Juz 25 — Part 25 of 30

Ilaihi yuraddu 'ilmus Saaa'ah; wa maa takhruju min samaraatim min akmaamihaa wa maa tahmilu min unsaa wa laa tada'u illaa bi'ilmih; wa Yawma yunaadeehim aina shurakaaa'ee qaalooo aazannaaka maa minnaa min shaheed

In Him alone is vested the knowledge of when the Last Hour will come. And no fruit bursts forth from its calyx, and no female ever conceives, nor ever gives birth, save with His knowledge. And so, on the Day when He shall call out to them, “Where, now, are those [alleged] partners of Mine?” - they will [surely] answer, “We confess unto Thee that none of us can bear witness [to anyone’s having a share in Thy divinity]!”

Wa dalla 'anhum maa kaanoo yad'oona min qablu wa zannoo maa lahum mim mahees

And so, all that they were wont to invoke aforetime will have forsaken them; and they shall know for certain that there is no escape for them.

Laa yas'amul insaanu min du'aaa'il khairi wa im massa hush sharru fa ya'oosun qanoot

MAN NEVER TIRES of asking for the good [things of life]; and if evil fortune touches him, he abandons all hope, giving himself up to despair.

Wa la in azaqnaahu rahmatam minnaa mim ba'di dar raaa'a massat hu la yaqoolanna haazaa lee wa maaa azunnus Saa'ata qaaa'imatanw wa la'in ruji'tu ilaa Rabbeee inna lee 'indahoo lalhusnaa; falanu nabbi'annal lazeena kafaroo bimaa 'amiloo wa lanuzeeqan nahum min 'azaabin ghaleez

Yet whenever We let him taste some of Our grace after hardship has visited him, he is sure to say, “This is but my due!” - and, “I do not think that the Last Hour will ever come: but if [it should come, and] I should indeed be brought back unto my Sus­tainer, then, behold, the ultimate good awaits me with Him! But [on the Day of Judgment] We shall most cer­tainly give those who were bent on denying the truth full understanding of all that they ever did, and shall most certainly give them [thereby] a taste of suffering severe.

Wa izaaa an'amnaa 'alal insaani a'rada wa na-aa bijaani bihee wa izaa massahush sharru fazoo du'aaa'in 'areed

And, too, when We bestow Our blessings upon man, he tends to turn aside and keep aloof [from remembering Us]; but as soon as evil fortune touches him, he is full of wordy prayers!

Qul araiaitum in kaana min 'indil laahi summa kafar tum bihee man adallu mimman huwa fee shiqaqim ba'eed

HAVE YOU given thought [to how you will fare] if this be truly [a revelation] from God, the while you deny its truth? Who could be more astray than one who places himself [so] deeply in the wrong?

Sanureehim Aayaatinaa fil aafaaqi wa feee anfusihim hattaa yatabaiyana lahum annahul haqq; awa lam yakfi bi Rabbika annahoo 'alaa kulli shai-in Shaheed

In time We shall make them fully understand Our messages [through what they perceive] in the utmost horizons [of the universe] and within them­selves, so that it will become clear unto them that this [revelation] is indeed the truth. [Still,] is it not enough [for them to know] that thy Sustainer is witness unto everything?

Alaaa innahum fee miryatim mil liqaaa'i Rabbihim; alaaa innahoo bikulli shai'im muheet

Oh, verily, they are in doubt as to whether they will meet their Sustainer [on Judgment Day]! Oh, verily, He encompasses everything!

Haa Meeem

Ha. Mim.

'Ayyyn Seeen Qaaaf

Ayn. Sin. Qaf.

Kazaalika yooheee ilaika wa ilal lazeena min qablikal laahul 'Azeezul Hakeem

THUS has God, the Almighty, the Wise, revealed [the truth] unto thee, [O Muhammad,] and unto those who preceded thee:

Lahoo maa fis samaa waati wa maa fil ardi wa Huwal 'Aliyul 'Azeem

His is all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth; and most exalted, tremendous is He.

Takaadus samaawaatu yatafattarna min fawqihinn; walmalaaa'ikatu yusabbihoona bihamdi Rabbihim wa yastaghfiroona liman fil ard; alaaa innal laaha huwal Ghafoorur Raheem

The uppermost heavens are well-nigh rent asunder [for awe of Him]; and the angels extol their Sustainer’s limitless glory and praise, and ask for­giveness for all who are on earth. Oh, verily, God alone is truly-forgiving, a dispenser of grace!

Wallazeenat takhazoo min dooniheee awliyaaa'al laahu hafeezun 'alaihim wa maaa anta 'alaihim biwakeel

NOW AS FOR those who take aught beside Him for their protectors - God watches them, and thou art not responsible for their conduct.

Wa kazaalika awhainaaa llaika Qur-aanan 'Arabiyyal litunzir aUmmal Quraa wa man hawlahaa wa tunzira Yawmal Jam'ilaa raiba feeh; fareequn fil jannati wa fareequn fissa'eer

[Thou art but entrusted with Our message:] and so We have revealed unto thee a discourse in the Arabic tongue in order that thou mayest warn the foremost of all cities and all who dwell around it to wit, warn [them] of the Day of the Gathering, [the coming of] which is beyond all doubt: [the Day when] some shall find themselves in paradise, and some in the blazing flame.

Wa law shaaa'al laahu laja'alahum ummatanw waahi datanw walaakiny yudkhilumany yashaaa'u fee rahmatih; waz zaalimoona maa lahum minw waliyyinw wa laa naseer

Now had God so willed, He could surely have made them all one single community: none the less, He admits unto His grace him that wills [to be admitted] whereas the evildoers shall have none to protect them and none to succour them [on Judgment Day].

Amit takhazoo min dooniheee awliyaaa'a fallaahu Huwal Waliyyu wa Huwa yuhyil mawtaa wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shai'in Qadeer

Did they, perchance, [think that they could] choose protectors other than Him? But God alone is the Protector [of all that exists], since it is He alone who brings the dead to life, and He alone who has the power to will anything.

Wa makh-talaftum feehi min shai'in fahukmuhooo ilallaah; zaalikumul laahu Rabbee 'alaihi tawakkaltu wa ilaihi uneeb

AND ON WHATEVER you may differ, [O believers,] the verdict thereon rests with God. [Say, therefore:] “Such is God, my Sustainer: in Him have I placed my trust, and unto Him do I always turn!”

Faatirus samaawaati wal ard; ja'ala lakum min anfusikum azwaajanw wa minal an'aami azwaajany yazra'ukum feeh; laisa kamislihee shai'unw wa Huwas Samee'ul Baseer

The Originator [is He] of the heavens and the earth. He has given you mates of your own kind just as [He has willed that] among the beasts [there be] mates - to multiply you thereby: [but] there is nothing like unto Him, and He alone is all-hearing, all-seeing.

Lahoo maqaaleedus samaawaati wal ardi yabsutur rizqa limany yashaaa'u wa yaqdir; innahoo bikulli shai'unw wa Huwas Samee'ul Baseer

His are the keys of the heavens and the earth: He grants abundant sustenance, or gives it in scant measure, unto whomever He wills: for, behold, He has full knowledge of everything.

Shara'a lakum minad deeni maa wassaa bihee Noohanw wallazeee awhainaaa ilaika wa maa wassainaa biheee Ibraaheema wa Moosa wa 'Eesaaa an aqeemud adeena wa laa tatafarraqoo feeh; kabura 'alal mushrikeena maa tad'oohum ilaih; Allaahu yajtabee ilaihi many yashaaa'u wa yahdeee ilaihi mai yuneeb

In matters of faith, He has ordained for you that which He had enjoined upon Noah - and into which We gave thee [O Muhammad] insight through revelation as well as that which We had enjoined upon Abraham, and Moses, and Jesus: Steadfastly uphold the [true] faith, and do not break up your unity therein. [And even though] that [unity of faith] to which thou callest them appears oppressive to those who are wont to ascribe to other beings or forces a share in His divinity, God draws unto Himself everyone who is willing, and guides unto Himself everyone who turns unto Him.

Wa maa tafarraqooo illaa mim ba'di maa jaaa'ahumul 'ilmu baghyam bainahum; wa law laa Kalimatun sabaqat mir Rabbika ilaaa ajalim musammal laqudiya bainahum; wa innal lazeena oorisul Kitaaba mim ba'dihim lafee shakkim minhu mureeb

And [as for the followers of earlier revelation,] they broke up their unity, out of mutual jealousy, only after they had come to know [the truth]. And had it not been for a decree that had already gone forth from thy Sustainer, [postponing all decision] until a term set [by Him], all would indeed have been decided between them [from the outset]. As it is, behold, they who have inherited their divine writ from those who preceded them are [now] in grave doubt, amounting to suspicion, about what it por­tends.

Falizaalika fad'u wastaqim kamaaa umirta wa laa tattabi' ahwaaa'ahum wa qul aamantu bimaaa anzalal laahu min Kitaab, wa umirtu li a'dila bainakum Allaahu Rabbunaa wa Rabbukum lanaaa a'maa lunaa wa lakum a'maalukim laa hujjata bainanaa wa baina kumul laahu yajma'u bainanaa wa ilaihil maseer

Because of this, then, summon [all mankind], and pursue the right course, as thou hast been bidden [by God]; and do not follow their likes and dislikes, but say: “I believe in whatever revelation God has be­stowed from on high; and I am bidden to bring about equity in your mutual views. God is our Sustainer as well as your Sustainer. To us shall be accounted our deeds, and to you, your deeds. Let there be no contention between us and you: God will bring us all together - for with Him is all journeys’ end.”

Wallazeena yuhaaajjoona fil laahi mim ba'di mastujeeba lahoo hujjatuhum daahidatun 'inda Rabbihim wa 'alaihim ghadabunw wa lahum 'azaabun shadeed

And as for those who would [still] argue about God after He has been acknowledged [by them] all their arguments are null and void in their Sustainer’s sight, and upon them will fall [His] condemnation, and for them is suffering severe in store:

Allahul lazeee anzalal Kitaaba bilhaqqi wal Meezaan; wa ma yudreeka la'allas Saa'ata qareeb

[for] it is God [Himself] who has bestowed revelation from on high, setting forth the truth, and [thus given man] a balance [wherewith to weigh right and wrong]. And for all thou knowest, the Last Hour may well be near!

Yasta'jilu bihal lazeena laa yu'minoona bihaa wallazeena aamanoo mushfiqoona minhaa wa ya'lamoona annahal haqq; alaaa innal lazeena yumaaroona fis Saa'ati lafee dalaalim ba'eed

Those who do not believe in it [mockingly] ask for its speedy advent whereas those who have attained to faith stand in awe of it, and know it to be the truth. Oh, verily, they who call the Last Hour in question have indeed gone far astray!

Allahu lateefum bi'ibaadihee yarzuqu mai yashaaa'u wa Huwal Qawiyyul 'Azeez

GOD is most kind unto His creatures: He provides sustenance for whomever He wills - for He alone is powerful, almighty!

Man kaana yureedu harsal Aakhirati nazid lahoo fee harsihee wa man kaana yureedu harsad dunyaa nu'tihee mnhaa wa maa lahoo fil Aakhirati min naseeb

To him who desires a harvest in the life to come, We shall grant an increase in his harvest; whereas to him who desires [but] a harvest in this world, We [may] give something thereof - but he will have no share in [the blessings of] the life to come.

Am lahum shurakaaa'u shara'oo lahum minad deeni maa lam yaazam bihil laah; wa law laa kalimatul fasli laqudiya bainahum; wa innaz zaalimeena lahum 'azaabun aleem

Is it that they [who care for no more than this world] believe in forces supposed to have a share in God’s divinity, which enjoin upon them as a moral law something that God has never allowed? Now were it not for [God’s] decree on the final judgment, all would indeed have been decided be­tween them [in this world]: but, verily, grievous suffering awaits the evildoers [in the life to come].

Taraz zaalimeena mushfiqeena mimmaa kasaboo wa huwa waaqi'um bihim; wallazeena aamanoo wa 'amilus saalihaati fee rawdaatil jannaati lahum maa yashaaa'oona 'inda Rabbihim; zaalika huwal fadlul kabeer

[In that life to come,] thou wilt see the evil­doers full of fear at [the thought of] what they have earned: for [now] it is bound to fall back upon them. And in the flowering meadows of the gardens [of paradise thou wilt see] those who have attained to faith and done righteous deeds: all that they might desire shall they have with their Sustainer: [and] this, this is the great bounty –

Zaalikal lazee yubash shirul laahu 'ibaadahul lazeena aamanoo wa 'amilus saalihaat; qul laaa as'alukum 'alaihi ajran illal mawaddata fil qurbaa; wa mai yaqtarif hasanatan nazid lahoo feehaa husnaa; innal laaha Ghafoorun Shakoor

that [bounty] whereof God gives the glad tiding to such of His servants as attain to faith and do righteous deeds. Say [O Prophet]: “No reward do I ask of you for this [message] other than [that you should] love your fellow-men.” For, if anyone gains [the merit of] a good deed, We shall grant him through it an increase of good: and, verily, God is much-forgiving, ever responsive to gratitude.

Am yaqooloonaf tara 'alal laahi kaziban fa-iny yasha il laahu yakhtim 'alaa qalbik; wa yamhul laahul baatila wa yuhiqqul haqqa bi Kalimaatih; innahoo 'Aleemum bizaatis sudoor

DO THEY, perchance, say, “[Muhammad] has attri­buted his own lying inventions to God”? But then, had God so willed, He could have sealed thy heart [forever]: for God blots out all falsehood, and by His words proves the truth to be true. Verily, He has full knowledge of what is in the hearts [of men];

Wa Huwal lazee yaqbalut tawbata 'an 'ibaadihee wa ya'foo 'anis saiyiaati wa ya'lamu maa taf'aloon

and it is He who accepts repen­tance from His servants, and pardons bad deeds, and knows all that you do,

Wa yastajeebul lazeena aamanoo wa 'amilu saalihaati wa yazeeduhum min fadlih; wal kaafiroona lahum 'azaabun shadeed

and responds unto all who attain to faith and do righteous deeds; and [it is He who, in the life to come,] will give them, out of His bounty, far more [than they will have deserved], whereas for the deniers of the truth there is [but] suffering severe in store.

Wa law basatal laahur rizqa li'ibaadihee labaghaw fil ardi wa laakiny yunazzilu biqadarim maa yashaaa'; innahoo bi'ibaadihee Khabeerum Baseer

For, if God were to grant [in this world] abundant sustenance to [all of] His servants, they would behave on earth with wanton insolence: but as it is, He bestows [His grace] from on high in due measure, as He wills: for, verily, He is fully aware of [the needs of] His creatures, and sees them all.

Wa Huwal lazee yunazzilul ghaisa mim ba'di maa qanatoo wa yanshuru rahmatah; wa Huwal Waliyyul Hameed

And it is He who sends down rain after [men] have lost all hope, and unfolds His grace [thereby]: for He alone is [their] Protector, the One to whom all praise is due.

Wa min Aayaatihee khalqus samaawaati wal ardi wa maa bassa feehimaa min daaabbah; wa Huwa 'alaa jam'ihim izaa yashaaa'u Qadeer

And among His signs is the [very] creation of the heavens and the earth, and of all the living creatures which He has caused to multiply throughout them: and [since He has created them,] He has [also] the power to gather them [unto Him­self] whenever He wills.

Wa maaa asaabakum mim museebatin fabimaa kasabat aydeekum wa ya'foo 'an kaseer

Now whatever calamity may befall you [on Judgment Day] will be an outcome of what your own hands have wrought, although He pardons much;

Wa maaa antum bimu'jizeena fil ardi wa maa lakum min doonil laahi minw wa liyyinw wa laa naseer

and you cannot elude Him on earth, and you will have none to protect you from God [in the life to come], and none to bring you succour.

Wa min Aayaatihil ja waarifil bahri kal a'lam

And among His signs are the ships that sail like [floating] mountains through the seas:

Iny yashaaa yuskinir reeha fa yazlalna rawaakida 'alaa zahirh; inna fee zaalika la Aayaatil likulli sabbaarin shakoor

if He so wills, He stills the wind, and then they lie motion­less on the sea’s surface - [and] herein, behold, there are messages indeed for all who are wholly patient in adversity and deeply grateful [to God];

Aw yoobiqhunna bimaa kasaboo wa ya'fu 'an kaseer

or else He may cause them to perish because of what they have wrought; and [withal,] He pardons much.

Wa ya'lamal lazeena yujaadiloona feee Aayaatinaa maa lahum mim mahees

And let them know, those who call Our mes­sages in question, that for them there is no escape.

Famaa ooteetum min shai'in famataa'ul hayaatid dunyaa wa maa 'indal laahi khairunw wa abqaa lillazeena aamanoo wa 'alaa Rabbihim yatawakkaloon

AND [remember that] whatever you are given [now] is but for the [passing] enjoyment of life in this world - whereas that which is with God is far better and more enduring. [It shall be given] to all who attain to faith and in their Sustainer place their trust;

Wallazeena yajtaniboona kabaaa'iral ismi wal fawaa hisha wa izaa maa ghadiboo hum yaghfiroon

and who shun the more heinous sins and abominations; and who, whenever they are moved to anger, readily forgive;

Wallazeenas tajaaboo li Rabbhim wa aqaamus Salaata wa amruhum shooraa bainahum wa mimmaa razaqnaahum yunfiqoon

and who respond to [the call of] their Sustainer and are constant in prayer; and whose rule [in all matters of common concern] is consultation among themselves; and who spend on others out of what We provide for them as sustenance;

Wallazeena izaa asaabahumul baghyu hum yantasiroon

and who, whenever tyranny afflicts them, defend themselves.

Wa jazaaa'u saiyi'atin saiyi'tum misluha faman 'afaa wa aslaha fa ajruhoo 'alal laah; innahoo laa yuhibbuz zaalimeen

But [remember that an attempt at] requiting evil may, too, become an evil: hence, whoever par­dons [his foe] and makes peace, his reward rests with God - for, verily, He does not love evildoers.

Wa lamanin tasara ba'da zulmihee fa ulaaa'ika maa 'alaihim min sabeel

Yet indeed, as for any who defend themselves after having been wronged - no blame whatever attaches to them:

Innamas sabeelu 'alal lazeena yazlimoonan naasa wa yabghoona fil ardi bighairil haqq; ulaaa'ika lahum 'azaabun aleem

blame attaches but to those who oppress [other] people and behave outrageously on earth, offending against all right: for them there is grievous suffering in store!

Wa laman sabara wa ghafara inna zaalika lamin 'azmil umoor

But withal, if one is patient in adversity and forgives - this, behold, is indeed something to set one’s heart upon!

Wa mai yudlilil laahu famaa lahoo minw waliyyim mim ba'dih; wa taraz zaalimeena lammaa ra awul 'azaaba yaqooloona hal ilaa maraddim min sabeel

AND [thus it is:] he whom God lets go astray has henceforth no protector whatever: and so thou wilt see such evildoers [on Judgment Day, and wilt hear how] they exclaim as soon as they behold the suffering [that awaits them], “Is there any way of return?”

Wa taraahum yu'radoona 'alaihaa khaashi'eena minazzulli yanzuroona min tarfin khaifiyy; wa qaalal lazeena aamanooo innal khaasireenal lazeena khasiroon anfusahum wa ahleehim Yawmal Qiyaamah; alaaa innaz zaalimeena fee'azaabim muqeem

And thou wilt see them exposed to that [doom], humbling themselves in abasement, looking [around] with a furtive glance - the while those who had attained to faith will say, “Verily, lost on [this] Day of Resurrection are they who have squandered their own and their followers’ selves!” Oh, verily, the evildoers will fall into long-lasting suffering,

Wa maa kaana lahum min awliyaaa'a yansuroonahum min doonil laah; wa mai yudlilil laahu famaa lahoo min sabeel

and will have no protector whatever to succour them against God: for he whom God lets go astray shall find no way [of escape].

Istajeeboo li Rabbikum min qabli any yaatiya Yawmul laa maradda lahoo minal laah; maa lakum mim malja iny yawma'izinw wa maa lakum min nakeer

[Hence, O men,] respond to your Sustainer before there comes, at God’s behest, a Day on which there will be no turning back: [for] on that Day you will have no place of refuge, and neither will you be able to deny aught [of the wrong that you have done].

Fa-in a'radoo famaaa arsalnaaka 'alaihim hafeezan in 'alaika illal balaagh; wa innaaa izaaa azaqnal insaana minnaa rahmatan fariha bihaa wa in tusibhum saiyi'atum bimaa qaddamat aydeehim fa innal insaana kafoor

BUT IF they turn away [from thee, O Prophet, know that] We have not sent thee to be their keeper: thou art not bound to do more than deliver the message [entrusted to thee]. And, behold, [such as turn away from Our mes­sages are but impelled by the weakness and incon­stancy of human nature: thus,] when We give man a taste of Our grace, he is prone to exult in it; but if misfortune befalls [any of] them in result of what their own hands have sent forth, then, behold, man shows how bereft he is of all gratitude!

Lillaahi mulkus samaawaati wal ard; yakhluqu maa yashaaa'; yahabu limai yashaaa'u inaasanw wa yahabu limai yashaaa'uz zukoor

God’s alone is the dominion over the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wills: He bestows the gift of female offspring on whomever He wills, and the gift of male offspring on whomever He wills;

Aw yuzawwijuhum zukraananw wa inaasanw wa yaj'alu mai yashaaa'u 'aqeemaa; innahoo 'Aleemun Qadeer

or He gives both male and female [to whomever He wills], and causes to be barren whomever He wills: for, verily, He is all-knowing, infinite in His power.

Wa maa kaana libasharin any yukallimahul laahu illaa wahyan aw minw waraaa'i hijaabin aw yursila Rasoolan fa yoohiya bi iznuhee maa yashaaa'; innahoo 'Aliyyun Hakeem

And it is not given to mortal man that God should speak unto him otherwise than through sudden inspiration, or [by a voice, as it were,] from behind a veil, or by sending an apostle to reveal, by His leave, whatever He wills [to reveal]: for, verily, He is exalted, wise.

Wa kazaalika awhainaaa ilaika rooham min amrinaa; maa kunta tadree mal Kitaabu wa lal eemaanu wa laakin ja'alnaahu nooran nahdee bihee man nashaaa'u min 'ibaadinaa; wa innaka latahdeee ilaaa Siraatim Mustaqeem

And thus, too, [O Muhammad,] have We revealed unto thee a life-giving message, [coming] at Our behest. [Ere this message came unto thee,] thou didst not know what revelation is, nor what faith [implies]: but [now] We have caused this [message] to be a light, whereby We guide whom We will of Our ser­vants: and, verily, [on the strength thereof] thou, too, shalt guide [men] onto the straight way –

Siraatil laahil lazee lahoo maa fis samaawaati wa maa fil ard; alaaa ilal laahi taseerul umoor

the way that leads to God, to whom all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth belongs. Oh, verily, with God is the beginning and the end of all things!

Haa-Meeem

Ha. Mim.

Wal Kitaabil Mubeen

CONSIDER this divine writ, clear in itself and clearly showing the truth:

Innaa ja'alnaahu Quraanan 'Arabiyyal la'allakum ta'qiloon

behold, We have caused it to be a discourse in the Arabic tongue, so that you might encompass it with your reason.

Wa innahoo feee Ummil Kitaabi Ladainaa la'aliyyun hakeem

And, verily, [originating as it does] in the source, with Us, of all revelation, it is indeed sublime, full of wisdom.

Afanadribu 'ankumuz Zikra safhan an kuntum qawmam musrifeen

[O YOU who deny the truth!] Should We, perchance, withdraw this reminder from you altogether, seeing that you are people bent on wasting your own selves?

Wa kam arsalnaa min Nabiyyin fil awwaleen

And how many a prophet did We send to people of olden times!

Wa maa yaateehim min Nabiyyin illaa kaanoo bihee yasahzi'oon

But never yet came a prophet to them without their deriding him –

Fa ahlaknaaa ashadda minhum batshanw wa madaa masalul lawwaleen

and so, [in the end,] We destroyed them [even though they were] of greater might than these: and the [very] image of those people of old became a thing of the past.

Wa la'in sa altahum man khalaqas samaawaati wal arda la yaqoolunna khalaqa hunnal 'Azeezul 'Aleem

Yet thus it is [with most people]: if thou ask them, “Who is it that has created the heavens and the earth?” - they will surely answer, “The Almighty, the All-Knowing has created them.”

Allazee ja'ala lakumul arda mahdanw wa ja'ala lakum feehaa subulal la'allakum tahtadoon

He it is who has made the earth a cradle for you, and has provided for you ways [of livelihood] thereon, so that you might follow the right path.

Wallazee nazzala minas samaaa'i maaa'am biqadarin fa anshamaa bihee baldatam maitaa' kazaalika tukhrajoon

And He it is who sends down, again and again, waters from the sky in due measure: and [as] We raise therewith dead land to life, even thus will you be brought forth [from the dead].

Wallazee khalaqal azwaaja kullahaa wa ja'ala lakum minal fulki wal-an'aami maa tarkaboon

And He it is who has created all opposites. And He [it is who] has provided for you all those ships and animals whereon you ride,

Litastawoo 'alaa zuhoorihee summa tazkuroo ni'mata Rabbikum izastawaitum 'alaihi wa taqooloo Subhaanal lazee sakhkhara lana haaza wa maa kunnaa lahoo muqrineen

in order that you might gain mastery over them, and that, whenever you have mastered them, you might remember your Sustainer’s blessings and say: “Limitless in His glory is He who has made [all] this subservient to our use - since [but for Him,] we would not have been able to attain to it.

Wa innaaa ilaa Rabbinaa lamunqaliboon

Hence, verily, it is unto Him that we must always turn.”

Wa ja'aloo lahoo min 'ibaadihee juz'aa; innal insaana lakafoorum mubeen

AND YET, they attribute to Him offspring from among some of the beings created by Him! Verily, most obviously bereft of all gratitude is man!

Amit takhaza mimmaa yakhluqu banaatinw wa asfaakum bilbaneen

Or [do you think], perchance, that out of all His creation He has chosen for Himself daughters, and favoured you with sons?

Wa izaa bushshira ahaduhum bimaa daraba lir Rahmaani masalan zalla wajhuhoo muswaddanw wa hua kazeem

For [thus it is:] if any of them is given the glad tiding of [the birth of] what he so readily attributes to the Most Gracious, his face darkens, and he is filled with suppressed anger:

Awa mai yunashsha'u fil hilyati wa huwa fil khisaami ghairu mubeen

“What! [Am I to have a daughter -] one who is to be reared [only] for the sake of ornament?” and thereupon he finds himself torn by a vague inner conflict.

Wa ja'alul malaaa'ikatal lazeena hum 'ibaadur Rahmaani inaasaa; a shahidoo khalaqhum; satuktabu shahaa datuhum wa yus'aloon

And [yet] they claim that the angels - who in themselves are but beings created by the Most Gracious - are females: [but] did they witness their creation? This false claim of theirs will be recorded, and they will be called to account [for it on Judgment Day]!

Wa qaaloo law shaaa'ar Rahmaanu maa 'abadnaahum; maa lahum bizaalika min 'ilmin in hum illaa yakhrusoon

Yet they say, “Had [not] the Most Gracious so willed, we would never have worshipped them!” [But] they cannot have any knowledge of [His having willed] such a thing: they do nothing but guess.

Am aatainaahum Kitaabam min qablihee fahum bihee mustamsikoon

Or have We, perchance, vouchsafed them, before this one, a revelation [to the contrary,] to which they are still holding fast?

Bal qaalooo innaa wajadnaaa aabaaa'anaa 'alaaa ummatinw wa innaa 'alaaa aasaarihim muhtadoon

Nay, but they say, “Behold, We found our forefathers agreed on what to believe - and, verily, it is in their footsteps that we find our guidance!”

Wa kazaalika maaa arsalnaa min qablika fee qaryatim min nazeerin illaa qaala mutrafoohaaa innaa wajadnaaa aabaaa'anaa 'alaaa ummatinw wa innaa 'alaaa aasaarihim muqtadoon

And thus it is: whenever We sent, before thy time, a warner to any community, those of its people who had lost themselves entirely in the pursuit of pleasures would always say, “Behold, we found our forefathers agreed on what to believe - and, verily, it is but in their footsteps that we follow!”

Qaala awa law ji'tukum bi ahdaa mimmaa wajattum 'alaihi aabaaa'akum qaalooo innaa bimaaa ursiltum bihee kaafiroon

[Whereupon each prophet] would say, “Why, even though I bring you guidance better than that which you found your forefathers believing in?” - [to which] the others would reply, “Behold, we deny that there is any truth in [what you claim to be] your messages!”

Fantaqamnaa minhum fanzur kaifa kaana 'aaqibatul mukazzibeen

And so We inflicted Our retribution on them: and behold what happened in the end to those who gave the lie to the truth!

Wa iz qaala Ibraaheemu liabeehi wa qawmiheee innane baraaa'um mimmaa ta'budo

AND WHEN Abraham spoke to his father and his people, [he had this very truth in mind:] “Verily, far be it from me to worship what you worship!

Illal lazee fataranee innahoo sa yahdeen

None [do I worship] but Him who has brought me into being: and, behold, it is He who will guide me!”

Wa ja'alahaa Kalimatam baaqiyatan fee 'aqibihee la'al lahum yarji'oon

And he uttered this as a word destined to endure among those who would come after him, so that they might [always] return [to it].

Bal matta'tu haaa'ulaaa'i wa aabaaa'ahum hattaa jaaa'a humul haqqu wa Rasoolum mubeen

Now [as for those who did come after him,] I allowed them - as [I had allowed] their forebears - to enjoy their lives freely until the truth should come unto them through an apostle who would make all things clear:

Wa lammaa jaaa'ahumul haqqu qaaloo haazaa sihrunw wa innaa bihee kaafiroon

but now that the truth has come to them, they say, “All this is mere spellbinding eloquence” - and, behold, we deny that there is any truth in it!”

Wa qaaloo law laa nuzzila haazal Quraanu 'alaa rajulim minal qaryataini 'azeem

And they say, too, “Why was not this Qur’an bestowed from on high on some great man of the two cities?”

Ahum yaqsimoona rahmata Rabbik; Nahnu qasamnaa bainahum ma'eeshatahum fil hayaatid dunyaa wa rafa'naa ba'dahum fawqa ba'din darajaatil liyattakhiza ba'duhum ba'dan sukhriyyaa; wa rahmatu Rabbika khairum mimmaa yajma'oon

But is it they who distribute thy Sustainer’s grace? [Nay, as] it is We who distribute their means of livelihood among them in the life of this world, and raise some of them by degrees above others, to the end that they might avail themselves of one another’s help - [so, too, it is We who bestow gifts of the spirit upon whomever We will]: and this thy Sustainer’s grace is better than all [the worldly wealth] that they may amass.

Wa law laaa any yakoonan naasu ummatanw waahidatal laja'alnaa limany yakfuru bir Rahmaani libu yootihim suqufam min fiddatinw wa ma'aarija 'alaihaa yazharoon

And were it not that [with the prospect of boundless riches before them] all people would become one [evil] community, We might indeed have provided for those who [now] deny the Most Gracious roofs of silver for their houses, and [silver] stairways whereon to ascend,

Wa libu yootihim abwaabanw wa sururan 'alaihaa yattaki'oon

and [silver] doors for their houses, and [silver] couches whereon to recline,

Wa zukhrufaa; wa in kullu zaalika lammaa mataa'ul hayaatid dunyaa; wal aakhiratu 'inda Rabbika lilmuttaqeen

and gold [beyond count]. Yet all this would have been nothing but a [brief] enjoyment of life in this world - whereas [happiness in] the life to come awaits the God-conscious with thy Sustainer.

Wa mai ya'shu 'an zikrir Rahmaani nuqaiyid lahoo Shaitaanan fahuwa lahoo qareen

But as for anyone who chooses to remain blind to the remembrance of the Most Gracious, to him We assign an [enduring] evil impulse, to become his other self:

Wa innahum la yasuddoo nahum 'anis sabeeli wa yahsaboona annahum muhtadoon

whereupon, behold, these [evil impulses] bar all such from the path [of truth], making them think that they are guided aright!

Hattaaa izaa jaaa'anaa qaala yaa laita bainee wa bainaka bu'dal mashriqaini fabi'sal qareen

But in the end, when he [who has thus sinned] appears before us [on Judgment Day], he will say [to his other self], “Would that between me and thee there had been the distance of east and west!” for, evil indeed [has proved] that other self!

Wa lai yanfa'akumul Yawma iz zalamtum annakum fil 'azaabi mushtarikoon

On that Day it will not profit you in the least [to know] that, since you have sinned [together], you are now to share your suffering [as well].

Afa anta tusmi'us summa aw tahdil 'umya wa man kaana fee dalaalim mubeen

CANST THOU, perchance, [O Muhammad,] make the deaf hear, or show the right way to the blind or to such as are obviously lost in error?

Fa immaa nazhabanna bika fa innaa minhum muntaqimoon

But whether We do [or do not] take thee away [ere thy message prevails] - verily, We shall inflict Our retribution on them;

Aw nuriyannakal lazee wa'adnaahum fa innaa 'alaihim muqtadiroon

and whether We show thee [or do not show thee in this world] the fulfillment of what We have promised them - verily, We have full power over them!

Fastamsik billazeee oohi ya ilaika innaka 'alaa Siraatim Mustaqeem

So hold fast to all that has been revealed to thee: for, behold, thou art on a straight way;

Wa innahoo lazikrul laka wa liqawmika wa sawfa tus'aloon

and, verily, this [revelation] shall indeed become [a source of] eminence for thee and thy people: but in time you all will be called to account [for what you have done with it].

Was'al man arsalnaa min qablika mir Rusulinaaa aja'alnaa min doonir Rahmaani aalihatany yu badoon

Yet [above all else,] ask any of Our apostles whom We sent forth before thy time whether We have ever allowed that deities other than the Most Gracious be worshipped!

Wa laqad arsalnaa Moosaa bi aayaatinaaa ilaa Fir'awna wa mala'ihee faqaala innee Rasoolu Rabbil 'aalameen

THUS, INDEED, have We sent Moses with Our messages unto Pharaoh and his great ones; and he said: “Behold, I am an apostle of the Sustainer of all the worlds!”

Falammma jaaa'ahum bi aayaatinaaa izaa hum minhaa yadhakoon

But as soon as he came before them with Our [miraculous] signs, lo! they derided them,

Wa maa nureehim min aayatin illaa hiya akbaru min ukhtihaa wa akhaznaahum bil'azaabi la'allahum yarji'oon

although each sign that We showed them was weigh­tier than the preceding one: and [each time] We took them to task through suffering, so that they might return [to Us].

Wa qaaloo yaaa ayyuhas saahirud'u lanaa Rabbaka bimaa 'ahida 'indaka innanaa lamuhtadoon

And [every time] they exclaimed: “O thou sorcerer! Pray for us to thy Sustainer on the strength of the covenant [of prophethood] which He has made with thee: for, verily, we shall now follow the right way!”

Falammaa kashafnaa 'anhumul 'azaaba izaa hum yankusoon

But whenever We removed the suffering from them, lo! they would break their word.

Wa naadaa Fir'awnu fee qawmihee qaala yaa qawmi alaisa lee mulku Misra wa haazihil anhaaru tajree min tahtee afalaa tubsiroon

And Pharaoh issued a call to his people, say­ing: “O my people! Does not the dominion over Egypt belong to me, since all these running waters flow at my feet? Can you not, then, see [that I am your lord supreme]?

Am ana khairum min haazal lazee huwa maheenunw wa laa yuakaadu yubeen

Am I not better than this contemptible man who can hardly make his meaning clear?

Falaw laa ulqiya 'alaihi aswiratum min zahabin awjaaa'a ma'ahul malaaa'ikatu muqtarineen

“And then - why have no golden armlets been bestowed on him? or why have no angels come together with him?”

Fastakhaffa qawmahoo fa ataa'ooh; innahum kaanoo qawman faasiqeen

Thus he incited his people to levity, and they obeyed him: for, behold, they were people depraved!

Falammaaa aasafoonan taqamnaa minhum fa aghraqnaahum ajma'een

But when they continued to challenge Us, We inflicted Our retribution on them, and drowned them all:

Faja'alnaahum salafanw wa masalal lil aakhireen

and so We made them a thing of the past, and an example to those who would come after them.

Wa lammaa duribab nu Maryama masalan izaa qawmu ka minhu yasidoon

NOW WHENEVER [the nature of] the son of Mary is set forth as an example, [O Muhammad,] lo! thy people raise an outcry on this score,

Wa qaalooo 'a-aalihatunaa khairun am hoo; maa daraboohu laka illaa jadalaa; balhum qawmun khasimoon

and say, “Which is better - our deities or he?” [But] it is only in the spirit of dispute that they put this comparison before thee: yea, they are conten­tious folk!

In huwa illaa 'abdun an'amnaa 'alaihi wa ja'alnaahu masalal li Baneee Israaa'eel

[As for Jesus,] he was nothing but [a human being -] a servant [of Ours] whom We had graced [with prophethood], and whom We made an example for the children of Israel.

Wa law nashaaa'u laja'alnaa minkum malaaa'ikatan fil ardi yakhlufoon

And had We so willed, [O you who worship angels,] We could indeed have made you into angels succeeding one another on earth!

Wa innahoo la'ilmul lis Saa'ati fala tamtarunna bihaa wattabi'oon; haazaa Siraatum Mustaqeem

AND, BEHOLD, this [divine writ] is indeed a means to know [that] the Last Hour [is bound to come]; hence, have no doubt whatever about it, but follow Me: this [alone] is a straight way.

Wa laa yasuddan nakumush Shaitaanu innahoo lakum 'aduwwum mubeen

And let not Satan bars you [from it] - for, verily, he is your open foe!

Wa lammaa jaaa'a 'Eesaa bilbaiyinaati qaala qad ji'tukum bil Hikmati wa li-ubaiyina lakum ba'dal lazee takhtalifoona feehi fattaqul laaha wa atee'oon

NOW WHEN Jesus came [to his people] with all evidence of the truth, he said: “I have now come unto you with wisdom, and to make clear Unto you some of that on which you are at variance: hence, be conscious of God, and pay heed unto me.

Innal laaha Huwa Rabbee wa Rabbukum fa'budooh; haaza Siraatum Mustaqeem

“Verily, God is my Sustainer as well as your Sustainer; so worship [none but] Him: this [alone] is a straight way!”

Fakhtalafal ahzaabu mim bainihim fawailul lillazeena zalamoo min 'azaabi Yawmin aleem

But factions from among those [who came after Jesus] began to hold divergent views: woe, then, unto those who are bent on evildoing - [woe] for the suffering [that will befall them] on a grie­vous Day!

Hal yanzuroona illas Saa'ata an taatiyahum baghtatanw wa hum laa yash'uroon

ARE THEY [who are lost in sin] but waiting for the Last Hour - [waiting] that it come upon them of a sudden, without their being aware [of its approach]?

Al akhillaaa'u Yawma'izim ba'duhum liba'din 'aduwwun illal muttaqeen

On that Day, [erstwhile] friends will be foes unto one another - [all] save the God-conscious.

Yaa 'ibaadi laa khawfun 'alaikumul Yawma wa laaa antum tahzanoon

[And God will say:] “O you servants of Mine! No fear need you have today, and neither shall you grieve –

Allazeena aamanoo bi Aayaatinaa wa kaanoo muslimeen

[O you] who have attained to faith in Our messages and have surrendered your own selves unto Us!

Udkhulul Jannata antum wa azwaajukum tuhbaroon

Enter paradise, you and your spouses, with happiness blest!”

Yutaafu 'alaihim bishaa fim min zahabinw wa akwaab, wa feehaa maatashtaheehil anfusu wa talazzul a'yunu wa antum feehaa khaalidoon

[And there] they will be waited upon with trays and goblets of gold; and there will be found all that the souls might desire, and [all that] the eyes might delight in. And therein shall you abide, [O you who believe:]

Wa tilkal jannatul lateee ooristumoohaa bimaa kuntum ta'maloon

for such will be the paradise which you shall have inherited by virtue of your past deeds:

Lakum feehaa faakihatun kaseeratum minhaa taakuloon

fruits [of those deeds] shall you have in abundance, [and] thereof shall you partake!

Innal mujrimeena fee 'azaabi jahannama khaalidoon

[But,] behold, they who are lost in sin shall abide in the suffering of hell:

Laa yufattaru 'anhum wa hum feehi mublisoon

it will not be lightened for them; and therein they will be lost in hopeless despair.

Wa maa zalamnaahum wa laakin kaanoo humuz zaalimeen

And it is not We who will be doing wrong unto them, but it is they who will have wronged them­selves.

Wa naadaw yaa Maaliku liyaqdi 'alainaa Rabbuka qaala innakum maakisson

And they will cry: “O thou [angel] who rulest [over hell]! Let thy Sustainer put an end to us!” - whereupon] he will reply: “Verily, you must live on [in this state]

Laqad ji'naakum bilhaqqi wa laakinna aksarakum lilhaqqi kaarihoon

INDEED, [O you sinners,] We have conveyed the truth unto you; but most of you abhor the truth.

Am abramooo amran fainnaa mubrimoon

Why - can they [who deny the truth ever] determine what [the truth] should be?

Am yahsaboona annaa laa nasma'u sirrahum wa najwaahum; balaa wa Rusulunaa ladaihim yaktuboon

Or do they, perchance, think that We do not hear their hidden thoughts and their secret confabulations? Yea, indeed, [We do,] and Our heavenly forces are with them, recording [all].

Qul in kaana lir Rahmaani walad; fa-ana awwalul 'aabideen

Say [O Prophet]: “If the Most Gracious [truly] had a son, I would be the first to worship him!”

Subhaana Rabbis samaawaati wal ardi Rabbil Arshi 'ammaa yasifoon

Utterly remote, in His glory, is the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth - the Sustainer, in almigh­tiness enthroned from all that they may attribute to Him by way of definition!

Fazarhum yakhoodoo wa yal'aboo hattaa yulaaqoo Yawmahumul lazee yoo'adoon

But leave them to indulge in idle talk and play [with words] until they face that [Judgment] Day of theirs which they have been promised:

Wa Huwal lazee fissamaaa'i Ilaahunw wa fil ardi Ilaah; wa Huwal Hakeemul'Aleem

for [then they will come to know that] it is He [alone] who is God in heaven and God on earth, and [that] He alone is truly wise, all-knowing.

Wa tabaarakal lazee lahoo mulkus samaawaati wal ardi wa maa bainahumaa wa 'indahoo 'ilmus Saa'ati wa ilaihi turja'oon

And hallowed be He unto whom the dominion over the heavens and the earth and all that is between them belongs, and with whom the knowledge of the Last Hour rests, and unto whom you all shall be brought back!

Wa laa yamlikul lazeena yad'oona min doonihish shafaa'ata illaa man shahida bilhaqqi wa hum ya'lamoon

And those [beings] whom some invoke beside God have it not in their power to intercede [on Judgment Day] for any but such as have [in their lifetime] borne witness to the truth, and have been aware [that God is one and unique].

Wa la'in sa altahum man khalaqahum la yaqoolun nallaahu fa annaa yu'fakoon

Now if thou ask those [who worship any being other than God] as to who it is that has created them, they are sure to answer, “God.” How perverted, then, are their minds!

Wa qeelihee yaa Rabbi inna haa'ulaaa'i qawmul laa yu'minoon

[But God has full knowledge of the true be­liever] and of his [despairing] cry: “O my Sustainer! Verily, these are people who will not believe!”

Fasfah 'anhum wa qul salaam; fasawfa ya'lamoon

Yet bear thou with them, and say, “Peace [be upon you]!” - for in time they will come to know [the truth].

Haa Meeem

Ha. Mim.

Wal Kitaabil Mubeen

CONSIDER this divine writ, clear in itself and clearly showing the truth!

Innaaa anzalnaahu fee lailatim mubaarakah; innaa kunnaa munzireen

Behold, from on high have We bestowed it on a blessed night: for, verily, We have always been warning [man].

Feehaa yufraqu kullu amrin hakeem

On that [night] was made clear, in wisdom, the distinction between all things [good and evil]

Amram min 'indinaaa; innaa kunnaa mursileen

at a behest from Ourselves: for, verily, We have always been sending [Our messages of guidance]

Rahmatam mir rabbik; innahoo Huwas Samee'ul 'Aleem

in pur­suance of thy Sustainer’s grace [unto man]. Verily, He alone is all-hearing, all-knowing,

Rabbis samaawaati wal ardi wa maa bainahumaa; in kuntum mooqineen

the Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them - if you could but grasp it with inner certainty!

Laaa ilaaha illaa Huwa yuhyee wa yumeetu Rabbukum wa Rabbu aabaaa'ikumul awwaleen

There is no deity save Him: He grants life and deals death: He is your Sustainer as well as the Sustainer of your forebears of old.

Bal hum fee shakkiny yal'aboon

Nay, but they [who lack inner certainty] are but Dying with their doubts.

Fartaqib Yawma taatis samaaa'u bidukhaanim mubeen

WAIT, THEN, for the Day when the skies shall bring forth a pall of smoke which will make obvious [the approach of the Last Hour],

Yaghshan naasa haazaa 'azaabun aleem

enveloping all mankind, [and causing the sinners to exclaim:] “Grievous is this suffering!

Rabbanak shif 'annal 'azaaba innaa mu'minoon

O our Sustainer, relieve us of suffering, for, verily, we [now] believe [in Thee]!”

Annaa lahumuz zikraa wa qad jaaa'ahum Rasoolum mubeen

[But] how shall this remembrance avail them [at the Last Hour], seeing that an apostle had pre­viously come unto them, clearly expounding the truth,

Summaa tawallaw 'anhu wa qaaloo mu'allamum majnoon

whereupon they turned their backs on him and said, “Taught [by others] is he, a madman”?

Innaa kaashiful 'azaabi qaleelaa; innakum 'aaa'indoon

[Still,] behold, We shall postpone this suffer­ing for a little while, although you are bound to revert [to your evil ways: but]

Yawma nabtishul batsha tal kubraa innaa muntaqimoon

on the Day when We shall seize [all sinners] with a most mighty onslaught, We shall, verily, inflict Our retribution [on you as well]!

Wa laqad fatannaa qablahum qawma Fir'awna wa jaaa'ahum Rasoolun kareem

AND, INDEED, [long] before their time did We try Pharaoh’s people [in the same way]: for there came unto them a noble apostle, [who said:]

An addooo ilaiya 'ibaadal laahi innee lakum Rasoolun ameen

“Give in unto me, O God’s bondmen! Verily, I am an apostle [sent] unto you, worthy of trust!

Wa al laa ta'loo 'alal laahi innee aateekum bisultaanim mubeen

“And exalt not yourselves against God: for, verily, I come unto you with a manifest authority [from Him];

Wa innee 'uztu bi Rabbee wa rabbikum an tarjumoon

and, behold, it is with my Sustainer - and your Sustainer - that I seek refuge against all your endeavours to revile me.

Wa il lam tu'minoo lee fa'taziloon

And if you do not believe me, [at least] stand away from me!”

Fada'aa rabbahooo anna haaa'ulaaa'i qawmum mujrimoon

But then, [when they beset him with their enmity,] he called out to his Sustainer, “These are [indeed] people lost in sin!”

Fa asri bi'ibaadee lailan innakum muttaba'oon

And [God said]: “Go thou forth with My servants by night, for you will surely be pursued;

Watrukil bahra rahwan innahum jundum mughraqoon

and leave the sea becalmed [between thee and Pharaoh’s men]: for, verily, they are a host destined to be drowned!”

Kam tarakoo min jannaatinw wa 'uyoon

[And so they perished: and] how many gardens did they leave behind, and water-runnels,

Wa zuroo'inw wa maqaa min kareem

and fields of grain, and noble dwellings,

Wa na'matin kaanoo feehaa faakiheen

and [all that] life of ease in which they used to delight!

Kazaalika wa awrasnaahaa qawman aakhareen

Thus it was. And [then] We made another people heirs [to what they had left],

Famaa bakat 'alaihimus samaaa'u wal ardu wa maa kaanoo munzareen

and neither sky nor earth shed tears over them, nor were they allowed a respite.

Wa laqad najjainaa Baneee Israaa'eela minal'azaabil muheen

And, indeed, We delivered the children of Israel from the shameful suffering

Min Fir'awn; innahoo kaana 'aaliyam minal musrifeen

[inflicted on them] by Pharaoh, seeing that he was truly outstand­ing among those who waste their own selves;

Wa laqadikh tarnaahum 'alaa 'ilmin 'alal 'aalameen

and indeed, We chose them knowingly above all other people,

Wa aatainaahum minal aayaati maa feehi balaaa'um mubeen

and gave them such signs [of Our grace] as would clearly presage a test.

Inna haaa'ulaaa'i la yaqooloon

[Now,] behold, these [people] say indeed:

In hiya illaa mawtatunal oolaa wa maa nahnu bimun shareen

“That [which is ahead of us] is but our first [and only] death, and we shall not be raised to life again.

Faatoo bi aabaaa'inaaa inkuntum saadiqeen

So then, bring forth our forefathers [as witnesses], if what you claim is true!”

Ahum khayrun am qawmu Tubba'inw wallazeena min qablihim; ahlaknaahum innahum kaanoo mujrimeen

Are they, then, better than the people of Tubba and those before them, whom We destroyed because they were truly lost in [the same] sin?

Wa maa khalaqnas samaawaati wal arda wa maa baina humaa laa'ibeen

For [thus it is:] We have not created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in mere idle play:

Maa khalaqnaahumaaa illaa bilhaqqi wa laakinna aksarahum laa ya'lamoon

none of this have We created without [an inner] truth: but most of them under­stand it not.

Inna yawmal fasli meeqaatuhum ajma'een

VERILY, the Day of Distinction [between the true and the false] is the term appointed for all of them:

Yawma laa yughnee mawlan 'am mawlan shai'anw wa laa hum yunsaroon

the Day when no friend shall be of the least avail to his friend, and when none shall be succoured

Illaa mar rahimal laah' innahoo huwal 'azeezur raheem

save those upon whom God will have bestowed His grace and mercy: for, verily, He alone is almighty, a dispenser of grace.

Inna shajarataz zaqqoom

Verily, [in the life to come] the tree of deadly fruit

Ta'aamul aseem

will be the food of the sinful:

Kalmuhli yaghlee filbutoon

like molten lead will it boil in the belly,

Kaghalyil hameem

like the boiling of burning despair.

Khuzoohu fa'tiloohu ilaa sawaaa'il Jaheem

[And the word will be spoken:] “Seize him, [O you forces of hell,] and drag him into the midst of the blazing fire:

Summa subboo fawqa raasihee min 'azaabil hameem

then pour over his head the anguish of burning despair!

Zuq innaka antal 'azeezul kareem

Taste it - thou who [on earth] hast considered thyself so mighty, so noble!

Inna haazaa maa kuntum bihee tamtaroon

This is the very thing which you [deniers of the truth] were wont to call in question!”

Innal muttaqeena fee maqaamin ameen

[As against this -] verily, the God-conscious will find themselves in a state secure,

Fee jannaatinw wa 'uyoon

amid gardens and springs,

Yalbasoona min sundusinw wa istbraqim mutaqaabileen

wearing [garments] of silk and brocade, facing one another [in love].

Kazaalika wa zawwajnaahum bihoorin 'een

Thus shall it be. And We shall pair them with companions pure, most beautiful of eye.

Yad'oona feehaa bikulli faakihatin aamineen

In that [paradise] they shall [rightfully] claim all the fruits [of their past deeds], resting in security;

Laa yazooqoona feehal mawtaa illal mawtatal oolaa wa qaqaahum 'azaabal jaheem

and neither shall they taste death there after having passed through their erstwhile death. Thus will He have preserved them from all suffer­ing through the blazing fire-

Fadlam mir rabbik; zaalika huwal fawzul 'azeem

an act of thy Sustainer’s favour: and that, that will be the triumph supreme!

Fa innamaa yassarnaahu bilisaanika la'allahum yatazakkaroon

THUS, THEN, [O Prophet,] have We made this [divine writ] easy to understand, in thine own [human] tongue, so that men might take it to heart.

Fartaqib innahum murta qiboon

So wait thou [for what the future will bring]: behold, they, too, are waiting.

Haa-Meeem

Ha. Mim.

Tanzeelul Kitaabi minal laahil 'Azeezil Hakeem

THE BESTOWAL from on high of this divine writ issues from God, the Almighty, the Wise.

Innaa fis samaawaati wal ardi la Aayaatil lilmu'mineen

Behold, in the heavens as well as on earth there are indeed messages for all who [are willing to] believe.

Wa fee khalaqikum wa maa yabussu min daaabbatin Aayaatul liqawminy-yooqinoon

And in your own nature, and in [that of] all the animals which He scatters [over the earth] there are messages for people who are endowed with inner certainty.

Wakhtilaafil laili wannahaari wa maaa anzalal laahu minas samaaa'i mir rizqin fa ahyaa bihil arda ba'da mawtihaa wa tasreefir riyaahi Aayaatul liqawminy ya'qiloon

And in the succession of night and day, and in the means of subsistence which God sends down from the skies, giving life thereby to the earth after it had been lifeless, and in the change of the winds: [in all this] there are messages for people who use their reason.

Tilka Aayatul laahi natloohaa 'alika bilhaqq, fabiayyi hadeesim ba'dal laahi wa Aayaatihee yu'minoon

These messages of God do We convey unto thee, setting forth the truth. In what other tiding, if not in God’s messages, will they, then, believe?

Wailul likulli affaakin aseem

Woe unto every sinful self-deceiver

Yasma'u Aayaatil laahi tutlaa 'alaihi summa yusirru mustakbiran ka-al lam yasma'haa fabashshirhu bi'azaabin aleem

who hears God’s messages when they are conveyed to him, and yet, as though he had not heard them, persists in his haughty disdain! Hence, announce unto him grievous suffering –

Wa izaa 'alima min Aayaatinaa shai'anit takhazahaa huzuwaa; ulaaa'ika lahum 'azaabum muheen

for when he does become aware of any of Our messages, he makes them a target of his mockery! For all such there is shameful suffering in store.

Minw waraaa'ihim Jahannamu wa laa yughnee 'anhum maa kasaboo shai'anw wa laa mat takhazoo min doonil laahi awliyaaa'a wa lahum 'azaabun 'azeem

Hell is ahead of them; and all that they may have gained [in this world] shall be of no avail whatever to them, and neither shall any of those things which, instead of God, they have come to regard as their protectors: for, awesome suffering awaits them.

Haazaa hudanw wal lazeena kafaroo bi aayaati Rabbihim lahum 'azaabum mir rijzin aleem

[To pay heed to God’s signs and messages:] this is [the meaning of] guidance; on the other hand, for those who are bent on denying the truth of their Sustainer’s messages there is grievous suffering in store as an outcome of [their] vileness.

Allaahul lazee sahkhara lakumul bahra litajriyal fulku feehi bi amrihee wa litabtaghoo min fadlihee wa la'allakum tashkuroon

IT IS GOD who has made the sea subservient [to His laws, so that it be of use] to you so that ships might sail through it at His behest, and that you might seek to obtain [what you need] of His bounty, and that you might have cause to be grateful.

Wa sakhkhara lakum maa fis samaawaati wa maa fil ardi jamee'am minh; inna feezaalika la Aayaatil liqawminy yatafakkaroon

And He has made subservient to you, [as a gift] from Himself, all that is in the heavens and on earth: in this, behold, there are messages indeed for people who think!

Qul lillazeena aamanoo yaghfiroo lillazeena laa yarjoona ayyaamal laahi liyajziya qawmam bimaa kaanoo yaksiboon

Tell all who have attained to faith that they should forgive those who do not believe in the com­ing of the Days of God, [since it is] for Him [alone] to requite people for whatever they may have earned.

Maa 'amila saalihan falinafsihee wa man asaaa'a fa'alaihaa summa ilaa Rabbikum turja'oon

Whoever does what is just and right, does so for his own good; and whoever does evil, does so to his own hurt; and in the end unto your Sustainer you all will be brought back.

Wa laqad aatainaa Baneee Israaa'eelal Kitaaba walhukma wan Nubuwwata wa razaqnaahum minat taiyibaati wa faddalnaahum;alal 'aalameen

AND, INDEED, [already] unto the children of Israel did We vouchsafe revelation, and wisdom, and prophethood; and We provided for them sustenance out of the good things of life, and favoured them above all other people [of their time].

Wa aatainaahum baiyinaatim minal amri famakh talafooo illaa mim ba'di maa jaaa'ahumul 'ilmu baghyam bainahum; inna Rabbaka yaqdee bainahum Yawmal Qiyaamati feemaa kaanoo feehi yakhtalifoon

And We gave them clear indications of the purpose [of faith]; and it was only after all this knowledge had been vouchsafed to them that they began, out of mutual jealousy, to hold divergent views: [but,] verily, thy Sustainer will judge be­tween them on Resurrection Day regarding all whereon they were wont to differ.

Summa ja'alnaaka 'alaa sharee'atim minal amri fattabi'haa wa laa tattabi'ahwaaa'al-lazeena laa ya'lamoon

And, finally, [O Muhammad,] We have set thee on a way by which the purpose [of faith] may be fulfilled: so follow thou this [way], and follow not the likes and dislikes of those who do not know [the truth].

Innahum lany yughnoo 'anka minal laahi shai'aa; wa innaz zaalimeena ba'duhum awliyaaa'u ba'dinw wallaahu waliyyul muttaqeen

Behold, they could never be of any avail to thee if thou wert to defy the will of God for, verily, such evildoers are but friends and protectors of one another, whereas God is the Protector of all who are conscious of Him.

Haazaa basaaa'iru linnaasi wa hudanw wa rahmatul liqawminy yooqinoon

This [revelation, then,] is a means of insight for mankind, and a guidance and grace unto people who are endowed with inner certainty.

Am hasibal lazeenaj tarahus saiyiaati an naj'alahum kallazeena aamanoo wa 'amilu saalihaati sawaaa'am mahyaahum wa mamaatuhum; saaa'a maa yahkumoon

Now as for those who indulge in sinful doings - do they think that We place them, both in their life and their death, on an equal footing with those who have attained to faith and do righteous deeds? Bad, indeed, is their judgment:

Wa khalaqal laahus samaawaati wal arda bilhaqqi wa litujzaa kullu nafsim bimaa kasabat wa hum laa yuzlamoon

for, God has created the heavens and the earth in accordance with [an inner] truth, and [has therefore willed] that every human being shall be recompensed for what he has earned and none shall be wronged.

Afara'ayta manit takhaza ilaahahoo hawaahu wa adal lahul laahu 'alaa 'ilminw wa khatama 'alaa sam'ihee wa qalbihee wa ja'ala 'alaa basarihee ghishaawatan famany yahdeehi mim ba'dil laah; afalaa tazakkaroon

HAST THOU ever considered [the kind of man] who makes his own desires his deity, and whom God has [thereupon] let go astray, knowing [that his mind is closed to all guidance], and whose hearing and heart He has sealed, and upon whose sight He has placed a veil? Who, then, could guide him after God [has abandoned him]? Will you not, then, bethink your­selves?

Wa qaaloo maa hiya illaa hayaatunad dunyaa namootu wa nahyaa wa maa yuhlikunaaa illad dahr; wa maa lahum bizaalika min 'ilmin in hum illaayazunnoon

And yet they say: “There is nothing beyond our life in this world. We die as we come to life, and nothing but time destroys us.” But of this they have no knowledge whatever: they do nothing but guess.

Wa izaa tutlaa 'alaihim aayaatuna baiyinaatim maa kaana hujjatahum illaaa an qaalu'too bi aabaaa'inaaa in kuntum saadiqeen

And [so,] whenever Our messages are conveyed to them in all their clarity, their only argument is this: “Bring forth our fore­fathers [as witnesses], if what you claim is true!”

Qulil laahu yuhyeekum summa yumeetukum summa yajma'ukum ilaa Yawmil Qiyaamati laa raiba feehi wa laakinna aksaran naasi laa ya'lamoon

Say: “It is God who gives you life, and then causes you to die; and in the end He will gather you together on Resurrection Day, [the coming of] which is beyond all doubt - but most human beings under­stand it not.”

Wa lillaahi mulkus samaawaati wal ard; wa Yawma taqoomus Saa'atu Yawma 'iziny yakhsarul mubtiloon

For, God’s is the dominion over the heavens and the earth; and on the Day when the Last Hour dawns - on that Day will be lost all who [in their lifetime] tried to reduce to nothing [whatever they could not understand].

Wa taraa kulla ummatin jaasiyah; kullu ummatin tud'aaa ilaa kitaabihaa al Yawma tujzawna maa kuntum ta'maloon

And [on that Day] thou wilt see all people kneeling down [in humility]: all people will be called upon to [face] their record: “Today you shall be requited for all that you ever did!

Haazaa kitaabunaa yantiqu 'alaikum bilhaqq; innaa kunnaa nastansikhu maa kuntum ta'maloon

This Our record speaks of you in all truth: for, verily, We have caused to be recorded all that you ever did!”

Fa ammal lazeena aamaanoo wa 'amilus saalihaati fayudkhiluhum Rabbuhum fee rahmatih; zaalika huwal fawzul mubeen

Now as for those who have attained to faith and done righteous deeds, their Sustainer will admit them to His grace: that will be [their] manifest triumph!

Wa ammal lazeena kafarooo afalam takun Aayaatee tutlaa 'alaikum fastakbartum wa kuntum qawmam mujrimeen

But as for those who were bent on denying the truth, [they will be told:] “Were not My messages conveyed to you? And withal, you gloried in your arrogance, and so you became people lost in sin:

Wa izaa qeela inna wa'dallaahi haqqunw was Saa'atu laa raiba feehaa qultum maa nadree mas Saa'atu in nazunnu illaa zannanw wa maa nahnu bimustaiqineen

for when it was said, ‘Behold, God’s promise always comes true, and there can be no doubt about [the coming of] the Last Hour’ - you would answer, ‘We do not know what that Last Hour may be: we think it is no more than an empty guess, and [so] we are by no means convinced!’”

Wa badaa lahum saiyiaatu maa 'amiloo wa haaqa bihim maa kaanoo bihee yastahzi'oon

And [on that Day,] the evil of their doings will become obvious to them, and they will be over­whelmed by the very thing which they were wont to deride.

Wa qeelal yawma nansaakum kamaa naseetum liqaaa'a yawmikum haazaa wa maawaakumun Naaru wa maa lakum min naasireen

And [the word] will be spoken: “Today We shall be oblivious of you as you were oblivious of the coming of this your Day [of Judgment]; and so your goal is the fire, and you shall have none to succour you:

Zaalikum bi annakumut takhaztum aayaatil laahi huzuwanw wa gharratkumul hayaatud dunyaa; fal yawma laa yukhrajoona minhaa wa laahum yusta'taboon

this, because you made God’s messages the target of your mockery, having allowed the life of this world to beguile you!” On that Day, therefore, they will not be brought out of the fire, nor will they be allowed to make amends.

Falillaahil hamdu Rabbis samaawaati wa Rabbil ardi Rabbil-'aalameen

AND THUS, all praise is due to God, Sustainer of the heavens and Sustainer of the earth: the Sustainer of all the worlds!

Wa lahul kibriyaaa'u fissamaawaati wal ardi wa Huwal 'Azeezul Hakeem

And His alone is all majesty in the heavens and on earth; and He alone is almighty, truly wise!