HOLY QUR'AN

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HOLY QUR'AN
Translated by M.H. Shakir

Edited by Yasin T. al-Jibouri

yasinaljibouri@hotmail.com

SURA 28

Al-Qasas

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

Ta Sin Mim.
These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.
We recite to you some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in truth, for (the benefit of) people who believe.
Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and divided its people into parties, oppressing a small group among them: He killed their sons but he let their women alive: For he was truly a mischief-maker.
And We wish to be gracious to those who were being oppressed in the land, to make them leaders (in faith) and to make them the heirs,
To establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Haman and their hosts, at their hands, the very things they feared.
So We sent this inspiration to Moses' mother: “Nurse (your child), but when you have fears about him, cast him into the river, but do not fear or grieve: For We shall restore him to you, and We shall make him one of Our Messengers.”
Then the people of Pharaoh picked him up (from the river): (It was intended) that (Moses) should be an adversary to them and a cause of sorrow: For Pharaoh and Haman and (all) their hosts were men of sin.
The wife of Pharaoh said, “(Here is) a joy of the eye, for me and for you: Do not kill him. It may be that he will be of use to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they did not perceive (what they were doing)!
But there came to be a void in the heart of Moses' mother: She was almost going to disclose his (case), had We not strengthened her heart (with faith), so that she might remain a (firm) believer.
And she said to the sister of (Moses), “Follow him.” So she (the sister) watched him from a distance without their knowledge.
And We ordained that he refused to be nursed, until (his sister came up and) said, “Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for you and be sincerely attached to him?”
Thus did We restore him to his mother so that her eye might be comforted, that she might not grieve and that she might know that God's promise is true: But most of them do not understand.
When he reached full age and was firmly established (in life), We bestowed wisdom and knowledge on him: For thus do We reward those who do good deeds.
And he entered the city when its people were not watching, and he found two men fighting there! one of his own religion, and the other of his foes. Now the man of his own religion appealed to him against his foe, and Moses struck him with his fist and put an end to him. He said, “This is a deed of evil (Satan): For he is an enemy that manifestly misleads!”
He prayed, “O Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul! So forgive me!” So (Allah) forgave him: For He is the oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
He said, “O Lord! Because You have bestowed Your grace on me, I shall never be a help to those who sin!”
So he remained in the city the next day, looking about, apprehensive when, behold, the man who had sought his help the day before cried for his help (again). Moses said to him, “You are truly, it is clear, an erring person!”
Then, when he decided to lay hold of the man who was an enemy to both of them, that man said, “O Moses! Do you intend to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your intention is none but to become a powerful violent man in the land, and not to be one who sets things right!”
And there came a man, running, from the furthest end of the city. He said, “O Moses! The chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so get away, for I grant you sincere advice.”
He therefore went away from there, looking about, apprehensive. He prayed, “O Lord! Save me from people given to wrongdoing.”
Then when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madyan, he said, “I hope that my Lord will show me the straight path.”
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.”
So he watered (their flocks) for them; then he turned back to the shade, and said, “O Lord! Truly I am in a (desperate) need of any good that You send me! ...”
Afterwards one of the (girls) came (back) to him, walking bashfully. She said, “My father invites you to reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us.” So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said, “Do not fear: You have escaped (well) from the unjust people.”
One of the (girls) said, “O father! Hire him on wages; truly the best of men for you to employ is the (man) who is strong and trustworthy...”
He said, “I intend to wed one of my daughters to you on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be (a grace) from you. But I do not intend to place you under a difficulty: You will truly find me, if Allah wills, one of the righteous.”
He said, “Be that (the agreement) between me and you: Whichever of the two terms I fulfill, let there be no ill-will to me, and Allah is Witness to what we say.”
When Moses had fulfilled the term and was travelling with his family, he perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Tur. He said to his family, “Wait; I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you some news from there, or a burning firebrand so that you may warm yourselves.”
But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard from the right bank of the valley, in the blessed spot of the bush: “O Moses! Truly I am Allah, the Lord of the worlds...
“Now throw your rod!” But when he saw it moving (of its own) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat and did not retrace his steps: “O Moses!” (it was said,) “Draw near, and do not fear: For you are secure.
“Put your hand into the opening of your bosom, and it will come forth white without blemish, and draw your hand close to your side (to guard) against fear. These are two arguments from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs: For truly they are a rebellious and wicked people.”
He said, “O Lord! I have killed a man among them, and I fear lest they should kill me.
“And my brother Aaron! he is more eloquent in speech than I am, so send him with me as a helper, to confirm (and strengthen) me, for I fear that they may accuse me of falsehood.”
He said, “We will certainly strengthen you through your brother, and vest authority upon you both, so they shall not be able to harm you: With Our Signs you shall triumph! you two as well as those who follow you.”
When Moses came to them with Our clear Signs, they said, “This is nothing but fake sorcery: We have never heard the same from our fathers of old!”
Moses said, “My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose end will be best in the hereafter; certainly the wrongdoers will not prosper.”
Pharaoh said, “O chiefs! I know no god for you but myself: Therefore, O Haman! Light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay, and build me a lofty palace so that I may mount up to the Allah of Moses: But as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a liar!”
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!
So We seized him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea: Now see what the end of those who did wrong was!
And We made them (but) leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Judgment they shall find no help.
In this world We made a curse to follow them, and on the Day of Judgment they will be among the loathed (and despised).
We revealed the Book to Moses after We destroyed the earlier generations, (to grant) insight to men and guidance and mercy so that they might receive admonishment.
You were not on the western side when We decreed the commission to Moses, nor were you a witness (to those events).
But We raised up (new) generations, and long were the ages that passed since then, but you were not a dweller among the people of Madyan, reciting Our Signs to them, but it is We Who send Messengers (with inspiration).
Nor were you at the side of (the mountain of) Tur when We called (to Moses), yet (you are sent) as a mercy from your Lord, to grant warning to a people to whom no warner had come before you, so that they may receive admonishment.
If (We had) not (sent you to Quraish)! in case a calamity should seize them for (the deeds) that their hands have sent forth, they might say, “Our Lord! Why did You not send us a Messenger? Then we would have followed the Signs and been among those who believe!”
But (now), when the truth has come to them from Ourselves, they say, “Why are not (Signs) sent to him like those which were sent to Moses?” Then do they not reject (the Signs) which were formerly sent to Moses? They say, “Two kinds of sorcery, each assisting the other!” And they say, “For us, we reject all (such things)!”
Say: “Then bring a Book from Allah, a better guide than either of them, so that I may follow it! (Do so,) if you are truthful!”
But if they do not listen to you, know that they only follow their own desires, and who is more astray than one who follows his own desires without guidance from Allah? For Allah does not guide people given to wrongdoing.
Now We have caused the word to reach them in order that they may receive admonishment.
Those to whom We sent the Book before this! they do believe in this (Revelation);
53. And when it is recited to them, they say, “We believe in it, for it is the truth from our Lord: Indeed we have been Muslims (bowing to God's will) even before this.”
Twice they will be given their reward, because they have persevered, they avert evil with good and they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.
And when they hear vain talk, they turn away from it and say, “Our deeds are for us, and yours are for you; peace be unto you: We do not seek the ignorant.”
It is true you will not be able to guide whoever whom you love: Allah guides those whom He wills, and He knows best those who receive guidance.
They say, “If we were to follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land.” Have We not established a secure sanctuary for them, to which fruits of all kinds! a provision from Ourselves! is brought as tribute? But most of them do not understand.
And how many a town did We destroy which exulted in their life (of ease and plenty)?! Now those houses of theirs, after them, are deserted! all but (a miserable) few! and We are their heirs!
Nor was your Lord the One to destroy a town until He had sent a Messenger to it, rehearsing Our Signs to them: Nor are We going to destroy a town except when its inhabitants practice iniquity.
The (material) things which you are given are but the conveniences of this life and the glitter of it, but what is with Allah is better and more enduring; will you then not understand?
Are (these two) alike? One to whom We have made a goodly promise and who is going to reach its (fulfillment), and one to whom We have given the good things of this life, but who, on the Day of Judgment, will be among those brought up (for punishment)?
That Day Allah will call to them and say, “Where are My `partners' whom you imagined (to be as such)?”
Those against whom the charge will be proven, will say, “Our Lord! These are the ones whom we led astray: We led them astray, as we were astray ourselves: We free ourselves (from them) in Your presence! It was not us they worshipped.”
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! '
That Day (Allah) will call to them and say, “What was the answer you gave to the Messengers?”
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.
But any who (in this life) has repented, believed, and has done righteous deeds, will have hopes to be among those who achieve salvation.
Your Lord creates and chooses as He pleases: They have no choice (in the matter): Glory to Allah! And He is far above the partners they ascribe (to Him)!
And your Lord knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal.
And He is Allah: There is no god but He. To Him be praise, at the first and at the last: The command is His, and to Him shall you (all) be brought back.
Say: Do you see? If Allah were to make the night perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allah Who can grant you light? Will you then not listen?
Say: Do you see? If Allah were to make the day perpetual over you to the Day of Judgment, what god is there other than Allah who can grant you night in which you can rest? Will you then not see?
73. It is out of His mercy that He has made night and day for you that you may rest in it, and so you may seek of His grace, and so you may be grateful.
The Day on which He calls upon them, He will say, “Where are My `partners' whom you imagined (to be as such)?”
And from each people We shall draw a witness, and We shall say, “Produce your proof.” Then they shall know that the truth is in Allah (alone), and the (lies) which they invented will abandon them.
Qarun was surely of the people of Moses, but he acted insolently towards them: Such were the treasures We had bestowed on him that their very keys were a burden to a body of strong men. Behold! His people said to him, “Do not exult, for Allah does not love those who exult (in riches).
“But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the hereafter, nor forget your portion in this, and the end is (best) for the righteous.”
He said, “This has been given to me because of certain knowledge which I have acquired.” Did he not know that before him Allah had destroyed (entire) generations which were mightier than him and greater in the amount (of riches which) they had collected? But the wicked ones are not called to account (immediately) for their sins.
So he went forth to his people proud of his worldly glitter. Those whose (only) aim is (the enjoyment of) the life of this world said, “Oh! (We wish) we had the like of what Qarun has, for he is truly a lord of mighty good fortune!”
But those who had been granted (true) knowledge said, “Alas! God's reward (in the hereafter) is best for those who believe and do righteous deeds. None shall attain this, though, except those who steadfastly persevere (in doing good deeds).”
Then We caused the earth to swallow him and his house up, and he had not (the least) party to help him against Allah, nor could he help his own self.
And those who had envied his position the day before began to say on the morrow: “Ah! It is indeed Allah Who increases the provision and decreases it to any of His servants as He pleases! Had it not been that Allah was gracious unto us, He would have caused the earth to swallow us up! Ah! Surely those who reject Allah will never prosper.”
We shall grant that (eternal) abode of the hereafter to those who intend no high-handedness nor mischief on earth, and the end is (best) for the righteous.
If anyone does good deeds, his reward is better than his deed, but if anyone does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds.
Truly He Who ordained the Qur'an for you will bring you back to the place of return. Say: “My Lord knows best who brings true guidance, and who is in manifest error.”
And you had not expected that the Book would be sent to you except as a mercy from your Lord: Therefore do not lend support in any way to those who reject (God's message).
And let nothing keep you back from God's Signs after they have been revealed to you, and invite (people) to your Lord, and do not be of the company of those who join gods with Allah.
And do not call on another god besides Allah. There is no god but He. Everything (that exists) will perish except His face. Command belongs to Him, and you will (all) be brought back to Him.

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SURA 29

Al-`Ankabut

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

Alif Lam Mim.
Do men think that they will be left alone upon saying, “We believe,” and that they will not be tested?
We tested those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.
Do those who practice evil think that they will get the better of Us? Their Judgment is surely evil!
For those whose hopes are in the meeting with Allah (in the hereafter, let them strive), for the term (set) by Allah is surely coming, and He hears and knows (all things).
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.
Those who believe and do righteous deeds, We shall blot out from them all evil (that may be) in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.
We have enjoined kindness to parents on man: But if they (either of them) strive (to force) you to join with Me (in worship) anything of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. You (all) have to return to Me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that you did.
And those who believe and do righteous deeds! We shall admit them to the company of the righteous.
There are among men those who say, “We believe in Allah;” but when they suffer affliction in (the cause of) Allah, they treat men's oppression as if it were God's Wrath! And if help comes (to you) from your Lord, they are sure to say, “We have (always) been with you!” Does Allah not know best all that is in the hearts of all creation?
And Allah most certainly knows those who believe and those who are hypocrites.
And the disbelievers say to those who believe, “Follow our path, and we will bear (the consequences) of your faults.” They will never in the least bear their faults: In fact they are liars!
They will bear their own burdens, and (other) burdens along with their own, and on the Day of Judgment they will be called to account for their falsehood.
We sent Noah to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty: But the deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin.
But We saved him and the companions of the ark, and We made the (ark) a Sign for all peoples!
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!
“You worship idols besides Allah, and you invent falsehood. The things that you worship besides Allah have no power to grant you sustenance, so seek sustenance from Allah; serve Him, and be grateful to Him: You will surely return to Him.
“And if you reject (the message), so did generations before you, and the duty of the Messenger is only to preach publicly (and clearly).”
Do they not see how Allah originates creation, then repeats it? Truly that is easy for Allah.
Say: “Travel throughout the earth and see how Allah originated creation, so will Allah produce a later creation, for Allah has power over all things.
“He punishes whomsoever He pleases, and He grants mercy to whomsoever He pleases, and you are returned to Him.
“Not on earth nor in heavens will you be able to frustrate (His plan by fleeing), nor do you have any other protector or helper besides Allah.”
Those who reject God's Signs and the meeting with Him (in the hereafter)! it is they who shall despair of My mercy: It is they who will (suffer) a most grievous penalty.
So the answer of (Abraham's) people was only that they said, “Slay him or burn him.” But Allah saved him from the fire: Truly (there) are Signs in this for people who believe.
And he said, “For you, you have taken (for worship) idols besides Allah, by way of friendship between you and out of love for this life, but on the Day of Judgment you shall disown and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have none to help (you).”
26. But Lot had faith in Him: He said, “I will leave home for the sake of my Lord, for He is Exalted in might and Wise.”
And We gave (Abraham) Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life, and he was (of the company) of the righteous in the hereafter.
And (remember) Lot; behold, he said to his people, “You commit such lewdness as no people in creation (ever) committed before you.
“Do you indeed approach men, and cut off the highway? And practice wickedness (even) in your assemblies?” But his people gave no answer except this: They said, “Bring upon us God's Wrath if you tell the truth.”
He said, “O Lord! Help me against the people who do mischief!”
When Our messengers came to Abraham with the glad tidings, they said, “We are indeed going to destroy the people of this town, for truly they are (given to) crime.”
He said, “But Lot is there.” They said, “We know well who is there: We will certainly save him and his followers, except his wife: She is of those who lag behind!”
And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was grieved on their account, and felt powerless (to protect) them: But they said, “Have no fear or grief: We are (here) to save you and your followers, except your wife: She is of those who will lag behind.
“For we are going to bring down on the people of this township a punishment from heavens, because they have been wickedly rebellious.”
And We have left an obvious Sign of it for any people who (care to) understand.
36. To the Madyan (people) (We sent) their brother Shu`aib. He said, “O my people! Serve Allah, and fear the last Day, and do not commit evil on the earth, with intent to do mischief.”
But they rejected him: Then the mighty blast seized them, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morn.
Remember also the 'Ad and the Thamud (people): (Their fate) will appear clearly to you from (the traces) of their buildings. The evil one made their deeds alluring to them, and kept them back from the path, though they were gifted with intelligence and skill.
(Remember also) Qarn, Pharaoh and Hamn: Moses came to them with clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on earth; yet they could not outstrip (Us).

Each one of them We seized for his crime: Of them, against some we sent a violent tornado (with showers of stones); some were caught by a (mighty) blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up, and some We drowned (in the sea): It was not Allah Who oppressed them: They oppressed their own souls.

The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the spider that builds (for itself) a house, but truly the spider's house is the flimsiest of houses, if they only knew.

Truly Allah knows of (everything) that they call upon besides Him, and He is Exalted (in power), Wise.

And such are the parables We set for mankind, but only those who have knowledge understand them.

Allah created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): Truly (there) is a Sign in that for those who believe.

Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to you and establish regular prayers, for prayers restrain from shameful and unjust deeds, and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the deeds that you do.

And do not argue with the People of the Book except with means that are better (than mere disputation), unless it is with those who inflict wrong (and injury): But say: “We believe in the Revelation which has come to us and in that which came to you; our Allah and yours is One, and it is to Him that we bow down (in Islam).”

Thus (it is) that We have revealed the Book to you. Some of the People of the Book believe in it, as also do some of these (pagan Arabs), and none but the disbelievers reject Our Signs.

And you were not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor are you (able) to transcribe it with your right hand: In that case, indeed, those who utter vanities would have doubted.

Nay! Here are obvious Signs in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge, and none but the unjust reject Our Signs.

Yet they say, “Why are no Signs sent down to him from his Lord?” Say: “The Signs are indeed with Allah, and I am indeed a clear warner.”

And is it not enough for them that We have sent down to you the Book which is recited to them? Truly (there) is mercy in it and a reminder to those who believe.

Say: “God suffices for a witness between me and you: He knows what is in the heavens and on earth.” And it is those who believe in vanities and reject Allah who will perish (in the end).

They ask you to hasten on the punishment (for them): Had it not been for an appointed Term (of respite), the punishment would certainly have come to them, and it will certainly reach them suddenly, while they do not perceive it!

They ask you to hasten on the punishment, but Hell will surely encompass the rejecters of faith!

On the Day that the punishment covers them from above them and from below, and (a voice) shall say, “Taste (the fruits) of your deeds!”

O My servants who believe! Truly, My earth is spacious: Therefore serve Me (and Me alone)!

Every soul shall have a taste of death: In the end you shall be brought back to Us.

But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness! to them We shall grant a home in heavens! lofty mansions beneath which rivers flow! to dwell therein forever; an excellent reward for those who do (good deeds),

Those who patiently persevere and put their trust in their Lord and Cherisher!

How many are the creatures that do not carry their own sustenance? It is Allah Who sustains them and you, for He hears and knows (all things).

If indeed you ask them Who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to His law), they will certainly reply, “God.” Then how are they deluded away (from the truth)?

Allah increases 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.

And if indeed you ask them Who sends down rain from the sky, and gives life with it to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, “God!” Say, “Praise be to Allah!” But most of them do not understand.

What is the life of this world but amusement and play? Truly the home in the hereafter! that is true life indeed, if they only knew.

Now, if they embark on a boat, they call on Allah, making their devotion sincerely (and exclusively) to Him, but when He delivers them safely to a (dry) land, behold, they grant a share (of their worship to others)!

Disdaining ungratefully Our gifts and giving themselves up to (worldly) enjoyment! But soon will they know.

Then do they not see that We have made a secure sanctuary, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in that which is vain, rejecting God's grace?

And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or rejects the truth when it reaches him?! Is there no room in Hell for those who reject faith?

And those who strive in Our (cause)! We will certainly guide them to Our paths, for truly Allah is with those who do right.

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SURA 30

Al-Room, [The Roman Empire]

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

Alif Lam Mim.
The Roman Empire has been defeated,
In a land close by, but they, (even) after (this) defeat, will soon be victorious,
Within a few years. The decision is with Allah, in the past and in the future: On that day the believers shall rejoice,
With God's help. He helps whomsoever He wills, and He is Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
(It is) God's promise. Allah never departs from His promise: But most men do not understand.
They know only the outer (things) in the life of this world: But they are heedless of the end of things.
Do they not reflect? Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and all between them except for just ends and for an appointed Term: Yet there are truly many among men who deny the meeting with their Lord (at the Resurrection)!
Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them was? They were superior to them in might: They tilled the soil and populated it in greater numbers than these have done: Their Messengers came to them with clear (Signs which they rejected, to their own destruction): It was not Allah Who wronged them but they wronged their own souls.
In the long run, the end of those who do evil will be extremely evil because they rejected God's Signs and held them with ridicule.
It is Allah Who begins (the process of) creation, then repeats it; then you shall all be brought back to Him.
On the Day the Hour is established, the guilty will be struck dumb with despair.
They will have no intercessor among their “partners,” and they will (themselves) reject their “partners.”
On the Day the Hour is established! that Day (all men) shall be sorted out.
Those who have believed and did righteous deeds shall be made happy in a mead of delight.
And those who have rejected faith and falsely denied Our Signs and the meeting of the hereafter, those shall be brought forth to punishment.
So glorify Allah when night overtakes you and when you rise in the morn;
Yes, praise be to Him, in the heavens and on earth, and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline.
It is He Who brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the living, Who gives life to earth after its death, and thus shall you be brought out (from death).
Among His Signs is this, that He created you from dust, and then! see, you are men scattered (far and wide)!
And among His Signs is this, that He created mates for you from your own selves that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts); truly (there) are Signs in that for those who reflect.
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your tongues and complexions: Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who know.
And among His Signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and the quest that you (make for livelihood) out of His bounty: Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who listen.
And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after its death: Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who are wise.
And among His Signs is this, that heavens and earth stand by His command: Then when he calls you by a single call out of the earth, behold, you (straightway) come forth!
To Him belongs everything that is in the heavens and on earth: All are devoutly obedient to Him.
It is He Who begins (the process of) creation, then repeats it, and it is most easy for Him. To Him belongs the loftiest similitude (we can think of) in the heavens and on earth, for He is Exalted in might, full of wisdom.
He propounds a similitude to you from your own (experience). Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess, to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? Do you fear them as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the Signs in detail to people who understand.
Nay, the wrongdoers (merely) follow their own lust, being devoid of knowledge. But who will guide those whom Allah leaves to stray? There will be no helpers for them.
So set your face steadily and truly to the faith: (Establish) God's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: (Let there be) no change in the work (wrought) by Allah: That is the standard religion: But most among mankind do not understand.
Turn back in repentance to Him and fear Him: Establish regular prayers, and do not be among those who join gods with Allah,
Those who split up their religion, and became (mere) sects, each party rejoicing in what is with it!
When trouble touches men, they cry to their Lord, turning back to Him in repentance: But when He gives them a taste of His mercy, behold! Some of them pay part-worship to other gods besides their Lord,
(As if to) show their ingratitude for the (favors) We have bestowed on them! Then enjoy (your brief day), but you will soon know (your folly).
Or have We sent down authority to them, which points out to them the things associated with Him in worship?
When We grant men a taste of mercy, they exult at it, and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands had sent forth, behold, they are in despair!
Do they not see that Allah increases the provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases? Truly (there) are Signs in that for those who believe.
So grant what is due to kindred, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek God's countenance and it is they who will prosper.
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 God's countenance, (will increase): It is these who will get a multiple recompense.
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 grant you life. Are there any of your (false) “partners” who can do a single one of these things? Glory to Him! And He is high above the partners they attribute (to Him)!
Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that (Allah) may grant them a taste of some of their deeds, so that they may turn back (from evil).
Say: “Travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before (you) was: Most of them worshipped others besides Allah.”
But set your face to the right religion, before the Day come from Allah which none can avert: On that Day men shall be divided (in two groups):
Those who reject faith will suffer from that rejection, and those who do righteous deeds will spread their couch (of repose) for themselves (in heavens):
So that He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds with His bounty, for He does not love those who reject faith.
Among His Signs is that He sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, giving you a taste of His (grace and) mercy! that the ships may sail (majestically) by His command and that you may seek of His bounty, so that you may be grateful.
We did indeed send Messengers before you to their (respective) peoples, and they came to them with clear Signs: Then, to those who transgressed, We meted out retribution, and it was due from Us to aid those who believed.
It is Allah Who sends the winds, and they raise clouds: Then He spreads them in the sky as He wills and breaks them into fragments, until you see raindrops issue from their midst: Then when He makes them reach whoever of His servants He wills, behold, they rejoice thereat!
Even though, before they received (the rain)! just before this! they were confounded with despair!
Then contemplate (O man!) the Signs of God's Mercy! How He gives life to the earth after its death: Truly the same will grant life to the dead, for He has power over all things.
And if We (merely) send a wind from which they see (their tilth) turn yellow! behold! After that they become ungrateful (disbelievers)!
So truly you cannot make the dead hear, nor can you make the deaf hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away.
Nor can you lead back the blind from their straying: You will make hear only those who believe in Our Signs and submit (their will in Islam).
It is Allah Who created you in a state of (helpless) weakness, then gave (you) strength after weakness, then, after strength, will grant (you) weakness and a hoary head: He creates as He wills, and it is He Who has all knowledge and power.
On the Day that the Hour (of reckoning) is established, the transgressors will swear that they tarried only an hour: Thus were they used to being deluded!
But those endowed with knowledge and faith will say, “Indeed you did tarry, within God's decree, till the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection: But you were not aware!”
So on that Day no excuse of theirs will avail the transgressors, nor will they be invited to seek grace (by repentance).
Truly We have propounded for men, in this Qur'an, every kind of parable: But if you bring any Sign to them, the disbelievers are sure to say, “You do nothing but talk vanities.”
Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who do not understand.
So patiently persevere, for truly God's promise is true: Do not let those who have (themselves) no certainty of faith shake your firmness.

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SURA 31

Luqman

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

Alif Lam Mim.
These are verses of the Book of Wisdom,
A guide and a mercy to the doers of good,
Those who establish regular prayers, and grant regular charity, and have (in their hearts) the assurance of the hereafter.
These are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and these are the ones who will prosper.
But there are, among men, those who purchase idle tales, without knowledge, to mislead (men) from God's path and throw ridicule (on the path): for such, there will be a humiliating penalty.
When Our Signs are recited to such one, he turns away in arrogance, as if he did not hear them, as if there were deafness in his ears: So announce a grievous penalty to him.
For those who believe and do righteous deeds, there will be gardens of bliss,
To dwell therein. God's promise is true, and He is Exalted in power, wise.
He created the heavens without pillars that you can see; He set on earth mountains standing firmly, lest it should shake with you, and He scattered through it beasts of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and produce on earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs.
Such is God's creation: Now show Me what is there that others besides Him have created: Nay, but the transgressors are in manifest error.
We bestowed wisdom on Luqman: “Show (your) gratitude to Allah.” Any who is grateful does so to the benefit of his own soul: But if any is ungrateful, truly Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction, “O son! Do not join (others) with Allah in worship, for false worship is indeed the highest wrongdoing.”
And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and his weaning was in two years: (Hear the command:) “Show gratitude to Me and to your parents: I am (your final) goal.
“But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them: Yet keep them company in this life justly (and with consideration), and follow the path of those who turn to Me (in love): In the end all of you shall return to me, and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of all that you did.”
“O son!” (said Luqman,) “If there be (but) the weight of a mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock, or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth, for Allah understands the finest mysteries, (and) He is well-acquainted (with them).
“O son! Establish regular prayers, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong, and bear with patient constancy whatever betide you, for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs.
“And do not swell your cheek (in pride) at men, nor walk in insolence throughout the earth, for Allah does not love any arrogant boaster.
“And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice, for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of the asses.”
Do not you see that Allah has made all things in the heavens and on earth subservient to you, and has made His bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, (both) seen and unseen? Yet there are among men those who dispute about Allah without knowledge and without guidance and without an enlightening Book!
When they are told to follow the (Revelation) that Allah has sent down, they say, “Nay! We shall follow the ways we found our fathers (following).” What?! Even if Satan beckons them to the penalty of the (blazing) Fire!
Whoever submits himself wholly self to Allah and does good deeds has truly grasped the most trustworthy handhold, and the end and decision of (all) affairs rests with Allah.
But if any rejects faith, do not let his rejection grieve you: Their return is to Us, and We shall tell them the truth of their deeds, for Allah knows well all that is in (men's) hearts.
We grant them pleasure for a little while: In the end We shall drive them to an unrelenting chastisement.
If you ask them Who it is that created the heavens and the earth, they will certainly say, “God.” Say: “Praise be to Allah!” But most of them do not understand.
All things in heavens and on earth belong to Allah: Truly Allah is He (Who is) free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
And if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean (were ink), with seven oceans behind it to add to its (supply), God's words would still not be exhausted (in the writing), for Allah is Exalted in power, full of wisdom.
And your creation or your Resurrection is in no wise but as an individual soul, for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).
29. Do you not see that Allah merges night into day and He merges day into night that He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law), each running its course for an appointed Term, and that Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do?
That is so because Allah is the (only) Reality, and because whatever else they invoke besides Him is falsehood, and because Allah is the most high, the most great.
Do you not see that the ships sail through the ocean by God's grace so that He may show you of His Signs? Truly (there) are Signs in this for all who constantly persevere and offer thanks.
When a wave covers them like the canopy (of clouds), they call upon Allah, offering Him sincere devotion. But when He delivers them safely to land, there are among them those who halt between (right and wrong). But none reject Our Signs except a perfidious ungrateful (wretch)!
O mankind! Do your duty to your Lord, and fear (the coming of) a Day when no father can do anything for his son, nor a son can do anything for his father. Truly, God's promise is true: Then do not let this present life deceive you nor let the Chief Deceiver deceive you about Allah.
Truly the knowledge of the Hour is with Allah (alone). It is He Who sends down rain, and He knows what is in the wombs. Nor does anyone know what it is that he will earn tomorrow: Nor does anyone know in what land he is to die. Truly full knowledge is with Allah and He is acquainted (with all things).

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SURA 32

Sajda

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

Alif Lam Mim.
(This is) the Revelation of the Book in which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.
Or do they say, “He has forged it”? Nay, it is the truth from the Lord so that you may admonish a people to whom no warner has come before you in order that they may receive guidance.
It is Allah Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six days, and He is firmly established on the throne (of authority): You have none, besides Him, to protect or intercede (for you): will you then not receive admonishment?
He regulates (all) affairs from the heavens to the earth: In the end (all affairs) will go up to Him, on a Day the span whereof will be (as) a thousand years of your reckoning.
Such is He, the Knower of all things, hidden and open, the Exalted (in power), the Merciful;
He Who has made everything which He has created excellently. He began the creation of man with (nothing more than) clay,
And made his progeny from a quintessence of the nature of a despised fluid:
But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding): Small thanks do you grant!
And they say, “What?! When we lie, hidden and lost, in the earth, shall we indeed be in a renewed creation?” Nay, they deny the meeting with their Lord!
Say, “The angel of death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls; then you shall be brought back to your Lord.”
If only you could see when the guilty ones bend their heads down before their Lord, (saying,) “Our Lord! We have seen and we have heard: Now then send us back (to the world): We will do righteous deeds, for we do indeed believe (now).”
If We had so willed, We could certainly have brought every soul its true guidance: But the word from Me will come true. “I will fill Hell with jinns and men all together.”
“So taste, for you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours, and We too will forget you! taste the eternal penalty for your (evil) deeds!”
Only those believe in Our Signs who, when they are recited to them, fall down prostrating, celebrating the praises of their Lord, nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.
Their limbs forsake their beds of sleep while they call upon their Lord, in fear and in hope, and they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed upon them.
Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in store) for them! as a reward for their (good) deeds.
Then is the man who believes not better than the one who is rebellious and wicked? They are not equal.
For those who believe and do righteous deeds, (there) are gardens as hospitable homes for their (good) deeds.
As for those who are rebellious and wicked, their abode will be the Fire: Every time they wish to get away from it, they will be forced into it, and it will be said to them, “Taste the penalty of the Fire, which you were wont to reject as false.”
And indeed We will make them taste of the penalty of this (life) prior to the supreme penalty, in order that they may (repent and) return.
And who does more wrong than one to whom his Lord's Signs are recited, and who then turns away from them? Truly We shall exact (due) retribution from them.
Truly We gave the Book to Moses: Then do not doubt its reaching (you), and We made it a guide to the Children of Israel.
And We appointed leaders from among them, giving guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to believe in Our Signs.
Truly your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Judgment, in the matters about which they differ (among themselves).
Does it not teach them a lesson, how many generations We destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they (now) go to and fro? Truly (there) are Signs in that: Then do they not listen?
And do they not see that We drive rain to a parched soil (bare of herbage), and produce crops with it, providing food for their cattle and their own selves? Do they not have vision?
They say, “When will this decision be, if you are telling the truth?”
Say: “On the Day of decision, no avail will it be to the disbelievers if they believe (then)! Nor will they be granted a respite.”
So turn away from them, and wait: They too are waiting.

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SURA 33

Al-Ahzab

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

O Prophet! Fear Allah, and do not listen to the disbelievers and the hypocrites: Truly Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
But follow what comes to you by inspiration from your Lord, for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that you do.
And put your trust in Allah, and Allah is enough as a Disposer of affairs.
Allah has not made two hearts in (one) body for any man: Nor has He made your wives whom you divorce by Zihar your mothers: Nor has He made your adopted sons as your sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech. But Allah tells (you) the truth, and He shows the (right) way.
Call them by (the names) of their fathers: That is more just in God's sight, but if you do not know their father's (names, call them) your brethren in faith, or your Maulas. But there is no blame on you if you make a mistake in this: (What counts is) the intention of your hearts, and Allah is oft-Returning, the Most Merciful.
The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. Blood relations among each other have closer personal ties, in God's decree, than (the brotherhood of) believers and Muhajirs: Nevertheless do what is just to your closest friends: Such is the decree (of Allah).
And remember We took from the Prophets their covenant as (We did) from you: From Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus son of Mary: We took a solemn covenant from them:
That (Allah) may question the (custodians) of truth concerning the truth they (were charged with), and He has prepared a grievous penalty for the disbelievers.
O you who believe! Remember God's grace (bestowed) upon you, when hosts came down on you (to overwhelm you): But We sent a hurricane and force that you did not see against them. But Allah sees (clearly) all that you do.
Behold! They came upon you from above you and from below you, and behold, the eyes became dim and the hearts gaped up to the throats, and you even imagined various (vain) thoughts about Allah!
In that situation, the believers were tried; they were shaken by a tremendous shaking.
And behold! The hypocrites and those in whose hearts there is a disease say, “God and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusion!”
Behold! Some of them said, “You men of Yathrib! You cannot stand (the attack)! So go back!” And a band of them asked the Prophet for leave, saying, “Truly our houses are bare and exposed,” though they were not exposed: They intended nothing but to run away.
And if an entry had been effected to them from the sides of the (city), and they had been incited to sedition, they would certainly have brought it to pass, with only a brief delay!
Yet they had already made a covenant with Allah not to turn their backs, and a covenant with Allah must (surely) be answered for.
Say: “Running away will not benefit you if you are running away from death or slaughter, and even if (you do escape), you will be allowed to enjoy no more than a brief (respite).”
Say: “Who can shield you from Allah if it is His wish to punish you or to be merciful to you?” Nor will they find any protector or helper for themselves, besides Allah.
Truly Allah knows those among you who keep back (men) and those who say to their brethren, “Come along to us,” but do not come to the fight except for just a short while,
Covetous over you. Then when fear comes, you will see them looking to you, their eyes revolving like (those of) one over whom death hovers: But when the fear is past, they will smite you with sharp tongues, covetous of goods. Such men have no faith, so Allah has made their deeds of no avail, and that is easy for Allah.
They think that the coalitions have not withdrawn, and should the coalitions come (again), they would wish they were in the desert (wandering) among the bedouins, seeking news about you (from a safe distance), and if they were in your midst, they would fight only a little.
In God's Messenger, you truly have a beautiful pattern of (conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the final Day, and who engages much in God's praise.
When the believers saw the confederate forces, they said, “This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and what Allah and His Messenger told us is true.” And it only added to their faith and their zeal in obedience.
Some of the believers have been true to their covenant with Allah, some of them have completed their vow to (the extreme), while some (still) wait: But they have never changed (their determination) in the least:
That Allah may reward the men of truth for their truth, and punish the hypocrites if that be His will, or turn to them in mercy, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
And Allah turned the disbelievers back for (all) their fury: They gained no advantage, and Allah suffices the believers in their struggle. And Allah is full of strength, able to enforce His will.
And those of the People of the Book who aided them, Allah took them down from their strongholds and cast terror into their hearts, (so much so that) some you killed, and some you took prisoners.
And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, and their possessions, and of a land which you had not frequented (before). And Allah has power over all things.
O Prophet! Say to your consorts: “If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, then come! I will provide for your enjoyment and set you free in a handsome manner.
“But if you seek Allah and His Messenger, and the abode of the hereafter, truly Allah has prepared a great reward for the well-doers among you.”
O consorts of the Prophet! If any of you were guilty of evident unseemly conduct, the punishment would be doubled to her, and that is easy for Allah.
But any of you who is devout in the service of Allah and His Messenger, and does righteous deeds, to her We shall grant her reward twice and We have prepared a generous sustenance for her.
O consorts of the Prophet! You are not like any (other) women: If you fear (Allah), do not be too complaisant of speech, lest one in whose heart there is a disease should be moved with desire: But speak a speech (that is) just.
And stay in your houses, and do not make a dazzling display, like that in the former times of ignorance, and establish regular prayer and grant regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, you members of the family, and to make you pure and spotless.
And recite what is rehearsed to you in your homes of the Signs of Allah and His wisdom, for Allah understands the finest mysteries and is well-acquainted (with them).
For Muslim men and women! for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who grant in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise! for them all Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.
It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision. If anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.
Behold! You said to one who had received God's grace and your favor, “Retain your wife (in wedlock), and fear Allah.” But you hid in your heart what Allah was about to make manifest: You feared the people, but it is more fitting for you to fear Allah. Then when Zaid had dissolved (his marriage) with her, with the necessary (formality), We joined her in marriage to you in order that (in the future) there may be no difficulty for the believers in (the matter of) marriage with the wives of their adopted sons, when the latter have dissolved (their marriage) with them with the necessary (formality), and God's command must be fulfilled.
There can be no difficulty for the Prophet in what Allah has indicated to him as a duty. It was the practice (approved) of by Allah among those of old who have passed away. And God's command is a determined decree.
(It is the practice of those) who preach God's messages and fear Him, and fear none but Allah, and Allah suffices to call (men) to account.
Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) God's Messenger, and the seal of the Prophets, and Allah has full knowledge of all things.
O you who believe! Celebrate God's praises and do so often;
And glorify Him morning and evening.
It is He Who sends blessings to you, as do His angels so that He may bring you out of the depths of darkness into light, and He is full of mercy to the believers.
Their salutation on the Day they meet Him will be “Peace!” And He has prepared a generous reward for them.
O Prophet! We have truly sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner,
And as one who invites (people) to God's (grace) by His leave, and as an illuminating lamp.
Then grant the glad tidings to the believers that they shall have a very great bounty from Allah.
And do not obey (the requests) of the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and do not heed their annoyances, but put your trust in Allah, for Allah is enough as a disposer of affairs.
O you who believe! When you marry believing women, and then divorce them before you have touching them, you do not have to count a period of `Iddat in their regard, so grant them some provisions, and release free in a handsome manner.
O Prophet! We have made lawful to you your wives to whom you have paid their dowers lawful to you, and those whom your right hand possesses out of the prisoners of war whom Allah has assigned to you, and daughters of your paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of your maternal uncles and aunts, who migrated (from Mecca) with you, and any believing woman who dedicates herself to the Prophet if the Prophet wishes to wed her! this (is) only for you, and not for the believers (at large); We know what We have appointed for them as to their wives and the captives whom their right hands possess! in order that there should be no difficulty for you. And Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
You may defer any of them that you please, and you may receive any you please, and there is no blame on you if you invite one whose (turn) you had set aside. This would be closer to the cooling of their eyes, the prevention of their grief, and their satisfaction! that of all of them! with that which you have to grant to them, and Allah knows (all) that is in your hearts, and Allah is all-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
It is not lawful for you (to marry more) women after this, nor to change them for (other) wives, even though their beauty may attract you, except any your right hand may possess (as hand-maidens), and Allah watches over all things.
O you who believe! Do not enter the Prophet's houses until permission is given to you for a meal, (and then) do not wait for its preparation: But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without seeking familiar talk. Such (behavior) annoys the Prophet: He is too bashful to dismiss you, but Allah is not too bashful (to tell you) the truth. And when you ask (his ladies) for anything you want, ask them from behind a barrier: That is more purifying for your hearts and theirs. Nor is it right for you that you should annoy God's Messenger, or that you should marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a thing is an enormity in God's sight.
Whether you reveal anything or conceal it, truly Allah has full knowledge of all things.
There is no blame (on these ladies if they appear) before their fathers or their sons, their brothers, or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their women, or the (slaves) whom their right hands possess. And (ladies,) fear Allah, for Allah is Witness to all things.
Allah and His angels send blessings unto the Prophet: O you who believe! Send blessings unto him, and salute him with all respect.
Those who annoy Allah and His Messenger! God has cursed them in this world and in the hereafter, and has prepared a humiliating punishment for them.
And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear (on themselves) a calumny and a glaring sin.
O Prophet! Tell your wives and daughters and the believing women, that they should cast their outer garments over themselves (when outside): That is most convenient, that they should be known (as such) and not harassed, and Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Truly, if the hypocrites, and those with a disease in their hearts, and those who stir up sedition in the city, and do not desist, We shall certainly stir you up against them: Then they will not be able to stay in it as your neighbors for any length of time:
They shall be cursed: Wherever they are found, they shall be seized and killed (without mercy).
(Such was) the practice (approved) by Allah among those who lived before: You will find no change in the practice (approved) by Allah.
Men ask you concerning the Hour: Say: “Knowledge of this is with Allah (alone).” And what will make you understand? Perhaps the Hour is near!
Truly Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared a blazing fire for them,
To dwell in it forever: They will find no protector nor helper.
The Day that their faces are turned upside down in the fire, they will say, “Woe unto us! Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!”
And they would say, “Our Lord! We obeyed our chiefs and our great men, and they misled us from the (right) path.
“Our Lord! Grant them double the penalty and curse them with a very great curse!”
you who believe! Do not be like those who vexed and insulted Moses, but Allah cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered, and he was honorable in God's sight.
O you who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the right (course):
That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: He who obeys Allah and His Messenger has already attained the highest achievement.
We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains: But they refused to undertake it, being afraid of it: But man undertook it: He was truly unjust and most ignorant;
(With the result) that Allah has to punish the hypocrites, men and women, and the disbelievers, men and women, and Allah turns in mercy to the believers, men and women, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

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SURA 34

Saba, [Sheba]

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

Praise be to Allah to Whom all things in the heavens and on earth belong: Praise be to Him in the hereafter, and He is full of wisdom, acquainted with all things.
He knows all that goes to earth, and all that comes out of it; all that descends from the sky and all that ascends into it, and He is the Most Merciful, the oft-Forgiving.
The disbelievers say, “The Hour will never come to us.” Say: “Nay! But most surely, by my Lord, it will come upon you; by Him Who knows the unseen! from Whom not the least little atom in the heavens or on earth is hidden: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the clear record:
That He may reward those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, for such there shall be forgiveness and a most generous sustenance.”
But those who strive against Our Signs to frustrate them! for those (there) will be a penalty, a most humiliating punishment.
And those to whom knowledge has come see that the (Revelation) sent down to you from your Lord is the truth, and that it guides (them) to the path of the Exalted (in might), the One worthy of all praise.
The disbelievers say (in ridicule), “Shall we point out to you a man that will tell you, when you are all scattered to pieces in disintegration, that you shall (then be raised) as a new creation?
“Has he invented falsehood against Allah, or has a spirit (seized) him?” Nay, it is those who do not believe in the hereafter who are in (real) penalty, and in manifest error.
Do they not see what is before them and behind them of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Truly (there) is a Sign in this for every devotee who turns to Allah (in repentance).
We had bestowed a grace from Ourselves on David: O you mountains! Reverberate God's praises with him! And you birds (also)! And We made the iron pliant to him;
(Commanding:) “Make coats of mail, balancing the rings of armor chain very well, and do righteous deeds, for surely I see (clearly) all that you do.”
And (We made) the wind (obedient) to Solomon: Its early morning (stride) was a month's (journey), and its evening (stride) was a month's (journey), and We made a font of molten brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked before him, by his Lord's permission, and if any of them turned aside from Our command, We made him taste of the penalty of the blazing Fire.
They worked for him as he desired, (making) arches, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places): “Grant thanks, O sons of David, indeed few of My servants are grateful!”
Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff, so when he fell down, the jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating penalty (of their tasks).
There was a Sign for Saba in their homeland: two gardens to the right and to the left. “Eat of the sustenance (provided) by your Lord, and be grateful to Him: a good land and an oft-Forgiving Lord!”
But they turned away (from Allah), and We sent the flood (released) from the dams against them, and We converted their two garden (rows) into “gardens” producing bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few (stunted) Lote-trees.
That was the requital We gave them because they ungratefully rejected faith, and We never grant (such) requital except to those who are ungrateful rejecters.
Between them and the cities on which We had poured our blessings, We had placed cities in prominent positions, and between them We had appointed stages of journey in due proportion: Travel in them, secure, by night and by Day.
But they said, “Our Lord! Place long distances between our journey-stages.” So they wronged themselves (in this). At length We made them as a tale (that is told), and We dispersed them all in scattered fragments. Truly (there) are Signs in this for every (soul that is) patiently constant and grateful.
And Satan proved (that) his conjecture (was) true, and they followed him, all but some who believed.
But he had no authority over them! except that We might test the man who believes in the hereafter from the one who is in doubt concerning it, and your Lord watches over all things.
Say: “Call upon other (gods) whom you fancy, besides Allah: They have no power! not the weight of an atom! in the heavens or on earth; they have no (sort of) share in it, nor is any of them a helper to Allah.
“No intercession can avail in His presence except for those for whom He has granted permission. So far (is this the case) that, when terror is removed from their hearts (at the Day of Judgment, then) they will say, `What is it that your Lord commanded?' They will answer, `What is true and just, and He is the Most High, the Most Great.”'
Say: “Who gives you sustenance, from the heavens and the earth?” Say: “It is Allah, and it is certain that either we or you are on the right guidance or in manifest error!”
Say: “You shall not be questioned as to our sins, nor shall we be questioned as to what you do.”
Say: “Our Lord will gather us together and will in the end decide the matter between us (and you) in truth and justice, and He is the One to decide, the One Who knows all.”
Say: “Show me those whom you have joined with Him as partners: By no means (can you do so). Nay! He is Allah, exalted in power, wise.”
We have sent you only as a universal (messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men do not understand.
They say, “When will this promise (come to pass) if you are telling the truth?”
Say: “The appointment for you is a Day which you cannot delay for an hour nor can you advance.”
The disbelievers say, “We shall neither believe in this scripture nor in (any) that (came) before it.” (If) you could only see when the wrong-doers are made to stand before their Lord, throwing back the word (of blame) on one another! Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones, “Had it not been for you, we would certainly have been believers!”
The arrogant ones will say to those who had been despised, “Was it we who kept you back from guidance after it reached you? Nay, rather it was you who transgressed.”
Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones, “Nay! It was a plot (of yours) by day and by night. Behold! You (constantly) ordered us to be ungrateful to Allah and to attribute equals to Him!” They will declare (their) repentance when they see the penalty: We shall put yokes on the necks of the disbelievers: It would only be a requital for their (ill) deeds.
We never sent a warner to a town except that the wealthy among them said, “We do not believe in the (message) with which you have been sent.”
They said, “We have more wealth and sons, and we cannot be punished.”
Say: “Truly my Lord increases and decreases the provision to whomsoever He pleases, but most men do not understand.”
It is neither your wealth nor your sons that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: But only those who believe and do righteous deeds! these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied reward for their deeds, while they (reside) securely in the dwellings on high!
Those who strive against Our Signs to frustrate them will be turned into punishment.
Say: “Truly my Lord increases and decreases the sustenance to such of His servants as He pleases; and whatever you spend (in His cause) He replaces it, for He is the best of those who grant sustenance.”
One Day He will gather them all together and say to the angels, “Was it you whom these men used to worship?”
They will say, “Glory to You! Our (tie) is with You! as Protector! not with them. Nay, they worshipped only the jinns: Most of them believed in them.”
So on that Day they shall have no power over each other, for benefit or harm, and We shall say to the wrong-doers, “Taste the penalty of the Fire which you used to deny!”
When Our clear Signs are recited to them, they say, “This is only a man who wishes to hinder you from the (worship) which your fathers practiced.” And they say, “This is only an invented falsehood!” And the disbelievers say of the truth when it comes to them, “This is nothing but obvious magic!”
But We had not given them books which they could study, nor sent Messengers to them before you as warners.
And their predecessors rejected (the truth); these have not received a tenth of what We had granted to those: Yet when they rejected My Messengers, how (terrible) My rejection (of them) was!
Say: “I do admonish you on one point: That you stand up before God! (it may be) in pairs, or (it may be) singly! and reflect (within yourselves): Your companion is not possessed: He is no less than a warner to you, in the face of a terrible penalty.”
Say: “I ask no reward of you: It is (all) in your interest: My reward is due only from Allah, and He is Witness to all things.”
Say: “Truly my Lord casts the (mantle of) truth (over His servants)! He has full knowledge of (all) that is hidden.”
Say: “The truth has arrived, and falsehood neither creates anything new, nor restores anything at all.”
Say: “If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my own soul: But if I receive guidance, it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me: It is He Who hears all things and is (ever) near.”
If you could only see when they quake with terror: But then there will be no escape (for them), and they will be seized from a position (quite) near.
And they will say, “(Now) we believe in the (truth).” But how could they receive (faith) from a position (so) far off,
Seeing that they rejected faith (entirely) before, and that they (continued to) cast (slanders) on the unseen from a position far off?
And a barrier is placed between them and their desires, as was done in the past with their partisans, for they were indeed in (disquieting) doubt.

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SURA 35

Al-Fatir, [The Originator of Creation]

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

Praise be to Allah Who created the heavens and the earth (out of nothing), Who made the angels messengers with wings! two, or three, or four (pairs): He adds to creation as He pleases, for Allah has power over all things.
What Allah out of His mercy bestows on mankind, none can withhold: What He withholds, none can grant, apart from Him, and He is the One Exalted in power, full of wisdom.
O mankind! Remember God's grace upon you! Is there a Creator, other than Allah, to grant you sustenance from heavens or earth? There is no god but He: How then are you deluded away from the truth?
And if they reject you, Messengers were rejected before you: All affairs go back to Allah for decision.
O mankind! Certainly God's promise is true. Then do not let this present life deceive you, nor let the Chief Deceiver deceive you about Allah.
Truly Satan is an enemy to you, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents so that they may become companions of the blazing Fire.
For those who reject Allah (there) is a terrible penalty: But for those who believe and do righteous deeds, (there) is forgiveness and a magnificent reward.
Then is he to whom the evil of his conduct is made alluring, so that he sees it as good, (equal to one who is rightly guided)? For Allah leaves whomsoever He wills to stray, and guides whomsoever He pleases. So do not let your soul go out in (vain) sighing after them, for Allah knows well all that they do!
It is Allah Who sends forth the winds so that they raise up the clouds, and We drive them to a land that is dead, and revive the earth with them after its death: Even so (will be) the Resurrection!
If any seek glory and power, all glory and power belongs to Allah. (All) words of purity mount up to him: It is He Who exalts each deed of righteousness. Those who lay plots of evil! (there) is a terrible penalty for them, and the plotting of such people will be futile.
And Allah created you from dust; then from a sperm-drop; then He made you in pairs. And no female conceives, or lays down (her load), except with His knowledge. Nor is a man granted a prolongation length of days, nor is one's life-span shortened except in an (ordained) decree. All this is easy for Allah.
Nor are the two bodies of flowing water alike! one is palatable, sweet, and pleasant to drink, and the other is salty and bitter. Yet from each (kind of water) you eat fresh and tender meat, and you extract ornaments to wear, and you see ships on them that plough the waves so that you may (thus) seek God's bounty, so that you may be grateful.
He merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): Each one runs its course for an appointed term. Such is Allah your Lord: All dominion belongs to Him. And those whom you invoke besides Him do not have power in the least.
If you invoke them, they will not listen to your call, and if they were to listen, they cannot answer your (call). On the Day of Judgment they will reject your “partnership.” And none (O man!) can tell you (the truth) like the One Who is acquainted with all things.
O mankind! It is you who need Allah: But Allah is the One free of all want, worthy of all praise.
If He so pleased, He could blot you out and bring about a new creation:
Nor is that (at all) difficult for Allah.
Nor can a bearer of burdens bear another's burden. If one heavily laden should call another to (bear) his load, not the least portion of it can be carried (by the other), even if he is closely related. You can admonish only those who fear their Lord in the unseen and establish regular prayers, and whoever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul, and Allah is the destination (of all).
The blind and the sighted are not alike;
Nor are the depths of darkness and the light;
Nor are the (chilly) shade and the (genial) heat of the sun:
Nor are those who are living and those who are dead alike. Allah can make anyone He wills hear, but you cannot make those who are (buried) in graves hear.
You are but a warner.
Verily We have sent you in truth a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner, and there never was a people, without a warner having lived among them (in the past).
And if they reject you, so did their predecessors, to whom their Messengers came with clear Signs, books of dark prophecies, and the Book of enlightenment.
In the end I punished those who rejected faith, and how (terrible) My rejection (of them) was!
Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky? Then We bring out thereby produce of various colors. And in the mountains (there) are white and red tracts, of various shades of color, and black intense in hue.
And so men, crawling creatures and cattle are of various colors. Those of God's servants who have knowledge truly fear Him, for Allah is Exalted in might, oft-Forgiving.
Those who recite God's Book, establish regular prayers and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hope for a gain that will never fail:
For He will pay them what they deserve. Nay! He will grant them (even) more out of His bounty, for He is oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate (service).
What We have revealed to you of the Book is the truth! confirming what was (revealed) before it, for Allah is assuredly well acquainted with and fully observant of His servants.
Then We have given the Book for inheritance to those of Our servants whom We have chosen: But there are some among them who wrong their own souls; some of them follow a middle course, and some are, with God's permission, foremost in good deeds; that is the highest grace.
They will enter gardens of eternity: There they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk.
And they will say, “Praise be to Allah, Who has removed (all) sorrow from us, for our Lord is indeed oft-Forgiving, ready to appreciate (service):
“Who has, out of His bounty, settled us in a home that will last (forever): no toil nor any sense of weariness shall touch us there.”
But those who reject (Allah)! the fire of Hell will be for them: No term will be set for them, so they should die, nor shall its penalty be lightened for them: Thus do We reward every ungrateful one!
There they will cry aloud (for assistance), “Our Lord! Bring us out; we shall do righteous deeds, not the (deeds) we used to do!” “Did We not grant you life long enough so that anyone who would could receive admonishment? And (moreover) the warner came to you. So taste (the fruit of your deeds): There is no helper for the wrong-doers.”
Allah truly knows (all) the hidden things of the heavens and the earth: Truly He has full knowledge of all that is in (men's) hearts.
It is He Who has made you inheritors in the earth: Then if any reject (Allah), their rejection (works) against them: Their rejection only adds to the odium for the disbelievers in their Lord's sight: Their rejection only adds to (their own) undoing.
Say: “Have you seen (these) `partners' of yours whom you call upon besides Allah? Show me what they have created in the (wide) earth. Or do they have a share in the heavens? Or have We given them a Book from which they (can derive) clear (evidence)?” Nay, the wrong-doers promise each other nothing but delusion.
It is Allah Who sustains the heavens and the earth lest they should cease (to function), and if they should fail, there is none! who can sustain them after that: Truly He is Most Forbearing; oft-Forgiving.
They swore their strongest oaths by Allah that if a warner came to them, they would follow his guidance better than any (other) of the peoples: But when a warner came to them, it only increased their flight (from righteousness),
On account of their arrogance in the land and their plotting of evil. But the plotting of evil will hem in only its doers. Now are they only waiting for the ways of the ancients? But you will find no change in God's way (of dealing): You will find no alteration in God's way (of dealing).
Do they not travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those before them was, though they were superior to them in strength? Nor is Allah to be frustrated by anything whatever in the heavens or on earth, for He is all-Knowing, all-Powerful.
If Allah were to punish men according to what they deserve, He would not leave a single living creature on the (earth): But He gives them respite for an appointed Term: When their term expires, truly Allah has all His servants in His sight.

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SURA 36

Ya Sin

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

Ya Sin.
By the Qur'an, full of wisdom,
You are indeed one of the Messengers,
On a straight path.
It is a Revelation sent down by (Him), the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
So that you may admonish a people whose fathers had received no admonishment, and who therefore remain heedless (of God's Signs).
The word is proven true against most of them, for they do not believe.
We have put yokes round their necks right up to their chins, so that their heads are forced up (and they cannot see).
And We have put a barrier in front of them and a barrier behind them, and further, We have covered them up; so that they cannot see.
It is the same to them whether you admonish them or you do not: They will not believe.
You can only admonish those who follow the message and fear the Most Gracious (Lord) in the unseen; therefore, grant such one the glad tidings of forgiveness and a most generous reward.
Truly We shall grant life to the dead, and We record what they sent before and what they leave behind, and We have taken account of all things in a clear Imam (book of evidence).
Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the people of the town. Behold! Messengers came to it.
When We (first) sent to them two Messengers, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: They said, “Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you.”
The (people) said, “You are only men like ourselves, and (Allah) Most Gracious sends no sort of Revelation: You do nothing but lie.”
They said, “Our Lord knows that we have been sent on a mission to you:
“And our duty is only to proclaim the clear message.”
The (people) said, “For us, we see an evil omen in you: If you do not desist, we will certainly stone you, and a truly grievous punishment will be inflicted upon you by us.”
They said, “Your evil omens are with you: (Do you consider it an evil omen,) if you are admonished? Nay, but you are people transgressing all bounds!”
Then a man came running from the farthest part of the town, saying, “O people! Obey the Messengers:
“Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received guidance.
“It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom you shall (all) be brought back.
“Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If (Allah) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, their intercession for me will be of no avail whatsoever, nor can they deliver me.
“I would truly be in manifest error, if I were to do so.
“For me, I have faith in the Lord of all of you: So listen to me!”
It was said, “Enter the garden.” He said, “Ah me! Would that my people knew (what I know)!
“Because my Lord has granted me forgiveness and has gathered me among those held in honor!”
And We did not send down any hosts from heavens against his people after him, nor did We have to.
It was no more than a single mighty blast, and behold! They were (like ashes) quenched and silent.
Ah! Alas for (My) servants! Every Messenger who comes to them they mock!
Do they not see how many generations before them We destroyed? They will not return to them:
But each one of them will be brought before Us (for Judgment).
A Sign for them is the earth that is dead; We grant it life, and produce grain from it, of which you eat.
And We produce orchards of date-palms and vines, and We cause springs to gush forth from it,
So that they may enjoy its fruits: It was not their hands that made this: Then will they not grant thanks?
Glory to Allah, Who created in pairs all things that the earth produces, as well as their own (human) kind and (other) things of which they have no knowledge.
And the night is a Sign for them: We withdraw the day from it, and behold! They are plunged in darkness;
And the sun runs its course for a period determined for it: That is the decree of the One Exalted in might, all-Knowing.
And the moon! For it, We have measured mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and withered) lower part of date-stalk.
The sun is not permitted to catch up with the moon, nor can the night outstrip the day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to law).
And a Sign for them is that We bore their offspring (during the flood) in the loaded ark;
And We have created similar (vessels) for them on which they ride.
If it were Our will, We could drown them; then there would be no helper (to hear their cry), nor could they be delivered,
Except by way of mercy from Us, and by way of (worldly) convenience (to serve them) for some time.
When they are told, “Fear what is before you and what will be after you, so that you may receive mercy,” (they turn back).
Every Sign that comes to them from among their Lord's Signs, they turn away therefrom.
And when they are told, “Spend of (the bounties) with which Allah has provided you,” the disbelievers say to those who believe, “Shall we then feed those whom, if Allah had so willed, He (Himself) would have fed? You are in nothing but manifest error.”
Further they say, “When will this promise (come to pass), if what you say is true?”
They will not (have to) wait for anything but a single blast: It will seize them while they are still disputing among themselves!
Then they will have no (chance) to dispose (of their affairs) by will, nor to return to their own people!
The trumpet shall be sounded, when behold! (Men) will rush forth from the sepulchers to their Lord!
They will say, “Ah! Woe unto us! Who has raised us up from our beds of repose?...” (A voice will say,) “This is what (Allah) Most Gracious had promised, and the word of the Messengers was true!”
It will be no more than a single blast, when behold! They will all be brought before Us!
Then, on that Day, not a soul will be wronged in the least, and you will only be repaid the meeds of your past deeds.
Truly the companions of the garden shall have joy that Day in all they do;
They and their wives will be in groves of (cool) shade, reclining on thrones (of dignity);
(Every) fruit (of enjoyment) will be there for them; they shall have whatever they desire;
“Peace!” A word (of salutation) from a most merciful Lord!
“And O you sinners! Get aside this Day!
“Did I not enjoin on you, O children of Adam, that you should not worship Satan because he was an avowed enemy to you?
“And that you should worship Me, (because) this was the straight way?
“But he led astray a great multitude of you. Then did you not understand?
“This is the Hell of which you were (repeatedly) warned!
“Embrace the (fire) this Day, because you (persistently) rejected (the truth).”
That Day We shall set a seal on their mouths, but their hands will speak to Us and their feet shall bear witness to all that they did.
If it had been Our will, We surely could have blotted out their eyes; then they would have run about groping for the path, but how could they have seen?
And if it had been Our will, We could have transformed them (to remain) in their places: Then they would have been unable to move about, nor could they have returned (after error).
If We grant anyone long life, We cause him to be reversed in nature: Then will they not understand?
We have not instructed the (Prophet) in poetry, nor is it meet for him: This is no less than a message and a Qur'an making things clear:
That it may grant admonishment to any (who are) alive, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject (the truth).
Do they not see that it is We Who have created for them! among the things which We have fashioned! cattle, which are under their dominion?
And that We have subjected them to their (use)? Some of them carry them and some they eat:
And they have (other) benefits for them, and they get (milk) to drink. Then will they still be ungrateful?
Yet they take other gods (for worship) besides Allah, (hoping) that they might be helped!
They have not the power to help them: But they will be brought (before Our Judgment) as a host (to be condemned).
Then do not let what they say grieve you. Truly We know what they hide and what they disclose.
Does man not see that it is We Who created him from a sperm? Yet behold! He (stands forth) as an open adversary!
And he makes comparisons for Us, and forgets his own (origin and) creation: He says, “Who can grant life to (dry) bones, and decomposed ones (at that)?”
Say, “He Who created them the first time will grant them life! For He is cognizant in all creation!
“The One Who produces fire for you out of the green tree, when behold! You kindle (your own fires) with it!
“Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like thereof?” Yes, indeed! For He is the supreme Creator, the One of (infinite) ability and knowledge.
Truly when He intends to create a thing, His command is, “Be,” and it is!
So glory to Him in Whose hands is the dominion of all things, and you will all be brought back to Him.

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SURA 37

Al-Saffat

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

By those who range themselves in ranks,
And are strong in repelling (evil),
And thus proclaim the message (of Allah)!
Truly, truly your Allah is one!
Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between them and Lord of every point at the rising of the sun!
We have indeed decked the lower heavens with beauty (in) the stars,
(For beauty) and to guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits,
(So) they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted Assembly but be cast away from every side,
Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,
Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness.
Just ask them: Are they more difficult to create or the (other) beings We have created? We have created them out of a sticky clay!
You truly marvel, while they ridicule,
And, when they are admonished, they pay no heed,
And, when they see a Sign, they turn it to mockery,
And they say, “This is nothing but obvious sorcery!
“What?! When we die and become dust and bones, shall we (then) be raised (again)?
“And also our fathers of old?”
Say: “Yes, and you shall then be humiliated (on account of your evil).”
Then it will be a single (compelling) cry, and look, they will begin to behold!
They will say, “Ah! Woe unto us! This is the Day of Judgment!”
(A voice will say,) “This is the Day of sorting out, whose truth you (once) denied!”
“Bring the wrong-doers and their wives,” it shall be said, “and the things they worshipped,
“Besides Allah, and lead them the way to the (fierce) Fire!
“But stop them, for they must be asked:
“`What is the matter with you that you do not help each other?”'
Nay, but that Day they shall submit (to Judgment);
And they will turn to one another, and question one another.
They will say, “It was you who used to come to us from the right hand (of power and authority)!”
They will reply, “Nay, you yourselves had no faith!
“Nor did we have any authority over you. Nay, it was you who were a people in obstinate rebellion!
“So now the word of our Lord has been proven true against us so that we may indeed (have to) taste (the punishment of our sins).
“We led you astray, for truly we were astray ourselves.”
Truly, (on) that Day, they will (all) share the penalty.
Truly that is how We shall deal with the sinners.
For they, when they were told that there is no god but Allah, would be puffed up with pride,
And say, “What?! Shall we grant up our gods for the sake of a possessed poet?”
Nay! He has come with the (very) truth, and he confirms (the message of) the Messengers (before him).
You shall truly taste of the grievous penalty;-
But it will be no more than the retribution of (the evil) you have wrought;
But the sincere (and devoted) servants of Allah,
For them (there) is a determined sustenance,
Fruits (delights), and they (shall enjoy) honor and dignity,
In gardens of felicity,
Facing each other on thrones (of dignity):
A cup from a clear-flowing fountain will be passed round to them,
Crystal-white, of a taste delicious to those who drink (of it),
Free from headiness; nor will they suffer intoxication from it.
And beside them will be chaste women, restraining their glances, with large, lovely eyes,
As if they were (delicate) eggs closely guarded.
Then they will turn to one another and question one another.
One of them will start the talk and say, “I had an intimate companion,
“Who used to say, `What?! Are you among those who bear witness to the truth (of the message)?
“`When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?”'
(A voice) said, “Would you like to look down?”
He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.
He said, “By Allah! You were about to bring me to perdition!
“Had it not been for my Lord's Grace, I would certainly have been among those brought (there)!
“Is it that we shall not die,
“Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?”
Truly this is the supreme achievement!
Let all strive who wish to strive for the like of this.
Is that better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqm?

For We have truly made it (as) a trial for the wrong-doers.

For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire:

The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils:

Truly they will eat of it and fill their bellies therewith.

Then on top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.

Then they shall return to the (blazing) Fire.

Truly they found their fathers on the wrong path;

So they (too) were rushed down on their footsteps!

And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray;

But We had sent (Messengers) to them to admonish them;

Then see what the end of those who were admonished (but did not heed) was,

Except the sincere (and devoted) servants of Allah.

(In the Days of old), Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear pleas.

And We delivered him and his people from the great calamity,

And made his progeny to endure (on this earth);

And We left (this blessing) for him among generations to come in later times:

“Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!”

Thus do We truly reward those who do right.

For he was one of Our believing servants.

And the rest We overwhelmed in the flood.

Truly Abraham was among those who followed his way.

Behold! He approached his Lord with a sound heart.

Behold! He said to his father and to his people, “What is that which you worship?

“Is it a falsehood! gods other than God! that you desire?

“Then what is your idea about the Lord of the worlds?”

Then he cast a glance at the stars,

And said, “I am indeed sick (of your form of worship)!”

So they turned away from him and departed.

Then he turned to their gods and said, “Will you not eat (of the offerings before you)?...

“What is the matter with you that you do not even speak?”

Then he turned upon them, striking them with the right hand.

Then (the worshippers) came with hurried steps and faced (him).

He said, “Do you worship what you have (yourselves) carved?

“But Allah has created you and your handiwork!”

They said, “Build him a furnace and throw him into the blazing fire!”

(This failing), they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!

He said, “I will resort to my Lord! He will surely guide me!

“O Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!”

So We gave him the glad tidings of a son ready to suffer and forbear:

Then, when (the son) reached (the age of serious) work with him, he said, “O son! In a vision I see myself offering you as a sacrifice: Now see what your view is!” (The son) said, “O father! Do as you are commanded: You will find me, if Allah so wills, one practicing patience and constancy!”

So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),

We called out to him, “O Abraham!

“You have already fulfilled the vision!” Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

For this was obviously a trial,

And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:

And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:

“Peace and salutation unto Abraham!”

Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

For he was one of Our believing servants.

And We gave him the glad tidings of Isaac! a Prophet! one of the righteous.

We blessed him and Isaac: But (some) of their progeny do right, and (some) obviously wrong their own souls.

Again (of old), We bestowed Our favor upon Moses and Aaron,

And We delivered them and their people from (their) great calamity;

And We helped them, so they overcame (their troubles);

And We gave them the Book which helps make things clear;

And We guided them to the straight path,

And We left (this blessing) for them among generations (to come) in later times:

“Peace and salutation unto Moses and Aaron!”

Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

For they were two of Our believing servants.

Elias was also among those sent (by Us).

Behold! He said to his people, “Will you not fear (Allah)?

“Will you call upon Baal and forsake the best of Creators,

“God, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?”

But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up (for punishment),

Except the sincere and devoted servants of Allah (among them).

And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:

“Peace and salutation unto Elias!”

Thus do We indeed reward those who do right.

For he was one of Our believing servants.

Lot was also among those sent (by Us).

Behold! We delivered him and his adherents, all

Except an old woman who was among those who lagged behind:

Then We destroyed the rest.

You indeed pass by their (sites), by day,

And by night: Will you not understand?

Jonah was also among those sent (by Us).

When he ran away (like a slave from captivity) to the (fully) laden ship,

He (agreed to) cast lots, so he was condemned:

Then the big fish (whale) swallowed him, and he had done acts worthy of blame.

Had it not been that he (repented and) glorified Allah,

He would certainly have remained inside the belly of the fish till the Day of Resurrection.

But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness,

And We caused a spreading gourd plant to grow over him.

And We sent him (on a mission) to a hundred thousand (men) or more.

And they believed; so We permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.

Now ask them their opinion: Does your Lord have (only) daughters, and they have sons?

Or did We create the angels females, and they are witnesses (to that)?

Do they not say, from their own invention,

“God has begotten children”? But they are liars!

Did He (then) choose daughters rather than sons?

What is the matter with you? How do you judge?

Then will you not receive admonishment?

Or do you have a manifest authority?

Then bring your book (of authority) if you are truthful!

And they have invented a blood-relationship between Him and the jinns! But the jinns know (quite well) that they must truly appear (for Judgment)!

Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the things they ascribe (to Him)!

God's servants, sincere and devoted do not do (so):

For indeed neither you nor those you worship,

Can lead (any) into temptation concerning Allah,

Except those who are (themselves) going to the blazing Fire!

(Those ranged in ranks say,) “Every one of us has an appointed place;

“And we are indeed ranged in ranks (for service):

“And we are indeed those who declare (God's) glory!”

And there were those who said,

“If only we had had before us a message from those of old,

“We would certainly have been God's servants, sincere (and devoted)!”

But (now that the Qur'an has come), they reject it: But soon they will know!

Our word has already been passed before (this) to Our servants sent (by Us),

That they would certainly be assisted,

And that Our forces! they surely must be victorious.

So turn away from them for a little while,

And watch (how they fare), and they shall soon see (how you fare)!

Do they (truly) wish to hasten Our punishment?

But when it descends into the open space before them, the morning will be evil for those who were warned (and did not heed)!

So turn away from them for a little while,

And watch (how they fare) and they shall soon see (how you fare)!

Glory to your Lord, the Lord of honor and power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him).

And peace on the Messengers!

And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds.

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