its death: Even so (will be) the Resurrection!

10. If any seek glory and power, all glory and power belongs to Allāh. (All) words of purity mount up to him: It is He Who exalts each deed of righteousness. Those who lay plots of evil, (there) is a terrible penalty for them, and the plotting of such people will be futile.

11. And Allāh created you from dust; then from a sperm-drop; then He made you in pairs. And no female conceives, or lays down (her load), except with His knowledge. Nor is a man granted a prolongation length of days, nor is one's life-span shortened except in an (ordained) decree. All this is easy for Allāh.

12. Nor are the two bodies of flowing water alike, one is palatable, sweet, and pleasant to drink, and the other is salty and bitter. Yet from each (kind of water) you eat fresh and tender meat, and you extract ornaments to wear, and you see ships on them that plough the waves so that you may (thus) seek God's bounty, so that you may be grateful.

13. He merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one runs its course for an appointed term. Such is Allāh your Lord: All dominion belongs to Him. And those whom you invoke besides Him do not have power in the least.

14. If you invoke them, they will not listen to your call, and if they were to listen, they cannot answer your (call). On the Day of Judgment they will reject your “partnership.” And none (O man!) can tell you (the truth) like the One Who is acquainted with all things.

15. O mankind! It is you who need Allāh: But Allāh is the One free of all want, worthy of all praise.

16. If He so pleased, He could blot you out and bring about a new creation:

17. Nor is that (at all) difficult for Allāh

18. Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another's burden. If one heavily laden should call another to (bear) his load, not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other), even if he is closely related. You can admonish only those who fear their Lord in the unseen and establish regular prayers, and whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul, and Allāh is the destination (of all).

19. The blind and the sighted are not alike;

20. Nor are the depths of darkness and the light;

21. Nor are the (chilly) shade and the (genial) heat of the sun:

22. Nor are those who are living and those who are dead alike. Allāh can make anyone He wills hear, but you cannot make those who are (buried) in graves hear.

23. You are but a warner.

24. Verily We have sent you in truth a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner, and there never was a people, without a warner having lived among them (in the past).

25. And if they reject you, so did their predecessors, to whom their Messengers came with clear Signs, books of dark prophecies, and the Book of enlightenment.

26. In the end I punished those who rejected faith, and how (terrible) My rejection (of them) was!

27. Do you not see that Allāh sends down rain from the sky? Then We bring out thereby produce of various colors. And in the mountains (there) are white and red tracts, of various shades of color, and black intense in hue.

28. And so men, crawling creatures and cattle are of various colors. Those of God's servants who have knowledge truly fear Him, for Allāh is Exalted in might, oftForgiving.

29. Those who recite God's Book, establish regular prayers and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a gain that will never fail:

30. For He will pay them what they deserve. Nay! He will grant them (even) more out of His bounty, for He is oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service).

31. What We have revealed to you of the Book is the truth, confirming what was (revealed) before it, for Allāh is assuredly well acquainted with and fully observant of His servants.

32. Then We have given the Book for inheritance to those of Our servants whom We have chosen: But there are some among them who wrong their own souls; some of them follow a middle course, and some are, with God's permission, foremost in good deeds; that is the highest grace.

33. They will enter gardens of eternity: There they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk.

34. And they will say, “Praise belongs to Allāh, Who has removed (all) sorrow from us, for our Lord is indeed oft-Forgiving, ready to appreciate (service):

35. “Who has, out of His bounty, settled us in a home that will last (forever): no toil nor any sense of weariness shall touch us there.”

36. But those who reject (Allāh), the fire of Hell will be for them: No term will be set for them, so they should die, nor shall its penalty be lightened for them: Thus do We reward every ungrateful one!

37. There they will cry aloud (for assistance), “Our Lord! Bring us out; we shall do righteous deeds, not the (deeds) we used to do!” “Did We not grant you life long enough so that anyone who would could receive admonishment? And (moreover) the warner came to you. So taste (the fruit of your deeds): There is no helper for the wrongdoers.”

38. Allāh truly knows (all) the hidden things of the heavens and the earth: Truly He has full knowledge of all that is in (men's) hearts.

39. It is He Who has made you inheritors in the earth: Then if any reject (Allāh), their rejection (works) against them: Their rejection only adds to the odium for the unbelievers in their Lord's sight: Their rejection only adds to (their own) undoing.

40. Say: “Have you seen (these) `partners' of yours whom you call upon besides Allāh? Show me what they have created in the (wide) earth. Or do they have a share in the heavens? Or have We given them a Book from which they (can derive) clear (evidence)?” Nay, the wrongdoers promise each other nothing but delusion.

41. It is Allāh Who sustains the heavens and the earth lest they should cease (to function), and if they should fail, there is none, who can sustain them after that: Truly He is Most Forbearing; oftForgiving.

42. They swore their strongest oaths by Allāh that if a warner came to them, they would follow his guidance better than any (other) of the peoples: But when a warner came to them, it only increased their flight (from righteousness),

43. On account of their arrogance in the land and their plotting of evil. But the plotting of evil will hem in only its doers. Now are they only waiting for the ways of the ancients? But you will find no change in God's way (of dealing): You will find no alteration in God's way (of dealing).

44. Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them was, though they were superior to them in strength? Nor is Allāh to be frustrated by anything whatever in the heavens or on earth, for He is all-Knowing, all-Powerful.

45. If Allāh were to punish men according to what they deserve, He would not leave a single living creature on the (earth): But He gives them respite for an appointed Term: When their term expires, truly Allāh has all His servants in His sight.

Chapter 37

SŪRA 36 YA SIN 83

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Yā Sīn.

2. By the Qur’ān, full of wisdom,

3. You are indeed one of the Messengers,

4. On a straight path.

5. It is a Revelation sent down by (Him), the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful

6. So that you may admonish a people whose fathers had received no admonishment, and who therefore remain heedless (of God's Signs).

7. The word is proven true against most of them, for they do not believe.

8. We have put yokes round their necks right up to their chins, so that their heads are forced up (and they cannot see).

9. And We have put a barrier in front of them and a barrier behind them, and further, We have covered them up; so that they cannot see.

10. It is the same to them whether you admonish them or you do not: They will not believe.

11. You can only admonish those who follow the message and fear the Most Gracious (Lord) in the unseen; therefore, grant such one the glad tidings of forgiveness and a most generous reward.

12. Truly We shall grant life to the dead, and We record what they sent before and what they leave behind, and We have taken account of all  things in a clear Imam (book of evidence).

13. Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the people of the town. Behold! Messengers came to it.

14. When We (first) sent to them two Messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: They said, “Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you.”

15. The (people) said, “You are only men like ourselves, and (Allāh) Most Gracious sends no sort of Revelation: You do nothing but lie.”

16. They said, “Our Lord knows that we have been sent on a mission to you:

17. “And our duty is only to proclaim the clear message.”

18. The (people) said, “For us, we see an evil omen in you: If you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and a truly grievous punishment will be inflicted upon you by us.”

19. They said, “Your evil omens are with you: (Do you consider it an evil omen,) if you are admonished? Nay, but you are people transgressing all bounds!”

20. Then a man came running from the farthest part of the town, saying, “O people! Obey the Messengers:

21. “Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received guidance.

22. “It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom you shall (all) be brought back.

23. “Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allāh) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, their intercession for me will be of no avail whatsoever, nor can they deliver me.

24. “I would truly be in manifest error, if I were to do so.

25. “For me, I have faith in the Lord of all of you: So listen to me!”

26. It was said, “Enter the garden.” He said, “Ah me! Would that my people knew (what I know)!

27. “Because my Lord has granted me forgiveness and has gathered me among those held in honor!”

28. And We did not send down any hosts from heavens against his people after him, nor did We have to.

29. It was no more than a single mighty blast, and behold! They were (like ashes) quenched and silent.

30. Ah! Alas for (My) servants! Every Messenger who comes to them they mock!

31. Do they not see how many generations before them We destroyed? They will not return to them:

32. But each one of them will be brought before Us (for Judgment).

33. A Sign for them is the earth that is dead; We grant it life, and produce grain from it, of which you eat.

34. And We produce orchards of date-palms and vines, and We cause springs to gush forth from it,

35. So that they may enjoy its fruits: It was not their hands that made this: Then will they not grant thanks?

36. Glory to Allāh, Who created in pairs all things that the earth produces, as well as their own (human) kind and (other) things of which they have no knowledge.

37. And the night is a Sign for them: We withdraw the day from it, and behold! They are plunged in darkness;

38. And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it: That is the decree of the One Exalted in might, all-Knowing.

39. And the moon! For it, We have measured mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of date-stalk.

40. The sun is not permitted to catch up with the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law).

41. And a Sign for them is that We bore their offspring (during the flood) in the loaded ark;

42. And We have created similar (vessels) for them on which they ride.

43. If it were Our will, We could drown them; then there would be no helper (to hear their cry), nor could they be delivered,

44. Except by way of mercy from Us, and by way of (worldly) convenience (to serve them) for some time.

45. When they are told, “Fear what is before you and what will be after you, so that you may receive mercy,” (they turn back).

46. Every Sign that comes to them from among their Lord's Signs, they turn away therefrom.

47. And when they are told, “Spend of (the bounties) with which Allāh has provided you,” the unbelievers say to those who believe, “Shall we then feed those whom, if Allāh had so willed, He (Himself) would have fed? You are in nothing but manifest error.”

48. Further they say, “When will this promise (come to pass), if what you say is true?”

49. They will not (have to) wait for anything but a single blast: It will seize them while they are still disputing among themselves!

50. Then they will have no (chance) to dispose (of their affairs) by will, nor to return to their own people!

51. The trumpet shall be sounded, when behold! (Men) will rush forth from the sepulchers to their Lord!

52. They will say, “Ah! Woe unto us! Who has raised us up from our beds of repose?… ” (A voice will say,) “This is what (Allāh) Most Gracious had promised, and the word of the Messengers was true!”

53. It will be no more than a single blast, when behold! They will all be brought before Us!

54. Then, on that Day, not a soul will be wronged in the least, and you will only be repaid the meeds of your past deeds.

55. Truly the companions of the garden shall have joy that Day in all they do

56. They and their wives will be in groves of (cool) shade, reclining on thrones (of dignity);

57. (Every) fruit (of enjoyment) will be there for them; they shall have whatever they desire;

58. “Peace!” A word (of salutation) from a most merciful Lord!

59. “And O you sinners! Get aside this Day!

60. “Did I not enjoin on you, O children of Adam, that you should not worship Satan because he was an avowed enemy to you?

61. “And that you should worship Me, (because) this was the straight way?

62. “But he led astray a great multitude of you. Then did you not understand?

63. “This is the Hell of which you were (repeatedly) warned!

64. “Embrace the (fire) this Day, because you (persistently) rejected (the truth).”

65. That Day We shall set a seal on their mouths, but their hands will speak to Us and their feet shall bear witness to all that they did.

66. If it had been Our will, We surely could have blotted out their eyes; then they would have run about groping for the path, but how could they have seen?

67. And if it had been Our will, We could have transformed them (to remain) in their places: Then they would have been unable to move about, nor could they have returned (after error).

68. If We grant anyone long life, We cause him to be reversed in nature: Then will they not understand?

69. We have not instructed the (Prophet) in poetry, nor is it meet for him: This is no less than a message and a Qur’ān making things clear:

70. That it may grant admonishment to any (who are) alive, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject (the truth).

71. Do they not see that it is We Who have created for them, among the things which We have fashioned, cattle, which are under their dominion?

72. And that We have subjected them to their (use)? Some of them carry them and some they eat:

73. And they have (other) benefits for them, and they get (milk) to drink. Then will they still be ungrateful?

74. Yet they take other gods (for worship) besides Allāh, (hoping) that they might be helped!

75. They have not the power to help them: But they will be brought (before Our Judgment) as a host (to be condemned).

76. Then do not let what they say grieve you. Truly We know what they hide and what they disclose.

77. Does man not see that it is We Who created him from a sperm? Yet behold! He (stands forth) as an open adversary!

78. And he makes comparisons for Us, and forgets his own (origin and) creation: He says, “Who can grant life to (dry) bones, and decomposed ones (at that)?”

79. Say, “He Who created them the first time will grant them life! For He is cognizant in all creation!

80. “The One Who produces fire for you out of the green tree, when behold! You kindle (your own fires) with it!

81. “Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like thereof?” Yes, indeed! For He is the supreme Creator, the One of (infinite) ability and knowledge.

82. Truly when He intends to create a thing, His command is, “Be,” and it is!

83. So glory to Him in Whose hands is the dominion of all things, and you will all be brought back to him.

Chapter 38

SŪRA 37 THOSE ARRAYED IN RANKS [AL-SAFFAT] 182

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By those who range themselves in ranks,

2. And are strong in repelling (evil),

3. And thus proclaim the message (of Allāh)!

4. Truly, truly your Allāh is one!

5. Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between them and Lord of every point at the rising of the sun!

6. We have indeed decked the lower heavens with beauty (in) the stars,

7. (For beauty) and to guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits,

8. (So) they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted Assembly but be cast away from every side,

9. Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,

10. Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness.

11. Just ask them: Are they more difficult to create or the (other) beings We have created? We have created them out of a sticky clay!

12. You truly marvel, while they ridicule,

13. And, when they are admonished, they pay no heed,

14. And, when they see a Sign, they turn it to mockery,

15. And they say, “This is nothing but obvious sorcery!

16. “What?! When we die and become dust and bones, shall we (then) be raised (again)?

17. “And also our fathers of old?”

18. Say: “Yes, and you shall then be humiliated (on account of your evil).”

19. Then it will be a single (compelling) cry, and look, they will begin to behold!

20. They will say, “Ah! Woe unto us! This is the Day of Judgment!”

21. (A voice will say,) “This is the Day of sorting out, whose truth you (once) denied!”

22. “Bring the wrongdoers and their wives,” it shall be said, “and the things they worshipped,

23. “Besides Allāh, and lead them the way to the (fierce) Fire!

24. “But stop them, for they must be asked:

25. “What is the matter with you that you do not help each other?”'

26. Nay, but that Day they shall submit (to Judgment);

27. And they will turn to one another, and question one another.

28. They will say, “It was you who used to come to us from the right hand (of power and authority)!”

29. They will reply, “Nay, you yourselves had no faith!

30. “Nor did we have any authority over you. Nay, it was you who were a people in obstinate rebellion!

31. “So now the word of our Lord has been proven true against us so that we may indeed (have to) taste (the punishment of our sins).

32. “We led you astray, for truly we were astray ourselves.”

33. Truly, (on) that Day, they will (all) share the penalty.

34. Truly that is how We shall deal with the sinners.

35. For they, when they were told that there is no god but Allāh, would be puffed up with pride,

36. And say, “What?! Shall we grant up our gods for the sake of a possessed poet?”

37. Nay! He has come with the (very) truth, and he confirms (the message of) the Messengers (before him).

38. You shall truly taste of the grievous penalty;-

39. But it will be no more than the retribution of (the evil) you have wrought

40. But the sincere (and devoted) servants of Allāh,

41. For them (there) is a determined sustenance,

42. Fruits (delights), and they (shall enjoy) honor and dignity,

43. In gardens of felicity,

44. Facing each other on thrones (of dignity):

45. A cup from a clear-flowing fountain will be passed round to them,

46. Crystal-white, of a taste delicious to those who drink (of it),

47. Free from headiness; nor will they suffer intoxication from it.

48. And beside them will be chaste women, restraining their glances, with large, lovely eyes

49. As if they were (delicate) eggs closely guarded.

50. Then they will turn to one another and question one another.

51. One of them will start the talk and say, “I had an intimate companion,

52. “Who used to say, `What?! Are you among those who bear witness to the truth (of the message)?

53. “When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?”

54. (A voice) said, “Would you like to look down?”

55. He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

56. He said, “By Allāh! You were about to bring me to perdition!

57. “Had it not been for my Lord's Grace, I would certainly have been among those brought (there)!

58. “Is it that we shall not die

59. Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?”

60. Truly this is the supreme achievement!

61. Let all strive who wish to strive for the like of this.

62. Is that better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqu,-m?

63. For We have truly made it (as) a trial for the wrongdoers.

64. For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire:

65. The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils:

66. Truly they will eat of it and fill their bellies therewith.

67. Then on top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.

68. Then they shall return to the (blazing) Fire.

69. Truly they found their fathers on the wrong path;

70. So they (too) were rushed down on their footsteps!

71. And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray;

72. But We had sent (Messengers) to them to admonish them;

73. Then see what the end of those who were admonished (but did not heed) was,

74. Except the sincere (and devoted) servants of Allāh.

75. (In the Days of old), Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear pleas.

76. And We delivered him and his people from the great calamity,

77. And made his progeny to endure (on this earth);

78. And We left (this blessing) for him among generations to come in later times:

79. “Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!”

80. Thus do We truly reward those who do right.

81. For he was one of Our believing servants.

82. And the rest We overwhelmed in the flood.

83. Truly Abraham was among those who followed his way.

84. Behold! He approached his Lord with a sound heart.

85. Behold! He said to his father and to his people, “What is that which you worship?

86. Is it falsehood: gods other than Allahā that you desire?!

87. “Then what is your idea about the Lord of the worlds?”

88. Then he cast a glance at the stars,

89. And said, “I am indeed sick (of your form of worship)!”

90. So they turned away from him and departed.

91. Then he turned to their gods and said, “Will you not eat (of the offerings before you)?…

92. “What is the matter with you that you do not even speak?”

93. Then he turned upon them, striking them with the right hand.

94. Then (the worshippers) came with hurried steps and faced (him).

95. He said, “Do you worship what you have (yourselves) carved?

96. “But Allāh has created you and your handiwork!”

97. They said, “Build him a furnace and throw him into the blazing fire!”

98. (This failing), they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!

99. He said, “I will resort to my Lord! He will surely guide me!

100. “O Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!”

101. So We gave him the glad tidings of a son ready to suffer and forbear:

102. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of serious) work with him, he said, “O son! In a vision I see myself offering you as a sacrifice: Now see what your view is!” (The son) said, “O father! Do as you are commanded: You will find me, if Allāh so wills, one practicing patience and constancy!”

103. So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allāh), and he laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),

104. We called out to him, “O Abraham!

105. “You have already fulfilled the vision!” Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

106. For this was obviously a trial,

107. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:

108. And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:

109. “Peace and salutation unto Abraham!”

110. Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

111. For he was one of Our believing servants.

112. And We gave him the glad tidings of Isaac! a Prophet! one of the righteous.

113. We blessed him and Isaac: But (some) of their progeny do right, and (some) obviously wrong their own souls.

114. Again (of old), We bestowed Our favor upon Moses and Aaron,

115. And We delivered them and their people from (their) great calamity;

116. And We helped them, so they overcame (their troubles);

117. And We gave them the Book which helps make things clear;

118. And We guided them to the straight path,

119. And We left (this blessing) for them among generations (to come) in later times:

120. “Peace and salutation unto Moses and Aaron!”

121. Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

122. For they were two of Our believing servants.

123. Elias was also among those sent (by Us).

124. Behold! He said to his people, “Will you not fear (Allāh)?

125. “Will you call upon Baal and forsake the best of Creators,

126. “God, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?”

127. But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up (for punishment),

128. Except the sincere and devoted servants of Allāh (among them).

129. And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:

130. “Peace and salutation unto Elias!”

131. Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

132. For he was one of Our believing servants.

133. Lot was also among those sent (by Us).

134. Behold! We delivered him and his adherents, all

135. Except an old woman who was among those who lagged behind:

136. Then We destroyed the rest.

137. You indeed pass by their (sites), by day,

138. And by night: Will you not understand?

139. Jonah was also among those sent (by Us).

140. When he ran away (like a slave from captivity) to the (fully) laden ship,

141. He (agreed to) cast lots, so he was condemned:

142. Then the big fish (whale) swallowed him, and he had done acts worthy of blame.

143. Had it not been that he (repented and) glorified Allāh,

144. He would certainly have remained inside the belly of the fish till the Day of Resurrection.

145. But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness,

146. And We caused a spreading gourd plant to grow over him.

147. And We sent him (on a mission) to a hundred thousand (men) or more.

148. And they believed; so We permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.

149. Now ask them their opinion: Does your Lord have (only) daughters, and they have sons?

150. Or did We create the angels females, and they are witnesses (to that)?

151. Do they not say, from their own invention

152. “God has begotten children”? But they are liars!

153. Did He (then) choose daughters rather than sons?

154. What is the matter with you? How do you judge?

155. Then will you not receive admonishment?

156. Or do you have a manifest authority?

157. Then bring your book (of authority) if you are truthful!

158. And they have invented a blood-relationship between Him and the jinns! But the jinns know (quite well) that they must truly appear (for Judgment)!

159. Glory to Allāh! (He is free) from the things they ascribe (to Him)!

160. God's servants, sincere and devoted do not do (so):

161. For indeed neither you nor those you worship,

162. Can lead (any) into temptation concerning Allāh,

163. Except those who are (themselves) going to the blazing Fire!

164. (Those ranged in ranks say,) “Every one of us has an appointed place;

165. “And we are indeed ranged in ranks (for service):

166. “And we are indeed those who declare (God's) glory!”

167. And there were those who said,

168. “If only we had had before us a message from those of old,

169. “We would certainly have been God's servants, sincere (and devoted)!”

170. But (now that the Qur’ān has come), they reject it: But soon they will know!

171. Our word has already been passed before (this) to Our servants sent (by Us),

172. That they would certainly be assisted,

173. And that Our forces, they surely must be victorious.

174. So turn away from them for a little while,

175. And watch (how they fare), and they shall soon see (how you fare)!

176. Do they (truly) wish to hasten Our punishment?

177. But when it descends into the open space before them, the morning will be evil for those who were warned (and did not heed)!

178. So turn away from them for a little while,

179. And watch (how they fare) and they shall soon see (how you fare)!

180. Glory to your Lord, the Lord of honor and power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him).

181. And peace on the Messengers!

182. And praise to Allāh, the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds.

Chapter 39

SŪRA 38 SAD 88

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Sād. By the Qur’ān, full of admonishment: (This is the truth.)

2. But the unbelievers (are steeped) in self-glory and separatism.

3. How many generations before them did We destroy? In the end they cried (for mercy), when there was no longer time to be saved!

4. So they wonder that a warner has come to them from among themselves! And the unbelievers say, “This is a sorcerer telling lies!

5. “Has he made the gods (all) into one Allāh? Indeed this is something quite strange!”

6. And the leaders among them go away (impatiently), (saying,) “Walk away, and remain constant to your gods! For this is truly a thing designed (against you)!

7. “We never heard (the like) of this among the people of these latter days: This is nothing but a made-up tale!

8. “What?! Has the message been sent to him (of all persons) among us?!… ” But they are in doubt concerning My (Own) message! Nay, they have not yet tasted My punishment!

9. Or do they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the One Exalted in power, the Grantor of bounties without measure!

10. Or do they have the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all between? If so, let them mount up with the ropes and means (to reach that end)!

11. But even a host of coalitions will be put to flight.

12. Before them (were many who) rejected the Messengers: The people of Noah, and 'Ād, and Pharaoh, the Lord of Stakes,

13. And Thamu,-d, and the people of Lot, and the Companions of the Wood; such were the coalitions.

14. Everyone (of them) rejected the Messengers, but My punishment came justly and inevitably (to them).

15. (Today) they only wait for a single mighty blast, which (when it comes) will brook no delay.

16. They say, “Our Lord! Hasten to us our sentence (even) before the Day of Accounting!”

17. Have patience at what they say, and remember Our servant David, the man of strength, for he always turned (to Allāh).

18. It was We Who made the hills declare Our praises in unison with him, at eventide and at the break of day,

19. And the birds gathered (in assemblies): All turned with him (to Allāh).

20. We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and sound Judgment in speech and judgment.

21. Has the story of the disputants reached you? Behold! They entered into the private chamber;

22. When they entered the presence of David, and he was terrified of them, they said, “Do not fear: We are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: Now decide between us with truth, and do not treat us with injustice, but guide us to the straight path…

23. “This man is my brother; he has ninety-nine ewes, and I have (only) one: Yet he says, `Commit her to my care,' and is (moreover) harsh to me in speech.”

24. (David) said, “He has undoubtedly wronged you in demanding your (single) ewe to be added to his (flock of) ewes: Indeed many partners (in business) wrong each other: Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness do not do so, and how few are they?” And David realized that We had tried him: He asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration) and turned (to Allāh in repentance).

25. So We forgave him this (lapse): He indeed enjoyed a near approach to Us, and a beautiful place of (final) return.

26. O David! We did indeed make you a vicegerent on earth, so judge between men in truth (and justice), and do not follow the desires (of your heart), for they will mislead you from God's path, for those who wander astray from God's path, (there) is a grievous penalty, because they forget the Day of Accounting.

27. We did not create heavens and the earth and all between them in vain! That is the thought of unbelievers! But woe unto the unbelievers because of the fire (of hell)!

28. Shall We treat those who believe and do deeds of righteousness the way we treat those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard themselves against evil the same way as those who turn aside from the right?

29. (Here is) a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings so that they may meditate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonishment.

30. To David We granted Solomon (for a son), how excellent in Our service! He always turned (to Us)!

31. Behold! Coursers of the highest breeding and speed were brought before him at eventide;

32. And he said, “I do indeed prefer the good (things in life) to aspiring to glorify my Lord,” until (the sun) was hidden in the veil (of the night):

33. “Bring them back to me.” Then he began to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks.

34. And We tried Solomon: We placed a body (without life) on his throne: But he turned (to Us in true devotion):

35. He said, “O Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom, which (may not) suit another after me, for You are the Grantor of bounties (without measure).”

36. Then We subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, wherever he willed,

37. And also the evil ones, (including) every kind of builder and diver,

38. And also others bound together in fetters.

39. “Such are Our bounties: Whether you bestow them (on others) or withhold them, no account will be asked.”

40. And he indeed enjoyed a near approach to Us, and a beautiful place of (final) return

41. Remember Our servant Job; behold, he cried to his Lord, “The evil one has afflicted me with distress and suffering!”

42. (The command was given:) “Strike with your foot: Here is (water) for you to wash, cool and refreshing, and (water) to drink.”

43. And We gave him (back) his family and doubled their number as a grace from Ourselves and a thing for commemoration, for all who have understanding.

44. “And take in your hand a little green branch and strike with it, and do not break (your oath).” Truly We found him full of patience and constancy: How excellent in Our service! He always turned (to Us)!

45. And remember Our servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of power and vision.

46. We indeed chose them for a special (purpose), proclaiming the message of the Hereafter.

47. In Our sight, they were indeed of the company of the elite and the good.

48. And commemorate Ishmael, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl: Each of them was among the company of the good ones.

49. This is a message (of admonishment), and indeed, for the righteous, (there) is a beautiful place of (final) return,

50. Gardens of eternity whose doors will (always) be open to them;

51. There they will recline (at ease); there they can call (at pleasure) for fruit in abundance and (delicious) drink;

52. And beside them will be chaste women restraining their glances, (companions) of equal age.

53. Such is the promise made to you for the Day of Accounting!

54. Indeed such will be Our bounty (to you); it will never fail;

55. Yes, it is so! But (there) will be an evil place of (final) return for the wrongdoers!

56. Hell! They will burn in it, an evil bed (to lie on indeed)!

57. Yes, it is so! Then they shall taste therein, a boiling fluid, and a dark, murky, intensely cold fluid!

58. And other penalties of a similar kind to suit them!

59. Here is a host rushing headlong with you! No welcome for them! Indeed, they shall burn in the Fire!

60. (The followers shall cry to those who misled them,) “Nay! No welcome for you! It is you who have brought this upon us! Now evil is (this) place to stay in!”

61. They will say, “Our Lord! Whoever brought this upon us, add to him a double penalty in the Fire!”

62. And they will say, “What has happened to us that we do not see men whom we used to regard among the bad ones?

63. “Did we treat them (as such) in ridicule or have (our) eyes failed to perceive them?”

64. Indeed that is just and fitting, the mutual recriminations of the people of the Fire!

65. Say: “Truly I am a warner: There is no god but the one Allāh, Supreme and Irresistible,

66. “The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all between them, Exalted in might, able to enforce His will, forgiving again and again.”

67. Say: “That is a supreme message (above all others),

68. “From which you turn away!

69. “I have no knowledge of the chiefs on high, when they discuss (matters) among themselves.

70. “Only this has been revealed to me: That I am to warn plainly and publicly.”

71. Behold! The Lord said to the angels, “I am about to create man from clay:

72. “When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down in obeisance to him.”

73. So the angels prostrated, all of them together;

74. Except Iblis: He was haughty and became one of those who reject faith.

75. (Allāh) said, “O Iblis! What prevents you from prostrating to one whom I have created with My hands? Are you proud? Or are you one of the high (and mighty) ones!

76. (Iblis) said, “I am better than him: You created me from fire, and You created him from clay.”

77. (Allāh) said, “Then get out of here, for you are rejected, accursed

78. “And My curse shall be on you till the Day of Judgment.”

79. (Iblis) said, “O Lord! Then grant me respite till the Day the (dead) are raised.”

80. (Allāh) said, “Then respite is granted (to) you,

81. “Till the Day of the Appointed Time.”

82. (Iblis) said, “Then, by Your might, I will put them all in the wrong,

83. “Except Your servants among them, the sincere and purified ones.”

84. (Allāh) said, “Then it is just and fitting, and I say what is just and fitting,

85. “That I will certainly fill Hell with you and those who follow you, every one.”

86. Say: “I ask no reward of you for this (Qur’ān), nor am I a pretender.

87. “This is no less than a message to (all) the nations.

88. “And you shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while.”

Chapter 40

SŪRA 39 THE CROWDS [AL-ZUMAR] 75

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. The Revelation of this Book is from Allāh, the One Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

2. Truly it is We Who have revealed the Book to you in truth, so serve Allāh, offering Him sincere devotion.

3. Is it not to Allāh that sincere devotion is due? But those who take other than Allāh for protectors (say), “We only serve them so that they may bring us nearer to Allāh.” Indeed Allāh will judge between them concerning what they differ about. But Allāh does not guide those who are false and ungrateful.

4. Had Allāh wished to take a son to Himself, He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those He created: But glory be to Him! (He is above such things.) He is Allāh, the One, the Supreme.

5. He created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): He makes the night overlap the day, and the day overlap the night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law). Each one follows a course for a set time. Is He not the One Exalted in power! He Who forgives again and again?

6. He created you (all) from a single person: Then created his mate, of like nature, and He sent down for you eight pairs of cattle: He creates you in stages, one after another, in the wombs of your mothers, in three veils of darkness. Such is Allāh, your Lord and Cherisher: (All) dominion belongs to Him. There is no god but He: Then how are you turned away?

7. If you reject (Allāh), indeed Allāh has no need for you, but He does not like ingratitude in His servants: If you are grateful, He is pleased with you. No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. In the end, you return to your Lord, then He will tell you the truth of all that you did (in this life). For He knows well all that is in (men's) hearts.

8. When some trouble touches man, He cries to his Lord, turning to Him in repentance: But when He bestows a favor on him from Himself, (man) forgets what he cried and prayed for before and sets up rivals for Allāh, thus misleading others from God's path. Say: “Enjoy your blasphemy for a little while: Truly you are (one) of the companions of the Fire!”

9. Is one who worships devoutly during the Hours of the night, prostrating or standing (in adoration), who takes heed of the Hereafter and who places his hope in the mercy of his Lord (like one who does not)? Say: “Are they equal, those who know and those who do not? It is those who are endowed with understanding who receive admonishment.”

10. Say: “O you, My servants who believe! Fear your Lord: (The reward) for those who do good in this world is good. God's earth is spacious! Those who patiently persevere will indeed receive a reward without measure!”

11. Say: “Truly I am commanded to serve Allāh with sincere devotion;

12. “And I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allāh in Islam.”

13. Say: “If I disobeyed my Lord, I would indeed fear the penalty of a mighty Day.”

14. Say: “I serve Allāh with my sincere (and exclusive) devotion:

15. “Serve what you will besides Him.” Say: “Truly, those in loss are the ones who lose their own souls and their people on the Day of Judgment: Ah! That is indeed the (real and) manifest loss!”

16. They shall have layers of fire above them and layers (of fire) below them: Allāh warns off His servants with this: “O My servants! Then fear Me!”

17. Those who eschew evil and do not fall into its worship and turn to Allāh (in repentance), (there is) glad tidings for them, so announce the glad tidings to My servants,

18. Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: Those are the ones whom Allāh has guided, and those are the ones endowed with understanding.

19. Is, then, one against whom the decree of punishment is justly due (equal to one who eschews evil)? Would you then deliver one (who is) in the Fire?

20. But it is for those who fear their Lord that lofty mansions have been built, one above another: Beneath them rivers flow: (Such is) God's promise: Allāh never fails in (His) promise.

21. Do you not see that Allāh sends down rain from the sky and leads it through springs in the earth? Then with it He causes produce of various colors to grow: Then it withers; you will see it grow yellow; then He makes it dry up and crumble away. Indeed (there) is a message of remembrance in this for men of understanding.

22. Is one whose heart Allāh has opened to Islam, so that he receives enlightenment from Allāh, (no better than a hard-hearted person)? Woe unto those whose hearts are hardened against celebrating God's praises! They are manifestly wandering (in error)!

23. Allāh has revealed (from time to time) the most beautiful message in the form of a Book, consistent with itself, (yet) repeating (its teaching in various aspects): The skins of those who fear their Lord tremble at it; then their skins and their hearts soften to the celebration of God's praises. Such is God's guidance: With it He guides whom He pleases, but those whom Allāh leaves to stray can have none to guide (them).

24. Then is one who has to fear the brunt of the penalty on the Day of Judgment (and receives it) on his face (is like one guarded from it)? It will be said to the wrongdoers, “Taste (the fruits of) what you earned!”

25. Those before them (also) rejected (the Revelation), so the punishment came to them from directions they did not perceive.

26. So Allāh gave them a taste of humiliation in the present life, but the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew!

27. We have put forth every kind of parable for men in this Qur’ān, arranged so that they may receive admonishment.

28. (It is) a Qur’ān in Arabic, without any crookedness (in it), so that they may guard themselves against evil.

29. Allāh puts forth a parable: A man serving many partners at odds with each other, and a man serving only one master: Are those two equal in comparison? Praise belongs to Allāh! But most of them have no knowledge.

30. Truly you will die (one day) and truly they (too) will.

31. In the end you will (all) settle your disputes in the presence of your Lord, on the Day of Judgment.

32. Who, then, does more wrong than one who utters a lie concerning Allāh and rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is there no abode in Hell for blasphemers?

33. And he who brings the truth and he who confirms (and supports) it, those are the men who do right.

34. They shall have all that they desire, in the presence of their Lord: Such is the reward of those who do good deeds:

35. So that Allāh will ward off from them (even) the worst of their deeds and grant them their reward according to the best of what they have done.

36. Is not Allāh enough for His servant? But they try to frighten you with other (gods) besides Him! For those whom Allāh leaves to stray, there can be no guide.

37. And those whom Allāh guides, there can be none to lead them astray. Is not Allāh Exalted in power, (able to enforce His will,) Lord of retribution?

38. If indeed you ask them Who it is that created the heavens and the earth, they would be sure to say, “God.” Say: “Do you see then? The things that you invoke besides Allāh, can they remove His penalty, if Allāh wills some penalty for me? Or if He wills some grace for me, can they keep His grace back?” Say: “God suffices me! Those who trust put their trust in Him.”

39. Say: “O people! Do whatever you can: I will do (my part): But you will soon come to know -

40. “Who it is to whom a penalty of ignominy comes, and on whom a penalty that abides will descend.”

41. We have indeed revealed the Book to you in truth, for (instructing) mankind. Then he who receives guidance benefits his own soul: But he who strays injures his own soul. Nor are you set over them to dispose of their affairs.

42. It is Allāh Who takes the souls (of men) at death, and those who do not die (He takes) during their sleep: Those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back (from returning to life), but the rest He spares till an appointed Term. Indeed (there) are Signs in this for those who reflect.

43. What?! Do they take others besides Allāh for intercessors? Say: “Even if they have neither power whatsoever nor intelligence?”

44. Say: “(The right to grant) intercession belongs to Allāh exclusively: The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Him: In the end, it is to Him that you shall be brought back.”

45. When Allāh, the One and Only, is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter are filled with disgust and horror, but when (gods) other than He are mentioned, behold, they are filled with joy!

46. Say: “O Allāh! Creator of the heavens and earth, Knower of all that is hidden and revealed! It is You Who will judge between Your servants in those matters about which they have differed.”

47. Even if the wrongdoers had all that there is on earth and as much more, they would offer it (in vain) for ransom from the pain of the penalty on the Day of Judgment: But something will confront them from Allāh, which they could never have expected!

48. For the evils of their deeds will confront them, and they will be (completely) encircled by what they used to mock!

49. Now, when trouble touches man, he cries to Us, but when We bestow a favor on him from Ourselves, he says, “This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge (I have)!” Nay, this is only a trial, but most of them do not understand!

50. Thus did the (generations) before them say! But all that they did was of no avail to them.

51. Nay, the evil results of their deeds overtook them. And the wrongdoers of this (generation), the evil results of their deeds will soon overtake them (too), and they will never be able to frustrate (Our plan)!

52. Do they not know that Allāh increases the provision or restricts it for any He pleases? Indeed (there) are Signs in this for those who believe!

53. Say: “O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls! Do not despair of God's mercy, for Allāh forgives all sins, for He is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

54. “Turn to your Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (will) before the penalty comes upon you: After that you will not be helped.

55. “And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the penalty comes upon you suddenly while you do not perceive (it)!

56. “Lest a soul should (then) say, `Ah! Woe unto me! I neglected (my duty) towards Allāh and was only among those who mocked!'

57. “Or (lest) it should say, `If only Allāh had guided me, I would certainly have been among the righteous!'

58. “Or (lest) it should say when it (actually) sees the penalty, `If only I had another chance, I would certainly be among those who do good!'

59. “(The reply will be,) `Nay, My Signs came to you and you rejected them: You were haughty, and you became among those who reject faith!

60. On the Day of Judgment you will see those who told lies against Allāh; their faces will be turned black; is there not an abode in Hell for the haughty?

61. But Allāh will deliver the righteous to their place of salvation: No evil shall touch them, nor shall they grieve.

62. Allāh is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and Disposer of all affairs.

63. The keys of the heavens and the earth belong to Him, and those who reject God's Signs, it is they who will suffer loss.

64. Say: “Is it someone other than Allāh that you order me to worship, O you ignorant ones?”

65. But it has already been revealed to you, as it was to those before you, (that) if you were to join (gods with Allāh), indeed your deeds (in life) will be fruitless, and you will surely be in the ranks of those who lose (all spiritual good).”

66. Nay, worship only Allāh and be among those who offer thanks.

67. They did not regard Allāh justly, such as is due to Him: On the Day of Judgment, the earth will wholly be in His grip only, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand: Glory to Him, high above the partners they attribute to Him!

68. The trumpet will (just) have sounded when everyone in the heavens and on earth will swoon, except those whom it will please Allāh (to exempt). Then a second one will sound, and behold! They will be standing and looking on!

69. And the earth will shine with the glory of its Lord: The record (of deeds) will be placed (open); the Prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward, and a just decision pronounced between them, and they will not be wronged (in the least).

70. And every soul will be rewarded in full with the fruits of its deeds, and (Allāh) knows best all that they do.

71. The unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowds; until, when they arrive there, its gates will be opened and its keepers will say, “Did no Messenger come to you from among yourselves, reciting your Lord's Signs to you, and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?” The answer will be, “True: But the decree of punishment has already been proven true against the unbelievers!”

72. (To them) will be said: “Enter the gates of Hell, to dwell in it, and (this) abode of the arrogant is evil!”

73. And those who feared their Lord will be led to the garden in crowds: Until, behold, they arrive there; its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say, “Peace be upon you! You have done well! Enter here, your (eternal) abode.”

74. They will say, “Praise belongs to Allāh Who has indeed fulfilled His promise to us, and has given us (this) heritage: We can dwell in the garden as we please: How excellent a reward for those who do (righteous deeds)!”

75. And you will see the angels surrounding the (divine) throne on all sides, glorifying and praising their Lord. The decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice. And the cry (on all sides) will be, “Praise belongs to Allāh, Lord of the worlds!”

Chapter 41

SŪRA 40 THE BELIEVER [AL-MU'MIN OR GHAFIR] 45

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Hā Mīm.

2. The Revelation of this Book is from Allāh, the One Exalted in power, full of knowledge,

3. Who forgives sin, accepts repentance, is strict in punishment, Lord of bounty. There is no god but He: He is the final goal.

4. None can dispute about God's Signs except the unbelievers. Then do not let their strutting about throughout the land deceive you!

5. But (there were people) before them who denied (the Signs), the people of Noah, and the parties (of evil) after them, and every people plotted against their Prophet to seize him, and disputed by means of vanities with which (they sought) to condemn the truth, but it was I Who seized them! And how (terrible) was My requital!

6. Thus was the decree of Your Lord proved true against the unbelievers; truly they are companions of Fire!

7. Those who bear the throne (of Allāh) and those near to Him glorify and praise their Lord. They believe in Him and implore His forgiveness for those who believe: “Our Lord! Your reach is over all things, in mercy and in knowledge. Then forgive those who turn in repentance and follow Your path, and preserve them from the penalty of the blazing Fire!

8. “And grant, Lord, that they (may) enter the gardens of eternity which You have promised them and the righteous ones among their fathers, wives and posterity! For You are Exalted in might, full of wisdom.

9. “And preserve them from (all) ills, and any whom You preserve from ills (on) that Day, on them You will have bestowed mercy indeed, and that will truly be the highest achievement (for them).

10. The unbelievers will be addressed: “Greater was God's aversion to you than (is) your aversion to your own selves, seeing that you were called to believe and you used to refuse.”

11. They will say, “Our Lord! Twice You have made us without life, and twice You have given us life! Now have we recognized our sins: Is there any way out (of this)?”

12. (The answer will be,) “This is so because when Allāh was invoked as the sole (object of worship), you rejected faith, but when partners were joined to Him, you believed! The command is with Allāh, the Most High, Most Great!”

13. It is He Who shows you His Signs and sends down sustenance for you from the sky: But only those who turn (to Allāh) receive admonishment.

14. Then call upon Allāh with sincere devotion to Him, even though the unbelievers may detest it.

15. High above ranks (or degrees), (He is) the Lord of the throne (of authority): By His command He sends the spirit (of inspiration) to any of His servants He pleases to warn (mankind) of the Day of mutual meeting,

16. The Day on which they will (all) come forth: Not a single thing concerning them is hidden from Allāh. Whose will be the dominion that Day? God's, the One, the Supreme!

17. That Day, every soul will be requited for what it earned; there will be no injustice (on) that Day, for Allāh is swift in taking account.

18. Warn them of the Day that is (ever) drawing near, when hearts will reach the throats to choke (them); the wrongdoers will have no intimate friend nor intercessor who could be listened to.

19. (Allāh) knows (the tricks) that deceive the eyes, and all that the hearts (of men) conceal.

20. And Allāh will judge with (justice and) truth: But those whom (men) invoke besides Him will not (be in a position) to judge at all. Truly it is Allāh (alone) Who hears and sees (all things).

21. Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them was? They were even superior to them in strength, and in the traces (they have left) in the land: But Allāh called them to account for their sins, and they had none to defend them against Allāh.

22. That was so because their Messengers came to them with clear (Signs), but they rejected them, so Allāh called them to account, for He is full of strength, strict in punishment.

23. Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and manifest authority,

24. To Pharaoh, Haman, and Qarun, but they called (him) a sorcerer telling lies! …

25. Now, when he came to them in truth from Us, they said, “Slay the sons of those who believe with him and keep their females alive,” but the plots of unbelievers (end) in nothing but error (and delusion)! …

26. Pharaoh said, “Leave me to slay Moses, and let him call on his Lord! What I fear is that he will change your religion, or that he will cause mischief in the land!”

27. Moses said, “I have indeed called upon my Lord and your Lord (for protection) from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Account!”

28. A believer, a man from among the people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said, “Will you slay a man because he says, `My Lord is Allāh'? When he has indeed come to you with clear (Signs) from your Lord? And if he is a liar, on him is (the sin of) his lie: But, if he is telling the truth, then something of the (calamity) of which He warns you will fall upon you: Truly Allāh does not guide anyone who transgresses and lies!

29. “O my people! Yours is the dominion this day: You have the upper hand in the land: But who will help us from God's punishment, should it befall us?” Pharaoh said, “I only point out to you what I see (myself); and I guide you to the right path!”

30. Then the man who believed said, “O my people! I truly fear for you something like the Day (of disaster) of the (sinful) parties!

31. “Something like the fate of the people of Noah, 'Ād, and Thamūd, and those who came after them: But Allāh never wishes injustice to His servants.

32. “And, O my people! I fear for you a Day when there will be mutual calling (and wailing),

33. A Day when you turn your backs and flee: You will have no defender against Allāh: Any whom Allāh leaves to stray, there is none to guide…

34. “And Joseph came to you in times gone by, with clear Signs, but you did not cease to doubt the (mission) for which he had come: At length, when he died, you said, `God will not send a Messenger after him.' Thus Allāh leaves to stray those who transgress and live in doubt,

35. “(Those) who dispute about God's Signs, without any authority that has reached them. (Such conduct is) grievous and odious in the sight of Allāh and of the believers. Thus Allāh seals up the heart of every arrogant and obstinate transgressor.”

36. Pharaoh said, “O Haman! Build me a lofty palace so that I may attain the ways and means

37. “The ways and means of (reaching) the heavens, and so that I may mount up to the Allāh of Moses, but as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a liar!” Thus the evil of Pharaoh's deeds was made alluring in his eyes and he was hindered from the path, and Pharaoh's plot led to nothing but perdition (for him).

38. The man who believed said further, “O my people! Follow me: I will lead you to the right path.

39. “O my people! This life of the present is nothing but a (temporary) convenience: It is the Hereafter that is the home that will last.

40. “He who does evil will not be requited but by the like of it, and he who does a righteous deed, whether man or woman, and is a believer, will enter the garden (of bliss): There they will have abundance without measure.

41. “And O my people! How (strange) it is for me to invite you to salvation while you invite me to the Fire!

42. “You call upon me to blaspheme against Allāh and to join with Him partners of whom I have no knowledge, and I call you to the One Exalted in power Who forgives again and again!”

43. “Without doubt you invite me to one who is not fit to be called to, whether in this world or in the Hereafter; We will return to Allāh, and the transgressors will be companions of the Fire!

44. “You will soon remember what I say to you (now); my (own) affair I commit to Allāh, for Allāh (always) watches over His servants.”

45. Then Allāh saved him from (every) ill that they plotted (against him), but the brunt of the penalty encompassed the people of Pharaoh on all sides.

46. They will be brought in front of the fire morning and evening, and (the sentence) will be established on the Day of Judgment: “Cast the people of Pharaoh into the severest penalty!”

47. Behold! They will dispute with each other even in the Fire! The weak ones (who followed) will say to those who had been arrogant, “We only followed you: Then can you bear a share of the penalty of the Fire on our behalf?”

48. Those who had been arrogant will say, “We are all in this (fire)! Indeed, Allāh has judged between (His) servants!”

49. Those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, “Pray to your Lord to lighten the penalty on us for (at least) a day!”

50. They will say, “Did your Messengers not come to you with clear Signs?” They will say, “Yes.” They will reply, “Then pray (as you like,) but the prayer of the faithless is nothing but (futile wandering) in (mazes of) error!”

51. We will, without doubt, help Our Messengers and those who believe (both) in this world's life and on the Day when the witnesses stand forth,

52. The Day when it will not benefit wrongdoers to present their excuses, but they will (only) have the curse and the home of misery.

53. We had given Moses the (Book of) guidance, and We gave the Book in inheritance to the Children Of Israel,

54. A guide and a message to men of understanding.

55. So patiently persevere, for God's promise is true, and ask forgiveness for your fault, and celebrate your Lord's praises in the evening and in the morn.

56. Those who dispute about God's Signs without any authority bestowed upon them, there is nothing in their breasts but (a quest for) greatness which they shall never attain: Then seek refuge in Allāh: It is He Who hears and sees (all things).

57. Assuredly the creation of the heavens and the earth is a greater (matter) than the creation of man: Yet most men do not understand.

58. The blind and those who (clearly) see are not equal: Nor are those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and those who do evil. You learn little by admonishment!

59. The Hour will certainly come. There is no doubt; yet most men do not believe.

60. And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will answer your (prayer): But those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell, in humiliation!”

61. It is Allāh Who made the night for you so that you may rest in it, and the day helps (you) to see. Truly Allāh is full of grace and bounty to men: Yet most men grant no thanks.

62. Such is Allāh, your Lord, the Creator of all things: There is no god but He: Then how are you deluded away from the Truth?!

63. Those who are wont to reject God's Signs are deluded in this way.

64. It is Allāh Who has made the earth for you as a resting place, and the sky a canopy, and has given you shapes, and made your shapes beautiful, and has provided sustenance for you, of things pure and good; such is Allāh, your Lord, so glory to Allāh, the Lord of the worlds!

65. He is the living (One): There is no god but He: Call upon Him, giving Him sincere devotion. Praise belongs to Allāh, Lord of the worlds!

66. Say: “I have been forbidden to invoke those whom you invoke besides God, seeing that the clear Signs have come to me from my Lord, and I have been commanded to bow (in Islam) to the Lord of the worlds.”

67. It is He Who has created you from dust, then from a spermdrop, then from a leech-like clot; then He gets you out (into the light) as a babe. Then He lets you (grow and) reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old! though some of you die before then, and lets you reach an appointed Term, so that you may learn wisdom.

68. It is He Who gives life and death, and when He decides an affair, He says to it, “Be,” and it is.

69. Do you not see those who dispute concerning God's Signs? How are they turned away (from the truth)?

70. Those who reject the Book and the (Revelations) with which We sent Our Messengers: But they shall soon know,

71. When the yokes (shall be) round their necks, and the chains; they shall be dragged along,

72. In the boiling fetid fluid, then burned into the Fire;

73. Then it shall be said to them, “Where are the (deities) to which you gave part-worship,

74. “In derogation of Allāh?” They will reply, “They have abandoned us: Nay, in the past we did not invoke anything (that had real existence).” Thus does Allāh leave the unbelievers to stray.

75. “That was so because you used to rejoice on earth in things other than the truth and used to be insolent.

76. “Enter the gates of Hell, to dwell therein, and (this) abode of the arrogant is evil!”

77. So persevere in patience, for God's promise is true! And whether We show you (in this life) some part of what We promise them, or We take your soul (to Our mercy before that, in any case) it is to Us that they shall (all) return.

78. We sent Messengers before you: We have related the story of some of them to you; (the story of) others We have not related to you. It was not (possible) for any Messenger to bring a Sign except with God's permission, but when God's command was given, the matter was decided in truth and justice, and it was there and then that those who stood on falsehood perished.

79. It is Allāh Who made cattle for you so that you may ride on some of them, and some you eat;

80. And there are (other) advantages in them for you (besides) so that you may attain through them any need (there may be) in your hearts, and you are carried on them and on ships.

81. And He always shows you His Signs; then which of God's Signs will you deny?

82. Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them was? They were more numerous than these and superior in strength and in the traces (they have left) in the land: Yet all that they accomplished was of no avail to them.

83. For when their Messengers came to them with clear Signs, they exulted in the knowledge (and skill) they had, but that very (anger) at which they were wont to scoff hemmed them in.

84. But when they saw Our punishment, they said, “We believe in God, the One God, and we reject the partners we used to join with Him.”

85. But their professing the faith when they (actually) saw Our punishment was not going to benefit them. (Such has been) God's way of dealing with His servants (from ancient times). And even thus did the rejecters of Allāh perish (utterly)!

Chapter 42

SŪRA 41 HA MIM [HA MIM SAJDA OR FUSSILAT] 54

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Ha Mim.

2. The Revelation of this Book is from Allāh, the One Exalted in power, full of knowledge,

3. Who forgives sin, accepts repentance, is strict in punishment, Lord of bounty. There is no god but He: He is the final goal.

4. None can dispute about God's Signs except the unbelievers. Then do not let their strutting about throughout the land deceive you!

5. But (there were people) before them who denied (the Signs), the people of Noah, and the parties (of evil) after them, and every people plotted against their Prophet to seize him, and disputed by means of vanities with which (they sought) to condemn the truth, but it was I Who seized them! And how (terrible) was My requital!

6. Thus was the decree of Your Lord proved true against the unbelievers; truly they are companions of Fire!

7. Those who bear the throne (of Allāh) and those near to Him glorify and praise their Lord. They believe in Him and implore His forgiveness for those who believe: “Our Lord! Your reach is over all things, in mercy and in knowledge. Then forgive those who turn in repentance and follow Your path, and preserve them from the penalty of the blazing Fire!

8. “And grant, Lord, that they (may) enter the gardens of eternity which You have promised them and the righteous ones among their fathers, wives and posterity! For You are Exalted in might, full of wisdom.

9. “And preserve them from (all) ills, and any whom You preserve from ills (on) that Day, on them You will have bestowed mercy indeed, and that will truly be the highest achievement (for them).

10. The unbelievers will be addressed: “Greater was God's aversion to you than (is) your aversion to your own selves, seeing that you were called to believe and you used to refuse.”

11. They will say, “Our Lord! Twice You have made us without life, and twice You have given us life! Now have we recognized our sins: Is there any way out (of this)?”

12. (The answer will be,) “This is so because when Allāh was invoked as the sole (object of worship), you rejected faith, but when partners were joined to Him, you believed! The command is with Allāh, the Most High, Most Great!”

13. It is He Who shows you His Signs and sends down sustenance for you from the sky: But only those who turn (to Allāh) receive admonishment.

14. Then call upon Allāh with sincere devotion to Him, even though the unbelievers may detest it.

15. High above ranks (or degrees), (He is) the Lord of the throne (of authority): By His command He sends the spirit (of inspiration) to any of His servants He pleases to warn (mankind) of the Day of mutual meeting,

16. The Day on which they will (all) come forth: Not a single thing concerning them is hidden from Allāh. Whose will be the dominion that Day? God's, the One, the Supreme!

17. That Day, every soul will be requited for what it earned; there will be no injustice (on) that Day, for Allāh is swift in taking account.

18. Warn them of the Day that is (ever) drawing near, when hearts will reach the throats to choke (them); the wrongdoers will have no intimate friend nor intercessor who could be listened to.

19. (Allāh) knows (the tricks) that deceive the eyes, and all that the hearts (of men) conceal.

20. And Allāh will judge with (justice and) truth: But those whom (men) invoke besides Him will not (be in a position) to judge at all. Truly it is Allāh (alone) Who hears and sees (all things).

21. Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them was? They were even superior to them in strength, and in the traces (they have left) in the land: But Allāh called them to account for their sins, and they had none to defend them against Allāh.

22. That was so because their Messengers came to them with clear (Signs), but they rejected them, so Allāh called them to account, for He is full of strength, strict in punishment.

23. Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and manifest authority,

24. To Pharaoh, Haman, and Qarun, but they called (him) a sorcerer telling lies!

25. Now, when he came to them in truth from Us, they said, “Slay the sons of those who believe with him and keep their females alive,” but the plots of unbelievers (end) in nothing but error (and delusion)!

26. Pharaoh said, “Leave me to slay Moses, and let him call on his Lord! What I fear is that he will change your religion, or that he will cause mischief in the land!”

27. Moses said, “I have indeed called upon my Lord and your Lord (for protection) from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Account!”

28. A believer, a man from among the people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, said, “Will you slay a man because he says, `My Lord is Allāh'? When he has indeed come to you with clear (Signs) from your Lord? And if he is a liar, on him is (the sin of) his lie: But, if he is telling the truth, then something of the (calamity) of which He warns you will fall upon you: Truly Allāh does not guide anyone who transgresses and lies!

29. “O my people! Yours is the dominion this day: You have the upper hand in the land: But who will help us from God's punishment, should it befall us?” Pharaoh said, “I only point out to you what I see (myself); and I guide you to the right path!”

30. Then the man who believed said, “O my people! I truly fear for you something like the Day (of disaster) of the (sinful) parties!

31. “Something like the fate of the people of Noah, 'Ād, and Thamūd, and those who came after them: But Allāh never wishes injustice to His servants.

32. “And, O my people! I fear for you a Day when there will be mutual calling (and wailing),

33. A Day when you turn your backs and flee: You will have no defender against Allāh: Any whom Allāh leaves to stray, there is none to guide…

34. “And Joseph came to you in times gone by, with clear Signs, but you did not cease to doubt the (mission) for which he had come: At length, when he died, you said, `God will not send a Messenger after him.' Thus Allāh leaves to stray those who transgress and live in doubt,

35. “(Those) who dispute about God's Signs, without any authority that has reached them. (Such conduct is) grievous and odious in the sight of Allāh and of the believers. Thus Allāh seals up the heart of every arrogant and obstinate transgressor.”

36. Pharaoh said, “O Haman! Build me a lofty palace so that I may attain the ways and means,

37. “The ways and means of (reaching) the heavens, and so that I may mount up to the Allāh of Moses, but as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a liar!” Thus the evil of Pharaoh's deeds was made alluring in his eyes and he was hindered from the path, and Pharaoh's plot led to nothing but perdition (for him).

38. The man who believed said further, “O my people! Follow me: I will lead you to the right path.

39. “O my people! This life of the present is nothing but a (temporary) convenience: It is the Hereafter that is the home that will last.

40. “He who does evil will not be requited but by the like of it, and he who does a righteous deed, whether man or woman, and is a believer, will enter the garden (of bliss): There they will have abundance without measure.

41. “And O my people! How (strange) it is for me to invite you to salvation while you invite me to the Fire!

42. “You call upon me to blaspheme against Allāh and to join with Him partners of whom I have no knowledge, and I call you to the One Exalted in power Who forgives again and again!”

43. “Without doubt you invite me to one who is not fit to be called to, whether in this world or in the Hereafter; We will return to Allāh, and the transgressors will be companions of the Fire!

44. “You will soon remember what I say to you (now); my (own) affair I commit to Allāh, for Allāh (always) watches over His servants.”

45. Then Allāh saved him from (every) ill that they plotted (against him), but the brunt of the penalty encompassed the people of Pharaoh on all sides.

46. They will be brought in front of the fire morning and evening, and (the sentence) will be established on the Day of Judgment: “Cast the people of Pharaoh into the severest penalty!”

47. Behold! They will dispute with each other even in the Fire! The weak ones (who followed) will say to those who had been arrogant, “We only followed you: Then can you bear a share of the penalty of the Fire on our behalf?”

48. Those who had been arrogant will say, “We are all in this (fire)! Indeed, Allāh has judged between (His) servants!”

49. Those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, “Pray to your Lord to lighten the penalty on us for (at least) a day!”

50. They will say, “Did your Messengers not come to you with clear Signs?” They will say, “Yes.” They will reply, “Then pray (as you like,) but the prayer of the faithless is nothing but (futile wandering) in (mazes of) error!”

51. We will, without doubt, help Our Messengers and those who believe (both) in this world's life and on the Day when the witnesses stand forth,

52. The Day when it will not benefit wrongdoers to present their excuses, but they will (only) have the curse and the home of misery.

53. We had given Moses the (Book of) guidance, and We gave the Book in inheritance to the Children Of Israel,

54. A guide and a message to men of understanding.

Chapter 43

SŪRA 42 CONSULTATION [SHURA] 53

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Ha Mim.

2. Ain Sīn Qāf.

3. Thus does (He) send inspiration to you as (He did) to those before you! God, the One Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

4. All that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Him, and He is Most High, Most Great.

5. The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them (by His glory), and the angels celebrate the praises of their Lord, and pray for forgiveness for (all) beings on earth: Behold! Indeed Allāh is He, the oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

6. And those who take others as protectors besides Him! God watches over them, and you art not the disposer of their affairs.

7. Thus have We sent an Arabic Qur’ān by inspiration to you, so that you may warn the Mother of Cities and all around it, and warn (them) of the Day of Assembly, of which there is no doubt: (When) some will be in the Garden and some in the blazing Fire.

8. Had Allāh so willed, He would have made them a single people, but He admits whomsoever He wills into His mercy, and the wrongdoers will have neither protector nor helper.

9. What?! Have they taken protectors (for worship) besides Him? But it is God! He is the Protector and it is He Who gives life to the dead: It is He Who has power over all things.

10. Whatever you may differ about, the decision about it is with Allāh: Such is All āh, my Lord: I trust in Him and I turn to Him.

11. (He is) the Creator of the heavens and the earth: He has made for you mates from among your own selves, and mates among cattle too. Thus does He multiply you (and your cattle): There is nothing whatever like unto Him, and He is the One Who hears and sees (all things).

12. The keys of the heavens and the earth belong to Him: He increases and restricts the sustenance to whomsoever He wills, for He knows all things fully well.

13. He has established the same religion for you as the one He enjoined upon Noah! which We sent by inspiration to you, and which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses and Jesus, that you should remain steadfast in religion and make no divisions therein. To those who worship any other than Allāh, the (way) to which you call them is hard. Allāh chooses to Himself those whom He pleases and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him).

14. And they became divided only after knowledge reached them, through selfish envy among themselves. Had it not been for a word from your Lord that went forth before, (tending) to an appointed Term, the matter would have been settled between them: But truly those who have inherited the Book after them are in (disquieting) doubt about it.

15. Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the faith), and stand steadfast as you are commanded, and do not follow their vain desires but say: “I believe in the Book which Allāh has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allāh is our Lord and your Lord. For us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you are your deeds. There is no contention between us and you. Allāh will bring us together, and He is (our) final goal.”

16. But those who dispute about Allāh after He has been accepted, their dispute is futile in the sight of their Lord: (His) Wrath is upon them, and (there) will be a terrible penalty for them.

17. It is Allāh Who has sent down the Book in truth and the balance (by which to weigh conduct). And what will make you realize that the Hour may be close at hand?

18. Only those who do not believe in it wish to hasten it: Those who believe hold it in awe and know that it is the truth. Behold! Truly those who dispute about the Hour are far astray.

19. Allāh is gracious unto His servants: He gives sustenance to whomsoever He pleases, and He has power and can carry out His will.

20. To any who desires the tilth of the Hereafter, We grant an increase in his tilth, and to any who desires the tilth of this world, We grant some of that, but he has neither share nor lot in the Hereafter.

21. What?! Do they have partners (with Allāh) who have established for them some religion without God's permission? Had it not been for the decree of judgement, the matter would have been decided between them (at once): But indeed the wrongdoers will have a grievous penalty.

22. You will see the wrongdoers in fear on account of what they have earned, and (the burden of) that must fall upon them. But those who believe and do righteous deeds will be in the luxuriant meadows of the gardens: Before their Lord, they shall have all that they wish: That will indeed be the magnificent bounty.

23. That is (the bounty) of which Allāh gives glad tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say (O Muhammed!): “I ask no reward of you for this except the love of those of my near in kin.” And if anyone earns any good, We shall grant Him an increase of good in respect for it, for Allāh is oftForgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service).

24. What?! Do they say, “He has forged a lie against Allāh”? But if Allāh willed, He would seal up your heart. And Allāh blots out vanity and proves the truth by His words, for He knows well the secrets of all hearts.

25. He is the One Who accepts repentance from His servants and forgives sins, and He knows all that you do.

26. And He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and increases His bounty unto them: But for the unbelievers there is a terrible penalty.

27. If Allāh were to increase the provision of His servants, they would indeed transgress beyond all bounds throughout the earth, but He sends (it) down in due measure as He pleases, for He is well-acquainted, watchful with His servants.

28. He is the One Who sends down rain (even) after (men) have given up all hope, and unfolds His mercy (far and wide). And He is the Protector, worthy of all praise.

29. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the living creatures He has scattered throughout them, and He has power to gather them together when He wills.

30. Whatever misfortune happens to you is due to the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.

31. Nor can you frustrate (anything by fleeing) throughout the earth, nor do you have anyone to protect or to help (you) besides Allāh.

32. And among His Signs are the ships, running smoothly through the ocean, (tall) like mountains.

33. If it be His will, He can cause the wind to be still, then they would become motionless on the (ocean). Indeed (there) are Signs in this foreveryone who patiently perseveres and is grateful.

34. Or He can cause them to perish because of the (evil) which (men) have committed: But He forgives much.

35. Whatever you are given (here) is (but) a convenience of this life. What is with Allāh is better and more lasting: (It is) for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord;

36. Those who avoid the greater crimes and shameful deeds, and when they are angry, they forgive even then;

37. Those who listen to their Lord and establish regular prayers, who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation, who spend out of what sustenance We bestow upon them;

38. And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted upon them, (are not cowed but) help and defend themselves.

39. The recompense of an injury is an injury equal to it (in degree):

40. But if a person forgives and reconciles, his reward is due from Allāh, for (Allāh) does not love those who do wrong.

41. But indeed if any help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, there is no cause of blame against them.

42. The blame is only against those who oppress men with wrong-doing and insolently transgress beyond bounds throughout the land, defying right and justice, for them there will be a grievous penalty.

43. But if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.

44. For any whom Allāh leaves to stray, there is no protector after that, and you will see the wrongdoers, when in sight of the penalty, say, “Is there any way (to effect) a return?”

45. And you will see them brought forward to the (penalty) in a humble frame of mind because of (their) disgrace, looking with a stealthy glance. And the believers will say, “Those are indeed in loss who have given perdition to their own selves and to those belonging to them on the Day of Judgment. Behold! Indeed the wrongdoers are in a lasting penalty!”

46. And they have no protectors to help them other than Allāh, and for any whom Allāh leaves to stray, there is no way (to the goal).

47. Listen to your Lord, before a Day comes which nothing will withhold because of (the ordainment of) Allāh! That Day there will be no place of refuge for you nor will there be any room for you to deny (your sins)!

48. If they turn away, We have not sent you as a guard over them. Your duty is only to convey (the message). And truly, when We grant man a taste of mercy from Ourselves, he exults at it, but when some ill happens to him, on account of the deeds which his hands have sent forth, indeed man is ungrateful then!

49. The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh. He creates whatever He wills (and plans). He bestows male or female (children) according to His will (and plan).

50. Or He bestows both males and females, and He leaves barren whomsoever He wills, for He is full of knowledge and power.

51. It is not fitting for a man that Allāh should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil or by sending a messenger to reveal, with God's permission, what Allāh wills, for He is Most High, Most Wise.

52. And thus have We, by Our command, sent rūh (inspiration) to you: You did not know (before) what Revelation was, and what faith was, but We have made the (Qur’ān) a light, with which We guide those of Our servants as We will, and indeed you guide (men) to the straight way,

53. The way of Allāh, to Whom belongs whatever in the heavens and on earth: See (how) all affairs tend towards Allāh!

Chapter 44

SŪRA 43 THE EMBELLISHMENT [AL-ZUKHRUF] 89

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Ha Mim

2. By the Book that makes things clear,

3. We have made it a Qur’ān in Arabic so that you may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).

4. And indeed it is in the Mother Book, in Our presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom.

5. Shall We then take the message away from you and repel (you) because you are a people transgressing beyond bounds?

6. But how many Prophets did We send among the peoples of old?

7. And a Prophet never came to them except that they mocked him.

8. So We destroyed (them)! (They were) stronger in power than these, and (thus) the case of the peoples of old has passed by.

9. If you were to question them, “Who created the heavens and the earth?” They would surely reply, “They were created by (Him), the One Exalted in power, full of knowledge.”

10. (Yes, the Same Who) made the earth for you (like a carpet) spread out, and made roads (and channels) in it for you, so that you may find guidance (on the way);

11. Who sends down rain from the sky (from time to time) in due measure, and with it We raise to life a land that is dead; even so will you be raised (from death);

12. Who has created all things in pairs, and has made for you ships and cattle on which you ride,

13. So that you may sit firm and square on their backs, and when so seated, you may celebrate the (kind) favor from your Lord. Say, “Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves),

14. “And we must surely return to our Lord!”

15. Yet they attribute to some of His servants a share with Him (in His Godhead)! Truly man is an avowed blasphemous ingrate!

16. What?! Has He taken daughters out of what He Himself creates and chosen sons for you?

17. When news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) what he sets up as a likeness to (Allāh) Most Gracious, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!

18. Is then one brought up among trinkets, unable to grant a clear account in a dispute, (is to be associated with Allāh)?

19. And they make angels who themselves serve Allāh females. Did they witness their creation? Their “evidence” will be recorded, and they will be called to account!

20. (“Ah!”) they say, “If it had been the will of (Allāh) Most Gracious, We would not have worshipped such (deities)!” They have no knowledge of that! They do nothing but lie!

21. What?! Have We given them a Book before this, to which they are holding fast?

22. Nay! They say, “We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we follow in their footsteps.”

23. Likewise, whenever We sent a warner before you to any people, the wealthy ones among them said, “We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps.”

24. He said, “What?! Even if I brought you better guidance than what you found your fathers following?” They said, “For us, We deny that you (Prophets) are sent (on a mission at all).”

25. So We exacted retribution upon them: Now see what the end of those who rejected (truth) was!

26. Behold! Abraham said to his father and people, “I do indeed clear myself of what you worship:

27. “(I worship) only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me.”

28. And he left it as a word to endure among those who came after him so that they might turn back (to Allāh).

29. Yes, I have given the good things of this life to these (men) and their fathers, until the truth has come to them, and a Messenger making things clear.

30. But when the truth came to them, they said, “This is sorcery, and we reject it.”

31. They also say, “Why is not this Qur’ān sent down to some leading man in either of the two (main) cities?”

32. Is it they who would appropriate your Lord's mercy? It is We Who allot to them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But your Lord's mercy is better than the (wealth) they amass.

33. And were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, foreveryone who blasphemes against (Allāh), Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stairways on which they ascend,

34. And (silver) doors to their houses, and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline,

35. And also adornments of gold. But all this is nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in your Lord's sight, is for the righteous.

36. If anyone withdraws himself from remembering (Allāh) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one to be his truly intimate companion.

37. Such (evil ones) truly hinder them from the path, but they think that they are being guided aright!

38. At length, when (such one) comes to Us, he says (to his evil companion), “Would that between me and you (there) was the distance of East and West!” Ah! The companion is evil (indeed)!

39. When you have done wrong, it will avail you nothing that Day so that you shall be partners in retribution!

40. Can you make the deaf hear, or can you grant direction to the blind or to those who (wander) in manifest error?

41. Even if We take you away, We shall be sure to exact retribution upon them,

42. Or We shall show you that (accomplished) which We have promised them, for indeed We shall prevail over them.

43. So hold fast to the Revelation sent down to you: Truly you are on the straight way.

44. The (Qur’ān) is indeed the message, for you and for your people, and you shall (all) soon be brought to account.

45. And question our Messengers whom We sent before you: Did We appoint any deities other than (Allāh) Most Gracious, to be worshipped?

46. In the past, We sent Moses with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his chiefs: He said, “I am a Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds.”

47. But when he came to them with Our Signs, behold, they ridiculed them.

48. We showed them Sign after Sign, each greater than the other, and We seized them with punishment, so that they might turn (to Us).

49. And they said, “O sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to His covenant with you, for we shall indeed accept guidance.”

50. But when We removed the penalty from them, behold, they broke their word.

51. And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying, “O my people! Does not the domination of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my (palace)? What?! Do you not see then?

52. “Am I not better than this (Moses), who is a contemptible wretch and can scarcely express himself clearly?

53. “Then why are not gold bracelets bestowed upon him or (why) do angels (not) come with him, accompanying him in procession?”

54. Thus did he make fools of his people, and they obeyed him: Indeed they were a people rebellious (against Allāh).

55. When at length they provoked Us, We exacted retribution upon them, and We drowned them all:

56. And We made them (a people) of the past and an example to later generations

57. When (Jesus) the son of Mary is held up as an example, behold, your people raise a clamor at it (in ridicule)!

58. And they say, “Are our gods best, or he?” They set forth this to you, only by way of argument: Yes, they are a contentious people.

59. He was no more than a servant: We bestowed Our favor unto him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.

60. And if it were Our will, We could make angels from among you, succeeding each other on the earth.

61. And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment), so have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow Me: This is a straight way.

62. Do not let the evil one hinder you, for he is an avowed enemy to you.

63. When Jesus came with clear Signs, he said, “Now I have come to you with wisdom, and to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute, so fear Allāh and obey me.

64. “For Allāh is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him: This is a straight way.”

65. But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement: Then woe unto the wrongdoers from the penalty of a grievous Day!

66. Do they only wait for the Hour, that it should come on them all of a sudden, while they do not perceive?

67. Friends on that Day will be foes of one another! except the righteous.

68. My devotees! No fear shall be on you that Day, nor shall you grieve,

69. (Being) those who have believed in Our Signs and bowed (to Our will) in Islam.

70. Enter the garden, you and your wives, rejoicing.

71. Bowls and goblets of gold will be passed round to them: There will be all that the souls could desire there, all that the eyes could delight in, and you shall abide in it (forever).

72. Such will be the garden of which you are made heirs for your (good) deeds (in life).

73. You shall have an abundance of fruit in it, from which you shall have satisfaction. The sinners will be in the punishment of Hell, to dwell in it (forever):

74. The sinners will be in the punishment of Hell, to dwell in it (forever):

75. In no way will the (punishment) be lightened for them, and they will be overwhelmed there in despair.

76. In no way shall We be unjust to them: But it is they who have been unjust to their own selves.

77. They will cry, “O Malik! Would that your Lord put an end to us!” He will say, “Nay, but you shall abide!”

78. Truly We have brought the truth to you: But most of you have a hatred for the truth.

79. What?! Have they settled some plan (among themselves)? But it is We Who settle things.

80. Or do they think that We do not hear their secrets and their private counsels? Indeed (We do), and Our messengers are with them, recording.

81. Say: “If (Allāh) Most Gracious had a son, I would be the foremost to worship.”

82. Glory to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the throne (of authority)! (He is free) from the things they attribute (to Him)!

83. So leave them to babble and play (with vanities) until they meet that Day of theirs which they have been promised.

84. It is He Who is All āh in heavens and Allāh on earth, and He is full of wisdom and knowledge.

85. And blessed is He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all between them: The knowledge of the Hour (of Judgment) is with Him, and to Him you shall all return.

86. And those whom they invoke besides Allāh have no power of intercession; only he who bears witness to the truth and they know (him).

87. If you ask them who created them, they will certainly say, “God;” How then are they deluded away (from the truth)?

88. (Allāh has knowledge) of the (Prophet's) cry, “O Lord! Truly these are a people who will not believe!”

89. But turn away from them, and say “Peace!” But soon shall they know!

Chapter 45

SŪRA 44 THE EVIDENT SMOKE [DUKHKHAN] 59

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Ha Mim.

2. By the Book that makes things clear,

3. We sent it down during a blessed night, for We (always) wish to warn (against evil).

4. In that (night) every affair of wisdom is made distinct,

5. By command from Our presence. For We (always) send (Revelations),

6. As a mercy from your Lord, for He hears and knows (all things);

7. The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all between them, if you (only) have a sure faith.

8. There is no god but He: It is He Who gives life and death, the Lord and Cherisher of you and your ancestors.

9. Yet they are in doubt, sporting.

10. Then watch for the Day on which the sky will bring forth an evident smoke (or mist or plume),

11. Enveloping the people: This will be a grievous penalty.

12. (They will say,) “Our Lord! Remove the penalty from us, for we truly believe!”

13. How shall the message be (effective) for them, seeing that a Messenger explaining things clearly has (already) come to them?

14. Yet they turn away from him and say, “Tutored (by others), a man possessed!”

15. We shall indeed remove the penalty for a while, (but) truly you will revert (to your ways).

16. One Day We shall seize you with a mighty onslaught. We will indeed exact retribution!

17. Before them, We tried the people of Pharaoh: A most honorable Messenger came to them,

18. Saying, “Deliver God's servants to me: I am a Messenger to you worthy of all trust;

19. “And do not be arrogant against Allāh, for I come to you with manifest authority.

20. “For me, I have sought safety with my Lord and your Lord, against your harm to me.

21. “If you do not believe me, at least keep away from me.”

22. (But they were aggressive:) Then he cried to his Lord, “These are indeed people given to sinning.”

23. (The reply came:) “March out with My servants at night, for you are surely to be pursued

24. “And leave the sea as a furrow (divided). For they are a host (destined) to be drowned.”

25. How many were the gardens and springs they left behind?

26. And corn-fields and noble buildings,

27. And wealth (and conveniences of life), in which they had taken such delight?!

28. Thus (was their end)! And We made other people inherit (those things)!

29. Neither the heavens nor the earth sheds a tear over them, nor were they given a respite

30. We delivered the Children of Israel from a humiliating punishment,

31. Inflicted by Pharaoh, for he was arrogant (even) among inordinate transgressors.

32. Before that, We chose them over the nations, knowingly,

33. And granted them Signs in which there was a manifest trial.

34. As to these (Quraish), they truly say,

35. “There is nothing beyond our first death, and we shall not be raised again.

36. “Then bring (back) our forefathers if what you say is true!”

37. What?! Are they better than the people of Tubba' and those who were before them? We destroyed them because they were guilty of sinning.

38. We did not create the heavens, the earth and all between them merely in (idle) sport:

39. We created them only for just ends, but most of them do not understand.

40. Truly the Day of sorting out is the time appointed for all of them,

41. The Day when no friend can avail his friend in anything, and they can receive no help,

42. Except those who receive God's mercy, for He is Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.

43. Truly the tree of Zaqqum

44. Will be the food of the sinful,

45. Like molten brass; it will boil their bellies,

46. Like the boiling of scalding water.

47. (A voice will cry,) “Seize him and drag him into the midst of the blazing Fire!

48. “Then pour over his head the penalty of boiling water;

49. “Taste (this)! Truly you were mighty, honored!

50. “Truly this is what you used to doubt!”

51. As for the righteous, (they will be) in a position of security,

52. Among gardens and springs;

53. Dressed in fine silk and rich brocade, they will face each other

54. It is so, and We shall join them to companions with beautiful, large, lustrous eyes.

55. There they can call forevery kind of fruit in peace and security;

56. Nor will they taste death there, except the first death, and He will preserve them from the penalty of the blazing Fire,

57. As a bounty from your Lord! That will be the supreme achievement!

58. We have really made this (Qur’ān) easy, in your tongue, so that they may heed.

59. So wait and watch, for they (too) are waiting.

Chapter 46

SŪRA 45 THE KNEELING ONE [AL-JATHIYA] 37

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Ha Mim.

2. The Revelation of the Book is from Allāh, the One Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

3. Truly (there) are Signs in the heavens and the earth for those who believe,

4. And in the creation of yourselves and the fact that animals are scattered (throughout the earth, there) are Signs for those of sure faith,

5. And in the alternation of night and day, and the fact that Allāh sends down sustenance from the cloud, and revives the earth with it after its death, and in the change of the winds, (there) are Signs for those who are wise.

6. Such are God's Signs, which We recite to you in truth: Then in what exposition will they believe after (rejecting) Allāh and His Signs?

7. Woe unto each sinful dealer in falsehoods:

8. He hears God's Signs recited to him, yet he is obstinate and proud, as if he had not heard them: Then announce a grievous penalty to him!

9. And when he learns something of Our Signs, he takes them in jest, for such there will be a humiliating penalty.

10. Hell is in front of them, and they have earned nothing, and any protector they may have taken to themselves besides Allāh is of no avail to them: (There) is a tremendous penalty for them.

11. This is (true) guidance, and for those who reject their Lord's Signs (there) is a grievous penalty of abomination.

12. It is Allāh Who has made the sea subservient to you so that ships may sail through it by His command, so that you may seek of His bounty and you may be grateful.

13. And He has made subservient to you all that is in the heavens and on earth; behold, (there) are truly Signs in that for those who reflect.

14. Tell those who believe to forgive those who do not look forward to the Days of Allāh: It is for Him to recompense each people (for good or evil) according to what they earn.

15. If anyone does a righteous deed, it works to the benefit of his own soul: If he commits evil, it works against (his own soul). In the end (all of) you will be brought back to your Lord.

16. We granted the Children of Israel the Book, the power of command, and Prophethood; We granted them good and pure things for sustenance, and We favored them to other nations.

17. And We granted them clear Signs in affairs (of religion): It was only after knowledge had been granted to them that they fell into schisms through insolent envy among themselves. Truly your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment as to those matters in which they set up differences.

18. Then We put you on the (right) way in religion, so follow that (way) and do not follow the desires of those who do not know.

19. They will be of no use to you in God's sight: It is only wrongdoers (who stand as) protectors, one of another, but Allāh is the Protector of the righteous.

20. These are clear evidences to men, and a guidance and mercy to those of sure faith.

21. What?! Do those who seek the evil ways think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe and do righteous deeds? That their life and death will be equal? They make an ill judgment.

22. Allāh created the heavens and the earth for just ends so that each soul may find the recompense of what it has earned and none of them shall be wronged.

23. Have you considered such a person who takes his own vain desire as his god? Allāh has left him astray, knowing (him as such), and sealed his hearing and his heart (and understanding) and put a cover on his sight: Who, then, will guide him after Allāh (has withdrawn guidance)? Then will you not receive admonishment?

24. And they say, “What is there but our life in this world? We die and live, and nothing but time destroys us.” But they have no knowledge of that; they merely surmise:

25. And when Our clear Signs are recited to them, their argument is nothing but their saying, “Bring (back) our forefathers, if what you say is true!”

26. Say: “It is Allāh Who gives you life, then He makes you die, then He will gather you together for the Day of Judgment about which there is no doubt.” Yet most people do not understand.

27. The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh. The Day that the Hour of Judgment is established, on that Day the dealers in falsehood will perish!

28. And you will see every sect kneeling: Every sect will be called to account: “This Day you shall be recompensed for all that you did!

29. “This record of Ours speaks about you in truth, for We were accustomed to recording all that you did.”

30. As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them into His mercy: That will be the achievement for all to see.

31. As for those who reject Allāh, (they will be told,) “Were not Our Signs recited to you? But you were arrogant and were sinning!

32. “And when you were told that God's promise was true, and that the Hour was no doubt (approaching), you used to say, `We do not know what the Hour is: We only think it is an idea, and we have no firm assurance.”'

33. Then the evil (fruits) of what they did will appear to them, and they will be completely encircled by what they used to ridicule!

34. It will also be said, “This Day We will forget you as you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours! Your abode is the Fire and you have no helpers!

35. “This (is so) because you used to take God's Signs in jest, and the life of the world deceived you.” Therefore, on that Day, they shall not be brought forth (from) it, nor shall they be received into grace.

36. Then Praise belongs to Allāh, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord and Cherisher of all the worlds!

37. Glory be to Him throughout the heavens and the earth, and He is Exalted in power, full of wisdom!

Chapter 47

SŪRA 46 WINDING SAND TRACTS [AL-AHQAF] 35

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Ha Mim.

2. The Revelation of the Book is from Allāh, the One Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

3. We created the heavens and the earth and everything between them only for just ends and for an appointed term, but those who reject faith turn away from what they are warned about.

4. Say: “Do you see what it is that you invoke besides Allāh? Show me what they have created on earth, or do they have a share in the heavens? Bring me a Book (revealed) before this or any remnant of knowledge (you may have), if you are telling the truth!”

5. And who is more astray than one who invokes, besides Allāh, those who will not answer him on the Day Of Judgment and who (in fact) are unconscious of the call (upon them)?

6. And when mankind is gathered together (at the Resurrection), they will be hostile to them and reject their worship (altogether)!

7. When Our clear Signs are recited to them, the unbelievers say of the truth when it comes to them, “This is evident sorcery!”

8. Or do they say, “He has forged it”? Say: “If I had forged it, then you could not obtain a single (blessing) for me from Allāh. He knows best what you talk about (so glibly)! He suffices for a Witness between me and you! And He is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”

9. Say: “I am no bringer of newfangled doctrine among the Messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow what is revealed to me by inspiration; I am but an open and clear warner.”

10. Say: “Do you see? (This teaching) is from Allāh and you still reject it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to its similarity (with earlier scriptures) and has believed while you are arrogant. (How unjust you are!) Truly, Allāh does not guide the unjust people.”

11. The unbelievers say of those who believe, “Had (this message) been a good thing, (such men) would not have gone to it first, before us!” And seeing that they do not guide themselves by it, they will say, “This is an ancient falsehood!”

12. And before this, the Book of Moses was a guide and a mercy, and this Book confirms (it) in the Arabic tongue; to admonish the unjust and as glad tidings to those who do right.

13. Truly those who say, “Our Lord is Allāh,” and remain firm (on that path), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

14. These shall be the companions of the Garden, dwelling therein (forever): A recompense for their (good) deeds.

15. We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: His mother bore him in pain, and in pain she gave him birth. The carrying of the (child) till his weaning is (a period of) thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains the age of forty, he says, “Lord! Grant me that I may be able to be grateful for the favors which You have bestowed upon me and upon both my parents, and that I may do righteous deeds You may approve, and be gracious to me regarding my offspring. Truly I have turned to You and truly I bow (to You) in Islam.”

16. Such are those from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and overlook their ill deeds: (They shall be) among the companions of the Garden: A promise of truth which was made to them (in this life).

17. But (there is one) who says to his parents, “Fie upon you! Do you hold out the promise to me that I shall be raised up, even though generations have passed before me (without rising again)?” And they both seek God's aid (and rebuke the son), “Woe unto you! Have faith! For God's promise is true.” But he says, “This is nothing but tales of the ancients!”

18. Such are they against whom the sentence is proved among the previous generations of jinns and men that have passed away, for they will be (utterly) lost.

19. And degrees are (assigned) to all according to the deeds they (have done), so that (Allāh) may reward their deeds, and no injustice (shall) be done to them.

20. And on the Day the unbelievers are placed before the Fire, (it will be said to them,) “You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure out of them, but today you shall be rewarded with a penalty of humiliation because you were arrogant on earth without a just cause, and you (always) transgressed.”

21. Mention (Hud), one of 'Ād's (own) kin: Regarding the winding sand tracts. Behold! He warned his people, but there have been warners before him and after him: “Worship none other than Allāh: Truly I fear the penalty of a mighty Day for you.”

22. They said, “Have you come to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us the (calamity) with which you threaten us, if you are telling the truth!”

23. He said, “The knowledge (of when it will come) is only with Allāh: I proclaim to you the mission for which I have been sent, but I see that you are an ignorant people! … ”

24. Then, when they saw the (penalty as) a cloud traversing the sky, coming to meet their valleys, they said, “This cloud will grant us rain!” “No, it is the (calamity) you were asking to be hastened! A wind in which (there) is a grievous penalty!

25. “It will destroy everything by its Lord's command!” Then by the morning, nothing was to be seen except (the ruins of) their houses! Thus do We recompense those given to sinning!

26. And We had firmly established them in a (prosperity and) power which We have not granted to you (Quraish!) And We had endowed them with (faculties of) hearing and seeing, heart and intellect, but their (faculties of) hearing and seeing, heart and intellect were of no avail to them when they went on rejecting God's Signs, and they were (completely) encircled by what they used to ridicule!

27. We previously destroyed generations around you, and We have shown the Signs in various ways so that they may turn (to Us).

28. Why then was no help forthcoming to them from those whom they worshipped as gods, besides Allāh, as a means of access (to Allāh)? Nay! They abandoned them; but that was their falsehood and their own invention.

29. Behold! We turned towards you a party of the jinns to listen to the Qur’ān: When they stood in its presence, they said, “Listen in silence!” When the (recitation) was no more, they returned to their people to warn (them of their sins).

30. They said, “O people! We have heard a Book revealed after Moses, confirming what came before it: It guides (mankind) to the truth and the straight path.

31. “O our people, listen to the one who invites (you) to Allāh and believe in Him: He will forgive you your faults and deliver you from a grievous penalty.

32. “If anyone does not listen to the one who invites (us) to Allāh, he cannot frustrate (God's plan) on earth, and he can have no protectors besides Allāh; such men (wander) in manifest error.”

33. Do they not see that Allāh, Who created the heavens and the earth, and never wearied with their creation, is able to grant life to the dead? Yes, He truly has power over all things. And on the Day when the unbelievers are placed before the Fire, (they will be asked,) “Is this not the truth?” They will say, “Yes, by our Lord!” (One will say,) “Then taste the penalty because you used to deny (the truth)!”

34. Therefore patiently persevere, as did (all) Messengers of steady purpose, and be in no haste about the (unbelievers). On the Day that they see the (punishment) promised them, (it will be) as if they had not tarried more than an Hour in a single Day. (You are only) to proclaim the message, but shall any be destroyed except those who transgress?

Chapter 48

SŪRA 47 MUHAMMED 38

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Those who reject Allāh and hinder (men) from God's path will render their deeds to no avail.

2. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and believe in the (Revelation) revealed to Muhammed! For it is the truth from their Lord! He will remove their ills and improve their condition.

3. This is so because those who reject Allāh follow vanities, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord: Thus Allāh sets forth lessons for men by similitudes.

4. Therefore, when you meet the unbelievers (in battle), strike at their necks; at length, when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly (on them): After that (is the time for) either generosity or ransom: Until the war lays down its burdens. Thus (are you commanded), but if it had been God's will, He (Himself) could certainly have exacted retribution from them; but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some through others. But those who are killed in God's way! He will never let their deeds be lost.

5. Soon He will guide them and improve their condition,

6. And admit them into the garden which He has announced for them.

7. O you who believe! If you aid (the cause of) Allāh, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly.

8. But those who reject (Allāh), for them is destruction, and (Allāh) will cause their deeds to be of no avail.

9. That is so because they hate God's Revelation; so He has made their deeds futile.

10. Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them (who did evil) was? Allāh brought utter destruction upon them, and similar (fate awaits) those who reject Allāh.

11. That is so because Allāh is the Protector of those who believe, but those who reject Allāh have no protector.

12. Truly Allāh will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds into gardens beneath which rivers flow; while those who reject Allāh will enjoy (this world) and eat as cattle eat, and the Fire will be their abode.

13. And how many cities, with more power than your city which has driven you out, have We destroyed (for their sins)? There was none to aid them.

14. Then is one who is on a clear (path) from his Lord not better than one to whom the evil of his conduct seems pleasing and follows his own desires?

15. This is a parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: In it (there) are rivers of incorruptible water; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink, and rivers of pure and clear honey. In it are all kinds of fruits, and a grace from their Lord. (Can those in such bliss) be compared to those who shall dwell forever in the Fire and  be given boiling water to drink, so (much so) that it cuts their bowels (to pieces)?

16. And among them are men who listen to you, but in the end, when they go out from you, they say to those who have received knowledge, “What is it that he said just then?” Such are men whose hearts Allāh has sealed and who follow their own lust.

17. But to those who receive guidance He increases (the light of) guidance and bestows piety and restraint (from evil) upon them.

18. Then do they only wait for the Hour! that it should come on them suddenly? But some tokens of it have already come, and when it (actually) is upon them, how can they benefit then by admonishment?

19. Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allāh, and ask forgiveness for your fault, and for believing men and women, for Allāh knows how you move about and how you dwell in your homes.

20. Those who believe say, “Why is not a Sūra sent down (for us)?” But when a Sūra of basic or categorical meaning is revealed, and fighting is mentioned in it, you will see those in whose hearts there is a disease looking at you with a look of one in a swoon at the approach of death, but it would be more fitting for them

21. To obey and say what is just, and when a matter is resolved, it would be best for them if they were true to Allāh.

22. Then, is it to be expected of you, if you were put in authority, that you will do mischief in the land and break your ties of kith and kin?

23. Such are the men whom Allāh has cursed, for He has made them deaf, and He blinded their vision.

24. Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur’ān, or are their hearts locked up?

25. Those who turn back as apostates after guidance was clearly shown to them, the evil one has instigated them and buoyed them up with false hopes.

26. This is so because they said to those who hate what Allāh has revealed, “We will obey you in part of (this) matter;” but Allāh knows their (inner) secrets.

27. But how (will it be) when the angels take their souls at death and strike their faces and their backs?

28. This is so because they followed what caused God's Wrath, and they hated God's good pleasure; so He made their deeds of no effect.

29. Or do those with diseased hearts think that Allāh will not bring all their rancor to light?

30. Had We so willed, We would have shown them up to you, and you would have known them by their marks, but surely you will know them by the tone of their speech! And Allāh knows all that you do.

31. And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience, and We shall try your reported (mettle).

32. Those who reject Allāh, hinder (mankind) from God's path and resist the Messenger, after guidance has been clearly shown to them, will not harm Allāh in the least, but He will make their deeds of no effect.

33. O you who believe! Obey Allāh and obey the Messenger, and do not render your deeds vain!

34. Those who reject Allāh and hinder (mankind) from God's path, then die rejecting God! God will never forgive them.

35. Do not be weary and fainthearted, crying for peace, when you should have the upper hand, for Allāh is with you and will never put you in loss on account of your (good) deeds.

36. The life of this world is but play and amusement, and if you believe and guard yourselves against evil, He will grant you recompense and will not ask you for your possessions!

37. If He were to ask you for all of them and press you, you would covetously withhold (them), and He would bring out all your illfeeling.

38. Behold! You are those invited to spend (of substance) in God's way, but some among you are stingy. Yet any who are stingy are so at the expense of their own souls. But Allāh is free of all wants, and it is you who are needy. If you turn back (from the path), He will substitute another people in your place; then they would not be like you!

Chapter 49

SŪRA 48 VICTORY [AL-FATH] 29

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Truly We have granted you a manifest victory:

2. So that Allāh may forgive your past and future faults, fulfill His favor unto you and guide you on the straight path,

3. And that Allāh may help you with a mighty help.

4. It is He Who sent tranquility into the hearts of the believers so that they might add faith to their faith, for the forces of the heavens and earth belong to Allāh, and Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom;

5. That He may admit the men and women who believe to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell in them forever, and remove their ills from them, and in God's sight, that is the highest achievement,

6. And that He may punish the hypocrites, men and women, and the polytheists, men and women, who imagine an evil opinion of Allāh. Evil encircles them: God's Wrath is upon them: He has cursed them and prepared Hell for them, and it is an evil destination.

7. For the forces of the heavens and the earth belong to Allāh, and Allāh is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

8. We have truly sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner:

9. So that you (O men) may believe in Allāh and His Messenger, that you may assist and honor Him and celebrate His praises in the morn and the eve.

10. Truly those who pledge their fealty to you do no less than pledge their fealty to Allāh: God's hand is above their hands: Then anyone who violates his oath does so to the harm of his own soul, and anyone who fulfills what he has promised God! God will soon grant him a great reward.

11. The desert Arabs who lagged behind will say to you, “We were engaged in (looking after) our flocks and herds, and our families; ask forgiveness for us.” They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: “Who then has any power at all (to intervene) on your behalf with Allāh, if His will is to render you to loss or to do you good? But Allāh is well acquainted with all that you do.

12. “Nay! You thought that the Messenger and the believers would never return to their families; this seemed pleasing to your hearts, and you conceived an evil thought, for you are a people lost (in wickedness).”

13. And if any do not believe in Allāh and His Messenger, We have prepared a blazing fire for those who reject Allāh!

14. The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh: He forgives whomsoever He wills, and He punishes whomsoever He wills, but Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

15. Those who lagged behind (will say), when you (are free to) march and take booty (in war), “Permit us to follow you.” They wish to change God's decree: Say: “You will not follow us thus: Allāh has already declared (this) beforehand.” Then they will say, “But you are jealous of us.” Nay! They understand (such things) very little.

16. Say to the desert Arabs who lagged behind: “You shall be summoned (to fight) against a people given to vehement war: Then you shall fight, or they will submit. Then if you show obedience, Allāh will grant you a goodly reward, but if you turn back as you did before, He will punish you with a grievous penalty.”

17. There is no blame on the blind, nor on the sick (if they do not join the war), but he who obeys Allāh and His Messenger! (Allāh) will admit him into gardens beneath which rivers flow, and he who turns back, (Allāh) will punish him with a grievous penalty.

18. God's good pleasure was on the believers when they swore fealty to you under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down tranquility upon them, and He rewarded them with a speedy victory;

19. And they will acquire many gains (besides), and Allāh is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.

20. Allāh has promised you many gains you will acquire, and He has given you these beforehand, and He has restrained the hands of men from you so that it may be a Sign for the believers, and that He may guide you to a straight path;

21. And (there are) other gains, which are not within your power but which Allāh has compassed, and Allāh has power over all things.

22. Should the unbelievers fight you, they would certainly turn their backs; then they would find neither protector nor helper.

23. (Such has been) the practice Allāh already (approved) in the past: You will find no change in the practice (approved) by Allāh.

24. And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hand from them in the midst of Mecca, after He granted you victory over them. And Allāh well sees all that you do.

25. They are the ones who denied (the) Revelation and hindered you from the sacred mosque and detained the sacrificial animals from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom you did not know that you were trampling down and on whose account a crime would have accrued to you without (your) knowledge, (Allāh would have allowed you to force your way, but He held your hands back) that He may admit whomsoever He wills into His mercy. If they had been apart, We would certainly have punished the unbelievers among them with a grievous penalty.

26. While the unbelievers nurtured disdain and bias in their hearts! the disdain and bias of ignorance! God sent down His tranquility unto His Messenger and unto the believers, and made them stick close to the command of self-restraint, and they were well entitled to it and worthy thereof. And Allāh has full knowledge of all things.

27. Truly Allāh fulfilled the vision for His Messenger: You shall enter the sacred mosque, if Allāh wills, with minds secure, heads shaved, hair cut short and without fear. For He knew what you did not (know), and He granted, besides this, a speedy victory.

28. It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of Truth to proclaim it over all religions, and Allāh is enough for a Witness.

29. Muhammed is God's Messenger, and those who are with him are strong against the unbelievers, compassionate among each other. You will see them bow and prostrate (in prayer), seeking God's grace and (His) good pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Torah, and their similitude in the Gospel: Like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; then it becomes thick and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the one who sows with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the unbelievers with rage. Allāh has promised forgiveness and a great reward to those among them who believe and do righteous deeds.

Chapter 50

SŪRA 49 THE CHAMBERS [AL-HUJURAT] 18

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. O you who believe! Do not be forward in the presence of Allāh and His Messenger, but fear Allāh, for Allāh hears and knows all things.

2. O you who believe! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loudly to him as you speak loudly to one another, lest your deeds should become vain while you do not perceive (it).

3. Those who lower their voices in the presence of God's Messenger! God has tested their hearts for piety: (There) is forgiveness and a great reward for them.

4. Those who shout out to you from beyond the inner apartments, most of them lack understanding.

5. If only they had patience until you could come out to them, it would be best for them, but Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

6. O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you should harm people unwittingly and afterwards become full of repentance for what you have done.

7. And know that God's Messenger is among you: If he were to follow your (wishes) in  many matters, you would certainly fall into misfortune, but Allāh has endeared the faith to you and has made it beautiful in your hearts, and He has made unbelief, wickedness and rebellion hateful to you: Such indeed are those who walk in righteousness;

8. A grace and favor from Allāh, and Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

9. If two parties among the believers fall into a quarrel, make peace between them, but if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then fight the one that transgresses until it complies with God's command; but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice and be fair, for Allāh loves those who are fair (and just).

10. Believers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers, and fear Allāh so that you may receive mercy.

11. O you who believe! Do not let some men among you ridicule others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women ridicule others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: A name connoting wickedness is ill-seeming, (to be used of one) after having believed, and those who do not desist are (indeed) wrongdoers.

12. O you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible), for suspicion in some cases is a sin, and do not spy on each other, nor speak ill of others by way of backbiting. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay! You would abhor it… but fear Allāh, for Allāh is oftReturning, the Most Merciful.

13. O mankind! We created you from a single (couple) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other, (not that you may despise each other). Truly the most honored of you in God's sight is (he who is) the most righteous among you. And Allāh has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

14. The desert Arabs say, “We believe.” Say: “You have no faith; (only) say, `We have submitted our wills to Allāh.' For faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allāh and His Messenger, He will not diminish any of your deeds, for Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful.”

15. Only those are believers who have believed in Allāh and His Messenger and have never since doubted, but have striven with their possessions and their persons in God's cause: Such are the sincere ones.

16. Say: “What?! Will you instruct Allāh about your religion?” But Allāh knows all that is in the heavens and on earth: He has full knowledge of all things.

17. They think they oblige you when they embrace Islam. Say: “Do not count your Islam as a favor to me. Nay! Allāh has conferred a favor on you that He has guided you to the faith, if you are true and sincere.

18. “Truly Allāh knows the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and Allāh sees well all that you do.”

Chapter 51

New Chapter

Chapter 52

SŪRA 50 QAF 45

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Qāf. By the glorious Qur'ān (you are God's Messenger)

2. But they wonder that a warner has come to them from among themselves. So the unbelievers say, “This is a strange thing!

3. “What?! When we die and become dust, (shall we live again)? That is a (sort of) return far (from our understanding).”

4. We already know how much of them the earth diminishes: With Us is a record guarding (the full account).

5. But they deny the truth when it comes to them, so they are in a confused state.

6. Do they not look at the sky above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no flaws in it?

7. And the earth We have spread out, and set mountains standing firm on it, and produced in it every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs),

8. To be observed and commemorated by every devotee turning (to Allāh).

9. And We send down from the sky rain charged with blessing, and with it We produce gardens and grain to harvest;

10. And tall (and stately) palmtrees, with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one over the other;

11. As sustenance for (God's) servants, and with it We grant (new) life to land that is dead: Thus will the Resurrection be.

12. Before them, (the Hereafter) was denied by the people of Noah, the companions of the Rass, the Thamūd,

13. The 'Ād, Pharaoh, the brothers of Lot,

14. The Companions of the Wood, and the people of Tubba; each one (of them) rejected the Messengers, and My warning was duly fulfilled (in their regard).

15. Then were We weary with the first creation, that they should be in confused doubt about a new creation?

16. We have created man and We know what dark suggestions his soul makes to him, for We are nearer to him than his life-vein.

17. Behold! Two (guardian angels) appointed to receive (his deeds) receive (and note them), one on the right and one on the left.

18. Not a word does he utter but there is a sentinel by him, ready (to note it).

19. And the stupor of death will bring truth (before his eyes): “This was the thing you were trying to escape!”

20. And the trumpet shall be blown: That will be the Day against which warning (had been given).

21. And every soul will come forth: An (angel) will be with each to drive, and an (angel) to bear witness.

22. (It will be said,) “You were heedless of this; now We have removed the veil, and your sight is sharp (on) this Day!”

23. And his companion will say, “Here is (his record) ready with me!”

24. (The sentence will be,) “Throw, throw into Hell every contumacious rejector (of Allāh)!

25. “Who forbade what was good, transgressed all bounds, cast doubts and suspicions;

26. “Who set up another god besides Allāh: Throw him into a severe penalty.”

27. His companion will say, “Our Lord! I did not make him transgress, but he (himself) was far astray.”

28. He will say, “Do not dispute with each other in My presence: I had already sent you warning in advance

29. “The Word does not change before Me, and I do not suffer the least injustice to My servants.”

30. One Day We will ask Hell, “Are you filled to the full?” It will say, “Are there any more (to come)?”

31. And the Garden will be brought near to the righteous, no longer distant.

32. (A voice will say,) “This is what was promised for you, foreveryone who turned (to Allāh) in sincere repentance, who safeguarded (His law),

33. “Who feared (Allāh) Most Gracious in the unseen, and brought a heart turned in devotion (to Him):

34. “Enter in peace and security; this is a Day of eternal life!”

35. All that they wish for; besides, they will there be in Our presence

36. But how many generations before them did We destroy (for their sins), who are stronger than them? Then they wandered through the land: Was there any place of escape (for them)?

37. Truly (there) is a message in this for any that has a heart and understanding or who gives ear and earnestly witnesses (the truth).

38. We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six days, nor did any weariness touch Us.

39. Bear them with patience, all that they say, and celebrate the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting,

40. And during part of the night; (also) celebrate His praises, and (likewise) after the postures of adoration.

41. And listen on the Day when the Caller calls out from a place quite near,

42. The Day when they hear a (mighty) blast in (very) truth: That will be the Day of Resurrection.

43. Truly it is We Who grant life and death, and We are the final goal,

44. (On) the Day when the Earth is rent asunder, from (mankind) hurrying out: That will be a gathering together (and it is) quite easy for Us.

45. We know best what they say, and you are not one to overawe them by force. So admonish with the Qur’ān those who fear My warning!

Chapter 53

SŪRA 51THE WINDS THAT SCATTER [DHARIYAT] 60

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the (winds) that scatter far and wide;

2. And those that lift and bear heavy weights;

3. And those that flow with ease and gentleness;

4. And those that distribute and appropriate by command;

5. Truly what you are promised is true;

6. And truly Judgment and justice must indeed come to pass.

7. By the sky with (its) numerous paths,

8. Truly you are in a discordant doctrine,

9. Through which those who would be deluded are deluded (away from the Truth).

10. Woe unto the falsehoodmongers,

11. Who (flounder) heedless in a flood of confusion:

12. They ask, “When will the Day of Judgment and Justice be?”

13. (It will be) a Day when they will be tried (and tested) over the Fire!

14. “Taste your trial! This is what you used to ask to be hastened!”

15. As to the righteous, they will be in the midst of gardens and springs,

16. Taking joy in the things which their Lord bestowed upon them, because, before then, they lived a life of good deeds;

17. They were in the habit of sleeping but little at night,

18. And in the Hours of early dawn, they (were found) praying for forgiveness;

19. And in their wealth and possessions, the right of the (needy was remembered) for the one who asked, and for one who (for a reason) was prevented (from asking).

20. (There) are Signs on the earth for those of sure faith,

21. As well as in your own selves: Then will you not see?

22. And your sustenance is in heaven as (is also) what you are promised.

23. Then, by the Lord of heavens and earth, this is the very Truth, as much as the fact that you can speak intelligently to each other.

24. Has the story reached you of the honored guests of Abraham?

25. Behold! They entered into his presence and said, “Peace!” He said, “Peace!” (and thought, “Strange) people.”

26. Then he turned quickly to his family, brought a fat (roasted) calf,

27. And placed it before them… He said, “Will you not eat?”

28. (When they did not eat), he grew afraid of them. They said, “Do not fear,” and they gave him glad tidings of a son endowed with knowledge.

29. But his wife came forward (laughing) aloud: She struck her face and said, “A barren old woman!”

30. They said, “Even so has your Lord spoken, and He is full of wisdom and knowledge.”

31. (Abraham) said, “And what, O messengers, is your errand?”

32. They said, “We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin;-

33. “To bring upon them (a shower of) stones of (brimstone),

34. “Marked from your Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds.”

35. Then We evacuated those of the believers who were there,

36. But We found no just (Muslim) persons except in one house:

37. And We left a Sign there for those who fear the grievous penalty.

38. And in Moses (was another Sign): Behold! We sent him to Pharaoh with manifest authority.

39. But (Pharaoh) turned back with his chiefs and said, “A sorcerer, or one possessed!”

40. So We took him and his forces and threw them into the sea, and he was to blame.

41. And in the 'Ād (people was another Sign): Behold! We sent the devastating wind against them:

42. It left nothing whatsoever that it came up before reducing it to ruins and rottenness.

43. And in the Thamūd (was another Sign): Behold! They were told, “Enjoy (your brief day) for a little while!”

44. But they insolently defied their Lord's command, so the stunning noise (of an earthquake) seized them, even while they were looking on.

45. Then they could not even stand (on their feet), nor could they help themselves.

46. So were the people of Noah before them, for they wickedly transgressed.

47. With power and skill We constructed the firmament, for it is We Who create the vastness of space.

48. And We have spread out the (spacious) earth: How excellently do We spread out!

49. And of everything We have created pairs, so that you may receive instruction.

50. Then hasten (at once) to Allāh: I am a plain warner to you from Him!

51. And do not make another an object of worship with Allāh: I am a plain warner to you from Him!

52. Similarly, no Messenger came to the people before them, but they said (of him) in like manner, “A sorcerer, or one possessed!”

53. Is this the legacy they have transmitted, one to another? Nay! They themselves are people transgressing beyond bounds!

54. So turn away from them: The blame is not yours.

55. But remind (others of your message), for (such) remembrance benefits the believers.

56. I have only created jinns and men so that they may serve Me

57. I desire no sustenance of them nor do I desire that they should feed Me.

58. For Allāh is He Who gives (all) sustenance! Lord of Power! steadfast (forever).

59. For the wrongdoers, their portion is like the portion of their fellows (of earlier generations): Then let them not ask Me to hasten (that portion)!

60. Woe, then, unto the unbelievers on account of that Day of theirs of which they have been forewarned!

Chapter 54

SŪRA 52 THE MOUNT [AL-TUR] 49

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. By the Mount (of Revelation);

2. By a decree inscribed

3. In a scroll unfolded;

4. By the much-frequented fane;

5. By the canopy raised high;

6. And by the ocean filled with swell;

7. Truly the doom of your Lord will indeed come to pass;

8. There is none to avert it;

9. On the Day when the firmament is in dreadful commotion,

10. And the mountains will fly hither and thither.

11. Then woe that Day unto those who treat (truth) as falsehood;

12. That play (and paddle) in shallow trifles.

13. That Day they shall be thrust down into the Fire of Hell, irresistibly.

14. It will be said, “This is the Fire which you were wont to deny!

15. “Is this then a fake, or is it you who do not see?

16. “Burn therein: It is the same to you whether you bear it with patience or not: You only receive the recompense of your (own) deeds.”

17. As to the righteous, they will be in gardens and in happiness,

18. Enjoying the (bliss) which their Lord has bestowed upon them, and their Lord shall deliver them from the penalty of the Fire.

19. (It will be said to them,) “Eat and drink with pleasure and health because of your (good) deeds.”

20. They will recline (with ease) on thrones (of dignity) arranged in ranks, and We shall unite them with companions, with beautiful, large and lovely eyes.

21. And those who believe and whose families follow them in faith, to them We shall unite their families: Nor shall We deprive them (of the fruit) of any of their deeds: (Yet) each individual is in pledge for his deeds.

22. And We shall bestow upon them anything they desire of fruit and meat.

23. They shall exchange with one another a (loving) cup free of frivolity, free of all taint of ill.

24. Round about them are youths, (devoted) to them, as handsome as well-guarded pearls, to serve.

25. They will advance to each other, engaging in mutual enquiry.

26. They will say, “Previously, We were not without fear for the sake of our people,

27. “But Allāh has been good to us, and has delivered us from the penalty of the scorching wind.

28. “Truly we called upon Him before: Truly He is the Beneficent, the Merciful.”

29. Therefore proclaim the praises (of your Lord), for by your Lord's grace, you are no soothsayer, nor are you possessed.

30. Or do they say, “A Poet! We await some calamity for him, (hatched) by time!”

31. Say: “Wait! I too will wait along with you!”

32. Do their faculties of understanding urge them to this, or are they only people transgressing beyond bounds?

33. Or do they say, “He fabricated the (message)”? Nay! They have no faith!

34. Then let them produce a recitation like it, if they are speaking the truth!

35. Were they created of nothing, or were they themselves the creators?

36. Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay! They have no firm belief.

37. Or are your Lord's treasures with them, or are they the disposers (of affairs)?

38. Or do they have a ladder by which they can (climb up to heaven and) listen (to its secrets)? Then let (such a) listener of theirs produce a manifest proof.

39. Or does He have only daughters and you have sons?

40. Or are you asking for a reward, so that they are burdened with a load of debt?

41. Or is the unseen in their hands, and they write it down?

42. Or do they intend a plot (against you)? But those who defy Allāh are themselves involved in a plot!

43. Or have they a god other than Allāh? Allāh is Exalted far above the things they associate with Him!

44. If they were to see a piece of the sky falling (on them), they would (only) say, “Clouds gathered in heaps!”

45. So leave them alone until they encounter that Day of theirs, when they swoon (with terror),

46. The Day when their plotting will not avail them at all and no help shall be given them.

47. And truly for those who do wrong there is another punishment besides this, but most of them do not understand.

48. Now wait for your Lord's command with patience, for truly you are in Our eyes, and celebrate your Lord's praises while you stand forth,

49. And for part of the night also praise Him, and at the retreat of the stars!

Chapter 55

SŪRA 53 THE STARS [AL-NAJM] 62

In name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the star when it goes down,

2. Your companion is neither astray nor misled,

3. Nor does he say (anything) of (his own) desire.

4. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him:

5. He was taught by One mighty in power,

6. Endowed with wisdom, for he appeared (in stately form)

7. While he was in the highest part of the horizon:

8. Then he approached and came closer,

9. And was at a distance of only two bow-lengths or (even) nearer;

10. So did (Allāh) convey the inspiration to His servant! (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey.

11. The (Prophet's mind and) heart in no way falsified what he saw.

12. Then will you dispute with him concerning what he saw?

13. For indeed he saw him at a second descent,

14. Near the lote-tree beyond which none may pass:

15. Near it is the Garden of abode.

16. Behold! The lote-tree was shrouded (in unspeakable mystery!)

17. (His) sight never swerved, nor did it go wrong!

18. For truly he saw the greatest of his Lord's Signs!

19. Have you seen Lat, and Uzza,

20. And another, the third (goddess), Manat?

21. What?! For you the males, and for Him the females?!

22. Behold! That would indeed be a most unfair division!

23. These are nothing but names which you have devised, you and your fathers, for which Allāh has sent no authority (whatsoever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire! Even though guidance from their Lord has already come to them!

24. Nay! Shall man have (just) anything he yearns for?

25. But the end and beginning (of all things) belong to Allāh.

26. However many the angels in the heavens may be, their intercession will avail nothing except after Allāh has given leave for whom He pleases and is acceptable to Him.

27. Those who do not believe in the Hereafter grant the angels female names.

28. But they have no knowledge. They follow nothing but conjecture, and conjecture avails nothing against the Truth.

29. Therefore shun those who turn away from Our message and desire nothing but the life of this world.

30. That is as far as knowledge will reach them. Truly your Lord knows best those who stray from His path, and He knows best those who receive guidance.

31. Yes, all that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allāh, so that He rewards those who do evil according to their deeds, and He rewards those who do good with what is best.

32. Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults, truly your Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, and when you are hidden in your mother's wombs; therefore, do not justify yourselves. He knows best who it is that guards against evil.

33. Do you see one who turns back,

34. Gives a little, then hardens (his heart)?

35. What?! Has he knowledge of the unseen so that he can see?

36. Nay! Is he not acquainted with what is in the Books of Moses,

37. And of Abraham who fulfilled his engagements?

38. Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another;

39. That man can have nothing but what he strives for;

40. That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight;

41. Then will he be rewarded with a complete reward;

42. That to your Lord is the final goal;

43. That it is He Who grants laughter and tears;

44. That it is He Who grants death and life;

45. That He did create in pairs, male and female,

46. From a seed when lodged (in its place);

47. That He has promised a second creation (the raising of the dead)

48. That it is He Who gives wealth and satisfaction;

49. That He is the Lord of Sirius (the mighty star);

50. And that it is He Who destroyed the (powerful) ancient 'Ād (people),

51. And the Thamūd, nor gave them a lease of perpetual life,

52. And before them, the people of Noah, because they were (all) most unjust and most insolent transgressors.

53. And He destroyed the overthrown cities (of Sodom and Gomorrah),

54. So that (unknown ruins) have covered them up.

55. Then about which of your Lord's gifts, (O man,) will you dispute?

56. This is a warner, of the (series of) warners of old!

57. The ever-approaching (Judgment) draws near:

58. No (soul) but Allāh can lay it bare.

59. Then do you wonder at this recital?

60. And will you laugh and not weep,

61. Wasting your time in vanities?

62. So do prostrate to Allāh and adore (Him)!

Chapter 56

SŪRA 54 THE MOON [AL-QAMAR] 55

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. The Hour (of Judgment) is near, and the moon is cleft asunder.

2. But if they see a Sign, they turn away and say, “This is (only) transient magic.”

3. They reject (the warning) and follow their own lust; but every matter has its appointed time.

4. Recitals in which there is (enough) to check (them) have already come to them, (containing)

5. Mature wisdom, but (the preaching of) warners does not benefit them

6. Therefore, (O Prophet,) turn away from them. The Day that the Caller calls (them) to a terrible affair,

7. They will come forth, their eyes cast down, from their graves, (torpid) like locusts scattered abroad,

8. Hastening, with eyes transfixed, towards the Caller! “Hard, indeed, is this Day,” the unbelievers will say.

9. Before them, the people of Noah rejected (their Messenger): They rejected Our servant and said, “Here is one possessed!” And he was driven out.

10. Thereafter, he called upon his Lord: “I am overcome: so (Lord) help (me)!”

11. So We opened the gates of heaven, with rain pouring forth.

12. And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs, so the waters met (and rose) to the extent decreed.

13. But We bore him on an (ark) made of broad planks and caulked with palm-fiber:

14. She floats under Our eyes (and care): A recompense to one who had been rejected (with scorn)!

15. And We have left this as a Sign (for all time): Is there then any who will receive admonishment?

16. But how (terrible) was My penalty and warning!

17. And We have indeed made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember: is there then any who will receive admonition?

18. The 'Ād (people, too) rejected (the truth): How terrible then was My penalty and warning!

19. For We sent a furious wind against them, on a day of violent disaster,

20. Plucking men out as if they were roots of palm-trees torn up (from the ground).

21. Yes, how (terrible) was My penalty and warning!

22. But We have indeed made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember: Is there then any who will receive admonition?

23. The Thamūd (also) rejected (their) warners.

24. For they said, “What?! A man! A solitary one from among ourselves?! Shall we follow such a person? Truly we would then be straying in mind and mad!

25. “Is the message sent to him, of all people among us? Nay! He is a liar and insolent!”

26. Ah! On the morrow they will know who the liar is, the insolent one!

27. For We will send the shecamel by way of trial for them. So watch them, (O Salih,) and be patient!

28. And tell them that the water is to be divided between them: Each one's right to drink being brought forward (by suitable turns).

29. But they called to their companion, and he took a sword in hand, and hamstrung her.

30. Ah! How (terrible) was My penalty and warning!

31. For We sent against them a single mighty blast, and they became like dry stubble used by one who pens cattle.

32. And We have indeed made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember: Is there then any who will receive admonishment?

33. The people of Lot rejected (his) warning.

34. We sent a violent tornado against them, with showers of stones, (which destroyed them,) except Lot's household: We delivered them by early dawn,

35. As a grace from Us: Thus do We reward those who grant thanks.

36. And (Lot) warned them of Our punishment, but they disputed about the warning.

37. And they even sought to snatch away his guests from him, but We blinded their eyes. (They heard,) “Now taste My anger and My warning.”

38. Early on the morrow an abiding punishment seized them:

39. “So taste My anger and My warning.”

40. And We have indeed made the Qur’ān easy to understand and remember: Is there then any who will receive admonishment?

41. To Pharaoh's people, too, (God's) warners came previously.

42. The (people) rejected all Our Signs; but We seized them with such penalty (as comes) from One Exalted in power, able to carry out His will.

43. Are your unbelievers, (O Quraish,) better than they? Or do you have an immunity in the sacred books?

44. Or do they say, “Acting together, we can defend ourselves”?

45. Soon their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs.

46. nay, the Hour (of Judgment) is the time promised them (for their full recompense), and that Hour will be most grievous and most bitter.

47. Truly those in sin are the ones straying in mind, and mad.

48. (On) the Day they are dragged through the Fire on their faces, (they will hear,) “Taste the touch of Hell!”

49. Truly We have created all things in proportion and measure.

50. And Our command is but a single (act)! like the twinkling of an eye.

51. And (often) in the past, We destroyed gangs like you: Is there then any who will receive admonishment?

52. All that they do is noted in (their) books (of deeds):

53. Every matter, small and great, is on record.

54. As for the righteous, they will be in the midst of gardens and rivers,

55. In an assembly of Truth, in the presence of an omnipotent Sovereign.

Chapter 57

SŪRA 55 THE MOST GRACIOUS (ALLAH) [AL-RAHMAN] 78

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. (Allāh,) the Most Gracious!

2. It is He Who taught the Qur’ān.

3. He created man:

4. He taught him speech (and intelligence).

5. The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed;

6. And the herbs and the trees, both (alike) bow in adoration.

7. And He has raised the firmament high, and set up the balance (of justice)

8. So that you may not transgress (due) balance.

9. So establish weight with justice and do not fall short in the balance.

10. It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures:

11. Fruit and date-palms therein are fruits and date-palms having sheathed clusters;

12. Also corn with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants.

13. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

14. He created man from sounding clay like pottery,

15. And He created jinns from smokeless fire:

16. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

17. (He is) Lord of the two Easts [north east and south east] and Lord of the two Wests [north west and south west]:

18. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

19. He has set the two bodies of flowing water free, meeting together:

20. Between them is a barrier which they do not transgress:

21. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

22. Out of them come pearls and coral:

23. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

24. And His are the ships sailing smoothly through the seas, lofty as mountains:

25. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

26. All that is on earth shall perish;

27. But the Face of your Lord shall abide (forever), full of majesty, bounty and honor.

28. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

29. Every creature in the heavens and on earth seeks (its needs) from Him: He (shines) in (new) splendor every Day!

30. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

31. We will soon settle your affairs, O both of you worlds!

32. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

33. O assembly of jinns and men! If you can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass! You shall not be able to pass without an authority!

34. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

35. A flame of fire (to burn) and a smoke (to choke) will be sent upon you (O evil ones!): You will have no defense:

36. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

37. When the sky is rent asunder, and it becomes red like ointment

38. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

39. On that Day no question will be asked of man or jinns as to his sin,

40. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

41. (For) the sinners will be known by their marks, and they will be seized by their forelocks and their feet.

42. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

43. This is the Hell which sinners deny.

44. They will wander in its midst and in the midst of boiling hot water!

45. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

46. But for those who fear the time when they stand before (the Judgment of) their Lord, there will be two gardens,

47. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

48. Containing all kinds (of trees and delights),

49. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

50. There will be two springs flowing (free) in (each of) them,

51. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

52. (There) will be two pairs of fruits of every kind in them,

53. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

54. They will recline on carpets with inner linings of rich brocade: The fruit of the gardens will be near (and easy to reach).

55. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

56. (There) will be (maidens) in them, chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or jinns has ever touched before,

57. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

58. Like rubies and coral.

59. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

60. Is there any reward for goodness other than goodness?

61. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

62. And besides these two, there are two other gardens,

63. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

64. Dark-green in color (from plentiful watering).

65. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

66. (There) will be two springs in (each of) them, pouring forth water in continuous abundance:

67. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

68. (There) will be fruits in them, and dates and pomegranates:

69. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

70. (There) will be fair (companions) in them, goodly, beautiful,

71. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

72. Companions restrained (in their glances), in (goodly pavilions);

73. Then which of the favor of your Lord will you deny?

74. Whom no man or jinns has ever touched before:

75. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

76. Reclining on green cushions and rich carpets of beauty.

77. Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?

78. Blessed be the name of your Lord, full of majesty, bounty and honor.

Chapter 58

SŪRA 56 THE INEVITABLE EVENT [AL-WAQI'A] 96

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. When the inevitable event comes to pass,

2. No (soul) will then entertain falsehood concerning its approach.

3. It will bring (many people) down, and it will exalt (many);

4. When the earth is shaken to its depths,

5. And the mountains crumbled to atoms,

6. Becoming dust scattered abroad,

7. And you shall be sorted out into three groups.

8. Then (there will be) the companions of the right Hand; What will the companions of the right Hand be?

9. And the companions of the left Hand; What will the companions of the left Hand be?

10. And those foremost (in faith) will be foremost (in the Hereafter).

11. These will be those nearest to Allāh

12. In gardens of bliss:

13. A number of people from those of old,

14. And a few from those of later times.

15. (They will be) on thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones),

16. Reclining on them, facing each other.

17. Round about them youths whose age is perpetual will serve,

18. With goblets, (shining) beakers and cups (filled) from clear-flowing fountains;

19. It will neither harm them afterwards, nor will they suffer intoxication:

20. And with fruits, any whatever they may select;

21. And the meat of fowls, any that they desire.

22. And (there will be) companions with beautiful, large and lustrous eyes,

23. Like well-guarded pearls.

24. A reward for the deeds of their past (life).

25. They will hear no frivolity there nor any taint at all.

26. Only the saying, “Peace! Peace.”

27. The companions of the right Hand, what will the companions of the right Hand be?

28. (They will be) among lotetrees without thorns,

29. Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another,

30. In shade long-extended,

31. By water flowing constantly,

32. And fruit in abundance,

33. Whose season is not limited nor (supply) forbidden,

34. And on thrones (of dignity), raised high.

35. We have created (their companions) a special creation,

36. And made them virgin, pure (and undefiled),

37. Beloved (by nature), of equal age,

38. For the companions of the right Hand:

39. A (goodly) number from those of old,

40. And a (goodly) number from those of later times.

41. The companions of the left Hand, what will the companions of the left Hand be?

42. (They will be) in the midst of a fierce blast of fire and in boiling water,

43. And in the shades of black smoke:

44. (There will be) nothing to refresh or please:

45. Because they were accustomed to being indulged, before that, in wealth (and luxury),

46. And persisted obstinately in supreme wickedness!

47. And they used to say, “What?! When we die and become dust and bones, shall we then truly be raised up again?

48. “(We) and our fathers of old?”

49. Say: “Yes, those of old and those of later times,

50. “All will certainly be gathered together for the meeting appointed for a well-known Day.

51. “Then you will truly! O you who do wrong and treat (truth) as falsehood!

52. “You shall surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum.

53. “Then you will fill your bellies with it,

54. “And drink boiling water on top of it:

55. “Indeed you shall drink like sick camels raging with thirst!”

56. Such will be their entertainment on the Day of requital!

57. It is We Who have created you: Why will you not witness the truth?

58. Then do you see? The (human seed) that you eject,

59. Is it you who create it, or are We the Creator?

60. We have decreed death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated,

61. From changing your forms and creating you (again) in (forms) that you do not know.

62. And you certainly know the first form of creation already: Why then do you not celebrate His praise?

63. Do you see the seed that you sow in the ground?

64. Is it you who cause it to grow, or are We the cause?

65. If it were Our will, We would crush it to dry powder and you would be left in wonderment

66. (Saying,) “We are indeed left with debts (for nothing):

67. Is it you who cause it to grow, or are We the cause?

68. Do you see the water that you drink

69. Do you bring it down (as rain) from the clouds, or do We?

70. If it were Our will, We would make it salt (and unpalatable): Then why do you not offer thanks?

71. Do you see the Fire that you kindle?

72. Is it you who grew the tree that feeds the Fire, or do We?

73. We have made it a memorial (of Our handiwork) and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.

74. Then celebrate the name of the Lord, the Supreme, with praise:

75. Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the stars,

76. And that is indeed a mighty adjuration if you only knew,

77. That this is indeed a most honorable Qur’ān,

78. In a well-guarded book,

79. That none shall touch but those who are clean:

80. A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.

81. Is it such a message that you would hold in light esteem?

82. And have you made it your livelihood that you should declare it false?

83. Then why do you not (intervene) when (the soul of the dying man) reaches his throat,

84. And you (sit) looking on?

85. But We are nearer to him than you, yet (you) do not see,

86. Then why do you not, if you are exempt from (future) accounting,

87. Call back the soul, if you are true (in your claim of independence)?

88. Thus, then, if he is of those nearest to Allāh,

89. (There is) rest and satisfaction (for him) and a Garden of delights.

90. And if he is of the companions of the right Hand,

91. (For him there is the salutation,) “Peace be unto you” from the companions of the right Hand.

92. And if he is of those who treat (truth) as falsehood, who commit wrong,

93. For him (there) is entertainment of boiling water,

94. And a burning in Hell-Fire

95. Truly this is the very truth.

96. So celebrate with praise of the name of your Lord, the Supreme.

Chapter 59

SŪRA 57 IRON [AL- HADEED] 29

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Whatever in the heavens and on earth, let it declare God's Praise and Glory, for He is the One Exalted in might, the Wise.

2. The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Him; it is He Who gives life and death, and He has power over all things.

3. He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent, and He has full knowledge of all things.

4. It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in six days: moreover, He is firmly established on the throne (of authority). He knows what enters the earth and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heavens and what mounts up to it. And He is with you wherever you may be. And Allāh sees well all that you do.

5. The dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Him, and all affairs are referred to Allāh.

6. He merges night into the day, and He merges the day into the night, and He has full knowledge of the secrets of (all) hearts.

7. Believe in Allāh and His Messenger, and spend (in charity) out of what He has made you heirs. For there is a great reward for those of you who believe and spend (in charity).

8. What cause do you have not to believe in Allāh? And the Messenger invites you to believe in your Lord and has truly taken your covenant, if you are men of faith.

9. He is the One Who sends manifest Signs to His servants so that He may lead you from the depths of darkness into the light. Truly Allāh is most kind and merciful to you.

10. And what cause do you have not to spend in God's cause? The heritage of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allāh. Those among you who, before victory, spent (freely) and fought, are not equal (to those who did so later). They are higher in rank than those who spent (freely) and fought afterwards. But Allāh has promised a goodly (reward) to all, and Allāh is well acquainted with all that you do.

11. Who is he who will lend a beautiful loan to Allāh? For (Allāh) will increase it many times to his credit, and he will have a generous reward (besides).

12. One Day you will see the believing men and the believing women, how their light shines forth before them and by their right hands: (Their greeting will be,) “Glad tidings for you this Day! Gardens beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever! This is indeed the highest achievement!”

13. One Day the hypocrites, men and women, will say to the believers, “Wait for us! Let us borrow (light) from your light!” It will be said, “Turn back to your rear! Then seek a light (where you can)!” So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein. Inside it (there) will be mercy throughout. Outside, all along (it), (there) will be (Wrath and) punishment!

14. (Those on the outside) will call out, “Were we not with you?” (The others) will reply, “True! But you led yourselves into temptation; you looked forward (to our ruin); you doubted (God's promise), and (your false) desires deceived you; until God's command was issued. And the deceiver deceived you with respect to Allāh. 15. “This Day no ransom will be accepted from you, nor from those who rejected Allāh. Your abode is the Fire: That is the proper place to claim you, and it is an evil refuge!”

15. No ransom shall this Day be accepted from those who disbelieved. Your (their) abode shall be the Fire; it is your guardian, and what a wretched resort it shall be!

16. Has the time not arrived for the believers to remember in their hearts, in all humility, Allāh and the truth which has been revealed (to them), and that they should not become like those to whom Revelation was given before, but long ages passed and their hearts grew hard? Because many among them are rebellious transgressors.

17. Know (all of) you that Allāh gives life to the earth after its death! We have already shown the Signs plainly to you so that you might learn wisdom.

18. For those men and women who grant in charity and lend a beautiful loan to Allāh, it shall be increased many times (to their credit), and they shall have a generous reward (besides).

19. And those who believe in Allāh and His Messengers, they are the sincere (lovers of truth) and the witnesses (who testify) in the sight of their Lord: They shall have their reward and their light, but those who reject Allāh and deny Our Signs, are the companions of Hell-Fire.

20. Know (all of) you, that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and children: Here is a similitude: Rain and the growth which it brings forth delight (the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; you will see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter (there) is a severe penalty (for the doers of wrong), and God's forgiveness and (His) good pleasure (for His devotees). And what is the life of this world but goods and chattels of deception?

21. Be foremost (in seeking) forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden (of bliss), as wide as the width of heavens and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allāh and His Messengers: That is God's grace which He bestows on whom He pleases, and Allāh is the Lord of abounding grace.

22. No misfortune can happen on earth or to your own selves but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: That is truly easy for Allāh:

23. So that you may not despair over matters that pass by, nor exult over favors bestowed upon you. For Allāh does not love any vainglorious boaster

24. Persons who are covetous and who commend covetousness to men. And if any turns back (from God's way), truly Allāh is free of all needs, worthy of all praise.

25. We sent Our Messengers with clear Signs and sent down with them the book and the balance (of right and wrong) so that men might stand forth in justice, and We sent down iron, in which there is (material for) mighty war, as well as many benefits for mankind so that Allāh might test who it is that will help Him and His Messengers in the unseen, for Allāh is full of strength, Exalted in might (and able to enforce His will).

26. And We sent Noah and Abraham, and established Prophethood and Revelation in their line. Some of them were on right guidance, but many of them became rebellious transgressors.

27. Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our Messengers: We sent after them Jesus, the son of Mary, and bestowed the Gospel upon him, and We ordained compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him. But We did not prescribe for them the monasticism which they themselves invented: (We commanded) only that they seek God's good pleasure; but they did not foster that as they should have. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their (due) reward, yet many of them are rebellious transgressors.

28. O you who believe! Fear Allāh and believe in His Messenger, and He will bestow upon you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a light by which you shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past), for Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful:

29. (So) that the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever over God's Grace, that (His) Grace is in His hand, to bestow on whomsoever He wills. For Allāh is the Lord of abounding grace.

Chapter 60

SŪRA 58 PLEADING WOMAN [AL-MUJADILA] 22

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Allāh has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with you concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allāh, and Allāh (always) hears the arguments between both sides among you, for Allāh hears and sees (all things).

2. If any men among you divorce their wives by Zihar (calling them mothers), they cannot be their mothers: None can be their mothers except those who gave birth to them. In fact, they use words (both) iniquitous and false, but truly Allāh is One Who blots out (sins) and forgives (again and again).

3. But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered, (it is ordained that such persons) should free a slave before they touch each other: This you are admonished to perform, and Allāh is well-acquainted with (all) that you do.

4. And if any has not (the means), he should fast for two consecutive months before they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should feed sixty indigent persons. This is so in order that you may show your faith in Allāh and His Messenger. Those are limits (set by) Allāh. For those who reject (Him), there is a grievous penalty.

5. Those who resist Allāh and His Messenger will be humbled, as were those before them, for We have already sent down clear Signs. And the unbelievers (will have) a humiliating penalty,

6. On the Day that Allāh raises them all up (again) and shows them the truth (and meaning) of their conduct. Allāh has reckoned its (value), though they may have forgotten it, for Allāh is Witness to all things.

7. Do you not see that Allāh knows (all) that is in the heavens and on earth? There is not a secret consultation between three but He makes the fourth among them, nor between five but He makes the sixth, nor between fewer nor more, but He is in their midst wherever they are: In the end He will tell them the truth of their conduct, on the Day of Judgment. For Allāh has full knowledge of all things.

8. Do you not consider those who were forbidden secret counsels yet revert to what they were forbidden (to do)? And they hold secret counsels among themselves for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Messenger. And when they come to you, they salute you, not as Allāh salutes you, (but in crooked ways:) And they say to themselves, “Why does Allāh not punish us for our words?” Hell is enough for them: There they will burn, and that destination is evil!

9. O you who believe! When you hold secret counsel, do it not for iniquity and hostility and disobedience to the Prophet; but do it for righteousness and selfrestraint, and fear Allāh to Whom you shall be brought back.

10. Secret counsels are only (inspired) by the evil one so that he may cause grief to the believers, but he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allāh permits, and let the believers put their trust in Allāh.

11. O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room: Allāh will provide (ample) room for you. And when you are told to rise up, rise up: Allāh will raise to (suitable) ranks (and degrees) those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge, and Allāh is wellacquainted with all that you do.

12. O you who believe! When you consult the Messenger privately, spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive to purity (of conduct). But if you do not find (the means), Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

13. Is it that you fear spending sums in charity before your private consultation (with him)? If you do not do so, and Allāh forgives you, then (at least) establish regular prayers; pay the zakāt, and obey Allāh and His Messenger, and Allāh is wellacquainted with all that you do.

14. Do you not consider those who turn (in friendship) to those upon whom God's Wrath descends? They are neither of you nor of them, and they knowingly swear to falsehood.

15. Allāh has prepared a severe penalty for them: Their deeds are evil indeed.

16. They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): Thus they block (mankind) from God's path, so they shall have a humiliating penalty.

17. Their riches and sons will be of no avail whatsoever to them against Allāh: They will be companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (forever)!

18. One Day Allāh will raise them all up (for Judgment): Then they will swear to Him as they swear to you, and they think that they have something (to stand upon): Nay, indeed! They are only liars

19. The evil one has got the best of them, so he has made their remembrance of Allāh vain. They are the party of the evil one. Truly, it is the party of the evil one that will perish!

20. Those who resist Allāh and His Messenger will be among those most humiliated.

21. Allāh has decreed: “It is I and My Messenger Who must prevail.” For Allāh is full of strength, able to enforce His will.

22. You will not find any people who believe in Allāh and the last Day, loving those who resist Allāh and His Messenger, even though they may be their fathers or sons, or brothers, or kindred. For such He has written faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself. And He will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allāh will be well pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the party of Allāh. Truly it is the party of Allāh that will achieve felicity.

Chapter 61

SŪRA 59 THE GATHERING [HASHR] 24

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Whatever in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the praises and glory of Allāh, for He is the One Exalted in might, Wise.

2. It is He Who turned the unbelievers among the People of the Book out of their homes at the first gathering (of the forces). Little did you think that they would get out, and they thought that their fortresses would defend them against Allāh! But the (Wrath of) Allāh came to them from quarters from which they little expected (it), and cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their dwellings by their own hands and the hands of the believers. Take warning, then, O you with eyes (to see)!

3. Had it not been that Allāh has decreed banishment upon them, He would certainly have punished them in this world, and in the Hereafter they shall (certainly) have the punishment of the Fire.

4. That is so because they resisted Allāh and His Messenger, and if anyone resists Allāh, truly Allāh is severe in punishment.

5. Whether you cut down (O Muslims!) the tender palm-trees, or you left them standing on their roots, it was by God's permission, so that He might cover the rebellious transgressors with shame.

6. What Allāh has bestowed on His Messenger (and taken away) from them, for this you made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry, but Allāh gives power to His Messengers over any He pleases, and Allāh has power over all things.

7. What Allāh has bestowed on His Messenger (and taken away) from the people of the towns, belongs to Allāh, to His Messenger, and to kindred and orphans, the needy and the wayfarers; so that it may not be taken in turn by the rich among you. So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and abstain from what he withholds from you. And fear Allāh, for Allāh is strict in punishment.

8. (A portion is due) to indigent Muhajirs, those who were expelled from their homes and property while seeking grace from Allāh and (His) pleasure, and aiding God's Way and His Messenger: They are indeed the sincere ones;

9. But those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had embraced the faith, show their affection to those who came to them to seek refuge, entertaining no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter). They grant others in preference over their own selves, even though poverty is their lot. And those who guard themselves against niggardliness saved of their own souls are indeed the ones who achieve prosperity.

10. But those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had embraced the faith, show their affection to those who came to them to seek refuge, entertaining no desire in their hearts for things given to the (latter). They grant others in preference over their own selves, even though poverty is their lot. And those who guard themselves against niggardliness saved of their own souls are indeed the ones who achieve prosperity.

11. Have you not observed the hypocrites tell their unbelieving kindred among the People of the Book, “If you are expelled, we too will go out with you, and we will never listen to anyone in your affair, and if you are attacked, we will help you”? But Allāh testifies that they are indeed liars.

12. If they are expelled, they will never go out with them, and if they are attacked, they will never help them, and if they do help them, they will turn their backs; so they will receive no help.

13. Truly you are stronger (than them) because of the terror in their hearts (caused) by Allāh. This is so because they are folks devoid of understanding.

14. They will not fight you (even) together, except in fortified towns, or from behind walls. Their fighting (spirit) is strong amongst themselves: You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided: That is so because they are people devoid of wisdom.

15. Like those who lately preceded them, they have tasted the evil result of their conduct, and (in the Hereafter there is) a grievous penalty for them;

16. (Their allies deceived them,) like the evil one, when he says to man, “Deny Allāh;” but when (man) denies Allāh, (the evil one) says, “I am free of you: I fear Allāh, the Lord of the worlds!”

17. The end of both will be that they will go into the Fire, dwelling therein forever: Such is the reward of wrongdoers.

18. O you who believe! Fear Allāh, and let every soul look to what (provision) it has sent forth for the morrow. Yes, fear Allāh, for Allāh is wellacquainted with (all) that you do.

19. And do not be like those who forgot Allāh, so He made them forget their own souls! Such are the rebellious transgressors!

20. The companions of the Fire and the companions of the Garden are not equal: It is the companions of the Garden who will achieve felicity.

21. If We had sent down this Qur’ān on a mountain, truly you would have seen it humble itself and split asunder for fear of Allāh; such are the similitudes which We propound to men so that they may reflect.

22. Allāh is He, besides Whom there is no other god; He knows (all things) secret and open; He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

23. Allāh is He, besides Whom there is no other god, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of peace (and perfection), the Guardian of faith, the Preserver of safety, the One Exalted in might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allāh! (He is high) above the partners they attribute to Him.

24. He is Allāh, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of forms (or colors). The most beautiful names belong to Him: Whatever in the heavens and on earth declares His praises and glory, and He is the One Exalted in might, the Wise.

Chapter 62

SŪRA 60 THE TRIED WOMAN [AL-MUMTAHANA] 13

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. O you who believe! Do not take My enemies and yours as friends (or protectors), offering them (your) love, though they have rejected the truth that has come to you, and have (on the contrary) driven out the Prophet and your own selves (from your homes), (simply) because you believe in Allāh your Lord! If you have come out to strive in My way and to seek My pleasure, (do not take them as friends,) holding secret discourse of love (and friendship) with them, for I know full well all that you conceal and all that you reveal. And any of you who does this strays from the straight path.

2. If they were to get the best of you, they would behave towards you as enemies, and stretch their hands and their tongues against you in mischief, and they want you to reject the Truth.

3. Your relatives and your children will be of no benefit to you on the Day of Judgment: He will judge between you, for Allāh sees well all that you do.

4. There is an excellent example for you (to follow) in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, “We are clear of you and of whatever you worship besides Allāh: We have rejected you, and enmity and hatred has arisen between us and you forever, unless you believe in Allāh and Him alone.” But not when Abraham said to his father, “I will pray for forgiveness for you, though I have no power (to obtain) anything from Allāh on your behalf.” (They prayed,) “Lord! We trust in You and we turn to You in repentance: You are (our) final goal.

5. “Lord! Do not make us a (test and) trial for the unbelievers, but forgive us, our Lord! For You are the One Exalted in might, the Wise.”

6. There was indeed an excellent example in them for you to follow, for those whose hope is in Allāh and the last Day. But if any turns away, truly Allāh is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.

7. Allāh may cause love (and friendship) between you and those whom you (now) hold as enemies, for Allāh has power (over all things), and Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful.

8. Allāh does not forbid you, with regard to those who do not fight you (on account of your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them, for Allāh loves those who are just.

9. Allāh only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you on account of (your) faith and drive you out of your homes and support (others) in driving you out, from turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is those who turn to them (in these circumstances) who do wrong.

10. O you who believe! When believing women refugees come to you, examine (and test) them: Allāh knows best regarding their faith: If you ascertain that they are believers, then do not send them back to the unbelievers. They are not lawful (wives) for the unbelievers, nor are the (unbelievers) lawful (husbands) for them. But pay the unbelievers what they have spent (on their dower). And there will be no blame on you if you marry them upon your payment of their dower. But do not hold to the marriage ties with unbelieving women: Ask for what you have spent on their dowers, and let the (unbelievers) ask for what they have spent (on the dowers of women who come over to you). Such is God's command: He judges (with justice) between you, and Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

11. And if any of your wives deserts you in preference of the unbelievers, and you have an accession (by the coming over of a woman from the other side), then pay to those whose wives have deserted the equivalent of what they had spent (on their dower), and fear Allāh in Whom you believe.

12. O Prophet! When believing women come to you to take the oath of fealty to you, so that they will not associate in worship any whatsoever with Allāh, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, or intentionally forge falsehood, and that they will not disobey you in any just matter, then receive their fealty, and pray to Allāh for the forgiveness (of their sins), for Allāh is oftForgiving, the Most Merciful.

13. O you who believe! Do not turn (for friendship) to people upon whom God's Wrath descends. They are already in despair of the Hereafter, just as the unbelievers are in despair about those (buried) in the graves.

Chapter 63

SŪRA 61 BTTLE ARRAY [AL-SAFF] 14

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Let whatever in the heavens and on earth declare the praises and glory of Allāh, for He is the One Exalted in might, the Wise.

2. O you who believe! Why do you say what you do not do?

3. It is grievously odious in the sight of Allāh that you should say what you do not do.

4. Truly Allāh loves those who fight in His cause in battle array, as if they were a solidly cemented structure.

5. And remember Moses said to his people, “O people! Why do you vex and insult me, although you know that I am the Messenger Allāh (sent) to you?” When they deviated, Allāh then let their hearts deviate, for Allāh does not guide those who are rebellious transgressors.

6. And remember how Jesus, the son of Mary, said, “O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger Allāh (sent) to you confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me whose name shall be Ahmed.” But when he came to them with clear Signs, they said, “This is evident sorcery!”

7. Who does greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against Allāh, even as he is being invited to Islam? And Allāh does not guide those who do wrong.

8. They intend to extinguish God's light with their mouths, but Allāh will complete (the Revelation of) His light, even though the unbelievers may detest (it).

9. It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the pagans may detest (it).

10. O you who believe! Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a grievous penalty?

11. That you believe in Allāh and His Messenger, and that you strive (your utmost) in God's cause, with your property and your persons: That will be best for you, if you only know!

12. He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in gardens of eternity: That is indeed the supreme achievement.

13. And another (favor He will bestow), which you love, aid from Allāh and a speedy victory, so grant the glad tidings to the believers.

14. O you who believe! Be helpers of Allāh: As Jesus, the son of Mary, said to the disciples, “Who will be my helpers in (the Cause of) Allāh?” The disciples said, “We are God's helpers!” Then some of the Children of Israel believed and some disbelieved, but We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the ones who prevailed.

Chapter 64

SŪRA 62 ASSEMBLY (CONGREGATION OF FRIDAY) PRAYERS [AL-JUM`A] 11

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Whatever in the heavens and on earth declares the praises and glory of God, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the One Exalted in might, the Wise.

2. It is He Who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from among themselves to rehearse His Signs to them, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in the Scripture and Wisdom, although they had been, before this, in manifest error;

3. As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others who have not already joined them, and He is Exalted in might, Wise.

4. Such is God's bounty which He bestows upon whomsoever He wills, and Allāh is the Lord of the highest bounty.

5. The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the) Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey which carries huge books (but does not understand them). Evil is the similitude of people who falsify God's Signs, and Allāh does not guide people who do wrong.

6. Say: “O Jews! If you think that you are friends of Allāh, to the exclusion of all (other) men, then express your desire for death, if you are truthful!”

7. But they will never express their desire (for death), because of the (deeds) their hands have sent forth! And Allāh knows well those who do wrong!

8. Say: “The death from which you flee will truly overtake you: Then you will be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open, and He will tell you (the truth of) the things you did!”

9. O you who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayers on Friday (the day of assembly), hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allāh, and leave off business (and traffic): That is best for you if you only knew!

10. And when the prayers is finished, then you may disperse throughout the land, and seek of God's bounty, and celebrate God's praises often (and without stint) so that you may prosper.

11. But when they see some bargain or amusement, they disperse headlong to it and leave you standing. Say: “The (blessing) from God's presence is better than any amusement or bargain! And Allāh is the best to provide (for all needs).”

Chapter 65

SŪRA 63 THE HYPOCRITES [AL-MUNAFIQOON] 11

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. When the hypocrites come to you, they say, “We bear witness that you are truly God's Messenger.” Yes, Allāh knows that you are truly His Messenger, and Allāh bears witness that the hypocrites are truly liars.

2. They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): Thus they block (mankind) from God's path: Their deeds are truly evil.

3. That is so because they believed, then they rejected the faith, so a seal was set on their hearts; therefore, they do not understand.

4. When you look at them, their persons please you, and when they speak, you listen to them. They are as (worthless as hollow) pieces of timber propped up, (unable to stand on their own). They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies; so beware of them. God's curse be on them! How they are deluded (away from the Truth)!

5. And when it is said to them, “Come, the Messenger of Allāh will pray for your forgiveness,” they turn their heads aside, and you would see them turning their faces away in arrogance.

6. It does not matter to them whether you pray for their forgiveness or not, Allāh will not forgive them. Truly Allāh does not guide rebellious transgressors.

7. They are the ones who say, “Spend nothing on those who are with God's Messenger, so that they may disperse (and leave Medina).” But the treasures of the heavens and the earth belong to Allāh; yet the hypocrites do not understand.

8. They say, “If we return to Medina, surely the more honorable (element) will expel the meaner from it.” But honor belongs to Allāh and His Messenger and the believers; but the hypocrites do not know.

9. O you who believe! Do not let your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allāh. If any act thus, the loss is their own.

10. And spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon you before death comes to any of you and he would say, “O Lord! Why did You not grant me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.”

11. But Allāh will grant no soul respite when the time appointed (for it) comes, and Allāh is well acquainted with all that you do.

Chapter 66

SŪRA 64 MUTUAL LOSS AND GAIN [TAGHABUN]18

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Whatever in the heavens and on earth declares the praises and glory of Allāh; Dominion belongs to Him, and praise belongs to Him, and He has power over all things.

2. It is He Who has created you: some of you are unbelievers, and some are believers, and Allāh sees well all that you do.

3. He has created the heavens and the earth in just proportions and has given you form, and made your form beautiful, and He is the final Goal.

4. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth, and He knows what you conceal and what you reveal: Yes, Allāh well knows the (secrets) of (all) hearts.

5. Has not the story reached you of those who rejected faith? They tasted the evil results of their conduct, and they had a grievous penalty.

6. That was so because Messengers came to them with clear Signs, but they said, “Shall (mere) human beings direct us?” So they rejected (the message) and turned away. But Allāh can do without (them), and Allāh is free of all needs, worthy of all praise.

7. The unbelievers think that they will not be raised up (for Judgment). Say: “Truly, by my Lord, you shall surely be raised up: Then you will be told (the truth) of all that you did. And that is easy for Allāh.”

8. So believe in Allāh and His Messenger and in the light which We have revealed. And Allāh is well acquainted with all that you do.

9. The Day that He assembles you (all) for a Day of Assembly, that will be a Day of mutual loss and gain (among you). Those who believe in Allāh and do righteous deeds! He will remove their ills from them, and He will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever: That will be the supreme achievement.

10. But those who reject faith and treat Our Signs as falsehoods, they will be companions of the Fire, to dwell therein forever, and that goal is evil.

11. No calamity can occur except by God's leave, and if anyone believes in Allāh, (Allāh) guides his heart (aright), for Allāh knows all things.

12. So obey Allāh, and obey His Messenger; but if you turn back, Our Messenger's duty is only to proclaim (the message) clearly and openly.

13. Allāh! There is no god but He, so let the believers put their trust in Allāh.

14. O you who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children (there) are (some who are) enemies to your own selves, so beware of them! But if you forgive and overlook and overlook (their faults), truly  Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

15. Your riches and your children may be only a trial, but the highest reward is in God's presence.

16. So fear Allāh as much as you can; listen and obey, and spend in charity for the benefit of your own souls, and those saved from the greediness of their own souls, they are the ones who achieve prosperity.

17. If you lend Allāh a beautiful loan, He will double it for your (credit), and He will grant you forgiveness, for Allāh is most ready to appreciate (service), most forbearing,

18. Knower of what is hidden and what is revealed, Exalted in might, full of wisdom.

Chapter 67

SŪRA 65 DIVORCE [AL-TALAQ] 12

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. O Prophet (Muhammed and followers)! When you divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count their prescribed periods (accurately), and fear Allāh your Lord, and do not turn them out of their homes, nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of open lewdness. These are limits set by Allāh, and any who transgresses God's limits truly wrongs his (own) soul: You do not know if Allāh may bring about some new situation afterwards.

2. Thus, when they fulfill their appointed term, either take them back on equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms, and take for witness two persons from among you, endowed with justice, and establish the evidence (as) before Allāh. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in Allāh and the Last Day, and He (always) prepares a way out for those who fear Allāh.

3. And He provides for him from (sources) he could never imagine. And if anyone puts his trust in Allāh, Allāh suffices him. For Allāh will surely accomplish His purpose: Truly, Allāh has appointed a due proportion for all things.

4. Those of your women who have passed the age of menstrual periods, for them the prescribed period, if you have any doubt, is three months, and for those who have not, (it is the same:) For those who bear (life in their wombs), their Iddat is till they deliver their burdens, and He will make the path easy for those who fear Allāh

5. That is God's command which He has sent down to you, and if anyone fears Allāh, He will remove his ills from him and increase his reward.

6. Let the women live (in 'Iddat,) in the same style as you live, according to your means: Do not annoy them, so as to restrict them. And if they bear (life in their wombs), then spend on them until they deliver their burden, and if they nurse your (offspring), grant them their recompense, and take mutual counsel, according to what is just and reasonable. And if you find yourselves in difficulties, let another woman nurse (the child) on the (father's) behalf.

7. Let the man of means spend according to his means, and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allāh has given him. Allāh puts no burden on any beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, Allāh will soon grant relief.

8. How many generations that insolently opposed their Lord's command and (that) of His Messengers did We call to account, to a severe account? And We imposed on them an exemplary punishment.

9. Then they tasted the evil result of their conduct, and the end of their conduct was perdition.

10. Allāh has prepared a severe punishment for them (in the Hereafter). So fear Allāh, O you men of understanding who have believed, for Allāh has indeed sent down a message for you,

11. A Messenger, who rehearses God's Signs to you, containing clear explanations, that he may lead forth those who believe and do righteous deeds from the depths of darkness into the light. And those who believe in Allāh and do righteous deeds, He will admit into gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever: Allāh has indeed granted a most excellent provision for them.

12. Allāh is He Who created seven firmaments, and of the earth a similar number; through the midst of them (all) His command descends: That you may know that Allāh has power over all things, and that Allāh comprehends all things in (His) knowledge.

Chapter 68

SŪRA 66 PROHIBITION [AL-TAHRIM]12

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. O Prophet (Muhammed)! Why do you forbid (yourself from enjoying) what Allāh has made lawful to you, seeking (thus) to please your consorts, but Allāh is oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

2. Allāh has already ordained for you, (O people,) the dissolution of your oaths, and Allāh is your Protector, and He is full of knowledge and wisdom.

3. When the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his consorts, and she then divulged it (to another), and Allāh made it known to him, he confirmed part of it and repudiated a part. Then when he told her about it, she said, “Who told you this?” He said, “He told me Who knows and is wellacquainted (with all things).”

4. If both of you turn in repentance to Him, your hearts are indeed so inclined; but if you back each other up against him, truly Allāh is his Protector, and Gabriel, and the righteous among those who believe, and the angels too.

5. It may be, if he divorced you (all), that Allāh will grant him consorts better than you in exchange, who submit (their wills), who believe, who are devout, who turn to Allāh in repentance, who worship (in humility), who travel (for faith) and fast, previously married or virgins.

6. O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones, over which stern (and) strong angels are appointed, (angels) who do not flinch (from executing) the commands they receive from Allāh but do (precisely) what they are commanded.

7. (They will say,) “O you unbelievers! Make no excuses this Day! You are only being requited for all that you did!”

8. O you who believe! Turn to Allāh with sincere repentance: In the hope that your Lord will remove your ills and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow, the Day that Allāh will not permit the Prophet and the believers with him to be humiliated. Their light will shine before them and on their right hands, while they say, “Lord! Perfect our light for us, and grant us forgiveness, for You have power over all things.”

9. O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell, a (truly) evil refuge.

10. Allāh sets forth, as an example to the unbelievers, the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot: They were (respectively) under two of Our righteous servants, but they were false to their (husbands), and they benefitted nothing before Allāh on their account but were told, “Enter the Fire along with (others) who enter!”

11. And Allāh sets forth, as an example to those who believe, the wife of Pharaoh. Behold! She said, “O Lord! Build for me a mansion in the Garden in nearness to You, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those who do wrong.”

12. And Mary the daughter of `Imran, who guarded her chastity, and We breathed of Our rūh, spirit, into her (body), and she testified to the truth of her Lord's words and Revelations and was one of the devout (servants).

Chapter 69

SŪRA 67 DOMINION [AL-MULK] 30

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Blessed be the One in Whose hands Dominion is, and He has power over all things:

2. Who created death and life, that He might try which of you is best in deeds, and He is the One Exalted in might, oft-Forgiving;

3. Who created the seven heavens one above another; you will see no want of proportion in the creation of (Allāh) Most Gracious, so turn your vision again: Do you see any flaw?

4. Look a second time; (your) vision will come back to you dull and discomfited, worn out

5. And We have adorned the lowest heavens with lamps and We have made such (lamps as) missiles to drive away the evil ones and have prepared for them the penalty of the blazing Fire.

6. The penalty of Hell is for those who reject their Lord (and Cherisher), and (such a) destination is evil.

7. When they are cast into it, they will hear the (terrible) moaning as it heaves,

8. Almost bursting with fury: Every time a group is cast into it, its keepers ask, “Did no warner (ever) come to you?”

9. They will say, “Yes, indeed: A warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, `God never sent down any (message): You are in nothing but an egregious delusion!”

10. They will also say, “Had we only listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the companions of the blazing Fire.”

11. They will then admit their sins, but (forgiveness) will be far from the companions of the blazing Fire!

12. As for those who fear their Lord in the unseen, for them is forgiveness and a great reward.

13. Whether you hide your word or manifest it, He certainly has (full) knowledge of the secrets of (all) hearts.

14. Should He not know! Who created? And He is the One Who understands the finest mysteries (and) is well acquainted (with them).

15. It is Who made the earth manageable for you, so cross through its tracts and enjoy of the sustenance that He furnishes, but the Resurrection is to Him.

16. Do you feel secure that Who is in heaven will not cause you to be swallowed up by the earth when it shakes (as in an earthquake)?

17. Or do you feel secure that Who is in heavens will not send a violent tornado (with showers of stones) against you, so that you know how (terrible) My warning was?

18. But men before them truly rejected (My warning): Then how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)?

19. Do they not observe the birds above them spreading their wings and folding them in? None can withhold them except (Allāh) Most Gracious: Truly it is Who watches over all things.

20. Nay! Who is there that can help you, (even as) an army, besides (Allāh) Most Merciful? The unbelievers are in nothing but delusion.

21. Or who is there that can provide you with sustenance if He were to withhold His provision? Nay! They obstinately persist in insolent impiety and flight (from the truth).

22. Then is one who walks headlong, with his face grovelling, better guided, or one who walks evenly on a straight way?

23. Say: “It is Who has created you (and made you grow) and made the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling and understanding for you: Small thanks do you grant.”

24. Say: “It is Who has multiplied you throughout the earth, and you shall be gathered together to Him.”

25. They ask, “When will this promise be (fulfilled), if you are telling the truth.”

26. Say: “The knowledge of the time is with Allāh alone: I am (sent) only to warn plainly in public.”

27. At length, when they see it close at hand, the faces of the unbelievers will be grieved, and it will be said (to them), “This is (the promise fulfilled) which you were calling for!”

28. Say: “Do you see? If Allāh were to destroy me, and those with me, or if He bestows His Mercy on us, who can deliver the unbelievers from a grievous penalty?”

29. Say: “He is (Allāh) Most Gracious: We have believed in Him, and we have put our trust in Him, so you will soon know which (of us) is in manifest error.”

30. Say: “Do you see? If your stream is lost one morning (in the underground earth), who then can supply you with clearflowing water?”

Chapter 70

SŪRA 68 THE PEN [AL-QALAM] 52

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Nūn. By the pen and by the (record) which (mankind) write,

2. You are not possessed, by the grace of your Lord.

3. Nay! Truly (there) is an unfailing Reward for you:

4. And you (stand) on an exalted standard of moral character.

5. Soon will you see and so will they,

6. Which of you is afflicted with madness.

7. Truly it is your Lord Who knows best which (mankind) have strayed from His path, and He knows best those who receive (true) guidance.

8. So do not listen to those who deny (the truth).

9. Their desire is that you should be pliant so that they (too) would be pliant.

10. Do not heed any despicable man, ready with oaths

11. A slanderer, going about with calumnies,

12. (Habitually) hindering (all) good, transgressing beyond bounds, deeply in sin,

13. Violent (and cruel), and with all that, base-born,

14. (Simply) because he possesses wealth and (many) sons.

15. When Our Signs are recited to him, he cries, “Tales of the ancient!”

16. Soon will We brand (the beast) on the snout!

17. We have truly tried them as We tried the people of the garden when they resolved to gather the fruits of the (garden) in the morning

18. But made no reservation, (“If it be God's will”).

19. So a visitation came on the (garden) from your Lord, (which swept away) all around (it) while they were asleep.

20. So by morning the (garden) became like a dark and desolate spot, (whose fruit had been gathered).

21. As the morning broke, they called out, one to another,

22. “Go to your tilth (in good time) in the morning, if you would gather the fruits.”

23. So they departed, secretly conversing in low tones, (saying,)

24. “Do not let a single indigent person enter into the (garden) this day.”

25. And they opened the morning, strong in an (unjust) resolve,

26. But when they saw the (garden), they said, “We have surely lost our way:

27. “Indeed we are shut out (of the fruits of our labor)!”

28. One of them, more just (than the rest), said, “Did I not tell you, `Why not glorify (Allāh)?”

29. They said, “Glory to our Lord! We have truly been doing wrong!”

30. Then they turned, one against the other, in reproach.

31. They said, “Alas for us! We have indeed transgressed!

32. “It may be that our Lord will grant us a better (garden) than this in exchange, for we turn to Him (in repentance)!”

33. Such is the punishment (in this life), but the punishment in the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew!

34. Truly (there) are gardens of delight for the righteous, in the presence of their Lord.

35. Shall We then treat the people of faith like the people of sin?

36. What is the matter with you? How do you judge?

37. Or do you have a book through which you learn,

38. That you shall thereby have whatever you choose?

39. Or do you have sworn covenants with Us, reaching to the Day of Judgment that you shall have whatever you demand?

40. Ask of them, which of them will stand surely for that!

41. Or do they have some “partners” (in godhead)? Then let them produce their “partners,” if they are truthful!

42. The Day that the shin will be laid bare, they will be summoned to bow in adoration, but they surely will not be able to do so,

43. Their eyes will be cast down, ignominy will cover them, seeing that they had been summoned previously to bow in adoration, while they were safe, (and they refused).

44. Then leave Me alone with those who reject this message: We shall punish them by degrees from directions they do not perceive.

45. I will grant them a (long) respite: My plan is truly powerful.

46. Or are you asking them for a reward, so they are burdened with a load of debt?

47. Or do they have the (knowledge of the) Unseen, so they can write it down?

48. So wait patiently for your Lord's command, and do not be like the companion of the whale, when he cried out in agony.

49. Had his Lord's Grace not reached him, he would indeed have been cast off on the naked shore in disgrace.

50. Thus did his Lord choose him and make him of the company of the righteous.

51. And the unbelievers would almost smite you with their eyes when they hear the message, and they say, “Surely he is possessed!”

52. But it is nothing less than a message to all the worlds.

Chapter 71

SŪRA 69 THE SURE REALITY [AL- HAQQA] 52

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. The sure reality!

2. What is the sure reality

3. And what will make you realize what the sure reality is?

4. The Thamūd and the 'Ād people (branded as) false the stunning calamity!

5. But Thamūd were destroyed by a terrible storm of thunder and lightning!

6. And 'Ād were destroyed by a furious (and) exceedingly violent wind;

7. He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession, so (much so) that you could see people lying prostrate in its (path), as if they had been roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled down!

8. Then do you see any of them left to survive?

9. And Pharaoh, and those before him, and the overthrown cities committed habitual sin,

10. And (each) disobeyed their Lord's Messenger; so He punished them with an abundant penalty.

11. When the water (of Noah's flood) overflowed beyond its limits, We carried you (O mankind) in the floating (ark),

12. That We might make it a message to you, and that ears (that should hear the tale and) retain its memory should bear its (lessons) in remembrance.

13. Then, when one blast is sounded on the trumpet,

14. And the earth is moved, and its mountains are crushed to powder at one stroke,

15. On that Day the (great) event shall come to pass,

16. And the sky will be rent asunder, for it will be flimsy that Day,

17. And the angels will be on its sides, and that Day, eight will bear your Lord's throne above them all.

18. That Day you will be brought to Judgment: Not a single one of your acts that you hide will remain concealed.

19. Then he who will be given his record in his right hand will say, “Ah here! Read my record!

20. “I really did understand that my account would reach me (one Day)!”

21. And he will be in a life of bliss,

22. In a Garden on high,

23. The fruits of which (will hang in bunches) low and near.

24. “Eat and drink with full satisfaction because of the (good) that you sent forth in the days that are gone!”

25. And he who will be given his record in his left hand will say, “Ah! If only my record had not been given to me!

26. “And I had never realized how my account (stood)!

27. “Ah! If only (death) had put an end to me!

28. “My wealth has been of no avail to me!

29. “My power has perished from me! … ”

30. (The stern command will say:) “Seize him and bind him,

31. “And in the blazing Fire burn him,

32. “Further, make him march in a chain, the length of which is seventy cubits!

33. “He would not believe in Allāh Most High,

34. “And would not encourage the feeding of the poor!

35. “So he has no friend here this Day,

36. “Nor does he have any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds,

37. “Which none eat except those in sin.”

38. So I swear by what you see,

39. And by what you do not see,

40. It is not the word of a poet: Little do you believe!

41. Nor is it the word of a soothsayer; little admonishment do you receive.

42. (This is) a message sent down from the Lord of the worlds.

43. If the Messenger were to invent any sayings in Our name

44. We would certainly seize him by his right hand,

45. And We would certainly then cut off the artery of his heart:

46. Nor could any of you withhold him (from Our Wrath).

47. But truly this is a message for the God-fearing.

48. And We certainly know that there are those among you who reject (it).

49. But truly (Revelation) is a cause of sorrow for the unbelievers.

50. It is indeed the sure truth

51. So glorify the name of your Lord Most High.

Chapter 72

SŪRA 70 WAYS OF THE ASCENT [AL-MA`ARIJ]44

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. An inquirer asked about a penalty to befall

2. The unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,

3. (A penalty) from Allāh, Lord of the ways of ascent.

4. The angels and the spirit ascend to Him in a Day whose measure is (as) fifty thousand years:

5. So be patient, a patience of beautiful (contentment).

6. They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event):

7. But We see it (quite) near.

8. The Day that the sky will be like molten brass,

9. And the mountains will be like tufts of wool,

10. And no friend will ask after a friend,

11. Though they will be put in sight of each other, the sinner's desire will be: If only he could redeem himself from the penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his children,

12. His wife and his brother,

13. His kindred who sheltered him,

14. And all that is on earth, so it could deliver him:

15. By no means, for it would be the Fire of Hell!

16. Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!

17. Inviting (all) who turn their backs and turn their faces away (from the right),

18. And amass (wealth) and hide it (from use)!

19. Truly man was created very impatient;

20. Fretful when evil touches him;

21. And niggardly when good reaches him:

22. Not so those devoted to prayer,

23. Those who remain steadfast to their prayers

24. And those in whose wealth is a recognized right

25. For the (needy); he who asks and he who is prevented (for some reason from asking):

26. And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;

27. And those who fear their Lord's displeasure,

28. For their Lord's chastisement is nothing to feel secure about;

29. And those who guard their chastity,

30. Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess, for (then) they are not to be blamed,

31. But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;

32. And those who are faithful to their trusts and covenants:

33. And those who stand firm in their testimony;

34. And those who guard (the sanctity) of their worship;

35. They will be the honored ones in the gardens of (bliss).

36. Now what is the matter with the unbelievers that they rush madly before you,

37. From the right and from the left, in parties?

38. Does every man of them long to enter the Garden of bliss?

39. By no means! For We have created them out of the (base matter) they know!

40. I swear by the Lord of all points in the East and the West that We can certainly

41. Substitute better (mankind) for them than they, and We are not to be defeated (in Our plan).

42. So leave them to plunge into vain talk and play until they encounter the Day they have been promised!

43. The Day on which they will come out of their sepulchers in sudden haste as if they were rushing to a goal-post (fixed for them),

44. Their eyes lowered in dejection, ignominy covering them (all over)! Such is the Day they are promised!

Chapter 73

SŪRA 71 NOAH [NUH] 28

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. We sent Noah to his people (with the command): “Warn your people before a grievous penalty comes to them.”

2. He said, “O people! I am a plain warner to you:

3. “That you should worship Allāh, fear Him, and obey me:

4. “So that He may forgive your sins and grant you a respite for a stated term, for when the term given by Allāh is accomplished, it cannot be extended, if only you knew.”

5. He said, “O Lord! I have called upon my people night and day:

6. “But my call only increases (their) flight (from the right).

7. “And every time I call upon them so that You may forgive them, they (only) thrust their fingers into their ears, cover themselves up with their garments, grow obstinate and grant themselves up to arrogance.

8. “So I have called upon them aloud;

9. “Further I have spoken to them in public and privately,

10. “Saying, `Plead for your Lord's forgiveness, for He is oft-Forgiving;

11. “`He will send you rain in abundance;

12. “Grant you increase in wealth and offspring, and bestow upon you gardens and bestow rivers (flowing).

13. “`What is the matter with you that you do not fear the greatness of Allāh,

14. “`Seeing that it is Who has created you in diverse stages?

15. “`Do you not see how Allāh has created the seven heavens one above another,

16. “`And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun as a (glorious) lamp?

17. “`And Allāh has produced you from the earth, growing (gradually),

18. “`And in the end He will cause you to return to the (earth) and then raise you from it (again at the Resurrection)?

19. “`And Allāh has made the earth for you as a carpet (spread out),

20. “`That you may go about in it, on spacious roads.”'

21. Noah said, “O Lord! They have disobeyed me, they follow those whose wealth and children increase them nothing but loss.

22. “And they have devised a tremendous plot.

23. “And they have said (to each other), `Do not abandon your gods; abandon neither Wudd nor Suwā`, neither Yagūth nor Ya`ūq, nor Nasr.'

24. “They have already misled many, and grant no increase to the wrongdoers except in straying (from the right path).”

25. Because of their sins they were drowned, and were made to enter the Fire (for punishment), and they found, in lieu of God, none to help them.

26. And Noah said, “O Lord! Do not leave a single one of the unbelievers on earth!

27. “If You do leave (any of) them, they will only mislead Your devotees, and they will beget none but wicked ungrateful ones.

28. “O Lord! Forgive me, my parents, all those who enter my house in faith, and (all) believing men and women, and grant no increase to the wrongdoers but in perdition!”

Chapter 74

SŪRA 72 THE JINNS [Al-JINN] 28

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: “It has been revealed to me that a company of jinns (genies) listened (to the Qur’ān being recited). They said, `We have really heard a wonderful recital!

2. `It gives guidance to the right (path), and we have believed in it: We shall not join any (gods) with our Lord (in worship).

3. “`And the majesty of our Lord is exalted: He has taken neither a wife nor a son.

4. “`There were some foolish ones among us who used to utter extravagant lies against Allāh;

5. “`But we think that no man or spirit should say anything that is untrue against Allāh.

6. “`True, there were persons among mankind who took shelter with some among the jinns, but they increased them in folly.

7. “`And they (came to) think as you thought, that Allāh would not raise anyone (to Judgment).

8. “`And we pried into the secrets of heavens; but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires.

9. “`We used, indeed, to sit there in (hidden) stations, to (steal) a hearing; but any who listens now will find a flaming Fire awaiting him in ambush

10. “`And we do not understand whether ill is intended to those on earth, or whether their Lord (really) intends to guide them to right conduct.

11. “`There are among us some who are righteous, and some on the contrary: We follow divergent paths.

12. “`But we think that we can by no means frustrate Allāh throughout the earth, nor can we frustrate Him by flight.

13. “`As for us, since we have listened to the guidance, we have accepted it, and any who believes in his Lord has no fear either due to a brief (account) or any injustice.

14. “`Among us are some who submit their will (to Allāh), and some who swerve from justice. Now those who submit their wills, they have sought out (the path) of right conduct.

15. “`But those who swerve, they are (only) the fuel of HellFire.”'

16. (And God's message is:) “If they (the pagans) had (only) remained on the (right) way, We would certainly have bestowed rain on them in abundance.

17. “That We might try them by those (means), so if any turns away from remembering his Lord, We will cause him to undergo a severe penalty.

18. “And the places of worship are for Allāh (alone), so do not invoke anyone besides Allāh;

19. “Yet when the devotee of Allāh stands forth to invoke Him, they just make a dense crowd around him.”

20. Say: “I only invoke my Lord, and I do not join any (false god) with Him.”

21. Say: “It is not in my power to cause you any harm, or to bring you to right conduct.”

22. Say: “No one can save me from Allāh (if I were to disobey Him), nor would I find refuge except in Him

23. “Unless I proclaim what I receive from Allāh and His messages: Because for all those who disobey Him and His Messenger there will be hell: They shall dwell therein forever.

24. At length, when they see (with their own eyes) what they are promised, will they then know who it is that is weakest in (his) helper and fewer in number.

25. Say: “I do not know whether the (punishment) which you are promised is near, or whether my Lord will appoint for it a distant term.

26. “He (alone) knows the unseen, and He makes no one acquainted with His mysteries,

27. “Except a Messenger whom He has chosen, and then He makes a band of guards march before him and behind him,

28. “That he may know that they have (truly) brought and delivered their Lord's messages, and He encompasses (all the mysteries) that are with them, and takes account of every thing.”

Chapter 75

SŪRA 73 THE BUNDLED UP ONE [AL-MAZZAMMIL] 20

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. O you has bundled up (himself) in garments!

2. Stand (to pray) by night, but not all night,

3. Half of it, or a little less,

4. Or a little more, and recite the Qur’ān in slow, measured rhythmic tones.

5. We will soon send down a weighty message to you.

6. Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (framing) the speech (in prayer and praise).

7. True, there is a prolonged occupation for you along with ordinary duties during the day:

8. But keep remembering the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him wholeheartedly.

9. (He is the) Lord of the East and the West: There is no god but He, so take Him for (your) Disposer of affairs.

10. And be patient with what they say, and leave them with noble (dignity).

11. And leave Me (alone to deal with) those in possession of the good things in life, who (yet) deny the truth, and bear with them for a little while.

12. With Us are fetters (to bind them), and a Fire (to burn them),

13. And food that chokes, and a grievous penalty.

14. One Day the earth and the mountains will be in violent commotion, and the mountains will be as a heap of sand poured out and flowing down.

15. We have sent you (O men!) a Messenger to be a witness concerning you, just as We sent a Messenger to Pharaoh.

16. But Pharaoh disobeyed the Messenger; so We seized him with a heavy punishment.

17. Then how will you guard yourselves, if you deny (Allāh), against a Day that will make children hoary-headed?

18. On which the sky will be cleft asunder? His promise must surely be accomplished.

19. Truly this is a warning, so let anyone who will, take a (straight) path to his Lord!

20. The Lord knows that you stand forth to (prayers) nearly two-thirds of the night, or half the night or a third of the night, and so do some of those with your, but Allāh appoints the night and the day in due measure. He knows that you are unable to keep account of them. He has turned to you (in mercy): Recite, therefore, as much of the Qur’ān as may be easy for you. He knows that there may be (some) among you in ill-health; others travelling throughout the land, seeking God's bounty, and others fighting in God's cause. Recite, therefore, as much of the Qur’ān as may be easy (for you), and establish regular prayers and grant pay the zakāt, and loan a beautiful loan to Allāh. And whatever good you send forth for your souls, you shall find it in God's presence! Yes, better and greater, in reward. And seek God's grace, for Allāh is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Chapter 76

SŪRA 74 THE WRAPPED-UP ONE [AL-MUDDATHIR] 56

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. O you (who has) wrapped up himself!

2. Arise and deliver your warning!

3. And your Lord glorify!

4. And your garments purify!

5. And shun all abomination!

6. Nor expect, in giving, any increase (for yourself)!

7. But be patient and constant for your Lord's (cause)!

8. Finally when the trumpet is sounded,

9. That will be the Day, a Day of distress,

10. Far from easy for those without faith.

11. Leave Me alone (to deal) with the (creature) I created (bare and) alone!

12. To whom I granted resources in abundance,

13. And sons to be by his side!

14. For whom I made (life) smooth and comfortable!

15. Yet he is greedy that I should add (even more);

16. By no means! For he has been refractory to Our Signs!

17. Soon will I visit him with a mount of calamities!

18. For he thought and he plotted;

19. And woe unto him! How he plotted!

20. Yes, woe unto him! How he plotted!

21. Then he looked round;

22. Then he frowned and he scowled;

23. Then he turned back and was haughty;

24. Then he said, “This is nothing but magic narrated by the ancients;

25. “This is nothing but the word of mortals!”

26. I will soon cast him into Hellfire!

27. And what will explain to you what Hell-fire is?

28. It permits nothing to endure, and it leaves nothing alone!

29. Darkening and changing the color of man!

30. (There) are nineteen over it.

31. And We have set none but angels as guardians of the Fire, and We have fixed their number only as a trial for the unbelievers, so that the People of the Book may reach conviction, and the believers may increase in faith, and that no doubts may be left for the People of the Book and the believers, and that those in whose hearts there is a disease and the unbelievers may (all) say, “What symbol does Allāh intend by this?” Thus does Allāh leave to stray whom He pleases, and guides whom He pleases, and none can know the Lord's forces except He, and this is nothing other than a warning to mankind.

32. Nay! Truly, by the moon,

33. And by the night as it retreats,

34. And by the dawn as it shines forth,

35. This is but one of the mighty (portents),

36. A warning to mankind,

37. To any of you who chooses to press forward or to follow behind.

38. Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds.

39. Except the companions of the right Hand,

40. (They will be) in gardens (of delight): They will question each other,

41. And (ask) the sinners:

42. “What led you into Hell-fire?”

43. They will say, “We were not of those who prayed:

44. “Nor were we of those who fed the indigent:

45. “But we used to talk vanities with vain talkers;

46. “And we used to deny the Day of Judgment,

47. “Until (the sure Hour) that came to us.”

48. Then no intercession of (any) intercessors will avail them.

49. Then what is the matter with them that they turn away from admonishment?

50. As if they were frightened asses,

51. Fleeing from a lion!

52. In truth, each one of them wants to be given scrolls (of Revelation) spread out!

53. By no means! But they do not fear the Hereafter.

54. Nay! This surely is an admonishment:

55. Let any who will, keep it in remembrance!

56. But none will keep it in remembrance except as Allāh wills: He is the Lord of righteousness, and the Lord of forgiveness.

Chapter 77

SŪRA 75 RESURRECTION [AL-QIYAMA] 40

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. I swear by the Resurrection Day;

2. And I swear by the selfreproaching (evil-eschewing) spirit (nafs):

3. Does man think that We cannot assemble his bones?

4. Nay! We are able to put together the very tips of his fingers in perfect order.

5. But man wishes to do wrong (even) in the time ahead of him.

6. He questions, “When is the Day of Resurrection?”

7. At length, when the sight is dazed,

8. And the moon is buried in darkness,

9. And the sun and moon are joined together,

10. That Day, man will say, “Where is the refuge?”

11. By no means! No place of safety!

12. That Day, the place of rest will be with your Lord (alone)!

13. That Day man will be informed of (all) that he put forward, and all that he put back.

14. Nay! Man will bear evidence against his own self,

15. Even though he puts forth his excuses.

16. Do not wag your tongue concerning the (Qur’ān) to hasten with it.

17. It is for Us to collect it and promulgate it:

18. But when We have promulgated it, follow its recital (as promulgated):

19. Nay! Again, it is for Us to explain it:

20. Nay! (O men!) But you love the fleeting life,

21. And forsake the Hereafter.

22. Some faces that Day will beam (in brightness and beauty):

23. Looking to their Lord:

24. And some faces, that Day, will be sad and dismal,

25. In the thought that some back-breaking calamity is about to be inflicted upon them;

26. Yes, when (the soul) reaches the collar-bone (in its exit),

27. And there will be a cry, “Who is a magician (to restore him)?”

28. And he will conclude that it was (the time) of parting;

29. And one leg will be joined to another:

30. That Day the drive will be (all) to your Lord!

31. So he gave nothing in charity, nor did he pray!

32. On the contrary, he rejected the truth and turned away!

33. Then he stalked to his family in full conceit!

34. Woe unto you, (O man!) yes, woe!

35. Again, woe unto you, (O man!) yes woe!

36. Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled, (without purpose)?

37. Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)?

38. Then he became a leech-like clot; then (Allāh) made and fashioned (him) in due proportion.

39. And He created two sexes of him, male and female.

40. Has not He, (likewise,) the power to grant life to the dead?

Chapter 78

SŪRA 76 TIME [AL-DAHR] 31

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Has there been a period of time when man was nothing (not even) mentioned?

2. Truly We created man from a drop of mingled sperm in order to try him, so We gave him (the gifts) of hearing and sight.

3. We showed him the way: Whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will).

4. We have prepared chains, yokes, and a blazing Fire for the rejecters.

5. As for the righteous, they shall drink of a cup (of wine) mixed with kafu,-r,

6. A fountain where the devotees of Allāh drink, flowing in unstinted abundance.

7. They perform (their) vows and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and wide.

8. And they feed the poor, the orphan and the captive, for the love of Allāh,

9. (Saying,) “We feed you for the sake of Allāh alone: We desire no reward from you, nor thanks.

10. “We only fear a Day of distressing Wrath from our Lord.”

11. But Allāh will deliver them from the evil of that Day and will shed over them a light of beauty and a (blissful) joy.

12. Because they were patient and constant, He will reward them with a Garden and silk (garments),

13. Reclining in the (Garden) on raised thrones, there they will see neither the sun's (excessive heat) nor (the moon's) chill,

14. And the shades of the (Garden) will hang low over them, and the bunches (of fruit) will hang low in humility.

15. And among them vessels of silver and goblets of crystal will be passed around,

16. Crystal-clear silver: They will determine its measure (as they please).

17. And they will be given to drink from a cup (of wine) mixed with Zanjabil,

18. A fountain there, called Salsabil,

19. And round about them youths of perpetual (age) will (serve): If you saw them, you would regard them as scattered pearls.

20. And when you look, it is there that you will see a bliss and a magnificent realm.

21. Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will grant them pure and holy wine to drink.

22. “Truly this is a reward for you, and your endeavor is accepted and recognized.”

23. It is We Who have sent down the Qur’ān to you in stages.

24. So be constant to your Lord's command, and do not listen to the sinner or the ingrate among them.

25. And celebrate your Lord's name morning and evening,

26. And part of the night, prostrate to Him, and glorify Him a long night through.

27. As to these, they love the fleeting life and put away behind them a Day (that will be) hard indeed.

28. It is We Who created them, and We have made their joints strong; but, if We will, We can substitute the like of them through a complete change.

29. This is an admonishment: Let whoever pleases take a (straight) path to his Lord.

30. But you will not, except as Allāh pleases, for Allāh is full of knowledge and wisdom.

31. He will admit whomsoever He wills into His Mercy; but the wrongdoers, for them He has prepared a grievous penalty.

Chapter 79

SŪRA 77 THOSE SENT FORTH [AL-MURSALAT] 50

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the (winds) sent forth one after another (to man's benefit);

2. Which then blow violently in tempestuous gusts,

3. And scatter (things) far and wide,

4. Then separate them, one from another,

5. Then bring down a Revelation,

6. Whether of justification or whether of warning;

7. What you are promised surely must come to pass.

8. Then when the stars become dim:

9. When heavens is cleft asunder;

10. When the mountains are scattered (to the winds) as dust;

11. And when the Messengers are (all) appointed a time (to assemble);

12. For what Day are these (portents) deferred?

13. For the Day of sorting out.

14. And what will explain to you what the Day of sorting out is?

15. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

16. Did We not destroy the men of old (for their evil)?

17. So We made later (generations) follow them up.

18. Thus do We deal with men of sin.

19. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

20. Have We not created you from a fluid (held) despicable?

21. Which We placed in a place of rest, firmly fixed,

22. For a determined period (of gestation)?

23. For We determine (according to need), for We are the Best to appropriate!

24. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

25. Have We not made the earth (as a place) to draw together,

26. The living and the dead,

27. And set on it mountains standing firm, lofty (in stature), and provided sweet (and wholesome) water for you?

28. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

29. (It will be said,) “Depart towards what you used to reject as false!

30. “Depart towards a shadow (of smoke ascending) in three columns,

31. “(Which yields) no shade of coolness and is of no use against the fierce blaze.

32. “Indeed it throws about sparks (as huge) as forts,

33. “As if there were (a string of) yellow camels (marching swiftly).”

34. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

35. That will be a Day when they are not able to speak,

36. Nor will it be open to them to put forth pleas.

37. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

38. That will be a Day of sorting! We shall gather you together and those before (you)!

39. Now, if you have a trick (or plot), use it against Me!

40. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

41. As to the righteous, they shall be amidst (cool) shades and springs,

42. And (they shall have) fruits, all that they desire.

43. “Eat and drink to your heart's content because you did (righteous deeds).”

44. Thus do We certainly reward the doers of good.

45. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

46. (O you the unjust!) Eat and enjoy yourselves (for) a short while, for you are sinners.

47. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

48. And when it is said to them, “Prostrate!” They do not (do) so.

49. Ah woe, that Day, unto the rejecters of truth!

50. Then what message after all that, will they believe?

Chapter 80

SŪRA 78 THE (MOMENTOUS) NEWS [AL-NABA'] 40

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. About what are they disputing (among themselves)?

2. About the great event,

3. (The event) about which they cannot agree.

4. Truly they shall soon (come to) know!

5. Truly, indeed, they shall soon (come to) know!

6. Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse,

7. And the mountains as pegs?

8. And (have We not) created you in pairs,

9. And made your sleep for rest,

10. And made the night as a covering,

11. And made the day as means of subsistence?

12. And (have We not) built over you the seven firmaments,

13. And placed (in them) a light of splendor?

14. And do We not send down water in abundance from the clouds,

15. (So) that We may produce thereby corn and vegetables,

16. And gardens of luxurious growth?

17. Truly the Day of sorting is (already) set,

18. The Day that the trumpet shall be sounded, and you will come forth in crowds;

19. And the heavens shall be opened as if they were doors,

20. And the mountains shall vanish, as if they were a mirage.

21. Truly Hell is as a place of ambush,

22. A place of destination for the transgressors:

23. They will dwell therein for ages.

24. There they shall taste nothing cool, nor drink,

25. Save a boiling fluid and a dark, murky, fluid intensely chilled,

26. A fitting recompense (for them).

27. Because they used not to fear any account (for their deeds).

28. But they (impudently) held Our Signs as false.

29. And We have preserved all things on record.

30. “So taste (the fruits of your deeds), for We shall grant you no increase except in punishment.”

31. Truly there will be a fulfillment of (the heart's) desires for the righteous;

32. Enclosed Gardens and grapevines;

33. Companions of equal age;

34. And a cup full (to the brim).

35. They will hear no vanity there, nor falsehood;

36. A recompense from your Lord, an (amply) sufficient boon,

37. (From) the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all between! (Allāh) Most Gracious: None shall have power to argue with Him.

38. The Day that the spirit and the angels stand forth in ranks, none shall speak except those who are permitted by (Allāh) Most Gracious and will say what is right.

39. That Day will be the sure reality: Therefore, let whoever please take a (straight) return to his Lord!

40. Truly We have forewarned you of a near penalty, the Day when man sees (the deeds) which his hands have sent forth, and the unbeliever will say, “Woe unto me! If only I were (mere) dust!”

Chapter 81

SŪRA 79 THOSE WHO PULL (SOULS) OUT [AL-NAZI`AT] 46

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. By the (angels) who violently pull out (the souls of the wicked):

2. By those who gently draw out (the souls of the blessed);

3. And by those who glide along (on errands of mercy),

4. Then press forward as in a race,

5. Then arrange to carry out (the commands of their Lord);

6. One Day everything that can agitate will be in violent commotion,

7. Followed by oft-repeated (commotions):

8. Hearts that Day will be in agitation.

9. Eyes will be cast down.

10. (Now) they say, “What?! Shall we indeed be returned to (our) former state?

11. “What?! (Even) when we have become rotten bones?”

12. They say, “It would, in that case, be a return with loss!”

13. But truly, it will be but a single (compelling) cry,

14. When, behold! They will be in the (full) awakening (to Judgment).

15. Has the story of Moses reached you?

16. Behold! Your Lord called unto him in the sacred valley of Tuwa:

17. “Go to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds:

18. “And say to him, `Would you be purified (from sin)?

19. “`And that I guide you to your Lord, so you should fear Him?”'

20. Then (Moses) showed him the great Sign.

21. But (Pharaoh) rejected it and disobeyed;

22. Further, he turned his back, striving hard (against Allāh).

23. Then he collected (his men) and made a proclamation,

24. Saying, “I am your Lord, Most High.”

25. But Allāh punished him (and made an) example of him, in the Hereafter, as in this life.

26. Truly in this there is a lesson for any who fears (Allāh).

27. What?! Are you more difficult to create or the heavens (above)? (Allāh) constructed it:

28. He raised its canopy on high, and He gave it order and perfection;

29. He endows its night with darkness, and He brings out its splendor (with light).

30. And He has expanded the earth, moreover, (to a wide expanse):

31. From it he draws out its moisture and its pasture from it:

32. And He has firmly fixed the mountains;

33. For use and convenience to you and your cattle.

34. Therefore, when the great, overwhelming (event) comes,

35. The Day when man remembers (all) that he strove for,

36. And Hell-fire shall be placed in full view for (all) to see,

37. Then, for those who had transgressed all bounds,

38. And preferred the life of this world,

39. The abode will be Hell-fire;

40. And for those who had entertained the fear of standing before their Lord's (tribunal) and had restrained (their) soul from lower desires,

41. Their abode will be the Garden.

42. They ask you about the Hour: “When will its appointed time be?”

43. Why are you (concerned) with its declaration?

44. The limit for it is fixed with your Lord.

45. You are only a warner for those who fear it.

46. The Day they see it, (it will be) as if they had tarried but a single evening, or (at most till) the following morn!

Chapter 82

SŪRA 80 HE FROWNED… [`ABASA] 42

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. (The Prophet) frowned and turned away,

2. Because the blind man came to him, (interrupting).

3. But what could tell you that he might grow (in spiritual understanding)?

4. Or that he might receive admonishment, and the teaching benefit him?

5. As for the one who regards himself as self-sufficient,

6. To him do you attend;

7. Though it is no blame on you if he does not grow (in spiritual understanding).

8. But as for him who came to you striving earnestly,

9. And with fear (in his heart),

10. Of him you were unmindful.

11. By no means (should it be so)! For it is indeed a message of instruction:

12. Therefore let whoever wills keep it in memory.

13. Recorded in books held in (great) honor,

14. Exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy.

15. (Written) by the hands of scribes,

16. Honorable, pious and just.

17. Woe unto man! What has made him reject Allāh?

18. From what stuff has He created him?

19. From a sperm-drop He creates him, then molds him in due proportions;

20. Then He makes his path smooth for him;

21. Then He causes him to die and puts him in his grave;

22. Then, when it is His will, He raises him up (again).

23. By no means has he fulfilled what Allāh has commanded him.

24. Then let man look at his food, (how We provide it):

25. We pour forth water in abundance for it,

26. And We split the earth in fragments,

27. And produce corn on it,

28. And grapes and nutritious plants,

29. And olives and dates,

30. And enclosed gardens, dense with lofty trees,

31. And fruits and fodder,

32. For the use and convenience of yourselves and your cattle.

33. At length, when the deafening noise comes,

34. That Day a man will flee from his own brother,

35. And from his mother and his father,

36. And from his wife and offspring.

37. Each one of them, that Day, will have enough concern (of his own) to make him indifferent to others.

38. Some faces that Day will be beaming,

39. Laughing, rejoicing,

40. And other faces that Day will be dust-stained;

41. Blackness will cover them:

42. Such will be those who reject Allāh, the doers of iniquity.

Chapter 83

SŪRA 81 THE FOLDING-UP [AL-TAKWIR] 29

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. When the sun (with its spacious light) is folded up;

2. When the stars fall, losing their luster;

3. When the mountains vanish (like a mirage);

4. When the she-camels, ten months with young, are left untended;

5. When the wild beasts are herded together (in human habitations);

6. When the oceans boil over with a swell;

7. When the souls are united;

8. When the female (infant), buried alive, is questioned

9. What crime is it that she was killed for;

10. When the scrolls are laid open;

11. When the world up high is unveiled:

12. When the blazing Fire is kindled to fierce heat;

13. And when the Garden is brought near;

14. Each soul will then know what it has put forth.

15. So truly I call to witness the planets that recede,

16. Go forward, or hide,

17. And the night as it dissipates.

18. And the dawn as it breathes darkness away;

19. Truly this is the word of a most honorable messenger,

20. Endowed with power, with rank before the Lord of the throne,

21. With authority there, (and) faithful of his trust.

22. And (O people!) your Companion is not possessed;

23. And without doubt he saw him in the clear horizon.

24. Neither does he grudgingly withhold knowledge of the unseen,

25. Nor is it the word of an evil accursed spirit.

26. Then where are you heading?

27. Truly this is no less than a message to (all) the worlds:

28. (With benefit) to whoever among you wills to go straight.

29. But you shall not will (so) except as Allāh wills, the Cherisher of the worlds.

Chapter 84

SŪRA 82 CLEAVING ASUNDER [AL-INFITAR] 19

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. When the sky is cleft asunder;

2. When the stars are scattered;

3. When the oceans are suffered to burst forth;

4. And when the graves are turned upside down;

5. Each soul shall then know what it has sent forth and (what it has) withheld.

6. O man! What has seduced you from your Most Beneficent Lord?

7. Who created you, fashioned you in due proportion, and gave you a symmetry;

8. In whatever form He wills, He shapes you.

9. Nay! But you reject what is right and the Judgment!

10. But truly (angels are appointed) over you to protect you,

11. Kind and honorable, writing down (your deeds):

12. They know (and understand) all that you do.

13. As for the righteous, they will be in bliss;

14. And the wicked ones will be in the Fire,

15. Which they will enter on the Day of Judgment,

16. And they will not be able to keep away from it.

17. And what will explain to you what the Day of Judgment is?

18. Again, what will explain to you what the Day of Judgment is?

19. (It will be) the Day when no soul has (the) power (to do) anything for another, for the command, that Day, will be (wholly) with Allāh.

Chapter 85

SŪRA 83 FRAUDULENT DEALERS [AL-MUTAFFIFIN] 36

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Woe unto those who deal in fraud,

2. Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, exact full measure,

3. But when they have to grant by measure or weight to men, grant less than due.

4. Do they not think that they will be called to account?

5. On a mighty Day,

6. A Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the Worlds?

7. Nay! Surely the record of the wicked is (preserved) in Sijjin.

8. And what will explain to you what Sijjin is?

9. (There is) a register (fully) inscribed.

10. Woe, that Day, unto those who deny,

11. Those who deny the Day of Judgment.

12. And none can deny it except a transgressor beyond bounds, a sinner!

13. When Our Signs are recited to him, he says, “Tales of the ancients!”

14. By no means! But the stain of the (ill) that they do is on their hearts!

15. Truly they will be veiled from (the light of) their Lord that Day.

16. Further, they will enter the Fire of Hell.

17. Further, it will be said to them, “This is the (truth) which you rejected as false!”

18. Nay! Truly the record of the righteous is (preserved) in `Illiyyin.

19. And what will explain to you what `Illiyyin is?

20. (There is) a register (fully) inscribed,

21. To which those nearest (to Allāh) bear witness.

22. Truly the righteous will be in bliss:

23. On thrones (of dignity), they will command a view (of all things):

24. You will recognize the beaming brightness of bliss on their faces.

25. Their thirst will be slaked with pure sealed wine:

26. The seal on it will be musk, and for this let those who have aspirations aspire:

27. A mixture of Tasnim will be (given) with it:

28. A spring, from (the waters) of which those nearest to Allāh drink.

29. Those in sin used to laugh at those who believed,

30. And whenever they passed by them, they used to wink at each other (in mockery);

31. And when they returned to their own people, they would return jesting:

32. And whenever they saw them, they would say, “Behold! These people are truly astray!”

33. Yet they had not been sent as keepers over them!

34. But on this Day the believers will laugh at the unbelievers.

35. On thrones (of dignity), they will command (a view of all things).

36. Will the unbelievers not have been paid back for what they did?

Chapter 86

SŪRA 84 THE RENDING ASUNDER [AL-INSHIQAQ] 25

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. When the sky is rent asunder,

2. And listens to (the command of) its Lord, and it must (do so);

3. And when the Earth is flattened out,

4. And casts forth what is within it and becomes empty,

5. And listens to (the command of) its Lord, and it must (do so), (then the full reality will be driven home).

6. O man! Truly you are always toiling towards the Lord, painfully toiling, and you shall meet Him.

7. Then whoever is given his record in his right hand,

8. Soon his account will be taken by an easy reckoning,

9. And he will turn to his people, rejoicing!

10. But whoever is given His record behind his back,

11. He will soon cry for perdition,

12. And he will enter a blazing Fire.

13. Truly he went about among his people, rejoicing!

14. Truly he thought that he would not have to return (to Us)!

15. Nay! Nay! For his Lord was (always) watchful over him!

16. So I call to witness the ruddy glow of sunset,

17. The night and its homing,

18. And the moon in her fullness,

19. You shall surely travel from stage to stage.

20. What then is the matter with them, that they do not believe?

21. And when the Qur’ān is read to them, they do not prostrate,

22. On the contrary, the unbelievers reject (it).

23. But Allāh has full knowledge of what they secrete (in their breasts).

24. So announce a grievous penalty to them,

25. Except to those who believe and do righteous deeds; for them (there) is a reward that will never fail.

Chapter 87

SŪRA 85 ZODIAC SIGNS [AL-BURUJ] 22

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the heavens (displaying) the Signs of the Zodiac;

2. By the promised Day (of Judgment);

3. By One Who witnesses, and the subject of the Witness;

4. Woe unto the makers of the pit (of Fire),

5. Fire supplied (abundantly) with fuel:

6. Behold! They sat by the (Fire)

7. And they witnessed (all that) they were doing against the believers.

8. And they ill-treated them for no reason other than that they believed in Allāh, Exalted in power, Worthy of all praise!

9. Him to Whom the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs! And Allāh is Witness to all things.

10. Those who persecute the Believers, men and women, (or draw them into temptation) and do not turn in repentance, will have the penalty of Hell: They will have the penalty of the burning Fire.

11. For those who believe and do righteous deeds, (there) will be gardens beneath which rivers flow: That is the great salvation, (the fulfillment of all desires).

12. Truly your Lord's grip (and power) is mighty.

13. It is Who creates from the very beginning, and He can restore (life).

14. And He is the oft-Forgiving, Full of loving kindness,

15. The Lord of the Throne of Glory,

16. Who does (without hindrance) all that He intends.

17. Has the story reached you of the forces,

18. Of Pharaoh and Thamu,-d?

19. Yet the unbelievers (persist) in rejecting (the truth);

20. But Allāh encompasses them from behind!

21. Nay! This is a glorious Qur’ān,

22. In a preserved (inscribed) tablet.

Chapter 88

SŪRA 86 THE NIGHT VISITOR [AL-TARIQ] 17

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the sky and the night visitor (in it);

2. And what will explain to you what the night-visitor is?

3. (It is) the star of piercing brightness;

4. There is no soul without a protector over it.

5. Now let man consider of what he is created!

6. He is created of a drop emitted,

7. Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs:

8. Surely (Allāh) is able to bring him back (to life)!

9. The Day that all secret things will be tested,

10. (Man) will have no power, nor anyone to help.

11. By the firmament which returns (in its rounds),

12. And the Earth which opens out (for the gushing of springs or the sprouting of vegetation),

13. Behold! This is the word that distinguishes (good from evil):

14. It is not a thing for amusement.

15. As for them, they are only plotting a scheme,

16. And I am planning a scheme.

17. Therefore grant a respite to the unbelievers: Grant a respite to them gently (for a while).

Chapter 89

SŪRA 87 THE MOST HIGH [AL-A`LA] 19

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

1. Glorify the name of the Guardian-Lord, the Most High,

2. Who has created, and further given order and proportion;

3. Who has ordained laws and granted guidance;

4. And who brings out the (green and luscious) pasture,

5. And then makes it (only) swarthy stubble.

6. By degrees We shall teach you to declare (the message), so you will not forget,

7. Except as Allāh wills, for He knows what is manifest and what is hidden.

8. And We will make it easy for you (to follow) the simple (path).

9. Therefore grant admonishment in case the admonishment benefits (the hearer).

10. The admonishment will be received by those who fear (Allāh):

11. But it will be avoided by the most unfortunate ones,

12. Who will enter the great Fire,

13. In which they will neither die nor live.

14. But those who purify themselves will prosper,

15. And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayers.

16. Nay! (Behold!) You prefer the life of this world;

17. But the Hereafter is better and more enduring.

18. And this is in the Books of the earliest (Revelations),

19. The Books of Abraham and Moses.

Chapter 90

SŪRA 88 THE OVERWHELMING EVENT [AL-GHASHIYA] 26

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Has the story of the overwhelming (event) reached you?

2. Some faces, that Day, will be humiliated,

3. Laboring (hard), weary,

4. While they enter the blazing Fire,

5. While they are given, to drink, of a boiling spring.

6. There will be no food for them except bitter thorns,

7. Which will neither nourish nor satisfy hunger.

8. (Other) faces that Day will be joyful,

9. Pleased with their striving,

10. In a Garden on high,

11. Where they hear no (word) of vanity:

12. (There) will be a bubbling spring in it:

13. (There) will be Thrones (of dignity), raised on high in it,

14. Goblets placed (ready),

15. And cushions set in rows,

16. And rich carpets (all) spread out.

17. Do they not look at the camels, how they are created?

18. And at the sky, how it is raised high?

19. And at the mountains, how they are firmly fixed?

20. And at the earth, how it is spread out?

21. Therefore grant admonishment, for you are to admonish.

22. You are not to manage (men's) affairs.

23. But if any turns away and rejects Allāh,

24. Allāh will punish him with a mighty punishment.

25. For they will return to Us;

26. Then it will be for Us to call them to account.

Chapter 91

SŪRA 89 DAYBREAK [AL-FAJR] 30

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the daybreak;

2. By the ten nights;

3. By the even and odd (contrasted);

4. And by the night when it passes away;

5. Is there in these any adjuration (or evidence) for those who understand?

6. Do you not see how your Lord dealt with the 'Ād (people),

7. Of the (city of) Iram, with lofty pillars,

8. The like of which were not created in (all) the land?

9. And with the Thamūd (people), who cut out (huge) rocks in the valley?

10. And with Pharaoh, Lord of Stakes?

11. These transgressed in the land beyond bounds.

12. And heaped mischief (on mischief) therein.

13. Therefore your Lord poured on them a scourge of diverse chastisements:

14. For your Lord is (as a Guardian) on a watch-tower.

15. Now, as for man, when his Lord tries him, giving him honor and gifts, (puffed up) he then says, “My Lord has honored me.”

16. But when He tries him, restricting his subsistence for him, (in despair) he then says, “My Lord has humiliated me!”

17. Nay! Nay! But you do not honor the orphans!

18. Nor do you encourage one another to feed the poor!

19. And you devour inheritance greedily,

20. And you love wealth inordinately!

21. Nay! When the earth is pounded to powder,

22. And your Lord comes and His angels, rank upon rank,

23. And Hell, that Day, is brought (face to face)! On that Day, man will remember, but how will that remembrance avail him?

24. He will say, “Ah! If only I had sent forth (good deeds) for my (future) life.”

25. For that Day His chastisement will be such as none (else) can inflict,

26. And His bonds will be such as none (else) can bind.

27. To the righteous soul (will be said,) “O soul, at rest and satisfied!

28. “Return to your Lord, well pleased, and well-pleasing Him!

29. “Enter then among My devotees!

30. “Yes, enter My heaven!”

Chapter 92

SŪRA 90 THE CITY [AL-BALAD] 20

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. I call to witness this city;

2. And you are free (from obligation to) this city;

3. And (the mystic ties) of parent and child;

4. Truly We have created man into toil and struggle.

5. Does he think that none has power over him?

6. He may (boastfully) say, “I have squandered wealth in abundance!”

7. Does he think that none sees him?

8. Have We not made a pair of eyes for him,

9. And a tongue, and a pair of lips?

10. And shown him the two ways?

11. But he has made no haste on the steep path,

12. And what will explain to you the steep path?

13. (It is) freeing the bondman;

14. Or the giving of food in a Day of privation,

15. To the orphan with claims to kinship,

16. Or to the indigent (lying) in the dust.

17. He will then be of those who believe and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint,) and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion.

18. Such are the companions of the right hand.

19. But those who reject Our Signs are the (unhappy) companions of the left hand.

20. Overwhelming them will be the Fire vaulted over (all round).

Chapter 93

SŪRA 91 THE SUN [AL-SHAMS] 15

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the sun and his (glorious) splendor;

2. By the moon as she follow him;

3. By the day as it shows up (the sun's) glory;

4. By the night as it conceals it;

5. By the firmament and its (wonderful) structure;

6. By the earth and its (wide) expanse;

7. By the soul, and the proportion and order given thereto;

8. And its enlightenment as to its wrong and right;

9. Truly he succeeds who purifies it,

10. And he fails who corrupts it!

11. The Thamūd (people) rejected (their Prophet) through their inordinate wrong-doing.

12. Behold, the most wicked man among them was deputed (for impiety),

13. But God's Messenger said to them, “It is God's she-camel! So (do not bar her from) having her drink!”

14. Then they rejected him (as a false prophet), and they hamstrung her. So their Lord, on account of their crime, obliterated their traces and made them equal (in destruction, high and low)!

15. And for Him (there) is no fear of its consequences.

Chapter 94

SŪRA 92 NIGHT TIME [AL-LAYL] 21

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the night as it conceals (the light);

2. By the day as it appears in glory;

3. By (the mystery of) the creation of male and female;

4. Truly (the ends) you strive for are diverse.

5. So he who gives (in charity) and fears (Allāh),

6. And (in all sincerity) testifies to the best,

7. We will indeed make smooth for him the path to bliss.

8. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself selfsufficient,

9. And gives the lies to the best,

10. We will indeed make smooth for him the path to misery;

11. Nor will his wealth benefit him when he falls headlong (into the pit).

12. Truly We take it upon Ourselves to guide,

13. And truly the end and the beginning (belong) to Us.

14. I warn you, therefore, of a Fire blazing fiercely;

15. None shall reach it but those most unfortunate ones,

16. Who grant the lie to truth and turn their backs.

17. But those most devoted to Allāh shall be removed far from it,

18. Those who spend their wealth to increase in selfpurification,

19. And have in their minds no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected in return,

20. But only the desire to seek the countenance of their Lord Most High,

21. Soon will they attain (complete) satisfaction.

Chapter 95

SŪRA 93 MORNING LIGHT [AL-DHUHA] 11

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the glorious morning light,

2. And by the night when it is still,

3. The Guardian-Lord has not forsaken you, nor is He displeased.

4. And truly the Hereafter will be better for you than the present.

5. And soon your Guardian Lord will grant you (that with which) you will be well-pleased.

6. Did He not find you an orphan and provide you with shelter (and care)?

7. And He found you wandering, and He gave you guidance?

8. And He found you in need, and made you independent?

9. Therefore, do not treat the orphan with harshness,

10. Nor repulse the petitioner (unheard);

11. But the bounty of your Lord! Rehearse and proclaim!

Chapter 96

SŪRA 94 THE EXPANSION [Al-SHARH] 8

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Have We not expanded your chest for you?

2. And removed your burden from you

3. Which galled your back?

4. And raised high the esteem (in which) you (are held)?

5. So, truly, with every difficulty, there is relief:

6. Truly with every difficulty, there is relief.

7. Therefore, when you are free (from your immediate task), still labor hard,

8. And turn (all) your attention to your Lord.

Chapter 97

SŪRA 95 FIGS [AL-TIN] 8

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the fig and the olive,

2. And the Mount of Sinai,

3. And this city of security,

4. We have indeed created man in the best of molds,

5. Then We abase him to be the lowest of the low,

6. Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they shall have an unfailing reward.

7. Then what can, after this, contradict them as to the Judgment (to come)?

8. Is not Allāh the Wisest of judges?

Chapter 98

SŪRA 96 PROCLAIM! OR CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD [IQRA’ OR AL-`ALAQ] 19

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Proclaim! (or read) in the Name of your Lord and Cherisher Who created –

2. Created man out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood:

3. Proclaim! And your Lord is Most Bountiful,

4. Who taught (you the use of) the pen,

5. Taught man what he did not know.

6. Nay! Man transgresses all bounds,

7. In that he looks upon himself as self-sufficient.

8. Truly (all) will return to your Lord.

9. Do you see one who forbids,

10. A votary when he (turns) to pray?

11. Do you see if he is on (the path of) guidance?

12. Or enjoins righteousness?

13. Do you see if he denies (the truth) and turn away?

14. Does he not know that Allāh sees?

15. Let him beware! If he does not desist, We will drag him by the forelock,

16. A lying, sinful forelock!

17. Then, let him call (for help) to his council (of comrades):

18. We will call upon the angels of punishment (to deal with him)!

19. Nay! Do not heed him, but bow in adoration, and bring yourself closer (to Allāh)!

Chapter 99

SŪRA 97 THE NIGHT OF POWER (OR DESTINY OR HONORING) [Al-QADR] 5

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power:

2. And what will explain to you what the night of power is?

3. The night of power is better than a thousand months.

4. In it the angels and the spirit descend by God's permission, on every errand:

5. Peace… , until the break of the dawn!

Chapter 100

SŪRA 98 CLEAR EVIDENCE [AL-BAYYINA] 8

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Those who reject (the truth) among the People of the Book and among the polytheists were not going to depart (from their ways) until clear evidence came to them,

2. A Messenger from Allāh, reciting scriptures kept pure and holy:

3. In which (there) are right and straight laws (or decrees).

4. Nor did the People of the Book make schisms until a clear evidence came to them.

5. And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allāh, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith): To establish regular prayers, and to pay the zakāt: that is the right and straight religion.

6. Those who reject (the truth) among the People of the Book and among the polytheists, will be in Hell-fire, to dwell therein (forever). The worst of creatures are they.

7. Those who have faith and do righteous deeds are the best of creatures indeed.

8. Their reward with Allāh is: Gardens of eternity beneath which rivers flow; they will dwell therein forever; Allāh is well pleased with them, and they with Him. All this (is the reward) for those who fear their Lord.

Chapter 101

SŪRA 99 CONVULSION (QUAKE) [AL-ZALZALA] 8

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion,

2. And the earth throws up her burdens (from within),

3. And man cries (distressed), “What is the matter with her?”

4. On that Day she will declare her tidings:

5. Because your Lord will have given her inspiration.

6. On that Day men will proceed in sorted groups to be shown the deeds that they (had done).

7. Then anyone who has done an atom's weight of good shall see it!

8. And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil shall see it.

Chapter 102

SŪRA 100 THOSE THAT RUN [AL-`ĀDIYAT] 11

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By the (steeds) that run, with panting (breath),

2. And strike sparks of fire,

3. And push home the charge in the morning,

4. And raise clouds of dust all the while,

5. And penetrate immediately into the midst (of the foe) en masse;

6. Truly man is ungrateful to his Lord;

7. And to that (fact) he bears witness (by his deeds);

8. And he is violent in his love of wealth.

9. Does he not know when what is in the graves is scattered around,

10. And that which is (locked up) in (human) breasts is made manifest,

11. That their Lord had been well-acquainted with them, (even to) that Day?

Chapter 103

SŪRA 101 THE DAY OF NOISE AND CLAMOR [AL-QARI`A] 11

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. The (Day) of noise and clamor:

2. What is the (Day) of noise and clamor?

3. And what will explain to you what the (Day) of noise and clamor is?

4. (It is) a Day on which men will be scattered about like moths,

5. And the mountains will be like carded wool.

6. Then, he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) heavy,

7. Will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction.

8. But he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) light,

9. Will have his home in a (bottomless) pit.

10. And what will explain to you what this (pit) is?

11. (It is) a Fire fiercely blazing!

Chapter 104

SŪRA 102 PILING-UP (ACCUMULATION) [AL-TAKATHUR] 8

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you (from the more serious things),

2. Until you visit the graves.

3. But Nay! You will soon know (the reality).

4. Again, you will soon know!

5. Nay! Were you to know with certainty of mind, (you would beware)!

6. You shall certainly see Hellfire!

7. Again, you will see it with the certainty of sight!

8. You will then be questioned, that Day, about the joy (in which you indulged yourselves)!

Chapter 105

SŪRA 103 TIME THROUGH AGES [AL-`ASR] 3

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. By (the token of) time (through the ages),

2. Truly man is in loss,

3. Except those who have faith and do righteous deeds and (join together) in the mutual teaching of truth, and of patience and constancy.

Chapter 106

SŪRA 104 THE SCANDAL-MONGER [AL-HUMAZA] 9

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Woe unto every (kind of) scandal-monger and backbiter,

2. Who piles up wealth and lays it by.

3. Thinking that his wealth would make him last forever!

4. By no means! He is sure to be thrown into that which breaks to pieces.

5. And what will explain to you that which breaks to pieces?

6. (It is) the Fire of (the Wrath of) Allāh kindled (to a blaze).

7. Which mounts (right) to the hearts.

8. It shall be made into a vault over them,

9. In columns outstretched.

Chapter 107

SŪRA 105 THE ELEPHANT [AL-FIL] 5

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Do you not see how your Lord dealt with the fellows of the elephant?

2. Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?

3. And He sent swarms of birds against them,

4. Striking them with stones of baked clay.

5. Then He made them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up.

Chapter 108

SŪRA 106 KA`BA CUSTODIANS [QURAISH] 4

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by Quraish,

2. Their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer,

3. Let them adore the Lord of this House,

4. Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger).

Chapter 109

SŪRA 107 NEIGHBORLY NEEDS [AL-MA`UN] 7

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Do you see one who denies the Judgment?

2. Such is the (one) who repulses the orphan (with harshness),

3. And does not encourage the feeding of the indigent.

4. So woe unto the worshippers,

5. Who are neglectful of their prayers,

6. Those who (want only) to be seen (by men),

7. But refuse (to supply even) neighborly needs.

Chapter 110

SŪRA 108 THE ABUNDANCE [AL-KAWTHAR] 3

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. We have granted the fount (of abundance) to you.

2. Therefore turn to your Lord in prayers, and (offer) sacrifice.

3. For he who hates you will be cut off (from all hope).

Chapter 111

SŪRA 109 THOSE WHO REJECT FAITH [AL-KAFIRUN] 6

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: “O you who reject faith!

2. “I do not worship what you worship.

3. “Nor will you worship what I worship.

4. “And I will not worship what you have been wont to worship,

5. “Nor will you worship what I worship.

6. “To you is your religion, and to me is mine.”

Chapter 112

SŪRA 110 VICTORY [AL-NASR] 3

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. When God's help comes, and victory,

2. And you see the people enter into God's religion in crowds,

3. Celebrate your Lord's praises and pray for His forgiveness, for He is oft-Returning (in grace and mercy).

Chapter 113

SŪRA 111 (FELLOW OF THE) FLAME [ABU LAHAB] 5

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Perish the hands of Abu Lahab! Let him perish!

2. All his wealth and all his gains will never avail him!

3. Soon will he be burnt in a Fire of blazing flame!

4. His wife shall carry the (crackling) wood as fuel!

5. A twisted rope of palm-leaf fiber round her (own) neck!

Chapter 114

SŪRA 112 THE UNITY (OF ALLAH) [AL-IKHLAS] 4

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: “He is Allāh, the One and Only;

2. “Allāh the Eternal, the Absolute;

3. “He does not beget, nor is He begotten;

4. “And there is none like unto Him.”

Chapter 115

SŪRA 113 THE DAWN [AL-FALAQ] 5

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: “I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn,

2. “From the mischief of created things;

3. “From the mischief of darkness as it overspreads;

4. “From the mischief of those who practice secret arts;

5. “And from mischief of the envious one as he envies.”

Chapter 116

SŪRA 114 MANKIND [AL-NAS] 6

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

1. Say: “I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of mankind,

2. “The King (or Ruler) of mankind,

3. “The Allāh (or Judge) of mankind,

4. “From the mischief of the whisperer (of evil), who withdraws (after his whisper),

5. “(The same) who whispers into the hearts of mankind,

6. “Among the jinns and among mankind.”

The world’s largest Qur’an is kept at the mosque of Russian city Kazan's Qolsharif and is awarded a Guinness World Records certificate for being the world's largest.

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Food for the mind

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - EDITOR’S NOTE

Chapter 2 - SURA 1 THE OPENING/PREAMBLE [Al-Fatiha]

Chapter 3 - SURA 2 THE COW (Al-Baqarah) 286

Chapter 4 - SURA 3 THE FAMILY OF IMRAN (Ali-Imran) 200

Chapter 5 - SURA 4 THE WOMEN (Al-Nisa) 176

Chapter 6 - SURA 5 THE TABLE SPREAD (Al Ma'ida) 120

Chapter 7 - SURA 6 CATTLE (Al-An'am) 165

Chapter 8 - SURA 7 THE HEIGHTS (AL-A'raf) 206

Chapter 9 - SURA 8 SPOILS OF WAR (Al-Anfal) 75

Chapter 10 - SURA 9 REPENTANCE (Tawba or Bara'a) 129

Chapter 11 - SŪRA 10 Jonah [Ūnus] 109

Chapter 12 - SURA 11 HUD 123

Chapter 13 - SŪRA 12 JOSEPH [YUSUF] 111

Chapter 14 - SŪRA 13 THUNDER [AL-RA`D] 43

Chapter 15 - SŪRA 14 [IBRAHIM] 52

Chapter 16 - SŪRA 15 THE ROCKY TRACT [AL-HIJR] 99

Chapter 17 - SŪRA 16 BEES [AL-NAHL] 128

Chapter 18 - SŪRA 17 CHILDREN OF ISRAEL [BANU ISRA’EEL] 111

Chapter 19 - SŪRA 18 THE CAVE [AL-KAHF] 110

Chapter 20 - SŪRA 19 MARY [MARYAM] 98

Chapter 21 - SŪRA 20 TA HA 135

Chapter 22 - SŪRA 21 PROPHETS [AL-ANBIYA’] 112

Chapter 23 - SŪRA 22 PILGRIMAGE [AL-HAJJ] 78

Chapter 24 - SŪRA 23 THE BELIEVERS [AL-MU'MINUN] 118

Chapter 25 - SŪRA 24 LIGHT [AL-NOOR] 64

Chapter 26 - SŪRA 25 THE CRITERION [AL-FURQAN] 77

Chapter 27 - SŪRA 26 POETS [AL-SHU'ARA'] 227

Chapter 28 - SŪRA 27 ANTS [AL-NAML] 93

Chapter 29 - SŪRA 28 THE NARRATIONS [AL-QASAS] 88

Chapter 30 - SŪRA 29 THE SPIDER [AL-'ANKABUT] 69

Chapter 31 - SŪRA 30 THE ROMAN [AL-RUM] 60

Chapter 32 - SŪRA 31 LUQMAN 34

Chapter 33 - SŪRA 32 PROSTRATION [SAJDA] 30

Chapter 34 - SŪRA 33 THE ALLIES [AL-AHZAB] 73

Chapter 35 - SŪRA 34 [SABA] 54

Chapter 36 - SŪRA 35 THE ORIGINATOR OF CREATION [FATIR] 45

Chapter 37 - SŪRA 36 YA SIN 83

Chapter 38 - SŪRA 37 THOSE ARRAYED IN RANKS [AL-SAFFAT] 182

Chapter 39 - SŪRA 38 SAD 88

Chapter 40 - SŪRA 39 THE CROWDS [AL-ZUMAR] 75

Chapter 41 - SŪRA 40 THE BELIEVER [AL-MU'MIN OR GHAFIR] 45

Chapter 42 - SŪRA 41 HA MIM [HA MIM SAJDA OR FUSSILAT] 54

Chapter 43 - SŪRA 42 CONSULTATION [SHURA] 53

Chapter 44 - SŪRA 43 THE EMBELLISHMENT [AL-ZUKHRUF] 89

Chapter 45 - SŪRA 44 THE EVIDENT SMOKE [DUKHKHAN] 59

Chapter 46 - SŪRA 45 THE KNEELING ONE [AL-JATHIYA] 37

Chapter 47 - SŪRA 46 WINDING SAND TRACTS [AL-AHQAF] 35

Chapter 48 - SŪRA 47 MUHAMMED 38

Chapter 49 - SŪRA 48 VICTORY [AL-FATH] 29

Chapter 50 - SŪRA 49 THE CHAMBERS [AL-HUJURAT] 18

Chapter 51 - New Chapter

Chapter 52 - SŪRA 50 QAF 45

Chapter 53 - SŪRA 51THE WINDS THAT SCATTER [DHARIYAT] 60

Chapter 54 - SŪRA 52 THE MOUNT [AL-TUR] 49

Chapter 55 - SŪRA 53 THE STARS [AL-NAJM] 62

Chapter 56 - SŪRA 54 THE MOON [AL-QAMAR] 55

Chapter 57 - SŪRA 55 THE MOST GRACIOUS (ALLAH) [AL-RAHMAN] 78

Chapter 58 - SŪRA 56 THE INEVITABLE EVENT [AL-WAQI'A] 96

Chapter 59 - SŪRA 57 IRON [AL- HADEED] 29

Chapter 60 - SŪRA 58 PLEADING WOMAN [AL-MUJADILA] 22

Chapter 61 - SŪRA 59 THE GATHERING [HASHR] 24

Chapter 62 - SŪRA 60 THE TRIED WOMAN [AL-MUMTAHANA] 13

Chapter 63 - SŪRA 61 BTTLE ARRAY [AL-SAFF] 14

Chapter 64 - SŪRA 62 ASSEMBLY (CONGREGATION OF FRIDAY) PRAYERS [AL-JUM`A] 11

Chapter 65 - SŪRA 63 THE HYPOCRITES [AL-MUNAFIQOON] 11

Chapter 66 - SŪRA 64 MUTUAL LOSS AND GAIN [TAGHABUN]18

Chapter 67 - SŪRA 65 DIVORCE [AL-TALAQ] 12

Chapter 68 - SŪRA 66 PROHIBITION [AL-TAHRIM]12

Chapter 69 - SŪRA 67 DOMINION [AL-MULK] 30

Chapter 70 - SŪRA 68 THE PEN [AL-QALAM] 52

Chapter 71 - SŪRA 69 THE SURE REALITY [AL- HAQQA] 52

Chapter 72 - SŪRA 70 WAYS OF THE ASCENT [AL-MA`ARIJ]44

Chapter 73 - SŪRA 71 NOAH [NUH] 28

Chapter 74 - SŪRA 72 THE JINNS [Al-JINN] 28

Chapter 75 - SŪRA 73 THE BUNDLED UP ONE [AL-MAZZAMMIL] 20

Chapter 76 - SŪRA 74 THE WRAPPED-UP ONE [AL-MUDDATHIR] 56

Chapter 77 - SŪRA 75 RESURRECTION [AL-QIYAMA] 40

Chapter 78 - SŪRA 76 TIME [AL-DAHR] 31

Chapter 79 - SŪRA 77 THOSE SENT FORTH [AL-MURSALAT] 50

Chapter 80 - SŪRA 78 THE (MOMENTOUS) NEWS [AL-NABA'] 40

Chapter 81 - SŪRA 79 THOSE WHO PULL (SOULS) OUT [AL-NAZI`AT] 46

Chapter 82 - SŪRA 80 HE FROWNED… [`ABASA] 42

Chapter 83 - SŪRA 81 THE FOLDING-UP [AL-TAKWIR] 29

Chapter 84 - SŪRA 82 CLEAVING ASUNDER [AL-INFITAR] 19

Chapter 85 - SŪRA 83 FRAUDULENT DEALERS [AL-MUTAFFIFIN] 36

Chapter 86 - SŪRA 84 THE RENDING ASUNDER [AL-INSHIQAQ] 25

Chapter 87 - SŪRA 85 ZODIAC SIGNS [AL-BURUJ] 22

Chapter 88 - SŪRA 86 THE NIGHT VISITOR [AL-TARIQ] 17

Chapter 89 - SŪRA 87 THE MOST HIGH [AL-A`LA] 19

Chapter 90 - SŪRA 88 THE OVERWHELMING EVENT [AL-GHASHIYA] 26

Chapter 91 - SŪRA 89 DAYBREAK [AL-FAJR] 30

Chapter 92 - SŪRA 90 THE CITY [AL-BALAD] 20

Chapter 93 - SŪRA 91 THE SUN [AL-SHAMS] 15

Chapter 94 - SŪRA 92 NIGHT TIME [AL-LAYL] 21

Chapter 95 - SŪRA 93 MORNING LIGHT [AL-DHUHA] 11

Chapter 96 - SŪRA 94 THE EXPANSION [Al-SHARH] 8

Chapter 97 - SŪRA 95 FIGS [AL-TIN] 8

Chapter 98 - SŪRA 96 PROCLAIM! OR CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD [IQRA’ OR AL-`ALAQ] 19

Chapter 99 - SŪRA 97 THE NIGHT OF POWER (OR DESTINY OR HONORING) [Al-QADR] 5

Chapter 100 - SŪRA 98 CLEAR EVIDENCE [AL-BAYYINA] 8

Chapter 101 - SŪRA 99 CONVULSION (QUAKE) [AL-ZALZALA] 8

Chapter 102 - SŪRA 100 THOSE THAT RUN [AL-`ĀDIYAT] 11

Chapter 103 - SŪRA 101 THE DAY OF NOISE AND CLAMOR [AL-QARI`A] 11

Chapter 104 - SŪRA 102 PILING-UP (ACCUMULATION) [AL-TAKATHUR] 8

Chapter 105 - SŪRA 103 TIME THROUGH AGES [AL-`ASR] 3

Chapter 106 - SŪRA 104 THE SCANDAL-MONGER [AL-HUMAZA] 9

Chapter 107 - SŪRA 105 THE ELEPHANT [AL-FIL] 5

Chapter 108 - SŪRA 106 KA`BA CUSTODIANS [QURAISH] 4

Chapter 109 - SŪRA 107 NEIGHBORLY NEEDS [AL-MA`UN] 7

Chapter 110 - SŪRA 108 THE ABUNDANCE [AL-KAWTHAR] 3

Chapter 111 - SŪRA 109 THOSE WHO REJECT FAITH [AL-KAFIRUN] 6

Chapter 112 - SŪRA 110 VICTORY [AL-NASR] 3

Chapter 113 - SŪRA 111 (FELLOW OF THE) FLAME [ABU LAHAB] 5

Chapter 114 - SŪRA 112 THE UNITY (OF ALLAH) [AL-IKHLAS] 4

Chapter 115 - SŪRA 113 THE DAWN [AL-FALAQ] 5

Chapter 116 - SŪRA 114 MANKIND [AL-NAS] 6