Introduction to this translation

Comments in relation to the present revision of Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s Translation of the meaning of the Holy Qur`an

First and foremost, we must acknowledge that the Qur`an, being the word of God, is miraculous in every respect including its prose, diction, composition and every other aspect.

In addition to being a miraculously composed book, the Qur`an contains prophesies of events to come and statements that pre-empt scientific discovery. These facts make rendering the word of God into another language an impossible dream, as a result, the best that a translator can hope for is to give the reader the general meaning of the message in the language of the day.

The translator cannot comprehensively account for words that are prophetic, words that describe future events or scientific facts. Such words and phrases are not fully comprehended until science catches up with them. An example of this is present in the first words of revelation which are to be found in Chapter 96: Proclaim in the name of your Guardian-Lord Who created, created the human being from ‘Alaq. This very word ‘Alaq has three meanings all of which apply to the context. These are: (1) a Leech-like substance, (2) a Blood Clot, or (3) Something That Clings or Hangs. At the time of revelation, none of the three meanings could be investigated or explored by observers. It seems that early commentators (even the original translator of the present work) used the reference as being to a blood clot, yet they did not have the means of knowing the relationship between a blood clot and the creation of a new human being.

Today, we know that one of the stages of the development of the embryo is a stage when it is a blood clot substance. We also know that the embryo goes through a stage when it does look like a leech and in its early development; it clings to the inside of the uterus and hangs from it. The use of such a word in Arabic is not by accident, it is the Wisdom of the Omniscient Omnipotent Creator. This is just one example for which a translator cannot just give a one word explanation.

There are other examples dealing with other social, geographical, heavenly, anthropological, psychological, scientific and other truths that cannot just be imported into a translation without an in depth explanation. Even this explanation will always be limited to the knowledge of the time and is not one that can look into the future.

Another highly curious verse is number 19 of Surah 84. The words that are combined are La-Tarkabunna which means that “you will embark on” or “you will ride on”, Tabaqan ‘An Tabaq. Tabaq literally means plate or saucer. It is also the root of the word for class or stage. This verse comes immediately after three verses dealing with heavenly phenomena which could make a twenty first century reader of the Arabic words entertain an interpretation that the time may come when human space travel will become feasible through the use of things like flying saucers which have long been held to be in the realm of the imagination. Or it could be a simple reference to humanity becoming more sophisticated? God knows best. Having access to the Arabic words, which seem more progressive with every reading, gives the reader the opportunity to revisit his or her own understanding of words of God.

The aforementioned examples present some of the reasons why translations must be revised and updated. Other reasons include the evolution of language; the English language evolves with every generation. In modern times, we find that young people develop their own words and the mixing of linguistically diverse people leads to further enrichment of a language, this is particularly true for a country like Australia where we rightly celebrate multiculturalism. This necessitates work to update translations in order to modernize some of the more archaic English words and to tweak the translation of some other words that just simply do not exist in the English language.

For example: The word Awliya, (singular form is Waly), most translations of the Holy Qur`an simply translate this word as “friends”. This word does not relate to friendship, it refers to a relationship akin to guardianship or power of attorney, in this regard, I have generally translated it as “protecting patrons”. There is also the word Taqwa, the closest English notion to this word is “piety”. Quite often translators represent it as “fear of God”, yet the word Taqwa literally means “to ward from yourself” or “to protect yourself from something”. In the Qur`anic context, this word is generally a reference to warding off or protecting oneself from any action or statement that is sinful or criminal. A longer explanation of Taqwa is found in the books of Hadith but put simply, the word has a special meaning for believers that cannot just be captured by the phrase “fear of God” for which translators generally opt. The word fear is negative whilst the word Taqwa is positive and this makes it difficult to just simply accept a translation that would bring a negative word into the context. In this regard, whilst I have my concerns about using the reference of “fearing God”, I have only changed the translation of this word in a couple of occurrences because I felt that the meaning was still conveyed despite my reservations. I also felt that if God wills for me to do another more in depth revision, I would next time like to keep some of the terms in Arabic and just footnote them. Terms such as Awliya and Taqwa would be terms that I would be highly unlikely to translate but rather footnote according to the context in which they appear.

These are certainly terms that can enrich any language and as there are no clear equivalents in English, there is no harm in importing such words just like many other words are imported into different languages.

There are other terms that are to be understood in their broader usage, the term Kafir is an example. This word literally refers to concealment, there is good reason to see a link between the word Kafir and the English word “cover” for in their simplest reference, they mean one and the same thing. Yet contextually, the word can refer to differences of opinion, to rejection, to ingratitude, to disbelief, to sowing the soil (covering seeds with earth). The word Kafir is used in all these differing contexts. Another word that is misunderstood and widely abused by present usage is “Jihad”; “Jihad” is a positive term that refers to striving and exerting effort and can apply in all contexts where effort is required.

I have also adjusted words that would today be seen as unnecessarily sexist. This was the least burdensome tweaking because in this regard, the English language has evolved to popularise terms that are more gender-neutral. What the reader may not be aware of is that the Arabic terms used in the Qur`an in this regard were always gender-neutral, the translator used references that seem gender-specific because this was the prevalent usage of the English language in his day. In this context, I am referring to words such as man, men and mankind when the Arabic used gender-neutral terms such as Insan, Imri`, Bashar, Inss and Nass, these Arabic terms mean human being, person, people, humanity. Of course I could not tweak every occurrence because in some contexts it was just not possible to make such an amendment to the translation as such an amendment carried the risk of making a phrase seem convoluted. In this regard, the reader should be able to discern from the context that the reference is to both men and women. There are other instances where the references are clearly gender specific, that is, there are verses which are clearly referring to men only and to women only, the reader will be able to discern this from the context.

Having completed this tweaking of some of the words in the translation I also feel that there are other issues that need to be explained to the English reader. The Qur`an in totality represents an act of grace from God, a gift from God to humanity in its entirety, those who do good and those who do bad, those who believe and those who reject. The Qur`an, whilst promising all the good things to those who believe and do good, it promises torment for those who reject God and engage in evil conduct. This type of discourse is not to be read as a condemnation of unbelievers, it is rather to alert unbelievers to their fate if they do not moderate their actions and review the attitudes that lead to these actions. This type of discourse is a genuine reflection of the needs of humanity and is also reflected in the Scriptures of other faiths.

It is important to note that there is a great difference between this Divine discourse and man-made systems when it comes to reward and punishment. One of the differences is that man-made law punishes the guilty and offers no reward to the good. Man made law cannot create rewards for every person who is law-abiding even if it does seek to quickly punish law-breakers. Whilst Man-made law does entail a presumption of innocence, its standard of proof is not always as strict as that of divine law and contrary to Divine Law, it is ever ready to pounce on any person who commits the slightest breach. Divine law on the other hand offers forgiveness to the sinner, when it presents a penalty for certain crimes and sins, it says: except for the one who repents, believes and does good work (Qur`an 25:70). Whilst Divine-law presents some tough penalties for serious crimes, it also presents a mechanism for the guilty to atone for his crime with his victim and keep the matter out of the courts through private conciliation. Man-made law places an emphasis on retribution whilst Divine law places the emphasis on forgiveness and healing.

The reader will see words in the Qur`an that prohibit a believer from fraternizing with those who fight the prophet peace and blessings upon him. This is pure logic, here we have a messenger of God who brings the very salvation of humanity, yet we see some members of the human family fight him and obstruct others from benefiting from him. Why would any decent person fraternize with such as would fight the messenger or deprive humanity from the grace of God that is to be found in this message? The relationship with such people must be based on providing logical argument to dissuade them from their actions and not a relationship of fraternity.

The Holy Qur`an explains where patronage, love and fraternity become misplaced and how these need to be directed in a proper way. You cannot sit with and show love to those who are forcing you or the prophet out of your homes (60:1). Love in this context is a sign of acquiescence, weakness, capitulation and servitude, you must maintain dignity and take a constructive stand. Those who are being persecuted by these criminals are more worthy of your love and compassion. If you have an old friendship or relationship with the persecutors, your love for them must be reflected in means that would help them to desist from the evil that they are perpetrating. Similarly, one cannot logically expect these persecutors to be his protectors or patrons when they are fighting to obstruct his very salvation.

Another significant correction relates to the name Satan, Arabic “Shaytan”. The original translation did not use the name “Satan” but rather translated the name as “The Evil One”. I felt that it was important to make this correction because Satan is a distinct form of creation whereas the term “The Evil One” did not give this impression with sufficient clarity.

Yes, the Qur`an warns the Kuffar (plural of Kafir which is explained above) of what God has in store for them, it does so whilst showing them that there are avenues for them to join the fold of believers in God. These people do not have to remain as Kuffar, if they stop rejecting and misrepresenting or obstructing from the truth, they will be welcome into the fold and will have the same salvation and bliss as the believers. see Qur`an 60:7.

These comments would not be complete without making some reference to the verses that deal with war. The fact that the book of Allah deals with this issue is indeed a blessing to proponents of peace everywhere, this is because the Holy Qur`an actually stipulates limits for Muslims who may be compelled by invasions or injustices to take up arms and fight.

Not only does Allah give the defenders limits, but He also stresses to them that if the attacking enemies incline towards peace, then the Muslims must do the same (Qur`an 8:61).

Quite often, we find non-Muslims abusing the word Jihad (literally, exertion of effort, or striving), we also find so called "experts" misquoting verse 191 of chapter 2 or verses 5 and 36 of chapter 9, usually, these "experts" only quote half verses or overlook the preceding and succeeding verses which give context. If these "experts" were to read the rest of the verses or the context, such as verse 190 of chapter 2, they would realize that 191 sanctions defensive fighting only against the attackers and it condemns transgression. Similarly with verses 5 and 36 of chapter 9 which apart from being revealed for specific incidents, also continue to say, in the case of verse 5: "… but if they repent, and establish regular Prayers and practise regular Charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful," and in the case of verse 36: "… So wrong not yourselves therein, and fight the Pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves." So 5 instructs believers to let go without hindrance those who wronged them if they repent and 36 states that a precondition for fighting is that the enemy starts the fight. This clarifies to any objective reader that fighting is only sanctioned under specific conditions, either to defend one's nation or to save humanity and remove hindrances, injustices, oppression or other unfair or unnatural obstacles that cause suffering.

Finally, this minor revision is not a retranslation or a major amendment of the translation; it is merely tweaking some words and phrases in minor ways to make them more reflective of today’s usage of the English language. It is also a small attempt to give more apt meaning to Arabic terms. In all, I tweaked or amended 796 words and phrases, and I could see scope for more, but these would require a complete rewrite of the translation of these verses. I have only tweaked those terms that require urgent amendment. This work is by no means complete for I would like to tweak more expressions to make them easier for the youths to understand, this will have to wait for another print run.

Having finished, I have to admit my admiration for the original translator Allama (the scholar) Abdullah Yusuf Ali. His efforts in not only providing a translation but also an in depth commentary were monumental and he did a superb job. His was the first English translation of the Holy Qur`an that I had read after having read the Qur`an numerous times in the original language of Arabic. I learnt a great deal from the English translation and commentary, to see myself updating the translation today is indeed an honour, my gratitude goes to Allah for facilitating this task for me. I have long wanted to dedicate the necessary years that it would take to produce an up to date translation of the Holy Qur`an, this minor revision of the English translation is but a step that will need to be followed by more work if we are to help our fellow human beings appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the Holy Qur`an. Readers’ questions and feedback in relation to this endeavour will be welcome.

Keysar Trad
Sydney, Australia
January 2006

About Keysar Trad: Keysar Trad is based in Sydney Australia; he migrated to Australia from Lebanon shortly before he turned thirteen years of age. He continued his education in Australia where he serves the Muslim community and the broader human family through answering questions about Islam and speaking to different groups and through different forums. He has shared platforms with some of the most senior members of the clergy of other faiths. He hosted his own Muslim community radio program for approximately three years and has served as a director with Australia’s largest grassroots Muslim organisation for over five years. Keysar has also served as a close associate to the Mufty of Australia translating and interpreting for him and providing consultation to him on various matters of relevance for approximately six years. Keysar has translated several books about Islam and has produced his own book and leaflet to explain Islam to the Western reader. Keysar is the founder of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, an organisation that specialises in interfaith work presenting correct information about Islam to the general public. He is also a trustee with the Australian Islamic Educational Trust, an organisation that has worked to serve Muslims in the state of Queensland for approximately ten years. Keysar has also represented Islam and issues of relevance to Muslims through numerous interviews across all sections of the media over many years, this representation amplified to become quite prolific since September 2001. Keysar’s internet site can be accessed at www.speednet.com.au/~keysar, his email address is kt@speednet.com.au

Translation of the meaning of the Holy Qur'an chapters 1 to 30

The English Translation of the Meaning of the Holy Qur'an

Sūrah 1
Al-Fātihah
(The Opening)

1. In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds;
3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
4. Master of the Day of Judgement.
5. You do we worship, and Your aid we seek.
6. Show us the straight way,
7. The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.

Sūrah 2
Al-Baqarah
(The Heifer)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Mīm.
2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who protect themselves (from sin or wrongdoing);
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 to those who reject Faith, it is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them; they will not believe.
7. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and on their eyes is a veil; great is the penalty they incur.
8. Of the people there are some who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day;” but they do not (really) believe.
9. Fain would they deceive Allah and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, and realize (it) not!
10. In their hearts is a disease; and Allah has increased their disease: and grievous is the penalty they incur, because of the lies they make.
11. When it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “Why, we only want to make peace!”
12. Of a surety, they are the ones who make mischief, but they realize (it) not.
13. When it is said to them: “Believe as the others believe:” they say: “Shall we believe as the fools believe?”—nay, of a surety they are the fools, but they do not know.
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. Allah will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their trespasses; so they will wander like blind ones (to and fro).
16. These are they who have bartered Guidance for error: but their traffic is profitless, and they have lost true direction.
17. Their similitude is that of a man who kindled a fire; when it lighted all around him, Allah 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 similitude) 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, the while they are in terror of death. But Allah is ever round the rejecters of Faith!
20. The lightning all but snatches away their sight; every time the light (helps) them, they walk therein, and when the darkness grows on them, they stand still. And if Allah willed, He could take away their faculty of hearing and seeing; for Allah has power over all things.
21. O you 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 brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; then set not up rivals unto Allah 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 Sūrah like thereunto; and call your witnesses or helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if your (doubts) are true.
24. But if you cannot—and of a surety you cannot—then ward yourselves from the Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones—which is prepared for those who reject Faith.
25. But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow. Every time they are fed with fruits therefrom, they say: “Why, this is what we were fed with before,” for they are given things in similitude; and they have therein Companions pure (and holy); and they abide therein forever.
26. Allah disdains not to use the similitude of things, lowest as well as highest. Those who believe know that it is truth from their Lord; but those who reject Faith say: “What does Allah mean by this similitude?” Many are caused by it to stray and many are led into the right path; but He causes not to stray, except those who forsake (the path)—
27. Those who break Allah’s Covenant after it is ratified, and who sunder what Allah has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth: these cause loss (only) to themselves.
28. How can you reject the faith in Allah?—seeing that you were without life, and He gave you life; then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will you return.
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 of all things He has perfect knowledge.
30. Behold, your Lord said to the angels: “I will create a vicegerent on earth.” They said: “Will You place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?—whilst we do celebrate Your praises and glorify Your holy (name)?” He said: “I know what you know not.”
31. And He taught Adam all the names (the nature of all things); then He placed them before the angels, and said: “Tell Me the names of these if you are right.”
32. They said: “Glory to You, of knowledge We have none, save 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 names.” When he had told them, Allah said: “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and earth, and 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. Not so Iblīs: 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 therein as (where and when) you will; but approach not this tree, or you run into harm and transgression.”
36. Then did Satan make them slip 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 between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood―for a time.”
37. Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
38. We said: “Get you down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
39. “But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein.”
40. O Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil your Covenant with Me as I fulfil My Covenant with you, and fear none but Me.
41. And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone.
42. And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know (what it is).
43. And be steadfast in Prayer; practise regular Charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).
44. Do you enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to practise it) yourselves, and yet you study the Scripture? Will you not understand?
45. Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: it is indeed hard, except to those who bring a humble spirit―
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! Call to mind the (special) favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message).
48. Then guard yourselves against a day when one soul shall not avail another nor shall intercession be accepted for her, nor shall compensation be taken from her, nor shall anyone be helped (from outside).
49. And remember, We delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: they set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons and let your women-folk live; therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.
50. And remember We divided the sea for you and saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people within your very sight.
51. And remember, We appointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence you took the calf (for worship), and you did grievous wrong.
52. Even then We did forgive you; there was a chance for you to be grateful.
53. And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion (between right and wrong): there was a chance for you to be guided aright.
54. And remember Moses said to his people: “O my people! You have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: so turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
55. And remember you said: “O Moses! We shall never believe in you until we see Allah manifestly,” but you were dazed with thunder and lighting 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); to Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.
58. And remember We said: “Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as you wish; but enter the gate with humility, in posture and in words, and We shall forgive you your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good.”
59. But the transgressors changed the word from that which had been given them; so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed (Our command) repeatedly.
60. And remember Moses prayed for water for his people; We said: “Strike the rock with your staff.” Then gushed forth therefrom twelve springs. Each group knew its own place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by Allah, and do no evil nor mischief on the (face of the) earth.
61. And remember you said: “O Moses! We cannot endure one kind of food (always); so beseech your Lord for us 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 you down to any town, and you shall find what you want!” they were covered with humiliation and misery; they drew on themselves the wrath of Allah. This because they went on rejecting the Signs of Allah and slaying His Messengers without just cause. This 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—any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
63. And remember We took your covenant and We raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai) (saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein: perchance you may become pious.”
64. But you turned back thereafter: had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you, you had surely been among the lost.
65. And well you knew those amongst 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 Allah.
67. And remember Moses said to his people: “Allah commands that you sacrifice a heifer.” They said: “Make you a laughing-stock of us?” He said: “Allah save me from being an ignorant (fool)!”
68. They said: “Beseech on our behalf your Lord 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 what you are commanded!”
69. They said: “Beseech on our behalf your Lord to make plain to us her colour.” He said: “He says: a fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the admiration of beholders!”
70. They said: “Beseech on our behalf your Lord to make plain to us what she is: to us are all heifers alike: we wish indeed for guidance, if Allah wills.”
71. He said: “He says: a heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields; sound and without blemish.” They said: “Now have you brought the truth.” Then they offered her in sacrifice, but not with good-will.
72. Remember you slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime: but Allah was to bring forth what you did hide.
73. So We said: “Strike the (body) with a piece of the (heifer).” Thus Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His Signs: perchance you may understand.
74. Thenceforth were your hearts hardened: they became like a rock and even worse in hardness. For among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water; and others which sink for fear of Allah. and Allah is not unmindful of what you do.
75. Can you (O you people of Faith) entertain the hope that they will believe in you?―seeing that a party of them heard the Word of Allah, and perverted it knowingly after they understood it.
76. Behold! when they meet those with Faith, they say: “We believe”: but when they meet each other in private, they say: “Shall you tell them what Allah has revealed to you, that they may engage you in argument about it before your Lord?”―do you not understand (their aim)?
77. Know they not that Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal?
78. And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but (see therein 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 Allah,” to traffic with it for miserable price! Woe to them for what their hands do write, and for the gain they make thereby.
80. And they say: “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days.” Say: “Have you taken a promise from Allah, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that you say of Allah what you do not know?”
81. Nay, those who seek gain in Evil, and are girt round by their sins―they are companions of the Fire: therein shall they abide (for ever).
82. But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: therein shall they abide (for ever).
83. And remember We took a Covenant from the Children of Israel (to this effect): worship none but Allah; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in Prayer; and practise regular Charity. Then did you turn back, except a few among you, and you backslide (even now).
84. And remember We took your Covenant (to this effect): shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes: and this you solemnly ratified, and to this you can bear witness.
85. After this it is you, the same people, who slay among yourselves, and banish a party of you from their homes; assist (their enemies) against them, in guilt and rancour; and if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, though it was not lawful for you to banish them. Then is it only a part of the Book that you believe in, and do you reject the rest? But what is the reward for those among you who behave like this but disgrace in this life?―and on the Day of Judgement they shall be consigned to the most grievous penalty. For Allah is not unmindful of what you do.
86. These are the people who buy the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter: their penalty shall not be lightened 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 there comes to you a Messenger with what you yourselves desire not, you are puffed up with pride?― some you called impostors, and others you slay!
88. They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word: we need no more).” Nay, Allah’s curse is on them for their blasphemy: little is it they believe.
89. And when there comes to them a Book from Allah, confirming what is with them―although from of old they had prayed for victory against those without faith―when there comes to them that which they have recognised, they refuse to believe in it but the curse of Allah is on those without Faith.
90. Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, in that they deny (the revelation) which Allah has sent down, in insolent envy that Allah of His Grace should send it to any of His servants He pleases: thus have they drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath. And humiliating is the punishment of those who reject Faith.
91. When it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah has sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us:” yet they reject all besides, even if it be Truth confirming what is with them. Say: “Why then have you slain the prophets of Allah in times gone by, if you did indeed believe?”
92. There came to you Moses with Clear (Signs); yet you worshipped the Calf (even) after that, and you did behave wrongfully.
93. And remember We took your Covenant and We raised above you (the towering height) of Mount (Sinai): (saying): “Hold firmly to what We have given you, and listen (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!”
94. Say: “If the last Home, with Allah be for you specially, and not for anyone else, then seek you for death, if you are sincere.”
95. But they will never seek for death, on account of the (sins) which their hands have sent on before them. And Allah is well-acquainted with the wrong-doers.
96. You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life―even more than the idolaters: each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years: but the grant of such life will not save him from (due) punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do.
97. Say: Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel―for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by Allah’s will, a confirmation of what went before, and guidance and glad tidings for those who believe―
98. Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and Messengers, to Gabriel and Michael―lo! Allah is an enemy to those who reject Faith.
99. We have sent down to you Manifest Signs (āyāt); and none reject them but those who are perverse.
100. Is it not (the case) that every time they make a Covenant, some party among them throw it aside?―nay, most of them are faithless.
101. And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah, confirming what was with them, a party of the People of the Book threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs, as if (it had been something) they did not know!
102. They followed what the evil ones gave out (falsely) against the power of Solomon: the blasphemers were, not Solomon, but the evil ones, teaching men Magic, and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Hārūt and Mārūt. 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 thus harm anyone except by Allah’s permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of (magic) would have no share in the happiness of the Hereafter. And vile was the price for which they did sell their souls, if they but knew!
103. If they had kept their Faith and guarded themselves from evil, far better had been the reward from their Lord, if they but knew!
104. O you of Faith! Say not (to the Messenger) words of ambiguous import, but words of respect; and listen (to him): to those without Faith is a grievous punishment.
105. It is never the wish of those without Faith among the People of the Book, nor of the Pagans, that anything good should come down to you from your Lord. But Allah will choose for His special Mercy whom He will―for Allah is Lord of grace abounding.
106. None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We substitute something better or similar: know you not that Allah has power over all things?
107. Know you not that to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him you have neither patron nor helper.
108. Would you question your Messenger as Moses was questioned of old? But whoever changes from Faith to Unbelief, has strayed without doubt from the even way.
109. Quite a number of the People of the Book wish they could turn you (people) back to infidelity after you have believed, from selfish envy, after the Truth has become manifest unto them: but forgive and overlook, till Allah accomplish His purpose; for Allah has power over all things
110. And be steadfast in Prayer and regular in Charity: and whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees well all that you do.
111. And they say: “None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.” Those are their (vain) desires. Say: “Produce your proof if you are truthful.”
112. Nay―whoever submits his whole self to Allah and is a doer of good―he will get his reward with his Lord; on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
113. The Jews say: “The Christians have naught (to stand) upon; and the Christians say: “The Jews have naught (to stand) upon.” Yet they (profess to) study the (same) book. Like unto their word is what those say who know not; but Allah will judge between them in their quarrel on the Day of Judgement.
114. And who is more unjust than he who forbids that in places for the worship of Allah, Allah’s name should be celebrated?―whose zeal is (in fact) to ruin them? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in this world, and in the world to come, an exceeding torment.
115. To Allah belong the East and the West: whithersoever you turn, there is the Presence of Allah. For Allah is All-Pervading, All-Knowing.
116. They say: “Allah has begotten a son: “Glory be to Him¬―nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him.
117. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: when He decrees a matter, He says to it: “Be,” and it is.
118. Say those without knowledge: “Why speaks not Allah unto us? Or why comes not unto us a Sign?” So said the people before them words of similar import. Their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the Signs unto any people who hold firmly to Faith (in their hearts).
119. Verily, We have sent you in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner: but of you no question shall be asked of the Companions of the Blazing Fire.
120. Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with you unless you follow their form of religion. Say: “The Guidance of Allah―that is the (only) Guidance.” Were you to follow their desires after the knowledge which has reached you, then would you find neither protector nor helper against Allah.
121. Those to whom We have sent the Book study it as it should be studied: they are the ones that believe therein: those who reject faith therein―the loss is their own
122. O Children of Israel! Call to mind the special favour which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message).
123. Then guard yourselves against a Day when one soul shall not avail another, nor shall compensation be accepted from her nor shall intercession profit her nor shall they 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 Imām to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also (Imāms) from 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 you the Station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Ismā‘īl, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).
126. And remember Abraham said: “My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits―such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He said: “(Yea), and such as reject Faith― for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire―an evil destination (indeed)!”
127. And remember Abraham and Ismā‘īl 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 of us Muslims, bowing to Your (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Your (Will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for You are the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
129. “Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Your Signs to them and instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and sanctify them: for You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.”
130. And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the Hereafter 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; “Oh my sons! Allah has chosen the Faith for you; then die not except in the Faith of Islam.”
133. Were you witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: “What will you worship after me?” They said: “We shall worship your God and the God of your fathers―of Abraham, Ismā‘īl and Isaac―the one (True) God: 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! Of their merits there is no question in your case!
135. They say: “Become Jews or Christians if you would be guided (to salvation).” Say you: “Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah.”
136. Say you: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismā‘īl, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants (Children of Jacob), and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) the prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we submit to Allah (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 Allah will suffice you as against them, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
138. (Our religion is) the Colour of Allah: and who can colour better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship.
139. Say: will you dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and you for yours; and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him?
140. Or do you say that Abraham, Ismā‘īl, Isaac, Jacob and the Descendants were Jews or Christians? Say: Do you know better than Allah? Ah! Who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? But Allah 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! Of their merits there is no question in your case:
142. The fools among the people will say: “What has turned them from the Qiblah to which they were used?” Say: To Allah belong both East and West: He guides whom He will to a Way that is straight.
143. Thus, have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over humanity, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qiblah to which you were used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (from the Faith). Indeed it was (a change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people most surely Full of Kindness, Most Merciful.
144. We see the turning of your face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn you to a Qiblah that shall please you. Turn then 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 Allah unmindful of what they do.
145. Even if you were to bring to the people of the Book all the Signs (together), they would not follow your Qiblah; nor are you going to follow their Qiblah; nor indeed will they follow each other’s Qiblah. If you after the knowledge has reached you, were to follow their (vain) desires―then were you indeed (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 be not at all in doubt.
148. To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good. Wheresoever you are, Allah will bring you together. For Allah has power over all things.
149. From whencesoever you start forth, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do.
150. So from whencesoever you start forth, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; and wheresoever you are, turn your face thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may complete My favours on you, and you may be guided;
151. A similar (favour have you already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, and sanctifying you, and instructing you in Scripture and Wisdom, and in new Knowledge.
152. Then do you remember Me; I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and reject not Faith.
153. O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer; for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
154. And say not of those who are slain in the way of Allah: “They are dead.” Nay, they are living, though you perceive (it) not.
155. Be sure 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 Allah we belong, and to Him is our return:”—
157. They are those on whom (descend) blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance.
158. Behold! Safā and Marwah are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them. And if any one obeys his own impulse to good—be sure that Allah is He Who recognises and knows.
159. Those who conceal the clear (Signs) We have sent down, and the Guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book—on them shall be Allah’s curse, and the curse of those (who are entitled to) curse—
160. Except those who repent and make amends and openly declare (the Truth): to them I turn; for I am Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
161. Those who reject Faith, and die rejecting—on them is Allah’s curse, and the curse of angels, and of all humanity;
162. They will abide therein: their penalty will not be lightened, nor will respite be their (lot).
163. And your God is One God: there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
164. Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth; in the alternation of the night and the day; in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of humanity; in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through 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 a people that are wise.
165. Yet there are people who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah): they love them as they should love Allah. But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. If only the unrighteous could see, behold, they would see the penalty: that to Allah belongs all power, and Allah will strongly enforce the penalty.
166. Then would those who are followed clear 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 clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us.” Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets. Nor will there be a way for them out of the Fire.
168. O you people! Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of the Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy.
169. For he commands you what is evil and shameful, and that you should say of Allah that of which you have no knowledge.
170. When it is said to them: “Follow what Allah has revealed:” they say: “Nay! We shall follow the ways of our fathers.” What! Even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance?
171. The parable of 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 Allah, 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 other name has been invoked besides that of Allah. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits—then is he guiltless. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.
174. Those who conceal Allah’s revelations in the Book, and purchase for them a miserable profit—they swallow into themselves naught but Fire; Allah will not address them on the Day of Resurrection. Nor purify them: grievous will be their penalty.
175. They are the ones who buy Error in place of Guidance and Torment in place of Forgiveness. Ah! What boldness (they show) for the Fire!
176. (Their doom is) because Allah 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 East or West; but it is righteousness―to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, 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 practice regular Charity; to fulfil the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods 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. In the Law of Equality there is (saving of) life to you, O you men of understanding; that you may restrain yourselves.
180. It is prescribed, when death approaches any of you, if he leave any goods, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable usage; this is due from the God-fearing.
181. If anyone changes the bequest after hearing it, the guilt shall be on those who make the change. For Allah 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), there is no wrong in him: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, 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) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will—it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew.
185. Ramadān is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’ān, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah 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 in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful.
186. When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me: let them respond to Me, and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way.
187. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments. Allah 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 Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its 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) Allah: approach not nigh thereto. Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to people: that they may learn self-restraint.
188. And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that you may eat up wrongfully and knowingly 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 for (the affairs of) people, and for pilgrimage. It is no virtue if you enter your houses from the back: it is virtue if you fear Allah. Enter houses through the proper doors: and fear Allah: that you may prosper.
190. Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors.
191. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith.
192. But if they cease, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
193. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression.
194. The prohibited month for the prohibited month—and so for all things prohibited—there is the law of equality. If then any one transgresses the prohibition against you, transgress you likewise against him. But fear Allah, and know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
195. And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loves those who do good.
196. And complete the Ḥajj or ‘umrah in the service of Allah. 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 any one wishes to continue the ‘umrah on to the Ḥajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Ḥajj 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 Allah, and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
197. For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Ḥajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, O you that are wise.
198. It is no crime in you if you seek of the bounty of your Lord (during pilgrimage). Then when you pour down from (Mount) ‘Arafāt, celebrate the praises of Allah at the Sacred Monument, and celebrate His praises as He has guided you, even though, before this, you went astray.
199. Then pass on at a quick pace from the place whence it is usual for the multitude so to do, and ask for Allah’s forgiveness. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
200. So when you have accomplished your holy rites, celebrate the praises of Allah, as you used to celebrate the praises of your fathers―yea, with far more heart and soul. There are people who say: “Our Lord! Give us (Your bounties) in this world!” But they will have no portion in the Hereafter.
201. And there are people who say: “Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and shield us from the torment of the Fire!”
202. To these will be allotted what they have earned; and Allah is quick in account.
203. Celebrate the praises of Allah during the Appointed Days. But if any one hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if any one stays on, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. Then fear Allah, and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him.
204. There is the type of person whose speech about this world’s life may dazzle you, and he calls Allah to witness about what is in his heart; yet is he 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 Allah loves not mischief.
206. When it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. Enough for him is Hell―an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!
207. And there is the type of person who gives his life to earn the pleasure of Allah; and Allah is Full of Kindness to (His) devotees.
208. O you who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the Satan; for he is to you an avowed enemy.
209. If you backslide after the clear (Signs) have come to you, then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
210. Will they wait until Allah comes to them in canopies of clouds, with angels (in His train) and the matter is (thus) settled? But to Allah do all matters go back (for decision).
211. Ask the Children of Israel how many clear (Signs) We have sent them. But if any one, after Allah’s favour has come to him, substitutes (something else), Allah 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 Allah bestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.
213. Humanity was one single nation, and Allah 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 contumacy. Allah by His Grace guided the believers to the Truth, concerning that wherein they differed. For Allah guides whom He will 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 those of faith who were with him cried: “When (will come) the help of Allah?” Ah! Verily, the help of Allah 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 you do that is good―Allah knows it well.
216. Fighting is prescribed for you, and you dislike it. But it is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows, and you know not.
217. They ask you concerning fighting in the Prohibited Month. Say: “Fighting therein is a grave (offence); but graver it is in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, 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 of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life and in the Hereafter; they will be Companions of the Fire and will abide therein.
218. Those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of Allah―they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
219. They ask you concerning wine and gambling. Say: “In them is great sin, and some benefit, for people; but the sin is greater than the benefit.” They ask you how much they are to spend; say: “What is beyond your needs.” Thus does Allah make clear to you His Signs: in order that you may consider―
220. (Their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask you concerning orphans. Say: “The best thing to do is what is for their good; if you mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but Allah knows (and distinguishes) the person who means mischief from the person who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise.”
221. Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: a slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: a man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of Bliss) and forgiveness, and makes His Signs clear to humanity: that they may celebrate His praise.
222. They ask you Concerning women’s courses. Say: They are a hurt and a pollution: so keep away from women in their courses, 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 Allah. For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.
223. Your wives are as a tilth unto you; so approach your tilth when or how you will; but do some good act for your souls beforehand; and fear Allah. And know that you are to meet Him (in the Hereafter), and give (these) good tidings to those who believe.
224. And make not Allah’s (name) an excuse in your oaths against doing good, or acting rightly, or making peace between people; for Allah is One Who hears and knows all things.
225. Allah 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 an oath for abstention from their wives, a waiting for four months is ordained; if then they return, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful
227. But if their intention is firm for divorce, Allah hears and knows all things.
228. Divorced women shall wait concerning themselves for three monthly periods. Nor is it lawful for them to hide what Allah has created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allah 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 equitable; but men have a degree (of advantage) over them. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
229. Divorce is permissible only twice: after that, the husbands should either retain wives on equitable terms, or let them go with kindness. It is not lawful for you, (men), to take back any of your gifts (from your wives), except when both parties fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah. If you (judges) do indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by Allah, there is no blame on either of them if she give something for her freedom. These are the limits ordained by Allah; so do not transgress them. If any do transgress the limits ordained by Allah, 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 re-unite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by Allah. Such are the limits ordained by Allah, which He makes plain to those who understand.
231. When you divorce women, and they are about to fulfil the term of their (‘iddah ), 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; if any one does that, he wrongs his own soul. Do not treat Allah’s Signs as a jest, but solemnly rehearse Allah’s favours on you, and the fact that He Sent down to you the Book and Wisdom, for your instruction. And fear Allah, and know that Allah is well acquainted with all things.
232. When you divorce women, and they fulfil the term of their (‘iddah), do not prevent them from marrying the persons of their choice, if they mutually agree on equitable terms. This instruction is for all amongst you, who believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is (the course making for) most virtue and purity amongst you. And Allah knows, and you know not.
233. The mothers shall breastfeed their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires 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 be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, 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 Allah and know that Allah sees well what you do.
234. If any of you die and leave widows behind, they shall wait concerning themselves four months and ten days: when they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they dispose of themselves in a just and reasonable manner. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do.
235. There is no blame on you if you make an offer of betrothal or hold it in your hearts. Allah knows that you cherish them in your hearts: but do not make a secret contract with them except in terms honourable, nor resolve on the tie of marriage till the term prescribed is fulfilled. And know that Allah knows what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him; and know that Allah 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 bestow on them (a suitable gift), the wealthy according to his means, and the poor 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 the half of the dower (is due to them), unless they remit it or (the man’s half) is remitted by him in whose hands is the marriage tie; and the remission (of the man’s half) is the nearest to righteousness. And do not forget liberality between yourselves. For Allah sees well all that you do.
238. Guard strictly your (habit of) prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).
239. If you fear (an enemy), pray on foot, or riding, (as may be most convenient), but when you are in security, celebrate Allah’s praises in the manner He has taught you, which you knew not (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 with themselves, provided it is reasonable. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
241. For divorced women is a provision in kindness. This is a duty on the righteous.
242. Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to you: in order that you may understand.
243. Did you not turn by vision to those who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands (in number), for fear of death? Allah said to them: “Die”: then He restored them to life. For Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.
244. Then fight in the cause of Allah, and know that Allah hears and knows all things.
245. Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times? Allah gives (you) want or plenty, and to Him shall be your return.
246. Have you not turned your vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the time of) Moses? They said to a Prophet (that was) among them: “Appoint for us a king, that we may fight in the cause of Allah.” He said: “Is it not possible, if you were commanded to fight, that you will not fight?” They said: “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?” But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah has full knowledge of those who do wrong.
247. Their Prophet said to them: “Allah has appointed Tālūt as king over you.” They said: “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?” He said: “Allah has chosen him above you, and has gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah grants His authority to whom He pleases. Allah cares for all, and He knows all things.”
248. And (further) their Prophet said to them: “A Sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of the Covenant, with (an assurance) therein 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 Tālūt set forth with the armies, he said: “Allah will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, he goes not with my army: only those who taste not 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―they said: “This day we cannot cope with Goliath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet Allah, said: “How oft, by Allah’s will, has a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.”
250. When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed: “Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: help us against those that reject faith.”
251. By Allah’s will they routed them; and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him what He willed. And had not Allah checked one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief: but Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds.
252. These are the Signs of Allah: We rehearse them to you in truth: verily you are one of the Messengers.
253. Those Messengers We endowed with gifts, some above others: to one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave Clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after Clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but Allah fulfils His plan.
254. O you who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the Day comes when no bargaining (will avail), nor friendship nor intercession. Those who reject Faith―they are the wrong-doers.
255. Allah! There is no god but He―the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there that can intercede in His presence except as He permits? He knows what is between their hands and what is behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He wills. His Throne does extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue 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 clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah hears and knows all things.
257. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light. Of those who reject faith their patrons are the Evil Ones: from light they will lead them forth into the depths of darkness. They will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein forever.
258. Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Abraham said: “My Lord is He Who gives life and death.” He said: “I give life and death”. Said Abraham: “But Allah causes the sun to rise from the East: do you then cause it to rise from the West.” Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejected faith. Nor does Allah give guidance to a people unjust.
259. Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: “Oh! How shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?” But Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: “How long did you tarry (thus)?” He said: “(Perhaps) a day or part of a day.” He said: “Nay, you have tarried thus a hundred years; but look at your food and your drink; they show no signs of age; and look at your donkey: and that We may make of you a sign unto 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 Allah has power over all things.”
260. Behold! Abraham said: “My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He said: “Do you not then believe?” He said: “Indeed! But to satisfy my own understanding.” He said: “Take four birds; tame them to turn to you; put a portion of them on every hill and call to them: they will come to you (flying) with speed. Then know that Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
261. The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that of a grain: it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases: and Allah cares for all and He knows all things.
262. Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allah, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury―for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
263. Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing.
264. O you who believe! Cancel not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury―like those who spend their substance in show to people but believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. They are in parable like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil: on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it (just) a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with aught they have earned. And Allah guides not those who reject faith.
265. And the likeness of those who spend their substance, seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, is as a garden, high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it but makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it receives not heavy rain, light moisture suffices it. Allah 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 whirlwind, with fire therein, and be burnt up? Thus does Allah make clear to you (His) Signs; that you may consider.
267. O you who believe! Give of the good things which you have (honourably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of it you may give away something, when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is free of all wants, and worthy of all praise.
268. The Evil One threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseemly. Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounties. And Allah cares for all and He knows all things.
269. He grants wisdom to whom He pleases; and he to whom wisdom is granted receives indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but people of understanding.
270. And whatever you spend in charity or devotion, be sure Allah knows it all. But the wrong-doers 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 from you some of your sins. And Allah is well acquainted with what you do.
272. It is not required of you (O Messenger), to set them on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleases. Whatever of good you give benefits your own souls, and you shall only do so seeking the “Face” of God. Whatever good you give, shall be rendered back to you, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.
273. (Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allah’s cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land, seeking (for 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 beg not importunately from all and sundry. And whatever of good you give, be assured Allah knows it well.
274. Those who (in charity) spend of their goods 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 interest will not stand except as stands one whom the Satan by his touch has driven to madness. That is because they say: “Trade is like usury,” but Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who, after receiving direction from their Lord, desist, shall be pardoned for the past; their case is for Allah (to judge); but those who repeat (the offence) are Companions of the Fire: they will abide therein forever.
276. Allah will deprive usury of all growth, but will give increase for deeds of charity: for He loves not every ungrateful and wicked person.
277. Those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, and establish regular Prayers and regular Charity, will have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve
278. O you who believe! Fear Allah, and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if you are indeed believers.
279. If you do it not, take notice of war from Allah and His Messenger: but if you turn back, you shall have your capital sums: deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.
280. If the debtor is in a difficulty, grant him time till it is easy for him to repay. But if you remit it by way of charity, that is best for you if you only knew.
281. And fear the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it 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, reduce them to writing; let a scribe write down faithfully as between the parties: let not the scribe refuse to write: as Allah has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear his Lord Allah, and not diminish aught of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally deficient, or weak, or unable himself to dictate, let his guardian dictate faithfully, and get two witnesses, out of your own men, and if there are not two men, then a man and two women, such as you choose, for witnesses, so that if one of them errs, the other can remind her. The witnesses should not refuse when they are called on (for evidence). Disdain not to reduce to writing (your contract) for a future period, whether it be small or big: it is more just in the sight of Allah, 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 reduce it not to writing. But take witness whenever you make a commercial contract; and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If you do (such harm), it would be wickedness in you. So fear Allah; Allah gives you knowledge. And Allah is well acquainted with all things.
283. If you are on a journey, and cannot find a scribe, a pledge with possession (may serve the purpose). And if one of you deposits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee (faithfully) discharge his trust, and let him fear his Lord. Conceal not evidence; for whoever conceals it―his heart is tainted with sin. And Allah knows all that you do.
284. To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether you show what is in your minds or conceal it, Allah calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases, and punishes whom He pleases, for Allah has power over all things.
285. The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do those with faith. Each one (of them) believes in Allah, 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 to You is the end of all journeys.”
286. On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray:) “Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget or fall into error; our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us; Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have 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.”


Sūrah 3Āl ‘Imrān
(The Family of ‘Imrān)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Mīm.
2. Allah! There is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal.
3. It is He Who sent down to you (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus)
4. Before this, as a guide to humanity, and He sent down the Criterion (of judgement between right and wrong). Then those who reject Faith in the Signs of Allah will suffer the severest penalty, and Allah is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution.
5. From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.
6. He it is Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
7. He it is Who has sent down to you the Book: in it are verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning); they are the foundation of the Book: others are allegorical. But those in whose hearts is perversity follow the part thereof that is allegorical, seeking discord, and searching for its hidden meanings, but no one knows its hidden meanings except Allah. 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 those with understanding.
8. “Our Lord!” (they say), “Let not our hearts deviate now after You have guided us, but grant us mercy from Your own Presence; for You are the Grantor of bounties without measure.
9. Our Lord! You are He Who will gather people together for a Day about which there is no doubt; for Allah never fails in His promise.”
10. Those who reject Faith― neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: 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 Allah called them to account for their sins. For Allah is strict in punishment.
12. Say to those who reject Faith: “Soon will you be vanquished and gathered together to Hell―an evil bed indeed (to lie on)!
13. “There has already been for you a Sign in the two armies that met (in combat): one was fighting in the Cause of Allah, the other resisting Allah; these saw with their own eyes twice their number. But Allah does support with His aid whom He pleases. In this is a warning for such as have eyes to see.”
14. Fair in the eyes of men is 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. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).
15. Shall I give you glad tidings of things far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure (and holy); and the good pleasure of Allah. For in Allah’s sight are (all) His servants―
16. (Namely), those who say: “Our Lord! We have indeed believed: forgive us, then, our sins, and save us from the agony of the Fire;”―
17. Those who show patience, firmness and self-control; who are true (in word and deed); who worship devoutly; who spend (in the way of Allah); and who pray for forgiveness in the early hours of the morning.
18. There is no god but He: that is the witness of Allah, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firm on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
19. The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account.
20. So if they dispute with you, say: “I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me.” And say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned: “Do you (also) submit yourselves?” If they do, they are in right guidance, but if they turn back, your duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah’s sight are (all) His servants
21. As to those who deny the Signs of Allah and in defiance of right, slay the prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing amongst people, announce to them a grievous penalty.
22. They are those whose works will bear no fruit in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.
23. Have you not turned your vision to those who have been given a portion of the Book? They are invited to the Book of Allah, to settle their dispute, but a party of them turn back and decline (the arbitration).
24. This because they say: “The Fire shall not touch us but for a few numbered days”: for their forgeries deceive them as to their own religion.
25. But how (will they fare) when We gather them together against a Day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favour or) injustice?
26. Say: “O Allah! Lord of Power (and Rule), You give power to whom You please, and You strip off power from whom You please: You endue with honour whom You please, and You bring low whom You please: in Your hand is all Good. Verily, over all things You have power.
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 give sustenance to whom You please, without measure.”
28. Let not the believers take (protecting) patrons Unbelievers rather than Believers: if any do that, in nothing will there be help from Allah: except by way of precaution, that you may guard yourselves from them. But Allah cautions you (to remember) Himself; for the final goal is to Allah.
29. Say: “Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah 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 Allah cautions you (to remember) Himself. And Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him.”
31. Say: “If you do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
32. Say: “Obey Allah and His Messenger”: but if they turn back, Allah loves not those who reject Faith.
33. Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of ‘Imrān above all people―
34. Offspring, one of the other: and Allah hears and knows all things
35. Behold! A woman of ‘Imrān Said: “O my Lord! I do dedicate unto You what is in my womb for Your special service: so accept this of me: for You hear and know all things.”
36. When she was delivered, she said: “O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!”―and Allah knew best what she brought forth―“And no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and her offspring to Your protection from the Satan, the Rejected.”
37. Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: to the care of Zakariyyā was she assigned. Every time that he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: “O Mary! Whence comes this to you?” She said: “From Allah: for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without measure.”
38. There did Zakariyyā pray to his Lord, saying: “O my Lord! Grant unto me from You a progeny that is pure: for You are He that hears prayer!
39. While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: “Allah does give you glad tidings of Yahyā, witnessing the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, chaste, and a Prophet―of the (goodly) company of the righteous.”
40. He said: “O my Lord! How shall I have son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?” “Thus,” was the answer, “Does Allah accomplish what He wills.”
41. He said: “O my Lord! Give me a Sign!” “Your Sign,” was the answer, “Shall be that you shall speak to no man for three days but with signals. Then celebrate the praises of your Lord again and again, and glorify Him in the evening and in the morning.”
42. Behold! The angels said: “O Mary! Allah has chosen you and purified you―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 things unseen, which We reveal unto you (O Messenger!) by inspiration: 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! Allah gives you Glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah;
46. “He shall speak to the people in cradle 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: Allah creates what He wills: when He has decreed a plan, He but says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is!
48. “And Allah 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, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if you did believe;
50. “‘(I have come to you), to attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.’”
51. “‘Indeed Allah is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight.’”
52. When Jesus found unbelief on their part he said: “Who will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah?” Said the Disciples: “We are Allah’s helpers: we believe in Allah, and do you bear witness that we are Muslims.
53. “Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed, and we follow the Messenger; then write us down among those who bear witness.”
54. And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.
55. Behold! Allah 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, to the Day of Resurrection: then shall you all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein you dispute.
56. “As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.
57. “As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loves not those who do wrong.
58. “This is what We rehearse unto you of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom.”
59. The similitude of Jesus Before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: “Be”. And he was.
60. The Truth (comes) from Allah alone; so be not of those who doubt.
61. If any one disputes in 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 the curse of Allah on those who lie!”
62. This is the true account: there is no god except Allah; and Allah―He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise.
63. But if they turn back, Allah has full knowledge of those who do mischief.
64. Say: “O People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than Allah.” If then they turn back, say you: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will).
65. You People of the Book! Why dispute you 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 dispute you in matters of which you have no knowledge? Allah knows, and you know not!
67. Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah’s (which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah.
68. Without doubt, among humanity, the nearest of kin to Abraham, are those who follow him, as are also this Messenger and those who believe: and Allah is the Protector of those who have faith.
69. It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray (none), but themselves, and they do not perceive!
70. You People of the Book! Why reject you the Signs of Allah, of which you are (yourselves) witnesses?
71. You People of the Book! Why do you clothe truth with falsehood, and conceal the truth, while you have knowledge?
72. A section 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; perchance they may (themselves) turn back;
73. “And believe no one unless he follows your religion.” Say: “True guidance is the Guidance of Allah: (fear you) lest a revelation be sent to someone (else) like unto that which was sent unto you? Or that those (receiving such revelation) should engage you in argument before your Lord?” Say: “All bounties are in the hand of Allah: He grants them to whom He pleases: and Allah cares for all, and He knows all things.”
74. For His Mercy He specially chooses whom He pleases; for Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.
75. Among the People of the Book are some who, if entrusted with a hoard of gold, will (readily) pay it back; others, who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stood demanding, because, they say, “There is no call on us (to keep faith) with the gentiles.” But they tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it.
76. Nay―those that keep their plighted faith and act aright― verily Allah loves those who act aright.
77. As for those who sell the faith they owe to Allah and their own plighted word for a small price, they shall have no portion in the Hereafter: nor will Allah (deign to) speak to them or look at them on the Day of Judgement, nor will He cleanse them (of sin): they shall have a grievous penalty.
78. There is among them a section who distort the Book with their tongues: (as they read) you would think it is a part of the Book, but it is no part of the Book; and they say, “That is from Allah,” but it is not from Allah: it is they who tell a lie against Allah, and (well) they know it!
79. It is not (possible) that a man, to whom is given the Book, and Wisdom, and the Prophetic Office, should say to people: “Be you my worshippers rather than Allah’s”: on the contrary (he would say): “Be you worshippers of 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 bid you to unbelief after you have bowed your will (to Allah in Islam)?
81. Behold! Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying: “I give you a Book and Wisdom; then comes to you a Messenger, confirming what is with you; do you believe in him and render him help.” Allah 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 for other than the Religion of Allah?―while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (accepted Islam), and to Him shall they all be brought back.
84. Say: “We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord: we make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam).”
85. If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).
86. How shall Allah guide those who reject Faith after they accepted it and bore witness that the Messenger was true and that Clear Signs had come unto them? But Allah guides not a people unjust.
87. Of such the reward is that on them (rests) the curse of Allah, of His angels, and of all humanity;
88. In that will they dwell; nor will their penalty be lightened, nor respite be their (lot)―
89. Except for those that repent (even) after that, and make amends; for verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
90. But those who reject Faith after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defiance of Faith― never will their repentance be accepted; for they are those who have (of set purpose) gone astray.
91. As to those who reject Faith, and die rejecting―never would be accepted from any such as much gold as the earth contains, though they should offer it for ransom. For such is (in store) a penalty grievous, and they will find no helpers.
92. By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, of a truth Allah knows it well.
93. All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for itself, before the Law (of Moses) was revealed. Say: “Bring you the Law and study it, if you be men of truth.”
94. If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to Allah, they are indeed unjust wrong-doers.
95. Say: “Allah speaks the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the unswerving in faith; he was not of the Pagans.”
96. The first House (of worship) appointed for people was that at Bakkah: full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings:
97. In it are Signs manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty people owe to Allah―those who are able to make the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures.
98. Say: “O People of the Book! Why reject you the Signs of Allah, when Allah is Himself witness to all you do?”
99. “O you People of the Book! Why obstruct you those who believe, from the Path of Allah, seeking to make it crooked, while you were yourselves witnesses (to Allah’s Covenant)? But Allah 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 unto you are rehearsed the Signs of Allah, and among you lives the Messenger? Whoever holds firmly to Allah will be shown a way that is straight.
102. O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state―of Islam.
103. And hold fast, all together, by the Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, you became brethren; and you were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make His Signs clear to you: that you may be guided.
104. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity.
105. Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: for them is a dreadful penalty―
106. On the Day when some faces will be (lit up with) white, and some faces will be (in the gloom of) black: to those whose faces will be black, (will be said): “Did you reject Faith after accepting it? Taste then the penalty for rejecting Faith.”
107. But those whose faces will be (lit with) white―they will be in (the light of) Allah’s mercy: therein to dwell (for ever).
108. These are the Signs of Allah: We rehearse them to you in Truth: and Allah means no injustice to any of His creatures.
109. To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: to Him do all questions go back (for decision).
110. You are the best of peoples, brought forth for humanity, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it were best for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.
111. They will do you no harm, barring a trifling annoyance; if they come out to fight you, they will show you their backs, and no help shall they get.
112. Shame is pitched over them (like a tent) wherever they are found, except when under a covenant (of protection) from Allah and from men; they draw on themselves wrath from Allah, and pitched over them is (the tent of) destitution. This is because they rejected the Signs of Allah, and slew the Prophets in defiance of right; this is because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds.
113. Not all of them are alike: of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (for the right): they rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration.
114. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: they are in the ranks of the righteous.
115. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knows well those that do right.
116. Those who reject Faith― neither their possessions nor their (numerous) progeny will avail them aught against Allah: they will be companions of the Fire― dwelling therein forever.
117. What they spend in the life of this (material) world may be likened to a wind which brings a nipping frost: it strikes and destroys the harvest of men who have wronged their own souls: it is not Allah that has wronged them, but they wrong themselves.
118. O you who believe! Take not into your intimacy 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 plain to you the Signs, if you have wisdom.
119. Ah! You are those who love them, but they love you not― 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; Allah knows well all the secrets of the heart.”
120 If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if you are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah compasses round about all that they do.
121. Remember that morning you did leave your household (early) to post the faithful at their stations for battle: and Allah hears and knows all things:
122. Remember two of your parties meditated cowardice; but Allah was their protector, and in Allah should the Faithful (ever) put their trust.
123. Allah had helped you at Badr, when you were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus may you show your gratitude.
124. Remember you said to the Faithful: “Is it not enough for you that Allah should help you with three thousand angels (specially) sent down?
125. “Yea―if you remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels making a terrific onslaught.
126. Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah, 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. Not for you, (but for Allah), is the decision: whether He turn in mercy to them, or punish them; for they are indeed wrong-doers.
129. To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases; but Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
130. O you who believe! Devour not interest, doubled and multiplied; but fear Allah; that you may (really) prosper.
131. Fear the Fire, which is prepared for those who reject Faith:
132. And obey Allah 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 of the earth, prepared for the righteous―
134. Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) people―for Allah loves those who do good―
135. And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins―and who can forgive sins except Allah?―and are never obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.
136. For such the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath―an eternal dwelling: how excellent a recompense for those who work (and strive)!
137. Many were the Ways of Life that have passed away before you: travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.
138. Here is a plain statement to people, a guidance and instruction to those who fear Allah!
139. So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: for you must gain mastery if you are true in Faith.
140. If a wound has touched you, be sure a similar wound has touched the others. Such days (of varying fortunes) We give to people and people by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks martyr-witnesses (to Truth). And Allah loves not those that do wrong.
141. Allah’s object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing those that resist Faith.
142. Did you think that you would enter Heaven without Allah 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. Muhammad is no more than a Messenger: many were the Messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will you then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.
145. Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term being fixed as by writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if any do desire a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that (serve Us with) gratitude.
146. How many of the Prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah 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: establish our feet firmly, and help us against those that resist Faith.”
148. And Allah gave them a reward in this world, and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. For Allah 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, Allah is your Protector, and He is the best of helpers.
151. Soon shall We cast terror into the hearts of the unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority: their abode will be the Fire: and evil is the home of the wrong-doers!
152. Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when you with His permission 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) which you covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then did He divert you from your foes in order to test you but He forgave you: for Allah is full of grace to those who believe.
153. Behold! You were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah give 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 Allah is well aware of all that you do.
154. After (the excitement) 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 Allah―suspicions due to ignorance. They said: “What affair is this of ours?” Say you: “Indeed, this affair is wholly Allah’s.” They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to you. They say (to themselves): “If we had had anything to do with this affair, 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) that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts.
155. Those of you who turned back on the day the two hosts met―it was Satan who caused them to fail, because of some (evil) they had done. But Allah has blotted out (their fault): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
156. O you who believe! Be not like the unbelievers, who say of their brethren, when they are travelling through the earth or engaged in fighting: “If they had stayed with us, they would not have died, or been slain.” This that Allah may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. It is Allah that gives Life and Death, and Allah sees well all that you do.
157. And if you are slain, or die, in the way of Allah, forgiveness and mercy from Allah are far better than all they could amass.
158. And if you die, or are slain, Lo! It is unto Allah that you are brought together.
159. It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you do deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs. Then, when you have taken a decision put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).
160. If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: if He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? In Allah, then, let believers put their trust.
161. No prophet could (ever) be false to his trust. If any person is so false, he shall, on the Day of Judgement, restore what he misappropriated; then shall every soul receive its due―whatever it earned―and none shall be dealt with unjustly.
162. Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allah like the man who draws on himself the wrath of Allah, and whose abode is in Hell?―a woeful refuge!
163. They are in varying degrees in the sight of Allah, and Allah sees well all that they do.
164. Allah did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the Signs of Allah, sanctifying them, and instructing them in Scripture and Wisdom, while, before that, they had been in manifest error.
165. What! When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, do you say?―“Whence is this?” Say (to them): “It is from yourselves: for Allah has power over all things.”
166. What you suffered on the day the two armies met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers―
167. And the Hypocrites also. These were told: “Come, fight in the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (the foe from your city).” They said: “Had we known (for certain) that there would be fighting, we should certainly have followed you.” They were that day nearer to Unbelief than to Faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts but Allah has full knowledge of all they conceal.
168. (They are) the ones that say, (of their brethren slain), while they themselves sit (at ease): “If only they had listened to us they would not have been slain.” Say: “Avert death from your own selves, if you speak the truth.”
169. Think not of those who are slain in Allah’s way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the Presence of their Lord;
170. They rejoice in the Bounty provided by Allah: and with regard to those left behind, who have not yet joined them (in their bliss), the (Martyrs) glory in the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they (cause to) grieve.
171. They glory in the Grace and the Bounty from Allah, and in the fact that Allah suffers not the reward of the Faithful to be lost (in the least).
172. Of those who answered the call of Allah and the Messenger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward―
173. Those to whom people said: “a great army is gathering against you”: and frightened them: but it (only) increased their Faith: they said: “For us Allah suffices, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.”
174. And they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah: no harm ever touched them: for they followed the good pleasure of Allah: and Allah is the Lord of bounties unbounded.
175. It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: be you not afraid of them, but fear Me, if you have Faith.
176. Let not those grieve you who rush headlong into Unbelief: not the least harm will they do to Allah: Allah’s Plan is that He will give them no portion in the Hereafter, but a severe punishment.
177. Those who purchase unbelief at the price of faith―not the least harm will they do to Allah, but they will have a grievous punishment.
178. Let not the unbelievers think that Our respite to them is good for themselves: We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity: but they will have a shameful punishment.
179. Allah 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) whom He pleases. So believe in Allah and His Messengers: and if you believe and do right, you have a reward without measure.
180. And let not those who covetously withhold of the gifts which Allah has given them of His Grace, think that it is good for them: nay, it will be the worse for them: soon shall the things which they covetously withheld be tied to their necks like a twisted collar, on the Day of Judgement. To Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth; and Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
181. Allah has heard the taunt of those who say: “Truly, Allah is indigent and we are rich!”―We shall certainly record their word and (their act) of slaying the Prophets in defiance of right, and We shall say: “Taste you the Penalty of the Scorching Fire!
182. “This is because of the (unrighteous deeds) which your hands sent on before you: for Allah never harms those who serve Him.”
183. They (also) said: “Allah took our promise not to believe in a Messenger unless he showed us a sacrifice consumed by Fire (from heaven).” Say: “There came to you Messengers before me, with Clear Signs and even with what you ask for: why then did you slay them, if you speak the truth?”
184. Then if they reject you, so were rejected Messengers before you, who came with Clear Signs, and the Scriptures, and the Book of Enlightenment.
185. Every soul shall have a taste of death: and only on the Day of Judgement shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and 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 Allah took a Covenant from the People of the Book, to make it known and clear to people, and not to hide it; but they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gain! And vile was the bargain they made!
188. Think not that those who exult in what they have brought about, and love to be praised for what they have not done―think not that they can escape the Penalty. For them is a Penalty grievous indeed.
189. To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and Allah 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 those with understanding―
191. Those who celebrate the praises of Allah, 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! Not for naught have You created (all) this! Glory to You! Give us salvation from the Penalty of the Fire.
192. “Our Lord! Any whom You do admit to the Fire, truly You cover with shame, and never will wrong-doers find any helpers!
193. “Our Lord! We have heard the call of one calling (us) to Faith, ‘Believe you in the Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Yourself our souls in the company of the righteous.
194. “Our Lord! Grant us what You did promise unto us through Your Messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Judgement: for You never break Your promise.”
195. And their Lord has accepted of them, and answered them: “Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female: you all are offsprings of one another; those who have left their homes, or been driven out therefrom, or suffered harm in My Cause, or fought or been slain― verily, I will blot out from them their iniquities, and admit them into Gardens with rivers flowing beneath―a reward from the Presence of Allah, and from His Presence is the best of rewards.”
196. Let not the strutting about of the Unbelievers through the land deceive you:
197. Little is it for enjoyment: their ultimate abode 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; therein are they to dwell (for ever)―a gift from the Presence of Allah; and that which is in the Presence of Allah is the best (bliss) for the righteous.
199. And there are, certainly, among the People of the Book, those who believe in Allah, in the revelation to you, and in the revelation to them, bowing in humility to Allah: they will not sell the Signs of Allah for a miserable gain! For them is a reward with their lord, and Allah is swift in account.
200. O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that you may prosper.


Sūrah 4
Al-Nisā’
(The Women)

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. O people! Reverence your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, its mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women― reverence Allah, through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.
2. To orphans restore their property (when they reach their age), nor substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones; and devour not their substance (by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a great sin.
3. If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, marry women of your choice, two or three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess, that will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.
4. And give the women (on marriage) 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 right good cheer.
5. To those weak of understanding make not over your property, which Allah has made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.
6. Test the orphans to the age of marriage; if then you find sound judgement in them, release their property to them; but consume it not 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 for himself what is just and reasonable. When you release their property to them, take witnesses in their presence: but All-Sufficient is Allah in taking account.
7. From what is left by parents and those nearest related there is a share for men and a share for women, 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 to them words of kindness and justice.
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 Allah, and speak words of appropriate comfort.
10. Those who unjustly eat up the property of orphans, eat up a Fire into their own bellies: they will soon be enduring a blazing Fire!
11. Allah (thus) directs you as regards 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 know not whether your parents or your children are nearest to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by Allah; and Allah 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 ascendants nor descendants, 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 any one). Thus is it ordained by Allah; and Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
13. Those are limits set by Allah: those who obey Allah and His Messenger will be admitted to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to abide therein (for ever) and that will be the supreme achievement.
14. But those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a Fire, to abide therein: 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 amongst you against them; and if they testify, confine them to houses until death do claim them, or Allah ordain for them some (other) way.
16. As for those among you who are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and amend, leave them alone; for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
17. Allah accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and repent soon afterwards; to them will Allah turn in mercy: for Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
18. Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil, until death faces one of them, and he says, “Now have I repented indeed;” nor of those who die rejecting Faith: for them have We prepared a punishment most grievous.
19. O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit 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 take a dislike to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.
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, take not the least bit of it back: would you take it by slander and manifest wrong?
21. And how could you take it when you have gone in unto each other, and they have taken from you a solemn covenant?
22. And marry not women whom your fathers married―except what is past: it was shameful and odious―an abominable custom indeed.
23. Prohibited to you (for marriage) are―your mothers, daughters, sisters; father’s sisters, mother’s sisters; brother’s daughters, sister’s daughters; foster-mothers (who breastfed you), foster-sisters; your wives’ mothers; your step-daughters under your guardianship, born of your wives to whom you have gone in―no prohibition if you have not gone in―(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 Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful―
24. Also (prohibited are) women already married, except those whom your right hands possess: thus has Allah 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, give them their dowers (at least) as prescribed; but if, after a dower is prescribed, you agree mutually (to vary it), there is no blame on you, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
25. If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: and Allah has full knowledge about your Faith. You are one from another: wed them with the leave of their guardians, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: they should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: 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 that you practise self-restraint. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
26. Allah does wish to make clear to you and to show you the ordinances of those before you; and (He does wish to) turn to you (in Mercy): and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
27. Allah does wish to turn to you, but the wish of those who follow their lusts is that you should turn away (from Him)―far, far away.
28. Allah does wish to lighten your (difficulties): for the human being was created weak (in flesh).
29. O you who believe! Eat not up your property―among yourselves in vanities: but let there be amongst you traffic and trade by mutual good-will: nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah has been to you Most Merciful!
30. If any do that in rancour and injustice―soon shall We cast them into the Fire: and easy it is for Allah.
31. If you (but) eschew the most heinous of the things which you are forbidden to do, We shall expel out of you all the evil in you, and admit you to a Gate of great honour.
32. And in no wise covet those things in which Allah has bestowed His gifts more freely on some of you than on others: to men is allotted what they earn, and to women what they earn: but ask Allah of His bounty. For Allah has full knowledge of all things.
33. To (benefit) every one, We have appointed shares and heirs to property left by parents and relatives. To those, also, to whom your right hand was pledged, give their due portion. For truly Allah is witness to all things.
34. (Husbands) are the protectors and maintainers of their (wives), because Allah has given the 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 Allah would have them guard. As to those women on whose part you fear disloyalty and ill-conduct, councel them (first), (next), refuse to share their beds, (and last) beat them (lightly); but if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all).{This verse directly addresses the psychology of the male in a relationship and tells the male that he should not resort to violence when he has suspicions with respect to is wife, but rather he should pursue to counselling, if counselling does not produce the desired outcome, the period taken to pursue counselling has the calming effect and gives the parties the chance to reflect on whether they need to stay together or not, explanation added on review of the translation of the meaning}
35. If you fear a breach between them twain, appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; if they wish for peace, Allah will cause their reconciliation: for Allah has full knowledge, and is acquainted with all things.
36. Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good― to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious―
37. (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others, or hide the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them; for We have prepared, for those who resist Faith, a punishment that steeps them in contempt―
38. Not those who spend of their substance, to be seen of people, but have no faith in Allah and the Last Day: if any take Satan for their intimate, what a dreadful intimate he is!
39. And what burden were it on them if they had faith in Allah and in the Last Day, and they spent out of what Allah has given them for sustenance? For Allah has full knowledge of them.
40. Allah 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. How then if We brought from each people a witness, 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 the earth were made one with them: but never will they hide a single fact from Allah!
43. O you who believe! Approach not prayers with a mind befogged, until you can understand all that you say―nor in a state of ceremonial impurity (except when travelling 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 therewith your faces and hands. For Allah does blot out sins and forgive again and again.
44. Have you not turned your vision to those who were given a portion of the Book? They traffic in error, and wish that you should lose the right path.
45. But Allah has full knowledge of your enemies: Allah is enough for a Protector, and Allah is enough for a Helper.
46. Of the Jews there are those who displace words from their (right) places, and say: “We hear and we disobey”; and “Hear, may you not hear”; and “Rā‘inā” ; with a twist of their tongues and a slander to 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 Allah has cursed them for their Unbelief; and but 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 hindwards, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers, for the decision of Allah must be carried out.
48. Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him; but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases; to set up partners with Allah is to devise a sin most heinous indeed.
49. Have you not turned your vision to those who claim sanctity for themselves? Nay―but Allah does sanctify whom He pleases. But never will they fail to receive justice in the least little thing.
50. Behold! How they invent a lie against Allah but that by itself is a manifest sin!
51. Have you not turned your vision to 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 Allah has cursed: and those whom Allah has cursed, you will find, have no one to help.
53. Have they a share in dominion or power? Behold, they give not a farthing to their fellow-human beings?
54. Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His bounty? But We had already given the people of Abraham the Book and Wisdom, and conferred upon them a great kingdom.
55. Some of them believed, and some of them averted their faces from him: and enough is Hell for a burning fire.
56. Those who reject Our Signs, We shall soon cast into the Fire: as often as their skins are roasted through, We shall change them for fresh skins, that they may taste the Penalty: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
57. But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath―their eternal home: therein shall they have companions pure and holy: We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever deepening.
58. Allah does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judge between people that you judge with justice: verily how excellent is the teaching which He gives you! For Allah is He Who hears and sees all things.
59. O you who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you do believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best, and most suitable for final determination.
60. Have you not turned your vision to 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 judgement (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).
61. When it is said to them: “Come to what Allah has revealed, and to the Messenger”: you see the Hypocrites avert their faces from you in disgust.
62. How then, when they are seized by misfortune, because of the deeds which their hands have sent forth? Then they come to you, swearing by Allah: “We meant no more than good-will and conciliation!”
63. Those ―Allah knows what is in their hearts; so keep clear of them, but give them advice and speak to them a word to reach their very souls.
64. We sent not a Messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the Will of Allah. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come unto you and asked Allah’s forgiveness, and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah indeed Oft-Returning, 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 against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest conviction.
66. If We had 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, it would have been best for them, and would have gone farthest to strengthen their (faith);
67. And We should then have given them from Our Presence a great reward;
68. And We should have shown them the Straight Way.
69. All who obey Allah and the Messenger are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah―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 the bounty from Allah: and sufficient is it that Allah 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 among you those who would tarry behind: if a misfortune befalls you, they say: “Allah did favour us in that we were not present among them.”
73. But if good fortune comes to you from Allah, they would be sure to say―as if there had never been ties of affection between you and them―“Oh! I wish I had been with them; a fine thing should I then have made of it!”
74. Let those fight in the cause of Allah who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fights in the cause of Allah―whether he is slain or gets victory―soon shall We give him a reward of great (value).
75. And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?―men, women, and children, whose cry is: “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect; and raise for us from You one who will help!”
76. Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject Faith fight in the cause of Evil: so fight you against the friends of Satan: feeble indeed is the cunning of Satan.
77. Have you not turned your vision to those who were told to hold back their hands (from fight) but establish regular Prayers and spend in regular Charity? When (at length) the order for fighting was issued to them, behold! A section of them feared people as―or even more than―they should have feared Allah: they said: “Our Lord! Why have You ordered us to fight? Would You not grant us respite to our (natural) term, near (enough)?” Say: “Short is the enjoyment of this world: the Hereafter is the best for those who do right: never will you be dealt with unjustly in the very least!
78. “Wherever you are, death will find you out, even if you are in towers built up strong and high!” If some good befalls them, they say, “This is from Allah”; but if evil, they say, “This is from you” (O Prophet). Say: “All things are from Allah.” 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 Allah; but whatever evil happens to you, is from your (own) soul. And We have sent you as a Messenger to (instruct) humanity. And enough is Allah for a witness.
80. He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah; 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, a section of them meditate all night on things very different from what you tell them. But Allah records their nightly (plots): so keep clear of them, and put your trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a disposer of affairs.
82. Do they not consider the Qur’ān (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.
83. When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the Messenger, or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have tested it from them (direct). Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allah unto you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan.
84. Then fight in Allah’s cause― you are held responsible only for yourself―and rouse the Believers. It may be that Allah will restrain the fury of the Unbelievers; for Allah is the strongest in might and in punishment.
85. Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: and whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden: and Allah has power over all things.
86. When a (courteous) greeting is offered you, meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy. Allah takes careful account of all things.
87. Allah! There is no god but He: of a surety He will gather you together against the Day of Judgement, about which there is no doubt. And whose word can be truer than Allah’s?
88. Why should you be divided into two parties about the Hypocrites? Allah has upset them for their (evil) deeds. Would you guide those whom Allah has thrown out of the Way? For those whom Allah has thrown out of the Way, never shall you find the Way.
89. They but wish that you should reject Faith, as they do, and thus be on the same footing (as they): but take not supporting patrons from their ranks until they flee in the way of Allah (from what is forbidden). But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wherever you find them; and (in any case) take no supporting patrons or helpers from their ranks―
90. Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had willed, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (guarantees of) peace, then Allah has opened no way for you (to war against them).
91. Others you will find that wish to gain your confidence as well as that of their people: every time they are sent back to temptation, they succumb thereto: if they withdraw not from you nor give you (guarantees) of peace besides restraining their hands, seize them and slay them wherever you get them: in their case We have provided you with a clear argument against them.
92. Never should a believer kill a believer; but (if it so 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 deceased’s family, 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 treaty of mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah: for Allah has all knowledge and all wisdom.
93. And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell, to abide therein forever: and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a dreadful penalty is prepared for him.
94. O you who believe! When you go abroad in the cause of Allah, investigate carefully, and say not to anyone who offers you a salutation: “You are none of a believer!”― coveting the perishable goods of this life: with Allah are profits and spoils abundant. Even thus were you yourselves before, till Allah conferred on you His favours: therefore carefully investigate. For Allah is well aware of all that you do.
95. Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and receive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah with their goods and their persons. Allah has granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit (at home). Unto all (in Faith) has Allah promised good: but those who strive and fight has He distinguished above those who sit (at home) by a special reward―
96. Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and Forgiveness and Mercy. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, 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: “Weak and oppressed were we in the earth.” They say: “Was not the earth of Allah spacious enough for you to move yourselves away (from evil)?” These will find their abode in Hell―what an evil refuge!―
98. Except those who are (really) weak and oppressed―men, women, and children who have no means in their power, nor (a guidepost) to direct their way.
99. For these, there is hope that Allah will forgive: for Allah does blot out (sins) and forgive again and again.
100. He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah, finds in the earth many a refuge, wide and spacious: should he die as a refugee from home for Allah and His Messenger, his reward becomes due and sure with Allah: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, 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 unto you open 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 arms with them: when they finish their prostrations, let them take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which has not yet prayed―and let them pray with you, taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if you were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if you put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because you are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers Allah has prepared a humiliating punishment.
103. When you finish your (congregational) prayers, celebrate Allah’s praises, standing, sitting down, 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 slacken not in following up the enemy: if you are suffering hardships, they are suffering similar hardships; but you have hope from Allah, while they have none. And Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
105. We have sent down to you the Book in truth, that you might judge between people, as guided by Allah: so be not (used) as an advocate by those who betray their trust;
106. But seek the forgiveness of Allah; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
107. Contend not on behalf of such as betray their own souls; for Allah loves not one given to perfidy and crime:
108. They may hide (their crimes) from people, but they cannot hide (them) from Allah, seeing that He is in their midst when they plot by night, in words that He cannot approve: and Allah does compass round all that they do.
109. Ah! Here you are contending on their behalf in this world; but who will contend with Allah on their behalf on the Day of Judgement, or who will carry their affairs through?
110. If any one does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks Allah’s forgiveness, he will find Allah Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
111. And if any one earns sin, he earns it against his own soul: for Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
112. But if any one earns a fault or a sin and throws it on to one that is innocent, he carries (on himself) (both) a falsehood and a flagrant sin.
113. But for the Grace of Allah to you and His Mercy, a party of them would certainly have plotted to lead you astray. But (in fact) they will only lead their own souls astray, and to you they can do no harm in the least. For Allah has sent down to you the Book and Wisdom and taught you what you knew not (before): and great is the Grace of Allah unto you.
114. In most of their secret talks there is no good: but if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation between people, (secrecy is permissible): to him who does this, seeking the good pleasure of Allah, We shall soon give a reward of the highest (value).
115. If anyone contends with the Messenger even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and follows a path other than that of the believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell― what an evil refuge!
116. Allah forgives not (the sin of) joining other gods with Him; but He forgives whom He pleases other sins than this: one who joins other gods with Allah, has strayed far, far away (from the Right).
117. (The Pagans), leaving Him, call but upon female deities: they call but upon Satan the persistent rebel!
118. Allah did curse him, but he said: “I will take of Your servants a portion marked off;
119. “I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires; I will order them to slit the ears of cattle, and to deface the (fair) nature created by Allah.” Whoever, forsaking Allah, takes Satan for a friend, has of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest.
120. Satan makes them promises, and creates in them false desires; but Satan’s promises are nothing but deception.
121. They (his dupes) will have their dwelling in Hell, and from it they will find no way of escape.
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. Allah’s promise is the truth, and whose word can be truer than Allah’s?
123. Not your desires, nor those of the People of the Book (can prevail): whoever works evil will be requited accordingly. Nor will he find, besides Allah, any protector or helper.
124. If any do deeds of righteousness―be they male or female― 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 Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend.
126. But to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and Allah is He Who encompasses all things.
127. They ask your instruction concerning the women say: Allah does instruct you about them: and (remember) what has been rehearsed unto you in the Book, concerning the orphans of women to whom you give not the portions prescribed, and yet whom you desire to marry, as also concerning the children who are weak and oppressed: that you stand firm for justice to orphans. There is not a good deed which you do, but Allah is well-acquainted therewith.
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 themselves; and such settlement is best; even though those gathered may be swayed by greed. But if you do good and practise self-restraint, Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
129. You are never able to be fair and just as between women, even if it is your ardent desire: but turn not away (from a woman) altogether, so as to leave her (as it were) hanging (in the air). If you mend your ways and practise self-restraint, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
130. But if they disagree (and must part), Allah will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty: for Allah cares for all and is Wise.
131. To Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Verily We have directed the People of the Book before you, and you (O Muslims) to fear Allah. But if you deny Him, lo! unto Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
132. Yea, unto Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and enough is Allah to carry through all affairs.
133. If it were His will, He could destroy you, O humanity, and create another race; for He has power to do this.
134. If any one desires a reward in this life, in Allah’s (gift) is the reward (both) of this life and of the Hereafter: for Allah hears and sees (all things).
135. O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
136. O you who believe! Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and the scripture which He has sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent to those before (him). Any who denies Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgement, 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―Allah will not forgive them nor guide them on the Way.
138. To the Hypocrites give tidings that there is for them (but) a grievous Penalty―
139. Indeed, to those who take for protecting patrons unbelievers rather than believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay―all honour is with Allah.
140. Already has He sent you Word in the Book, that when you hear the signs of Allah 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 Allah will collect the Hypocrites and those who defy faith―all in Hell―
141. (These are) the ones who wait and watch about you: if you do gain a victory from Allah, they say: “Were we not with you?”― but if the Unbelievers gain a success, they say (to them): “Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the believers?” But Allah will judge between you on the Day of Judgement. And never will Allah grant to the unbelievers a way (to triumphs) over the Believers.
142. The Hypocrites―they think they are over-reaching Allah, but He will over-reach them: when they stand up to prayer, they stand without earnestness, to be seen of people, but little do they hold Allah in remembrance;
143. (They are) distracted in mind even in the midst of it―being (sincerely) for neither one group nor for another, whom Allah leaves straying―never will you find for him the Way.
144. O you who believe! Take not for protecting patrons unbelievers rather than believers: do you wish to offer Allah an open proof against yourselves?
145. The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire: no helper will you find for them―
146. Except for those who repent, mend (their lives) hold fast to Allah, and purify their religion as in Allah’s sight: if so they will be (numbered) with the Believers. And soon will Allah grant to the believers a reward of immense value.
147. What can Allah gain by your punishment, if you are grateful and you believe? Nay, it is Allah that recognises (all good), and knows all things.
148. Allah loves not that evil should be noised abroad in public speech, except where injustice has been done; for Allah is He Who hears and knows all things.
149. Whether you publish a good deed or conceal it or cover evil with pardon, verily Allah does blot out (sins) and has power (in the judgement of values).
150. Those who deny Allah and His Messengers, and (those who) wish to separate Allah from His Messengers, saying: “We believe in some but reject others”: and (those who) wish to take a course midway―
151. They are in truth (equally) unbelievers; and We have prepared for unbelievers a humiliating punishment.
152. To those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of the Messengers, We shall soon give their (due) rewards: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
153. The people of the Book ask you to cause a book to descend to them from heaven: indeed they asked Moses for an even greater (miracle), for they said: “Show us Allah in the open,” but they were dazed for their presumption, with thunder and lightning. 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: “Transgress not in the matter of the Sabbath.” And We took from them a solemn Covenant.
155. (They have incurred divine displeasure): in that they broke their Covenant; that they rejected the Signs of Allah; that they slew the Messengers in defiance of right; that they said, “Our hearts are the wrappings (which preserve Allah’s Word; we need no more)”―nay, Allah has set the seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe―
156. That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
157. That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah”― but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not―
158. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise―
159. And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of Judgement he will be a witness against them―
160. For the iniquity of the Jews We made unlawful for them certain (foods) good and wholesome which had been lawful for them― in that they hindered many from Allah’s Way―
161. That they took interest (on loans), though they were forbidden; and that they devoured people's wealth wrongfully―We have prepared for those among them who reject Faith a grievous punishment.
162. But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers, believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you: and (especially) those who establish regular Prayer and practise regular Charity and believe in Allah and in the Last Day: to them shall We soon give a great reward.
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 Descendants, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.
164. Of some Messengers We have already told you the story; of others We have not―and to Moses Allah spoke direct―
165. Messengers who gave good news as well as warning, that humanity, after (the coming) of the Messengers, should have no plea against Allah: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
166. But Allah bears witness that what He has sent unto you He has sent from His (own) knowledge, and the angels bear witness: but enough is Allah for a witness.
167. Those who reject Faith and keep off (people) from the Way of Allah, have verily strayed far, far away from the Path.
168. Those who reject Faith and do wrong―Allah will not forgive them nor guide them to any way―
169. Except the way of Hell, to dwell therein forever. And this to Allah is easy.
170. O humanity! The Messenger has come to you in truth from your Lord: believe in him: it is best for you. But if you reject Faith, to Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth: and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
171. O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not “Trinity”: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One God: Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.
172. Christ disdains not to serve and worship Allah, nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allah): those who disdain His worship and are arrogant―He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer).
173. But to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give 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, besides Allah, any to protect or help them.
174. O humanity! Verily there has come to you a convincing proof from your Lord: for We have sent unto you a light (that is) manifest.
175. Then those who believe in Allah, and hold fast to Him―soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by a straight Way.
176. They ask you for a legal decision. Say: Allah directs (thus) about those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs. If it is a man that dies, leaving a sister but no child, she shall have half the inheritance: if (such a 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 having twice the share of the female. Thus does Allah make clear to you (His law), lest you err. And Allah has knowledge of all things.


Sūrah 5
Al-Mā’idah
(The Table Spread)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. O you who believe! Fulfil (all) obligations. Lawful unto you (for food) are all four-footed animals, with the exceptions named: but animals of the chase are forbidden while you are in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb: for Allah does command according to His Will and Plan.
2. O you who believe! Violate not the sanctity of the symbols of Allah, nor of the Sacred Month, nor of the animals brought for sacrifice, nor the garlands that mark out such animals, nor the people resorting to the Sacred House, seeking of the bounty and good pleasure of their Lord. But when you are clear of the Sacred Precincts and of pilgrim garb, you may hunt and let not the hatred of some people in (once) shutting you out of the Sacred Mosque lead you to transgression (and hostility on your part). Help you one another in righteousness and piety, but help you not one another in sin and rancour: fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment.
3. Forbidden to you (for food) are: dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which has been invoked the name of other than Allah; 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); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows: that is impiety. This day have those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion: yet fear them not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
4. They ask you what is lawful to them (as food). Say: Lawful unto you are (all) things good and pure: and what you have taught your trained hunting animals (to catch) in the manner directed to you by Allah: eat what they catch for you, but pronounce the name of Allah over it: and fear Allah; for Allah is swift in taking account.
5. This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not only) chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book, revealed before your time―when you give them their due dowers, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret intrigues. If anyone rejects Faith, fruitless is his work, 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, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water); and (wash) your feet 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 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 therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not wish to place you in a difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete His favour to you, that you may be grateful.
7. And call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you, and His Covenant, which He ratified with you, when you said: “We hear and we obey”: and fear Allah, for Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts.
8. O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
9. To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness has Allah promised forgiveness and a great reward.
10. Those who reject faith and deny Our Signs will be companions of Hell-fire.
11. O you who believe! Call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you when certain men formed the design to stretch out their hands against you, but (Allah) held back their hands from you: so fear Allah. And on Allah let Believers put (all) their trust.
12. Allah did aforetime take a Covenant from the Children of Israel, and We appointed twelve Captains among them. And Allah said: “I am with you: if you (but) establish regular Prayers, practise regular Charity, believe in My Messengers, honour and assist them, and loan to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from you 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 path of rectitude.”
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 Allah loves those who are kind.
14. From those, too, who call themselves Christians, We did take a Covenant, but they forgot a good part of the message that was sent them: so We estranged them, with enmity and hatred between the one and the other, to the Day of Judgement. And soon will Allah show them what it is they have done.
15. O People of the Book! There has come to you Our Messenger, revealing to you much that you used to hide in the Book, and passing over much (that is now unnecessary): there has come to you from Allah a (new) light and a perspicuous Book―
16. Wherewith Allah guides all who seek His good pleasure to ways of peace and safety, and leads them out of darkness, by His Will, unto the light―guides them to a path that is Straight.
17. In blasphemy indeed are those that say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary. Say: “Who then has the least power against Allah, if His Will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and all― everyone that is on the earth? For to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between. He creates what He pleases. For Allah has power over all things.”
18. (Both) the Jews and the Christians say: “We are sons of Allah, and His beloved.” Say: “Why then does He punishes you for your sins? Nay, you are but of His creation: He forgives whom He pleases, and He punishes whom He pleases: and to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between: and unto Him is the final goal (of all).”
19. O People of the Book! Now has come unto you, making (things) clear unto you, Our Messenger, after the break in (the series of) Our Messengers, lest you should say: “There came unto us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner (from evil)”: but now has come unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner (from evil). And Allah has power over all things.
20. Remember Moses said to his people: “O my people! Call in remembrance the favour of Allah unto you, when He produced prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to any other among the peoples.
21. “O my people! Enter the holy land which Allah has assigned unto you, and turn not back ignominiously, for then will you be overthrown, to your own ruin.”
22. They said: “O Moses! In this land are a people of exceeding strength: never shall we enter it until they leave it: if (once) they leave, then shall we enter.”
23. (But) among (their) God-fearing men were two on whom Allah had bestowed His grace: they said: “Assault them at the (proper) gate: when once you are in, victory will be yours; but on Allah put your trust if you have faith.”
24. They said: “O Moses! While they remain there, never shall we be able to enter, to the end of time. Go you, and your Lord, and fight you two, while we sit here (and watch).”
25. He said: “O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother: so separate us from this rebellious people!”
26. Allah said: “Therefore will the land be out of their reach for forty years: in distraction will they wander through the land: but sorrow you not over 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 Allah): it was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter: “Be sure I will slay you.” “Surely,” said the former, “Allah does accept of the sacrifice of those who are righteous.
28. “If you do stretch your hand against me, to slay me, it is not for me to stretch my hand against you to slay you: for I do fear Allah, 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 those who do wrong.”
30. The (selfish) soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him, and became (himself) one of the lost ones.
31. Then Allah sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him how to hide the shame of his brother. “Woe is me!” said he; “Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?” Then he became full of regrets―
32. On that account We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person―unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land―it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our Messengers 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 Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through 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 Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
35. O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in His cause: that you may prosper.
36. As to those who reject Faith―if they had everything on earth, and twice repeated, to give as ransom for the penalty of the Day of Judgement, it would never be accepted of them, theirs would be a grievous Penalty.
37. Their wish will be to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom: their penalty will be one that endures.
38. As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from Allah, for their crime: and Allah is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.
39. But whoever repents after his crime, and amends his conduct, Allah turns to him in forgiveness; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
40. Know you not that to Allah (alone) belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth? He punishes whom He pleases, and He forgives whom He pleases: and Allah has power over all things.
41. O Messenger! Let not those grieve you, 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 it be among the Jews―listening to lies―listening even 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 any one’s trial is intended by Allah, you have no authority in the least for him against Allah. For such―it is not Allah’s will to purify their hearts. For them there is disgrace in this world, and in the Hereafter a heavy punishment.
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, judge in equity between them. For Allah loves those who judge in equity.
43. But why do they come to you for decision, when they have (their own) law before them?―therein is the (plain) Command of Allah; yet even after that, they would turn away. For they are not (really) people of Faith.
44. It was We who revealed the Law (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its standard have been judged the Jews, by the prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah’s will, by the Rabbis and the Doctors of Law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not the people, but fear Me, and sell not My Signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed, they are (no better than) Unbelievers.
45. We ordained therein for them: “Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for 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 if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed, they are (no better than) wrongdoers.
46. And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who are conscious of Allah.
47. Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.
48. To you We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that has come to you. To each among you have We prescribed a law and an Open Way. If Allah had 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. The goal of you all is to Allah; He will show you the truth of the matters in which you dispute;
49. And this (He commands): Judge you between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, but beware of them lest they beguile you from any of that (teaching) which Allah has sent down to you. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime, it is Allah’s purpose to punish them. And truly most people are rebellious.
50. Do they then seek after a judgement of (the Days of) Ignorance? But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgement than Allah?
51. O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your protecting patrons: they are but protecting patrons to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for protective patronage) is of them. Verily Allah guides not a people unjust.
52. Those in whose hearts is a disease―you see how eagerly they run about amongst them, saying: “We do fear lest a change of fortune bring us disaster.” Ah! Perhaps Allah will give (you) victory, or a decision according to His will. Then will they repent of the thoughts which they secretly harboured in their hearts.
53. And those who believe will say: “Are these the men who swore their strongest oaths by Allah, 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 from among you turn back from his Faith, soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they will love Him―lowly with the Believers, mighty against the Rejecters, striving in the Way of Allah, and never afraid of the reproaches of such as find fault. That is the Grace of Allah, which He will bestow on whom He pleases. And Allah encompasses all, and He knows all things.
55. Your (true friends and) protecting patrons are (no less than) Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) Believers― those who establish regular Prayers and regular Charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship).
56. As to those who turn (for friendship) to Allah, His Messenger, and the (fellowship of) Believers― it is the fellowship of Allah that must certainly triumph.
57. O you who believe! Take not for protecting patrons those who take your religion for a mockery or sport―whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear you Allah, if you have Faith (indeed).
58. When you proclaim your call to prayer, they take it (but) as mockery and sport; that is because they are a people without understanding.
59. “O people of the Book! Do you disapprove of us for no other reason than that we believe in Allah, 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 Allah? Those who incurred the curse of Allah and His wrath, those of whom He transformed into apes and swine, those who worshipped Evil―these are (many times) worse in rank, and far more astray from the even Path!”
61. When they come to you, they say: “We believe”: but in fact they enter with a mind against Faith, and they go out with the same but Allah knows fully all that they hide.
62. Many of them do you see, racing each other in sin and rancour, and their eating of things forbidden. Evil indeed are the things that they do.
63. Why do not the Rabbis and the doctors of Law forbid them from their (habit of) uttering sinful words and eating things forbidden? Evil indeed are their works.
64. The Jews say: “Allah’s hand is tied up.” Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for the (blasphemy) they utter. Nay, both His hands are widely outstretched: He gives and spends (of His bounty) as He pleases. But the revelation that comes to you from Allah increases in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. Amongst them We have placed enmity and hatred till the Day of Judgement. Every time they kindle the fire of war, Allah does extinguish it; but they (ever) strive to do mischief on earth. And Allah loves not those who do mischief.
65. If only the People of the Book had believed and been righteous, We should indeed have blotted out their iniquities and admitted them to Gardens of Bliss.
66. If only they had stood fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them a party on the right course: but many of them follow a course that is evil.
67. O Messenger! Proclaim the (message) which has been sent to you from your Lord. If you did not, you would not have fulfilled and proclaimed His Mission. And Allah will defend you from the people (who mean mischief). For Allah guides not those who reject Faith.
68. Say: “O People of the Book! You have no ground to stand upon unless you stand fast by the Law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that has come to you from your Lord.” It is the Revelation that comes to you from your Lord, that increases in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blasphemy. But sorrow you not over (these) people without Faith.
69. Those who believe (in the Qur’ān), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians―any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,― on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
70. We took the Covenant of the Children of Israel and sent them Messengers. Every time, there came to them a Messenger with what they themselves desired not―some (of these) they called impostors, and some they (go so far as to) slay.
71. They thought there would be no trial (or punishment); so they became blind and deaf; yet Allah (in mercy) turned to them; yet again many of them became blind and deaf. But Allah sees well all that they do.
72. They do blaspheme who say: “Allah is Christ the son of Mary.” But said Christ: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever joins other gods with Allah―Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help.
73. They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One God. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them.
74. Why turn they not to Allah, and seek His forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
75. Christ the son of Mary was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah does make His Signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!
76. Say: “Will you worship, besides Allah, something which has no power either to harm or benefit you? But Allah―is He who hears and knows all things.”
77. Say: “O people of the Book! Exceed not in your religion the bounds (of what is proper), trespassing beyond the truth, nor follow the vain desires of people who went wrong in times gone by―who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the even Way.
78. Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary: because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses.
79. Nor did they (usually) forbid one another the iniquities which they committed: evil indeed were the deeds which they did.
80. You see many of them turning in protective patronage to the Unbelievers. Evil indeed are (the works) which their souls have sent forward before them (with the result), that Allah’s wrath is on them, and in torment will they abide.
81. If only they had believed in Allah, in the Prophet, and in what has been revealed to him, never would they have taken them for protecting patrons, but most of them are rebellious wrong-doers.
82. Strongest among them in enmity to the believers will you find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers will you find those who say, “We are Christians”: because amongst these are people devoted to learning and people 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 overflowing with tears, for they recognise the truth: they pray: “Our Lord! We believe; write us down among the witnesses.
84. “What cause can we have not to believe in Allah 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 their prayer has Allah rewarded them with gardens, with rivers flowing underneath― their eternal home. Such is the recompense of those who do good.
86. But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs―they shall be Companions Of Hell-fire.
87. O you who believe! Make not unlawful the good things which Allah has made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for Allah loves not those given to excess.
88. Eat of the things which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; but fear Allah, in Whom you believe.
89. Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give 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 keep to your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His signs, that you may be grateful.
90. O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination―of Satan’s handwork: eschew such (abomination), that you may prosper.
91. Satan’s plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will you not then abstain?
92. Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and beware (of evil): if you do turn back, know you that it is Our Messenger’s duty to proclaim (the Message) in the clearest manner.
93. On those who believe and do deeds of righteousness there is no blame for what they ate (in the past), when they guard themselves from evil, and believe, and do deeds of righteousness―(or) again, guard themselves from evil and believe― (or) again, guard themselves from evil and do good. For Allah loves those who do good.
94. O you who believe! Allah does but make a trial of you in a little matter of game well within reach of your hands and your lances, that He may test who fears Him unseen: any who transgress thereafter, will have a grievous penalty.
95. O you who believe! Kill not game while in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb. If any of you does so intentionally, the compensation is an offering, brought to the Ka‘bah, of a domestic animal equivalent to the one he killed, as adjudged by two just men among you; or by way of atonement, the feeding of the indigent; or its equivalent in fasts: that he may taste of the penalty of his deed. Allah forgives what is past: for repetition Allah will exact from him the penalty. For Allah is Exalted, and Lord of Retribution.
96. Lawful to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food―for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel; but forbidden is the pursuit of land-game―as long as you are in the Sacred Precincts or in pilgrim garb. And fear Allah, to Whom you shall be gathered back.
97. Allah made the Ka‘bah, the Sacred House, an asylum of security for people, as also the Sacred Months, the animals for offerings, and the garlands that mark them: that you may know that Allah has knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth and that Allah is well acquainted with all things.
98. Know you that Allah is strict in punishment and that Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
99. The Messenger’s duty is but to proclaim (the Message). But Allah knows all that you reveal and you conceal.
100. Say: “Not equal are things that are bad and things that are good, even though the abundance of the bad may dazzle you; so fear Allah, O you that understand; that (so) you may prosper.”
101. O you who believe! Ask not questions about things which, if made plain to you, may cause you trouble. But if you ask about things when the Qur’ān is being revealed, they will be made plain to you, Allah will forgive those: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
102. Some people before you did ask such questions, and on that account lost their faith.
103. It was not Allah who instituted (superstitions like those of) a slit-ear she-camel, or a she-camel let loose for free pasture, or idol sacrifices for twin-births in animals, or stallion-camels freed from work: it is blasphemers who invent a lie against Allah; but most of them lack wisdom.
104. When it is said to them: “Come to what Allah has revealed; come to the Messenger”: They say: “Enough for us are the ways we found our fathers following.” What! Even though their fathers were void of knowledge and guidance?
105. O you who believe! Guard your own souls: if you follow (right) guidance, no hurt can come to you from those who stray. The goal of you all is to Allah: He will show you the truth of all that you do.
106. O you who believe! When death approaches any of you, (take) witnesses among yourselves when making bequests―two just men of your own (brotherhood) or others from outside if you are journeying through the earth, and the chance of death befalls you (thus). If you doubt (their truth), detain them both after prayer, and let them both swear by Allah: “We wish not in this for any worldly gain, even though the (beneficiary) be our near relation: we shall hide not the evidence before Allah: if we do, then behold! the sin be upon us!”
107. But if it gets 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 Allah: “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! the wrong be upon us!”
108. That is most suitable: that they may give the evidence in its true nature and shape, or else they would fear that other oaths would be taken after their oaths. But fear Allah, and listen (to His counsel): for Allah guides not a rebellious people.
109. One day will Allah gather the Messengers together, and ask: “What was the response you received (from people to your teaching)?” They will say: “We have no knowledge: You are Ever-knowing in full all that is hidden.”
110. Then will Allah say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so that you did speak to the people in cradle and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and behold! you did make out of clay, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you did breathe into it and it becomes a bird by My leave, and you did heal those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! you did bring forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) you when you did show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’
111. “And behold! I inspired the disciples to have faith in Me and My Messenger: they said, ‘We have faith, and do you bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims’”.
112. Behold! The Disciples, said: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Can your Lord send down to us a Table set (with viands) from heaven?” Said Jesus: “Fear Allah, if you have faith.”
113. They said: “We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”
114. Said Jesus the son of Mary: “O Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a Table set (with viands), 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. Allah said: “I will send it down unto you: but if any of you after that resists faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples.”
116. And behold! Allah will say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Did you say unto people, ‘Worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah’?” He will say: “Glory to You! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden.
117. “Never said I to them aught except what You did command me to say, to wit, ‘Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord’; and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when You did take me up You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things.
118. “If You do punish them, they are Your servants: if You do forgive them, You are the Exalted in power, the Wise.”
119. Allah will say: “This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are gardens, with rivers flowing beneath―their eternal Home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah: that is the great salvation, (the fulfilment of all desires).
120. To Allah does belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and He has power over all things.
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Sūrah 6
Al-An‘ām
(The Livestock)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Praise be to Allah, 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. He is the One Who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term (for you). And there is in His presence another determined term; yet you doubt within yourselves!
3. And He is Allah in the heavens and on earth. He knows what you hide, and what you reveal, and He knows the (recompense) which you earn (by your deeds).
4. But never did a single one of the Signs of their Lord reach them, but they turned away therefrom.
5. And now they reject the truth when it reaches them: but soon shall they learn the reality of what they used to mock at.
6. See they not how many of those before them We did destroy?― 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 for their sins We destroyed them, and raised in their wake fresh generations (to succeed them).
7. If We had sent unto you a written (Message) on parchment, so that they could touch it with their hands, the Unbelievers would have been sure to say: “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 them.
9. If We had made it an angel, We should have sent him as a man, and We should certainly have caused them confusion in a matter which they have already covered with confusion.
10. Mocked were (many) Messengers before you; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.
11. Say: “Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those who rejected Truth.”
12. Say: “To whom belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth?” Say: “To Allah. He has inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy. That He will gather you together for the Day of Judgement, there is no doubt whatever. It is they who have lost their own souls, that will not believe.
13. To Him belongs all that dwells (or lurks) in the Night and the Day. For He is the One Who hears and knows all things.”
14. Say: “Shall I take for my protector any other than Allah, the Maker of the heavens and the earth? And He it is that feeds but is not fed. “Say: “Nay! But I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah (in Islam), and be not you of the company of those who join gods with Allah.”
15. Say: “I would, if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have fear of the Penalty of a Mighty Day.
16. “On that day, if the Penalty is averted from any, it is due to Allah’s Mercy; and that would be (Salvation), the obvious fulfilment of all desire.
17. “If Allah touch you with affliction, none can remove it but He; if He touch you with happiness, He has power over all things.
18. “He is the Irresistible, (watching) from above over His worshippers; and He is the Wise, acquainted with all things.”
19. Say: “What thing is most weighty in evidence?” Say: “Allah is witness between me and you; this Qur’ān has been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you and all whom it reaches. Can you possibly bear witness that besides Allah there is another God?” Say: “Nay! I cannot bear witness!” Say: “But in truth He is the One God, and I truly am 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. Those who have lost their own souls refuse therefore to believe.
21. Who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His Sings? But, verily the wrong-doers never shall prosper.
22. One day shall We 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. There will then be (left) no subterfuge for them but to say: “By Allah Our Lord, we were not those who joined gods with Allah.”
24. Behold! How they lie against their own souls! But the (lie) which they invented will leave them in the lurch.
25. Of them there are some who (pretend to) listen to you; but We have thrown veils on their hearts, so they understand it not, and deafness in their ears; if they saw every one of the Signs, they will not believe in them; in so much that when they come to you, they (but) dispute with you; the Unbelievers say: “These are nothing but tales of the ancients.”
26. Others they keep away from it, and themselves they keep away; but they only destroy their own souls, and they perceive it not.
27. If you could but see when they are confronted with the Fire! They will say: “Would that we were but sent back! Then would we not reject the Signs of our Lord, but would be amongst those who believe!”
28. Indeed, in their own (eyes) will become manifest what before they concealed. 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 never shall we be raised up again.”
30. If you could but see when they are confronted with their Lord! He will say: “Is not this the truth?” They will say: “Indeed, by our Lord!” He will say: “Taste you then the Penalty, because you rejected Faith.”
31. Lost indeed are they who treat it as a falsehood that they must meet Allah―until on a sudden 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 evil indeed are the burdens that they bear?
32. What is the life of this world but play and amusement? But best is the Home in the Hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand?
33. We know indeed the grief which their words do cause you: it is not you they reject: it is the Signs of Allah, which the wicked condemn.
34. Rejected were the Messengers before you: with patience and constancy they bore their rejection and their wrongs, until Our aid did reach them: there is none that can alter the Words (and Decrees) of Allah. Already have you received some account of those Messengers.
35. If their spurning is hard on your mind, yet if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a Sign―(what good?). If it were Allah’s Will, He could gather them together unto true guidance: so be not you amongst those who are swayed by ignorance (and impatience)!
36. Those who listen (in truth), be sure, will accept: as to the dead, Allah will raise them up; then will they be turned unto Him.
37. They say: “Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “Allah has certainly power to send down a Sign: but most of them understand not.”
38. There is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies with its two wings, but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they (all) shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.
39. Those who reject Our Sings are deaf and dumb―in the midst of darkness profound: whom Allah wills, He leaves to wander: whom He wills, He places on the way that is straight.
40. Say: “Think you to yourselves, if there come upon you the wrath of Allah, or the Hour (that you dread), would you then call upon other than Allah?―(reply) if you are truthful!
41. “Nay―on Him would you call, and if it be His Will, He would remove (the distress) which occasioned your 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, that they might learn humility.
43. When the suffering reached them from Us, why then did they not 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 to them the gates of all (good) things, until, in the midst of their enjoyment of Our gifts, on a sudden, We called them to account, when lo! They were plunged in despair!
45. Of the wrong-doers the last remnant was cut off. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.
46 “Think you, if Allah took away your hearing and your sight, and sealed up your hearts, who―a god other than Allah―could restore them to you?” See how We explain the Signs by various (symbols); yet they turn aside.
47. Say: “Think you, if the punishment of Allah comes to you, whether suddenly or openly, will any be destroyed except those who do wrong?
48. We send the Messengers only to give good news and to warn: so those who believe and mend (their lives)―upon them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
49. But those who reject Our Signs―them shall punishment touch, for that they ceased not from transgressing.
50. Say: “I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me.” Say: “Can the blind be held equal to the seeing?” Will you then consider not?
51. Give this warning to those in whose (hearts) is the fear that they will be brought (to Judgement) before their Lord: except for Him they will have no protector nor intercessor: that they may guard (against evil).
52. Send not away those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face. In naught are you accountable for them, and in naught are they accountable for you, that you should turn them away, and thus be (one) of the unjust.
53. Thus did We try some of them by comparison with others, that they should say: “Is it these then that Allah has favoured from amongst us?” Does not Allah know best those who are grateful?
54. When those come to you who believe in Our Signs, say: “Peace be on you: your Lord has inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy: verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented, and amend (his conduct), lo! He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
55. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail: that the way of the sinners may be shown up.
56. Say: “I am forbidden to worship those―others than Allah―whom you call upon.” Say: “I will not follow your vain desires: if I did, I would stray from the Path, and be not of 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 Allah: 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 Allah knows best those who do wrong.”
59. With Him are the keys of the unseen, the treasures that none knows but He. He knows whatever there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf does fall 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 (inscribed) in a Record clear (to those who can read).
60. It is He who does take your souls by night, and has knowledge of all that you have done by day: by day does He raise you up again; that a term appointed be fulfilled; in the end unto Him will be your return; then will He show you the truth of all that you did.
61. He is the Irresistible, (watching) from above 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 they are returned unto Allah, their Protector, the (only) Reality: is not His the Command? And He is the Swiftest in taking account.
63. Say: “Who 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 “Allah delivers you from these and all (other) distresses: and yet you worship false gods!”
65. Say: “He has power to send calamities on you, from above and below, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance― each from the other.” See how We explain the Signs by various (symbols); that they may understand.
66. But your people reject this, though it is the truth. Say: “Not mine is the responsibility for arranging your affairs;
67. For every Message is a limit of time, and soon shall you know it.”
68. When you see those 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, sit not you in the company of those who do wrong.
69. On their account no responsibility falls on the righteous, but (their duty) is to remind them, that they may (learn to) fear Allah.
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 no protector or intercessor except Allah: if it offered every ransom, (or reparation), none will 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 Allah.
71. Say: “Shall we indeed call on others besides Allah―things that can do us neither good nor harm―and turn on our heels after receiving guidance from Allah?― like one whom the evil ones have made into a fool, wandering bewildered through the earth, his friends calling, ‘Come to us’, (vainly) guiding him to the Path.” Say: “Allah’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 Allah: for it is to Him that we shall be gathered together.”
73. It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): the day He said, “Be,” Behold! It is. His Word is the Truth. His will be the dominion the day the trumpet will be blown. He knows the Unseen as well as that which is Open. For He is the Wise, well acquainted (with all things).
74. Lo! Abraham said to his father Āzar: “Take you idols for gods? For I see you and your people in manifest error.”
75. So also did We show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, that he might (with understanding) have certitude.
76. When the night covered him over, he saw a star: he said: “This is my Lord.” But when it set, he said: “I love not those that set.”
77. When he saw the moon rising in splendour, he said: “This is my Lord.” But when the moon set, he said: “Unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray.”
78. When he saw the sun rising in splendour, he said: “This is my Lord; this is the greatest (of all).” But when the sun set, he said: “O my people! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah.
79. “For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah.”
80. His people disputed with him. He said: “(Come) you to dispute with me, about Allah, when He (Himself) has guided me? I fear not (the beings) you associate with Allah: unless my Lord wills, (nothing can happen). My Lord comprehends in His knowledge all things. Will you not (yourselves) be admonished?
81. “How should I fear (the beings) you associate with Allah, when you fear not to give partners to Allah without any warrant having been given to you? Which of (us) two parties has more right to security? (Tell me) if you know.
82. “It is those who believe and confuse not their beliefs with wrong―that are (truly) in security, 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 whom We will, degree after degree: for your Lord is Full of Wisdom and Knowledge.
84. We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: 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:
85. And Zakariyyā and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the Righteous:
86. And Ismā‘īl and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lūt: and to all We gave favour above the nations:
87. (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and We guided them to a straight Way.
88. This is the Guidance of Allah: 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 vain for them.
89. These were the men to whom We gave the Book, and Authority, and Prophethood: if these (their descendants) reject them, behold! We shall entrust their charge to a new people who reject them not.
90. Those were the (prophets) who received Allah’s guidance: copy the guidance they received; say: “No reward for this do I ask of you: this is no less than a Message for the nations.”
91. No just estimate of Allah do they make when they say: “Nothing does Allah send down to any person (by way of revelation)” Say: “Who then sent down the Book which Moses brought?―a light and guidance to people: but you make it into (separate) sheets for show, while you conceal much (of its contents): therein were you taught that which you knew not―neither you nor your fathers.” Say: “Allah (sent it down)”: then leave them to plunge in vain discourse and trifling.
92. And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it: 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 guarding their Prayers.
93. Who can be more wicked than one who invents a lie against Allah, or says, “I have received inspiration,” when he has received none, or (again) who says, “I can reveal the like of what Allah has revealed”? If you could but see how the wicked (do fare) in the flood of confusion at death!―the angels stretch forth their hands, (saying), “Yield up your souls: this day shall you receive your reward―a penalty of shame, for that you used to tell lies against Allah, and scornfully to reject of 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 favours) which We bestowed on you: We see not with you your intercessors whom you thought to be partners in your affairs: so now all relations between you have been cut off, and your (pet) fancies have left you in the lurch!”
95. Allah is He 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 Allah: then how are you deluded away from the truth?
96. He it is that cleaves the day-break (from the dark): He makes the night for rest and tranquillity, and the sun and moon for the reckoning (of time): such is the judgement and ordering of (Him), the Exalted in Power, the Omniscient.
97. It is He Who makes the stars (as beacons) for you, that you may guide yourselves, with their help, through the dark spaces of land and sea: We detail 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 detail Our Signs for people who understand.
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 with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! in these things there are Signs for people who believe.
100. Yet they make the Jinns equals with Allah, though Allah did create the Jinns; and they falsely, having no knowledge, attribute to Him sons and daughters. Praise and glory be to Him! (For He is) above what they attribute to Him!
101. To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: 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 Allah, your Lord! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things: then worship you Him: and He has power to dispose of all affairs.
103. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.
104. “Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs (to open your eyes): 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 do we explain the Signs by various (symbols): that they may say, “You have taught (us) diligently,” and 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 aside from those who join gods with Allah.
107. If it had been Allah’s Plan, they would not have taken false gods: but We made you not one to watch over their doings, nor are you set over them to dispose of their affairs.
108. Revile not you those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus have We made alluring to each people its own doings. In the end will they return to their Lord, and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did.
109. They swear their strongest oaths by Allah, that if a (special) Sign came to them, by it they would believe. Say: “Certainly (all) Signs are in the power of Allah: but what will make you (Muslims) realise that (even) if (special) Signs came, they will not believe.”?
110. We (too) shall turn to (confusion) their hearts and their eyes, even as they refused to believe in this in the first instance: We shall leave them in their trespasses, to wander in distraction.
111. Even if We did send unto them angels, and the dead did speak unto them, and We gathered together all things before their very eyes, they are not the ones to believe, unless it is in Allah’s Plan. But most of them ignore (the truth).
112. Likewise did We make for every Messenger an enemy―evil ones among people and Jinns, inspiring each other with flowery discourses by way of deception. If your Lord had so planned, they would not have done it: so leave them and their inventions alone.
113. To such (deceit) let the hearts of those incline, who have no faith in the Hereafter: let them delight in it, and let them earn from it what they may.
114. Say: “Shall I seek for judge other than Allah?―when He it is Who has sent unto you the Book, explained in detail.” They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it has been sent down from your Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.
115. The word of your Lord does find its fulfilment in truth and in justice: none can change His Words: for He is the One Who hears and knows all.
116. Were you to follow the common run of those on earth, they will lead you away from the Way of Allah. 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 that on which Allah’s name has been pronounced, if you have faith in His Signs.
119. Why should you not eat of that on which Allah’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 do mislead (others) by their appetites unchecked by knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who transgress.
120. Eschew all sin, open or secret: those who earn sin will get due recompense for their “earnings.”
121. Eat not of that on which Allah’s name has not been pronounced: that would be impiety. But the evil ones ever inspire their friends to contend with you; if you were to obey them, you would indeed be of those who associate others (with Allah).
122. Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life, and a light whereby he can walk amongst people, be like him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come out? Thus to those without Faith their own deeds seem pleasing.
123. Thus have We placed leaders in every town, its wicked men, to plot (and burrow) therein: but they only plot against their own souls, and they perceive it not.
124. When there comes to them a Sign (from Allah), they say: “We shall not believe until we receive one (exactly) like those received by Allah’s messengers.” Allah knows best where (and how) to carry out His mission. Soon will the wicked be overtaken by humiliation before Allah, and a severe punishment, for all their plots.
125. Those whom Allah (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 Allah (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe.
126. This is the Way of your Lord, leading straight: We have detailed the Signs for those who receive admonition.
127. For them will be a Home of Peace in the presence of their Lord: He will be their friend, because they practised (righteousness).
128. One day will He gather them all together, (and say): “O you assembly of Jinns! Much (toll) did you take of people.” Their friends amongst people will say: “Our Lord! We made profit from each other: but (alas!) we reached our term― which You did appoint for us.” He will say: “The Fire be your dwelling-place: you will dwell therein for ever, except as Allah wills.” For your Lord is Full of Wisdom and Knowledge.
129. Thus do We make the wrong-doers turn to each other, because of what they earn.
130. “O you assembly of Jinns and humans! Came there not unto you messengers from amongst you, setting forth unto you My Signs, and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?” They will say: “We bear witness against ourselves.” It was the life of this world that deceived them. So against themselves will they bear witness that they rejected Faith.
131. (The messengers were sent) thus, for your Lord would not destroy for their wrong-doing the townships whilst their occupants were unwarned.
132. To all are degrees (or ranks) according to their deeds: for your Lord is not unmindful of anything that 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 whom He will as your successors, even as He raised you up from the posterity of other people.
134. All that has been promised unto you will come to pass: nor can you frustrate it (in the least bit).
135. Say: “O my people! Do whatever you can: I will do (my part): soon will you know who it is whose end will be (best) in the Hereafter: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper.”
136. Out of what Allah has produced in abundance in tilth and in cattle, they assigned Him a share: they say, according to their fancies: “This is for Allah, and this―for our ‘partners’”! But the share of their ‘partners’ reaches not Allah, whilst the share of Allah reaches their “partners”! Evil (and unjust) is their assignment!
137. Even so, in the eyes of most of the Pagans, their “partners” made alluring the slaughter of their children, in order to lead them to their own destruction, and cause confusion in their religion. If Allah had willed, they would not have done so: but leave alone them and their inventions.
138. And they say that such and such cattle and crops are taboo, and none should eat of them except those whom―so they say―we wish; further, there are cattle forbidden to yoke or burden, and cattle on which, (at slaughter), the name of Allah is not pronounced― inventions against Allah’s name: soon will He 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 share therein. For their (false) attribution (of superstitions to Allah), He will soon punish them: for He is Full of Wisdom and Knowledge.
140. Lost are those who slay their children, from folly, without knowledge, and forbid food which Allah has provided for them, inventing (lies) against Allah. 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 of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah loves not the wasters.
142. Of the cattle are some for burden and some for meat: eat what Allah has provided for you, and follow not the footsteps of Satan: for he is to you and avowed enemy.
143. (Take) eight (head of livestock) in (four) pairs: of sheep a pair, and of goats a pair; say, has He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose? Tell me with knowledge if you are truthful:
144. Of camels a pair, and oxen a pair; say, has He forbidden the two males, or the two females, or (the young) which the wombs of the two females enclose?―were you present when Allah ordered you such a thing? But who does more wrong than one who invents a lie against Allah, to lead astray people without knowledge? For Allah guides not people who do wrong.
145. Say: “I find not In the Message received by me 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 a name has been invoked, other than Allah’s”. But (even so), if a person is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits―your Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
146. For those who followed the Jewish Law, We forbade every (animal) with undivided hoof, and We forbade them that fat of the ox and the sheep, except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or is mixed up with a bone: this in recompense for their wilful disobedience: for We are true (in Our ordinances).
147. If they accuse you of falsehood, say: “Your Lord is Full of Mercy All-Embracing; but from people in guilt never will His wrath be turned back.
148. Those who give partners (to Allah) will say: “If Allah had wished, we should not have given partners to Him nor would our fathers; nor should 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: “With Allah is the argument that reaches home: if it had been His Will, He could indeed have guided you all.”
150. Say: “Bring forward your witnesses to prove that Allah did forbid so and so.” If they bring such witnesses, be not you amongst them: nor follow you the vain desires of such as treat Our Signs as falsehoods, and such as believe not in the Hereafter: for they hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord.
151. Say: “Come, I will rehearse what Allah has (really) prohibited you from:” join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want―We Provide sustenance for you and for them―come not nigh to shameful deeds. Whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.
152. And come not nigh to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he attain the age of full strength; give measure and weight with (full) justice―no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear― whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is concerned; and fulfil the Covenant of Allah: thus does He command you, that you may remember.
153. Verily, this is My Way, leading straight: follow it: follow not (other) paths: they will scatter you about from His (great) Path: thus does He command you. That you may be righteous.
154. Moreover, We gave Moses the Book, completing (Our favour) to those who would do right, and explaining all things in detail―and a guide and a mercy, 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, 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 then has come unto you a Clear (Sign) from your Lord―and a guide and a mercy: then who could do more wrong than one who rejects Allah’s Signs, and turns away therefrom? In good time shall We requite those who turn away from Our Signs, with a dreadful penalty, for their turning away.
158. Are they waiting to see if the angels come to them, or your Lord (Himself), or certain of the Signs of your Lord! The day that certain of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a soul to believe in them then if it believed not before nor earned righteousness through its Faith. Say: “Wait you: 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 Allah: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did.
160. He that does good shall have ten times as much to his credit: he that does evil shall only be recompensed according to his evil: no wrong shall be done unto (any of) them.
161. Say: “Verily, my Lord has guided me to a Way that is straight―a religion of right―the Path (trod) by Abraham the true in Faith, and he (certainly) joined not gods with Allah.”
162. Say: “Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds:
163. No partner has He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who bow to His Will.
164. Say: “Shall I seek for (my) Cherisher other than Allah, when He is the Cherisher of all things (that exist)? Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards Allah: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein 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: 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, Most Merciful.


Sūrah 7
Al-A‘rāf
(The Heights)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif, Lām, Mīm, Sād.
2. A Book revealed unto you―so let your heart be oppressed no more by any difficulty on that account― that with it you might warn (the erring) and teach the Believers.
3. Follow (O people!) the revelation given unto you from your Lord, and follow not, as patrons or protectors, other than Him. Little it is you remember of admonition.
4. How many towns have We destroyed (for their sins)? Our punishment took them on a sudden by night or while they slept for their afternoon rest.
5. When (thus) Our punishment took them, no cry did they utter but this: “Indeed we did wrong.”
6. Then shall We question those to whom Our Message was sent and those by whom We sent it.
7. And verily, 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 true (to nicety): those whose scale (of good) will be heavy, will prosper:
9. Those whose scale will be light, will find their souls in perdition, for that they wrongfully treated Our Signs.
10. It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that you give!
11. It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels bow down to Adam, and they bowed down; not so Iblīs; he refused to be of those who bow down.
12. (Allah) said: “What prevented you from bowing down when I commanded you?” He said: “I am better than he: You did create me from fire, and him from clay.”
13. (Allah) said: “Get you down from this: it is not for you to be arrogant here: get out, for you are of the meanest (of creatures).”
14. He said: “Give me respite till the day they are raised up.”
15. (Allah) said: “Be you among those who have 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 will I assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and their left: nor will You find, in most of them, gratitude (for Your mercies).”
18. (Allah) said: “Get out from this, disgraced and expelled. If any of them follow you―Hell will I fill with you all.
19. “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Garden, and enjoy (its good things) as you wish: but approach not this tree, or you run into harm and transgression.”
20. Then began Satan to whisper suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame that was hidden from them (before): he said: “Your Lord only forbade you this tree, lest you should become angels or such beings as live for ever.”
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, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto them: “Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?”
23. They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If You forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be lost.”
24. (Allah) said: “Get you down. With enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood―for a time.”
25. He said: “Therein shall you live, and therein shall you die; but from it shall you be taken out (at last).”
26. O you Children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you. But the raiment of righteousness―that is the best. Such are among the Signs of Allah, that they may receive admonition!
27. O you Children of Adam! Let not Satan seduce you, in the same manner as he got your parents out of the Garden, stripping them of their raiment, 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 aught that is shameful, they say: “We found our fathers doing so”; and “Allah commanded us thus”: Say: “Nay, Allah never commands what is shameful: do you say of Allah what you know not?”
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 as in His sight: such as He created you in the beginning, so shall you return.”
30. Some He has guided: others have (by their choice) deserved the loss of their way; in that they took the evil ones, in preference to Allah, for their patrons and protectors, and 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 waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters.
32. Say: Who has forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of Allah, which He has produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure, (which He has provided) for sustenance? Say: They are, in the life of this world, 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 indeed forbidden are: shameful deeds, whether open or secret; sins and trespasses against truth or reason; assigning of partners to Allah, for which He has given no authority; and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge.”
34. To every people is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance (it in anticipation).
35. O you Children of Adam! Whenever there come to you Messengers from amongst you, rehearsing My Signs unto 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 therein forever.
37. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His Signs? For such, their portion appointed must reach them from the Book (of Decrees): until, when Our Messengers (of death) arrive and take their souls, they say: “Where are the things that you used to invoke besides Allah?” They will reply, “They have left us in the lurch,” and they will bear witness against themselves, that they had rejected Allah.
38. He will say: “Enter you in the company of the peoples who passed away before you―humans and Jinns―into the Fire.” Every time a new people enters, it curses its sister-people (that went before), until they follow each other, all into the Fire. Says the last about the first: “Our Lord! It is these that misled us: so give them a double 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! No advantage have you over us; so taste you of the Penalty for all that you did!”
40. To those who reject Our Signs and treat them with arrogance, no opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the Garden, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle: such is Our reward for those in sin.
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―no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear―they will be Companions of the Garden, therein to dwell forever.
43. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury―beneath them will be rivers flowing―and they shall say: “Praise be to Allah, Who has guided us to this (felicity): never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the truth, that the Messengers of our Lord brought unto us.” 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 indeed found the promises of our Lord to us true: have you also found your Lord’s promises true?” They shall say, “Yes”; but a Crier shall proclaim between them: “The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers―
45. “Those who would hinder (people) from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked: they were those who denied the Hereafter.”
46. Between them shall be a veil, and on the Heights will be men who would know every one by his marks: they will call out to the Companions of the Garden, “Peace on you”: they will not have entered, but they will have an assurance (thereof).
47. When their eyes shall be turned towards the Companions of the Fire, they will say: “Our Lord! Send us not to the company of the wrong-doers.”
48. The men on the Heights will call to certain men whom they will know from their marks, saying: “Of what profit to you were your hoards and your arrogant ways?
49. “Behold! Are these not the men whom you swore that Allah with His Mercy would never bless? Enter you 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 down to us water or anything that Allah does provide for your sustenance.” They will say: “Both these things has Allah forbidden to those who rejected Him―
51. “Such as took their religion to be mere amusement and play, and were deceived by the life of the world.” That day shall We forget them as they forgot the meeting of this day of theirs, and as they were wont to reject Our Signs.
52. For We had certainly sent unto them a Book, 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 fulfilment of the event? On the day the event is finally fulfilled, those who disregarded it before will say: “The Messengers 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 should we behave differently from our behaviour in the past.” In fact they will have lost their souls, and the things they invented will leave them in the lurch.
54. Your Guardian-Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne (of authority): He draws the night as a veil over the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession: He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, (all) governed by laws under His Command. Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed be Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds!
55. Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah loves not those who trespass beyond bounds.
56. Do 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 Allah 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 to descend thereon, and produce every kind of harvest therewith: thus shall We raise up the dead: perchance you may remember.
58. From the land that is clean and good, by the Will of its Cherisher, springs up produce, (rich) after its kind: but from the land that is bad, springs up nothing but that which is niggardly: 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 Allah! 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! We see you evidently wandering (in mind).”
61. He said: “O my people! No wandering is there in my (mind): on the contrary I am a messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds!
62. “I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord’s mission: sincere is my advice to you, and I know from Allah something that you know not.
63. “Do you wonder that there has come to you a message from your Lord, through a man of your own people, to warn you―so that you may fear Allah and haply receive His Mercy?”
64. But they rejected him, and We delivered him, and those with him, in the Ark: but We overwhelmed in the flood those who rejected Our Signs. They were indeed a blind people!
65. To the ‘Ād people, (We sent) Hūd, one of their (own) brethren: he said: O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him will you not fear (Allah)?”
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 no imbecile, but (I am) a messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds!
68. “I but fulfil towards you the duties of my Lord’s mission: I am to you a sincere and trustworthy adviser.
69. “Do you wonder that there has come to you a message from your Lord through a man of your own people, to warn you? Call in remembrance that He made you inheritors after the people of Noah, and gave you a stature tall among the nations. Call in remembrance the benefits (you have received) from Allah: that so you may prosper.”
70. They said: “Come you to us, that we may worship Allah alone, and give up the cult of our fathers? Bring us what you threaten us with, if so be that you tell the truth!”
71. He said: “Punishment and wrath have already come upon you from your Lord: dispute you with me over names which you have devised―you and your fathers― without authority from Allah? Then wait: I am amongst you, also waiting.”
72. We saved him and those who adhered to him. By Our Mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our Signs and did not believe.
73. To the Thamūd people (We sent) Sālih, one of their own brethren: he said: “O my people! Worship Allah: you have no other god but Him. Now has come unto you a clear (Sign) from your Lord! This she-camel of Allah is a Sign unto you: so leave her to graze in Allah’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 ‘Ād people and gave you habitations in the land: you build for yourselves palaces and castles in (open) plains, and carve out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits (you have received) from Allah, and refrain from evil and mischief on the earth.”
75. The leaders of the arrogant party among his people said to those who were reckoned powerless―those among them who believed: “Know you indeed that Sālih is a messenger from his Lord?” They said: “We do indeed believe in the revelation which has been sent through him.”
76. The arrogant party said: “For our part, we reject what you believe in.”
77. Then they hamstrung the she-camel, and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying: “O Sālih! Bring about your threats, if you are a messenger (of Allah)!”
78. So the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes in the morning!
79. So Sālih 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 love not good counsellors!”
80. We also (sent) Lūt: he said to his people: “Do you commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?
81. “For you practise 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 people who want to be clean and pure!”
83. But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who lagged behind.
84. And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime!
85. To the Madyan people We sent Shu‘ayb, one of their own brethren: he said: “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no other god but Him. Now has come unto you a clear (Sign) from your Lord! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order: that will be best for you, if you have Faith.
86. “And squat not on every road, breathing threats, hindering from the path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seeking in it something crooked; but remember how you were little, and He gave you increase. And hold in your mind’s eye what was the end of those who did mischief.
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, hold yourselves in patience until Allah does decide between us: for He is the best to decide.
88. The leaders, the arrogant party among his people, said: “O Shu‘ayb! 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 do detest (them)?
89. “We should indeed invent a lie against Allah, if we returned to your ways after Allah has rescued us therefrom; nor could we by any manner of means return thereto unless it be as in the will and plan of Allah, our Lord. Our Lord can reach out to the utmost recesses of things by His knowledge. In Allah is our trust. Our Lord! Decide You between us and our people in truth, for You are the best to decide.”
90. The leaders, the Unbelievers among his people, said: “If you follow Shu‘ayb, be sure then you are ruined!”
91. But the earthquake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning!
92. Those who rejected Shu‘ayb became as if they had never been in the homes where they had flourished: those who rejected Shu‘ayb―it was they who were ruined!
93. So Shu‘ayb 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 that they might 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 of a sudden, while they realised not (their peril).
96. If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, We should indeed have opened out to them (all kinds of) blessings from heaven and earth; but they rejected (the truth), and We brought them to book for their misdeeds.
97. Did the people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our wrath by night while they were asleep?
98. Or else did they feel secure against its coming in broad daylight while they played about (care-free)?
99. Did they then feel secure against the plan of Allah?―but no one can feel secure from the Plan of Allah, except those (doomed) to ruin!
100. To those who inherit the earth in succession to its (previous) possessors, is it not a guiding, (lesson) 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 unto you: there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear (Signs): but they would not believe what they had rejected before. Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who reject Faith.
102. Most of them We found not to be true to their covenant: indeed, most of them We found 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 was the end of those who made mischief.
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 Allah. Now have I come unto you (people), from your Lord, with a clear (Sign): so let the Children of Israel depart along with me.”
106. (Pharaoh) said: “If indeed you have come with a Sign, show it forth―if you tell 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. Said the Chiefs of the people of Pharaoh: “This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed.
110. “His plan is to get you out of your land: then what is it you counsel?”
111. They said: “Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while); and send to the cities men to collect―
112. And bring up to you all (our) sorcerers well-versed.”
113. So there came the sorcerers to Pharaoh: they said, “Of course we shall have a (suitable) reward if we win!”
114. He said: “Indeed, (and more)― for you shall in that case 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. Said Moses: “Throw you (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 (now) your rod”: and behold! It swallows up straightaway all the falsehoods which 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. Said Pharaoh: “Believe you in Him before I give 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. “Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all.”
125. They said: “For us, we are but sent back unto our Lord:
126. “But you do wreak your vengeance on us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! Pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto You as Muslims (who bow to Your Will)!
127. Said the chiefs of Pharaoh’s people: “Will you leave Moses and his people, to spread mischief in the land, and to abandon you and your gods?” He said: “Their male children will we slay; (only) their females will we save alive; and we have over them (power) irresistible.”
128. Said Moses to his people: “Pray for help from Allah, and (wait) in patience and constancy: for the earth is Allah’s, to give 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 so He may try you by your deeds.”
130. We punished the people of Pharaoh with years (of drought) and shortness of crops; 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 omens of evil are theirs in Allah’s sight, but most of them do not understand!
132. They said (to Moses): “Whatever be the Signs you bring, to work therewith your sorcery on us, 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 sin.
134. Every time the penalty fell on them, they said: “O Moses! On our behalf call on your Lord in virtue of His promise to you: if you will remove the penalty from us, we shall truly believe in you, and we shall send away the Children of Israel with you.”
135. But every time We removed the penalty from them according to a fixed term which they had to fulfil―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 whereon We sent down Our blessings. The fair promise of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had patience and constancy, and We levelled 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 (with safety) 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 unto the gods they have.” He said: “Surely you are a people without knowledge.
139. “As to these folk―the cult they are in is (but) a fragment of a ruin, and vain is the (worship) which they practise.”
140. He said: “Shall I seek for you a god other than the (true) God, when it is Allah 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 slew your male children and saved alive your females: in that was a momentous trial from your Lord.
142. We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten (more): thus was completed the term (of communion) with his Lord, forty nights. And Moses had charged his brother Aaron (before he went up): “Act for me amongst my people: do right, and follow not the way of those who do 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, that I may look upon You.” Allah said: “By no means can you see Me (direct); but look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shall you 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! To You I turn in repentance, and I am the first to believe.”
144. (Allah) said: “O Moses! I have chosen you above (other) people, by the mission I (have given you) and the words I (have spoken to you): take then the (revelation) which I give you, and be of those who give thanks.”
145. And We ordained laws for him in the Tablets in all matters, both 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 shall I show you the homes of the wicked―(how they lie desolate).”
146. Those who behave arrogantly on the earth in defiance of right― them will I turn away from My Signs: even if they see all the 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 have rejected Our Signs, and failed to take warning from them.
147. Those who reject Our Signs and the Meeting in the Hereafter― vain are their deeds: can they expect to be rewarded except as they have wrought?
148. The people of Moses made, in his absence, out of their ornaments, the image of a calf, (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 have not 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: “Evil it is that you have done in my place in my absence: did you make haste to bring on the judgement 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 reckon me as naught, and went near to slaying me! Make not the enemies rejoice over my misfortune, nor count you me amongst the people of sin.”
151. Moses prayed: “O my Lord! Forgive me and my brother! Admit us to Your mercy! For You are the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!”
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 recompense those who invent (falsehoods).
153. But those who do wrong but repent thereafter and (truly) believe―verily your Lord is thereafter Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
154. When the anger of Moses was appeased, he took up the Tablets: in the writing thereon 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, long before, both them and me: would you destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? This is no more than Your trial: by it You cause whom You will to stray, and You lead whom You will into the right path. You are our Protector: so forgive us and give us Your mercy; for You are the best of those who forgive
156. “And ordain for us that which is good, in this life and in the Hereafter: for we have turned unto You.” He said: “With My punishment I visit whom I will; but My mercy extends to all things. That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who do right, and practise regular Charity, 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 what is just and forbids them 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 upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour 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 unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He that gives both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, who believes in Allah and His Words: follow him that (so) you may be guided.”
159. Of the people of Moses there is a section who guide and do justice in the light of truth.
160. We divided them into twelve Tribes (like) communities. We directed Moses by inspiration, when his (thirsty) people asked him for water: “Strike the rock with your staff”: out of it there gushed forth twelve springs: each group knew its own place for water. We gave them the shade of clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails, (saying): “Eat of the good things We have provided for you”: (but they rebelled); to Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own souls.
161. And remember it was said to them: “Dwell in this town and eat therein 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 that which had been given them so we sent on them a plague from heaven. For that they repeatedly transgressed.
163. Ask them concerning the town standing close by the sea. Behold! They transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath. For on the day of their Sabbath their fish did come to them, openly holding up their heads, but on the day they had no Sabbath, they came not: thus did We make a trial of them, for they were given to transgression.
164. When some of them said: “Why do you preach to a people whom Allah will destroy or visit with a terrible punishment?”―said the preachers: “To discharge our duty to your Lord, and perchance they may fear Him.”
165. When they disregarded the warnings that had been given them, We rescued those who forbade Evil; but We visited the wrong-doers with a grievous punishment because they were given to transgression.
166. When in their insolence they transgressed (all) prohibitions, We said to them: “Be you apes, despised and rejected.”
167. Behold! Your Lord did declare that He would send against them, to the Day of Judgement, those who would afflict them with grievous penalty. Your Lord is quick in retribution, but He is also Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
168. We broke them up into sections on this earth. There are among them some that are the righteous, and some that are the opposite. We have tried them with both prosperity and adversity: in order that they might turn (to Us).
169. After them came an (evil) generation: they inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the vanities of this world, saying (for excuse): “(Everything) will be forgiven us.” (Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them. Was not the Covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth? And they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the Home in the Hereafter. Will you not understand?
170. As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular Prayer―never shall We 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 bring (ever) to remembrance what is therein; perchance you may fear Allah.”
172. When your Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam―from their backs―their descendants, and made them testify concerning themselves, (saying): “Am I not your Lord (Who cherishes and sustains you)?”―They said: “Indeed! We do testify!” (This), lest you should say on the Day of Judgement: “Of this we were never mindful”:
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 those who were futile?”
174. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail; and perchance they may turn (unto Us).
175. Relate to them the story of the man to whom We sent Our Signs, but he passed them by: so Satan followed him up, and he went astray.
176. If it had been Our Will, We should have elevated him with Our Signs; but he inclined to the earth, and followed his own vain desires. His similitude is that of a dog: if you attack him, he pants, or if you leave him alone, he (still) pants. That is the similitude of those who reject Our Signs; so relate the story; perchance they may reflect.
177. Evil as an example are people who reject Our Signs and wrong their own souls.
178. Whom Allah does guide―he is on the right path: whom He rejects from His guidance―such are the persons who perish.
179. Many are the Jinns and humans We have made for Hell: they have hearts wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see not, and ears wherewith they hear not. They are like cattle―nay more misguided: for they are heedless (of warning).
180. The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on him by them; but shun those who 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 therewith.
182. Those who reject Our Signs, We shall gradually visit with punishment, in ways they perceive not;
183. Respite will I grant unto them: for My scheme 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 Allah has created? (Do they not see) that it may well be that their terms is nigh drawing to an end? In what Message after this will they then believe?
186. To such as Allah 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 be its appointed time? Say: “The knowledge thereof is with my Lord (alone): none but He can reveal as to when it will occur. Heavy were its burden through the heavens and the earth. Only, all of a sudden will it come to you.” They ask you as if you were eager in search thereof: say: “The knowledge thereof is with Allah (alone), but most people know not.”
188. Say: “I have no power over any good or harm to myself except as Allah wills. If I had knowledge of the Unseen, I should have multiplied all good, and no evil should have touched me: I am but 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, in order 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 Allah their Lord, (saying): “If You give us a goodly child, we vow we shall (ever) be grateful.”
190. But when He gives them a goodly child, they ascribe to others a share in the gift they have received: but Allah is exalted high above the partners they ascribe to Him.
191. Do they indeed ascribe to Him as partners things that can create nothing, but are themselves created?
192. No aid can they give them, nor can they aid themselves!
193. If you call them to guidance, they will not obey: for you it is the same whether you call them or you hold your peace!
194. Verily those whom you call upon besides Allah are servants like unto you: call upon them, and let them listen to your prayer, if you are (indeed) truthful!
195. Have they feet to walk with? Or hands to lay hold with? Or eyes to see with? Or ears to hear with? Say: “Call your partners, scheme (your worst) against me, and give me no respite!
196. “For my Protector is Allah, 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 indeed to help themselves.”
198. If you call them to guidance, they hear not. You will see them looking at you, but they see not.
199. Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant.
200. If a suggestion from Satan assail your (mind), seek refuge with Allah; for He hears and knows (all things).
201. Those who fear Allah, when a thought of evil from Satan assaults them, bring Allah to remembrance, when lo! They see (aright)!
202. But their brethren (the evil ones) plunge them deeper into error, and never relax (their efforts).
203. If you bring them not a revelation, they say: “Why have you not got it together?” Say: “I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord: this is (nothing but) lights from your Lord, and Guidance, and Mercy, for any who have Faith.”
204. When the Qur’ān is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that you may receive Mercy.
205. And do you (O reader!) bring your Lord to remembrance in your (very) soul, with humility and in reverence, without loudness in words, in the mornings and evenings; and be not you of those who are unheedful.
206. Those who are near to your Lord, disdain not to worship Him: they celebrate His praises, and bow down before Him.
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Sūrah 8
Al-Anfāl
(The Spoils of War)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. They ask you concerning (things taken as) spoils of war. Say: “(Such) spoils are at the disposal of Allah and the Messenger: so fear Allah, and keep straight the relations between yourselves: obey Allah and His Messenger, if you do believe.”
2. For, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His Signs rehearsed, 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 given them for sustenance:
4. Such in truth are the Believers: they have grades of dignity with their Lord, and 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! Allah promised you one of the two (enemy) parties, that it should be yours: you wished that the one unarmed should be yours, but Allah willed to justify the Truth according to His words and to cut off the roots of the Unbelievers―
8. That He might justify Truth and prove falsehood false, distasteful though it be to those in guilt.
9. Remember you implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered you: “I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks on ranks.”
10. Allah made it but a message of hope, and an assurance to your hearts: (in any case) there is no help except from Allah: and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.
11. Remember He covered you with a sort of drowsiness, to give you calm as from Himself, and he caused rain to descend on you from heaven, to clean you therewith, to remove from you the stain of Satan, to strengthen your hearts, and to plant your feet firmly therewith.
12. Remember your Lord inspired the angels (with the message): “I am with you: give firmness to the Believers: I will instil terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers: smite you above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them.”
13. This because they contended against Allah and His Messenger: if any contend against Allah and His Messenger, Allah is strict in punishment.
14. Thus (will it be said): “Taste you then of the (punishment): for those who resist Allah, is the penalty of the Fire.”
15. O you who believe! When you meet the Unbelievers in hostile array, never turn your backs to them.
16. If any do turn 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 on himself the wrath of Allah, and his abode is Hell―an evil refuge (indeed)!
17. It is not you who slew them; it was Allah: when you threw (a handful of dust), it was not your act, but Allah’s: in order that He might test the Believers by a gracious trial from Himself: for Allah is He Who hears and knows (all things).
18. That, and also because Allah is He Who makes feeble the plans and stratagem of the Unbelievers.
19. (O Unbelievers!) If you prayed for victory and judgement, now has the judgement come to you: if you desist (from wrong), it will be best for you: if you return (to the attack), so shall We. Not the least good will your forces be to you even if they were multiplied: for verily Allah is with those who believe!
20. O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when you hear (him speak).
21. Nor be like those who say, “We hear,” but listen not:
22. For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are the deaf and the dumb―those who understand not.
23. If Allah had found in them any good, He would indeed have made them listen: (as it is), if He had made them listen, they would but have turned back and declined (Faith).
24. O you who believe! Give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calls you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah 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 in particular (only) those of you who do wrong: and know that Allah is strict in punishment.
26. Call to mind when you were a small (band), despised through the land, and afraid that people might despoil and kidnap you; but He provided a safe asylum for you, strengthened you with His aid, and gave you good things for sustenance: that you might be grateful.
27. O you that believe! Betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.
28. And know you that your possessions and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with Whom lies your highest reward.
29. O you who believe! If you fear Allah, 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 Allah is the Lord of grace unbounded.
30. Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against you, to keep you in bonds, or slay you, or get you out (of your home). They plot and plan, and Allah also plans; but the best of planners is Allah.
31. When Our Signs are rehearsed to them, they say: “We have heard this (before): if we wished, we could say (words) like these: these are nothing but tales of the ancients.”
32. Remember how they said: “O Allah if this is indeed the Truth from You, rain down on us a shower of stones form the sky, or send us a grievous Penalty.”
33. But Allah was not going to send them a Penalty whilst you were amongst them; nor was He going to send it whilst they could ask for pardon.
34. But what plea have they that Allah should not punish them, when they keep out (people) from the Sacred Mosque―and they are not its guardians? None can be its guardians except the righteous; but most of them do not understand.
35. Their prayer at the House (of Allah) is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands: (its only answer can be), “Taste you the Penalty because you blasphemed.”
36. The Unbelievers spend their wealth to hinder (people) from the path of Allah, 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 to Hell―
37. In order that Allah may separate the impure from the pure, put the impure, one on another, heap them together, and cast them into Hell. They will be the ones to have lost.
38. Say to the Unbelievers, if (now) they desist (from Unbelief), their past would be forgiven them; but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a matter of warning for them).
39. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah altogether and everywhere; but if they cease, verily Allah does see all that they do.
40. If they refuse, be sure that Allah 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 Allah―and to the Messenger, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and the wayfarer―if you do believe in Allah 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 Allah 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 (thus you met), that Allah might accomplish a matter already enacted; 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 verily Allah is He Who hears and knows (all things).
43. Remember in your dream Allah 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 Allah 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: that Allah might accomplish a matter already enacted. For to Allah do all questions go back (for decision).
45. O you who believe! When you meet a force, be firm, and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that you may prosper:
46. And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere:
47. And be not like those who started from their homes insolently and to be seen of people, and to hinder (people) from the path of Allah: for Allah compasses round about all that they do.
48. Remember Satan made their (sinful) acts seem alluring to them, and said: “No one among the people 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 see not; Lo! I fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment.”
49. Lo! The hypocrites say, and those in whose hearts is a disease: “These people―their religion has misled them.” But if any trust in Allah, behold! Allah 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 Allah 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 Allah, and Allah punished them for their crimes: for Allah is Strong, and Strict in punishment:
53. “Because Allah will never change the Grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily Allah is He Who hears and knows (all things).”
54. “(Deeds) after the manner of the People of Pharaoh and those before them”: they treated as false the Signs of their Lord: so We destroyed them for their crimes, and We drowned the People of Pharaoh: for they were all oppressors and wrong-doers.
55. For the worst of beasts in the sight of Allah are those who reject Him: they will not believe.
56. They are those with whom you did make a covenant, but they break their covenant every time, and they have not the fear (of Allah).
57. If you gain the mastery over them in war, disperse, with them, those who follow them, 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 Allah loves not the treacherous.
59. Let not the Unbelievers think that they can get the better (of the godly): they will never frustrate (them).
60. Against them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror into (the hearts of) the enemies, of Allah and your enemies, and others besides, whom you may not know, but whom Allah does know. Whatever you shall spend in the Cause of Allah, shall be repaid unto you, and you shall not be treated unjustly.
61. But if the enemy incline towards peace, do you (also) incline towards peace, and trust in Allah: for He is One that hears and knows (all things).
62. Should they intend to deceive you―verily Allah suffices you: He it is that has strengthened you with His aid and with (the company of) the Believers;
63. And (moreover) He has put affection between their hearts: not if you had spent all that is in the earth, could you have produced that affection, but Allah has done it: for He is Exalted in might, Wise.
64. O Prophet! Sufficient unto you is Allah―(unto you) and unto those who follow you among the Believers.
65. O Prophet! Rouse the Believers to the fight. If there are twenty amongst you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two hundred: if a hundred, they will vanquish a thousand of the Unbelievers: for these are a people without understanding.
66. For the present, Allah 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 the leave of Allah: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
67. It is not fitting for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he has thoroughly subdued the land. You look for the temporal goods of this world; but Allah looks to the Hereafter: and Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.
68. Had it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, 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 Allah: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
70. O Prophet! Say to those who are captives in your hands: “If Allah finds any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what has been taken from you, and He will forgive you: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
71. But if they have treacherous designs against you, (O Messenger!), they have already been in treason against Allah, and so has He given (you) power over them. And Allah is He Who 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 Allah, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid―these are (all) friends and protectors, one of another. As to those who believed but came not into exile, you owe no duty of protection to them until they come into exile; but if 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) Allah 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 great mischief.
74. Those who believe, and adopt exile, and fight for the Faith, in the Cause of Allah as well as those who give (them) asylum and aid―these are (all) in very truth the Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous.
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 Allah. Verily Allah is well-acquainted with all things.


Sūrah 9
Al-Tawbah or Barā’ah
(The Repentance or Immunity)
1. A (declaration) of immunity from Allah and His Messenger, to those of the Pagans with whom you have contracted mutual alliances―
2. Go you, then, for four months, back-wards and forwards, (as you will), throughout the land, but know you that you cannot frustrate Allah (by your falsehood) but that Allah will cover with shame those who reject Him.
3. And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger, to the people (assembled) on the day of the Great Pilgrimage―that Allah and His Messenger dissolve (treaty) obligations with the Pagans. If then, you repent, it were best for you; but if you turn away, know you that you cannot frustrate Allah. 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 aught, nor aided any one against you. So fulfil your engagements with them to the end of their term: for Allah loves the righteous.
5. But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay 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 practise regular Charity, then open the way for them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
6. If one amongst the Pagans asks you for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the Word of Allah; and then escort him to where he can be secure. That is because they are men without knowledge.
7. How can there be a league, before Allah and His Messenger, with the Pagans, except those with whom you made a treaty near the Sacred Mosque? As long as these stand true to you, stand you true to them: for Allah does love the righteous.
8. How (can there be such a league), seeing that if they get an advantage over you, they respect not in you the ties either of kinship or of covenant? With (fair words from) their mouths they entice you, but their hearts are averse from you; and most of them are rebellious and wicked.
9. The Signs of Allah have they sold for a miserable price, and (many) have they hindered from His way: evil indeed are the deeds they have done.
10. In a Believer they respect not 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 practise regular Charity―they are your brethren 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 you the chiefs of Unfaith: for their oaths are nothing to them: 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? Nay, it is Allah Whom you should more justly fear, if you believe!
14. Fight them, and Allah will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you (to victory) over them, and heal the breasts of Believers,
15. And still the indignation of their hearts. For Allah will turn (in mercy) to whom He will; and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
16. Or think you that you shall be abandoned, as though Allah did not know those among you who strive with might and main, and take none for patron protectors except Allah, His Messenger, and the (community of) Believers? But Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that you do.
17. It is not for such as join gods with Allah, to visit or maintain the mosques of Allah while they witness against their own souls to infidelity. The works of such bear no fruit: in Fire shall they dwell.
18. The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in Allah and the Last Day, establish regular Prayers, and practise regular Charity, and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance.
19. Do you make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Mosque, equal to (the pious service of) those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and strive with might and main in the cause of Allah? They are not comparable in the sight of Allah: and Allah guides not those who do wrong.
20. Those who believe, and suffer exile and strive with might and main, in Allah’s cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are the people who will achieve (salvation).
21. Their Lord does give them Glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of Gardens for them, wherein are delights that endure:
22. They will dwell therein for ever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest (of all).
23. O you who believe! Take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: if any of you do so, they do wrong.
24. Say: If it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your mates, or your kindred; the wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which you fear a decline: or the dwellings in which you delight―are dearer to you than Allah, or His Messenger, or the striving in His cause―then wait until Allah brings about His decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.
25. Assuredly Allah did help you in many battlefields and on the day of Hunayn: behold! Your great numbers elated you, but they availed you naught: the land, for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and you turned back in retreat.
26. But Allah did pour His calm on the Messenger and on the Believes, and sent down forces which you saw not: He punished the Unbelievers; thus does He reward those without Faith.
27. Again will Allah, after this, turn (in mercy) to whom He will: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
28. O you who believe! Truly the Pagans are unclean; so let them not, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Mosque. And if you fear poverty, soon will Allah enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
29. Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which has been forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the religion of Truth, (even if they are) of the People of the Book, until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves subdued.
30. The Jews call ‘Uzayr a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the Unbelievers of old used to say. Allah’s curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth!
31. They take their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship but one God: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him: (far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him).
32. Fain would they extinguish Allah’s Light with their mouths, but Allah 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 prevail it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).
34. O you who believe! There are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in falsehood devour the substance of (other) people and hinder (them) from the Way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the Way of Allah: announce unto them a most grievous penalty―
35. On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs―“This is the (treasure) which you buried for yourselves: taste you, then, the (treasures) you buried!”
36. The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)―so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein, and fight the Pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves.
37. Verily the transposing (of a prohibited month) is an addition to Unbelief: the Unbelievers are led to wrong thereby: for they make it lawful one year, and forbidden another year, in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allah and make such forbidden ones lawful. The evil of their course seems pleasing to them. But Allah guides not those who reject Faith.
38. O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that, when you are asked to go forth in the Cause of Allah, you cling heavily to the earth? Do you prefer the life of this world to the Hereafter? But little is the comfort of this life, 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 Him you would not harm in the least. For Allah has power over all things.
40. If you help not (your leader), (it is no matter): for Allah did indeed help him, when the Unbelievers made him leave: he had no more than one companion; they two were in the Cave, and he said to his companion, “Have no fear, for Allah is with us”: then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which you saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.
41. Go you forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the Cause of Allah. That is best for you, if you (but) knew.
42. If there had been 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 Allah, “If we only could, we should certainly have come out with you:” they would destroy their own souls; for Allah does know that they are certainly lying.
43. Allah give 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 discovered the liars?
44. Those who believe in Allah and the Last Day ask you for no exemption from fighting with their goods and persons. And Allah knows well those who do their duty.
45. Only those ask you for exemption who believe not in Allah and the Last Day, and whose hearts are in doubt, so that they are tossed in their doubts to and fro.
46. If they had intended to come out, they would certainly have made some preparation therefore; but Allah was averse to their being sent forth; so He made them lag behind, and they were told, “Sit you among those who sit (inactive).”
47. If they had come out with you, they would not have added to your (strength) but only (made for) 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 Allah knows well those who do wrong.
48. Indeed they had plotted sedition before, and upset matters for you―until the Truth arrived, and the Decree of Allah became manifest much to their disgust.
49. Among them is (many) a man who says: “Grant me exemption and draw me not into trial.” Have they not fallen into trial already? And indeed Hell surrounds the Unbelievers (on all sides).
50. If good befalls you, it grieves them; but if a misfortune befalls you, they say, “We took indeed our precautions beforehand,” and they turn away rejoicing.
51. Say: “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector:” and on Allah let the Believers put their trust.
52. Say: “Can you expect for us (any fate) other than one of two glorious things―(martyrdom or victory)? But we can expect for you either that Allah will send His punishment from Himself, or by our hands. So wait (expectant); we too will wait with you.”
53. Say: “Spend (for the Cause) willingly or unwillingly: not from you will it be accepted: for you are indeed a people rebellious and wicked.”
54. The only reasons why their contributions are not accepted are: that they reject Allah and His Messenger; that they come to prayer without earnestness; and that they offer contributions unwillingly.
55. Let not their wealth nor their (following in) sons dazzle you: in reality Allah’s Plan is to punish them with these things in this life, and that their souls may perish in their (very) denial of Allah.
56. They swear by Allah that they are indeed of you; but they are not of you: yet they are afraid (to appear in their true colours).
57. If they could find a place to flee to, or caves, or a place of concealment, they would turn straightaway thereto, with an obstinate rush.
58. And among them are those who slander you in the matter of (the distribution of) the alms: if they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if not, behold! They are indignant!
59. If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them, and had said, “Sufficient unto us is Allah! Allah and His Messenger will soon give us of His bounty: to Allah do we turn our hopes!” (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 Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
61. Among them are those who molest the Prophet and say, “He is (all) ear.” Say, “He listens to what is best for you: he believes in Allah, has faith in the Believers, and is a Mercy to those of you who believe.” But those who molest the Messenger will have a grievous penalty.
62. To you they swear by Allah. In order to please you: but it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger, if they are Believers.
63. Know they not that for those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, is the Fire of Hell?―wherein they shall dwell. That is the supreme disgrace.
64. The Hypocrites are afraid lest a Sūrah should be sent down about them, showing them what is (really passing) in their hearts. Say: “Mock you! But verily Allah will bring to light all that you fear (should be revealed).
65. If you do question them, they declare (with emphasis): “We were only talking idly and in play.” Say: “Was it at Allah, and His Signs, and His Messenger, that you were mocking?”
66. Make you no excuses: You have rejected Faith after you had accepted it. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you, for that they are in sin.
67. The Hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other: they enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and are tight with their hands. They have forgotten Allah; so He has forgotten them. Verily the Hypocrites are rebellious and perverse.
68. Allah has promised the Hypocrites men and women, and the rejecters, of Faith, the fire of Hell: therein shall they dwell: sufficient is it for them: for them is the curse of Allah, and an enduring punishment―
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 enjoyment of their portion: and you have of yours, as did those before you; and you indulge in idle talk as they did. (For) those!―their works are fruitless in this world and in the 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 people of Midian, and the Cities overthrown. To them came their messengers with Clear Signs. It is not Allah Who wrongs them, but they wrong their own souls.
71. The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another: they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is evil: they observe regular Prayers, practise regular Charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His Mercy: for Allah is Exalted in power, Wise.
72. Allah has promised to Believers―men and women― gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah: that is the supreme felicity.
73. O Prophet! Strive hard against the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell―an evil refuge indeed.
74. They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil), but indeed they 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 Allah and His Messenger had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: they shall have none on earth to protect or help them.
75. Amongst them are those who made a covenant with Allah, that if He bestowed on them of His bounty, they would give (largely) in charity, and be truly amongst those who are righteous.
76. But when He did bestow of His bounty, they became covetous, and turned back (from their covenant), averse (from its fulfilment).
77. So He has put as a consequence Hypocrisy into their hearts, (to last) till the Day, whereon they shall meet Him: because they broke their Covenant with Allah, and because they lied (again and again).
78. Know they not that Allah does know their secret (thoughts) and their secret counsels, and that Allah knows well all things unseen?
79. Those who slander such of the believers as give themselves freely to (deeds of) charity, as well as such as can find nothing to give except the fruits of their labour― and throw ridicule on them―Allah will throw back their ridicule on them: and they shall have a grievous penalty.
80. (You may choose to) ask (Allah) forgiveness for them or to not ask (Allah) forgiveness for them: if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness, Allah will not forgive them: because they have rejected Allah and His Messenger: and Allah guides not those who are perversely rebellious.
81. Those who were left behind (in the Tabūk expedition) rejoiced in their inaction behind the back of the Messenger of Allah: they hated to strive and fight, with their goods and their persons, in the Cause of Allah: they said, “Go not forth in the heat.” Say, “The fire of Hell is fiercer in heat.” If only they could understand!
82. Let them laugh a little: much will they weep: a recompense for the (evil) that they do.
83. If, then, Allah bring you back to any of them, and they ask your permission to come out (with you), say: “Never shall you come out with me, nor fight an enemy with me: for you preferred to sit inactive on the first occasion: then sit you (now) with those who lag behind.”
84. Nor do you ever pray for any of them that dies, nor stand at his grave; for they rejected Allah and His Messenger, and died in a state of perverse rebellion.
85. Nor let their wealth nor their (following in) sons dazzle you: Allah’s Plan is to punish them with these things in this world, and that their souls may perish in their (very) denial of Allah.
86. When a Sūrah comes down, enjoining them to believe in Allah 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 and so they understand not.
88. But the Messenger, and those who believe with him, strive and fight with their wealth and their persons: for them are (all) good things: and it is they who will prosper.
89. Allah has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein: that is the supreme felicity.
90. And there were, among the desert Arabs (also), those who made excuses and came to claim exemption; and those who were false to Allah and His Messenger (merely) sat inactive. Soon will a grievous penalty 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 Allah and His Messenger: no ground (of complaint) can there be against such as do right: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
92. Nor (is there blame) on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, and when you said, “I can find no mounts for you,” they turned back, their eyes streaming with tears of grief that they had no resources wherewith to provide the expenses.
93. The ground (of complaint) is against such as claim exemption while they are rich. They prefer to stay with the (women) who remain behind: Allah has sealed their hearts; so they know not (what they miss).
94. They will present their excuses to you when you return to them. Say you: “Present no excuses: we shall not believe you: Allah has already informed us of the true state of matters concerning you: it is your actions that Allah and His Messenger will observe: in the end will you be brought back to Him Who knows what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that you did.”
95. They will swear to you by Allah, 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 unto you, that you may be pleased with them but if you are pleased with them, Allah 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 Allah has sent down to His Messenger: but Allah 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 be the disaster of Evil: for Allah is He that hears and knows (all things).
99. But some of the desert Arabs believe in Allah and the Last Day, and look on their payments as pious gifts bringing them nearer to Allah and obtaining the prayers of the Messenger. Aye, indeed they bring them nearer (to Him): soon will Allah admit them to His Mercy: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
100. The vanguard (of Islam)―the first of those who forsook (their homes) and of those who gave them aid, and (also) those who follow them in (all) good deeds― well-pleased is Allah with them, as are they with Him: for them has He prepared Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever: that is the supreme felicity.
101. Certain of the desert Arabs round about you are Hypocrites, as well as (desert Arabs) among the Madīnah folk: they are obstinate in hypocrisy: you know them not: We know them: twice shall We punish them: And in addition shall they be sent to a grievous penalty.
102. Others (there are who) have acknowledged their wrong-doings: they have mixed an act that was good with another that was evil. Perhaps Allah will turn unto them (in Mercy): for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
103. Of their goods, take alms, that so you might purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf. Verily your prayers are a source of security for them: and Allah is One Who hears and knows.
104. Know they not that Allah does accept repentance from His votaries and receives their gifts of charity, and that Allah is verily He, the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful?
105. And say: “Work (righteousness): soon will Allah observe your work, and His Messenger, and the Believers: soon will you be brought back to the Knower of what is hidden and what is open: then will He show you the truth of all that you did.”
106. There are (yet) others, held in suspense for the command of Allah, whether He will punish them, or turn in mercy to them: and Allah 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 Allah and His Messenger aforetime. They will indeed swear that their intention is nothing but good; but Allah does declare that they are certainly liars.
108. Never stand you forth therein. There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is more worthy of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loves those who make themselves pure.
109. Which then is best?―he that lays his foundation on piety to Allah and His Good Pleasure?―or he that 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 Allah guides not people that do wrong.
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 Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.
111. Allah has purchased of the Believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His Cause, and slay and are slain: 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 Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded: that is the achievement supreme.
112. Those that turn (to Allah) in repentance; that serve Him, and praise Him; that wander in devotion to the Cause of Allah; that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer; that enjoin good and forbid evil; and observe the limit set by Allah―(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 Allah, he dissociated himself from him: for Abraham was most tender-hearted, forbearing.
115. And Allah will not mislead a people after He has guided them, in order that He may make clear to them what to fear (and avoid)―for Allah has knowledge of all things.
116. Unto Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and He takes it. Except for Him you have no protector nor helper.
117. Allah turned with favour to the Prophet, those who migrated (from Mecca), and the supporters (of the migrants)―who followed him in a time of distress, after that the hearts of a part of them had nearly swerved (from duty); but He turned to them (also): for He is unto them Most Kind, Most Merciful.
118. (He turned in mercy also) to the three who were left behind; (they felt guilty) to such a degree that the earth seemed constrained to them, for all its spaciousness, and their (very) souls seemed straitened to them―and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah (and no refuge) but to Himself. Then He turned to them, that they might repent: for Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
119. O you who believe! Fear Allah and be with those who are true (in word and deed).
120. It was not fitting for the people of Madīnah and the Bedouin Arabs of the neighbourhood, to refuse to follow Allah’s Messenger, nor to prefer their own lives to his: because nothing could they suffer or do, but was reckoned to their credit as a deed of righteousness― whether they suffered thirst, or fatigue, or hunger, in the Cause of Allah, or trod paths to raise the ire of the Unbelievers, or received any injury whatever from an enemy: for Allah suffers not the reward to be lost of those who do good―
121. Nor could they spend anything (for the cause)―small or great― nor cut across a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their credit: that Allah may requite their deed with the best (possible reward).
122. Nor should the Believers all go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition remained behind, they could devote themselves to studies in religion, and admonish the people when they return to them―that thus they (may learn) to guard themselves (against evil).
123. O you who believe! Fight the Unbelievers who gird you about, and let them find firmness in you: and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
124. Whenever there comes down a Sūrah, some of them say: “Which of you has had his faith increased by it?” Yea, those who believe―their faith is increased and they do rejoice.
125. But those in whose hearts is a disease―it will add doubt to their doubt, and they will die in a state of Unbelief.
126. See they not that they are tried every year once or twice? Yet they turn not in repentance, and they take no heed.
127. Whenever there comes down a Sūrah, they look at each other, (saying), “Does anyone see you?” Then they turn aside: Allah has turned their hearts (from the light); for they are a people that understand not.
128. Now has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that you should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the Believers is he most kind and merciful.
129. But if they turn away, say: “Allah suffices me: there is no god but He: on Him is my trust―He is the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme!”
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Sūrah 10
Yūnus
(Jonah)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Rā’. These are the āyāt of the Book of Wisdom.
2. Is it a matter of wonderment to people that We have sent Our inspiration to a man from among themselves?―that he should warn humanity, and give the good news to the Believers that they have before their Lord the lofty rank of Truth. (But) say the Unbelievers: “This is indeed an evident sorcerer!”
3. Verily your Lord is Allah, 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 after His leave (has been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him therefore serve you: will you not then be of the warned?
4. To Him will be your return―of all of you. The promise of Allah is true and sure. It is He Who begins the process of Creation, and repeats it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness; but those who reject Him will have draughts of boiling fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him.
5. It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for it; that you might know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) does He explain His Signs in detail, for those who understand.
6. Verily, in the alternation of the Night and the Day, and in all that Allah has created, in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who fear Him.
7. Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who heed not 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: beneath them will flow rivers in Gardens of Bliss.
10. (This will be) their cry therein: “Glory to You, O Allah!” And “Peace” will be their greeting therein! And the close of their cry will be: “Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds!”
11. If Allah were to hasten for people the ill (they have earned) as they would fain hasten on the good― then would their respite be settled at once. But We leave those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, in their trespasses, wandering in distraction to and fro.
12. When trouble touches a person, he cries unto 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. Generations before you We destroyed 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 rehearsed unto them, those who rest not 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 naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the Penalty of a Great Day (to come).”
16. Say: “If Allah had so willed, I should not have rehearsed it to you, nor would He have made it known to you. A whole life-time before this have I tarried amongst you: will you not then understand?”
17. Who does more wrong than such as forge a lie against Allah, or deny His Signs? But never will prosper those who sin.
18. They serve, besides Allah, things that hurt them not nor profit them, and they say: “These are our intercessors with Allah.” Say: “Do you indeed inform Allah of something He knows not, in the heavens or on earth?―glory to Him! And far is He above the partners they ascribe (to Him)!”
19. Humanity was but 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 Allah (to know), then wait you: I too will wait with you.”
21. When We make people taste of some mercy after adversity has touched them, behold! They take to plotting against Our Signs! Say: “Swifter to plan is Allah!” Verily, Our messengers record all the plots that you make!
22. He it is Who enables you to traverse through land and sea; so that you even board ships―they sail with them with a favourable wind, and they rejoice thereat; then comes a stormy wind and the waves come to them from all sides, and they think they are being overwhelmed: they cry unto Allah, sincerely offering (their) duty unto Him Saying, “If you do deliver us from this, we shall truly show our gratitude!”
23. But when he delivers them, behold! They transgress insolently through the earth in defiance of right! O people! Your insolence is against your own souls―an enjoyment of the life of the Present: in the end, to Us is your return, and We shall show you the truth of all that you did.
24. The likeness of the life of the Present is as the rain which We send down from the skies: by its mingling arises the produce of the earth―which provides food for people 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: there reaches it Our command by night or by day, and We make it like a harvest clean-mown, as if it had not flourished only the day before! Thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect.
25. But Allah does call to the Home of Peace: He does guide whom He pleases to a way that is straight.
26. To those who do right is a goodly (reward)―indeed, and more (in measure)! No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces! They are Companions of the Garden; they will abide therein (forever)!
27. But those who have earned Evil will have a reward of like evil: ignominy will cover their (faces): no defender will they have from (the wrath of) Allah: their faces 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 therein (forever)!
28. One day shall We gather them all together. Then shall We 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 that you worshipped!”
29. “Enough is Allah for a witness between us and you: we certainly knew nothing of your worship of us!”
30. There will every soul prove (the fruits of) the deeds it sent before: they will be brought back to Allah their rightful Lord, and their invented falsehoods will leave them in the lurch.
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, “Allah”. Say, “Will you not then show piety (to Him)?”
32. Such is Allah, your real 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: verily they will not believe.
34. Say: “Of your ‘partners’, can any originate creation and repeat it?” Say: “Allah is He Who originates creation and repeats it: then how are you deluded away (from the truth)?”
35. Say: “Of your ‘partners’ is there any that can give any guidance towards truth?” Say: “Allah is He Who gives guidance towards truth, is then He Who gives guidance to Truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you? How judge you?”
36. But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be of no avail against Truth. Verily Allah is well aware of all that they do.
37. This Qur’ān is not such as can be produced by other than Allah; on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book―wherein there is no doubt― from the Lord of the Worlds.
38. Or do they say, “He forged it”? Say: “Bring then a Sūrah like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah, if it be you speak the truth!”
39. Nay, they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof has reached them: thus did those before them make charges of falsehood: but see what was the end of those who did wrong!
40. Of them there are some who believe therein, and some who do not: and your Lord knows best those who are out for mischief.
41. If they charge you with falsehood, say: “My work to me, and yours to you! You are free from responsibility for what I do, and I for what you do!”
42. Among them are some who (pretend to) listen to you: but can you make the deaf to hear―even though they are without understanding?
43. And among them are some who look at you: but can you guide the blind―even though they will not see?
44. Verily Allah will not deal unjustly with people in aught: it is people that wrong their own souls.
45. One day He will gather them together: (it will be) as if they had tarried but an hour of a day: they will recognise each other: assuredly those will be lost who denied the meeting with Allah and refused to receive true guidance.
46. Whether We show you (in your life-time) some part of what We promise them―or We take your soul (to Our Mercy) (before that)―in any case, to Us is their return: ultimately Allah is witness, to all that they do.
47. To every people (was sent) a Messenger: when their Messenger comes (before 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 profit to myself except as Allah wills. To every People is a term appointed: when their term is reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance (it 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 you wanted (aforetime) to hasten it on!’
52. “At length will be said to the wrong-doers: ‘Taste you the enduring punishment! You get but the recompense of what you earned!’”
53. They seek to be informed by you: “Is that true?” Say: “Aye! 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 fain give it in ransom: they would declare (their) repentance when they see the penalty: but the judgement between them will be with justice, and no wrong will be done unto them.
55. Is it not (the case) that to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth? Is it not (the case) that Allah’s promise is assuredly true? Yet most of them understand not.
56. It is He Who gives life and Who takes it, and to Him shall you all be brought back.
57. O humanity! There has come to you a direction 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 Allah. And in His Mercy―in that let them rejoice”: that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.
59. Say: “See you what things Allah has sent down to you for sustenance? Yet you hold forbidden some things thereof and (some things) lawful.” Say: “Has Allah indeed permitted you, or do you invent (things) to attribute to Allah?”
60. And what think those who invent lies against Allah, of the Day of Judgement? Verily Allah is full of bounty to humanity, 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 (people) may be doing―We are witnesses thereof when you are deeply engrossed therein. Nor is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest of these things but are recorded in a clear record.
62. Behold! Verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve;
63. Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil―
64. For them are Glad Tidings, in the life of the Present and in the Hereafter; no change can there be in the Words of Allah. This is indeed the supreme felicity.
65. Let not their speech grieve you: for all power and honour belong to Allah: it is He Who hears and knows (all things).
66. Behold! Verily to Allah belong all creatures, in the heavens and on earth. What do they follow, those who worship as "partners" other than Allah? They follow nothing but fancy, and they do nothing but lie.
67. He is the One Who has made for you the Night that you may rest therein, and the Day to make things visible (to you). Verily in this are Signs for those who listen (to His Message).
68. They say: “Allah has begotten a son!”―Glory be to Him! He is Self-Sufficient! His are all things in the heavens and on earth! No warrant have you for this! Say you about Allah what you know not?
69. Say: “Those who invent a lie against Allah will never prosper.”
70. A little enjoyment in this world!―and then, to Us will be their return, then shall We make them taste the severest Penalty for their blasphemies.
71. Relate to them the story of Noah. Behold! He said to his people: “O my people, if it be hard on your (mind) that I should stay (with you) and commemorate the Signs of Allah―yet I put my trust in Allah. Get you then an agreement about your plan and among your partners, so your plan be not to you dark and dubious. Then pass your sentence on me, and give me no respite.
72. “But if you turn back, (consider): no reward have I asked of you: my reward is only due from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah’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 in the flood those who rejected Our Signs. Then see what was the end of those who were warned (but heeded not)!
74. Then after him We sent (many) messengers to their peoples: they brought them Clear Signs, but they would not believe what they had already rejected beforehand. Thus do We seal the hearts of the transgressors.
75. Then after them sent We Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his chiefs with Our Signs. But they were arrogant: they were a people in sin.
76. When the Truth did come to them from Us, they said: “This is indeed evident sorcery!”
77. Said Moses: “Say you (this) about the Truth when it has (actually) reached you? Is sorcery (like) this? But sorcerers will not prosper.”
78. They said: “Have you come to us to turn us away from the ways we found our fathers following― in order that you and your brother may have greatness in the land? But in you two, we shall not believe!”
79. Said Pharaoh: “Bring me every sorcerer well versed.”
80. When the sorcerers came, Moses said to them: “Throw you what you (wish) to throw!”
81. When they had had their throw, Moses said: “What you have brought is sorcery: Allah will surely make it of no effect: for Allah prospers not the work of those who make mischief.
82. “And Allah by His Words does prove and establish His Truth, however much the sinners may hate it!”
83. But none believed in Moses except some children of his people, because of the fear of 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 do (really) believe in Allah, then in Him put your trust if you submit (your will to His).”
85. They said: “In Allah do we put our trust. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for those who practise 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, make 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 on Pharaoh and his Chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of the present, and so, Our Lord, they mislead (people) 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. Allah said: “Accepted is your prayer (O Moses and Aaron)! So stand you straight, and follow not the path of those who know not.”
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 Him Whom the Children of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit (to Allah in Islam).”
91. (It was said to him): “Ah now!―but a little while before, were you in rebellion!―and you did mischief (and violence)!
92. “This day shall We save you in your body, that you may be a Sign to those who come after you! But verily, many among humanity are heedless of Our Signs!”
93. We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, and provided for them sustenance of the best: it was after knowledge had been granted to them, that they fell into schisms. Verily Allah will judge between them as to the schisms amongst them, on the Day of Judgement.
94. If you were in doubt as to what We have revealed unto you, then ask those who have been reading the Book from before you: the Truth has indeed come to you from your Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt.
95. Nor be of those who reject the Signs of Allah, or you shall 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 unto them―until they see (for themselves) the Penalty grievous.
98. Why was there not a single township (among those We warned), which believed―so its Faith should have profited it―except the People of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the Penalty of Ignominy in the life of the present, and permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.
99. If it had been your Lord’s will, they would all have believed―all who are on earth! Will you then compel people, against their will, to believe!
100. No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, 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 believe not.
102. Do they then expect (anything) but (what happened in) the days of those who passed away before them? Say: “Wait you then: for I, too, will wait with you.”
103. In the end We deliver Our messengers and those who believe: thus is it fitting on Our part that We should deliver those who believe!
104. Say: “O you people! If you are in doubt as to my religion, (behold!) I worship not what you worship, other than Allah! But I worship Allah―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 wise be of the Unbelievers;
106. “‘Nor call on any, other than Allah―such will neither profit you nor hurt you: if you do, behold! You shall certainly be of those who do wrong.’”
107. If Allah does touch you with hurt, there is none can remove it but He: if He does design some benefit for you, there is none can keep back His favour: He causes it to reach whomsoever of His servants He pleases. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
108. Say: “O you 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 you the inspiration sent unto you, and be patient and constant, till Allah does decide: for He is the Best to decide.
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Sūrah 11
Hūd
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Rā’ (this is) a Book, with verses of wisdom explained in detail―from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things):
2. (It teaches) that you should worship none but Allah. (Say): “Verily I am (sent) unto you from Him to warn and to bring Glad tidings:
3. “(And to preach thus), ‘Seek you the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance; that He may grant you enjoyment, good (and true), for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding grace on all who abound in merit! But if you turn away, then I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day:
4. ‘To Allah is your return, and He has power over all things.’”
5. Behold! They fold up their hearts, that they may lie hid 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 (inmost secrets) of the hearts.
6. There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance depends on Allah: He knows the time and place of its definite abode and its temporary deposit: all is in a clear Record.
7. He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days―and His Throne was over the waters―that He might try 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 a definite 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 that which they used to mock at!
9. If We give man a taste of Mercy from Ourselves, and then withdraw it from him, behold! He is in despair and (falls into) blasphemy.
10. But if We give him a taste of (Our) favours after adversity has touched him, he is sure to say, “All evil has departed from me:” Behold! He falls into exultation and pride.
11. Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward.
12. Perchance you may (feel the inclination) to give up a part of what is revealed unto you, and your heart feels straitened lest they say, “Why is not a treasure sent down unto him, or why does not an angel come down with him?” But you are there only to warn! It is Allah that arranges all affairs!
13. Or they may say, “He forged it,” say, “Bring you then ten Sūrahs forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever you can, other than Allah!―If you speak the truth!
14. “If then they (your false gods) answer not your (call), know you that this Revelation is sent down (replete) with the knowledge of Allah, and that there is no god but He! Will you even then submit (to Islam)?”
15. Those who desire the life of the Present and its glitter―to them We shall pay (the price of) their deeds therein―without diminution.
16. They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire: vain are the designs they frame therein, and of no effect are the deeds that they do!
17. Can they be (like) those who accept a Clear (Sign) from their Lord, and whom a witness from Himself does teach, as did the Book of Moses before it―a guide and a mercy? They believe therein; but those of the Sects that reject it―the Fire will be their promised meeting-place. Be not then in doubt thereon: for it is the Truth from your Lord: yet many among people do not believe!
18. Who does more wrong than those who invent a lie against Allah? They will be turned back to the presence of their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied against their Lord! Behold! The Curse of Allah is on those who do wrong!―
19. “Those who would hinder (people) from the path of Allah and would seek in it something crooked: these were they who denied the Hereafter!”
20. They will in no wise frustrate (His design) on earth, nor have they protectors besides Allah! 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 left them in the lurch!
22. Without a doubt, these are the very ones who will lose most in the Hereafter!
23. But those who believe and work righteousness, and humble themselves before their Lord― they will be Companions of the Gardens, to dwell therein forever!
24. These two kinds (of people) may be compared to the blind and deaf, and those who can see and hear well. Are they equal when compared? Will you not then 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 Allah: verily I do 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 human being like ourselves: nor do we see that any follow you but the meanest among us, in judgement immature: nor do we see in you (all) any merit above us: in fact we think you are liars!”
28. He said: “O my people! See you if (it be that) I have a Clear Sign from my Lord, and that He has sent Mercy unto 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 Allah: but I will not drive away (in contempt) those who believe: for verily they are to meet their Lord, and you I see are the ignorant ones!
30. “And O my people! Who would help me against Allah if I drove them away? Will you not then take heed?
31. “I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel. Nor yet do I say, of those whom your eyes do despise that Allah will not grant them (all) that is good: Allah knows best what is in their souls: I should, if I did, indeed be a wrong-doer.”
32. They said: “O Noah! You have disputed with us, and (much) have you prolonged the dispute with us: now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you speak the truth!?”
33. He said: “Truly, Allah will bring it on you if He wills―and then, you will not be able to frustrate it!
34. “Of no profit will be my counsel to you, much as I desire to give you (good) counsel, if it be that Allah wills to leave you astray: He is your Lord! And to Him will you return!”
35. Or do they say, “He has forged it”? Say: “If I had forged it, on me were my sin! 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 believed already! So grieve no longer over their (evil) deeds.
37. “But construct an Ark under Our eyes and Our Inspiration, and address Me no (further) on behalf of those who are in sin: for they are about to be overwhelmed (in the Flood).”
38. Forthwith he (starts) constructing the Ark: every time that the Chiefs of his People passed by him, they threw ridicule on him. He said: “If you ridicule us now, we (in our turn) can look down on you with ridicule likewise!
39. “But soon will you know who it is on whom will descend a Penalty that will cover them with shame―on whom will be unloosed a Penalty lasting:”
40. At length, behold! There came Our Command, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! We said: “Embark therein, of each kind two, 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 you on the Ark, in the name of Allah, whether it move or be at rest! For my Lord is, be sure, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!”
42. So the Ark floated with them on waves (towering) like mountains, and Noah called out to his son, who had separated himself (from the rest): “O my son! Embark with us, and be not with the Unbelievers!”
43. The son replied: “I will betake myself to some mountain: it will save me from the water.” Noah said: “This day nothing can save, from the Command of Allah, any but those on whom He has mercy!”―And the waves came between them, and the son was among those overwhelmed in the Flood.
44. Then the word went forth: “O earth! Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold (your rain)!” And the water abated, and the matter was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Jūdī, and the word went forth: “Away with those who do wrong!”
45. And Noah called upon His Lord, and said: “O my Lord! Surely my son is of my family! And Your promise is true, and You are the Justest of Judges!”
46. He said: “O Noah! He is not of your family: for his conduct is unrighteous. So ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I give you counsel, lest you act like the ignorant!”
47. Noah said: “O my Lord! I do seek refuge with You, lest I ask You for that of which I have no knowledge. And unless you forgive me and have Mercy on me, I should indeed be lost!”
48. The word came: “O Noah! Come down (from the Ark) with peace from Us, and blessing on you and on some of the Peoples (who will spring) from those with you: but (there will be other) Peoples to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time), but in the end will a grievous Penalty reach them from Us.”
49. Such are some of the stories of the Unseen, which We have revealed unto you: before this, neither you nor your People knew them. So persevere patiently: for the End is for those who are righteous.
50. To the ‘Ād People (We sent) Hūd, one of their own brethren. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him. (Your other gods) you do nothing but invent!
51. “O my people! I ask of you no reward for this (Message). My reward is from none but Him Who created me: will you not then 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 turn you not back in sin!”
53. They said: “O Hūd! No Clear (Sign) that have you brought us, and we are not the ones to desert our gods on your word! Nor shall we believe in you!
54. “We say nothing but that (perhaps) some of our gods may have seized you with imbecility.” He said: “I call Allah to witness, and do 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 give me no respite.
56. “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature, but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord that is on a straight Path.
57. “If you turn away―I (at least) 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 has care and watch over all things.”
58. So when Our decree issued, We saved Hūd and those who believed with him, by (special) Grace from Ourselves: We saved them from a severe Penalty.
59. Such were the ‘Ād People: they rejected the Signs of their Lord and Cherisher; disobeyed His Messengers; 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 Judgement. Ah! Behold! For the ‘Ād rejected their Lord and Cherisher! Ah! Behold! Removed (from sight) were ‘Ād the people of Hūd!
61. To the Thamūd People (We sent) Sālih, one of their own brethren. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah: you have no other god but Him. It is He Who has produced you from the earth and settled you therein: then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him (in repentance): for my Lord is (always) near, ready to answer.”
62. They said: “O Sālih! You have been of us!―a centre of our hopes hitherto! Do you (now) forbid us the worship of what our fathers worshipped? But we are really in suspicious (disquieting) doubt as to 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 Allah if I were to disobey Him? What then would you add to my (portion) but perdition?
64. “And O my people! This she-camel of Allah is a symbol to you: leave her to feed on Allah’s (free) earth, and inflict no harm on her, or a swift Penalty will seize you!”
65. But they did hamstring her. So he said: “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days: (Then will be your ruin): (behold) there a promise not to be belied!”
66. When Our decree issued, We saved Sālih and those who believed with him, by (special) Grace from Ourselves―and from the ignominy of that day. For your Lord―He is the Strong One, and able to enforce His Will.
67. The (mighty) Blast overtook the wrong-doers, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the morning―
68. As if they had never dwelt and flourished there. Ah! Behold! For the Thamūd rejected their Lord and Cherisher! Ah! Behold! Removed (from sight) were the Thamūd!
69. There came Our Messengers 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 their hands went not towards the (meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them. They said: “Fear not: we have been sent against the people of Lūt.”
71. And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed: but we gave her Glad tidings of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob.
72. She said: “Alas for me! Shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed be very strange!”
73. They said: “Do you wonder at Allah’s decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings on you, O you people of the house! For He is indeed worthy of all praise, full of all glory!”
74. When fear had passed from (the mind of) Abraham and the glad tidings had reached him, he began to plead with Us for Lūt’s people.
75. For Abraham was, without doubt, forbearing (of faults), compassionate, and given to look to Allah.
76. O Abraham! Seek not this. The decree of your Lord has gone forth: for them there comes a Penalty that cannot be turned back!
77. When Our Messengers came to Lūt, he was grieved on their account and felt himself powerless (to protect) them. He said: “This is a distressful day.”
78. And his people came rushing towards him, and they had been long in the habit of practising abominations. He said: “O my people! Here are my daughters: they are purer for you (if you marry)! Now fear Allah, and cover me not with shame about my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man?”
79. They said: “Well do you know we have no need of your daughters: indeed you know quite well what we want!”
80. He said: “Would that I had power to suppress you or that I could betake myself to some powerful support.”
81. (The Messengers) said: “O Lūt! We are Messengers from your Lord! By no means shall they reach you! Now travel with your family while yet a part of the night remains, and let not any of you look back: but your wife (will remain behind): to her will happen what happens to the people. Morning is their time appointed: is not the morning nigh?”
82. When Our decree issued, 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‘ayb, one of their own brethren: he said: “O my People! Worship Allah: you have no other god but Him. And give not short measure or weight: I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the Penalty of a Day that will compass (you) all round.
85. “And O my people! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent to do mischief.
86. “That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if you (but) believed! But I am not set over you to keep watch!”
87. They said: “O Shu‘ayb! Does your (religion of) prayer command you that we leave off the worship which our fathers practised, or that we leave off 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 you whether I have a Clear (Sign) from my Lord, and He has given me Sustenance (pure and) good as from Himself? I wish not, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do. I only desire (your) betterment to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from Allah. In Him I trust, and unto Him I look.
89. “And O my people! Let not my dissent (from you) cause you to sin, lest you suffer a fate similar to that of the people of Noah or of Hūd or of Sālih, nor are the people of Lūt far off from you!
90. “But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn unto Him (in repentance): for my Lord is indeed Full of Mercy and Loving-Kindness.”
91. They said: “O Shu‘ayb! Much of what you say we do not understand! In fact among us we see that you have no strength! Were it not for your family, we should certainly have stoned you! For you have among us no great position!”
92. He said: “O my people! Is then my family of more consideration with you than Allah? For you cast Him away behind your backs (with contempt). But, verily, my Lord encompasses on all sides all that you do!
93. “And O my people! Do whatever you can: I will do (my part): soon will you know who it is on whom descends the Penalty of ignominy; and who is a liar! And watch you! For I too am watching with you!”
94. When Our decree issued, We saved Shu‘ayb and those who believed with him, by (special) Mercy from Ourselves: but the (mighty) Blast did seize the wrong-doers, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morning―
95. As if they had never dwelt and flourished there! Ah! Behold! How the Madyan were removed (from sight) as were removed the Thamūd!
96. And We sent Moses, with Our Clear (Signs) and an authority manifest,
97. Unto Pharaoh and his Chiefs: but they followed the command of Pharaoh and the command of Pharaoh was no right (guide).
98. He will go before his people on the Day of Judgement, and lead them into the Fire (as cattle are led to water): but woeful indeed will be the place to which they are led!
99. And they are followed by a curse in this (life) and on the Day of Judgement: and woeful is the gift which shall be given (unto them)!
100. These are some of the stories of communities which We relate unto you: of them some are standing, and some have been mown down (by the sickle of time).
101. It was not We that wronged them: they wronged their own souls: the deities, other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them not at all when there issued the decree of your Lord: nor did they add aught (to their lot) but perdition!
102. Such is the chastisement of your Lord when He chastises communities in the midst of their wrong: grievous, indeed, and severe is His chastisement.
103. In that is a Sign for those who fear the Penalty of the Hereafter: that is a Day for which humanity will be gathered together: that will be a Day of Testimony.
104. Nor shall We delay it but for a term appointed.
105. The day it arrives, no soul shall speak except by His leave: of those (gathered) some will be wretched and some will be blessed.
106. Those who are wretched shall be in the Fire: there will be for them therein (nothing but) the heaving of sighs and sobs:
107. They will dwell therein 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 therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as your Lord wills: a gift without break.
109. Be not then in doubt as to what these men worship. They worship nothing but what their fathers worshipped before (them): but verily We shall pay them back (in full) their portion without (the least) abatement.
110. We certainly gave the Book to Moses, but differences arose therein: had it not been that a Word had gone forth before from your Lord, the matter would have been decided between them, but they are in suspicious doubt concerning it.
111. And, of a surety, to all will your Lord pay back (in full the recompense) of their deeds: for He knows well all that they do.
112. Therefore stand firm (in the straight Path) as you are commanded―you and those who with you turn (unto Allah); and transgress not (from the Path): for He sees well all that you do.
113. And incline not to those who do wrong, or the Fire will seize you; and you have no protectors other than Allah, 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 to those who remember (their Lord):
115. And be steadfast in patience; for verily Allah will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.
116. Why were there not, among the generations before you, persons possessed of balanced good sense, prohibiting (people) 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 its members were likely to mend.
118. If your Lord had so willed, He could have made humanity one People: but they will not cease to dispute.
119. Except those on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy: and for this did He create them: and the Word of your Lord shall be fulfilled: “I will fill Hell with jinns and humans all together.”
120. All that we relate to you of the stories of the messengers― with it We make firm your heart: in them there comes to you the Truth, as well as an exhortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe.
121. Say to those who do not believe: “Do what ever you can: We shall do our part;
122. “And wait you! We too shall wait.”
123. To Allah do belong the unseen (secrets) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him goes back every affair (for decision): then worship Him, and put your trust in Him: and your Lord is not unmindful of aught that you do.
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Sūrah 12
Yūsuf
(Joseph)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
1. Alif Lām Rā’. These are the symbols (or Verses) of the Perspicuous Book.
2. We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ān, in order that you may learn wisdom.
3. We do relate unto you the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to you this (portion of the) Qur’ān: before this, you too were among those who knew it not.
4. Behold! Joseph said to his father: “O my father! I did see eleven planets and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!”
5. Said (the father): “My (dear) little son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they concoct a plot against you: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy!
6. “Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of stories (and events) and perfect His favour to you and to the posterity of Jacob―even as He perfected it to your fathers Abraham and Isaac aforetime! For your Lord is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.”
7. Verily in Joseph and his brethren are Signs (or Symbols) for seekers (after Truth).
8. They said: “Truly Joseph and his brother are loved more by our father than we: but we are a goodly body! Really our father is obviously wandering (in his mind)!
9. “Slay you Joseph or cast him out to some (unknown) land, that so the favour of your father may be given to you alone: (there will be time enough) for you to be righteous after that!”
10. Said one of them: “Slay not Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of the well: he will be picked up by some caravan of travellers.”
11. They said: “O our father! Why do you not trust us with Joseph― seeing 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: “Really it saddens me that you should take him away: I fear lest the wolf should devour him while you attend not to him.”
14. They said: “If the wolf were to devour him while we are (so large) a party, then should we indeed (first) have perished ourselves!”
15. So they did take him away, and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom of the well: and We put into his heart (this Message): “Of a surety you shall (one day) tell them the truth of this their affair while they know (you) not”
16. Then they came to their father in the early part of the night, weeping.
17. They said: “O our 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: “Nay, but your minds have made up a tale (that may pass) with you, (for me) patience is most fitting: against that which you assert, it is Allah (alone) Whose help can be sought”…
19. Then there came a caravan of travellers: they sent their water-carrier (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 Allah knows well all that they do!
20. They purchased Him for a miserable price―for a few dirhams counted out: in such low estimation did they hold him!
21. The man in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: “Make his stay (among us) honourable: may be he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son.” Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events). And Allah has full power and control over His affairs; but most among humanity know it not.
22. When Joseph attained his full manhood, We gave 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: “Allah forbid! Truly (your husband) is my lord! He made my sojourn agreeable! Truly to no good come those who do wrong!”
24. And (with passion) did she desire him, and he would have desired her, but that he saw the evidence of his Lord: thus (did We order) that We might turn away from him (all) evil and shameful deeds: 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 lord near the door. She said: “What is the (fitting) punishment for one who formed an evil design against your wife, but prison or a grievous chastisement?”
26. He said: “It was she that sought to seduce me―from my (true) self.” And one of her household saw (this) and bore witness, (thus)―“If it be that his shirt is rent from the front, then is her tale true, and he is a liar!
27. “But if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then is she 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, mighty is your snare!
29. “O Joseph, pass this over! (O wife), ask forgiveness for your sin, for truly you have been at fault!”
30. Ladies said in the City: “The wife of the (great) ‘Azīz is seeking to seduce her slave from his (true) self: truly has he inspired her with violent love: we see she is evidently going astray.”
31. When she heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them: she gave each of them a knife: and she said (to Joseph), “Come out before them.” When they saw him, they did extol him, and (in their amazement) cut their hands: they said, “Allah preserve us! No mortal is this! This is none other than a noble angel!”
32. She said: “There before you is the man about whom you did blame me! I did seek to seduce him from his (true) self but he did firmly save himself guiltless!… And now, if he does not my bidding, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and (what is more) be of the company of the vilest!”
33. He said: “O my Lord! The prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me: unless You turn away their snare from me, I should (in my youthful folly) feel inclined towards them and join the ranks of the ignorant.”
34. So his Lord hearkened to him (in his prayer), and turned away from him their snare: verily 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 with him there came into the prison two young men. Said one of them: “I see myself (in a dream) pressing wine.” Said the other: “I see myself (in a dream) carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating, thereof.” “Tell us” (they said) “the truth and meaning thereof: for we see you are one that 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 before it befall you: that is part of the (duty) which my Lord has taught me. I have (I assure you) abandoned the ways of a people that believe not in Allah and that (even) deny the Hereafter.
38. “And I follow the ways of my fathers―Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and never could we attribute any partners whatever to Allah: that (comes) of the grace of Allah to us and to humanity: yet most people are not grateful.
39. “O my two companions of the prison! (I ask you): are many lords differing among themselves better, or Allah, the One Supreme and Irresistible?
40. “If not Him, you worship nothing but names which you have named―you and your fathers―for which Allah has sent down no authority: the Command is for none but Allah: He has commanded that you worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most people understand not...
41. “O my two companions of the prison! As to one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink: as for the other, he will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head. (So) has been decreed that matter whereof you both do enquire”...
42. And of the two, to that one 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 a few (more) years.
43. The king (of Egypt) said: “I do see (in a vision) seven fat kine, whom seven lean ones devour― and seven green ears of corn, and seven (others) withered. O you chiefs! Expound to me my vision if it be that 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 remembered him after (so long) a space of time, said: “I will tell you the truth of its interpretation: send you me (therefore).”
46. “O Joseph!” (he said) “O man of truth! Expound to us (the dream) of seven fat kine whom seven lean ones devour, and of seven green ears of corn and (seven) others withered: that I may return to the people, and that they may understand.”
47. (Joseph) said: “For seven years shall you diligently sow as is your wont: and the harvests that you reap, you shall leave them in the ear―except a little, of which you shall eat.
48. “Then will come after that (period) seven dreadful (years), which will devour what you shall have laid by in advance for them―(all) except a little which you shall have (specially) guarded.
49. “Then will come after that (period) 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 you him unto me.” But when the messenger came to him, (Joseph) said: “Go you 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 did seek to seduce Joseph from his (true) self?” The ladies said: “Allah preserve us! No evil know we against him!” Said the ‘Azīz’s wife: “Now is the truth manifest (to all): it was I who sought to seduce him from his (true) self: he is indeed of those who are (ever) true (and virtuous).
52. “This (say I), in order that he may know that I have never been false to him in his absence, and that Allah 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 do bestow His Mercy: but surely my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
54. So the king said: “Bring him unto me; I will take him specially to serve about my own person.” Therefore when he had spoken to him, he said: “Be assured this day, you are, before our own presence, with rank firmly established, and fidelity fully proved!”
55. (Joseph) said: “Set me over the store-houses of the land: I will indeed guard them, as one that knows (their importance).”
56. Thus did We give established power to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein as, when, or where he pleased. We bestow of Our Mercy on whom We please, and We suffer not, to be lost, the reward of those who do good.
57. But verily the reward of the Hereafter is the best, for those who believe, and are constant in righteousness.
58. Then came Joseph’s brethren: they entered his presence, and he knew them, but they knew him not.
59. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (suitable) for them, he said: “Bring unto me a brother you have, of the same father as yourselves, (but a different mother): see you not that I pay out full measure, and that I do provide the best hospitality?
60. “Now if you bring him not to me, you shall have no measure (of corn) from me, nor shall you (even) come near me.”
61. They said: “We shall certainly seek to get our wish about him from his father: 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 when they returned to their people, in order that they might come back.
63. Now when they returned to their father, they said: “O our father! No more measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother): so send our brother with us, that we may get our measure; and we will indeed 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 aforetime? But Allah 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 add (at the same time) a full camel’s load (of grain to our provisions). This is but a small quantity.
66. (Jacob) said: “Never will I send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me, in Allah’s name, that you will be sure to bring him back to me unless you are yourselves hemmed in (and made powerless). And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: “Over all that we say, be Allah the Witness and Guardian!”
67. Further he said: “O my sons! Enter not all by one gate: enter you by different gates. Not that I can profit you aught against Allah (with my advice): none can command except Allah: in Him do I put my trust: and let all that trust put their trust on 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) Allah: it was but a necessity of Jacob’s soul, which he discharged. For he was, by Our instruction, full of knowledge (and experience): but most people know not.
69. Now 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 grieve not at aught of their doings.”
70. At length when he had furnished them forth with provisions (suitable) for them, he put the drinking cup into his brother’s saddle-bag. Then shouted out a crier: “O you (in) the Caravan! Behold! You are thieves, without doubt!”
71. They said, turning towards them: “What is it that you miss?”
72. They said: “We miss the great beaker of the king; for him who produces it, is (the reward of) a camel load; I will be bound by it.”
73. (The brothers) said: “By Allah! Well you know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!”
74. (The Egyptians) said: “What then shall be the penalty of this, if you are (proved) to have lied?”
75. They said: “The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found, should be held (as bondman) to atone for the (crime). Thus it is we punish the wrong-doers!”
76. So he began (the search) with their baggage, before (he came to) the baggage of his brother: 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 Allah willed it (so). We raise to degrees (of wisdom) whom We please: but over all endued with knowledge is One, the All-Knowing.
77. They said: “If he steals, there was a brother of his who did steal before (him).” But these things did Joseph keep locked in his heart, revealing not the secrets to them. He (simply) said (to himself): “You are the worse situated; and Allah knows best the truth of what you assert!”
78. They said: “O exalted one! Behold! He has a father, aged and venerable, (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: “Allah forbid that we take other than him with whom we found our property: indeed (if we did so), we should be acting wrongfully.
80. Now when they saw no hope of his (yielding), they held a conference in private. The leader among them said: “Know you not that your father did take an oath from you in Allah’s name, and how, before this, you did fail in your duty with Joseph? Therefore will I not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah commands me; and He is the best to command.
81. “Turn you back to your father, and say, ‘O our father! Behold! Your son committed theft! We bear witness only to what we know, and we could not well guard against the unseen!
82. “‘Ask at the town where We have been and the caravan in which we returned, and (you will find) we are indeed telling the truth.’”
83. Jacob said: “Nay, but you have yourselves contrived a story (good enough) for you. So patience is most fitting (for me). Maybe Allah will bring them (back) all 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!” And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy.
85. They said: “By Allah! (never) will you 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 Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not...
87. “O my sons! Go you and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s Soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah’s 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: we have (now) brought but scanty capital: so pay us full measure, (we pray you), and treat it as charity to us: for Allah does reward the charitable.”
89. He said: “Know you 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: Allah has indeed been gracious to us (all): behold, he that is righteous and patient―never will Allah suffer the reward to be lost, of those who do right.”
91. They said: “By Allah! Indeed has Allah preferred you above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!”
92. He said: “This day let no reproach be (cast) on you: Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!
93. “Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father: he will come to see (clearly). Then come you (here) to me together with all your family.”
94. When the caravan left (Egypt), their father said: “I do indeed scent the presence of Joseph: nay, think me not a dotard.”
95. They said: “By Allah! Truly you are in your old wandering mind.”
96. Then when the bearer of the good news came, he cast (the shirt) over his face, and he forthwith regained clear sight. He said: “Did I not say to you, ‘I know from Allah that which you know not?’”
97. They said: “O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault.”
98. He said: “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: for He is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
99. Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his parents with himself, and said: “Enter you Egypt (all) in safety if it please Allah.”
100. And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity), and they fell down in prostration, (all) before him. He said: “O my father! This is the fulfilment of my vision of old! Allah 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. Verily my Lord understands best the mysteries of all that He plans to do, For verily He is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
101. “O my Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events―O You Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Take You 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 what happened unseen, which We reveal by inspiration unto you; nor were you (present) with them when they concerted their plans together in the process of weaving their plots.
103. Yet no faith will the greater part of humanity have, however ardently you do desire it.
104. And no reward do you ask 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 believe not in Allah without associating (others as partners) with Him!
107. Do they then feel secure from the coming against them of the covering veil of the wrath of Allah―or of the coming against them of the (final) Hour all of a sudden while they perceive not?
108. Say you: “This is my Way: I do invite unto Allah―on evidence clear as the seeing with one’s eyes―I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah! And never will I join gods with Allah!”
109. Nor did We send before you (as Messengers) any but men, whom we did inspire―(men) living in human habitations. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? But the home of the Hereafter is best, for those who do right. Will you not then understand?
110. (Respite will be granted) until, when the Messengers give up hope (of their people) and (come to) think that they were treated as liars, there reaches them our help, and those whom We will are delivered into safety. But never will be warded off Our punishment from those who are in sin.
111. There is, in their stories, instruction for people endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it―a detailed exposition of all things, and a Guide and a Mercy to any such as believe.

Sūrah 13
Al-Ra‘d
(The Thunder)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Mīm Rā’. These are the Signs (or Verses) of the Book: that which has been revealed unto you from your Lord is the Truth; but most people believe not.
2. Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see; 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 a term appointed. He does regulate all affairs, explaining the Signs in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.
3. And it is He Who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draws the Night as a veil over the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are Signs for those who consider!
4. And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, 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 than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are Signs for those who understand!
5. If you do marvel (at their want of faith), strange is their saying: “When we are (actually) dust, shall we indeed then be in a creation renewed?” 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 have come to pass, before them, (many) exemplary punishments! But verily your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind for their wrong-doing, and verily 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 to every people a guide.
8. Allah does know what every female (womb) does bear, by how much the wombs fall short (of their time or number) or do exceed. Every single thing is before His sight, in (due) proportion.
9. He knows the Unseen and that which is open: He is the Great, the Most High.
10. It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly; whether he lie hid by night or walk forth freely by day.
11. For each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: they guard him by command of Allah. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). But when (once) Allah wills a people’s punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect.
12. It is He Who does show you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope: it is He Who does raise up the clouds, heavy with (fertilising) rain!
13. Nay, thunder repeats His praises, and so do the angels, with awe: He flings the loud-voiced thunder-bolts, and therewith He strikes whomsoever He will. Yet these (are the people) who (dare to) dispute about Allah, with the strength of His power (supreme)!
14. For Him (alone) is prayer in Truth: any others that they call upon besides Him hear them no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water to reach their mouths but it reaches them not: for the prayer of those without faith is nothing but (futile) wandering (in the mind).
15. Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate themselves to Allah (acknowledging subjection)―with good-will or in spite of themselves: so do their shadows in the morning and evenings.
16. Say: “Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?” Say: “(It is) Allah.” Say: “Do you then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?” Say: “Are the blind equal with those who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with light?” Or do they assign to Allah partners did they create anything like what He has created, so that the creation seemed to them similar? Say: “Allah 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 ornaments or utensils therewith, there is a scum likewise. Thus does Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity. For the scum disappears like froth cast out; while that which is for the good of humanity remains on the earth. Thus does Allah set forth parables.
18. For those who respond to their Lord, are (all) good things. But those who respond not to Him― even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth, and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom. For them will the reckoning be terrible: their abode will be Hell―what a bed of misery!
19. Is then one who does know that that which has been revealed unto you from your Lord is the Truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition―
20. Those who fulfil the Covenant of Allah and fail not in their plighted word;
21. Those who join together those things which Allah 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 turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (Eternal) Home―
23. Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation):
24. “Peace unto you for that you persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final Home!”
25. But those who break the Covenant of Allah, after having plighted their word thereto, and cut asunder those things which Allah has commanded to be joined, and work mischief in the land―on them is the Curse; for them is the terrible Home!
26. Allah does enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the Sustenance (which He gives) to whom so He pleases. (The worldly) rejoice in the life of this world: but the life of this world is but little comfort in the Hereafter.
27. The Unbelievers say: “Why is not a Sign sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “Truly Allah leaves, to stray, whom He will; 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 Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.
29. “For those who believe and work righteousness, is (every) blessedness, and a beautiful place of (final) return.”
30. Thus have We sent you amongst a People before whom (long since) have (other) Peoples (gone and) passed away; in order that you might rehearse unto them what We send down unto you by inspiration; yet do they reject (Him), the Most Gracious! Say: “He is my Lord! There is no god but He! On Him is my trust, 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 Command is with Allah in all things! Do not the Believers know, that, had Allah (so) willed, He could have guided all humanity (to the Right)? But the Unbelievers― never will disaster cease to seize them for their (ill) deeds, or to settle close to their homes, until the promise of Allah come to pass, for, verily, Allah will not fail in His promise.
32. Mocked were (many) Messengers before you: but I granted respite to the Unbelievers, and finally I punished them: then how (terrible) was My requital!
33. Is then He Who stands over every soul (and knows) all that it does, (like any others)? And yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: “But name them! Is it that you will inform Him of something He knows not on earth, or is it (just) a show of words?” Nay! To those who believe not, their pretence seems pleasing, but they are kept back (thereby) from the Path. And those whom Allah leaves to stray, no one can guide.
34. For them is a Penalty in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is the Penalty of the Hereafter: and defender have they none against Allah.
35. The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised!― Beneath it flow rivers: perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the end of the Righteous; and the End of Unbelievers is the Fire.
36. Those to whom We have given the Book rejoice at what has been revealed unto you: but there are among the clans those who reject a part thereof. Say: “I am commanded to worship Allah, and not to join partners with Him. Unto Him do I call, and unto Him is my return.”
37. Thus have We revealed it to be a judgement of authority in Arabic. Were you to follow their (vain) desires after the knowledge which has reached you, then would you find neither protector nor defender against Allah.
38. We did send Messengers before you, and appointed for them wives and children: and it was never the part of a Messenger to bring a Sign except as Allah permitted (or commanded). For each period is a Book (revealed).
39. Allah does blot out or confirm what He pleases: with Him is the Mother of the Book.
40. Whether We shall show you (within your life-time) part of what We promised them or take to ourselves your soul (before it is all accomplished)―your duty is to make (the Message) reach them: it is Our part to call them to account.
41. See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? (Where) Allah commands, there is none to put back His command: and He is Swift in calling to account.
42. Those before them did (also) devise plots; but in all things the master-planning is Allah’s. He knows the doings of every soul: and soon will the Unbelievers know who gets home in the End.
43. The Unbelievers say: “No messenger are you.” Say: “Enough for a witness between me and you is Allah, and such as have knowledge of the Book.”
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Sūrah 14
Ibrāhīm
(Abraham)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Rā’. A Book which We have revealed unto you, in order that you might lead humanity out of the depths of darkness into light―by the leave of their Lord―to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in Power, Worthy of all Praise!―
2. Of Allah, to Whom do belong all things in the heavens and on earth! But alas for the Unbelievers for a terrible Penalty (their Unfaith will bring them)!―
3. Those who love the life of this world more than the Hereafter, who hinder (people) from the Path of Allah and seek therein something crooked: they are astray by a long distance.
4. We sent not a Messenger except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them. Now Allah 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 out your people from the depths of darkness into light, and teach them to remember the days of Allah.” Verily in this there are Signs for such as are firmly patient and constant―grateful and appreciative.
6. Remember! Moses said to his people: “Call to mind the favour of Allah to you when He delivered you from the people of Pharaoh: they set you hard tasks and punishments, slaughtered your sons, and let your women-folk live: therein was a tremendous trial from your Lord.”
7. And remember! Your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): “If you are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto 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 is Allah 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, and ‘Ād, and Thamūd?― and of those who (came) after them? None knows them but Allah. To them came Messengers with Clear (Signs); but they put their hands up to their mouths, and said: “We do deny (the mission) on which you have been sent, and we are really in suspicious (disquieting) doubt as to that to which you invite us.”
10. Their messengers said: “Is there a doubt about Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? It is He Who invites you, in order that He may forgive you your sins and give you respite for a term appointed!” They said: “Ah! You are no more than 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 Allah does grant His grace to such of his servants as He pleases. It is not for us to bring you an authority except as Allah permits. And on Allah let all people of faith put their trust.
12. “No reason have we why we should not put our trust on Allah. Indeed He has guided us to the Ways we (follow). We shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us. For those who put their trust should put their trust in Allah.”
13. And the Unbelievers said to their messengers: “Be sure we shall drive you out of our land, or you shall return to our religion.” But their Lord inspired (this Message) to them: “Verily We shall cause the wrong-doers to perish!
14. “And verily We shall cause you to abide in the land, and succeed them. This for such as fear the Time when they shall stand before My tribunal―such as 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. In front of such a one is Hell, and he is given, for drink, boiling fetid water.
17. In gulps will he sip it, but never will he be near swallowing it down his throat: death will come to him from every quarter, yet will he not die: and in front of him will be a chastisement unrelenting.
18. The parable of those who reject their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a tempestuous day: no power have they over aught that they have earned: that is the straying far, far (from the goal).
19. See you not that Allah created the heavens and the earth in Truth? If He so will, He can remove you and put (in your place) a new Creation?
20. Nor is that for Allah any great matter.
21. They will all be marshalled before Allah together: then will the weak say to those who were arrogant, “For us, we but followed you; can you then avail us to all against the Wrath of Allah?” They will reply, “If we had received the guidance of Allah, we should have given it to you: to us it makes no difference (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience: for ourselves there is no way of escape.”
22. And Satan will say when the matter is decided: “It was Allah 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 reproach not 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 Allah. For wrong-doers there must be a grievous Penalty.”
23. But those who believe and work righteousness will be admitted to Gardens beneath which rivers flow―to dwell therein forever with the leave of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be: “Peace!”
24. See you not how Allah sets forth a parable?―a goodly Word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens―
25. It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So Allah sets forth parables for people, in order that they may receive admonition.
26. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree: it is torn up by the root from the surface of the earth: it has no stability.
27. Allah will establish in strength those who believe, with the Word that stands firm, in this world and in the Hereafter; but Allah will leave, to stray, those who do wrong: Allah does what He wills.
28. Have you not turned your vision to those who have changed the favour of Allah into blasphemy and caused their people to descend to the House of Perdition?―
29. Into Hell? They will burn therein―an evil place to stay in!
30. And they set up (idols) as equal to Allah, to mislead (people) from the Path! Say: “Enjoy (your brief power)! But verily, you are making straightway for Hell!”
31. Speak to my servants who have believed, that they may 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 Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth and sends down rain from the skies, and with it brings out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He Who has made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His Command; and the rivers (also) has He made subject to you.
33. And He has made subject to you the sun and the moon, both diligently pursuing their courses; and the Night and the Day has He (also) made subject to you.
34. And He gives you of all that you ask for. But if you count the favours of Allah, never will you be able to number them. Verily, the human being is given up to injustice and ingratitude.
35. Remember Abraham said: “O my Lord! Make this city one of peace and security: and preserve me and my sons from worshipping idols.
36. “O my Lord! They have indeed led astray many among humanity; he then who follows my (ways) is of me, and he that disobeys me―but You are indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
37. “O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among people with love towards them, and feed them with Fruits: so that they may give thanks.
38. “O our Lord! Truly You do know what we conceal and what we reveal: for nothing whatever is hidden from Allah, whether on earth or in heaven.
39. “Praise be to Allah, Who has granted unto me in old age Ismā‘īl and Isaac: for truly my Lord is He, the Hearer of Prayer!
40. O my Lord! Make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! And accept You my Prayer.
41. “O our Lord! Cover (us) with Your Forgiveness―me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established!
42. Think not that Allah does not heed the deeds of those who do wrong. He but gives them respite against a Day when the eyes will fixedly stare in horror―
43. They running forward with necks outstretched, their heads uplifted, their gaze returning not towards them, and their hearts a (gaping) void!
44. So warn humanity of the Day when the Wrath will reach them: then will the wrong-doers say: “Our Lord! Respite us (if only) for a short term: we will answer your call, and follow the messengers!” “What! Were you not wont to swear aforetime that you should suffer no decline?
45. “And you dwelt in the dwellings of people who wronged their own souls; you were clearly shown how We dealt with them; and We put forth (many) parables on your behalf!”
46. Mighty indeed were the plots which they made, but their plots were (well) within the sight of Allah, even though they were such as to shake the hills!
47. Never think that Allah would fail His messengers in His promise: for Allah is Exalted in Power―the Lord of Retribution.
48. One day the earth will be changed to a different earth, and so will be the Heavens, and (people) will be marshalled forth, before Allah, the One, the Irresistible;
49. And you will see the Sinners that day bound together in fetters―
50. Their garments of liquid pitch, and their faces covered with Fire;
51. That Allah may requite each soul according to its deserts; and verily Allah is swift in calling to account.
52. Here is a Message for humanity: let them take warning therefrom, and let them know that He is (no other than) One God: let people of understanding take heed.
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Sūrah 15
Al-Hijr
(The Rocky Tract)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif 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 Allah’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: soon will knowledge (undeceive them).
4. Never did We destroy a population that had not a term decreed and assigned beforehand.
5. Neither can a people anticipate its term, nor delay it.
6. They say: “O you to whom the Message is being revealed! Truly you are mad (or possessed)!
7. “Why bring you not angels to us if it be that you have the Truth?”
8. We send not the angels down except for just cause: if they came (to the ungodly), behold! No respite would they have!
9. We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).
10. We did send Messengers before you amongst the religious sects of old:
11. But never came a Messenger to them but they mocked him.
12. Even so do We let it creep into the hearts of the sinners―
13. That they should not believe in the (Message); but 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 therein,
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 Zodiacal Signs in the heavens, and made them fair-seeming to (all) beholders;
17. And (moreover) We have guarded them from every evil spirit accursed:
18. But any that gains a hearing by stealth, is pursued by a flaming fire, bright (to see).
19. And the earth We have spread out (like a carpet); set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance.
20. And We have provided therein means of subsistence―for you and for those for whose sustenance you are not responsible.
21. And there is not a thing but its (sources and) treasures (inexhaustible) are with Us; but We only send down thereof in due and ascertainable measures.
22. And We send the fecundating winds, then cause the rain to descend from the sky, therewith providing you with water (in abundance), though you are not the guardians of its stores.
23. And verily, it is We Who give life, and Who give death: it is We Who remain inheritors (after all else passes away).
24. To Us are known 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 moulded into shape;
27. And the Jinn race, We had created 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 moulded into shape;
29. “When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall you down in obeisance unto him.”
30. So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together:
31. Not so Iblīs: he refused to be among those who prostrated themselves.
32. (Allah) said: “O Iblīs! What is your reason for not being among those who prostrated themselves?”
33. (Iblīs) said: “I am not one to prostrate myself to man, whom You did create from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape.”
34. (Allah) said: “Then get you out from here; for you are rejected, accursed.
35. “And the curse shall be on you till the Day of Judgement.”
36. (Iblīs) said: “O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised.”
37. (Allah) said: “Respite is granted you―
38. “Till the Day of the Time Appointed.”
39. (Iblīs) said: “O my Lord! Because You have put me in the wrong, I will make (wrong) fair-seeming to them on the earth, and I will put them all in the wrong―
40. “Except Your servants among them, sincere and purified (by Your Grace).”
41. (Allah) said: “This (Way of My sincere servants) is indeed a Way that leads straight to Me.
42. “For over My servants no authority shall you have, except such as put themselves in the wrong and follow you.”
43. And verily, Hell is the promised abode for them all!
44. To it are seven Gates: for each of those Gates is a (special) class (of sinners) assigned.
45. The righteous (will be) amid Gardens and fountains (of clear-flowing water).
46. (Their greeting will be): “Enter you here in peace and security.”
47. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury: (they will be) brothers (joyfully) facing each other on thrones (of dignity).
48. There no sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave.
49. Tell My servants that I am indeed the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful;
50. And that My Penalty will be indeed the most grievous Penalty.
51. Tell them about the guests of Abraham.
52. When they entered his presence and said, “Peace!” He said, “We feel afraid of you!”
53. They said: “Fear not! We give you glad tidings of a son endowed with wisdom.”
54. He said: “Do you give me glad tidings that old age has seized me? Of what, then, is your good news?”
55. They said: “We give you glad tidings in truth: be not then in despair!”
56. He said: “And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord, but such as go astray?”
57. Abraham said: “What then is the business on which you (have come), O you Messengers (of Allah)?”
58. They said: “We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin,
59. “Excepting the adherents of Lūt: them we are certainly (charged) to save (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 adherents of Lūt,
62. He said: “You appear to be uncommon folk.”
63. They said: “Indeed, we have come to you to accomplish that of which they doubt.
64. “We have brought to you that which is inevitably due, and assuredly we tell the truth.
65. “Then travel by night with your household, when a portion of the night (yet remains), and do you bring up the rear: let no one amongst you look back, but pass on whither you are ordered.”
66. And We made known this decree to him, that the last remnants of those (sinners) should be cut off by the morning.
67. The inhabitants of the City came in (mad) joy (at news of the young men).
68. Lūt said: “These are my guests: disgrace me not:
69. “But fear Allah, and shame me not.”
70. They said: “Did we not forbid you (to speak) for all and sundry?”
71. He said: “There are my daughters (to marry), if you must act (so).”
72. Verily, by your life (O Prophet), in their wild intoxication, they wander in distraction, to and fro.
73. But the (mighty) Blast overtook them before morning,
74. And We turned (the Cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay.
75. Behold! In this are Signs for those who by tokens do understand.
76. And the (Cities were) right on the high-road.
77. Behold! In this is a Sign for those who believed.
78. And the Companions of the Wood were also wrong-doers;
79. So We exacted retribution from them. They were both 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 from them.
82. Out of the mountains did they hew (their) edifices, (feeling themselves) secure.
83. But the (mighty) Blast seized them of a morning,
84. And of no avail to them was all that they did (with such art and care)!
85. We created not the heavens, the earth, and all between them, but for just ends. And the Hour is surely coming (when this will be manifest). So overlook (any human faults) with gracious forgiveness.
86. For verily it is your Lord Who is the Master-Creator, Knowing all things.
87. And We have bestowed upon you the Seven Oft-repeated (Verses) and the Grand Qur’ān.
88. Strain not your eyes, (wistfully) at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them, nor grieve over them: but lower your wing (in gentleness) to the Believers.
89. And say: “I am indeed he that warns openly and without ambiguity,”―
90. (Of just such wrath) as We sent down on those who divided (Scripture into arbitrary parts)―
91. (So also on such) as have made the Qur’ān into (favoured and un-favoured) parts (as they please).
92. Therefore, by the Lord, We will, of a surety, 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 Allah.
95. For sufficient are We unto you against those who scoff―
96. Those who adopt, with Allah, another god: but soon will they 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 themselves in adoration.
99. And serve your Lord until there come unto you the Hour that is Certain.
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Sūrah 16
Al-Nahl
(Bees)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. (Inevitable) comes (to pass) the Command of Allah: seek you not then to hasten it: Glory to Him, and far is He above having the partners they ascribe unto Him!
2. He does send down His angels with inspiration of His Command, to such of His servants as He pleases, (saying): “Warn (people) that there is no god but I: so do your duty unto Me.”
3. He has created the heavens and the earth for just ends: far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him!
4. He has created the human being from a sperm-drop; and behold this same (human being) becomes an open disputer!
5. And cattle He has created for you (O people): from them you derive warmth, and numerous benefits, and of their (meat) you eat.
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 that you could not (otherwise) reach except with souls distressed: for your Lord is indeed Most Kind, 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 unto Allah leads straight the Way, but there are ways that turn aside: if Allah had willed, He could have guided all of you.
10. It is He who sends down rain from the sky: from it you drink, and out of it (grows) the vegetation on which you feed your cattle.
11. With it He produces for you corn, olives, date-palms, grapes and every kind of fruit: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.
12. He has made subject to you the Night and the Day; the Sun and the Moon; and the Stars are in subjection by His Command: verily in this are Signs for people who are wise.
13. And the things on this earth which He has multiplied in varying colours (and qualities): verily in this is a Sign for people who celebrate the praises of Allah (in gratitude).
14. It is He Who has made the sea subject, that you may eat thereof flesh that is fresh and tender, and that you may extract therefrom ornaments to wear; and you see the ships therein that plough the waves, that you may seek (thus) of the bounty of Allah and that you may be grateful.
15. And He has set up on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you; and rivers and roads; that you may guide yourselves;
16. And marks and sign-posts; and by the stars (people) guide themselves.
17. Is then He Who creates like one that creates not? Will you not receive admonition?
18. If you would count up the favours of Allah, never would you be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
19. And Allah does know what you conceal, and what you reveal.
20. Those whom they invoke besides Allah create nothing and are themselves created.
21. (They are things) dead, lifeless: nor do they know when they will be raised up.
22. Your God is One God: as to those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, and they are arrogant.
23. Undoubtedly Allah does know what they conceal, and what they reveal: verily He loves not the arrogant.
24. When it is said to them, “What is it that your Lord has revealed?” They say, “Tales of the ancients!”
25. Let them bear, on the Day of Judgement, 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 did also plot (against Allah’s Way): but Allah took their structures from their foundations, and the roof fell down on them from above; and the Wrath seized them from directions they did not perceive.
27. Then, on the Day of Judgement, He will cover them with shame, and say: “Where are My ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to dispute (with the godly)?” Those endued 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 wrong-doing to their own souls.” Then would they offer submission (with the pretence), “We did no evil (knowingly).” (The angels will reply), “Nay, but verily Allah knows all that you did;
29. “So enter the gates of Hell, to dwell therein. Thus evil indeed is the abode of the arrogant.”
30. To the righteous (when) it is said, “What is it that your Lord has revealed?” They say, “All that is good.” To those who do good, there is good in this world, and the Home of the Hereafter is even better and excellent indeed is the Home of the righteous―
31. Gardens of Eternity which they will enter: beneath them flow (pleasant) rivers: they will have therein all that they wish: thus does Allah reward the righteous―
32. (Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), “Peace be on you; enter you the Garden, because of (the good) which you did (in the world).”
33. Do the (ungodly) wait until the angels come to them, or there comes the Command of your Lord (for their doom)? So did those who went before them. But Allah wronged them not: 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: “If Allah had so willed, we should not have worshipped aught but Him―neither we nor our fathers―nor should we have prescribed prohibitions other than His.” So did those who went before them. But what is the mission of messengers but to preach the clear Message?
36. For We assuredly sent amongst every People a messenger, (with the Command), “Serve Allah, and eschew Evil”: of the people were some whom Allah guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).
37. If you are anxious for their guidance, yet Allah guides not such as He leaves to stray, and there is none to help them.
38. They swear their strongest oaths by Allah, that Allah will not raise up those who die: nay, but it is a promise (binding) on Him in truth: but most among humanity realise it not.
39. (They must be raised up), in order that He may manifest to them the truth of that wherein they differ, and that the rejecters of Truth may realise that they had indeed (surrendered to) Falsehood.
40. For to anything which We have willed, We but say the word, “Be”, and it is.
41. To those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, after suffering oppression―We will assuredly give a goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater. If they only realised (this)!
42. (They are) those who persevere in patience, and put their trust in their Lord.
43. And before you also the Messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if you realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message.
44. (We sent them) with Clear Signs and Scriptures; and We have sent down unto you (also) the Message; that you may explain clearly to people what is sent for them, and that they may give thought.
45. Do then those who devise evil (plots) feel secure that Allah 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 goings 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 indeed Full of Kindness and Mercy.
48. Do they not look at Allah’s creation, (even) among (inanimate) things―how their (very) shadows turn round, from the right and the left, prostrating themselves to Allah, and that in the humblest manner?
49. And to Allah does obeisance all that is in the heavens and on earth, 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. Allah has said: “Take not (for worship) two gods: for He is just One God: then fear Me (and Me alone).”
52. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth, and to Him is duty due always: then will you fear other than Allah?
53. And you have no good thing but is from Allah: and moreover, when you are touched by distress, unto Him you cry 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 their ingratitude for the favours We have bestowed on them! Then enjoy (your brief day); but soon will you know (your folly)!
56. And they (even) assign, to things they do not know, a portion out of that which We have bestowed for their sustenance! By Allah, you shall certainly be called to account for your false inventions.
57. And they assign daughters for Allah!―Glory be to Him!―and for themselves (sons―the issue) they desire!
58. When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!
59. With shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain it on (sufferance and) contempt, or bury it in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on?
60. To those who believe not in the Hereafter, applies the similitude of evil: to Allah applies the highest similitude: for He is the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.
61. If Allah were to punish people for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the (earth), a single living creature: 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 anticipate it (for a single hour).
62. They attribute to Allah what they hate (for themselves), and their tongues assert the falsehood that all good things are for themselves: without doubt for them is the Fire, and they will be the first to be hastened on into it!
63. By Allah, We (also) sent (Our Messengers) to peoples before you; but Satan made, (to the wicked), their own acts seem alluring: he is also their patron today, but they shall have a most grievous penalty.
64. And We sent down the Book to you for the express purpose, that you should make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe.
65. And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.
66. And verily in cattle (too) will you find an instructive Sign. 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 out wholesome drink and food: behold, in this also is a Sign for those who are wise.
68. And your Lord taught the Bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in habitations that people erect .
69. Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious Paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for people: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought.
70. It is Allah Who creates you and takes your souls at death; and of you there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they know nothing after having known (much): for Allah is All-Knowing, All-Powerful.
71. Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others: those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so as to be equal in that respect. Will they then deny the favours of Allah?
72. And Allah has made for you mates (and companions) of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, sons and daughters and grand children, and provided for you sustenance of the best: will they then believe in vain things, and be ungrateful for Allah’s favours?―
73. And worship others than Allah―such as have no power of providing them, for sustenance, with anything in heavens or earth, and cannot possibly have such power?
74. Invent not similitudes for Allah: for Allah knows, and you know not.
75. Allah sets forth the parable (of two men: one) a slave under the dominion of another; he has no power of any sort; and (the other) a man on whom We have bestowed goodly favours from Ourselves, and he spends thereof (freely), privately and publicly: are the two equal? (By no means;) Praise be to Allah. But most of them understand not.
76. Allah sets forth (another) parable of two men: one of them dumb, with no power of any sort; a wearisome burden is he to his master; whichever way he directs him, he brings no good: is such a man equal with one who commands Justice, and is on a Straight Way?
77. To Allah belongs the Mystery of the heavens and the earth. And the Decision of the Hour (of Judgement) is as the twinkling of an eye, or even quicker: for Allah 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 affections: that you may give thanks (to Allah).
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) Allah. Verily in this are Signs for those who believe.
80. It is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, (tents for) dwellings, which you find so light (and handy) when you travel and when you stop (in your travels); and out of their wool, and their soft fibres (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time.
81. It is Allah Who made out of the things He created, some things to give you shade; of the hills He made some 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 favours on you, 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 recognise the favours of Allah; then they deny them; and most of them are (creatures) ungrateful.
84. One Day We shall raise from all peoples a Witness: then will no excuse be accepted from Unbelievers, nor will they receive any favours.
85. When the wrong-doers (actually) see the Penalty, then will it in no way be mitigated, nor will they then receive respite.
86. When those who gave partners to Allah will see their “partners”, they will say: “Our Lord! These are our ‘partners,’ those whom we used to invoke besides You.” But they will throw back their word at them (and say): “Indeed you are liars!”
87. That Day shall they (openly) show (their) submission to Allah; and all their inventions shall leave them in the lurch.
88. Those who reject Allah and hinder (people) from the Path of Allah―for them will We add Penalty to Penalty; for that they used to spread mischief.
89. One day We shall raise from all peoples a witness against them, from amongst themselves: and We shall bring you as a witness against these (your people): and We have sent down to you the Book explaining all things, a Guide, a Mercy, and Glad Tidings to Muslims.
90. Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and liberality to kith and kin, and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you, that you may receive admonition.
91. Fulfil the Covenant of Allah when you have entered into it, and break not your oaths after you have confirmed them; indeed you have made Allah your surety; for Allah knows all that you do.
92. And be not like a woman who breaks into untwisted strands the yarn which she has spun, after it has become strong. Nor take your oaths to practise deception between yourselves, lest one party should be more numerous than another: for Allah will test you by this; and on the Day of Judgement He will certainly make clear to you (the truth of) that wherein you disagree.
93. If Allah so willed, He could make you all one People: but He leaves straying whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases: but you shall certainly be called to account for all your actions.
94. And take not your oaths, to practise deception between 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 the Path of Allah, and a mighty Wrath descend on you.
95. Nor sell the Covenant of Allah for a miserable price: for with Allah is (a prize) far better for you, if you only knew.
96. What is with you must vanish: what is with Allah will endure. And We will certainly bestow, on those who patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions.
97. Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.
98. When you do read the Qur’ān, seek Allah’s protection against Satan the Rejected One.
99. No authority has he over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord.
100. His authority is over those only, who take him as patron and who join partners with Allah.
101. When We substitute one revelation for another―and Allah knows best what He reveals (in stages)―they say, “You are but a forger.” But most of them understand not.
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 that teaches him.” The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear.
104. Those who believe not in the Signs of Allah―Allah will not guide them, and theirs will be a grievous Penalty.
105. It is those who believe not in the Signs of Allah, that forge falsehood: it is they who lie!
106. Any one who, after accepting Faith in Allah, utters Unbelief― except under compulsion, his heart remaining firm in Faith―but such as open their breast to Unbelief― on them is Wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a dreadful Penalty.
107. This because they love the life of this world better than the Hereafter: and Allah will not guide those who reject Faith.
108. Those are they whose hearts, ears, and eyes Allah has sealed up, and they take no heed.
109. Without doubt, in the Hereafter they will perish.
110. But verily your Lord―to those who leave their homes after trials and persecutions―and who thereafter strive and fight for the Faith and patiently persevere― your Lord, after all this is Oft-Forgiving, 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 unjustly dealt with.
112. Allah sets forth a Parable: a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from every place: yet was it ungrateful for the favours of Allah: so Allah 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 there came to them a Messenger 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 sustenance which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favours of Allah, 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 the name of other than Allah has been invoked. But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits―then Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
116. But say not―for any false thing that your tongues may put forth― “This is lawful, and this is forbidden,” so as to ascribe false things to Allah. For those who ascribe false things to Allah, will never prosper.
117. (In such falsehood) is but a paltry profit; but they will have a most grievous Penalty.
118. To the Jews We prohibited such things as We have mentioned to you before: We did them no wrong, but they were used to doing wrong to themselves.
119. But verily your Lord―to those who do wrong in ignorance, but who thereafter repent and make amends―your Lord, after all this, is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
120. Abraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allah, (and) true in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah:
121. He showed his gratitude for the favours of Allah, 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 Hereafter, in the ranks of the Righteous.
123. So We have taught you the inspired (Message), “Follow the ways of Abraham the True in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah.”
124. The Sabbath was only made (strict) for those who disagreed (as to its observance); but Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgement, as to their differences.
125. Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best, those who have strayed from His Path, and those who receive guidance.
126. And if you do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: but if you show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.
127. And do you be patient, for your patience is but from Allah; nor grieve over them: and distress not yourself because of their plots.
128. For Allah is with those who restrain themselves, and those who do good.
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Sūrah 17
Al-Isrā’ or Banī Isrā’īl
(The Night Journey or The Children of Israel)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless―in order 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): “Take not other than Me as Disposer of (your) affairs.”
3. O you that are sprung from those whom We carried (in the Ark) with Noah! Verily he was a devotee most grateful.
4. And We gave (clear) warning to the Children of Israel in the Book, that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance (and twice would they be punished)!
5. When the first of the warnings came to pass, We sent against you Our servants given to terrible warfare: they entered the very inmost parts of your homes; and it was a warning (completely) fulfilled.
6. Then did We grant you the Return as against them: We gave you increase in resources and sons, and made you the more numerous in manpower.
7. If you did well, you did well for yourselves; if you did evil, (you did it) against yourselves. So when the second of the warnings came to pass, (We permitted your enemies) to disfigure your faces, and to enter the mosque as they had entered it before, and to visit with destruction all that fell into their power.
8. It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if you revert (to your sins), We shall revert (to Our punishments): and We have made Hell a prison for those who reject (all Faith).
9. Verily this Qur’ān does guide to that which is most right (or stable), and gives the Glad Tidings to the Believers who work deeds of righteousness, that they shall have a magnificent reward;
10. And to those who believe not in the Hereafter, (it announces) that We have prepared for them a Penalty grievous (indeed).
11. The prayer that a person 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 have We obscured, while the Sign of the Day We have made to enlighten you; that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may know the number and count of the years: all things have We explained in detail.
13. Every person's fate We have fastened on his own neck: on the Day of Judgement We shall bring out for him a scroll, which he will see spread open.
14. (It will be said to him:) “Read your (own) record: sufficient is your soul this day to make out an account against you.”
15. Who receives guidance, receives it for his own benefit: who goes astray does so to his own loss: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another: nor would We make Our Wrath visit until We had sent a messenger (to give warning).
16. When We decide to destroy a population, We (first) send a definite order to those among them who are given the good things of this life and yet transgress; so that the word is proved true against them: then (it is) We destroy them utterly.
17. How many generations have We destroyed after Noah? And enough is your Lord to note and see the sins of His servants.
18. If any do wish for the transitory things (of this life), We readily grant them―such things as We will, to such person as We will: in the end have We provided Hell for them: they will burn therein, disgraced and rejected.
19. Those who do wish for the (things of) the Hereafter, and strive therefor with all due striving, and have Faith―they are the ones whose striving is acceptable (to Allah).
20. Of the bounties of your Lord We bestow freely on all―these as well as those: the bounties of your Lord are not closed (to anyone).
21. See how We have bestowed more on some than on others; but verily the Hereafter is more in rank and gradation and more in excellence.
22. Take not with Allah another object of worship; or you (O man!) will 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 in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.
24. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.”
25. Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts: if you do deeds of righteousness, verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence).
26. And render to the kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to the wayfarer: but squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.
27. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of the Evil Ones; and the Evil One is to his Lord ungrateful.
28. And even if you have to turn away from them in pursuit of the mercy from your Lord which you do expect, yet speak to them a word of easy kindness.
29. Make not your hand tied (like a niggard’s) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach, so that you become blameworthy and destitute.
30. Verily your Lord does provide sustenance in abundance for whom He pleases, and He provides in a just measure. For He does know and regard all His servants.
31. Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.
32. Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils).
33. Nor take life―which Allah has made sacred―except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, We have given his heir authority (to demand Qisās or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law).
34. Come not nigh to the orphan’s property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength; and fulfil (every) commitment, for (every) commitment will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).
35. Give 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 pursue not that of which you have no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) the heart will be enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning).
37. Nor walk on the earth with insolence: for you cannot rend the earth asunder, nor reach the mountains in height.
38. Of all such things the evil is hateful in the sight of your Lord.
39. These are among the (precepts of) wisdom, which your Lord has revealed to you. Take not, with Allah, another object of worship, lest you should be thrown into Hell, blameworthy and rejected.
40. Has then your Lord (O Pagans!) preferred for you sons, and taken for Himself daughters among the angels? 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 admonition, 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: there is not a thing but celebrates His praise; and yet you understand not how they declare His glory! Verily He is Oft-Forbearing, Most Forgiving!
45. When you do recite the Qur’ān, We put, between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, a veil invisible:
46. And We put coverings over their hearts (and minds) lest they should understand the Qur’ān, and deafness into their ears: when you do commemorate your Lord―and Him alone―in the Qur’ān, they turn on their backs, fleeing (from the Truth).
47. We know best why it is they listen, when they listen to you; and when they meet in private conference, behold, the wicked say, “You follow none other than a man bewitched!”
48. See what similes they strike for you: but they have gone astray, and never can they 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!) be you stones or iron,
51. “Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest (to be raised up)―(yet shall you be raised up)!” Then will they say: “Who will cause us to return?” Say: “He Who created you first!” Then will they wag their heads towards you, and say, “When will that be?” Say, “May be 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. Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best: for Satan does sow dissensions among them: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy.
54. It is your Lord that knows you best: if He please, He grants you mercy, or if He please, punishment: We have not sent you to be a disposer of their affairs for them.
55. And it is your Lord that knows best all beings that are in the heavens and on earth: We did bestow on some prophets more (and other) gifts than on others: and We gave to David (the gift of) the Psalms.
56. Say: “Call on 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 desire (for themselves) 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 take heed of.
58. There is not a population but We shall destroy it before the Day of Judgement or punish it with a dreadful Penalty: that is written in the (eternal) Record.
59. And We refrain from sending the Signs, only because those of former generations treated them as false: We sent the She-camel to the Thamūd to open their eyes, but they treated her wrongfully: We only send the Signs by way of terror (and warning from evil).
60. Behold! We told you that your Lord does encompass humanity round about: We granted the vision which We showed you, but as a trial for people―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 unto Adam”: they bowed down except Iblīs: he said, “Shall I bow down to one whom You did create from clay?”
62. He said: “See You? This is the one whom You have honoured above me! If You will but respite me to the Day of Judgement, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway―all but a few!”
63. (Allah) said: “Go your way; if any of them follow you, verily Hell will be the recompense of you (all)―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; mutually share with them wealth and children; and make promises to them.” But Satan promises them nothing but deceit.
65. “As for My servants, no authority shall you have over them.” Enough is your Lord for a Disposer of affairs.
66. Your Lord is He that makes the ship go smoothly for you through the sea, in order that you may seek of His Bounty. For He is unto you Most Merciful.
67. When distress seizes you at sea, those that you call upon― besides Himself―leave you in the lurch! But when He brings you back safe to land, you turn away (from Him). Most ungrateful is man!
68. Do you then feel secure that He will not cause you to be swallowed up beneath 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 shall 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 therein against Us?
70. We have honoured the children of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation.
71. One day We shall call together all human beings with their (respective) Imāms (leaders): 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 astray from the Path.
73. And their purpose was to tempt you away from that which We had revealed unto 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 nearly have inclined to them a little.
75. In that case We should 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 (therein) 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 reading: for the prayer and reading in the morning carry their testimony.
79. And pray in the small watches of the morning: (it would be) an additional prayer (or spiritual profit) for you: soon will your Lord raise you to a Station of Praise and Glory!
80. Say: “O my Lord! Let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honour, and likewise my exit by the Gate of Truth and Honour; and grant me from Your Presence an authority to aid (me).”
81. And say: “Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish.”
82. We send down (stage by stage) in the Qur’ān that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.
83. Yet when We bestow Our favours on the human being, He turns away and becomes remote on his side (instead of coming to Us), and when evil seizes him he gives himself 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 Say: “The Spirit (comes) by command of my Lord: of knowledge it is only a little that is communicated to you, (O people!)”
86. If it were Our Will, We could take away that which We have sent you by inspiration: then would you find none to plead your affair in that matter as against Us―
87. Except for Mercy from your Lord: for His bounty is to you (indeed) great.
88. Say: “If the whole of humanity and Jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’ān, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support.”
89. And We have explained to people, in this Qur’ān, every kind of similitude: yet the greater part of humanity 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 you cause the sky to fall in pieces, as you say (will happen), against us; or you bring Allah 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 could read.” Say: “Glory to my Lord! Am I aught but a man―a messenger?”
94. What kept people back from Belief when Guidance came to them, was nothing but this: they said, “Has Allah sent a human being (like us) to be (His) Messenger?”
95. Say, “If there were settled, on earth, angels walking about in peace and quiet, We should certainly have sent them down from the heavens an angel for a messenger.”
96. Say: “Enough is Allah for a witness between me and you: for He is well acquainted with His servants, and He sees (all things).
97. It is he whom Allah guides, that is on true Guidance; but he whom He leaves astray―for such will you find no protector besides Him. On the Day of Judgement 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 for them the fierceness of the Fire.
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 be) a new Creation?”
99. See they not that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, has power to create the like of them (anew)? Only He has decreed a term appointed, of which there is no doubt. But the unjust 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 the human being can indeed be niggardly!”
101. To Moses We did give Nine Clear Signs: as the Children of Israel: when he came to them, Pharaoh said to him: “O Moses! I consider you, indeed, to have been worked upon by sorcery!
102. Moses said, “You know well that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening evidence: and I consider you indeed, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!”
103. So he resolved to remove them from the face of the earth: but We did drown 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 in Truth has it descended: 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 from time to time), in order that you might recite it to people 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 they say: ‘Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord been fulfilled!’”
109. They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their (earnest) humility.
110. Say: “Call upon Allah, or call upon al-Rahmān: by whatever name you call upon Him, (it is well): for to Him belong the Most Beautiful Names. Neither speak your Prayer aloud, nor speak it in a low tone, but seek a middle course between.”
111. Say: “Praise be to Allah, Who begets no son, and has no partner in (His) dominion: nor (needs) He any to protect Him from humiliation: indeed, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!”
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Sūrah 18
Al-Kahf
(The Cave)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Praise be to Allah, Who has sent to His Servant the Book, and has allowed therein no Crookedness:
2. (He has made it) Straight (and Clear) in order that He may warn (the godless) of a terrible Punishment from Him, and that He may give Glad Tidings to the Believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly Reward.
3. Wherein they shall remain forever:
4. Further, that He may warn those (also) who say, “Allah has begotten a son”:
5. No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. It is a grievous thing that issues from their mouths as a saying. What they say is nothing but falsehood!
6. You would only, perchance, fret yourself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message.
7. That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth, in order that We may test them―as to which of them are best in conduct.
8. Verily what is on earth We shall make 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 betook themselves to the Cave: they said, “Our Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Yourself, 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 heard not):
12. Then We roused them, in order to test which of the two parties was best at calculating the term of years they had tarried!
13. We relate to you their story 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 of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him: if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity!
15. “These our people have taken for worship gods other than Him: why do they not bring forward an authority clear (and convincing) for what they do? Who does more wrong than such as invent a falsehood against Allah?
16. “When you turn away from them and the things they worship other than Allah, betake yourselves to the Cave: your Lord will shower His mercies on you and dispose of 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, turning away from them to the left, while they lay in the open space in the midst of the Cave. Such are among the Signs of Allah: he whom Allah guides is rightly guided; but he whom Allah leaves to stray―for him will you find no protector to lead him to the Right Way.
18. You would have deemed them awake, whilst they were asleep, and We turned them on their right and on their left sides: their dog stretching forth his two fore-legs on the threshold: if you had come up on to them, you would have certainly turned back from them in flight, and would certainly have been filled with terror of them.
19. Such (being their state), We raised them up (from sleep), that they might question each other. Said one of them, “How long have you stayed (here)?” They said, “We have stayed (perhaps) a day, or part of a day.” (At length) they (all) said, “Allah (alone) knows best how long you have stayed here... Now send you then one of you with this money of yours to the town: let him find out which is the best food (to be had) and bring some to you, that (you may) satisfy your hunger therewith: and let him behave with care and courtesy, and let him not inform any one 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 did We make their case known to the people, that they might know that the promise of Allah is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour of Judgement. 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, the dog being the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth― doubtfully guessing at the unknown; (yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say you: “My Lord knows best their number; it is but few that know their (real case).” Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers.
23. Nor say of anything, “I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow”―
24. Without adding, “So please Allah!” 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 road.”
25. So they stayed in their Cave three hundred years, and (some) add nine (more).
26. Say: “Allah knows best how long they stayed: with Him is (the knowledge of) the secrets of the heavens and the earth: how clearly He sees, how finely He hears (everything)! They have no protector other than Him; nor does He share His Command with any person whatsoever.”
27. And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord: none can change His Words, and none will you find as a refuge other than Him.
28. And keep your soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not your eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, 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): for the wrong-doers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent, will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on!
30. As to those who believe and work righteousness, verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any who do a (single) righteous deed.
31. For them will be Gardens of Eternity; beneath them rivers will flow; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade: they will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the recompense! How beautiful a couch to recline on!
32. Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grape-vines and surrounded them with date palms; in between the two We placed corn-fields.
33. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: in the midst of them We caused a river to flow.
34. (Abundant) was the produce this man had: he said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument: “More wealth have I than you, and more honour 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 deem not that this will ever perish,
36. “Nor do I deem that the Hour (of Judgement) 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, in the course of the argument with him: “Do you deny Him Who created you out of dust, then out of a sperm-drop, then fashioned you into a man?
38. “But (I think) for my part that He is Allah, My Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord.
39. “Why did you not, as you went into your garden, say: ‘Allah’s will (be done)! There is no power but with Allah!’ If you do see me less than you in wealth and sons,
40. “It may be that my Lord will give me something better than your garden, and that He will send on your garden thunder bolts (by way of reckoning) from heaven, 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 encompassed (with ruin), and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had (now) tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say, “Woe is me! Would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher!”
43. Nor had he numbers to help him against Allah, nor was he able to deliver himself.
44. There, the (only) protection comes from Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success.
45. Set forth to them the similitude of the life of this world: it is like the rain which We send down from the skies: the earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon it becomes dry stubble, which the winds do scatter: it is (only) Allah Who prevails over all things.
46. Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: but the things that endure, Good deeds, are best in the sight of your Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes.
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 have you come to Us (bare) as We created you first: indeed, you thought We shall not fulfil the appointment made to you to meet (Us)!”:
49. And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and you will see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, “Ah! Woe to us! What a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!” They will find all that they did, placed before them: and not one will your Lord treat with injustice.
50. Behold! We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam”: they bowed down except Iblīs. He was one of the Jinns, and he broke the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him and his progeny as protectors rather than Me? And they are enemies to you! Evil would be the exchange for the wrong-doers!
51. I called them not to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor (even) their own creation: nor is it for Me to take as helpers such as lead (people) astray!
52. One Day He will say, “Call on those whom you thought to be My partners,” and they will call on them, but they will not listen to them; and We shall make for them a place of common perdition.
53. And the sinful shall see the Fire and apprehend that they have to fall therein: no means will they find to turn away therefrom.
54. We have explained in detail in this Qur’ān, for the benefit of humanity, every kind of similitude: but the human being is, in most things, contentious.
55. And what is there to keep back people 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 give warnings: but the Unbelievers dispute with vain argument, in order therewith to weaken the truth, and they treat My Signs as a jest, as also the fact that they are warned!
57. And who does more wrong than one who is reminded of the Signs of his Lord, but turns away from them, forgetting the (deeds) which his hands have sent forth? Verily We have set veils over their hearts lest they should understand this, and over their ears, deafness, if you call them to guidance, even then will they 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 give up until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travel.”
61. But when they reached the Junction, they forgot (about) their Fish, which took its course through the sea (straight) as in a tunnel.
62. When they had passed on (some distance), Moses said to his attendant: “Bring us our early meal; truly We have suffered much fatigue at this (stage of) our journey.”
63. He replied: “Saw you (what happened) when we betook ourselves 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 marvellous way!”
64. Moses said: “That was what we were seeking after:” so they went back on their footsteps, following (the path they had come).
65. So 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, on the footing that you teach me something of the (Higher) Truth which you have been taught?”
67. (The other) said: “Verily you will not be able to have patience with me!
68. “And how can you have patience about things about which your understanding is not complete?”
69. Moses said: “You will find me, if Allah so wills, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey you in aught.”
70. The other said: “If then you would follow me, ask me no questions 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. Said Moses: “Have you scuttled it in order to drown those in it? Truly a strange thing have you done!”
72. He answered: “Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?”
73. Moses said: “Rebuke me not 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: “Have you slain an innocent person who had slain none? Truly a foul (unheard of) thing have you done!”
75. He answered: “Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?”
76. (Moses) said: “If ever I ask you about anything after this, keep me not in your company: then would you 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 will I tell you the interpretation of (those things) over which you were unable to hold patience.
79. “As for the boat, it belonged to certain folk in dire want: they plied on the water: I but wished to render it unserviceable, for there was after them a certain king who seized on every boat by force.
80. “As for the youth, his parents were people of Faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude.
81. “So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange (a son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection.
82. “As for the wall, it belonged to two youths, orphans, in the Town; there was, beneath it, a buried treasure, 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 get out their treasure―a mercy (and favour) from your Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those things) over which you were unable to hold patience.”
83. They ask you concerning Dhū al-Qarnayn. Say, “I will rehearse to you something of his story.”
84. Verily We established his power on earth, and We gave 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: near it he found a people: We said: “O Dhū al-Qarnayn! (You have authority,) either to punish them, or to treat them with kindness.”
87. He said: “Whoever does wrong, him shall we punish; then shall he be sent back to his Lord; and He will punish him with a punishment unheard of (before).
88. “But whoever believes, and works righteousness―he shall have a goodly reward, and easy will be his task as we order it by our command.”
89. Then followed he (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 covering protection against the sun.
91. (He left them) as they were: We completely understood what was before him.
92. Then followed he (another) way,
93. Until, when he reached (a tract) between two mountains, he found, beneath them, a people who scarcely understood a word.
94. They said: “Dhū al-Qarnayn! The Gog and Magog (People) do 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): help me therefore with strength (and labour): I will erect a strong barrier between you and them:
96. “Bring me blocks of iron.” At length, when he had filled up the space between the two steep mountain-sides, he said, “Blow (with your bellows).” Then, when he had made it (red) as fire, he said: “Bring me, that I may pour over it, molten lead.”
97. Thus were they made powerless to scale it or to dig through it.
98. He said: “This is a mercy from my Lord: but when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will make it into dust; and the promise of my Lord is true.”
99. On that day We shall leave them to surge like waves on one another: the trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together.
100. And We shall present Hell that day for Unbelievers to see, all spread out―
101. (Unbelievers) whose eyes had been under a veil from remembrance of Me, and who had been unable even to hear.
102. Do the Unbelievers think that they can take My servants as protectors besides Me? Verily We have prepared Hell for the Unbelievers for (their) place of destination.
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 works?”
105. They are those who deny the Signs of their Lord and the fact of their having to meet Him (in the Hereafter): vain will be their works, nor shall We, on the Day of Judgement, give them any weight.
106. That is their reward, Hell, because they rejected Faith, and took My Signs and My Messengers by way of jest.
107. As to those who believe and work righteous deeds, they have, for their entertainment, the Gardens of Paradise,
108. Wherein they shall dwell (forever): no change will they wish for from them.
109. Say: “If the ocean were ink (wherewith to write out) the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be exhausted than would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid.”
110. Say: “I am but a human being like yourselves, (but) the inspiration has come to me, that your God is One God: whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.
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Sūrah 19
Maryam
(Mary)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Kāf, Hā’, Yā’, ‘Ayn, Sād.
2. (This is) a recital of the Mercy of your Lord to His servant Zakariyyā.
3. Behold! He cried to his Lord in secret,
4. Praying: “O my Lord! Infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head does glisten with grey: but never am I unblest, O my Lord, in my prayer to you!
5. “Now I fear (what) my relatives (and colleagues) (will do) after me: but my wife is barren: so give me an heir as from Yourself―
6. “(One that) will (truly) represent me, and represent the posterity of Jacob; and make him, O my Lord! one with whom You are well-pleased!”
7. (His prayer was answered): “O Zakariyyā! We give you good news of a son: his name shall be Yahyā: on none by that name have We conferred distinction before.”
8. He said: “O my 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 had been nothing!’”
10. (Zakariyyā) said: “O my Lord! Give me a Sign.” “Your Sign,” was the answer, “Shall be that you shall speak to no human being for three nights, although you are not dumb.”
11. So Zakariyyā came out to his people from his chamber: he told them by signs to celebrate Allah’s praises in the morning and in the evening.
12. (To his son came the command): “O Yahyā! Take hold of the Book with might”: and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth,
13. And piety (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 on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that 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 screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.
18. She said: “I seek refuge from you to (Allah) Most Gracious: (come not near) if you do fear Allah.”
19. He said: “Nay, 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 will be): your Lord says, ‘That is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto people and a Mercy from Us’: it is a matter (so) decreed.”
22. So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place.
23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: 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): “Grieve not! for your Lord has provided a rivulet beneath you;
25. “And shake towards yourself the trunk of the palm-tree: it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you.
26. “So eat and drink and cool (your) eye. And if you do see any human, say, ‘I have vowed a fast to (Allah) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into no talk with any human being’”
27. At length she brought him to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said: “O Mary! Truly an amazing thing have you brought!
28. “O sister of Aaron! Your father was not a man of evil, nor your mother a woman unchaste!”
29. But she pointed to him. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a (little) boy in the cradle?”
30. He said: “I am indeed a servant of Allah: He has given me revelation and made me a prophet;
31. “And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Prayer and Charity 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 that I die, and the day that 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) Allah 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. Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve you: this is a Way that is straight.
37. But the sects differ among themselves: and woe to the unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgement of a momentous Day!
38. How plainly will they see and hear, the Day that they will appear before Us! But the unjust today are in error manifest!
39. But warn them of the Day of Distress, when the matter will be determined: for (behold,) they are negligent and they do not believe!
40. It is We Who will inherit the earth, and all beings thereon: to Us will they all be returned.
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 my father! Why worship that which hears not and sees not, and can profit you nothing?
43. “O my father! To me has come knowledge which has not reached you: so follow me: I will guide you to a Way that is even and straight.
44. “O my father! Serve not Satan: for Satan is a rebel against (Allah) Most Gracious.
45. “O my father! I fear lest a Penalty afflict you from (Allah) Most Gracious, so that you become to Satan a friend.”
46. (The father) replied: “Do you hate my gods, O Abraham? If you forbear not, I will indeed stone you: now get away from me for a good long while!”
47. Abraham said: “Peace be on you: I will pray to my Lord for your forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious.
48. “And I will turn away from you (all) and from those whom you invoke besides Allah: I will call on my Lord: perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest.”
49. When he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a prophet.
50. And We bestowed of Our Mercy on them, and We granted them lofty honour 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 (converse).
53. And, out of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a prophet.
54. Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ismā‘īl: he was (strictly) true to what he promised, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet.
55. He used to enjoin on his people Prayer and Charity, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.
56. Also mention in the Book the case of Idrīs: 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 Allah did bestow His Grace―of the posterity of Adam, and of those who 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 (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down in prostrate adoration and in tears.
59. But after them there followed a posterity who missed prayers and followed after lusts; soon, then, will they face Destruction―
60. Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness: for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least―
61. Gardens of Eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the Unseen: for His promise must (necessarily) come to pass.
62. They will not there hear any vain discourse, but only salutations of Peace: and they will have therein their sustenance, morning and evening.
63. Such is the Garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard against evil.
64. (The angels say:) “We descend not but by command of your Lord: to Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between: and your Lord never does forget―
65. “Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is between them; so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship: know you 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 call to mind that We created him before out of nothing?
68. So, by your Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and (also) the Evil Ones (with them); then shall We bring them forth on their knees round about Hell;
69. Then shall We certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allah) Most Gracious.
70. And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein.
71. Not one of you but will pass over it: this is, with your Lord, a Decree which must be accomplished.
72. But We shall save those who guarded against evil, and We shall leave the wrong-doers therein, (humbled) to their knees.
73. When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, the Unbelievers say to those who believe, “Which of the two sides is best in point of 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 go astray, (Allah) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see the warning of Allah (being fulfilled)―either in punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour―they will at length realise who is worst in position, and (who is) weakest in forces!
76. “And Allah does advance in guidance those who seek guidance: and the things that endure, good deeds, are best in the sight of your Lord, as rewards, and best in respect of (their) eventual return.”
77. Have you then seen the (sort of) person who rejects Our Signs, yet says: “I shall certainly be given wealth and children?”
78. Has he penetrated to the Unseen, or has he taken a contract with (Allah) Most Gracious?
79. Nay! We shall record what he says, and We shall add and add to his punishment.
80. To Us shall return all that he talks of and he shall appear before Us bare and alone.
81. And they have taken (for worship) gods other than Allah, to give them power and glory!
82. Instead, they shall reject their worship, and become adversaries against them.
83. See you not that We have set the Evil Ones on against the Unbelievers, to incite them with fury?
84. So make no haste against them, for We but count out to them a (limited) number (of days).
85. The day We shall gather the righteous to (Allah) Most Gracious, like a band presented before a king for honours,
86. And We shall drive the sinners to Hell, like thirsty cattle driven down to water―
87. None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (Allah) Most Gracious.
88. They say: “(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!”
89. Indeed you have put forth a thing most monstrous!
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 (Allah) Most Gracious.
92. For it is not consonant with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son.
93. Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allah) Most Gracious as a servant.
94. He does take an account of them (all), and has numbered them (all) exactly.
95. And everyone of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgement.
96. On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (Allah) Most Gracious bestow love.
97. So have We made the (Qur’ān) easy in your own tongue, that with it you may 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 them?
*********************************

Sūrah 20
Tā Hā
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, 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 (Allah)―
4. A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.
5. (Allah) Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne (of authority).
6. To Him belongs 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 verily He knows what is secret and what is yet more hidden.
8. Allah! there is no god but He! To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names.
9. Has the story of Moses reached you?
10. Behold, he saw a fire: so he said to his family, “Tarry you; I perceive a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire.”
11. But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: “O Moses!
12. “Verily I am your Lord! Therefore (in My presence) put off your shoes: you are in the sacred valley Tuwā.
13. “I have chosen you: listen, then, to the inspiration (sent to you).
14. “Verily, I am Allah: there is no god but I: so serve you Me (only), and establish regular Prayer for celebrating My praise.
15. “Verily the Hour is coming― My design is to keep it hidden― for every soul to receive its reward by the measure of its endeavour.
16. “Therefore let not such as believe not therein but follow their own lusts, divert you therefrom, lest you perish!”
17. “And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?”
18. He said, “It is my staff: on it I lean; with it I beat down fodder for my flocks; and in it I find other uses.”
19. (Allah) said, “Throw it, O Moses!”
20. He threw it, and behold! It was a snake, active in motion.
21. (Allah) said, “Seize it, and fear not: 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 harm (or stain)―as another Sign―
23. “In order that We may show you (two) of Our Greater Signs.
24. “Go you to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds.”
25. (Moses) said: “O my Lord! Expand me my breast;
26. “Ease my task for me;
27. “And remove the impediment from my speech,
28. “So they may understand what I say:
29. “And give 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. “That we may celebrate Your praise without stint,
34. “And remember You without stint:
35. “For You are He that (ever) regards us.”
36. (Allah) said: “Granted is your prayer, O Moses!”
37. “And indeed We conferred a favour on you another time (before).
38. “Behold! We sent to your mother, by inspiration, the message:
39. “‘Throw (the child) into the chest, and throw (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 goes forth and says, ‘shall I show you one who will nurse and rear the (child)?’ So We brought you back to your mother, that her eye might be cooled and she should not grieve. Then you did slay a man, but We saved you from trouble, and We tried you in various ways. Then did you tarry a number of years with the people of Midian. Then did you come 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 slacken not, either of you, in keeping Me in remembrance.
43. “Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds;
44. “But speak to him mildly; perchance he may take warning or fear (Allah).”
45. They (Moses and Aaron) said: “Our Lord! We fear lest he hasten with insolence against us, or lest he transgress all bounds.”
46. He said: “Fear not: for I am with you: I hear and see (everything).
47. “So go you both to him, and say, ‘Verily we are Messengers sent by your Lord: send forth, therefore, the Children of Israel with us, and afflict them not: with a Sign, indeed, have we come from your Lord! And peace to all who follow guidance!
48. “‘Verily it has 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 for you the earth like a carpet spread out; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and channels); and has sent down water from the sky.” With it have We produced diverse pairs of plants each separate from the others.
54. Eat (for yourselves) and pasture your cattle: verily, in this are Signs for those endued with understanding.
55. From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again.
56. And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he did reject and refuse.
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 a tryst 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 tryst 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 to you! Forge not you a lie against Allah, lest He 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 from your land with their magic, and to do away with your most cherished institutions.
64. “Therefore concert your plan, and then assemble in (serried) ranks: he wins (all along) today who gains the upper hand.”
65. They said: “O Moses! Whether will you that you throw (first) or that we be the first to throw?”
66. He said, “Nay, throw you first!” then behold their ropes and their rods―so it seemed to him on account of their magic―began to be in lively motion!
67. So Moses conceived in his mind a (sort of) fear.
68. We said: “Fear not! for you have indeed the upper hand:
69. “Throw that which is in your right hand: quickly will it swallow up that which they have faked; what they have faked is but a magician’s trick: and the magician thrives not, (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: “Believe you in Him before I give you permission? Surely this must be your leader, who has taught you magic! Be sure I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palm-trees: so shall you know for certain, which of us can give the more severe and the more lasting punishment!”
72. They said: “Never shall we regard you as more than the Clear Signs that have come to us, or than Him Who created us! So decree whatever you desire to decree: for you can only decree (touching) the life of this world.
73. “For us, we have believed in our Lord: may He forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us: for Allah is Best and Most Abiding.”
74. Verily he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at Judgement)― for him is Hell: therein shall he neither die nor live.
75. But such as come to Him as Believers who have worked righteous deeds―for them are ranks exalted―
76. Gardens of Eternity, beneath which flow rivers: they will dwell therein 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. O you Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a Covenant with you on the right side of Mount (Sinai), and We sent down to you Manna and quails:
81. (Saying): “Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest My Wrath should justly descend on you: and those on whom descends My Wrath do perish indeed!
82. “But, without doubt, I am (also) He that forgives again and again, to those who repent, believe, and do right, who―in fine, are ready to receive true guidance.”
83. (When Moses was up on the Mount, Allah 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 my Lord, to please You.”
85. (Allah) said: “We have tested your people in your absence: the Sāmirī has led them astray.”
86. So Moses returned to his people in a state of indignation and sorrow. He said: “O my people! Did not your Lord make a handsome promise to you? Did then the promise seem to you long (in coming)? Or did you desire that Wrath should descend from your Lord on you, and so you broke your promise to me?”
87. They said: “We broke not 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 Sāmirī 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, before this said to them: “O my people! You are being tested in this: for verily your Lord is (Allah) 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! Seize (me) not 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 Sāmirī?”
96. He replied: “I saw what they saw not: 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: “Get you gone! But your (punishment) in this life will be that you will say, ‘Touch me not’; and moreover (for a future penalty) you have a promise that will not fail: now look at your god, of whom you have become a devoted worshipper: we will certainly (melt) it in a blazing fire and scatter it broadcast in the sea!”
98. But the God of you all is the One God: there is no god but He: all things He comprehends 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 therefrom, verily they will bear a burden on the Day of Judgement;
101. They will abide in this (state): and grievous will the burden be to them on that Day―
102. The Day when the Trumpet will be sounded: that Day, We shall gather the sinful, blear-eyed (with terror).
103. In whispers will they consult each other: “Yet tarried not longer than ten (Days);”
104. We know best what they will say, when their leader most eminent in conduct will say: “You tarried not longer than a day!”
105. They ask you concerning the Mountains: say, “My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust;
106. “He will leave them as plains smooth and level;
107. “Nothing crooked or curved will you see 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 (Allah) Most Gracious: nothing shall you hear but the tramp of their feet (as they march).
109. On that Day shall no intercession avail except for those for whom permission has been granted by (Allah) 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 compass it with their knowledge.
111. (All) faces shall be humbled before (Him)―the Living, the Self-Subsisting, Eternal: hopeless indeed will be the one that carries iniquity (on his back).
112. But he who works deeds of righteousness, and has faith, will have no fear of harm nor of any curtailment (of what is his due).
113. Thus have We sent this down―an Arabic Qur’ān―and explained therein in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause their remembrance (of Him).
114. High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur’ān before its revelation to you is completed, but say, “O my Lord! Advance me in knowledge.”
115. We had already, beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot: and We found on his part no firm resolve.
116. When We said to the angels, “Prostrate yourselves to Adam”, they prostrated themselves, but not Iblīs: he refused.
117. Then We said: “O Adam! Verily, this is an enemy to you and your wife: so let him not get you both out of the Garden, so that you are landed in misery.
118. “There is therein (enough provision) for you not to go hungry nor to go 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. In the result, they both ate of the tree, and so their nakedness appeared to them: they began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden: 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 you down, both of you―all together, from the Garden, with enmity one to another: but if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from Me, whosoever follows My Guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery.
124. “But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgement.”
125. He will say: “O my Lord! Why have You raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?”
126. (Allah) will say: “Thus did you, when Our Signs came unto you, disregard them: so will you, this day, be disregarded.”
127. And thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and believes not in the Signs of his Lord: and the Penalty of the Hereafter is far more grievous and more enduring.
128. Is it not a warning to them (to call to mind) how many generations before them We destroyed, in whose haunts they (now) move? Verily, in this are Signs for those endued 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 celebrate (constantly) the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; indeed, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that you may have (spiritual) joy.
131. Nor strain your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them, the splendour of the life of this world, through which We test them: but the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.
132. Enjoin prayer on your people, and be constant therein. We ask you not 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 on them a penalty before this, they would have said: “Our Lord! If only you had sent us a messenger, we should certainly have followed Your Signs before we were humbled and put to shame.”
135. Say: “Each one (of us) is waiting: wait you, therefore, and soon shall you know who it is that is on the straight and even Way, and who it is that has received Guidance.”


Sūrah 21
Al-Anbiyā’
(The Prophets)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Closer and closer to humanity comes their Reckoning: yet they heed not and they turn away.
2. Never comes (aught) 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 wrong-doers conceal their private counsels, (saying), “Is this (one) more than a human being like yourselves? Will you go to witchcraft with your eyes open?”
4. Say: “My Lord knows (every) word (spoken) in the heavens and on earth: He is the One that hears and knows (all things).”
5. “Nay,” they say, “(these are) medleys of dreams!―Nay, he forged it!―Nay, he is (but) a poet! Let him then bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to (prophets) of old!”
6. (As to those) before them, not one of the populations which We destroyed believed: will these believe?
7. Before you, also, the messengers We sent were but men, to whom We granted inspiration: if you realise this not, ask of those who possess the Message.
8. Nor did We give them bodies that ate no food, nor were they exempt from death.
9. In the end We fulfilled to them Our Promise, and We saved them and those whom We pleased, but We destroyed those who transgressed beyond bounds.
10. We have revealed for you (O people!) a Book in which is a Message for you: will you not then understand?
11. How many were the populations We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities, setting up in their places other peoples?
12. Yet, when they felt Our Punishment (coming), behold, they (tried to) flee from it.
13. Flee not, but return to the good things of this life which were given you, and to your homes in order that you may be called to account.
14. They said: “Ah! woe to us! We were indeed wrong-doers!”
15. And that cry of theirs ceased not, till We made them as a field that is mown, as ashes silent and quenched.
16. Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens and the earth and all that is between!
17. If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We should 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 does perish! Ah! woe be to you for the (false) things you ascribe (to Us).
19. To Him belong all (creatures) in the heavens and on earth: even those who are in His (very) Presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they (ever) weary (of His service):
20. They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever flag or intermit.
21. Or have they taken (for worship) gods from the earth who can raise (the dead)?
22. If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both! But glory to Allah, the Lord of the Throne: (High is He) 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 for worship (other) gods 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 know not the Truth, and so turn away.
25. Not a messenger did We send before you without this inspiration sent by Us to him: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me.
26. And they say: “(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring.” Glory to Him! They are (but) servants raised to honour.
27. They speak not 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”, such a one We should reward 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 from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?
31. And We have set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with them, and We have made therein broad highways (between mountains) for them to pass through: that they may receive guidance.
32. And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: yet do they turn away from the Signs which these things (point to)!
33. It is He Who created the Night and the Day, and the sun and the moon: all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course.
34. We granted not to any human being before you permanent life (here): if then 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. To Us must you return.
36. When the Unbelievers see you, they treat you not except with ridicule. “Is this,” (they say), “the one who talks of your gods?” And they blaspheme at the mention of (Allah) Most Gracious!
37. Man is a creature of haste: soon (enough) will I show you My Signs; 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 yet from their backs, and (when) no help can reach them!
40. Nay, it may come to them all of a sudden and confound them: no power will they have then to avert it, nor will they (then) get respite.
41. Mocked were (many) messengers before you; 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) (Allah) Most Gracious?” Yet they turn away from the mention of their Lord.
43. Or have they 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 (people) and their fathers until the period grew long for them; see they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will win?
45. Say, “I do but warn you according to revelation:” but the deaf will not hear the call, (even) when they are warned!
46. If but a breath of the Wrath of your Lord do touch them, they will then say, “Woe to us! We did wrong indeed!”
47. We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgement, 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 enough are We to take account.
48. In the past We granted to Moses and Aaron the Criterion (for judgement), and a Light and a Message for those who would do right―
49. Those who fear their Lord in their most secret thoughts, and who hold the Hour (of Judgement) in awe.
50. And this is a blessed Message which We have sent down: will you then reject it?
51. We bestowed aforetime on Abraham his rectitude of conduct, and well were We 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, “Indeed you have 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 Who created them (from nothing): and I am a witness to this (Truth).
57. “And by Allah, I have a plan for your idols―after you go away and turn your backs”…
58. So he broke them to pieces, (all) but the biggest of them, that they might turn (and address themselves) to it.
59. They said, “Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be some 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 eyes of the people, that they may bear witness.”
62. They said, “Are you the one that did this with our gods, O Abraham?”
63. He said: “Nay, this was done by―this 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 were they confounded with shame: (they said), “You know full well that these (idols) do not speak!”
66. (Abraham) said, “Do you then worship, besides Allah, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm?
67. “Fie upon you, and upon the things that you worship besides Allah! Have you no sense?”…
68. They said, “Burn him and protect your gods, if you do (anything at all)!”
69. We said, “O Fire! Be you 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. But We delivered him and (his nephew) Lūt (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations.
72. And We bestowed on him Isaac and, as an additional gift, (a grandson), Jacob, and We made righteous men of everyone (of them).
73. And We made them leaders, guiding (people) by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular Prayers, and to practise regular Charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us only).
74. And to Lūt, too, We gave Judgement and Knowledge, and We saved him from the town which practised abominations: truly they were a people given to Evil, a rebellious people.
75. And We admitted him to Our Mercy: for he was one of the Righteous.
76. (Remember) Noah, when He cried (to Us) aforetime: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him and his family from 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 judgement in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night: We did witness their judgement.
79. To Solomon We inspired the (right) understanding of the matter: to each (of them) We gave Judgement and Knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David: it was We Who did (all these things).
80. It was We Who taught him the making of coats of mail for your benefit, to guard you from each other’s violence: will you then be grateful?
81. (It was Our power that made) the violent (unruly) wind flow (tamely) for Solomon, to his order, to the land which We had blessed: for We do know all things.
82. And of the demons, 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 that are merciful.”
84. So We listened to him: We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his people to him, and doubled their number― as a Grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who serve Us.
85. And (remember) Ismā‘īl, Idrīs, and Dhū al-Kifl, all (men) of constancy and patience;
86. We admitted them to Our Mercy: for they were of the righteous ones.
87. And remember Dhū al-Nūn, 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 indeed wrong!”
88. So We listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver those who have faith.
89. And (remember) Zakariyyā, when he cried to his Lord: “O my Lord! Leave me not without offspring, though You are the best of inheritors.”
90. So We listened to him: and We granted him Yahyā: We cured his wife’s (barrenness) for him. These (three) were ever quick in emulation in good works; they used to call on Us with love and reverence, and humble themselves before Us.
91. And (remember) her who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a Sign for all peoples.
92. Verily, this community of yours is a single community, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other).
93. But (later generations) cut off their affair (of unity), one from another: (yet) will they all return to Us.
94. Whoever works any act of Righteousness and has Faith―his endeavour will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favour.
95. But there is a ban on 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 hill.
97. Then will the True Promise draw nigh (of fulfilment): then behold! The eyes of the Unbelievers will fixedly stare in horror: “Ah! woe to us! We were indeed heedless of this; nay, we truly did wrong!”
98. Verily you, (Unbelievers), and the (false) gods that you worship besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell! To it will you (surely) come!
99. If these had been gods, they would not have got there! But each one will abide therein.
100. There, sobbing will be their lot, nor will they there hear (aught else).
101. Those for whom the Good (Record) from Us has gone before, will be removed far therefrom.
102. Not the slightest sound will they hear of Hell: what their souls desired, in that will they dwell.
103. The Great Terror will bring them no grief: but the angels will meet them (with mutual greetings): “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 shall We fulfil it.
105. Before this We wrote in the Psalms, after the Message (given to Moses): My servants the righteous, shall inherit the earth.”
106. Verily in this (Qur’ān) is a Message for people who would (truly) worship Allah.
107. We sent you not, but as a Mercy for all creatures.
108. Say: “What has come to me by inspiration is that your God is One God: will you therefore bow to His Will (in Islam)?”
109. But if they turn back, say: “I have proclaimed the Message to you all alike and in truth; but I know not whether that which you are promised is near or far.
110. “It is He Who knows what is open in speech and what you hide (in your hearts).
111. “I know not but that it may be a trial for you, and a grant of (worldly) livelihood (to you) for a time.”
112. Say: “O my Lord! Judge You in truth!” “Our Lord Most Gracious is the One Whose assistance should be sought against the blasphemies you utter!”
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Sūrah 22
Al-Hajj
(The Pilgrimage)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. O humanity! Fear your Lord! For the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgement) will be a thing terrible!
2. The Day you shall see it, every mother giving suck shall forget her suckling-babe, and every pregnant female shall drop her load (unformed): you shall see mankind as in a drunken riot, yet not drunk: but dreadful will be the Wrath of Allah.
3. And yet among people there are such as dispute about Allah, without knowledge, and follow every evil one obstinate in rebellion!
4. About the (Evil One) it is decreed that whoever turns to him for patronage, him will he lead astray, and he will guide him to the Penalty of the Fire.
5. O humanity! 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 do 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 Allah is the Reality: it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who has power over all things.
7. And verily the Hour will come: there can be no doubt about it, or about (the fact) that Allah will raise up all who are in the graves.
8. Yet there is among people such a one as disputes about Allah, without knowledge, without guidance, and without a Book of Enlightenment―
9. (Disdainfully) bending his side, in order to lead (people) astray from the Path of Allah: for him there is disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Judgement We shall make him taste the Penalty of burning (Fire).
10. (It will be said): “This is because of the deeds which your hands sent forth, for verily Allah is not unjust to His servants.
11. There are among people some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: if good befalls them, they are, therewith, well content; but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces: they lose both this world and the Hereafter: that is loss for all to see!
12. They call on such deities, besides Allah, as can neither hurt nor profit them: that is straying far indeed (from the Way)!
13. (Perhaps) they call on one whose hurt is nearer than his profit: evil, indeed, is the patron, and evil the companion (or help)!
14. Verily Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens, beneath which rivers flow: for Allah carries out all that He plans.
15. If any think that Allah 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 his plan will remove that which enrages (him)!
16. Thus have We sent down clear Signs; and verily Allah does guide whom He will!
17. Those who believe (in the Qur’ān), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists―Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgement: for Allah is witness of all things.
18. See you not that to Allah bow down in worship 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 humanity? But a great number are (also) such as are fit for Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace―none can raise to honour: for Allah carries out all that He wills.
19. These two antagonists dispute with each other about their Lord: but those who deny (their Lord)―for them will be cut out a garment of Fire: over their heads will be poured out boiling water.
20. With it will be scalded what is within their bodies, as well as (their) skins.
21. In addition there will be maces of iron (to punish) them.
22. Every time they wish to get away therefrom, from anguish, they will be forced back therein, and (it will be said), “Taste you the Penalty of Burning!”
23. Allah will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to Gardens beneath which rivers flow: they shall be adorned therein 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 speeches; they have been guided to the Path of Him Who is Worthy of (all) Praise.
25. As to those who have rejected (Allah), and would keep back (people) from the Way of Allah, and from the Sacred Mosque, which We have made (open) to (all) people―equal is the dweller there and the visitor from the country― and any whose purpose therein is profanity or wrong-doing―them will We cause to taste of a most grievous Penalty.
26. Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).
27. “And proclaim the Pilgrimage among people: 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 the name of Allah, through the Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): then eat you thereof 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 honours the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in the sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in 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 Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, he is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a far-distant place.
32. Such (is his state): and whoever holds in honour the symbols of Allah, (in the sacrifice of animals), such (honour) should come truly from piety of heart.
33. In them you have benefits for a term appointed: in the end their place of sacrifice is near the Ancient House.
34. To every people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate the name of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food). But your God is One God: submit then your wills to Him (in Islam): and give you the good news to those who humble themselves―
35. To those whose hearts when Allah is mentioned, are filled with fear, 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 the symbols from Allah: in them is (much) good for you: then pronounce the name of Allah over them as they line up (for sacrifice): when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat you thereof, and feed such as (beg not but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: thus have We made animals subject to you, that you may be grateful.
37. It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that you may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you and proclaim the Good News to all who do right.
38. Verily Allah will defend (from ill) those who believe: verily, Allah loves not any that is a traitor to faith, or shows ingratitude.
39. To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged― and verily, Allah is Most Powerful for their aid―
40. (They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right―(for no cause) except that they say, “Our Lord Is Allah”. Had not Allah checked one set of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause)―for verily Allah 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 give regular Charity, enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.
42. If they treat 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 Lūt;
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: but how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)!
45. How many populations 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 castles 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 their hearts which are in their breasts.
47. Yet they ask you to hasten on the Punishment! But Allah will not fail in His Promise. Verily a Day in the sight of your Lord is like a thousand years of your reckoning.
48. And to how many populations did I give 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 give a Clear Warning:
50. “Those who believe and work righteousness, 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. Never did We send a messenger or a prophet before you, but, when he framed a desire, Satan threw some (vanity) into his desire: but Allah will cancel anything (vain) that Satan throws in, and Allah will confirm (and establish) His Signs: for Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom:
53. That He may make the suggestions thrown in by Satan, but a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease and who are hardened of heart: verily the wrong-doers 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 therein, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it: for verily Allah is the Guide of 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 Judgement) comes suddenly upon them, or there comes to them the Penalty of a Day of Disaster.
56. On that Day the Dominion will be that of Allah: He will judge between them: so those who believe and work righteous deeds will be in 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 in the cause of Allah, and are then slain or die―on them will Allah bestow verily a goodly Provision: truly Allah is He Who bestows the best Provision.
59. Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased: for Allah 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 set upon inordinately, Allah will help him: for Allah is One that blots out (sins) and forgives (again and again).
61. That is because Allah merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and verily it is Allah Who hears and sees (all things).
62. That is because Allah―He is the Reality; and those besides Him whom they invoke―they are but vain Falsehood: verily Allah is He, Most High, Most Great.
63. See you not that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and forthwith the earth becomes clothed with green? For Allah is He Who understands the finest mysteries, and is well-acquainted (with them).
64. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: for verily Allah―He is free of all wants, worthy of all Praise.
65. See you not that Allah has made subject to you (people) all that is on the 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 leave: for Allah is Most Kind and Most Merciful to humanity.
66. It is He Who gave you life, will cause you to die, and will again give you life: truly the human being is a most ungrateful creature!
67. To every People have We appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow: let them not then dispute with you on the matter, but do you invite (them) to your Lord: for you are assuredly on the Right Way.
68. If they do wrangle with you, say, “Allah knows best what it is you are doing.”
69. “Allah will judge between you on the Day of Judgement concerning the matters in which you differ.”
70. Know you not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it is all in a record, and that is easy for Allah.
71. Yet they worship, besides Allah, things for which no authority has been sent down to them, and of which they have (really) no knowledge: for those that do wrong there is no helper.
72. When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, you will notice a denial on the faces of the Unbelievers! They nearly attack with violence those who rehearse Our Signs to them. Say, “Shall I tell you of something (far) worse than these Signs? It is the Fire (of Hell)! Allah has promised it to the Unbelievers! And evil is that destination!”
73. O people! Here is a parable set forth! Listen to it! Those on whom, besides Allah, you call, cannot create (even) a fly, if they all met together for the purpose! And if the fly should snatch away anything from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. Feeble are those who petition and those whom they petition!
74. No just estimate have they made of Allah: for Allah is He Who is strong and able to carry out His Will.
75. Allah chooses Messengers from angels and from people for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).
76. He knows what is before them and what is behind them: and to Allah go back all questions (for decision).
77. O you who believe! Bow down, prostrate yourselves, and adore your Lord; and do good; 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, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for humanity! So establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector―the Best to protect and the Best to help!
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Sūrah 23
Al-Mu’minūn
(The Believers)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, 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 safeguard their genital organs,
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 pursue what is beyond those limits are transgressors―
8. Those who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants;
9. And who (strictly) guard their prayers―
10. These will be the heirs,
11. Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (forever).
12. The human being We did create 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 of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then We made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the Best to create!
15. After that, at length you will die
16. Again, on the Day of Judgement, will you be raised up.
17. And We have made, above you, seven tracts; and We are never unmindful of (Our) Creation.
18. And We send down water from the sky according to (due) measure, and We cause it to soak in the soil; and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease).
19. With it We grow for you gardens of date-palms and vines: in them have you abundant fruits: and of them you eat (and have enjoyment)―
20. Also a tree springing out of Mount Sinai, which produces oil, and relish for those who use it for food.
21. And in cattle (too) you have an instructive example: from within their bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are, in them, (besides), numerous (other) benefits for you; and of their (meat) you eat;
22. And on them, as well as in ships, you ride.
23. (Further, We sent a long line of prophets for your instruction). We sent Noah to his people: he said, “O my people! Worship Allah! 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: his wish is to assert his superiority over you: if Allah had wished (to send messengers), He could have sent down Angels; never did we hear such a thing (as he says), among our ancestors of old.”
25. (And some said): “He is only a man possessed: wait (and have patience) with him for a time.”
26. (Noah) said: “O my Lord! Help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood!”
27. So We inspired him (with this message): “Construct the ark within Our sight and under Our guidance: then when comes Our Command, and the fountains of the earth gush forth, take you on board pairs of every species, male and female, and your family―except those of them against whom the Word has already gone forth: and address Me not in favour of the wrong-doers; for they shall be drowned (in the Flood).
28. And when you have embarked on the Ark―you and those with you―say: “Praise be to Allah, Who has saved us from the people who do wrong.”
29. And say: “O my Lord! Enable me to disembark with your blessing: for You are the Best to enable (us) to disembark.”
30. Verily in this there are Signs (for people to understand); (thus) do We try (people).
31. Then We raised after them another generation.
32. And We sent to them a messenger from among themselves, (saying), “Worship Allah! 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 human being like yourselves: he eats of that of which you eat, and drinks of what you drink.
34. “If you obey a human being like yourselves, behold, it is certain you will 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 shall die and we live! But we shall never be raised up again!
38. “He is only a man who invents a lie against Allah, but we are not the ones to believe in him!”
39. (The prophet) said: “O my Lord! Help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood.”
40. (Allah) said: “In but a little while, they are sure to be sorry!”
41. Then the Blast overtook them with justice, and We made them as rubbish of dead leaves (floating on the stream of Time)! So away with the people who do wrong!
42. Then We raised after them other generations.
43. No people can hasten their term, nor can they delay (it).
44. Then sent We Our messengers in succession: every time there came to a people their messenger, 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 authority manifest,
46. To Pharaoh and his Chiefs: but these behaved insolently: they were an arrogant people.
47. They said: “Shall we believe in two men like ourselves? And their people are subject to us!”
48. So they accused them of falsehood, and they became of those who were destroyed.
49. And We gave Moses the Book, in order 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 you messengers! Enjoy (all) things good and pure, and work righteousness: for I am well-acquainted with (all) that you do.
52. And verily this community of yours is a single community, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).
53. But people have cut off their affair (of unity), between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that which is with itself.
54. But leave them in their confused ignorance for a 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 do not understand.
57. Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord;
58. Those who believe in the Signs of their Lord;
59. Those who join not (in worship) partners with their Lord;
60. And those who dispense their charity with their hearts full of fear, because they will return to their Lord―
61. It is these who hasten in every good work, and these who are foremost in them.
62. On no soul do We place a burden 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 of them who received the good things of this world, behold, they will groan in supplication!
65. (It will be said): “Groan not in supplication this day: for you shall certainly not be helped by Us.
66. “My Signs used to be rehearsed 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 Allah), or has anything (new) come to them that did not come to their fathers of old?
69. Or do they not recognise 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. If the Truth had been in accord with their desires, truly the heavens and the earth, and all beings therein would have been in confusion and corruption! Nay, We have sent them their admonition, 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 give sustenance.
73. But verily you call them to the Straight Way;
74. And verily those who believe not in the Hereafter are deviating from that Way.
75. If We had mercy on them and removed the distress which is on them, they would obstinately persist in their transgression, wandering in distraction to and fro
76. We inflicted Punishment on them, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor do they submissively entreat (Him)!―
77. Until We open on them a gate leading to a severe Punishment: then lo! They will be plunged in despair therein!
78. It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is you give!
79. And He has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him shall you be gathered back.
80. It is He Who gives life and death, and to Him (is due) the alternation of Night and Day: will you not then 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 belong the earth and all beings therein? (Say) if you know!”
85. They will say, “To Allah!” Say: “Yet will you not receive admonition?”
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 Allah.” Say: “Will you not then 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 (of any)? (Say) if you know.”
89. They will say, “(It belongs) to Allah.” Say: “Then how are you deluded?”
90. We have sent them the Truth: but they indeed practise falsehood!
91. No son did Allah 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 lorded it over others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!
92. He knows what is hidden and what is open: too high is He for the partners they attribute to Him!
93. Say: “O my Lord! If You will show me (in my lifetime) that which they are warned against―
94. “Then, O my Lord! Put me not amongst the people who do wrong!”
95. And We are certainly able to show you (in fulfilment) that against which they are warned.
96. Repel evil with that which is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say.
97. And say “O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from the suggestions of the Evil Ones.
98. “And I seek refuge with You O my Lord! Lest they should come near me.”
99. (In Falsehood will they be) until, when death comes to one of them, he says: “O my Lord! Send me back (to life)―
100. “In order that I may work righteousness in the things I neglected.”― “By no means! It is but a word he says.”―Before them is a Partition 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 after another!
102. Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy―they will attain salvation:
103. But those whose balance is light, will be those who have lost their souls, in Hell will they abide.
104. The Fire will burn their faces, and they will therein frown, with their lips displaced.
105. “Were not My Signs rehearsed to you, and you did but treat them as falsehood?”
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), then shall we be wrong-doers indeed!”
108. He will say: “Be you driven into it (with ignominy)! And speak you not to Me!
109. “A part of My servants there was, who used to pray ‘Our Lord! We believe; then do you 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 (ridicule of) 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 indeed the ones that 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 not but a little―if you had only known!
115. “Did you then think that We had created you in jest, and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?”
116. Therefore exalted be Allah, the King, the Reality: there is no god but He, the Lord of the Throne of Honour!
117. If anyone invokes, besides Allah, any other god, he has no authority therefor; and his reckoning will be only with his Lord! And verily the Unbelievers will fail to win through!
118. So say: “O my Lord! Grant You forgiveness and mercy for You are the Best of those who show mercy!”
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Sūrah 24
Al-Nūr
(The Light)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. A Sūrah which We have sent down and which We have ordained: in it have We sent down Clear Signs, in order that you may receive admonition.
2. The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication―flog each of them with a hundred stripes: let not compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day: and let a party of the 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 but such a man or an Unbeliever marry such a woman: to the Believers such a thing is forbidden.
4. And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegations)―flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after: for such are wicked transgressors―
5. Unless they repent thereafter and mend (their conduct); for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
6. And for those who launch a charge against their spouses, and have (in support) no evidence but their own―their solitary evidence (can be received) if they bear witness four times (with an oath) by Allah that they are solemnly telling the truth;
7. And the fifth (oath) (should be) that they solemnly invoke the curse of Allah 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 Allah, that (her husband) is telling a lie;
9. And the fifth (oath) should be that she solemnly invokes the wrath of Allah on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth.
10. If it were not for Allah’s grace and mercy on you, and that Allah is Oft-Returning, Full of Wisdom― (you would be ruined indeed).
11. Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: think it not 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 earned, and to him who took on himself the lead among them, will be a Penalty grievous.
12. Why did not the Believers― men and women―when you heard it―put the best construction on it in their own minds and say, “This (allegation) is an obvious lie”?
13. Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses, such, in the sight of Allah, (stand forth) themselves as liars!
14. Were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, in this world and the Hereafter, a grievous penalty would have seized you in that 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 the sight of Allah.
16. And why did you not, when you heard it, say?― “It is not right of us to speak of this: Glory to Allah! This is a most serious slander!”
17. Allah does admonish you, that you may never repeat such (conduct), if you are (true) Believers.
18. And Allah makes the Signs plain to you: for Allah is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
19. Those who love (to see) scandal disseminated among the Believers, will have a grievous Penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: Allah knows, and you know not.
20. Were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, and that Allah is Full of Kindness and Mercy, (you would be ruined indeed).
21. O you who believe! Follow not Satan’s footsteps: if any will follow the footsteps of Satan, he will (but) command what is shameful and wrong: and were it not for the grace and mercy of Allah on you, not one of you would ever have been pure: but Allah does purify whom He pleases: and Allah is One Who hears and knows (all things).
22. Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in Allah’s cause: let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
23. Those who slander chaste women, indiscreet but believing, are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: for them is a grievous Penalty―
24. On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.
25. On that Day Allah will pay them back (all) their just dues, and they will realise that Allah is the (very) Truth, that makes all things manifest.
26. Women impure are for men impure, and men impure for women impure 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 a provision honourable.
27. O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and saluted those in them: that is best for you, in order that you may heed (what is seemly).
28. If you find no one in the house, enter not until permission is given to you: if you are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves: and Allah knows well all that you do.
29. It is no fault on your part to enter houses not used for living in, which serve some (other) use for you: and Allah has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal.
30. Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.
31. And say to 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, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their 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 no sense of the shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O you Believers! Turn you all together towards Allah, that you may attain Bliss.
32. Marry those among you who are single, or the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: if they are in poverty, Allah will give them means out of His grace: for Allah encompasses all, and he knows all things.
33. Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah 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), give them such a deed if you know any good in them: indeed, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that you may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah, Oft-Forgiving, 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 admonition for those who fear (Allah).
35. Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The Parable of His Light is as if there were a Niche and within it a Lamp: The Lamp 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 well-nigh luminous, though fire scarce touched it: Light upon Light! Allah does guide whom He will to His Light: Allah does set forth parables for people: and Allah does know all things.
36. (Lit is such a Light) in houses, which Allah has permitted to be raised to honour; for the celebration, in them, of His name: in them is He glorified in the mornings and in the evenings, (again and again)―
37. By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new)―
38. That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace: for Allah does provide for those whom He will, without measure.
39. But the Unbelievers―their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which the person parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing: but he finds Allah (ever) with him, and Allah will pay him his account: and Allah is swift in taking account.
40. Or (the Unbelievers’ state) is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by (dark) clouds: depths of darkness, one above another: if he stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! For any to whom Allah gives not light, there is no light!
41. See you not that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth do celebrate, and the birds (of the air) with wings outspread? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.
42. Indeed, to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; and to Allah is the final goal (of all).
43. See you not that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap?―then will you see rain issue forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) wherein is hail: He strikes therewith whom He pleases and He turns it away from whom He pleases. The vivid flash of His lightning well-nigh blinds the sight.
44. It is Allah Who alternates the Night and the Day: verily in these things is an instructive example for those who have vision!
45. And Allah has created every animal from water: of them there are some that creep on their bellies; some that walk on two legs; and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills for verily Allah has power over all things.
46. We have indeed sent down Signs that make things manifest: and Allah guides whom He wills to a way that is straight.
47. They say, “We believe in Allah 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 Allah and His Messenger, in order 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 with all submission.
50. Is it that there is a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt, or are they in fear, that Allah 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 Allah and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: they say, “We hear and we obey”: it is such as these that will attain felicity.
52. It is such as obey Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah and do right, that will win (in the end).
53. They swear their strongest oaths by Allah that, if only you would command them, they would leave (their homes). Say: “Swear you not; obedience is (more) reasonable; verily, Allah is well acquainted with all that you do.”
54. Say: “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger: but if you turn away, he 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. Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion―the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: ‘They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me.’ If any do reject Faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked.
56. So establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity; and obey the Messenger; that you may receive mercy.
57. Never think you that the Unbelievers are going to frustrate (Allah’s Plan) on earth: their abode is the Fire―and it is indeed 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 to your presence), on three occasions: before morning prayer; the while you take off your clothes for the noonday heat; and after the late-night prayer: these are your three times of undress: outside those times it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you: for Allah 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 Allah make clear His Signs to you: for Allah 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 make not a wanton display of their beauty: but it is best for them to be modest: and Allah 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 sincere friend of yours: there is no blame on you, whether you eat in company or separately. But if you enter houses, salute each other―a greeting of blessing and purity as from Allah. Thus does Allah make clear the signs to you: that you may understand.
62. Only those are believers, who believe in Allah and His Messenger: when they are with him on a matter requiring collective action, they do not depart until they have asked for his leave; those who ask for your leave are those who believe in Allah and His Messenger; so when they ask for your leave, for some business of theirs, give leave to those of them whom you will, and ask Allah for their forgiveness: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
63. Deem not the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another: Allah does know those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse: then let those beware who withstand the Messenger’s order, lest some trial befall them, or a grievous Penalty be inflicted on them.
64. Be quite sure that to Allah does belong whatever is in the heavens and on earth. Well does he know 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 Allah does know all things.
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Sūrah 25
Al-Furqān
(The Criterion)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Blessed is He Who sent down the Criterion to His servant, that it may be an admonition to all creatures―
2. He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: no son has He begotten, nor has He a partner in His dominion: it is He Who created all things, and ordered them in due proportions.
3. Yet have they taken, besides Him, gods that can create nothing but are themselves created; that have no control of hurt or good to themselves; nor can they control Death nor Life nor Resurrection.
4. But the Unbelievers say: “Naught is this 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 before him morning and evening.”
6. Say: “The (Qur’ān) was sent down by Him Who knows the Mystery (that is) in the heavens and the earth: verily He is Oft-Forgiving, 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 give admonition with him?
8. “Or (why) has not a treasure been bestowed on him, or why has he (not) a garden for enjoyment?” The wicked Say: “You follow none other than a man bewitched.”
9. See what kinds of comparisons they make for you! But they have gone astray, and never a way will they be able to find!
10. Blessed is He Who, if that were His will, could give you better (things) than those―Gardens beneath which rivers flow; and He could give you palaces (secure to dwell in).
11. Nay they deny the hour (of the Judgement to come): but We have prepared a Blazing Fire for such as deny the Hour:
12. When it sees them from a place far off, they will hear its fury and its raging sigh.
13. And when they are cast, bound together into a constricted place therein, they will plead for destruction there and then!
14. “This day plead not 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. “For them there will be therein all that they wish for: they will dwell (there) forever: a promise to be prayed for from your Lord.”
17. The Day He will gather them together as well as those whom they worship besides Allah, He will ask: “Was it you who led these My servants astray, or did they stray from the Path themselves?”
18. They will say: “Glory to You! Not meet was it for us that we should take for protectors others besides You: but You did bestow, on them and their fathers, good things (in life), until they forgot the Message: for they were a people (worthless and) lost.”
19. (Allah will say): “Now have they proved you liars in what you say: so you cannot avert (your penalty) nor (get) help.” And whoever among you does wrong, him shall We cause to taste of a grievous Penalty.
20. And the messengers whom We sent before you were all (people) who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? For Allah is One Who sees (all things).
21. Such as fear not the meeting with Us (for Judgement) say: “Why are not the angels sent down to us, or (why) do we not see our Lord?” Indeed they have an 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 forbidden (to you) altogether!”
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 heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and angels shall be sent down, descending (in ranks)―
26. That Day, the dominion as of right and truth, shall be (wholly) for (Allah) Most Merciful: it will be a Day of dire difficulty for the Unbelievers.
27. The Day that the wrongdoer will bite at his hands, he will say, “Oh! Would that I had taken a (straight) path with the Messenger!
28. “Ah! Woe is me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!
29. “He did lead me astray from the Message (of Allah) after it had come to me! Ah! The Evil One is but a traitor to man!”
30. Then the Messenger will say: “O my Lord! Truly my people took this Qur’ān (as a thing) deserted.”
31. Thus have We made for every prophet an enemy among the sinners: but enough is your Lord 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 thereby, and We have rehearsed it to you in slow, well-arranged stages, gradually.
33. And no question do they bring to you but We reveal to you the truth and the best explanation (thereof).
34. Those who will be gathered to Hell (prone) on their faces―they will be in an evil plight, and, as to 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 you both, 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 humanity; and We have prepared for (all) wrongdoers a grievous Penalty―
38. As also ‘Ād and Thamūd, and the Companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them.
39. To each one We set forth parables and examples; and each one We broke to utter annihilation (for their sins).
40. And the (Unbelievers) must indeed have passed by the town on which was rained a shower of evil: did they not then see it (with their own eyes)? But they fear not the Resurrection.
41. When they see you, they treat you no otherwise than in mockery: “Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a messenger?”
42. “He indeed would well-nigh 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 that is most misled in Path!
43. See you such a one as takes for his god his own passion (or impulse)? Could you be a disposer of affairs for him?
44. Or think you 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 does prolong the shadow! If He willed, He could make it stationary! Then do We make the sun its guide;
46. Then We draw it in towards Ourselves―a contraction by easy stages.
47. And He it is Who makes the Night as a Robe for you, and Sleep as Repose, and makes the Day (as it were) a Resurrection.
48. And He it is Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy, and We send down pure water from the sky―
49. That with it We may give life to a dead land, and slake the thirst of things We have created―cattle and people in great numbers.
50. And We have distributed the (water) amongst them, in order that they may celebrate (Our) praises, but most people are averse (to aught) but (rank) ingratitude.
51. Had it been Our Will, We could have sent a warner to every centre of population.
52. Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur’ān).
53. It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: one palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has He made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed.
54. It is He Who has created from water a human being: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for your Lord has power (over all things).
55. Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them nor harm them: and the Unbeliever is a helper (of Evil), against his own Lord!
56. But you We only sent to give glad tidings and admonition.
57. Say: “No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will may take a (straight) Path to his Lord.”
58. And put your trust in Him Who lives and dies not; and celebrate His praise; and enough is He to be 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): Allah Most Gracious: ask you, then, about Him of any acquainted (with such things).
60. When it is said to them, “Adore you (Allah) Most Gracious!”, they say, “And what is (Allah) Most Gracious? Shall we adore that which you command us?” And it increases their flight (from the Truth).
61. Blessed is He Who made constellations in the skies, and placed therein a Lamp and a Moon giving light;
62. And it is He Who made the Night and the Day to follow each other: for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.
63. And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace!”;
64. Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing;
65. Those who say, “Our Lord! Avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous―
66. “Evil indeed is it as an abode, and as a place to rest in”;
67. Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes);
68. Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication―and any that does this (not only) meets punishment.
69. (But) the Penalty on the Day of Judgement will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy―
70. Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful,
71. And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah with an (acceptable) conversion―
72. Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable (avoidance);
73. Those who, when they are admonished with the Signs of their Lord, droop not down at them as if they were deaf or blind;
74. And those who pray, “Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give 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: therein shall they be met with salutations and peace,
76. Dwelling therein―how beautiful an abode and place of rest!
77. Say (to the Rejecters): “My Lord is not uneasy because of you if you call not on Him: but you have indeed rejected (Him), and soon will come the inevitable (punishment)!”
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Sūrah 26
Al-Shu‘arā’
(The Poets)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Tā’ Sīn Mīm.
2. These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.
3. It may be you fret your soul with grief, that they do not become Believers.
4. If (such) were Our Will, We could send down to them from the sky a Sign, to which they would bend their necks in humility.
5. But there comes not to them a newly-revealed Message from (Allah) Most Gracious, but they turn away therefrom.
6. They have indeed rejected (the Message): so they will know soon (enough) the truth of what they mocked at!
7. Do they not look at the earth― how many noble things of all kinds We have produced therein?
8. Verily, in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
9. And verily, your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
10. Behold, your Lord called Moses: “Go to the people of iniquity―
11. “The people of the Pharaoh: will they not fear Allah?”
12. He said: “O my 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 unto Aaron.
14. “And (further), they have a charge of crime against me; and I fear they may slay me.”
15. Allah said: “By no means! Proceed then, both of you, with Our Signs; We are with you, and will listen (to your call).
16. “So go forth, both of you, to Pharaoh, and say: ‘We have been sent by the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds;
17. “‘Send you with us the Children of Israel.’”
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 did a deed of 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) invested me with judgement (and wisdom) and appointed me as one of the messengers.
22. “And this is the favour with which you do 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: “Did you 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 do 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 tell the truth!”
32. So (Moses) threw his staff, 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 sorcerer well-versed:
35. “His plan is to get you out of our land by his sorcery; then what is it you counsel?”
36. They said: “Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect―
37. “And bring up to you all (our) sorcerers well-versed.”
38. So the sorcerers were got together for the appointment of a day well-known,
39. And the people were told: “Are you (now) assembled?―
40. “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: “Indeed, (and more)― for you shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person).”
43. Moses said to them: “Throw you―that which 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 staff, when, behold, it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake!
46. Then did the sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration,
47. Saying: “We believe in the Lord of the Worlds,
48. “The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
49. Said (Pharaoh): “Believe you in him before I give you permission? Surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! But soon shall you know! “Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!”
50. They said: “No matter! For us, we shall but return to our Lord!
51. “Only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the Believers!”
52. By inspiration We told Moses: “Travel by night with My servants; for surely you shall be pursued.”
53. Then Pharaoh sent heralds to (all) the Cities,
54. (Saying): “These (Israelites) are but a small band,
55. “And they are raging furiously against us;
56. “But we are a multitude amply forewarned.”
57. So We expelled them from gardens, springs,
58. Treasures, and every kind of honourable position;
59. Thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things.
60. So they pursued them at sunrise.
61. And when the two bodies saw each other, the people of Moses said: “We are sure to be overtaken.”
62. (Moses) said: “By no means! My Lord is with me! Soon will He guide me!”
63. Then We told Moses by inspiration: “Strike the sea with your staff.” So it divided, and each separate part became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.
64. And We made the other party approach thither.
65. We delivered Moses and all who were with him;
66. But We drowned the others.
67. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
68. And verily your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
69. And rehearse to them (something of) Abraham’s story.
70. Behold, he said to his father and his people: “What worship you?”
71. They said: “We worship idols, and we remain constantly in attendance on them.”
72. He said: “Do they listen to you when you call (on them),
73. Or do you good or harm?”
74. They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing thus (what we do).”
75. He said: “Do you then see whom 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. “Who will cause me to die, and then to live (again);
82. “And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Judgement.
83. “O my Lord! Bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous;
84. “Grant me honourable 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, for that he is among those astray;
87. “And let me not be in disgrace on the Day when (people) will be raised up―
88. “The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail,
89. “But only he (will prosper) that brings to Allah 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 Allah? 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 Iblīs together.
96. “They will say there in their mutual bickerings:
97. “‘By Allah, we were truly in an error manifest,
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 of return, we shall truly be of those who believe!’”
103. Verily in this is a Sign but most of them do not believe.
104. And verily your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
105. The people of Noah rejected the messengers.
106. Behold, their brother Noah said to them: “Will you not fear (Allah)?
107. “I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust:
108. “So fear Allah, and obey me.
109. “No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds:
110. “So fear Allah, 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 desist not, O Noah! You shall be stoned (to death).”
117. He said: “O my Lord! Truly my people have rejected me.
118. “Judge You, then, 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. Thereafter We drowned those who remained behind.
121. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
122. And verily your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
123. The ‘Ād (people) rejected the messengers.
124. Behold, their brother Hūd said to them: “Will you not fear (Allah)?
125. “I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust:
126. “So fear Allah and obey me.
127. “No reward do I ask 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 get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein (forever)?
130. “And when you exert your strong hand, do you do it like those of absolute power?
131. “Now fear Allah, and obey me.
132. “Indeed, fear Him Who has bestowed on you freely all that you know.
133. “Freely has He bestowed on you cattle and sons―
134. “And Gardens and Springs.
135. “Truly I fear for you the Penalty of a Great Day.”
136. They said: “It is the same to us whether you admonish us or be 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. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
140. And verily your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
141. The Thamūd (people) rejected the messengers.
142. Behold, their brother Sālih said to them: “Will you not fear (Allah)?
143. “I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust.
144. “So fear Allah, and obey me.
145. “No reward do I ask 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 cornfields and date-palms with spathes near breaking (with the weight of fruit)?
149. “And you carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with great skill.
150. “But fear Allah and obey me;
151. “And follow not the bidding of those who are extravagant―
152. “Who make mischief in the land, and mend not (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 tell the truth!”
155. He said: “Here is a she-camel: she has a right of watering, and you have a right of watering, (severally) on a day appointed.
156. “Touch her not with harm, lest the Penalty of a Great Day seize you.”
157. But they hamstrung her: then did they become full of regrets.
158. But the Penalty seized them. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
159. And verily your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
160. The people of Lūt rejected the messengers.
161. Behold, their brother Lūt said to them: “Will you not fear (Allah)?
162. “I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust.
163. “So fear Allah and obey me.
164. “No reward do I ask 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 Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, you are a people transgressing (all limits)!”
167. They said: “If you desist not, O Lūt! You will assuredly be cast out!”
168. He said: “I do detest your doings.”
169. “O my Lord! Deliver me and my family from such things as 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 evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)!
174. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
175. And verily your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might Most Merciful.
176. The Companions of the Wood rejected the messengers.
177. Behold, Shu‘ayb said to them: “Will you not fear (Allah)?
178. “I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust.
179. “So fear Allah and obey me.
180. “No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds.
181. “Give just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud).
182. “And weigh with scales true and upright.
183. “And withhold not things justly due to people, nor do evil in the land, working 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. Verily in that is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.
191. And verily your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, 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 revealed 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 have We 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 of a sudden, while they perceive it not;
203. Then they will say: “Shall we be respited?”
204. Do they then ask for Our Penalty to be hastened on?
205. See you? If We do let them enjoy (this life) for a few years,
206. Yet there comes to them at length the (Punishment) which they were promised!
207. It will profit them not that they enjoyed (this life)!
208. Never did We destroy a population, but had its warners―
209. By way of reminder; and We never are 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. Indeed they have been removed far from even (a chance of) hearing it.
213. So call not on any other god with Allah, or you will be among those under the Penalty.
214. And admonish your nearest kinsmen,
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 on the Exalted in Might, the Merciful―
218. Who sees you standing forth (in prayer),
219. And your movements among those who prostrate themselves,
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. See you not that they wander distracted in every valley?―
226. And that they say what they practise not?―
227. Except those who believe, work righteousness, engage much in the remembrance of Allah, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked. And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!
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Sūrah 27
Al-Naml
(The Ants)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Tā’ Sīn. 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 give in regular Charity, and also have (full) assurance of the Hereafter.
4. As to those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds pleasing in their eyes; and 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 to 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; soon will I bring you from there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand to light our fuel, 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 Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
9. “O Moses! Verily, I am Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise!...
10. “Now do you throw your staff!” But when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: “O Moses!” (it was said), “Fear not: truly, in My presence, those called as messengers have no fear―
11. “But if any have done wrong and have thereafter substituted good to take the place of evil, truly, I am Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
12. “Now put your hand into your bosom, and it will come forth white without stain (or harm): (these are) among the nine Signs (you will take) to Pharaoh and his people: for they are a people rebellious in transgression.”
13. But when Our Signs came to them, that should have opened their eyes, they said: “This is sorcery manifest!”
14. And they rejected those signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced thereof: so see what was the end of those who acted corruptly!
15. We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon: and they both said: “Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of His servants who believe!”
16. And Solomon was David’s heir. He said: “O you people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed grace manifest (from Allah.)”
17. And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts―of Jinns and people and birds, 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 you ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it.”
19. So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: “O my Lord! So order me that I may be grateful for Your favours, which you have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please You: and admit me, by Your Grace, to the ranks of Your Righteous Servants.”
20. And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: “Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?
21. “I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence).”
22. But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: “I have compassed (territory) which you have not compassed, and I have come to you from Sabā’ with tidings true.
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 Allah: 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 Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you hide and what you reveal.
26. “Allah!―there is no god but He!―Lord of the Throne Supreme!”
27. (Solomon) said: “Soon shall we see whether you have told the truth or lied!
28. “Go you, 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: “You chiefs! Here is delivered to me―a letter worthy of respect.
30. “It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): ‘In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful:
31. “‘Be you not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).’”
32. She said: “You chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence.”
33. They said: “We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with you; so consider what you will command.”
34. She said: “Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make the noblest of its people its meanest; thus do they behave.
35. “But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors.”
36. Now when (the embassy) came to Solomon, he said: “Will you give me abundance in wealth? But that which Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is you who rejoice in your gift!
37. “Go back to them, and be sure 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 own men): “You chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?”
39. Said an ‘Ifrīt, of the Jinns: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your Council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted.”
40. Said one who had knowledge of the Book: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an 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 gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honour!”
41. He said: “Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or 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 Allah (in Islam).”
43. And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah: for she was (sprung) of a people that had no faith.
44. She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: “This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass.” She said: “O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds.”
45. We sent (aforetime), to the Thamūd, their brother Sālih, saying, “Serve Allah”: but behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other.
46. He said: “O my people! Why ask you to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only you ask Allah for forgiveness, you may hope to receive mercy.
47. They said: “Ill omen do we augur from you and those that are with you”. He said: “Your ill omen is with Allah; indeed, you are a people under trial.”
48. There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform.
49. They said: “Swear a mutual oath by Allah 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 perceived it not.
51. Then see what was the end of their plot!―this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them).
52. Now such were their houses― in utter ruin―because they practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge.
53. And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness.
54. (We also sent) Lūt (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? Nay, you are a people (grossly) ignorant!”
56. But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, “Drive out the followers of Lūt from your city: these are indeed people who want to be clean and pure!”
57. But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind.
58. And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)!
59. Say: Praise be to Allah, and Peace on His servants whom He has chosen (for His Message). (Who) is better?―Allah 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? Indeed, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty of delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, 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 thereon mountains immovable; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of flowing water? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, most of them know not.
62. Or, who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering, and makes you (the humans) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that you heed!
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 Allah?― High is Allah above what they associate with Him!
64. Or, who originates Creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Say, “Bring forth your argument, if you are telling the truth!”
65. Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allah, knows what is hidden: nor can they perceive when they shall be raised up (for Judgement).
66. Still less can their knowledge comprehend the Hereafter: nay, they are in doubt and uncertainty thereof; nay, they are blind thereunto!
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: “Go you through the earth and see what has been the end of those guilty (of sin).”
70. But grieve not over them, nor distress yourself because of their plots.
71. They also say: “When will this promise (come to pass)? (Say) 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 verily your Lord is full of grace to humanity: yet most of them are ungrateful.
74. And verily your Lord knows all that their hearts do hide. As well as all that they reveal.
75. Nor is there aught of the Unseen, in heaven or earth, but is (recorded) in a clear record.
76. Verily this Qur’ān does explain to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.
77. And it certainly is a Guide and a Mercy to those who believe.
78. Verily your Lord will decide between them by His Decree: and He is Exalted in Might, All-Knowing.
79. So put your trust in Allah: for you are on (the path of) manifest Truth.
80. Truly you can not 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 be a guide to the blind, (to prevent them) from straying: only those will you get to listen who believe in Our Signs, and they will bow in Islam.
82. And when the Word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), We shall produce from the earth a beast to (face) them: he will speak to them, for that humanity did not believe with assurance in Our Signs.
83. One day We shall gather together from every people a troop of those who reject Our Signs, and they shall be kept in ranks―
84. Until, when they come (before the Judgement-Seat), (Allah) will say: “Did you reject My Signs, though you comprehended them not in knowledge, or what was it you did?”
85. And the Word will be fulfilled against them, because of their wrong-doing, and they will be unable to speak (in plea).
86. See they not that We have made the Night for them to rest in and the Day to give them light? Verily in this are Signs for any people that believe!
87. And the Day that the Trumpet will be sounded―then will be smitten with terror those who are in the heavens, and those who are on earth, except such as Allah will please (to exempt): and all shall come to His (Presence) as beings conscious of their lowliness.
88. You see the mountains and think them firmly fixed: but they pass as the clouds pass: (such is) the artistry of Allah, 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 therefrom; 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 that which you have earned by your deeds?”
91. For me, I have been commanded to serve the Lord of this City, Him Who has sanctified it and to Whom (belong) all things: and I am commanded to be of those who bow in Islam to Allah’s Will―
92. And to rehearse 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 be to Allah, Who will soon show you His Signs, so that you shall know them”; and your Lord is not unmindful of all that you do.
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Sūrah 28
Al-Qasas
(The Narrations)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Tā’ Sīn Mīm.
2. These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.
3. We rehearse to you some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Truth, for people who believe.
4. Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and broke up its people into sections, depressing a small group among them: their sons he slew, but he kept alive their females: for he was indeed a maker of mischief.
5. And We wished to be gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, to make them leaders (in faith) and make them heirs,
6. To establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Hāmān, and their hosts, at their hands, the very things against which they were taking precautions.
7. So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: “Suckle (your child), but when you have fears about him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor 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 to them an adversary and a cause of sorrow: for Pharaoh and Hāmān and (all) their hosts were men of sin.
9. The wife of Pharaoh said: “(Here is) joy of the eye, for me and for you: slay him not. It may be that he will be beneficial to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they perceived not (what they were doing)!
10. But there came to be a void in the heart of the mother of Moses: she was going almost 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 in the character of a stranger. And they knew not.
12. And We ordained that he refused suck at first, 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, that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not understand.
14. When he reached full age, and was firmly established (in life), We bestowed on him wisdom and knowledge: for thus do We reward those who do good.
15. And he entered the City at a time when its people were not watching: and he found there two men fighting―one of his own people, and the other, of his foes. Now the man of his own people appealed to him against his foe, and Moses struck him with his fist and made an end of him. He said: “This is a work of Evil (Satan): for he is an enemy that manifestly misleads!”
16. He prayed: “O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul! Do You then forgive me!” So (Allah) forgave him: for He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
17. He said: “O my Lord! For that You have bestowed Your Grace on me, never shall I be a help to those who sin!”
18. So he saw the morning in the city, looking about, in a state of fear, when behold, the man who had, the day before, sought his help called aloud for his help (again). Moses said to him: “You are truly, it is clear, a quarrelsome fellow!”
19. Then, when he decided to lay hold of the man who was an enemy to both of them, that man said: “O Moses! Is it your intention to slay me as you slew a man yesterday? Your intention is none other than 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 slay you: so get you away, for I do give you sincere advice.”
21. He therefore got away therefrom, looking about, in a state of fear. He prayed “O my Lord! Save me from people given to wrong-doing.”
22. Then, when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, he said: “I do hope that my Lord will show me the smooth and 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 my Lord! Truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that You do send me!”…
25. Afterwards one of the (damsels) came (back) to him, walking bashfully. She said: “My father invites you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.” So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: “Fear you not: (well) have you escaped from unjust people.”
26. Said one of the (damsels): “O my (dear) father! Engage him on wages: truly the best of men for you to employ is the (man) who is strong and trusty”…
27. He said: “I intend to wed one of these my daughters to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten years, it will be (grace) from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty: you will find me, indeed, if Allah wills, one of the righteous.”
28. He said: “Be that (the agreement) between me and you: whichever of the two terms I fulfil, let there be no ill-will to me. Be Allah a witness to what we say.”
29. Now when Moses had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his family, he perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Tūr. He said to his family: “Tarry you; I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you from there some information, or a burning firebrand, that you may warm yourselves.”
30. But when he came to the (Fire), a voice was heard from the right bank of the valley, from a tree in hallowed ground: “O Moses! Verily I am Allah, the Lord of the Worlds…
31. “Now do you throw your staff!” But when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: O Moses!” (it was said), “Draw near, and fear not: for you are of those who are secure.
32. “Move your hand into your bosom, and it will come forth white without stain (or harm), and draw your hand close to your side (to guard) against fear. Those are the two credentials from your Lord to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: for truly they are a people rebellious and wicked.”
33. He said: “O my Lord! I have slain a man among them, and I fear lest they slay me.
34. “And my brother Aaron―he is more eloquent in speech than I: 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 your arm through your brother, and invest you both with authority, so they shall not be able to touch you: with Our Signs shall you 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 sorcery faked up: never did we hear the like among 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: certain it is that the wrong-doers will not prosper.”
38. Pharaoh said: “O Chiefs! No god do I know for you but myself: therefore, O Hāmān! light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay, and build me a lofty palace, that I may mount up to the god 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 behold what was the end of those who did wrong!
41. And We made them (but) leaders inviting to the Fire; and on the Day of Judgement no help shall they find.
42. In this world We made a curse to follow them and on the Day of Judgement they will be among the loathed (and despised).
43. We did reveal to Moses the Book after We had destroyed the earlier generations, (to give) insight to people, and Guidance and Mercy, that they might receive admonition.
44. You were not on the Western side when We decreed the Commission to Moses, nor were you a witness (of those events).
45. But We raised up (new) generations, and long were the ages that passed over them; but you were not a dweller among the people of Madyan, rehearsing Our Signs to them; but it is We Who send messengers (with inspiration).
46. Nor were you at the side of (the Mountain of) Tūr When we called (to Moses). Yet (are you sent) as a Mercy from your Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before you: in order that they may receive admonition.
47. If (We had) not (sent you to the Quraysh)―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? We should then have followed Your Signs and been amongst 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?” Do they not then 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 you a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than either of them, that I may follow it! (Do), if you are truthful!”
50. But if they listen not to you, know that they only follow their own lusts: and who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, devoid of guidance from Allah? For Allah guides not people given to wrong-doing.
51. Now have We caused the Word to reach them themselves, in order that they may receive admonition.
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 therein, for it is the Truth from our Lord: indeed we have been Muslims (bowing to Allah’s Will) from before this.
54. Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.
55. And when they hear vain talk, they turn away therefrom and say: “To us our deeds, and to you yours; peace be to you: we seek not the ignorant.”
56. It is true you will not be able to guide every one, whom you love; but Allah 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 should be snatched away from our land.” Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary, to which are brought as tribute fruits of all kinds―a provision from Ourselves? But most of them understand not.
58. And how many populations We destroyed, which exulted in their life (of ease and plenty)! Now those habitations 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 population until He had sent to its Centre a messenger, rehearsing to them Our Signs; nor are We going to destroy a population except when its members practise iniquity.
60. The (material) things which you are given are but the conveniences of this life and the glitter thereof; but that which is with Allah is better and more enduring: will you not then be wise?
61. Are (these two) alike?―one to whom We have made a goodly promise, and who is going to reach its (fulfilment), and one to whom We have given the good things of this life, but who, on the Day of Judgement, is to be among those brought up (for punishment)?
62. That Day (Allah) will call to them, and say “Where are my ‘partners’?―whom you imagined (to be such)?”
63. Those against whom the charge will be proved, 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 (Allah) 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 that (in this life) had repented, believed, and worked righteousness, will have hopes to be among those who achieve salvation.
68. Your Lord does create and choose as He pleases: no choice have they (in the matter): Glory to Allah! And far is He 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 Allah: there is no god but He. To Him be praise, at the first and at the last: for Him is the Command, and to Him shall you (all) be brought back.
71. Say: See you? If Allah were to make the night perpetual over you to the Day of Judgement, what god is there other than Allah, who can give you enlightenment? Will you not then listen?
72. Say: See you? If Allah were to make the Day perpetual over you to the Day of Judgement, what god is there other than Allah, who can give you a night in which you can rest? Will you not then see?
73. It is out of His Mercy that He has made for you night and day―that you may rest therein, and that you may seek of His Grace―and in order that you may be grateful.
74. The Day that He will call on them, He will say: “Where are my ‘partners’? Whom you imagined (to be such)?”
75. And from each people shall We draw a witness, and We shall say: “Produce your Proof:” then shall they know that the Truth is with Allah (alone), and the (lies) which they invented will leave them in lurch.
76. Verily, Qārūn was of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards them: such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men, behold, his people said to him: “Exult not, for Allah loves not those who exult (in riches).
77. “But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world: but do you good, as Allah has been good to you, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.”
78. He said: “This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge which I have.” Did he not know that Allah had destroyed, before him, (whole) generations― which were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected? But the wicked are not called (immediately) to account for their sins.
79. So he went forth among his people in the (pride of his worldly) glitter. Said those whose aim is the Life of this World: “Oh! That we had the like of what Qārūn has got! For he is truly a lord of mighty good fortune!”
80. But those who had been granted (true) knowledge said: “Alas for you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is best for those who believe and work righteousness: but this none shall attain, save those who steadfastly persevere (in good).”
81. Then We caused the earth to swallow up him and his house; and he had not (the least little) party to help him against Allah, nor could he defend himself.
82. And those who had envied his position the day before began to say on the morrow: “Ah! It is indeed Allah Who enlarges the provision or restricts it, to any of His servants He pleases! Had it not been that Allah was gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up! Ah! Those who reject Allah will assuredly never prosper.”
83. That Home of the Hereafter We shall give to those who intend not high-handedness or mischief on earth: and the End is (best) for the righteous.
84. If any does good, the reward to him is better than his deed; but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds.
85. Verily He Who ordained the Qur’ān for you, will bring you back to the Place of Return. Say: “My Lord knows best who it is that 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 lend not you support in any way to those who reject (Allah’s Message).
87. And let nothing keep you back from the Signs of Allah after they have been revealed to you: and invite (people) to your Lord, and be not of the company of those who join gods with Allah.
88. And call not, besides Allah, on another god. There is no god but He. Everything (that exists) will perish except His own Face. To Him belongs the Command, and to Him will you (all) be brought back.
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Sūrah 29
Al-‘Ankabūt
(The Spider)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Mīm.
2. Do people think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe”, and that they will not be tested?
3. We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.
4. Do those who practise evil think that they will get the better of Us? Evil is their judgement!
5. For those whose hopes are in the meeting with Allah (in the Hereafter, let them strive); for the Term (appointed) by Allah 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 Allah is free of all needs from all creation.
7. Those who believe and work righteous deeds―from them shall We blot out all evil (that may be) in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.
8. We have enjoined on the human being kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (to force) you to join with Me (in worship) anything of which you have no knowledge, obey them not. You have (all) to return to Me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that you did.
9. And those who believe and work righteous deeds―them shall We admit to the company of the Righteous.
10. Then there are among people such as say, “We believe in Allah”; but when they suffer affliction in (the cause of) Allah, they treat people's oppression as if it were the Wrath of Allah! And if help comes (to you) from your Lord, they are sure to say, “We have (always) been with you!” Does not Allah know best all that is in the hearts of all Creation?
11. And Allah most certainly knows those who believe, and as certainly 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.” Never in the least will they 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 Judgement they will be called to account for their falsehoods.
14. We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried 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 Allah and fear Him: that will be best for you―if you understand!
17. “For you do worship idols besides Allah, and you invent falsehood. The things that you worship besides Allah have no power to give you sustenance: then seek you sustenance from Allah, serve Him, and be grateful to Him: to Him will be your return.
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. See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah.
20. Say: “Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things.
21. “He punishes whom He pleases, and He grants Mercy to whom He pleases, and towards Him are you turned.
22. “Not on earth nor in heaven will you be able (fleeing) to frustrate (His Plan), nor have you, besides Allah, any protector or helper.”
23. Those who reject the Signs of Allah 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 naught was the answer of (Abraham’s) people except that they said: “Slay him or burn him.” But Allah did save him from the Fire. Verily in this are Signs for people who believe.
25. And he said: “For you, you have taken (for worship) idols besides Allah, out of mutual love and regard between yourselves in this life; but on the Day of Judgement you shall disown each other and curse each other: and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have none to help.”
26. But Lūt 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 in the Hereafter (of the company) of the Righteous.
28. And (remember) Lūt: behold, he said to his people: “You do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you.
29. “Do you indeed approach men, and cut off the highway?―and practise wickedness (even) in your councils?” But his people gave no answer but this: they said: “Bring us the Wrath of Allah if you tell the truth.”
30. He said: “O my Lord! Help You me against people who do mischief!”
31. When Our Messengers came to Abraham with the good news, they said: “We are indeed going to destroy the people of this township: for truly they are (addicted to) crime.”
32. He said: “But there is Lūt there.” They said: “Well do we know who is there: we will certainly save him and his following―except his wife: she is of those who lag behind!”
33. And when Our Messengers came to Lūt, he was grieved on their account, and felt himself powerless (to protect) them: but they said: “Fear you not, nor grieve: we are (here) to save you and your following, except your wife: she is of those who lag behind.
34. “For we are going to bring down on the people of this township a Punishment from heaven, because they have been wickedly rebellious.”
35. And We have left thereof an evident Sign, for any people who (care to) understand.
36. To the Madyan (people) (We sent) their brother Shu‘ayb. Then he said: “O my people! Serve Allah, and fear the Last Day: nor 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 morning.
38. (Remember also) the ‘Ād and the Thamūd (people): clearly will appear to you from (the traces) of their buildings (their fate): 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) Qārūn, Pharaoh, and Hāmān: there came to them Moses with Clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on the earth; yet they could not overreach (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 waters): it was not Allah Who injured (or oppressed) them: they injured (and oppressed) their own souls.
41. The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the Spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the Spider’s house―if they but knew.
42. Verily Allah does know of (every thing) whatever that they call upon besides Him: and He is Exalted (in power), Wise.
43. And such are the Parables We set forth for humanity, but only those understand them who have Knowledge.
44. Allah created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): verily in that is a Sign for those who believe.
45. Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to you, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that you do.
46. And dispute you not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, “We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam).”
47. And thus (it is) that We have sent down the Book to you. So the People of the Book believe therein, as also do some of these (Pagan Arabs): and none but 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, would the talkers of vanities have doubted.
49. Nay, here are Signs Self-evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: and none but the unjust reject Our Signs.
50. Yet they say: “Why are not Signs sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “The Signs are indeed with Allah: 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 rehearsed to them? Verily, in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe.
52. Say: “Enough is Allah 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 Allah, that will perish (in the end).
53. They ask you to hasten on the Punishment (for them): had it not been for a term (of respite) appointed, the Punishment would certainly have come to them: and it will certainly reach them―of a sudden, while they perceive not!
54. They ask you to hasten on the Punishment: but, of a surety, Hell will encompass the rejecters of Faith!―
55. On the Day that the Punishment shall cover them from above them and from below them, and (a voice) shall say: “Taste you (the fruits) of your deeds!”
56. O My servants who believe! Truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve you Me―(and Me alone)!
57. Every soul shall have a taste of death: in the end to Us shall you be brought back.
58. But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness―to them shall We give a Home in Heaven―lofty mansions beneath which flow rivers―to dwell therein for ever―an excellent reward for those who do (good)!―
59. Those who persevere in patience, and put their trust in their Lord and Cherisher.
60. How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah Who feeds (both) 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, “Allah”. How are they then deluded away (from the truth)?
62. Allah enlarges the sustenance (which He gives) to whichever of His servants He pleases; and He (similarly) grants by (strict) measure, (as He pleases): for Allah has full knowledge of all things.
63. And if indeed you ask them who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, “Allah!” Say, “Praise be to Allah!” But most of them understand not.
64. What is the life of this world but amusement and play? But verily the Home in the Hereafter― that is Life indeed, if they but knew.
65. Now, if they embark on a boat, they call on Allah, making their devotion sincerely (and exclusively) to Him; but when He has delivered them safely to (dry) land, behold, they give 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. Do they not then see that We have made a sanctuary secure, and that people are being snatched away from all around them? Then, do they believe in that which is vain, and reject the Grace of Allah?
68. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or rejects the Truth when it reaches him? Is there not a home in Hell for those who reject Faith?
69. And those who strive in Our (Cause)―We will certainly guide them to Our Paths: for verily Allah is with those who do right.
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Sūrah 30
Al-Rūm
(The Roman Empire)
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
1. Alif Lām Mīm
2. The Roman Empire has been defeated―
3. In a land close by; but they, (even) after (this) defeat of theirs, will soon be victorious―
4. Within a few years. With Allah is the Decision, in the past and in the future: on that Day shall the Believers rejoice―
5. With the help of Allah. He helps whom He will, and He is Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
6. (It is) the promise of Allah. Never does Allah depart from His promise: but most people understand not.
7. They know but the outer (things) in the life of this world: but of the End of things they are heedless.
8. Do they not reflect in their own minds? Not but for just ends and for a term appointed, did Allah create the heavens and the earth, and all between them: yet are there truly many among people who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)!
9. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the End of those before them? They were superior to them in strength: they tilled the soil and populated it in greater numbers than these have done: there came to them their messengers with Clear (Signs). (Which they rejected, to their own destruction): it was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged their own souls.
10. In the long run Evil in the extreme will be the End of those who do evil; for that they rejected the Signs of Allah, and held them up to ridicule.
11. It is Allah Who begins (the process of) creation; then repeats it; then shall you be brought back to Him.
12. On the Day that the Hour will be established, the guilty will be struck dumb with despair.
13. No intercessor will they have among their “Partners” and they will (themselves) reject their “Partners”.
14. On the Day that the Hour will be established―that Day shall (all people) be sorted out.
15. Then those who have believed and worked righteous deeds, shall be made happy in a Meadow of Delight.
16. And those who have rejected Faith and falsely denied Our Signs and the meeting of the Hereafter― such shall be brought forth to Punishment.
17. So (give) glory to Allah, when you reach eventide and when you rise in the morning;
18. Indeed, to Him be praise, 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 brings out the dead from the living, and Who gives life to the earth after it is dead: and thus shall you be brought out (from the dead).
20. Among His Signs is this, that He created you from dust; and then―behold, you are people scattered (far and wide)!
21. And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
22. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs 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: verily in that are Signs for those who listen.
24. And among His Signs, 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 it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise.
25. And among His Signs is this, that heaven and earth stand by His Command: then when He calls you, by a single call, from the earth, behold, you (straightway) come forth.
26. To Him belongs every being 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 for Him it is most easy. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (we can think of) in the heavens and the earth: for He is Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom.
28. He does propound to you a similitude 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 a people that understand.
29. Nay, the wrong-doers (merely) follow their own lusts, being devoid of knowledge. But who will guide those whom Allah leaves astray? To them there will be no helpers.
30. So set you your face steadily and truly to the Faith: (establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made humanity: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among humanity understand not.
31. Turn you back in repentance to Him, and fear Him: establish regular Prayers, and be not you among those who join gods with Allah―
32. Those who split up their Religion, and become (mere) sects―each party rejoicing in that which is with itself!
33. When trouble touches people, they cry to their Lord, turning back to Him in repentance: but when He gives them a taste of Mercy as from Himself, behold, some of them pay part-worship to other god’s besides their Lord―
34. (As if) to show their ingratitude for the (favours) We have bestowed on them! Then enjoy (your brief day); but soon will you know (your folly).
35. Or have We sent down authority to them, which points out to them the things to which they pay part-worship?
36. When We give people a taste of Mercy, they exult thereat: and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands have sent forth, behold, they are in despair!
37. See they not that Allah enlarges the provision and restricts it, to whomsoever He pleases? Verily in that are Signs for those who believe.
38. So give what is due to kindred, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the Countenance, of Allah, 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 Allah: but that which you lay out for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase): it is these who will get a recompense multiplied.
40. It is Allah Who has created you: further, He has provided for your sustenance; then He will cause you to die; and again He will give you life. Are there any of your (false) “Partners” who can do any single one of these things? Glory to Him! And high is He above the partners they attribute (to Him)!
41. Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of people have earned, that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil).
42. Say: “Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those before (you): most of them worshipped others besides Allah.”
43. But set you your face to the right Religion before there come from Allah the Day which there is no chance of averting: on that Day shall people be divided (in two).
44. Those who reject Faith will suffer from that rejection: and those who work righteousness will spread their couch (of repose) for themselves (in heaven):
45. That He may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds, out of His Bounty. For He loves not those who reject Faith.
46. Among His Signs is this, 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: in order that you may be grateful.
47. We did indeed send, before you, messengers 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 Allah Who sends the Winds, and they raise the Clouds: then does He spread them in the sky as He wills, and break them into fragments, until you see rain-drops issue from the midst thereof: then when He has made them reach such of his servants as He wills, behold, they do rejoice!―
49. Even though, before they received (the rain)―just before this―they were dumb with despair!
50. Then contemplate (O human being!) The memorials of Allah’s Mercy!―how He gives life to the earth after its death: verily the same will give life to the dead: for He has power over all things.
51. And if We (but) send a Wind from which they see (their tilth) turn yellow―behold, they become, thereafter, ungrateful (Unbelievers)!
52. So verily you can not make the dead to hear, nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away.
53. Nor can you lead back the blind from their straying: only those will you make to hear, who believe in Our Signs and submit (their wills in Islam).
54. It is Allah Who created you in a state of (helpless) weakness, then gave (you) strength after weakness, then, after strength, gave (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) will be established, the transgressors will swear that they tarried not but an hour: thus were they used to being deluded!
56. But those endued with knowledge and faith will say: “Indeed you did tarry, within Allah’s Decree, to the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection: but you―you were not aware!”
57. So on that Day no excuse of theirs will avail the transgressors, nor will they be invited (then) to seek grace (by repentance).
58. Verily We have propounded for people, in this Qur’ān every kind of Parable: but if you bring to them any Sign, the Unbelievers are sure to say, “You do nothing but talk vanities.”
59. Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who understand not.
60. So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake your firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith.