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 19

Maryam [Mary]

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

Kaf Ha Ya 'Ain Sad.
(This is) a recital of your Lord's mercy to His servant Zakariya.
Behold! He cried to his Lord in secret,
Praying, “O Lord! My bones are infirm, and the hair on my head glistens with gray: But I am never unblessed, O Lord, in my prayers to You!
“Now I fear (for what) my relatives (and colleagues will do) after me: But my wife is barren, so grant me an heir as from Yourself,
“(One who) will (truly) inherit me and inherit the posterity of Jacob, and make him, O Lord! one with whom You are well pleased!”
(His prayer was answered:) “O Zakariya (Zacharias)! We grant you glad tidings of a son: His name shall be Yahya (John the Baptist): We have never conferred distinction on any by that name before.”
He said, “O Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?”
He said, “So (it will be): your Lord says, `That is easy for Me: I did indeed create you before, when you were nothing!”'
(Zacharias) said, “O Lord! Grant me a Sign.” “Your Sign,” was the answer, “shall be that you will speak to no man for three nights, although you are not mute.”
So Zakariya came out to his people from his chamber: He told them by signs to celebrate God's praises in the morning and in the evening.
(To his son came the command:) “O Yahya! Take hold of the Book firmly.” And We gave him wisdom even as a youth,
And pity (for all creatures) as from us, and purity: He was devout,
And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious.
So peace with him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up to life (again)!
Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the east.
She placed a screen (to shelter herself) from them: Then We sent Our ruh to her, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.
She said, “I seek refuge from you in (Allah) Most Gracious: (Do not come near) if you fear Allah.”
He said, “No, I am only a messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a holy son.”
She said, “How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?”
He said, “So (it shall be): Your Lord says, `That is easy for Me, and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign to men and a mercy from Us.' It is a matter (so) decreed.”
So she conceived him, and she retired to a remote place.
And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: She cried (in her anguish), “Ah! Would that I had died before this! Would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!”
But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): “Do not grieve! Your Lord has provided a brook beneath you;
“And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you; it will let fresh ripe dates fall upon you.
“So eat and drink and cool (your) eyes. And if you see any man, say, `I have vowed a fast to (Allah) Most Gracious, so this day I will not converse with any human being.”'
At length she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms). They said, “O Mary! You have brought a truly amazing thing!
“O sister of Aaron! Your father was not a man of evil, nor your mother an unchaste woman!”
But she pointed to the babe. They said, “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?”
He said, “I am indeed a servant of Allah: He has given me Revelation and made me a Prophet;
“And He has made me blessed wherever I may be, and has enjoined prayer and charity on me as long as I live;
“(He) has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable;
“So peace is on me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I shall be raised up to life (again)!”
Such (was) Jesus, the son of Mary: (It is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.
It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.
Truly, Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Therefore serve Him: This is a way that is straight.
But the sects differed among themselves, and woe unto the disbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of a momentous Day!
How plainly will they see and hear, (on) the Day that they will appear before Us! But the unjust today are in manifest error!
But warn them of the Day of distress, when the matter will be determined, for they are negligent, and they do not believe!
It is We Who will inherit the earth and all beings on it: They will all be returned to Us.
Also mention in the Book (the story of) Abraham: He was a man of truth, a Prophet.
Behold! He said to his father, “O father! Why worship that which neither hears nor sees, and can benefit you nothing?
“O father! Knowledge has come to me which has not reached you, so follow me: I will guide you to a way that is even and straight.
“O father! Do not serve Satan, for Satan is a rebel against (Allah) Most Gracious.
“O father! I fear lest a penalty should afflict you from (Allah) Most Gracious, so that you become a friend to Satan.”
(The father) replied, “Do you hate my gods, O Abraham? If you do not forbear, I will really stone you: Now get away from me for a long while!”
Abraham said, “Peace be on you: I will pray to my Lord for your forgiveness, for He is Most Gracious to me.
“And I will turn away from (all of) you and from those whom you invoke besides Allah: I will call upon my Lord: Perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall not be unblessed.”
When he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We bestowed Isaac and Jacob upon him, and We made each one of them a Prophet.
And We bestowed of Our mercy on them, and We granted them a lofty honor on the tongue of truth.
Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses, for he was specially chosen, and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.
And We called him from the right side of Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to Us, for mystic (discourse).
And, out of Our mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a Prophet.
Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ishmael: He was (strictly) true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger (and) a Prophet.
He used to enjoin prayer and charity on his people, and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.
Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a Prophet:
And We raised him to a lofty station.
Those were some of the prophets on whom Allah bestowed His grace! of the posterity of Adam, and of those whom We carried (in the ark) with Noah, and of the posterity of Abraham and Israel! of those whom We guided and chose. Whenever the Signs of (Allah) Most Gracious were rehearsed to them, they would fall down prostrating in adoration, tearful.
But after them, there followed a posterity who forgot prayer and followed their own lust: They will soon face destruction,
Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds, for these will enter the garden and will not be wronged in the least:
Gardens of eternity, those which (Allah) Most Gracious has promised to His servants in the unseen, for His promise must come to pass.
There they will not hear any vain discourse but only salutations of peace, and there they will have their sustenance, morning and evening.
Such is the garden which We grant as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard (themselves) against evil.
(The angels say,) “We descend only by your Lord's command: What is before us, and what is behind us, and what is between belongs to Him, and your Lord never forgets,
“Lord of the heavens and the earth, and of all that is between them, so worship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship: Do you know of any who is worthy of the same name as He?”
Man says, “What?! When I am dead, shall I then be raised up alive?”
But does not man remember that We created him before out of nothing?
So, by your Lord, without doubt, We shall gather them together, and the evil ones too; then We shall bring them forth on their knees round about Hell;
Then We shall certainly drag out from every sect all those who were worst in obstinate rebellion against (Allah) Most Gracious.
And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned therein.
Every one of you will pass over it: This, with your Lord, is a decree which must be carried out.
But We shall save those who guarded (themselves) against evil, and We shall leave the wrongdoers in it, (humbled) to their knees.
When Our clear Signs are recited to them, the disbelievers say to those who believe, “Which of the two sides is best in position? Which makes the best show in council?”
But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed, who were even better in equipment and in glitter to the eye?
Say: “If any men go astray, (Allah) Most Gracious extends (the rope) to them, until, when they see God's warning (being fulfilled, either in punishment or in (the approach of) the Hour, they will at length realize who is in the worst position, and (who is the) weakest in strength!
“And Allah advances in guidance those who seek guidance, and the things that endure, the good deeds, are best as rewards in your Lord's sight and best in respect of (their) eventual returns.”
Have you then seen the (sort of) man who rejects Our Signs yet says, “I shall certainly be given wealth and children”?
Has he penetrated the unseen, or has he taken a contract with (Allah) Most Gracious?
Nay! We shall record what he says, and We shall add and add to his punishment.
All that he speaks of shall return to Us, and he shall appear before Us bare and alone.
And they have taken (for worship) gods other than Allah, to grant them power and glory!
Instead, they shall reject their worship and become adversaries.
Do you not see that We have set the evil ones against the disbelievers to incite them with fury?
So make no haste against them, for We only count out to them a (limited) number (of days).
The Day We shall gather the righteous to (Allah) Most Gracious, like a band presented before a king for honors,
And We shall drive the sinners into Hell, like thirsty cattle driven to water:
None shall have the power of intercession except those who have received permission (or promise) from (Allah) Most Gracious.
They say, “(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten a son!”
You have truly put forth a most monstrous thing!
At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin,
That they should invoke a son for (Allah) Most Gracious.
For it is not fitting with the majesty of (Allah) Most Gracious that He should beget a son.
Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (Allah) Most Gracious as a servant.
He takes an account of them (all) and has numbered them (all) exactly.
And on the Day of Judgment every one of them will come before Him all alone.
(Allah) Most Gracious will bestow love on those who believe and do deeds of righteousness.
So We have made the (Qur'an) easy in your own tongue, that with it you may yet give glad tidings to the righteous and warnings to people given to contention.
But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed? Can you find a single one of them (now) or hear (so much as) a whisper of theirs?

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SURA 20

Ta Ha

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

Ta Ha.
We have not sent down the Qur'an to you to be (an occasion) for your distress,
But only as an admonition to those who fear (Allah),
A Revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.
(Allah) Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne (of authority).
To Him belong what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil.
If you pronounce the word aloud, (it is no matter:) For He truly knows what is secret and what is yet more hidden.
Allah! There is no god but He! The most beautiful names belong to Him.
Has the story of Moses reached you?
Behold! He saw a fire, so he said to his family, “Wait here: I perceive a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand from it or find some guidance at the fire.”
But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard: “O Moses!
“Truly I am your Lord! Therefore take off your shoes (in My presence): You are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.
“I have chosen you: Listen, then, to the inspiration (sent to you).
“Truly, I am Allah: There is no god but Me, so serve Me (alone), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise.
“Truly the Hour is coming! My design is to keep it hidden! for every soul to receive its reward according to the measure of its endeavor.
“Therefore do not let those who do not believe in it but follow their own lust divert you from it lest you should perish!”
“And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?”
He said, “It is my rod: I lean on it: With it I beat down fodder for my flocks, and in it I find other uses.”
(Allah) said, “Throw it, O Moses!”
He threw it, and behold! It was a snake, active in motion.
(Allah) said, “Seize it, and do not fear: We shall return it at once to its former condition...
“Now draw your hand close to your side: It shall come forth white (and shining), without a blemish, as another Sign,
“In order that We may show you (two) of Our greater Signs.
“Go to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds.”
(Moses) said, “O Lord! Expand my breast for me;
“Ease my task for me;
“And remove the impediment from my speech,
“So they may understand what I say:
“And grant me a minister from my family,
“Aaron, my brother;
“Add to my strength through him,
“And make him share my task:
“So that we may celebrate Your praise without stint,
“And remember You without stint:
“For You are He Who (ever) regards us.”
(Allah) said, “Your prayer is granted, O Moses!”
“And we truly conferred a favor on you another time (before).
“Behold! We sent, by inspiration, the message to your mother:
“`Place (the child) in the chest, and toss (the chest) into the river: The river will cast him up on the bank and he will be taken up by one who is an enemy to Me and an enemy to him': But I cast (the garment of) love over you from Me, and (this) in order that you may be reared under Mine eye.
“Behold! Your sister went forth and said, `Shall I lead you to one who will nurse and rear the (child)?' Thus did We bring you back to your mother, so that her eyes might be cooled and she would not grieve. Then you killed a man, but We saved you from trouble, and We tried you in various ways. Then you stayed a number of years with the people of Madyan. Then you came hither as ordained, O Moses!
“And I have prepared you for Myself (for service)...
“Go, you and your brother, with My Signs, and do not slacken, either of you, in keeping Me in remembrance.
“Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds;
“Speak mildly to him; perhaps he may take warning or fear (Allah).”
Then (Moses and Aaron) said, “Our Lord! We fear lest he should hasten with insolence against us, or lest he should transgress all bounds.”
He said, “Do not fear, for I am with you: I hear and see (everything).
“So both of you go to him, and say, `Truly we are Messengers sent by your Lord: Send forth, therefore, the Children of Israel with us, and do not afflict them: We have indeed come with a Sign from your Lord! And peace to all who follow guidance!
“`It has truly been revealed to us that the penalty (awaits) those who reject and turn away.”'
When this message was (delivered), (Pharaoh) said, “Who, then, O Moses, is the Lord of you two?”
He said, “Our Lord is He Who gave to each (created) thing its form and nature, and further, gave (it) guidance.”
(Pharaoh) said, “What then is the condition of previous generations?”
He replied, “The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: My Lord never errs, nor forgets:
“He Who has made the earth for you, spread out like a carpet; (Who) has enabled you to go about on it by roads (and channels), and has sent down water from the sky.” With it We have produced various pairs of plants each separate from the others.
Eat and feed your cattle: Truly (there) are Signs in this for men endowed with understanding.
We created you from the (earth), and We shall return you into it, and We shall raise you from it again.
And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he rejected and refused.
He said, “Have you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Moses?
“But we can surely produce magic to match yours! So make an appointment between us and you, which we shall not fail to keep! neither we nor you! in a place where both shall have even chances.”
Moses said, “Your appointment is the day of the festival, and let the people be assembled when the sun is well up.”
So Pharaoh withdrew: He concerted his plan, and then came (back).
Moses said to him, “Woe unto you! Do not forge a lie against Allah, lest He should destroy you (at once) utterly by chastisement: The forger must suffer frustration!”
So they disputed, one with another, over their affair, but they kept their talk secret.
They said, “These two are certainly (expert) magicians: Their object is to drive you out of your land with their magic, and to do away with your most cherished institutions.
“Therefore concert your plan, and then assemble in ranks: He wins (all along) today who gains the upper hand.”
They said, “O Moses! Do you want to throw (first) or shall we be the first to throw?”
He said, “Nay! You throw first!” Then, lo, their ropes and rods! so it seemed to him on account of their magic! began to be in lively motion!
So Moses conceived a (sort of) fear in his mind.
We said, “Do not fear! For you truly have the upper hand:
“Throw what is in your right hand: It will quickly swallow up what they have faked. What they have faked is but a magician's trick, and the magician does not thrive (no matter) where he goes.”
So the magicians were thrown down to prostration: They said, “We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.”
(Pharaoh) said, “Do you believe in Him before I grant you permission? Surely this must be your leader who has taught you magic! Be assured I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palm-trees, so you shall know for certain, which of us can grant the more severe and the more lasting punishment!”
They said, “We shall never regard you as greater than the clear Signs that have come to us, or than Him Who created us! So decree whatever you want to decree, for you can only decree (about) the life of this world.
"For us, we believe in Our Lord: May He forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you compelled us, for Allah is best and Most Abiding.”
Truly he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at Judgment)! Hell is for him: He shall neither die nor live therein.
But those who come to Him as believers who have done righteous deeds! exalted ranks are for them,
Gardens of eternity beneath which rivers flow: They will dwell in them forever: Such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil).
We sent an inspiration to Moses, “Travel by night with My servants, and strike a dry path for them through the sea, without fear of being overtaken (by Pharaoh), and without (any other) fear.”
Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but the waters completely overwhelmed them and covered them up.
Pharaoh led his people astray instead of leading them aright.
O you Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a covenant with you on the side of Mount (Sinai), and We sent down manna and quails to you:
(Saying,) “Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess with them, lest My Wrath should justly descend on you, and those on whom My Wrath descends do truly perish!
“But, without doubt, I am (also) He that forgives, again and again, those who repent, believe, and do right, who are ready to receive true guidance.”
When Moses was up on the mount, Allah said, “What made you hasten in advance of your people, O Moses?”
He replied, “Behold, they are close on my footsteps: I hastened to you, O Lord, to please you.”
(Allah) said, “We have tested your people in your absence: The Samiri (Samarian) has led them astray.”
So Moses returned to his people in a state of indignation and sorrow. He said, “O my people! Did your Lord not make a handsome promise to you? Did then the promise seem to you long (in coming)? Or did you desire that Wrath should descend on you from your Lord, so you broke your promise to me?”
They said, “We did not break the promise to you, as far as lay in our power: But we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the (whole) people, and we threw them (into the Fire), and that was what the Samiri suggested.
“Then he brought out (of the fire) before the (people) the image of a calf: It seemed to low, so they said, `This is your god, and the god of Moses, but (Moses) has forgotten!”'
Could they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?
Aaron had already said to them before this, “O my people! You are being tested in this, for truly your Lord is (Allah) Most Gracious, so follow me and obey my command.”
They had said, “We will not abandon this cult, but we will devote ourselves to it until Moses returns to us.”
(Moses) said, “O Aaron! What kept you back, when you saw them going wrong,
“From following me? Did you then disobey my order?”
(Aaron) replied, “O son of my mother! Do not seize (me) by my beard nor by (the hair of) my head! Truly I feared lest you should say, `You have caused a division among the Children of Israel, and you did not respect my word!”'
(Moses) said, “What then is your case, O Samiri?”
He replied, “I saw what they did not see, so I took a handful (of dust) from the footprint of the Messenger, and threw it (into the calf): Thus did my soul suggest to me.”
(Moses) said, “Begone! Your (punishment) in this life will be that you will say, `Do not touch me;' and moreover (for a future penalty) you have a promise that will not fail: Now look at your god, to whom you have become a devoted worshipper: We will certainly (melt) it in a blazing fire and scatter it in the sea!”
But the Allah of all of you is the One Allah: There is no god but He: He comprehends all things in His knowledge.
Thus do We relate to you some stories of what happened before, for We have sent you a message from Our own presence.
If any do turn away from it, truly they will bear a burden on the Day of Judgement;
They will abide in this (state), and the burden will be grievous to them on that Day,
The Day when the trumpet will sound (so) that Day, We shall gather the sinners, bleary-eyed (with terror).
They will consult each other in whispers: “You did not wait longer than ten (days);”
We know best what they will say, when their leader most eminent in conduct will say, “You waited not longer than a day!”
They ask you about the mountains: Say: “My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust;
“He will leave them as plains smooth and level;
“You will see nothing crooked or curved in their place.”
On that day will they follow the caller (straight): No crookedness (can they show) Him: All sounds shall humble themselves in the presence of (Allah) Most Gracious: You shall hear nothing but the tramp of their feet (as they march).
On that Day no intercession shall be of avail except for those for whom permission has been granted by (Allah) Most Gracious and whose word is acceptable to Him.
He knows what (appears to His creatures as) before or after or behind them: But they shall not encompass it with their knowledge.
(All) faces shall be humbled before (Him)-the Living, the Self-Subsisting, the Eternal: The one who carries iniquity (on his back) will truly be hopeless.
But he who does deeds of righteousness, and has faith, will have no fear of harm nor of any curtailment (of what is his due).
Thus We have sent down this! an Arabic Qur'an! and explained in it in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may fear Allah, or that it may cause them to remember (Him).
Allah is high above all, the King, the Truth! Do not be in haste with the Qur'an before its Revelation to you is completed, but say, “O Lord! Advance me in knowledge.”
We had already, beforehand, made a covenant with Adam, but he forgot, and We found no firm resolve on his part.
When We said to the angels, “Prostrate to Adam,” they prostrated, but not Iblis: He refused.
Then We said, “O Adam! Truly this is an enemy to you and your wife, so do not let him get you both out of the garden, lest you should land in misery.
“There is (enough provision) in it for you not to go hungry nor naked,
“Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the sun's heat.”
But Satan whispered evil to him: He said, “O Adam! Shall I lead you to the tree of eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?”
As the result, they both ate of the tree, so their nakedness appeared to them: They began to sew together leaves from the garden for their covering: Thus did Adam disobey His Lord and allow himself to be seduced.
But his Lord chose him (for His grace): He turned to him and gave him guidance.
He said, “Get down, both of you! all together! from the garden, with enmity one to another; but if, as is sure, guidance come to you from Me, whosoever follows My guidance will not lose his way nor fall into misery.
“But whosoever turns away from My message, truly for him life is narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.”
He will say, “O Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)?”
(Allah) will say, “Thus did you disregard Our Signs when they came to you, so will you be disregarded this Day.”
Thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and does not believe in His Lord's Signs, and the penalty of the hereafter is far more grievous and enduring.
Is it not a warning to such men (to remember) how many generations before them We destroyed, in whose haunts they (now) move? Truly (there) are Signs in this for those endowed with understanding.
Had it not been for a word that went forth before from your Lord, (their punishment) must necessarily have come; but there is a term appointed (for respite).
Therefore be patient with what they say, and (constantly) celebrate the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; Yes, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day (so) that you may have (spiritual) joy.
Nor strain your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to some of them, the splendor of the life of this world, through which We test them: But your Lord's provision is better and more enduring.
Enjoin prayer on your people, and be constant in it. We do not ask you to provide sustenance: We provide it for you. But the (fruit of) the hereafter is for righteousness.
They say, “Why does he not bring us a Sign from his Lord?” Has not a clear Sign come to them of all that was in the former Books of Revelation?
And if We had inflicted a penalty on them before this, they would have said, “Our Lord! If only You had sent us a Messenger, we would certainly have followed Your Signs before we were humbled and put to shame.”
Say: “Each one (of us) is waiting, so wait, and you will soon know who it is that is on the straight and even way, and who it is that has received guidance.”

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SURA 21

Al-Anbiya

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

Mankind's reckoning comes closer and closer: Yet they do not heed and they turn away.
(Nothing) ever comes to them of a renewed message from their Lord, but they listen to it as in jest,
Their hearts toying as with trifles. The wrong-doers conceal their private counsels (saying), “Is this more than a man like yourselves? Will you yield to witchcraft with your eyes open?”
Say: “My Lord knows (every) word (spoken) in the heavens and the earth: He is the One Who hears and knows (all things).”
“No,” they say, “(these are) medleys of dreams! No, he forged it! No, he is (but) a poet! Then let him bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to (Prophets) of old!”
(As for those) before them, not one of the populations which We destroyed believed: Will these believe?
The Messengers We sent before you were also men, to whom We granted inspiration: If you do not realize this, ask those who have the message.
Nor did We grant them bodies that ate no food, nor were they exempt from death.
In the end we fulfilled Our promise to them, and We saved them and those whom We pleased, but We destroyed those who transgressed beyond bounds.
We have revealed a Book for you (O men!) in which there is a message for you: Will you then not understand?
How many a town did We utterly destroy because of their iniquities, setting up other people in their places!
Yet, when they felt Our punishment (coming), behold! They (tried to) flee from it.
Do not flee, but return to the good things of this life which were given (to) you, and to your homes so that you may be called to account.
They said, “Ah! Woe unto us! We were indeed wrong-doers!”
And that cry of theirs did not cease till We made them as a mown field, as ashes mute and subdued.
We did not create the heavens and earth and all that is between for (idle) sport!
If it had been Our wish to take (just) a pastime, We would surely have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do (such a thing)!
Nay! We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold! Falsehood perishes! Ah! Woe unto you for the (false) things you ascribe (to Us).
All (creatures) in the heavens and on earth belong to Him: Even those who are in His (very) presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor are they (ever) weary (of serving Him):
They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever flag or rest.
Or have they taken gods from the earth (for worship) who can raise (the dead)?
If there were other gods besides Allah in the heavens and the earth, there would have been confusion in both! But glory to Allah, the Lord on the Throne, high above what they attribute to Him!
He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned (for theirs).
Or have they taken (other) gods for worship besides Him? Say: “Bring your convincing proof: This is the message of those with me and the message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, and so turn away.
We sent no Messenger before you without this inspiration sent to him by Us: that there is no god but I; therefore worship and serve Me.
And they say, “(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring.” Glory to Him! They are (but) servants raised to honor.
They do not speak before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His command.
He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable, and they stand in awe and reverence of His (glory).
If any of them should say, “I am a god besides Him,” We would reward such a god with Hell: Thus do We reward those who do wrong.
Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before We clove them asunder? We made every living thing from water. Then will they not believe?
And We have set mountains standing firm on the earth lest it should shake with them, and We have made broad highways (between mountains) on it for them to pass through (so) that they may receive guidance
And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded: Yet they turn away from the Signs which these things (point to)!
It is He Who created the night and the day, the sun and the moon: All (celestial bodies) swim along, each in its own course.
We did not grant permanent life (here) to any man before you: If you should die, would they live permanently?
Every soul shall have a taste of death, and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial: You must return to Us.
When the disbelievers see you, they treat you only with ridicule. “Is this,” (they say,) “the one who talks of your gods?” And they blaspheme at the mention of (Allah) Most Gracious!
Man is a creature of haste: I will show you My Signs soon (enough): Then you will not ask Me to hasten them!
They say, “When will this promise come to pass, if you are telling the truth?”
If only the disbelievers knew (the time) when, they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor from their backs, and no help can reach them!
Nay! It may come to them all of a sudden and confound them: Then they will have no power to avert it, nor will they (then) get a respite.
(Many) Messengers before you were mocked; but their scoffers were hemmed in by the thing that they mocked.
Say: “Who can keep you safe by night and by day from (the Wrath of Allah) Most Gracious?” Yet they turn away from the mention of their Lord.
Or do they have gods that can guard them from Us? They have no power to aid themselves, nor can they be defended from Us.
Nay! We gave the good things of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them; do they not see that We gradually reduce the land from its outlying borders? Then is it they who will win?
Say: “I only warn you according to Revelation.” But the deaf will not hear the call (even) when they are warned!
If only a breath of your Lord's Wrath touches them, they will then say, “Woe unto us! We did indeed do wrong!”
We shall set up scales of justice on the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it (to account), and We suffice to take account.
In the past We granted Moses and Aaron the criterion (for Judgment), and a light and a message for those who would guard themselves against evil,
Those who fear their Lord in their most secret thoughts, and who hold the Hour (of Judgment) in awe.
And this is a blessed message which We have sent down. Will you then reject it?
We bestowed on Abraham his rectitude of conduct, and We were well acquainted with him.
Behold! He said to his father and his people, “What are these images to which you are (so assiduously) devoted?”
They said, “We found our fathers worshipping them.”
He said, “You have truly been in manifest error, you and your fathers.”
They said, “Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who jest?”
He said, “Nay! Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. He created them (from nothing), and I am a witness to this (fact).
“And by Allah, I have a plan for your idols! after you go away and turn your backs...”
So he broke them to pieces, (all) except their chief, so that they might turn (and ponder).
They said, “Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be a man of impiety!”
They said, “We heard a youth talk of them: He is called Abraham.”
They said, “Then bring him before the people so that they may bear witness.”
They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?”
He said, “No, this was done by their biggest one! Ask them, if they can speak intelligently!”
So they turned to themselves and said, “Surely you are the ones in the wrong!”
Then they were confounded with shame: (They said,) “You know fully well that these (idols) do not speak!”
(Abraham) said, “Then do you worship, besides Allah, things that can neither do you any good nor can they harm you in the least?
“Fie upon you and upon the things that you worship besides Allah! Have you any sense at all?...”
They said, “Burn him and protect your gods, if you would do (anything at all)!”
We said, “O fire! Be cool and (a means of) safety for Abraham!”
Then they sought a stratagem against him: But We made them the ones that lost most!
We delivered him and (his nephew) Lot (and directed them) to the land which We have blessed for the nations.
And We bestowed upon him Isaac and, as an additional boon, (a grandson,) Jacob, and We made every one of them righteous.
And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our command, and We inspired to them to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practice regular charity, and they constantly served Us (and only Us).
And We bestowed Judgment and knowledge also to Lot, and We saved him from the town which practiced abomination: Truly they were a people given to evil, rebellious.
And We admitted him into Our mercy, for he was one of the righteous.
(Remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) before: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him and his family from the great distress.
We helped him against people who rejected Our Signs: Truly they were a people given to evil, so We drowned them (in the flood) all together.
And remember David and Solomon, when they gave Judgment in the matter of the field into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night: We witnessed their Judgment.
We inspired Solomon with the (right) understanding of the matter: We gave each (of them) Judgment and knowledge; it was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises with David: It was We Who did (these things).
It was We Who taught him the making of coats of mail for your benefit, to guard you from the violence of each other; will you then show gratitude?
It was Our power that made the violent (unruly) wind blow (tamely) for Solomon, subservient to his order, to the land which We had blessed, for We know all things.
And of the evil ones, (there) were some who dived for him, and did other work besides, and it was We Who guarded them.
And (remember) Job when he cried to his Lord, “Truly distress has seized me, but You are the Most Merciful of those who have mercy.”
So We listened to him: We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him, and doubled their number! as a grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who serve Us.
And (remember) Ishmael, Idris, and Dhul-Kifl, all (men) of constancy and patience;
We admitted them into Our mercy, for they were of the righteous ones.
And remember Dhun-Nun, when he departed in wrath: He imagined that We had no power over him! But he cried through the depths of darkness, “There is no god but You: Glory to You: I was truly wrong!”
So We listened to him and delivered him from distress, and thus do We deliver those who have faith.
And (remember) Zakariya, when he cried to his Lord, “O Lord! Do not leave me without offspring, though You are the best of inheritors.”
So We listened to him and We granted him John: We cured his wife's (barrenness) for him. These three were ever quick in emulation in good deeds: They used to call upon Us with love and reverence, and humble themselves before Us.
And (remember) the one who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our rūh, spirit, and We made her and her son a Sign for all peoples.
Truly this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: Therefore serve Me (alone).
But (later generations) severed their affair (of unity), one from another: (Yet) they will all return to Us.
Whoever does any act of righteousness and has faith! his endeavor will not be rejected: We shall record it in his favor.
But it is binding upon any population which We have destroyed that they shall not return,
Until the Gog and Magog (people) are let through (their barrier), and they swiftly swarm from every elevated place.
Then will the true promise draw nigh (to fulfillment): Then behold! The eyes of the disbelievers will fixedly stare in horror: “Ah! Woe unto us! We were truly heedless of this; nay, we truly did wrong!”
Truly you (disbelievers) and the (false) gods that you worship besides Allah are (but) fuel for Hell! You will (surely) come to it!
If these had been gods, they would not have gone there! But each one of them will abide therein.
There, sobbing will be their lot, nor will they hear (anything else) there.
Those for whom the good (record) from Us has gone before will be far removed therefrom.
They will not hear the slightest sound of Hell: in what their souls desire that they will dwell.
The great terror will bring them no grief: But the angels will meet them (with the greeting): “This is your Day! (the Day) that you were promised.”
The Day that We roll up the heavens like a scroll rolled up for books (completed)! even as We produced the first creation, so shall We produce a new one: A promise We have undertaken: Truly We shall fulfill it.
Before this We wrote in the Psalms, after the message (had been given to Moses): “My servants, the righteous, shall inherit the earth.”
Truly in the (Qur'an) is a message for people who would (truly) worship Allah.
We sent you only as a mercy for all creatures.
Say: “What has come to me by inspiration is that your Allah is one Allah: Will you therefore bow to His will (in Islam)?”
But if they turn back, say: “I have proclaimed the message to you all fairly and in truth; but I do not know whether what you are promised is near or far.
“It is He Who knows what you reveal and what you conceal (in your hearts).
“I do not know but that it may be a trial for you, and a grant of (worldly) livelihood (to you) for a time.”
Say: “O Lord! Judge in truth! Our Lord Most Gracious is the One Whose assistance should be sought against the blasphemies you utter!”

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SURA 22

Al-Hajj, The Pilgrimage

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

O mankind! Fear your Lord! For the convulsion of the Hour (of Judgment) will be a terrible thing!
The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother shall forget her suckling babe, and every pregnant female shall drop her load (unformed): You shall see mankind as in a drunken riot, but not drunk: Yet God's Wrath will surely be dreadful.
Yet among men there are those who dispute about Allah, without knowledge, and follow every evil one obstinate in rebellion!
It is decreed, about the (evil one), that whoever turns to him for friendship, he will lead him astray, and he will guide him to the penalty of the fire.
O mankind! If you have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our power) to you, and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that you may reach your age of full strength, and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much). And (further), you see the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life); it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth (in pairs).
This is so because Allah is the Reality: It is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who has power over all things.
And truly the Hour will come: There can be no doubt about it, or about (the fact) that Allah will raise up all who are in the grave.
Yet there is among men such one who disputes about Allah, without knowledge, without guidance, and without a book of enlightenment,
(Disdainfully) bending his side, in order to (lead men) astray from God's path. For him there is a disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Judgment We shall make him taste the penalty of the burning (Fire).
(It will be said,) “This is so because of the deeds which your hands sent forth, for truly Allah is not unjust to His servants.”
There are among men some who serve Allah, as it were, on the verge: If good befalls them, they are well content with it; but if a trial comes to them, they turn upon their faces: They lose both this world and the hereafter: that is a manifest loss!
They call upon such deities, besides Allah, as can neither hurt nor benefit them (so) that is straying far indeed (from the Way)!
(Perhaps) they call upon one whose harm is nearer than his benefit: Evil, indeed, is the patron, and evil is the companion (for help)!
Truly Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, for Allah carries out all that He plans.
If any thinks that Allah will not help him (His Messenger) in this world and the hereafter, let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and cut (himself) off: Then let him see whether that will remove what enrages (him)!
Thus We have sent down clear Signs, and truly Allah guides whom He pleases!
Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, the Christians, Magians, and the polytheists! God will judge among them on the Day of Judgment, for Allah is Witness to all things.
Do you not see that all things that are in the heavens and on earth! the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals, and a great number among mankind! bow down in worship to Allah? But a great number are also fit for punishment; whoever Allah disgraces, none can raise to honor, for Allah carries out all that He wills.
These two antagonists dispute with each other about their Lord: But those who deny (their Lord)! a garment of fire will be cut out for them: boiling water will be poured over their heads.
What is within their bodies, as well as (their) skins, will be scalded with it.
In addition there will be iron maces (to punish) them.
Every time they wish to get away from it, from anguish, they will be forced back into it, and (it will be said), “Taste the penalty of burning!”
Allah will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds, to gardens with rivers flowing beneath: There they shall be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments there will be of silk.
For they have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speech; they have been guided to the path of Him Who is worthy of (all) praise.
As for those who have rejected (Allah) and would keep (men) back from God's way and from the sacred Mosque, which We have made (open) to (all) men! the dweller there and the visitor from the country are equal there! and any whose purpose there is profanity or wrong-doing! We will cause them to taste of a most grievous penalty.
Behold! We assigned the site of the (sacred) house for Abraham, (saying,) “Do not associate anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify My house for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate (in it in prayer).
“And proclaim the pilgrimage among men; they will come to you on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;
“That they may witness the benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate God's name through the appointed days, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for sacrifice): Then eat of them and feed the distressed ones in want.
“Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the ancient house.”
Such (is the pilgrimage): Whoever honors God's sacred rites, for him it is good in the sight of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food during the pilgrimage) are cattle, except those mentioned to you (as exceptions): But shun the abomination of idols, and shun the word that is false,
Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: If anyone assigns partners to Allah, it is as if he had fallen from heavens and snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a remote place.
Such (is his state), and whoever honors God's symbols (in the sacrifice of animals), such (honor) should come truly from piety of heart.
In them you have benefits for an appointed term: In the end their place of sacrifice is near the ancient House.
To every people We appointed rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate God's name over the sustenance He gave them of animals (fit for food). But your Allah is One Allah: Then submit your wills to Him (in Islam) and grant the glad tidings to those who humble themselves,
To those whose hearts, when Allah is mentioned, are filled with awe, who show patient perseverance over their afflictions, keep up regular prayer, and spend (in charity) out of what We have bestowed upon them.
The sacrificial camels We have made for you as among God's symbols: (There) is (much) good for you in them: Then pronounce God's name over them as they line up (for sacrifice): When they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat of them and feed such as (do not beg but) live in contentment, and such as beg with due humility: Thus have We made animals subservient to you so that you may be grateful.
It is not their blood that reaches Allah. It is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subservient to you, that you may glorify Allah for guiding you, and proclaim the glad tidings to all who do right.
Truly Allah will defend those who believe: Truly Allah does not love anyone who is a traitor to faith, or who shows ingratitude.
To those against whom war is waged, permission is given (to fight) because they are wronged, and truly Allah is most powerful in their aid;
(They are) those who in defiance of right have been expelled from their homes (for no reason) except that they say, “Our Lord is Allah.” If Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, in which God's name is commemorated in abundant measure, would surely have been destroyed. Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause), for truly Allah is full of strength, exalted in might, (able to enforce His will).
(They are) those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and grant regular charity, enjoin right and forbid wrong: The end (and decision) of (all) affairs rests with Allah.
If they label your (mission) as false, so did the peoples before them (with their prophets)! the people of Noah, and 'Ad and Thamud;
Those of Abraham and Lot;
And the companions of the Madyan people, and Moses was rejected (in the same way). But I granted respite to the disbelievers and (only) after that did I punish them. How (terrible) was My rejection (of them)!
How many a town have We destroyed, which were given to wrong-doing?! They tumbled down on their roofs. And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, and mansions lofty and well-built?!
Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ears may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind but the hearts in their breasts.
Yet they ask you to hasten on the punishment! But Allah will not fail in His promise. Truly a day in your Lord's sight is like a thousand years of your reckoning.
And to how many populations did I grant respite, which were given to wrong-doing? In the end I punished them. To Me is the destination (of all).
Say: “O men! I am (sent) to you only to grant a clear warning.
“Those who believe and do righteous deeds, for them is forgiveness and a sustenance most generous.
“But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them! They will be companions of the Fire.”
We never sent a Messenger or a Prophet before you but, when he framed a desire, Satan threw some (vanity) into his desire: But Allah will cancel anything (vain) that Satan throws in, and Allah will confirm (and establish) His Signs, for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom:
That He may make the suggestions thrown in by Satan only a trial for those in whose hearts there is a disease and who are hardened of heart: Truly the wrong-doers are in a schism far (from the truth):
And that those on whom knowledge has been bestowed may learn that the (Qur'an) is the truth from your Lord, and that they may believe in it, and their hearts may be made humbly (open) to it, for truly Allah guides those who believe to the Straight Way.
Those who reject faith will not cease to be in doubt concerning (Revelation) until the Hour (of Judgment) comes suddenly upon them, or the penalty of a Day of disaster comes to them.
On that Day Allah will have the dominion: He will judge between them, so those who believe and do righteous deeds will be in the gardens of delight.
And for those who reject faith and deny Our Signs there will be a humiliating punishment.
Those who leave their homes for God's Cause and are then slain or die! God will truly bestow a goodly provision on them: Truly Allah is He Who bestows the best provision.
Truly He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well pleased, for Allah is all-Knowing, Most Forbearing.
That (is so). And if one has retaliated to no greater extent than the injury he received, and is again oppressed, Allah will help him, for Allah is One Who blots out (sins) and forgives (again and again).
That is because Allah merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and truly it is Allah Who hears and sees (all things).
That is because God! He is the Reality, and those besides Him whom they invoke! they are but vain falsehood: Truly Allah is He, the Most High, the Most Great.
Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and the earth immediately becomes clad in green? For Allah is He Who understands the finest mysteries, and is well-acquainted (with them).
All that is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Him, for truly Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.
Do you not see that Allah has made subservient to you all that is on earth, and the ships that sail through the sea by His command? He withholds the sky (rain) from falling on the earth except by His permission, for Allah is Most Kind and Most Merciful to man.
It is He Who gave you life, will cause you to die, and will again grant you life: Truly man is a most ungrateful creature!
For every people We have appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow; then do not let them dispute with you on the matter, but invite (them) to your Lord, for you are assuredly on the Right Way.
If they wrangle with you, say: “Allah knows best what you are doing.
“Allah will judge between you on the Day of Judgment concerning the matters in which you differ.”
Do you not know that Allah knows all that is in heavens and on earth? Indeed it is all in a record, and that is easy for Allah.
Yet they worship, besides Allah, things for which no authority has been sent down to them, and of which they have (really) no knowledge, for those who do wrong there is no helper.
When Our clear Signs are recited to them, you will notice a denial on the faces of the disbelievers! They nearly attack with violence those who recite Our Signs to them. Say: “Shall I tell you of something (far) worse than these Signs? It is the fire (of Hell)! Allah has promised it to the disbelievers! And that destination is evil!”
O men! Here is a parable set forth! Listen to it! Those on whom you call, besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, if they all met together for the purpose! And if the fly should snatch anything away from them, they would have no power to retrieve it from the fly: Those who petition and those whom they petition are all feeble!
They have not made any just estimate of Allah, for Allah is He Who is strong and able to carry out His Will.
Allah chooses messengers from angels and from men, for Allah is He Who hears and sees (all things).
He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and all questions go back to Allah (for decision).
O you who believe! Bow down, prostrate, and adore your Lord, and do good deeds so that you may prosper.
And strive in His cause as you ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline:) He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion; it is the creed of your father Abraham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, before now and in this (Revelation) so that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for mankind! So establish regular prayer, grant regular charity, and hold fast to Allah! He is your Protector! the best to protect and the best to help!

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Sura 23

Al-Muminun, The Believers

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

The believers must (eventually) win through,
Those who humble themselves in their prayers;
Who avoid vain talk;
Who are active in deeds of charity;
Who guard their private parts,
Except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess! for (in their case) they are free from blame,
But those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors.
Those who faithfully observe their trust and their covenants,
And who (strictly) guard their prayers;
Those will be the heirs,
Who will inherit Paradise: They will dwell in it (for ever).
We created man from a quintessence (of clay);
Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed;
Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then We made a (fetus) lump of that clot; then We made bones out of that lump and clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed another creature out of it, so blessed be Allah, the Best to create!
After that, at length, you will die.
On the Day of Judgment you will be raised up again.
And We have made seven tracts above you, and We are never unmindful of (Our) creation.
And We send down water from the sky in (due) measure, and We cause it to soak into the soil, and We certainly are able to drain it off (with ease).
With it We grow gardens of date-palms and vines for you: You have abundant fruits in them, and you eat (and have enjoyment) of them.
Also a tree springing out of Mount Sinai which produces oil and relish for those who use it for food.
And You have an instructive example in cattle (too); from within their bodies We produce (milk) for you to drink; there are numerous (other) benefits in them for you (besides), and you eat of their (meat);
And you ride on them, as well as in ships.
Further, We sent a long line of prophets for your instruction. We sent Noah to his people: He said, “O people! Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him: Will you not fear (Him)?”
The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said, “He is no more than a man like yourselves: He wishes to assert his superiority over you: If Allah had wished (to send messengers), He could have sent down angels: We never heard such a thing (as he says) among our ancestors of old.”
(And some) said, “He is only a possessed man: Wait (and be patient) with him for some time.”
(Noah) said, “O Lord! Help me; they accuse me of falsehood!”
So We inspired him (with this message): Construct the ark with Our sight and under Our guidance: Then when Our command comes and the fountains of the earth gush forth, take pairs of every species, male and female, on board, and your family, except those against whom the word has already gone forth, and do not address Me in favor of the wrongdoers, for they shall be drowned (in the flood).
And when you have embarked on the ark, you and those with you, say: “Praise be to Allah Who has saved us from the people who do wrong.”
And say: “O Lord! Enable me to disembark with Your blessing, for You are the Best to enable (us) to disembark.”
Truly there are Signs in this (for men who understand); (thus) do We try (men).
Then We raised another generation after them;
And We sent a Messenger to them from among themselves, (saying,) “Worship Allah! You have no other god but Him. Will you not fear (Him)?”
And the chiefs of his people, who disbelieved and denied the meeting in the hereafter, and on whom We had bestowed the good things of this life, said, “He is no more than a man like yourselves; he eats of what you eat and drinks of what you drink.
“If you obey a man like yourselves, behold, you will certainly be lost.
“Does he promise that when you die and become dust and bones, you shall be brought forth (again)?!
“Far, very far is that which you are promised!
“There is nothing but our life in this world! We live and we shall die! But we shall never be raised up again!
“He is only a man who invents a lie against Allah, but we are not to believe in him!”
(The Prophet) said, “O Lord! Help me; they accuse me of falsehood.”
(Allah) said, “In only a little while, they are sure to be sorry!”
Then the blast overtook them justly, and We made them like rubbish of dead leaves (floating on the stream of time)! So away with the people who do wrong!
Then We raised other generations after them.
No people can hasten their term, nor can they delay it.
Then We sent our Messengers in succession: Every time a Messenger came to a people, they accused him of falsehood, so We made them follow each other (in punishment): We made them as a tale (that is told), so away with a people that will not believe!
Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our Signs and manifest authority,
To Pharaoh and his chiefs: But they behaved insolently: They were arrogant people.
They said, “Shall We believe in two men like ourselves? And their people are our subjects!”
So they accused them of falsehood, and they became of those who were destroyed.
And We granted Moses the Book, so that they might receive guidance.
And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a Sign: We gave them both shelter on high ground, affording rest and security and furnished with springs.
O Messengers! Enjoy (all) good and pure things, and do righteous deeds, for I am well acquainted with (all) that you do.
And truly this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: Therefore fear (only) Me.
But people have cut off their affair (of unity) between them into sects: Each party rejoices in what is with it.
But leave them in their confused ignorance for some time.
Do they think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth and sons,
We would hasten them on in every good? Nay! They (simply) do not understand.
Truly those who live in awe for fear of their Lord,
Those who believe in the Signs of their Lord,
Those who do not join partners (in worship) with their Lord,
And those who dispense charity with their hearts full of fear because they will return to their Lord;
It is they who hasten in every good deed and who are foremost in doing so.
We do not place a burden on any soul greater than it can bear: Before Us is a record which clearly shows the truth: They will never be wronged.
But their hearts are in confused ignorance of this, and there are, besides that, deeds of theirs which they will (continue) to do,
Until, when We seize in punishment those among them who received the good things of this world, behold! They will groan in supplication!
It will be said, “Do not groan in supplication this Day, for you shall certainly not be helped by Us.
“My Signs used to be recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels,
“In arrogance, talking nonsense about the (Qur'an), like one telling fables by night.”
Do they not ponder over the word (of Allah) or has anything (new) come to them that did not come to their fathers of old?
Or do they not recognize their Messenger, that they deny him?
Or do they say, “He is possessed”? Nay! He has brought them the truth, but most of them hate the truth.
Had the truth had been in accord with their desires, truly the heavens and the earth, and all beings in them, would have been in confusion and corruption! Nay! We have sent them their admonishment, but they turn away from their admonition.
Or is it that you ask them for some recompense? But the recompense of your Lord is best: He is the Best of those who grant sustenance.
Truly you call them to the Straight way.
And truly those who do not believe in the hereafter are deviating from that way.
If We had mercy on them and removed their distress, they would obstinately persist in their transgression, wandering to and fro in distraction.
We inflicted punishment on them, but they did not humble themselves to their Lord, nor do they submissively entreat (Him)!
Until We open on them a gate leading to a severe punishment: Then behold! They will be plunged into despair therein!
It is He Who has created for you (the faculties of) hearing, sight, feeling and understanding: Small thanks do you grant!
And He has multiplied you throughout the earth, and you shall be gathered back to Him.
It is He Who gives life and death, and the alternation of night and day (is due) to Him: Then will you not understand?
On the contrary, they say things similar to what the ancients said.
They say, “What?! When we die and become dust and bones, could we really be raised up again?!
“Such things have been promised to us and to our fathers before! They are nothing but tales of the ancients!”
Say: “To Whom does the earth and all beings on it belong? (Answer) if you know!”
They will say, “To Allah!” Say: “Yet will you not receive admonishment?”
Say: “Who is the Lord of the seven heavens, and the Lord of the throne (of glory) supreme?”
They will say, “(They belong) to Allah.” Say: “Then will you not be filled with awe?”
Say: “Who is it in Whose hands is the governance of all things! Who protects (all), but is not protected (by any)? (Answer) if you know.”
They will say, “(It belongs) to Allah.” Say: “Then how are you deluded?”
We have sent them the truth: But they truly adhere to falsehood!
No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (If there were many gods,) behold! Each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have overpowered others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!
He knows what is hidden and what is open: He is too Sublime above the partners they attribute to Him!
Say: “O Lord! If You show me (in my lifetime) what they are warned against,
“Then, O Lord! Do not place me among the people who do wrong!”
And We are certainly able to show you (in fulfillment) what they are warned against.
Repel evil with what is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say.
And say: “O Lord! I seek refuge with You from the suggestions of the evil ones;
“And I seek refuge with You, O Lord, lest they should come near me.”
(They will be in falsehood) until, when death comes to one of them he says, “O Lord! Send me back (to life),
“So that I may do righteous deeds in the things I neglected.” “By no means!” It is but a word he says! (There) is a barrier before them till the Day they are raised up.
Then when the trumpet is blown, there will be no more relationships between them that Day, nor will one ask about another!
Then those whose balance (of good deeds) is heavy will attain salvation:
But those whose balance is light will who have lost their souls; they will abide in Hell.
The fire will burn their faces and they will grin in it, with their lips displaced.
“Were not My Signs recited to you, and you treated them only as falsehoods?”
They will say, “Our Lord! Our misfortune overwhelmed us and we became a people astray!
“Our Lord! Bring us out of this: If ever we return (to evil), we shall then be wrong-doers indeed!”
He will say, “Be driven into it (with ignominy)! And do not speak to Me!
“Some of my servants used to pray, `Our Lord! We believe; so forgive us and have mercy upon us, for You are the Best of those who show mercy! '
“But you treated them with ridicule, so much so that (ridiculing) them made you forget My message while you were laughing at them!
“I have rewarded them this Day for their patience and constancy: They are truly the ones who have achieved bliss...”
He will say, “What number of years did you stay on earth?”
They will say, “We stayed a day or part of a day, but ask those who keep account.”
He will say, “You stayed only a little (while)! if only you had known!
“Then did you think that We had created you in jest, and that you would not be brought back to Us (for account)?”
Therefore Exalted be Allah, the King, the Reality; there is no god but He, the Lord of the throne of honor!
If anyone invokes any other god besides Allah, he has no authority for it, and his reckoning will be only with his Lord! And truly the disbelievers will never succeed!
So say: “O Lord! Grant us forgiveness and mercy for You are the best of those who show mercy!”

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SURA 24

Al-Noor [The Light]

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

A Sura which We have sent down and which We have ordained: In it We have sent down clear Signs so that you may receive admonishment.
The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication! flog each of them with a hundred lashes; do not let compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day, and let some believers witness their punishment.
Let no man guilty of adultery or fornication marry any but a woman similarly guilty, or an disbeliever, nor let any except such a man or an disbeliever marry such a woman: Such a thing is forbidden to the believers.
And those who charge chaste women and do not produce four witnesses (to support their allegation)! flog them with eighty lashes, and reject their evidence ever after that, for such men are wicked transgressors;
Unless they repent after that and mend (their conduct), for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
And for those who charge their spouses and have no evidence but their own (in support)! their solitary evidence (can be received) if they bear witness four times (with an oath) by Allah that they are solemnly telling the truth.
And the fifth (oath should be) that they solemnly invoke God's curse on themselves if they tell a lie.
But it would avert the punishment from the wife, if she bears witness four times (with an oath) by Allah, that (her husband) is telling a lie;
And the fifth (oath) should be that she solemnly invokes God's curse on herself if (her accuser) is telling the truth.
If it were not for God's grace and mercy unto you, and that Allah is oft-Returning, full of wisdom, (you would be ruined indeed).
Those who brought forward the lie are a body among yourselves: Do not think it to be an evil to you: On the contrary, it is good for you: To every man among them (will come the punishment) of the sin that he committed, and for him who took on himself the lead among them, (there) will be a grievous penalty.
Why did not the believers! men and women! when you heard of the affair, think well of their own people and say, “This (charge) is an obvious lie”?
Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they have not brought the witnesses, such men, in God's sight, (show) themselves as liars!
Were it not for God's grace and mercy upon you, in this world and the hereafter, a grievous penalty would have seized you because you rushed glibly into this affair.
Behold! You received it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths things of which you had no knowledge, and you thought it to be a light matter, while it was most serious in God's sight.
And why did you not, when you heard it, say, “It is not right for us to speak of this: Glory to Allah! This is a most serious slander!”
Allah admonishes you that you may never repeat such (conduct), if you are (true) believers.
And Allah makes the Signs plain to you, for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
Those who love (to see) scandal publicized widely among the believers will have a grievous penalty in this life and in the hereafter: Allah knows, and you do not know.
Were it not for God's grace and mercy upon you, and that Allah is full of kindness and mercy (you would be ruined indeed).
O you who believe! Do not follow Satan's footsteps: If any follows into Satan's footsteps, he will (only) command what is shameful and wrong, and were it not for God's grace and mercy upon you, none of you would have ever been pure: But Allah purifies whom He pleases, and Allah is One Who hears and knows (all things).
Do not let those among you who are endowed with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in God's cause: Let them forgive and overlook: Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Those who slander chaste women, indiscreet but believing, are cursed in this life and in the hereafter; for them there is a grievous penalty (in store),
On the Day when their tongues, hands, and feet will bear witness against them as to their actions.
On that Day Allah will pay them back (all) their just dues, and they will realize that Allah is the (very) truth that makes all things manifest.
Impure Women are for impure men, and impure men are for impure women, and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity: These are not affected by what people say, for them there is forgiveness and an honorable provision.
O you who believe! Do not enter houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them: that is best for you so that you may heed (what is seemly).
If you find no one in the house, do not enter until permission is granted to you: If you are asked to go back, go back: that makes for greater purity for yourselves, and Allah knows well all that you do.
It is no fault on your part if you enter houses not inhabited which serve some (other) use for you, and Allah has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal.
Tell the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them, and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do.
And tell the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, fathers, husbands' fathers, sons, husbands' sons, brothers or brothers' sons, or sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have not attained the awareness of sex, and that they should not stamp their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O you believers! Turn altogether towards Allah so that you may attain bliss.
Marry those among you who are single, the virtuous ones among your slaves, male or female: If they are in poverty, Allah will grant them means out of His grace, for Allah encompasses all, and He knows all things.
Let those who do not find the means for marriage keep themselves chaste until Allah gives them means out of His grace. And if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), grant them such a deed if you know any good in them; yes, grant them something out of the means which Allah has given to you. But do not force your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, so that you may make a gain in the frail goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, after such compulsion, Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful (to them).
We have already sent down to you verses making things clear, an illustration from (the story of) people who passed away before you, and an admonishment for those who fear (Allah).
Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His light is as if there were a niche and a lamp within it: The lamp is enclosed in glass: The glass as it were a brilliant star lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil is almost luminous, though fire scarce touches it: Light upon light! Allah guides whom He wills to His light: Allah sets forth parables for men, and Allah knows all things.
(Such a light is lit) in houses which Allah has permitted to be raised to honor to celebration His name therein: He is glorified in them in the mornings and the evenings (again and again),
By men whom neither sale nor merchandise can divert from remembering Allah, nor from regular prayers, nor from the practice of regular charity. Their (only) fear is of the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new),
That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His grace, for Allah provides for those whom He wills, without measure.
But the disbelievers' deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which are parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes to it, he finds it to be nothing. But he finds Allah (ever) with him, and Allah will pay him his account, and Allah is swift in taking account.
Or (the disbelievers' state) is like the depths of darkness in a vastly deep ocean, overwhelmed with billow topped by billow, topped by (dark) clouds: Depths of darkness, one above another: If a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! For any to whom Allah does not grant light, there is no light (at all)!
Do you not see that it is Allah Whose praises all beings in the heavens and on earth celebrate, and the birds with wings outstretched? Each one knows its own (mode of) prayer and praise. And Allah knows well all that they do.
Yes, the dominion of the heavens and the earth belongs to Allah, and Allah is the final goal (of all).
Do you not see that Allah makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap? Then you will see rain come forth from their midst. And He sends down from the sky mountain masses (of clouds) with hail in them: He strikes with it whomsoever He pleases and He turns it away from whomsoever He pleases. The vivid flash of His lightning nearly blinds the sight.
It is Allah Who alternates the night and the Day: Truly (there) is an instructive example in these things for those who have vision!
And Allah has created every animal from water, some of them creep on their bellies; some walk on two legs, and some walk on four. Allah creates what He wills, for truly Allah has power over all things.
We have indeed sent down Signs that make things manifest, and Allah guides whom He wills to a way that is straight.
They say, “We believe in Allah and in the Messenger, and we obey.” But even after that, some of them turn away: They are not (really) believers.
When they are summoned to Allah and His Messenger, so that he may judge between them, behold! Some of them decline (to come).
But if the right is on their side, they come to him in all submission.
Is there a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt, or are they in fear that Allah and His Messenger will deal unjustly with them? Nay! it is they themselves who do wrong.
The answer of the believers, when summoned to Allah and His Messenger so that he may judge between them, is no other than this: They say, “We hear and we obey.” These are the ones who will attain felicity.
It is those who obey Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah and do right, who will win (in the end).
They swear their strongest oaths by Allah that, if only you would command them, they would leave (their homes). Say: “Do not swear; obedience is (more) reasonable: Truly, Allah is well acquainted with all that you do.”
Say: “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger: But whoever turns away is only responsible for the duty placed on him and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to preach the clear (message).”
Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them inheritance (of power) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, that He will establish their religion in authority, the one which He has chosen for them, and that He will change (their state), from the fear in which they (lived) to one of security and peace: They will worship Me (alone) and not associate anything with Me. If any reject faith after this, they are rebellious and wicked.
So establish regular prayer and grant regular charity, and obey the Messenger so that you may receive mercy.
Never think that the disbelievers are going to frustrate (God's plan) on earth: Their abode is the Fire, and it is truly an evil refuge!
O you who believe! Let those whom your right hands possess and the (children) among you who have not come of age ask your permission (before they come into your presence) on three occasions: Before morning prayers; while you doff your clothes for the noonday heat, and after the late-night prayers: These are your three times of undressing: Other than during those times, it is not wrong for you or for them to move about attending to each other: Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you, for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
But when the children among you come of age, let them (also) ask for permission, as do those senior to them (in age): Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to you, for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.
Such elderly women as are past the prospect of marriage, there is no blame on them if they lay aside their (outer) garments, provided they do not make a wanton display of their beauty: But it is best for them to be modest, and Allah is One Who sees and knows all things.
It is no fault in the blind nor in one born lame, nor in one afflicted with illness, nor in yourselves, that you should eat in your own houses, or those of your fathers, or your mothers, or your brothers or your sisters, or your father's, brothers, or your father's sisters, or your mother's brothers, or your mother's sisters, or in houses of which the keys are in your possession, or in the house of a close friend of yours: There is no blame on you, whether you eat in company or separately. But if you enter houses, greet each other! a greeting of blessing and purity as from Allah. Thus does Allah make clear the Signs to you (so) that you may understand.
Only those are believers who believe in Allah and His Messenger: When they are with him on a matter requiring collective action, they do not depart until they have asked for his permission; those who ask for your permission are the ones who believe in Allah and His Messenger; so when they ask for your leave, for some business of theirs, grant leave to those of them whom you will, and ask Allah for their forgiveness, for Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Do not deem the summons of the Messenger among yourselves like the summons of one of you to another: Allah knows those of you who slip away under shelter of some excuse: Then let those beware who resist the Messenger's order lest some trial should befall them, or a grievous penalty be inflicted on them.
Rest assured that whatever is in the heavens and on earth belongs to Allah. He knows well what you are intent upon, and one Day they will be brought back to Him, and He will tell them the truth of what they did, for Allah knows all things.

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SURA 25

Al-Furqan: [The Criterion]

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

Blessed is He Who sent down the criterion to His servant so that it may be an admonishment to all nations;
To Him belong the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He has not begotten a son, nor does He have a partner in His dominion: It is He Who created all things and ordained them in due proportions.
Yet they have taken, besides Him, gods that can create nothing while they themselves are created; (gods) that have no control over harm or benefit to themselves; nor can they control death nor life nor resurrection.
But the disbelievers say, “This is nothing but a lie which he has forged, and others have helped him at it.” In truth it is they who have put forward an iniquity and a falsehood.
And they say, “Tales of the ancients, which he has caused to be written, and they are dictated to him morning and evening.”
Say: “The (Qur'an) was sent down by the One Who knows the mystery (that is) in the heavens and the earth: Truly He is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
And they say, “What sort of a Messenger is this who eats food and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to him to grant admonishment with him?
“Or (why) has no treasure been bestowed upon him, or why does he (not) have a garden for enjoyment?” The wicked ones say, “You follow no one other than a bewitched man.”
Behold what kinds of comparisons they make for you! But they have gone astray, and they will never be able to find a way!
Blessed is He Who, if that were His will, could grant you better (things) than those! gardens beneath which rivers flow, and He could grant you palaces (secure to dwell in).
Nay! they deny the Hour (of the Judgment to come): But We have prepared a blazing fire for those who deny the Hour:
When it sees them from a far-off place, they will hear its fury and its raging sigh.
And when they are cast, tied together, into a constricted place in it, they will plead for destruction there and then!
“This Day do not plead for a single destruction: Plead for destruction oft-repeated!”
Say: “Is that best, or the eternal garden promised to the righteous?” For them, that is a reward as well as a goal (of attainment).
“All that they desire will be in it for them: They will dwell (in it) forever: A promise to be prayed for from your Lord.”
On the Day He gathers them together as well as those whom they worship besides Allah, He will ask, “Was it you who led these My servants astray, or did they themselves stray from the path?”
They will say, “Glory to You! It was not proper for us that we should take others besides You for protectors: But You bestowed good things (in life) on them and their fathers, until they forgot the message, for they were a (worthless and) lost people.”
(Allah will say,) “Now they have proved you liars in what you say, so you cannot avert (your penalty) nor (get) help.” And whoever among you does wrong, We shall make him taste of a grievous penalty.
And the Messengers whom We sent before you were all (men) who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others: Will you have patience? For Allah is One Who sees (all things).
Those who do not fear the meeting with Us (for Judgment) say, “Why are not the angels sent down to us, or (why) do we not see our Lord?” They have a truly arrogant conceit of themselves, and mighty is the insolence of their impiety!
The Day they see the angels! no joy will there be to the sinners that Day: The (angels) will say, “There is a barrier altogether forbidden (to you)!”
And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did (in this life), and We shall make such deeds as floating dust scattered about.
The companions of the garden will be well, that Day, in their abode, and have the fairest of places for repose.
The Day the heavens are rent asunder with clouds, and the angels are sent down, descending (in ranks),
That Day, the dominion of right and truth shall be (wholly) for (Allah) Most Merciful: It will be a Day of dire difficulty for the disbelievers.
The Day that the wrongdoer bites at his hands, he will say, “Oh! Would that I had taken a (straight) path with the Messenger!
“Ah! Woe unto me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!
“He led me astray from (God's) message after it had come to me! Ah! The evil one is only a traitor to man!”
Then the Messenger will say, “O Lord! Truly my people took this Qur'an for just foolish nonsense.”
Thus We have made, among the sinners, an enemy for every Prophet: But the Lord is enough to guide and to help:
Those who reject faith say, “Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him all at once?” Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen your heart by it, and We have recited it to you in gradual, well-arranged stages.
And they bring you no question but We reveal the truth and the best explanation (of it) to you.
Those who will be gathered to Hell (prone) on their faces! they will be in an evil plight, and the path most astray.
Before this, We sent Moses the Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister;
And We commanded, “Go both of you to the people who have rejected Our Signs.” And those (people) We destroyed with utter destruction.
And the people of Noah! when they rejected the Messengers, We drowned them, and We made them as a Sign for mankind, and We have prepared a grievous penalty for (all) wrongdoers;
As also 'Ad and Thamud, and the companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them.
To each We set forth parables and examples, and each We reduced to utter annihilation (for their sins).
And the (disbelievers) must indeed have passed by the town on which a shower of evil was poured: Then did they not see it (with their own eyes)? Yet they do not fear the resurrection.
When they see you, they treat you only with mockery: “Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a Messenger?!
“He truly would almost have misled us from our gods, had it not been that we were constant to them!”! Soon will they know, when they see the penalty, who it is who is most misled in path!
Do you see such one who takes his own passion (or impulse) as his god? Could you be his disposer of affairs?
Or do you think that most of them listen or understand? They are only like cattle; Nay! they are worse astray in path.
Have you not turned your vision to your Lord, how He prolongs the shadow?! If He willed, He could make it stationary! Then We make the sun its guide:
Then We draw it in towards Ourselves! a contraction by easy stages.
And it is He Who makes the night as a robe for you, and sleep as repose, and makes the day (as it were) resurrection.
And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy, and We send down purifying water from the sky,
So that with it We may grant life to a dead land, and slake the thirst of things We have created! cattle and men in great multitudes.
And We have distributed the (water) among them, so that they may celebrate (Our) praises, but most men are averse (to anything) but (rank) ingratitude.
Had it been Our will, We would have sent a warner to every town.
Therefore do not listen to the disbelievers, but strive against them with utmost striving, with the (Qur'an).
It is He Who has set free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salty and bitter; yet He has made a barrier between them, an inviolable obstruction.
It is He Who has created man from water: Then He has established relationships of lineage and marriage, for your Lord has power (over all things).
Yet they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither benefit nor harm them, and the disbeliever is a helper (of evil), against his own Lord!
But We only sent you to give glad tidings and admonishment.
Say: “I ask no reward of you for it but this: that each one may take a (straight) path to his Lord.”
And put your trust in Him Who lives and does not die, and celebrate His praise, and He is well acquainted with the faults of His servants;
He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority), Allah Most Gracious: Then ask about Him one acquainted (with such things).
When it is said to them, “Adore (Allah) Most Gracious,” they say, “And what is (Allah) Most Gracious? Shall we adore what you command us?” And it increases their flight (from the truth).
Blessed is He Who made the constellations in the skies, and placed in them a lamp and a moon giving light;
And it is He Who made the night and the day to follow each other, for those who have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.
And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on earth in humility, and when the ignorant ones address them, they say, “Peace!”
Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord, prostrating, and standing;
Those who say, “Our Lord! Avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is truly a grievous affliction,
“It is truly evil as an abode and as a place of rest.”
Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant nor stingy, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes);
Those who do not invoke any other god with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has made sacred, except for a just cause, nor commit fornication, and any who does this (not only) meets punishment,
(But) on the Day of Judgment, the penalty will be doubled to him, and he will dwell in it in ignominy,
Unless he repents, believes, and does righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
And whoever repents and does good deeds has truly turned to Allah with an (acceptable) turning;
Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by a vain discourse, they pass by it with honorable (avoidance);
Those, when admonished with their Lord's Signs, are the ones who do not droop down at them as if they were deaf or blind:
And those who pray, “Our Lord! Grant us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and grant us (the grace) to lead the righteous.”
Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven because of their patient constancy; they shall be met there with salutations and peace,
Dwelling therein: How beautiful an abode and a place of rest!
Say (to the rejecters): “My Lord would not care about you had you prayed Him, but you have indeed rejected (Him), and soon the inevitable (punishment) will come!”

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SURA 26

Al-Shu`araa

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

Ta Sin Mim.
These are verses of the Book that makes (things) clear.
It may be that you fret your soul with grief if they do not believe.
If (such) were Our will, We could send down a Sign to them from the sky, to which they would bend in humility.
But no newly-revealed message comes to them from (Allah) Most Gracious, but they turn away from it.
They have indeed rejected (the message), so they will soon (enough) know the truth of what they mocked!
Do they not look at the earth! how many noble things of all kinds We have produced on it?
Truly (there) is a Sign in this, but most of them do not believe.
And truly your Lord is He, Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
Behold, your Lord called upon Moses, “Go to the people of iniquity,
“The people of Pharaoh: Will they not fear Allah?”
He said, “O Lord! I do fear that they will charge me with falsehood:
“My breast will be straitened, and my speech may not go (smoothly), so send to Aaron.
“And (further), they have a charge of crime against me, and I fear they may slay me.”
Allah said, “By no means! Then proceed, both of you, with Our Signs; We are with you listening.
“So go forth, both of you, to Pharaoh, and say: `We have been sent by the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds;
“`So send the Children of Israel with us.”'
(Pharaoh) said, “Did we not cherish you as a child among us, and did you not stay in our midst many years of your life?
“And you committed a deed which (you know) you did, and you are an ungrateful (wretch)!”
Moses said, “I did it then, when I was in error.
“So I fled from you (all) when I feared you; but my Lord has (since) vested upon me Judgment (and wisdom) and appointed me one of the Messengers.
“And this is the favor with which you reproach me! that you have enslaved the Children of Israel.”
Pharaoh said, “And what is the `Lord and Cherisher of the worlds?”'
(Moses) said, “The Lord and Cherisher of the heavens and the earth, and all between! if you want to be quite sure.”
(Pharaoh) said to those around, “Do not listen (to what he says).”
(Moses) said, “Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers from the beginning!”
(Pharaoh) said, “Truly your Messenger who has been sent to you is a veritable madman!”
(Moses) said, “Lord of the east and the west, and all between! If you only had sense!”
(Pharaoh) said, “If you put forward any god other than me, I will certainly put you in prison!”
(Moses) said, “Even if I showed you something clear (and) convincing?”
(Pharaoh) said, “Show it then, if you are telling the truth!”
So (Moses) threw his rod, and behold, it was a serpent, plain (for all to see)!
And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all beholders!
(Pharaoh) said to the chiefs around him, “This is indeed a skillful sorcerer:
“His plan is to get you out of your land by his sorcery; then what do you counsel?”
They said, “Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while), and dispatch heralds to the cities to collect
“And bring up to you all (our) skillful sorcerers.”
So the sorcerers were gathered for the appointment of a well-known day,
And the people were told, “Are you (now) assembled?
“So that we may follow the sorcerers (in religion) if they win?”
So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Pharaoh, “Of course! shall we have a (suitable) reward if we win?”
He said, “Yes, (and more)! for in that case you shall be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person).”
Moses said to them, “Throw what you are about to throw!”
So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said, “By the might of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!”
Then Moses threw his rod, when behold, it straightway swallowed up all the falsehoods which they faked!
Then the sorcerers fell down, prostrating in adoration,
Saying, “We believe in the Lord of the worlds,
“The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”
(Pharaoh) said, “Do you believe in Him before I grant you permission? Surely he is your leader who has taught you sorcery! But you will soon know!
“I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross!”
They said, “It does not matter! For us, we shall merely return to our Lord!
“Our only desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, that we may become foremost among the believers!”
By inspiration We told Moses, “Travel by night with My servants, for surely you will be pursued.”
Then Pharaoh sent heralds to (all) the cities,
(Saying,) “These (Israelites) are only a small band,
“And they are raging furiously against us;
“But we are a multitude amply fore-warned.”
So We expelled them from gardens, springs,
Treasures, and every kind of honorable position;
Thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things.
So they pursued them at sunrise.
And when the two hosts saw each other, the people of Moses said, “We are sure to be overtaken.”
(Moses) said, “By no means! My Lord is with me! Soon He will guide me!
Then We told Moses by inspiration, “Strike the sea with your rod.” So it divided, and each separate part became like a huge, firm mass of a mountain.
And We made the other party approach it.
We delivered Moses and all who were with him;
But We drowned the others.
Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.
And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
And recite to them (something of) Abraham's story.
Behold! He said to his father and his people, “What do you worship?”
They said, “We worship idols, and we remain constantly in attendance on them.”
He said, “Do they listen to you when you call (upon them), or do they do you any benefit or harm?”
They said, “No, but we found our fathers doing (what we do).”
He said, “Do you then see what you have been worshipping,
“You and your fathers before you?
“For they are enemies to me; not so the Lord and Cherisher of the worlds;
“Who created me, and it is He Who guides me;
“Who gives me food and drink,
“And when I am ill, it is He Who cures me;
“He will cause me to die, and then to live (again);
“And Who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the Day of Judgment...
“O Lord! Bestow wisdom on me, and join me with the righteous;
“Grant me honorable mention on the tongue of truth among the latest (generations);
“Make me one of the inheritors of the garden of bliss;
“Forgive my father because he is among those who went astray;
“And let me not be in disgrace on the Day when (men) will be raised up;
“The Day on which neither wealth nor sons will be of any avail,
“But only he (will prosper) who brings to Allah a sound heart;
“To the righteous, the garden will be brought near,
“And to those straying in evil, the Fire will be placed in full view;
“And it shall be said to them, `Where are the (gods) you worshipped,
“`Besides Allah? Can they help you or help themselves?'
“Then they will be thrown headlong into the (Fire)! they and those straying in evil,
“And the whole hosts of Iblis together,
“They will say there in their mutual bickering,
“`By Allah, we were truly in manifest error,
“`When we held you as equals with the Lord of the worlds;
“`And our seducers were only those who were steeped in guilt.
“`Now, then, we have none to intercede (for us),
“`Nor a single friend to feel (for us).
“`Now if we only had a chance to return, we would truly be of those who believe!”'
Surely (there) is a Sign in this, but most of them do not believe.
And truly the Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
The people of Noah rejected the Messengers.
Behold, their brother Noah said to them, “Will you not fear (Allah)?
“I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust:
“So fear Allah, and obey me.
“I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds:
“So fear Allah, and obey me.”
They said, “Shall we believe in you when it is the meanest that follow you?”
He said, “And what do I know as to what they do?
“Their account is only with my Lord, if you could (but) understand.
“I am not one to drive away those who believe.
“I am sent only to warn plainly in public.”
They said, “If you do not desist, O Noah! You shall be stoned (to death).”
He said, “O Lord! Truly my people have rejected me.
“Then judge between me and them openly, and deliver me and those of the believers who are with me.”
So We delivered him and those with him in the ark filled (with all creatures).
Therefore We drowned those who remained behind.
Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.
And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
The 'Ad (people) rejected the Messengers.
Behold! Their brother Hud said to them, “Will you not fear (Allah)?
“I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.
“So fear Allah and obey me.
“I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.
“Do you build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves?
“And do you erect fine buildings for yourselves in the hope of living in them (forever)?
“And when you flex your strong hand, do you do it like men of absolute power?
“Now fear Allah and obey me.
“Yes, fear Him Who has freely bestowed on you all that you know.
“He has freely bestowed on you cattle and sons,
“And gardens and springs.
“I truly fear the penalty of a great Day for you.”
They said, “It is the same to us whether you admonish us or you are not among (our) admonishers!
“This is no other than a customary device of the ancients.
“And we are not the ones to receive pains and penalties!”
So they rejected him, and We destroyed them. Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.
And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
The Thamud (people) rejected the Messengers.
Behold! Their brother Salih said to them, “Will you fear (Allah)?
“I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.
“So fear Allah and obey me.
“I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.
“Will you be left secure, in (the enjoyment of) all that you have here?
“Gardens and springs,
“And corn-fields and date-palms with spathes nearly breaking (with the weight of fruit)?
“And you carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with great skill.
“But fear Allah and obey me;
“And do not follow the bidding of those who are extravagant,
“Who make mischief in the land, and do not mend (their ways).”
They said, “You are only one of those bewitched!
“You are no more than a mortal like us: Then bring us a Sign, if you are telling the truth!”
He said, “This is a she-camel: She has a right to watering, and you have a right to watering, (separately) on a day appointed.
“Do not touch her with harm, lest the penalty of a great day should seize you.”
But they ham-strung her: Then they became full of regrets.
But the penalty seized them. Truly (there) is a Sign in this, but most of them do not believe.
And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
The people of Lot rejected the Messengers.
Behold! Their brother Lot said to them, “Will you not fear (Allah)?
“I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.
“So fear Allah and obey me.
“I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.
“Of all the creatures in the world, will you approach males,
“And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay! you are a people transgressing (all limits)!”
They said, “If you do not desist, O Lot! You will assuredly be cast out!”
He said, “I do detest your doings.”
“O Lord! Deliver me and my family from the things they do!”
So We delivered him and his family, all
Except an old woman who lingered behind.
But the rest We destroyed utterly.
We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone), and the shower on those who were admonished (and did not heed) was evil!
Truly (there) is a Sign in this: But most of them do not believe.
And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
The Companions of the Wood rejected the Messengers.
Behold! Shu`aib said to them, “Will you not fear (Allah)?
“I am a Messenger to you, worthy of all trust.
“So fear Allah and obey me.
“I ask no reward of you for it: My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds.
“Grant just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud).
“And weigh with true and fair measure.
“And do not withhold things justly due to men, nor commit evil in the land, doing mischief.
“And fear Him Who created you and (Who created) the generations before (you).
They said, “You are only one of those bewitched!
“You are no more than a mortal like us, and indeed we think you are a liar!
“Now cause a piece of the sky to fall on us, if you are truthful!”
He said, “My Lord knows best what you do.”
But they rejected him. Then the punishment of a day of overshadowing gloom seized them, and that was the penalty of a great day.
Truly (there) is a Sign in that: But most of them do not believe.
And truly your Lord is He, the Exalted in might, the Most Merciful.
Verily this is a Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds:
With it came down the Spirit of Faith and Truth__
To your heart and mind, that you may admonish
In the perspicuous Arabic tongue,
Without doubt it is (announced) in the mystic books of former peoples.
Is it not a Sign to them that the learned of the Children of Israel knew it (as true)?
Had We revealed it to any of the non-Arabs,
And had he recited it to them, they would not have believed in it.
Thus We have caused it to enter the hearts of the sinners.
They will not believe in it until they see the grievous penalty;
But the (penalty) will come to them suddenly, while they do not perceive it;
Then they will say, “Shall we be respited?”
Do they then ask for Our penalty to be hastened on?
Do you see? If We let them enjoy (this life) for a few years,
Then there comes to them at length the (punishment) which they were promised!
It will not benefit them that they enjoyed (this life)!
We never destroyed a nation that did not have its warners,
By way of reminder, and We are never unjust.
No evil ones have brought down this (Revelation):
It would neither suit them, nor would they be able (to produce it).
In fact, they have been removed far from even (a chance of) hearing it.
So do not call upon any other god with Allah, or you will be among those under the penalty.
And admonish your nearest in kin,
And lower your wing to the believers who follow you.
Then if they disobey you, say, “I am free (of responsibility) for what you do!”
And put your trust in the Exalted in might, the Merciful,
Who sees you standing forth (in prayer),
And your movements among those who prostrate.
For it is He Who hears and knows all things.
Shall I inform you, (O people!) on whom it is that the evil ones descend?
They descend on every lying, wicked person,
(Into whose ears) they pour hearsay vanities, and most of them are liars.
And the poets! it is those straying in evil, who follow them:
Do you not see that they wander distracted in every valley?
And that they say what they do not practice?
Except those who believe, do righteous deeds, engage much in the remembrance of Allah, and defend themselves only after they are unjustly attacked, and the unjust assailants will soon know what vicissitudes their affairs will take!

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Sura 27

Al-Namal

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

Ta Sin. These are verses of the Qur'an! a Book that makes (things) clear;
A guide, and glad tidings for the believers,
Those who establish regular prayers and grant regular charity, and also are quite sure of the hereafter.
As for those who do not believe in the hereafter, We make their deeds pleasing in their eyes, so they wander about in distraction.
Such are they for whom a grievous penalty is (waiting), and in the hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss.
As for you, the Qur'an is bestowed upon you from the presence of One Who is Wise and all-Knowing.
Behold! Moses said to his family, “I perceive a fire; I will soon bring you some news from there, or I bring you a burning brand to light our fuel so that you may warm yourselves.”
But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard: “Blessed are those in the fire and those around, and glory to Allah, Lord of the worlds!
“O Moses! Verily I am Allah, the Exalted in might, the Wise! ...
“Now throw your rod!” But when he saw it moving (of its own) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and did not retrace his steps. “O Moses,” (it was said,) “Do not fear: Truly, in My presence, Messengers have no fear,
“But if any have done wrong and have later substituted good in the place of evil, truly, I am oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
“Now put your hand into the opening of your bosom, and it will come forth white without blemish: (These are) among the nine Signs (you will take) to Pharaoh and his people: For they are a rebellious people in transgression.”
But when Our Signs, that should have opened their eyes, came to them, they said, “This is manifest sorcery!”
And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced of them, so see what the end of those who acted corruptly was!
We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said, “Praise be to Allah, Who has favored us above many of His servants who believe!”
And Solomon was David's heir. He said, “O people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and (a little) of all things has been bestowed on us: This is truly a manifest grace (from Allah).”
And Solomon's hosts! of jinns and men and birds! were marshalled before him, and they were all kept in order and ranks.
At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said, “O ants, get into your homes, lest Solomon and his hosts should crush you (under their feet) unknowingly.”
So he smiled, amused at her speech, and said, “O my Lord! Grant me that I show gratitude for Your favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous deeds that will please You, and admit me, by Your grace, to the ranks of Your righteous servants.”
And he reviewed the birds and said, “Why is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?
“I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty or kill him, unless he brings me a clear reason (for his absence).”
But the hoopoe was not far away, then he said, “I have compassed (territory) which you have not, and I have come to you from Saba with true tidings.
“I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite, and she has a magnificent throne.
“I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes and has kept them away from the path! so they receive no guidance,
“(Kept them away from the path,) that they should not worship Allah Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you hide and what you reveal.
“God! There is no god but He! (Allah) of the supreme throne!”
(Solomon) said, “Soon we shall see whether you have told the truth or lied!
“Go with this letter of mine and deliver it to them: Then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return...”
(The queen) said, “Chiefs! Here is! delivered to me! a letter worthy of respect.
“It is from Solomon and is (as follows): `In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, the Most Merciful:
“`Do not be arrogant against me but come to me submitting to the true religion.'”
She said, “Chiefs! Advise me in (this) affair: I have not decided an affair except in your presence.”
They said, “We are endowed with strength, and given to vehement war: But the command is with you; so consider what you will command.”
She said, “When kings enter a town, they ruin it, and make the noblest of its people the meanest: Thus do they behave.
“But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer my) ambassadors return.”
When (the emissary) came to Solomon, he (Solomon) said, “Do you grant me abundance of wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you! No, it is you who rejoice in your gift!
“Go back to them, and rest assured we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: We shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed).”
He said (to his company), “Chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?”
Said an `Ifrit, of the jinns, “I will bring it to you before you rise from your council: I truly have full strength for the purpose and may be trusted.”
One who had knowledge of the Book said, “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of your eye!”... Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said, “This is by the grace of my Lord! To test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a boon) for his own soul, but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is free of all needs, supreme in honor! ...”
He said, “Alter her throne beyond recognition: Let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or whether she is one of those who receive no guidance.”
So when she arrived, she was asked, “Is this your throne?” She said, “It was just like this, and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah (in Islam).”
And what she used to worship diverted her from worshipping Allah: For she (descended) from people who had no faith.
She was asked to enter that lofty palace: But when she saw it, she thought it was a lake, and she uncovered her legs. He said, “This is only a palace paved smoothly with slabs of glass.” She said, “O Lord! I have truly wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the worlds.”
We had sent their brother Salih to the Thamud (people), saying, “Serve Allah.” But behold! They became two factions quarrelling with each other.
He said, “O my people! Why do you ask to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only you ask Allah for forgiveness, you may hope to receive mercy.”
They said, “We augur ill omen from you and those who are with you.” He said, “Your ill omen is with Allah; yes, you are people being tried.”
In the city, there were nine men of a family who made mischief in the land and would not reform.
They said, “Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance), `We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'”
They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they did not perceive it.
Then see what the end of their plot was! So We destroyed them and their people, all (of them).
Now such were their houses! in total destruction! because they committed wrongdoing: Truly (there) is a Sign in this for people of knowledge.
And We saved those who believed and did righteous deeds.
We also sent Lot (as a Messenger): Behold! He said to his people, “Do you do what is shameful though you see (its iniquity)?
“Would you really approach men in your lusts rather than women? No, you are a (grossly) ignorant people!”
But his people gave no other answer but this: They said, “Drive Lot's followers out of your city: These are truly men who want to be clean and pure!”
But We saved him and his family, except his wife: We deemed her to be among those who lagged behind.
And We rained down a shower (of brimstone) on them, and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but did not heed)!
Say: Praise be to Allah, and peace on His servants whom He has chosen for His message. Who is better? Allah or the false gods they associate with Him?
Or Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yes, we cause well-planted orchards to grow with it, full of beauty and delight: It is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? No, they are a people who swerve from justice.
Or Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set immovable mountains on it, and made a separating barrier between the two bodies of flowing water? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? No, most of them do not know.
Or Who listens to the distressed (soul) when it calls upon Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Small heed do you pay!
Or Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Allah is high above what they associate with Him!
Or Who originates creation, then repeats it, and Who gives you sustenance from heavens and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Say: “Bring forth your argument, if you are telling the truth!”
Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allah, knows what is hidden: Nor can they perceive when they shall be raised up (for Judgment).
Still less can their knowledge comprehend the hereafter: Nay! They are in doubt and uncertainty about it; nay, they are blind thereto!
The disbelievers say, “What?! when we become dust! we and our fathers! Shall we really be raised (from the dead)?
“It is true we were promised this! we and our fathers before us: These are nothing but tales of the ancients.”
Say: “Travel throughout the earth and see what the end of those guilty (of sin) has been.”
But do not grieve over them, nor distress yourself because of their plots.
They also say, “When will this promise (come to pass), if you are truthful?”
Say: “It may be that some of the events which you wish to hasten on may be (close) in your pursuit!”
But truly your Lord is full of grace to mankind: Yet most of them are ungrateful.
And truly your Lord knows all that their hearts hide, as well as all that they reveal.
Nor is there anything unseen, in heavens or on earth, but is (recorded) in a clear record.
Truly this Qur'an explains to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.
And it certainly is a guide and mercy to those who believe.
Truly your Lord will decide between them by His decree, and He is Exalted in might, all-Knowing.
So put your trust in Allah: For you are on (the path of) manifest truth.
Truly you cannot cause the dead to listen, nor can you cause the deaf to hear the call, (especially) when they turn back in retreat.
Nor can you guide the blind, (to prevent them) from straying; only those who believe in Our Signs will you get to listen, and they will submit to Islam.
And when the word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), We shall produce from the earth a beast that will speak to them: He will speak to them because mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs.
One Day, We shall gather together from every people a party of those who rejected Our Signs, and they shall be kept in ranks,
84. Until, when they come (before the Judgment), Allah will say, “Did you reject My Signs, or did you not comprehend them, or what was it that you did?”
And the word will be fulfilled against them, because of their wrongdoing, and they will be unable to speak (in plea).
Do they not see that We have made the night for them to rest in and the day to grant them light? Truly (there) are Signs in this for people who believe!
And the Day that the trumpet will be sounded! those who are in the heavens and those on earth will be smitten with terror except those whom Allah will please (to exempt), and all shall come (to His presence) as beings abased.
You see the mountains and think them firmly fixed: But they shall pass away as the clouds pass away: (Such is) the artistry of Allah Who disposes of all things in perfect order: For He is well acquainted with all that you do.
If any do good, good will (accrue) to them from it, and they will be secure from terror that Day.
And if any do evil, their faces will be thrown headlong into the Fire: “Do you receive a reward other than what you have earned by your deeds?”
For me, I have been commanded to serve the Lord of this city Who has sanctified it and to Whom all things (belong), and I am commanded to be of those who bow in Islam to God's will,
And to recite the Qur'an, and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls, and if any stray, say: “I am only a warner.”
And say: “Praise be to Allah Who will soon show you His Signs, so that you know them.” And your Lord is not unmindful of all that you do.

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