İngilizce Meal — Takıyyüddin Hilâlî ve Muhsin Han — Taha 20:1 – Al-'Ankabut 29:69

1. Tâ-Hâ.

2. We have not sent down the Qur’ân unto you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to cause you distress,

3. But only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allâh).

4. A revelation from Him (Allâh) Who has created the earth and high heavens.

5. The Most Gracious (Allâh) rose over (Istawâ) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty).

6. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil.

7. And if you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) speak (the invocation) aloud, then verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden.

8. Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names.[1] ——— [1] (V.20:8) See the footnote of (V.7:180).

9. And has there come to you the story of Mûsâ (Moses)?

10. When he saw a fire, he said to his family: "Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire; perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire."

11. And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "O Mûsâ (Moses)!

12. "Verily I am your Lord! So take off your shoes; you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa.

13. "And I have chosen you. So listen to that which will be revealed (to you).

14. "Verily! I am Allâh! Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) for My Remembrance.

15. "Verily, the Hour is coming - and I am almost hiding it from Myself - that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives.

16. "Therefore, let not the one who believes not therein (i.e. in the Day of Resurrection, Reckoning, Paradise and Hell.), but follows his own lusts,[2] divert you therefrom, lest you perish. ——— [2] (V.20:16) See the footnote of (V.19:59)

17. "And what is that in your right hand, O Mûsâ (Moses)?"

18. He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses."

19. (Allâh) said: "Cast it down, O Mûsâ (Moses)!"

20. He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly.

21. Allâh said: "Grasp it and fear not; We shall return it to its former state,

22. "And press your (right) hand to your (left) side: it will come forth white (and shining), without any disease as another sign,

23. "That We may show you (some) of Our Greater Signs.

24. "Go to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)! Verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience, and has behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant)."

25. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness).

26. "And ease my task for me;

27. "And loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech) [That occurred as a result of a brand of fire which Mûsâ (Moses) put in his mouth when he was an infant]. (Tafsir At-Tabarî).

28. "That they understand my speech.

29. "And appoint for me a helper from my family,

30. "Hârûn (Aaron), my brother.

31. "Increase my strength with him,

32. "And let him share my task (of conveying Allâh’s Message and Prophethood),

33. "That we may glorify You much,

34. "And remember You much,

35. "Verily You are Ever a Well-Seer of us."

36. (Allâh) said: "You are granted your request, O Mûsâ (Moses)!

37. "And indeed We conferred a favour on you another time (before).

38. "When We inspired your mother with that which We inspired.

39. "Saying: ‘Put him (the child) into the Tabût (a box or a case or a chest) and put it into the river (Nile); then the river shall cast it up on the bank, and there, an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his shall take him.’ And I endued you with love from Me, in order that you may be brought up under My Eye.

40. "When your sister went and said: ‘Shall I show you one who will nurse him?’ So We restored you to your mother, that she might cool her eyes and she should not grieve. Then you did kill a man, but We saved you from great distress and tried you with a heavy trial. Then you stayed a number of years with the people of Madyan (Midian). Then you came here according to the fixed term which I ordained (for you), O Mûsâ (Moses)!

41. "And I have chosen you,[3] for Myself. ——— [3] (V.20:41) i.e. chosen you for My Revelation and My Message or created you for Myself or strengthened and taught you as to how to preach My Message to My worshippers. (Tafsîr Al-Qurtubî)

42. "Go you and your brother with My Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and do not, you both, slacken and become weak in My Remembrance.

43. "Go, both of you, to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant).

44. "And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (Allâh)."

45. They said: "Our Lord! Verily we fear lest he should hasten to punish us or lest he should transgress (all bounds against us)."

46. He (Allâh) said: "Fear not, verily I am with you both, hearing and seeing.

47. "So go you both to him, and say: ‘Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the Children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance!

48. "Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies [believes not in the Oneness of Allâh, and in His Messengers.], and turns away (from the truth and obedience of Allâh)."

49. Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) said: "Who then, O Mûsâ (Moses), is the Lord of you two?"

50. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Our Lord is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright."

51. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "What about the generations of old?"

52. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "The knowledge thereof is with my Lord, in a Record. My Lord neither errs nor He forgets."

53. Who has made earth for you like a bed (spread out); and has opened roads (ways and paths) for you therein, and has sent down water (rain) from the sky. And We have brought forth with it various kinds of vegetation.

54. Eat and pasture your cattle (therein); verily, in this are Ayât (proofs and signs) for men of understanding.

55. Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again.

56. And indeed We showed him [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] all Our Ayât (signs and evidence), but he denied and refused.

57. He [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "Have you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Mûsâ (Moses)?

58. "Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof; so appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither we nor you shall fail to keep, in an open place where both shall have a just and equal chance (and beholders could witness the competition)."

59. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Your appointed meeting is the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen (forenoon)."

60. So Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) withdrew, devised his plot and then came back.

61. Mûsâ (Moses) said to them: "Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allâh, lest He should destroy you completely by a torment. And surely, he who invents a lie (against Allâh) will fail miserably."

62. Then they debated one with another what they must do, and they kept their talk secret.

63. They said: "Verily these are two magicians. Their object is to drive you out from your land with magic, and overcome your chiefs and nobles.

64. "So devise your plot, and then assemble in line. And whoever overcomes this day will be indeed successful."

65. They said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?"

66. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Nay, throw you (first)!" Then behold! their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast.

67. So Mûsâ (Moses) conceived fear in himself.

68. We (Allâh) said: "Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand.

69. "And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician’s trick, and the magician will never be successful, to whatever amount (of skill) he may attain."

70. So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said: "We believe in the Lord of Hârûn (Aaron) and Mûsâ (Moses)."

71. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "Believe you in him [Mûsâ (Moses)] before I give you permission? Verily he is your chief who has taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date-palms, and you shall surely know which of us [I (Fir‘aun - Pharaoh) or the Lord of Mûsâ (Moses) (Allâh)] can give the severe and more lasting torment."

72. They said: "We prefer you not over what have come to us of the clear signs and to Him (Allâh) Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world.

73. "Verily we have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allâh is better as regards reward in comparison to your [Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh)] reward, and more lasting (as regards punishment in comparison to your punishment)."

74. Verily whoever comes to his Lord as a Mujrim (criminal, polytheist, sinner, disbeliever in the Oneness of Allâh and His Messengers), then surely, for him is Hell, wherein he will neither die nor live.

75. But whoever comes to Him (Allâh) as a believer (in the Oneness of Allâh), and has done righteous good deeds, for such are the high ranks (in the Hereafter), -

76. ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), under which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever: such is the reward of those who purify themselves (by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allâh has forbidden and by doing all that Allâh has ordained).

77. And indeed We revealed to Mûsâ (Moses) (saying): "Travel by night with Ibâdi (My slaves) and strike a dry path for them in the sea, fearing neither to be overtaken [by Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] nor being afraid (of drowning in the sea)."

78. Then Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) pursued them with his hosts, but the sea-water completely overwhelmed them and covered them up.

79. And Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) led his people astray, and he did not guide them.

80. O Children of Israel! We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a covenant with you on the right side of the Mount, and We sent down to you Al-Manna [4] and quails, ——— [4] (V.20:80) See the footnote of (V.2:57).

81. (Saying) eat of the Tayyibât (good lawful things) wherewith We have provided you, and commit no transgression or oppression therein, lest My Anger should justly descend on you. And he on whom My Anger descends, he is indeed perished. [Tafsir At-Tabari]

82. And verily, I am indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death).

83. "And what made you hasten from your people, O Mûsâ (Moses)?"

84. He said: "They are close on my footsteps: and I hastened to You, O my Lord, that You might be pleased."

85. (Allâh) said: "Verily We have tried your people in your absence, and As-Sâmirî has led them astray."

86. Then Mûsâ (Moses) returned to his people in a state of anger and sorrow. He said: "O my people! Did not your Lord promise you a fair promise? Did then the promise seem to you long in coming? Or did you desire that wrath should descend from your Lord on you, that you broke your promise to me (i.e disbelieving in Allâh and worshipping the calf)?"

87. They said: "We broke not the promise to you, of our own will, but we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the [Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh)] people, then we cast them (into the fire), and that was what As-Sâmirî suggested."

88. Then he took out (of the fire) for them (a statue of) a calf which seemed to low. They said: "This is your ilâh (god), and the ilâh (god) of Mûsâ (Moses), but he [Mûsâ (Moses)] has forgotten (his god).’"

89. Did they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?

90. And Hârûn (Aaron) indeed had said to them beforehand: "O my people! You are being tried in this, and verily, your Lord is (Allâh) the Most Gracious, so follow me and obey my order."

91. They said: "We will not stop worshipping it (i.e. the calf), until Mûsâ (Moses) returns to us."

92. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "O Hârûn (Aaron)! What prevented you when you saw them going astray;

93. "That you followed me not (according to my advice to you)? Have you then disobeyed my order?"

94. He [Hârûn (Aaron)] said: "O son of my mother! Seize (me) not by my beard, nor by my head! Verily, I feared lest you should say: ‘You have caused a division among the Children of Israel, and you have not respected my word!’ "

95. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "And what is the matter with you. O Sâmirî? (i.e. why did you do so?)"

96. (Sâmirî) said: "I saw what they saw not, so I took a handful (of dust) from the (hoof) print of the messenger [Jibrîl’s (Gabriel) horse] and threw it [into the fire in which were put the ornaments of Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh) people, or into the calf]. Thus my inner-self suggested to me."

97. Mûsâ (Moses) said: "Then go away! And verily, your (punishment) in this life will be that you will say: "Touch me not (i.e. you will live alone exiled away from mankind); and verily (for a future torment), you have a promise that will not fail. And look at your ilâh (god) to which you have been devoted. We will certainly burn it, and scatter its particles in the sea."

98. Your Ilâh (God) is only Allâh, (the One) Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). He has full knowledge of all things.

99. Thus We relate to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) some information of what happened before. And indeed We have given you from Us a Reminder (this Qur’ân).

100. Whoever turns away from it (this Qur’ân - i.e. does not believe in it, nor acts on its orders), verily, they will bear a heavy burden (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection,[5] ——— [5] (V.20:100) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

101. They will abide in that (state in the Fire of Hell) - and evil indeed will it be that load for them on the Day of Resurrection;

102. The Day when the Trumpet will be blown (the second blowing): that Day, We shall gather the Mujrimûn (criminals, polytheists, sinners, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) blue or blind-eyed with thirst.[6] ——— [6] (V.20:102) See Tafsîr Al-Qurtubi.

103. They will speak in a very low voice to each other (saying): "You stayed not longer than ten (days)."

104. We know very well what they will say, when the best among them in knowledge and wisdom will say: "You stayed no longer than a day!"

105. And they ask you concerning the mountains: say, "My Lord will blast them and scatter them as particles of dust.

106. "Then He shall leave them as a level smooth plain.

107. "You will see therein nothing crooked or curved."

108. On that Day mankind will follow strictly (the voice of) Allâh’s caller, no crookedness (that is without going to the right or left of that voice) will they show him (Allâh’s caller). And all voices will be humbled for the Most Gracious (Allâh), and nothing shall you hear but the low voice of their footsteps.

109. On that day no intercession shall avail, except the one for whom the Most Gracious (Allâh) has given permission and whose word is acceptable to Him.

110. He (Allâh) knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them (in the Hereafter) but they will never compass anything of His Knowledge.

111. And (all) faces shall be humbled before (Allâh), Al-Hayyul-Qayyum (the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). And he who carried (a burden of) wrongdoing (i.e. he who disbelieved in Allâh, ascribed partners to Him, and did deeds of His disobedience), will be indeed a complete failure (on that Day).

112. And he who works deeds of righteousness, while he is a believer (in Islâmic Monotheism), then he will have no fear of injustice, nor of any curtailment (of his reward).

113. And thus We have sent it down as a Qur’ân in Arabic, and have explained therein in detail the warnings, in order that they may fear Allâh, or that it may cause them to have a lesson from it (or to have the honour for believing and acting on its teachings).

114. Then High above all be Allâh, the True King. And be not in haste (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with the Qur’ân before its revelation is completed to you, and say: "My Lord! Increase me in knowledge."

115. And indeed We made a covenant with Adam before, but he forgot, and We found on his part no firm will-power.

116. And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves to Adam." They prostrated themselves (all) except Iblîs (Satan) he refused.

117. Then We said: "O Adam! Verily, this is an enemy to you and to your wife. So let him not get you both out of Paradise, so that you will be distressed.

118. Verily, you have (a promise from Us) that you will never be hungry therein nor naked.

119. And you (will) suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun’s heat.

120. Then Shaitân (Satan) whispered to him, saying: "O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?"

121. Then they both ate of the tree, and so their private parts became manifest to them, and they began to cover themselves with the leaves of the Paradise for their covering. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray.

122. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance.

123. He (Allâh) said: "Get you down (from the Paradise to the earth), both of you, together, some of you are an enemy to some others. Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance he shall neither go astray, nor shall be distressed.

124. "But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’ân nor acts on its teachings.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection."

125. He will say: "O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)."

126. (Allâh) will say: "Like this: Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell-fire, away from Allâh’s Mercy)."

127. And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allâh) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this Qur’an], and believes not in the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord; and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting.

128. Is it not a guidance for them (to know) how many generations We have destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they walk? Verily, in this are signs indeed for men of understanding.

129. And had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, and a term determined, (their punishment) must necessarily have come (in this world).

130. So bear patiently (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) what they say, and glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and during some hours of the night, and at the ends of the day (an indication for the five compulsory congregational prayers), that you may become pleased (with the reward which Allâh shall give you).

131. And strain not your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to various groups of them (polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh), the splendour of the life of this world, that We may test them thereby. But the provision (good reward in the Hereafter) of your Lord is better and more lasting.

132. And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. We ask not of you a provision (i.e. to give Us something: money): We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2).

133. They say: "Why does he not bring us a sign (proof) from his Lord?" Has there not come to them the proof of that which is (written) in the former papers [Scriptures, i.e. the Taurât (Torah), and the Injeel (Gospel), about the coming of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم]?

134. And if We had destroyed them with a torment before this (i.e. Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and the Qur’ân), they would surely have said: "Our Lord! If only You had sent us a Messenger, we should certainly have followed Your Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), before we were humiliated and disgraced."[7] ——— [7] (V.20:134) Narrated Abu Sa‘îd Al-Khudrî رضي الله عنه: ‘Alî bin Abî Tâlib sent a piece of gold, not yet taken out of its ore, in a tanned leather container to Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم . Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم distributed that amongst four persons: ‘Uyainah bin Badr, Aqra‘ bin Hâbis, Zaid Al-Khail and the fourth was either ‘Alqamah or ‘Âmir bin At-Tufail. On that, one of his companions said, "We are more deserving of this (gold) than these (persons)." When that news reached the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم he said, "Don’t you trust me though I am the trustworthy man of the One in the heavens, and I receive the news of heavens (i.e. Divine Revelation) both in the morning and in the evening?" There got up a man with sunken eyes, raised cheek bones, raised forehead, a thick beard, a shaven head and a waist-sheet that was tucked up and he said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! Be afraid of Allâh." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Woe to you! Am I not of all the people of the earth the most entitled to fear Allâh?" Then that man went away. Khâlid bin Al-Walîd said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! Shall I chop his neck off?" The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "No, may be he offers prayers." Khâlid said, "Numerous are those who offer prayers and say by their tongues (i.e. mouths) what is not in their hearts." Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "I have not been ordered (by Allâh) to search the hearts of the people or cut open their bellies." Then the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم looked at him (i.e. that man) while the latter was going away and said, "From the offspring of this (man) there will come out (people) who will recite the Qur’ân continuously and elegantly but it will not exceed their throats. (They will neither understand it nor act upon it). They would go out of the religion (i.e., discard Islâm) as an arrow goes out through a game’s body." I think he also said, "If I should be present at their time, I would kill them as the nations of Thamûd were killed." [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.5, Hadith No.638].

135. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Each one (believer and disbeliever.) is waiting, so wait you too; and you shall know who are they that are on the Straight and Even Path (i.e. Allâh’s religion of Islâmic Monotheism), and who are they that have let themselves be guided (on the Right Path).

1. Draws near for mankind their reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness.

2. Comes not unto them an admonition (a chapter of the Qur’ân) from their Lord as a recent revelation but they listen to it while they play

3. With their hearts occupied (with evil things). Those who do wrong, conceal their private counsels, (saying): "Is this (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) more than a human being like you? Will you submit to magic while you see it?"

4. He (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "My Lord knows (every) word (spoken) in the heavens and on earth. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower."

5. Nay, they say: "These (revelations of the Qur’ân which are revealed to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are mixed up false dreams! Nay, he has invented them! - Nay, he is a poet! Let him then bring us an Ayâh (sign as a proof) like the ones (Prophets) the former were sent (with)!"

6. Not one of the towns (populations), of those which We destroyed, believed before them (though We sent them signs): will they then believe?

7. And We sent not before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) but men to whom We revealed. So ask the people of the Reminder [Scriptures - the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel)] if you do not know.

8. And We did not create them (the Messengers, with) bodies that ate not food, nor were they immortals.

9. Then We fulfilled to them the promise. So We saved them and those whom We willed, but We destroyed Al-Musrifûn (i.e. disbelievers in Allah, in His Messengers, extravagants, transgressors of Allâh’s limits by committing crimes, oppressions, polytheism and sins).

10. Indeed, We have sent down for you (O mankind) a Book (the Qur’ân) in which there is Dhikrukum,(your Reminder or an honour for you i.e. honour for the one who follows the teaching of the Qur’ân and acts on its teachings). Will you not then understand?

11. How many a town (community) given to wrong-doing, have We destroyed, and raised up after them another people!

12. Then, when they perceived (saw) Our Torment (coming), behold, they (tried to) flee from it.

13. Flee not, but return to that wherein you lived a luxurious life, and to your homes, in order that you may be questioned.

14. They cried: "Woe to us! Certainly we have been Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh)."

15. And that cry of theirs ceased not, till We made them as a field that is reaped, extinct (dead).

16. We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play.[1] ——— [1] (V.21:16) All the creation of the heavens and the earth is a proof for mankind to learn a lesson and know that the only Creator and the only Organizer of all this universe is One (Allâh), Lâ ilâha illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, Who has no partners with Him).

17. Had We intended to take a pastime (i.e. a wife or a son), We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that).

18. Nay, We fling (send down) the truth (this Qur’ân) against the falsehood (disbelief), so it destroys it, and behold, it (falsehood) is vanished. And woe to you for that (lie) which you ascribe (to Allâh by uttering that Allâh has a wife and a son).

19. To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on earth. And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship).

20. They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so).

21. Or have they taken (for worship) âlihah (gods) from the earth who raise the dead?

22. Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) âlihah (gods) besides Allâh, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allâh, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above all that (evil) they associate with Him!

23. He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.

24. Or have they taken for worship (other) âlihah (gods) besides Him? Say: "Bring your proof." This (the Qur’ân) is the Reminder for those with me and the Reminder for those before me. But most of them know not the Truth, so they are averse.

25. And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) but We revealed to him (saying): Lâ ilâha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allâh)], so worship Me (Alone and none else)."

26. And they say: "The Most Gracious (Allâh) has begotten a son (or children)." Glory to Him! They [whom they call children of Allâh i.e. the angels, ‘Îsâ (Jesus) - son of Maryam (Mary), ‘Uzair (Ezra)], are but honoured slaves.

27. They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His Command.

28. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him.

29. And if any of them should say: "Verily, I am an ilâh (a god) besides Him (Allâh)," such a one We should recompense with Hell. Thus We recompense the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

30. Have not those who disbelieve known that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?

31. And We have placed on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with them, and We placed therein broad highways for them to pass through, that they may be guided.

32. And We have made the heaven a roof, safe and well guarded. Yet they turn away from its signs (i.e. sun, moon, winds, clouds, etc.).

33. And He it is Who has created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon, each in an orbit floating.

34. And We granted not to any human being immortality before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): then if you die, would they live forever?

35. Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good. And to Us you will be returned.

36. And when those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allâh) see you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), they take you not except for mockery (saying): "Is this the one who talks (badly) about your gods?" While they disbelieve at the mention of the Most Gracious (Allâh). [Tafsir Al-Qurtubî].

37. Man is created of haste. I will show you My Ayât (torments, proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). So ask Me not to hasten (them).

38. And they say: "When will this promise (come to pass), if you are truthful."

39. If only those who disbelieved knew (the time) when they will not be able to ward off the Fire from their faces, nor from their backs, and they will not be helped.

40. Nay, it (the Fire or the Day of Resurrection) will come upon them all of a sudden and will perplex them, and they will have no power to avert it nor will they get respite.

41. Indeed, (many) Messengers were mocked before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), but the scoffers were surrounded by that, whereat they used to mock.

42. Say: "Who can guard and protect you in the night or in the day from the (punishment of the) Most Gracious (Allâh)?" Nay, but they turn away from the remembrance of their Lord.

43. Or have they âlihah (gods) who can guard them from Us? They have no power to help themselves, nor can they be protected from Us (i.e. from Our Torment).

44. Nay, We gave the luxuries of this life to these men and their fathers until the period grew long for them. See they not that We gradually reduce the land (in their control) from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will overcome?[2] ——— [2] (V.21:44). "See they not that We gradually reduce the land (of disbelievers, by giving it to the believers, in war victories) from its outlying borders. And Allâh judges, there is none to put back His Judgement and He is Swift at reckoning." [The Qur’ân, Verse 13:41]

45. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I warn you only by the revelation (from Allâh and not by the opinion of the religious scholars and others). But the deaf (who follow the religious scholars and others blindly) will not hear the call, (even) when they are warned [i.e. one should follow only the Qur’ân and the Sunnah (legal ways, orders, acts of worship, and the statements of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, as the companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم did)][3]. ——— [3] (V.21:45) See the footnote of (V.3:103).

46. And if a breath (minor calamity) of the Torment of your Lord touches them, they will surely cry: "Woe unto us! Indeed we have been Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)."

47. And We shall set up balances of justice on the Day of Resurrection, then none will be dealt with unjustly in anything. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it. And Sufficient are We to take account.

48. And indeed We granted to Mûsâ (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron) the criterion (of right and wrong), and a shining light [i.e. the Taurât (Torah)] and a Reminder for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2).

49. Those who fear their Lord without seeing Him, and they are afraid of the Hour.

50. And this is a blessed Reminder (the Qur’ân) which We have sent down: will you then (dare to) deny it?[4] ——— [4] (V.21:50). a) See the footnote of (V.10:37). b) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

51. And indeed We bestowed aforetime on Ibrâhîm (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were Well-Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allâh).

52. When he said to his father and his people: "What are these images, to which you are devoted?"

53. They said: "We found our fathers worshipping them."

54. He said: "Indeed, you and your fathers have been in manifest error."

55. They said: "Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who play about?"

56. He said: "Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them and to that I am one of the witnesses.

57. "And by Allâh, I shall plot a plan (to destroy) your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs."

58. So he broke them to pieces, (all) except the biggest of them, that they might turn to it.

59. They said: "Who has done this to our âlihah (gods)? He must indeed be one of the Zâlimun (wrong-doers)."

60. They said: "We heard a young man talking against them, who is called Ibrâhîm (Abraham)."

61. They said: "Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may testify."

62. They said: "Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Ibrâhîm (Abraham)?"

63. [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "Nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it. Ask them, if they can speak!"[5] ——— [5] (V.21:63) See the footnote (C) of (V.16:121).

64. So they turned to themselves and said: "Verily, you are the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)."

65. Then they turned to themselves (their first thought and said): "Indeed you [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] know well that these (idols) speak not!"

66. [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "Do you then worship besides Allâh, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you?

67. "Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allâh! Have you then no sense?"

68. They said: "Burn him and help your âlihah (gods), if you will be doing."

69. We (Allâh) said: "O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrâhîm (Abraham)!"

70. And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.

71. And We rescued him and Lût (Lot) to the land which We have blessed for the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn).

72. And We bestowed upon him Ishâq (Isaac), and (a grandson) Ya‘qûb (Jacob). Each one We made righteous.

73. And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We revealed to them the doing of good deeds, performing Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and the giving of Zakât and of Us (Alone) they were the worshippers.

74. And (remember) Lût (Lot), We gave him Hukm (right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) and (religious) knowledge, and We saved him from the town (folk) who practised Al-Khabâ’ith (evil, wicked and filthy deeds). Verily, they were a people given to evil, and were Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

75. And We admitted him to Our Mercy; truly, he was of the righteous.

76. And (remember) Nûh (Noah), when he cried (to Us) aforetime. We answered his invocation and saved him and his family from the great distress.

77. We helped him against the people who denied Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Verily, they were a people given to evil. So We drowned them all.

78. And (remember) Dâwûd (David) and Sulaimân (Solomon), when they gave judgement in the case of the field in which the sheep of certain people had pastured at night; and We were witness to their judgement.

79. And We made Sulaimân (Solomon) to understand (the case); and to each of them We gave Hukm (right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) and knowledge. And We subjected the mountains and the birds to glorify Our Praises along with Dâwûd (David). And it was We Who were the doer (of all these things).

80. And We taught him the making of metal coats of mail (for battles), to protect you in your fighting. Are you then grateful?

81. And to Sulaimân (Solomon) (We subjected) the wind strongly raging, running by his command towards the land which We had blessed. And of everything We are the All-Knower.

82. And of the Shayâtîn (devils from the jinn) were some who dived for him, and did other work besides that; and it was We Who guarded them.

83. And (remember) Ayyûb (Job), when he cried to his Lord: "Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy."

84. So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all those who worship Us.

85. And (remember) Ismâ‘îl (Ishmael), and Idrîs (Enoch) and Dhul-Kifl (Isaiah): all were from among As-Sâbirûn (the patient).

86. And We admitted them to Our Mercy. Verily, they were of the righteous.

87. And (remember) Dhun-Nûn (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (i.e. the calamities which had befallen him)! But he cried through the darkness (saying): Lâ ilâha illâ Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O, Allâh)], Glorified (and Exalted) be You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]! Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers."

88. So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers (who believe in the Oneness of Allâh, abstain from evil and work righteousness).

89. And (remember) Zakariyyâ (Zachariah), when he cried to his Lord: "O My Lord! Leave me not single (childless), though You are the Best of the inheritors."

90. So We answered his call, and We bestowed upon him Yahyâ (John), and cured his wife (to bear a child) for him. Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.

91. And she who guarded her chastity [Virgin Maryam (Mary)]: We breathed into (the sleeves of) her (shirt or garment) [through Our Rûh - Jibrîl (Gabriel)],[6] and We made her and her son [‘Îsâ (Jesus)] a sign for Al-‘Âlamîn (the mankind and jinn). ——— [6] (V.21:91) It is said that Jibrael (Gabriel) had merely breathed in the sleeve of Maryam’s (Mary) shirt and thus she conceived.

92. Truly! This, your Ummah [Shari‘ah or religion (Islâmic Monotheism)] is one religion, and I am your Lord, therefore worship Me (Alone). [Tafsîr Ibn Kathîr]

93. But they have broken up and differed as regards their religion among themselves. (And) they all shall return to Us.

94. So whoever does righteous good deeds while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), his efforts will not be rejected. Verily We record it for him (in his Book of deeds).[7] ——— [7] (V.21:94) See the footnote of (V.9:121).

95. And a ban is laid on every town (population) which We have destroyed that they shall not return (to this world again, nor repent to Us).

96. Until, when Ya’jûj and Ma’jûj (Gog and Magog)[8] are let loose (from their barrier), and they swoop down from every mound. ——— [8] (V.21:96) See the footnote of (V.18:94).

97. And the true promise (Day of Resurrection) shall draw near (of fulfillment). Then (when mankind is resurrected from their graves), you shall see the eyes of the disbelievers fixedly staring in horror. (They will say): "Woe to us! We were indeed heedless of this - nay, but we were Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)."

98. Certainly you (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allâh, are (but) fuel for Hell! (Surely), you will enter it.[9] ——— [9] (V.21:98) When the following Statement of Allâh عز وجل was revealed: "Certainly you (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allâh are (but) fuel for Hell! (Surely), you will enter it." The Quraish pagans were delighted and said: "We are pleased to be with our gods in the Hell-fire, as the idols will be with the idolaters (in the Hell-fire), and therefore ‘Îsâ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary) will be with his worshippers (i.e. in the Hell-fire) and so on. So (to clear the misunderstanding) Allâh عز وجل revealed the following Verse (to deny and reject their claim): "Verily, those for whom the good has preceded from Us, they will be removed far therefrom (Hell). [e.g. ‘Îsâ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary); ‘Uzair (Ezra)]." [The Qur’ân, Verse 21:101].

99. Had these (idols) been âlihah (gods), they would not have entered there (Hell), and all of them will abide therein.

100. Therein they will be breathing out with deep sighs and roaring and therein they will hear not.[10] ——— [10] (V.21:100) Ibn Mas‘ûd رضي الله عنه recited this Verse and then said: "When those (who are destined to remain in the Hell-fire forever) will be thrown in the Hell-fire, each of them will be put in a separate Tabût (box) of Fire, so that he will not see anyone punished in the Hell fire except himself." Then Ibn Mas‘ûd recited this Verse (21:100). [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Tabari and Qurtubî].

101. Verily, those for whom the good has preceded from Us, they will be removed far therefrom (Hell) [e.g. ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary); ‘Uzair (Ezra)].

102. They shall not hear the slightest sound of it (Hell), while they abide in that which their ownselves desire.

103. The greatest terror (on the Day of Resurrection) will not grieve them, and the angels will meet them, (with the greeting): "This is your Day which you were promised."

104. And (remember) the Day when We shall roll up the heaven like a scroll rolled up for books. As We began the first creation, We shall repeat it. (It is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it.

105. And indeed We have written in Az-Zabûr [i.e. all the revealed Holy Books - the Taurât (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Psalms, the Qur’ân,] after (We have already written in) Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz (the Book that is in the heaven with Allâh), that My righteous slaves shall inherit the land (i.e. the land of Paradise).

106. Verily, in this (the Qur’ân) there is a plain Message for people who worship Allâh (i.e. the true, real believers of Islâmic Monotheism who act practically on the Qur’ân and the Sunnah - legal ways of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم).

107. And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): not but as a mercy for the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

108. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "It is revealed to me that your Ilâh (God) is only one Ilâh (God - Allâh). Will you then submit to His Will (become Muslims and stop worshipping others besides Allâh)?"

109. But if they (disbelievers, idolaters, Jews, Christians, polytheists) turn away (from Islâmic Monotheism) say (to them O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I give you a notice (of war as) to be known to us all alike. And I know not whether that which you are promised (i.e. the torment or the Day of Resurrection) is near or far.[11]" ——— [11] (V.21:109) See the footnote of (V.2:193).

110. (Say O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): Verily, He (Allâh) knows that which is spoken aloud (openly) and that which you conceal.

111. And I know not, perhaps it may be a trial for you, and an enjoyment for a while.

112. He (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "My Lord! Judge You in truth! Our Lord is the Most Gracious, Whose Help is to be sought against that which you attribute (unto Allâh that He has offspring, and unto Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم that he is a sorcerer, and unto the Qur’ân that it is poetry)!"

1. O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing.

2. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one will drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state, yet they will not be drunken, but severe will be the Torment of Allâh.

3. And among mankind is he who disputes concerning Allâh, without knowledge, and follows every rebellious (disobedient to Allâh) Shaitân (devil) (devoid of every kind of good).

4. For him (the devil) it is decreed that whosoever follows him, he will mislead him, and will drive him to the torment of the Fire. [Tafsir At-Tabarî]

5. O mankind! If you are in doubt about the Resurrection, then verily We have created you (i.e. Adam) from dust, then from a Nutfah (mixed drops of male and female sexual discharge i.e. the offspring of Adam), then from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood) then from a little lump of flesh - some formed and some unformed (as in the case of miscarriage) - that We may make (it) clear to you (i.e. to show you Our Power and Ability to do what We will). And We cause whom We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as infants,[1] then (give you growth) that you may reach your age of full strength. And among you there is he who dies (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to the miserable old age, so that he knows nothing after having known. And you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) on it, it is stirred (to life), and it swells and puts forth every lovely kind (of growth). ——— [1] (V.22:5) Narrated ‘Abdullâh رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, the true and truly inspired said: "(As regards your creation), every one of you is collected in the womb of his mother for the first forty days, and then he becomes a clot for another forty days, and then a piece of flesh for another forty days. Then Allâh sends an angel to write four words: He writes his deeds, time of his death, means of his livelihood, and whether he will be wretched or blessed (in the Hereafter). Then the soul is breathed into his body. So a man may do deeds characteristic of the people of the (Hell) Fire, so much so that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses; and so he starts doing deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise and enters Paradise. Similarly, a person may do deeds characteristic of the people of Paradise, so much so that there is only the distance of a cubit between him and it, and then what has been written (by the angel) surpasses, and he starts doing deeds of the people of the (Hell) Fire and enters the (Hell) Fire." (Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith No.549).

6. That is because Allâh: He is the Truth, and it is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who is Able to do all things.

7. And surely, the Hour is coming, there is no doubt about it; and certainly, Allâh will resurrect those who are in the graves.

8. And among men is he who disputes about Allâh, without knowledge or guidance, or a Book giving light (from Allâh),

9. Bending his neck in pride[2] (far astray from the Path of Allâh), and leading (others) too (far) astray from the Path of Allâh. For him there is disgrace in this worldly life, and on the Day of Resurrection We shall make him taste the torment of burning (Fire). ——— [2] (V.22:9) Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ûd رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Whosoever has pride in his heart equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall not enter Paradise." A person (amongst the audience) said, "Verily, a person loves that his dress should be beautiful, and his shoes should be beautiful." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم remarked, "Verily, Allâh is the Most Beautiful and He loves beauty. (الكبر: بطر الحق وغمط الناس) Pride is to completely disregard the truth, and to scorn (to look down upon) the people." (Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Vol.1, Hadîth No.164).

10. That is because of what your hands have sent forth, and verily, Allâh is not unjust to (His) slaves.

11. And among mankind is he who worships Allâh as it were, upon the edge (i.e. in doubt): if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him, he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts to disbelief after embracing Islâm). He loses both this world and the Hereafter. That is the evident loss.

12. He calls besides Allâh unto that which can neither harm him, nor profit him. That is a straying far away.

13. He calls unto him whose harm is nearer than his profit: certainly, an evil Maulâ (patron) and certainly an evil friend!

14. Truly, Allâh will admit those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds (according to the Qur’ân and the Sunnah) to Gardens underneath which rivers flow (in Paradise). Verily, Allâh does what He wills.

15. Whoever thinks that Allâh will not help him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) in this world and in the Hereafter, let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and let him strangle himself. Then let him see whether his plan will remove that whereat he rages!

16. Thus have We sent it (this Qur’ân) down (to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as clear signs, evidence and proofs, and surely, Allâh guides whom He wills.

17. Verily, those who believe (in Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and those who are Jews, and the Sabians, and the Christians, and the Majûs, and those who worship others besides Allâh, truly, Allâh will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Verily! Allâh is over all things a Witness.[3] ——— [3] (V.22:17) See (V.2:62) and its footnotes for the explanation of this Verse.

18. See you not that whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawâbb [moving (living) creatures, beasts], and many of mankind prostrate themselves to Allah. But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is justified. And whomsoever Allâh disgraces, none can honour him. Verily, Allâh does what He wills.

19. These two opponents (believers and disbelievers) dispute with each other about their Lord: then as for those who disbelieved, garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water will be poured down over their heads.

20. With it will melt (or vanish away) what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins.

21. And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish them).

22. Every time they seek to get away therefrom, from anguish, they will be driven back therein, and (it will be) said to them: "Taste the torment of burning!"

23. Truly, Allâh will admit those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to Gardens underneath which rivers flow (in Paradise), wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments therein will be of silk.

24. And they are guided (in this world) unto goodly speech (i.e. Lâ ilâha illallâh, Alhamdu lillâh, recitation of the Qur’ân, etc.) and they are guided to the Path of Him (i.e. Allâh’s religion of Islâmic Monotheism), Who is Worthy of all praises.

25. Verily, those who disbelieved and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh, and from Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah) which We have made (open) to (all) men, the dweller in it and the visitor from the country are equal there [as regards its sanctity and pilgrimage (Hajj and ‘Umrah)] - and whoever inclines to evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practise polytheism and leave Islâmic Monotheism), him We shall cause to taste from a painful torment.

26. And (remember) when We showed Ibrâhîm (Abraham) the site of the (Sacred) House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah) (saying): "Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, [Lâ ilâha illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh) - Islâmic Monotheism], and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who stand up (for prayer), and those who bow (submit themselves with humility and obedience to Allâh), and make prostration (in prayer);"

27. And proclaim to mankind the Hajj (pilgrimage). They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, they will come from every deep and distant (wide) mountain highway (to perform Hajj ).[4] ——— [4] (V.22:27). a) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Whoever performs Hajj to this House (Ka‘bah ) and does not approach his wife for sexual relations nor commits sins (while performing Hajj), he will come out as sinless as a newly-born child (just delivered by his mother)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.3, Hadith No.45). b) See the footnote of (V.2:196).

28. That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allâh on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice), [at the time of their slaughtering by saying: (Bismillah, Wallâhu-Akbar, Allâhumma Minka wa Ilaik).] Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor having a hard time.

29. Then let them complete their prescribed duties (Manâsik of Hajj) and perform their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka‘bah at Makkah).[5] ——— [5] (V.22:29) See the footnote of (V.2:128).

30. That (Manâsik- prescribed duties of Hajj is the obligation that mankind owes to Allâh), and whoever honours the sacred things of Allâh, then that is better for him with his Lord. The cattle are lawful to you, except those (that will be) mentioned to you (as exceptions). So shun the abomination (worshipping) of idol, and shun lying speech (false statements)[6] - ——— [6] (V.22:30) See the footnote of (V.5:32).

31. Hunafâ’ Lillâh (i.e. worshiping none but Allâh), not associating partners (in worship) unto Him; and whoever assigns partners to Allâh, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place.

32. Thus it is [what has been mentioned in the above said Verses (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is an obligation that mankind owes to Allâh] and whosoever honours the Symbols of Allâh, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts.

33. In them (cattle offered for sacrifice) are benefits for you for an appointed term, and afterwards they are brought for sacrifice unto the ancient House (the Haram - sacred territory of Makkah).

34. And for every nation We have appointed religious ceremonies, that they may mention the Name of Allâh over the beast of cattle that He has given them for food. And your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God - Allâh), so you must submit to Him Alone (in Islâm). And (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) give glad tidings to the Mukhbitûn (those who obey Allâh with humility and are humble from among the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism),

35. Whose hearts are filled with fear when Allâh is mentioned and As-Sabirûn [who patiently bear whatever may befall them (of calamities)]; and who perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and who spend (in Allâh’s Cause) out of what We have provided them.

36. And the Budn (cows, oxen, or camels driven to be offered as sacrifices by the pilgrims at the sanctuary of Makkah) We have made them for you as among the Symbols of Allâh, wherein you have much good. So mention the Name of Allâh over them when they are drawn up in lines (for sacrifice). Then, when they are down on their sides (after slaughter), eat thereof, and feed the poor who does not ask (men), and the beggar who asks (men). Thus have We made them subject to you that you may be grateful.

37. It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allâh, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allâh for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to the Muhsinûn [7] (doers of good). ——— [7] (V.22:37) Al-Muhsinûn: The good-doers who perform good deeds totally for Allâh’s sake only without any show-off or to gain praise or fame, etc., and do them in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of Allâh’s Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

38. Truly, Allâh defends those who believe. Verily, Allâh likes not any treacherous ingrate to Allâh [those who disobey Allâh but obey Shaitân (Satan)].

39. Permission to fight (against disbelievers) is given to those (believers) who are fought against, because they have been wronged; and surely, Allâh is Able to give them (believers) victory -

40. Those who have been expelled from their homes unjustly only because they said: "Our Lord is Allâh." For had it not been that Allâh checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allâh is mentioned much would surely have been pulled down. Verily, Allâh will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

41. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamat-as-Salât[8] [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salât (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakât and they enjoin Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islâm has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur’ân as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allâh rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures). ——— [8] (V.22:41): A) Iqâmat-as-Salât: Performing of Salât (prayers) It means that: a) Every Muslim, male or female, is obliged to offer his Salât (prayers) regularly five times a day at the specified times; the male in the mosque in congregation and the female at home. As the Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم has said: Order your children to perform Salât (prayer) at the age of seven and beat them (about it) at the age of ten. The chief (of a family, town, tribe, etc.) and the Muslim rulers of a country are held responsible before Allâh in case of non-fulfilment of this obligation by the Muslims under their authority. b) One must offer the Salât (prayers) as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to offer them with all their rules and regulations. i.e., standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting, etc. As he صلى الله عليه وسلم has said: "Offer your Salât (prayers) the way you see me offering them (Hadîth No.352, Vol. 9, Sahih Al-Bukhârî)." [For the characteristics of the Salât (prayer) of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم see Sahih Al-Bukhârî, Vol.1, Hadîth Nos. 702, 703,704, 723, 786 and 787]. B) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "No Salât (prayer) is heavier (harder) for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the ‘Ishâ prayers, but if they knew the reward for these Salât (prayers) at their respective times, they would certainly present themselves (in the mosques) even if they had to crawl." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم added, "Certainly, I intended (or was about) to order the Mu’adhdhin (call-maker) to pronounce Iqâmah and order a man to lead the Salât (prayer) and then take a fire flame to burn all those (men along with their houses) who had not yet left their houses for the Salât (prayer) (in the mosques)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.626).

42. And if they belie you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), so did belie before them, the people of Nûh (Noah), ‘Âd and Thamûd, (their Prophets).

43. And the people of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) and the people of Lût (Lot),

44. And the dwellers of Madyan (Midian); and belied was Mûsâ (Moses). But I granted respite to the disbelievers for a while, then I seized them, and how (terrible) was My punishment (against their wrong-doing)!

45. And many a township did We destroy while it was given to wrong-doing, so that it lies in ruins (up to this day), and (many) a deserted well and lofty castle!

46. Have they not travelled through the land, and have they hearts wherewith to understand and ears wherewith to hear? Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind.

47. And they ask you to hasten on the torment! And Allâh fails not His Promise. And verily, a day with your Lord is as a thousand years of what you reckon.

48. And many a township did I give respite while it was given to wrong-doing. Then (in the end) I seized it (with punishment). And to Me is the (final) return (of all).

49. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "O mankind! I am (sent) to you only as a plain warner."

50. So those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, for them is forgiveness and Rizqun Karîm (generous provision, i.e. Paradise).

51. But those who strive against Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), to frustrate them, they will be dwellers of the Hell-fire.

52. Never did We send a Messenger or a Prophet before you but when he did recite the revelation or narrated or spoke, Shaitân (Satan) threw (some falsehood) in it. But Allâh abolishes that which Shaitân (Satan) throws in. Then Allâh establishes His Revelations. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise:

53. That He (Allâh) may make what is thrown in by Shaitân (Satan) a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy and disbelief) and whose hearts are hardened. And certainly, the Zalimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) are in an opposition far-off (from the truth against Allâh’s Messenger and the believers).

54. And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it (this Qur’ân) is the truth from your Lord, so that they may believe therein, and their hearts may submit to it with humility. And verily, Allâh is the Guide of those who believe, to the Straight Path.

55. And those who disbelieved will not cease to be in doubt about it (this Qur’ân) until the Hour comes suddenly upon them, or there comes to them the torment of the Day after which there will be no night (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).

56. The sovereignty on that Day will be that of Allâh (the One Who has no partners). He will judge between them. So those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and did righteous good deeds will be in Gardens of delight (Paradise).

57. And those who disbelieved and belied Our Verses (of this Qur’ân), for them will be a humiliating torment (in Hell).

58. Those who emigrated in the Cause of Allâh and after that were killed or died, surely, Allâh will provide a good provision for them. And verily, it is Allâh Who indeed is the Best of those who make provision.

59. Truly, He will make them enter an entrance with which they shall be well-pleased, and verily, Allâh indeed is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.

60. That is so. And whoever has retaliated with the like of that which he was made to suffer, and then has again been wronged, Allâh will surely help him. Verily Allâh indeed is Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving.

61. That is because Allâh merges the night into the day, and He merges the day into the night. And verily, Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Seer.

62. That is because Allâh - He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is Bâtil (falsehood). And verily, Allâh - He is the Most High, the Most Great.

63. See you not that Allâh sends down water (rain) from the sky, and then the earth becomes green? Verily, Allâh is the Most Kind and Courteous, Well-Acquainted with all things.

64. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth. And verily, Allâh - He is Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all praise.

65. See you not that Allâh has subjected to you (mankind) all that is on the earth, and the ships that sail through the sea by His Command? He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth except by His Leave. Verily, Allâh is, for mankind, Full of Kindness, Most Merciful.

66. It is He, Who gave you life, and then will cause you to die, and will again give you life (on the Day of Resurrection). Verily man is indeed an ingrate.

67. For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies [e.g. slaughtering of the cattle during the three days of stay at Mîna (Makkah) during the Hajj (pilgrimage)] which they must follow; so let them (the pagans) not dispute with you on the matter (i.e. to eat of the cattle which you slaughter, and not to eat of the cattle which Allâh kills by its natural death), but invite them to your Lord. Verily you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) indeed are on the (true) straight guidance (i.e. the true religion of Islâmic Monotheism).

68. And if they argue with you (as regards the slaughtering of the sacrifices), say "Allâh knows best of what you do.

69. "Allâh will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein you used to differ."

70. Know you not that Allâh knows all that is in the heaven and on the earth? Verily, it is (all) in the Book (Al-Lauh-al-Mahfûz). Verily that is easy for Allâh.

71. And they worship besides Allâh others for which He has sent down no authority, and of which they have no knowledge; and for the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) there is no helper.

72. And when Our Clear Verses are recited to them, you will notice a denial on the faces of the disbelievers! They are nearly ready to attack with violence those who recite Our Verses to them. Say: "Shall I tell you of something worse than that? The Fire (of Hell) which Allâh has promised to those who disbelieved, and worst indeed is that destination!"

73. O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily those on whom you call besides Allâh, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatches away a thing from them, they will have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought.

74. They have not estimated Allâh His Rightful Estimate. Verily, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

75. Allâh chooses Messengers from angels and from men. Verily, Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Seer.

76. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them. And to Allâh return all matters (for decision).

77. O you who have believed! Bow down, and prostrate yourselves, and worship your Lord and do good that you may be successful.

78. And strive hard in Allâh’s Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islâmic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion of Islâm), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship:[9] it is the religion of your father Ibrâhîm (Abraham) (Islâmic Monotheism). It is He (Allâh) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur’ân), that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind![10] So perform As-Salât (Iqamat-as-Salât), give Zakât and hold fast to Allâh [i.e. have confidence in Allâh, and depend upon Him in all your affairs]. He is your Maulâ (Patron, Lord), what an Excellent Maulâ (Patron, Lord) and what an Excellent Helper! ——— [9] (V.22:78) Religion is very easy. And the statement of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم: "The most beloved religion to Allâh عز وجل is the tolerant Hanifiyyah [i.e., Islâmic Monotheism, i.e., to worship Him (Allâh) Alone and not to worship anything else along with Him.]" Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the Salât (prayers) in the mornings, afternoons and during the last hours of the nights." (See Fath Al-Bari, Vol.1, Page 102). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.38). [10] (V.22:78) See the footnote of (V.2:143).

1. Successful indeed are the believers.

2. Those who offer their Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness.

3. And those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk, falsehood, and all that Allâh has forbidden).

4. And those who pay the Zakât.

5. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts)

6. Except from their wives or (the slaves) that their right hands possess, - for then, they are free from blame;

7. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors;

8. Those who are faithfully true to their Amanât (all the duties which Allâh has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts) and to their covenants;

9. And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours).

10. These are indeed the inheritors

11. Who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.

12. And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water and earth).

13. Thereafter We made him (the offspring of Adam) as a Nutfah (mixed drops of the male and female sexual discharge and lodged it) in a safe lodging (womb of the woman).

14. Then We made the Nutfah into a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood), then We made the clot into a little lump of flesh, then We made out of that little lump of flesh bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, and then We brought it forth as another creation. So Blessed is Allâh, the Best of creators.[1] ——— [1] (V.23:14) See the footnote of (V.22:5).

15. After that, surely, you will die.

16. Then (again), surely, you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection.

17. And indeed We have created above you seven heavens (one over the other), and We are never unaware of the creation.

18. And We sent down from the sky water (rain) in (due) measure, and We gave it lodging in the earth, and verily, We are Able to take it away.

19. Then We brought forth for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein is much fruit for you, and whereof you eat.

20. And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows (produces) oil, and (it is a) relish for the eaters.

21. And verily in the cattle there is indeed a lesson for you. We give you to drink (milk) of that which is in their bellies. And there are, in them, numerous (other) benefits for you, and of them you eat.

22. And on them, and on ships you are carried.

23. And indeed We sent Nûh (Noah) to his people, and he said: "O my people! Worship Allâh! You have no other Ilâh (God) but Him (Islâmic Monotheism). Will you not then be afraid (of Him i.e. of His punishment because of worshipping others besides Him)?"

24. But the chiefs of his people who disbelieved said: "He is no more than a human being like you, he seeks to make himself superior to you. Had Allâh willed, He surely could have sent down angels. Never did we hear such a thing among our fathers of old.

25. "He is only a man in whom is madness, so wait for him a while."

26. [Nûh (Noah)] said: "O my Lord! Help me because they deny me."

27. So We revealed to him (saying): "Construct the ship under Our Eyes and under Our Revelation (guidance). Then, when Our Command comes, and water gushes forth from the oven, take on board of each kind two (male and female), and your family, except those thereof against whom the Word has already gone forth. And address Me not in favour of those who have done wrong. Verily, they are to be drowned.

28. And when you have embarked on the ship, you and whoever is with you, then say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, Who has saved us from the people who are Zâlimûn (i.e. oppressors, wrong-doers, polytheists, those who join others in worship with Allâh).

29. And say: "My Lord! Cause me to land at a blessed landing-place, for You are the Best of those who bring to land."

30. Verily, in this [what We did as regards drowning of the people of Nûh (Noah)], there are indeed Ayât (proofs, evidence, lessons, signs, etc. for men to understand), for sure We are ever putting (men) to the test.

31. Then, after them, We created another generation.

32. And We sent to them a Messenger from among themselves (saying): "Worship Allâh! You have no other Ilâh (God) but Him. Will you not then be afraid (of Him i.e. of His punishment because of worshipping others besides Him)?"

33. And the chiefs of his people who disbelieved and denied the Meeting in the Hereafter, and whom We had given the luxuries and comforts of this life, said: "He is no more than a human being like you, he eats of that which you eat, and drinks of what you drink.

34. "If you were to obey a human being like yourselves, then verily you indeed would be losers.

35. "Does he promise you that when you have died and have become dust and bones, you shall come out alive (resurrected)?

36. "Far, very far is that which you are promised!

37. "There is nothing but our life of this world! We die and we live! And we are not going to be resurrected!

38. "He is only a man who has invented a lie against Allâh, and we are not going to believe in him."

39. He said: "O my Lord! Help me because they deny me."

40. (Allâh) said: "In a little while, they are sure to be regretful."

41. So As-Saihah (torment - awful cry) overtook them in truth (with justice), and We made them as rubbish of dead plants. So away with the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, disobedient to His Messengers).

42. Then, after them, We created other generations.

43. No nation can advance their term, nor can they delay it.

44. Then We sent Our Messengers in succession. Every time there came to a nation their Messenger, they denied him; so We made them follow one another (to destruction), and We made them as Ahadîth (the true stories for mankind to learn a lesson from them). So away with a people who believe not!

45. Then We sent Mûsa (Moses) and his brother Hârûn‎‎ (Aaron), with Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and manifest authority,

46. To Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, but they behaved insolently and they were people self-exalting (by disobeying their Lord, and exalting themselves over and above the Messenger of Allâh).

47. They said: "Shall we believe in two men like ourselves, and their people are obedient to us with humility (and we use them to serve us as we like)."

48. So they denied them both [Mûsâ (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron)] and became of those who were destroyed.

49. And indeed We gave Mûsâ (Moses) the Scripture, that they may be guided.

50. And We made the son of Maryam (Mary) and his mother as a sign, and We gave them refuge on high ground, a place of rest, security and flowing streams.

51. O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibât [all kinds of Halâl foods which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits, etc.] and do righteous deeds. Verily! I am Well-Acquainted with what you do.

52. And verily this your religion (of Islâmic Monotheism) is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear (keep your duty to) Me.

53. But they (men) have broken their religion among them into sects,[2] each group rejoicing in what is with it (as its beliefs). ——— [2] (V.23:53) See the footnote of (V.3:103).

54. So leave them in their error for a time.

55. Do they think that in wealth and children with which We enlarge them

56. We hasten unto them with good things. Nay, [it is a Fitnah (trial) in this worldly life so that they will have no share of good things in the Hereafter] but they perceive not. [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi].

57. Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord;

58. And those who believe in the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord;

59. And those who join not anyone (in worship) as partners with their Lord;

60. And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities have been accepted or not),[3] because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning). ——— [3] (V.23:60) Narrated ‘Âishah رضي الله عنها (the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم), I asked Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم about this (following Verse): "And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear ..." (V.23:60). She added: "Are these who drink alcoholic drinks and steal?" Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: "No! O the daughter of As-Siddîq, but they are those who fast, pray, and practise charity and they are afraid that (their good) deeds may not be accepted (by Allâh) from them. ‘It is these who hasten in good deeds.’ " (Sunan At-Tirmidhi Hadith No.3225), (Tafsîr Al-Qurtubî).

61. It is these who hasten in the good deeds, and they are foremost in them [e.g. offering the compulsory Salât (prayers) in their (early) stated, fixed times and so on].

62. And We task not any person except according to his capacity, and with Us is a Record which speaks the truth, and they will not be wronged.

63. Nay, but their hearts are covered from (understanding) this (the Qur’ân), and they have other (evil) deeds, besides, which they are doing.

64. Until when We seize those of them who lead a luxurious life with punishment: behold they make humble invocation with a loud voice.

65. Invoke not loudly this day! Certainly you shall not be helped by Us.

66. Indeed My Verses used to be recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels (denying them, and refusing with hatred to listen to them).

67. In pride (they - Quraish pagans and polytheists of Makkah used to feel proud that they are the dwellers of Makkah sanctuary - Haram), talking evil about it (the Qur’ân) by night.

68. Have they not pondered over the Word (of Allâh, i.e. what is sent down to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم), or has there come to them what had not come to their fathers of old?

69. Or is it that they did not recognize their Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) so they deny him?

70. Or say they: There is madness in him? Nay, but he brought them the truth [i.e. Tauhîd: Worshipping Allâh Alone in all aspects, the Qur’ân and the religion of Islâm], but most of them (the disbelievers) are averse to the truth.

71. And if the truth had been in accordance with their desires, verily, the heavens and the earth, and whosoever is therein would have been corrupted! Nay, We have brought them their reminder, but they turn away from their reminder.

72. Or is it that you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) ask them for some wages? But the recompense of your Lord is better, and He is the Best of those who give sustenance.

73. And certainly, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) call them to the Straight Path (true religion - Islâmic Monotheism).

74. And verily, those who believe not in the Hereafter are indeed deviating far astray from the Path (true religion - Islâmic Monotheism).

75. And though We had mercy on them and removed the distress which is on them, still they would obstinately persist in their transgression, wandering blindly.

76. And indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allâh) with submission to Him.

77. Until, when We open for them the gate of severe punishment, then lo! they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair.

78. It is He Who has created for you (the sense of) hearing (ears), eyes (sight), and hearts (understanding). Little thanks you give.

79. And it is He Who has created you on the earth, and to Him you shall be gathered back.

80. And it is He Who gives life and causes death, and His is the alternation of night and day. Will you not then understand?

81. Nay, but they say the like of what the men of old said.

82. They said: "When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we be resurrected indeed?

83. "Verily, this we have been promised - we and our fathers before (us)! This is only the tales of the ancients!"

84. Say: "Whose is the earth and whosoever is therein? If you know!"

85. They will say: "It is Allâh’s!" Say: "Will you not then remember?"

86. Say: "Who is (the) Lord of the seven heavens, and (the) Lord of the Great Throne?"

87. They will say: "Allâh." Say: "Will you not then fear Allâh (believe in His Oneness, obey Him, believe in the Resurrection and Recompense for every good or bad deed)?"

88. Say "In Whose Hand is the sovereignty of everything (i.e. treasures of each and everything)? And He protects (all), while against Whom there is no protector, (i.e. if Allâh saves anyone none can punish or harm him, and if Allâh punishes or harms anyone none can save him), if you know?" [Tafsir Al-Qurtubî]

89. They will say: "(All that belongs) to Allâh." Say: "How then are you deceived and turn away from the truth?"

90. Nay, but We have brought them the truth (Islâmic Monotheism), and verily, they (disbelievers) are liars.

91. No son (or offspring) did Allâh beget, nor is there any ilâh (god) along with Him. (If there had been many gods), then each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allâh above all that they attribute to Him!

92. All-Knower of the unseen and the seen! Exalted be He over all that they associate as partners to Him!

93. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "My Lord! If You would show me that with which they are threatened (torment),

94. "My Lord! Then (save me from Your punishment), put me not amongst the people who are the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)."

95. And indeed We are Able to show you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that with which We have threatened them.

96. Repel evil with that which is better. We are Best-Acquainted with the things they utter.

97. And say: "My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayâtîn (devils).

98. "And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they should come near me."

99. Until, when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allâh), he says: "My Lord! Send me back,

100. "So that I may do good in that which I have left behind!" No! It is but a word that he speaks; and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected.

101. Then, when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another.

102. Then, those whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy, they are the successful.

103. And those whose scales (of good deeds) are light, they are those who lose their ownselves, in Hell will they abide.

104. The Fire will burn their faces, and therein they will grin, with displaced lips (disfigured).

105. "Were not My Verses (this Qur’ân) recited to you, and then you used to deny them?"

106. They will say: "Our Lord! Our wretchedness overcame us, and we were (an) erring people.

107. "Our Lord! Bring us out of this. If ever we return (to evil), then indeed we shall be Zâlimûn: (polytheists, oppressors, unjust, and wrong-doers)."

108. He (Allâh) will say: "Remain you in it with ignominy! And speak you not to Me!"

109. Verily there was a party of My slaves, who used to say: "Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy!"

110. But you took them for a laughing stock, so much so that they made you forget My Remembrance while you used to laugh at them!

111. Verily I have rewarded them this Day for their patience: they are indeed the ones that are successful.

112. He (Allâh) will say: "What number of years did you stay on earth?"

113. They will say: "We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account."

114. He (Allâh) will say: "You stayed not but a little, if you had only known!

115. "Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?"

116. So Exalted be Allâh, the True King: Lâ ilâha illâ Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!

117. And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allâh, any other ilâh (god), of whom he has no proof; then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kâfirûn (the disbelievers in Allâh and in the Oneness of Allâh, polytheists, pagans, idolaters) will not be successful.

118. And say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!"

1. (This is) a Sûrah (chapter of the Qur’ân) which We have sent down and which We have enjoined, (ordained its laws); and in it We have revealed manifest Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations - lawful and unlawful things, and set boundaries of Islâmic Religion), that you may remember.

2. The fornicatress and the fornicator, flog each of them with a hundred stripes. Let not pity withhold you in their case, in a punishment prescribed by Allâh, if you believe in Allâh and the Last Day. And let a party of the believers witness their punishment. (This punishment is for unmarried persons guilty of the above crime, but if married persons commit it (illegal sex), the punishment is to stone them to death, according to Allâh’s Law).[1] ——— [1] (V.24:2) a) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم judged that the unmarried person who was guilty of illegal sexual intercourse be exiled for one year and receive the legal punishment (i.e., be flogged with one hundred stripes). (Sahih Al-Bukhâri, Vol.8, Hadith No. 819) b) Narrated Jâbir bin ‘Abdullâh Al-Ansâri رضي الله عنهما: A man from the tribe of Bani Aslam came to Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and informed him that he had committed illegal sexual intercourse and he bore witness four times against himself. Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم ordered him to be stoned to death as he was a married person. (Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadith No.805). c) See (V.4:25).

3. The adulterer-fornicator marries not but an adulteress-fornicatress or a Mushrikah, and the adulteress-fornicatress none marries her except an adulterer-fornicator or a Muskrik [and that means that the man who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a Mushrikah (female polytheist, pagan or idolatress) or a prostitute, then surely he is either an adulterer-fornicator, or a Mushrik (polytheist, pagan or idolater). And the woman who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a Mushrik (polytheist, pagan or idolater) or an adulterer-fornicator, then she is either a prostitute or a Mushrikah (female polytheist, pagan, or idolatress)]. Such a thing is forbidden to the believers (of Islâmic Monotheism).

4. And those who accuse chaste women, and produce not four witnesses, flog them with eighty stripes, and reject their testimony forever. They indeed are the Fâsiqûn (liars, rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

5. Except those who repent thereafter and do righteous deeds; (for such) verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

6. And for those who accuse their wives, but have no witnesses except themselves, let the testimony of one of them be four testimonies (i.e. testifies four times) by Allâh that he is one of those who speak the truth.

7. And the fifth (testimony should be) the invoking of the Curse of Allâh on him if he be of those who tell a lie (against her).

8. But it shall avert the punishment (of stoning to death) from her, if she bears witness four times by Allâh, that he (her husband) is telling a lie.

9. And the fifth (testimony) should be that the Wrath of Allâh be upon her if he (her husband) speaks the truth.

10. And had it not been for the Grace of Allâh and His Mercy on you (He would have hastened the punishment upon you)! And that Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, the All-Wise.

11. Verily those who brought forth the slander (against ‘Âishah رضي الله عنها the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you. Unto every man among them will be paid that which he had earned of the sin, and as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be a great torment.

12. Why then, did not the believers, men and women, when you heard it (the slander), think good of their own people and say: "This (charge) is an obvious lie[2]?" ——— [2] (V.24:12) See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadith No.274 The story of the slander against ‘Aishah رضي الله عنها, the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

13. Why did they not produce four witnesses? Since they (the slanderers) have not produced witnesses! Then with Allâh they are the liars.

14. Had it not been for the Grace of Allâh and His Mercy unto you in this world and in the Hereafter, a great torment would have touched you for that whereof you had spoken.

15. When you were propagating it with your tongues, and uttering with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a little thing, while with Allâh it was very great.

16. And why did you not, when you heard it, say: "It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory be to You (O Allâh)! This is a great lie."

17. Allâh forbids you from it and warns you not to repeat the like of it forever, if you are believers.

18. And Allâh makes the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) plain to you, and Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

19. Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allâh knows and you know not.

20. And had it not been for the Grace of Allâh and His Mercy on you, (Allâh would have hastened the punishment upon you). And that Allâh is full of Kindness, Most Merciful.

21. O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaitân (Satan), then, verily he commands Al-Fahshâ’ [i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse)], and Al-Munkar [disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; and to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islâm)]. And had it not been for the Grace of Allâh and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins. But Allâh purifies (guides to Islâm) whom He wills, and Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

22. And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give (any sort of help) to their kinsmen, Al-Masâkîn (the poor), and those who left their homes for Allâh’s Cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allâh should forgive you? And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

23. Verily, those who accuse chaste women, who never even think of anything touching their chastity and are good believers - are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter, and for them will be a great torment -

24. On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their legs (or feet) will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.

25. On that Day Allâh will pay them the recompense of their deeds in full, and they will know that Allâh, He is the Manifest Truth.

26. Bad statements are for bad people (or bad women for bad men) and bad people for bad statements (or bad men for bad women). Good statements are for good people (or good women for good men) and good people for good statements (or good men for good women): such (good people) are innocent of (every) bad statement which they say; for them is Forgiveness, and Rizqun Karîm (generous provision i.e. Paradise).

27. O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them; that is better for you, in order that you may remember.

28. And if you find no one therein, still, enter not until permission has been given. And if you are asked to go back, go back, for it is purer for you. And Allâh is All-Knower of what you do.

29. There is no sin on you that you enter (without taking permission) houses uninhabited (i.e. not possessed by anybody), (when) you have any interest in them. And Allâh has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal.

30. Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what they do.

31. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.[3] ——— [3] (V.24:31) "And to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks, and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment..." Narrated ‘Âishahرضي الله عنها: ‘May Allâh bestow His Mercy on the early emigrant women. When Allâh revealed: "And to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks, and bosoms)" - they tore their Murût (a woollen dress, or a waist-binding cloth or an apron, etc.) and covered their heads and faces with those torn Murût’ Narrated Safiyyah bint Shaibah: ‘Âishah used to say: ‘When the Verse: "And to draw their veils all over Juyûbihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks, and bosoms)" (V.24:31) was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their heads and faces with those cut pieces of cloth.’ (Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadith No.282).

32. And marry those among you who are single (i.e. a man who has no wife and the woman who has no husband) and (also marry) the Sâlihûn (pious, fit and capable ones) of your (male) slaves and maid-servants (female slaves). If they be poor, Allâh will enrich them out of His Bounty. And Allâh is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knowing (about the state of the people).

33. And let those who find not the financial means for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allâh enriches them of His Bounty. And such of your slaves as seek a writing (of emancipation), give them such writing, if you find that there is good and honesty in them. And give them something (yourselves) out of the wealth of Allâh which He has bestowed upon you. And force not your maids to prostitution, if they desire chastity, in order that you may make a gain in the (perishable) goods of this worldly life. But if anyone compels them (to prostitution), then after such compulsion, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (to those women, i.e. He will forgive them because they have been forced to do this evil act unwillingly).

34. And indeed We have sent down for you Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) that make things plain, and the example of those who passed away before you, and an admonition for those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2).

35. Allâh is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp: the lamp is in a glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east (i.e. neither it gets sun-rays only in the morning) nor of the west (i.e. nor it gets sun-rays only in the afternoon, but it is exposed to the sun all day long), whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no fire touched it. Light upon Light! Allâh guides to His Light whom He wills. And Allâh sets forth parables for mankind, and Allâh is All-Knower of everything.

36. In houses (mosques) which Allâh has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His Name is remembered [i.e. Adhan, Iqamah, Salât (prayers), invocations, recitation of the Qur’ân etc.]. Therein glorify Him (Allah) in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings,[4] ——— [4] (V.24:36). a) Narrated Abu Qatâdah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "If anyone of you enters a mosque, he should pray two Rak‘at (Tahiyyat-al-Masjid) before sitting." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.435). b) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "The reward of the Salât (prayer) offered by a person in congregation is multiplied twenty- five times as much than that of the Salât (prayer) offered in one’s house or in the market (alone). And this is because if he performs ablution and does it perfectly and then proceeds to the mosque, with the sole intention of praying: then for every step he takes towards the mosque, he is upgraded one degree in reward and one of his sins is taken off (crossed out) from his accounts (of deeds). When he offers his Salât (prayer), the angels keep on asking Allâh’s Blessings and Allâh’s Forgiveness for him as long as he is (staying) at his Musallâ (place of prayer). They say: ‘O Allâh! Bestow Your Blessings upon him, be merciful and kind to him.’ And one is regarded in Salât (prayer) as long as one is waiting for the Salât (prayer)." (Sahih Al Bukhâri, Vol.1, Hadith No.620).

37. Men whom neither trade nor sale (business) diverts from the Remembrance of Allâh (with heart and tongue), nor from performing As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), nor from giving the Zakât. They fear a Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned (out of the horror of the torment of the Day of Resurrection).

38. That Allâh may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace. And Allâh provides without measure to whom He wills.[5] ——— [5] (V.24:38) See the footnote of (V.9:121).

39. As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water, until he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing; but he finds Allâh with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And Allâh is Swift in taking account.[6] ——— [6] (V.24:39) The deeds of a disbeliever are like a mirage for a thirsty person: when he will meet Allâh, he will think that he has a good reward with Allâh of his good deeds, but he will find nothing, like a mirage, and will be thrown in the Fire of Hell.

40. Or [the state of a disbeliever] is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by dark clouds, (layers of) darkness upon darkness: if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allâh has not appointed light, for him there is no light.

41. See you not (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that Allâh, He it is Whom glorify whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, and the birds with wings out-spread (in their flight)?. Of each one He (Allâh) knows indeed his Salât (prayer) and his glorification, [or everyone knows his Salât (prayer) and his glorification]; and Allâh is All-Aware of what they do.

42. And to Allâh belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and to Allâh is the return (of all).

43. See you not that Allâh drives the clouds gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a heap of layers, and you see the rain comes forth from between them; and He sends down from the sky hail (like) mountains, (or there are in the heaven mountains of hail from where He sends down hail), and strikes therewith whom He wills, and averts it from whom He wills. The vivid flash of its (clouds) lightning nearly blinds the sight. [Tafsir At-Tabarî].

44. Allâh causes the night and the day to succeed each other (i.e. if the day is gone, the night comes, and if the night is gone, the day comes, and so on). Truly, in this is indeed a lesson for those who have insight.

45. Allâh has created every moving (living) creature from water. Of them there are some that creep on their bellies, and some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four. Allâh creates what He wills. Verily Allâh is Able to do all things.

46. We have indeed sent down (in this Qur’ân) manifest Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, lawful and unlawful things, and the set boundaries of Islâmic religion, etc. that make things clear showing the Right Path of Allâh). And Allâh guides whom He wills to the Straight Path (i.e. to Allâh’s religion of Islâmic Monotheism).

47. They (hypocrites) say: "We have believed in Allâh and in the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and we obey," then a party of them turn away thereafter, such are not believers.

48. And when they are called to Allâh (i.e. His Words, the Qur’ân) and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), to judge between them, lo! a party of them refuses (to come) and turns away.

49. But if the truth is on their side, they come to him willingly with submission.

50. Is there a disease in their hearts? Or do they doubt or fear lest Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) should wrong them in judgement. Nay, it is they themselves who are the Zâlimûn (polytheists, hypocrites and wrong-doers).

51. The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allâh (His Words, the Qur’ân) and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), to judge between them, is that they say: "We hear and we obey." And such are the successful (who will live forever in Paradise).

52. And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), fears Allâh, and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful.

53. They swear by Allâh their strongest oaths, that if only you would order them, they would leave (their homes for fighting in Allâh’s Cause). Say: "Swear you not; (this) obedience (of yours) is known (to be false). Verily, Allâh knows well what you do."

54. Say: "Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allâh’s Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)."

55. Allâh has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieves after this, they are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

56. And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that you may receive mercy (from Allâh).

57. Consider not that the disbelievers can escape in the land. Their abode shall be the Fire - and worst indeed is that destination.

58. O you who believe! Let your slaves and slave-girls, and those among you who have not come to the age of puberty ask your permission (before they come to your presence) on three occasions: before Fajr (morning) Salât (prayer), and while you put off your clothes for the noonday (rest), and after the ‘Ishâ’ (late-night) Salât (prayer). (These) three times are of privacy for you; other than these times there is no sin on you or on them to move about, attending to each other. Thus Allâh makes clear the Ayât (the Verses of this Qur’ân, showing proofs for the legal aspects of permission for visits) to you. And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

59. And when the children among you come to puberty, then let them (also) ask for permission, as those senior to them (in age). Thus Allâh makes clear His Ayât (Commandments and legal obligations) for you. And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

60. And as for women past child-bearing who do not expect wed-lock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Knower.

61. There is no restriction on the blind, nor any restriction on the lame, nor any restriction on the sick, nor on yourselves, if you eat from your houses, or the houses of your fathers, or the houses of your mothers, or the houses of your brothers, or the houses of your sisters, or the houses of your father’s brothers, or the houses of your father’s sisters, or the houses of your mother’s brothers, or the houses of your mother’s sisters, or (from that) whereof you hold keys, or (from the house) of a friend. No sin on you whether you eat together or apart. But when you enter the houses, greet one another with a greeting from Allâh (i.e. say: السلام عليكم) As-Salâmu ‘Alaikum - peace be on you) blessed and good. Thus Allâh makes clear the Ayât (these Verses or your religious symbols and signs) to you that you may understand.

62. The true believers are only those, who believe in (the Oneness of) Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): and when they are with him on some common matter, they go not away until they have asked his permission. Verily those who ask your permission, those are they who (really) believe in Allâh and His Messenger. So if they ask your permission for some affairs of theirs, give permission to whom you will of them, and ask Allâh for their forgiveness. Truly, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

63. Make not the calling of the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) among you as your calling one of another. Allâh knows those of you who slip away under shelter (of some excuse without taking the permission to leave, from the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم). And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah - legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.

64. Certainly, to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. Surely, He knows your condition and (He knows) the Day when they will be brought back to Him, then He will inform them of what they did. And Allâh is All-Knower of everything.

1. Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong, i.e. this Qur’ân) to His slave (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that he may be a warner to the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn).

2. He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Who has begotten no son (children or offspring) and for Whom there is no partner in the dominion. He has created everything, and has measured it exactly according to its due measurements.

3. Yet they have taken besides Him other alîhâh (gods) who created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither harm nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, nor (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead.

4. Those who disbelieve say: "This (the Qur’ân) is nothing but a lie that he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has invented, and others have helped him at it. In fact they have produced an unjust wrong (thing) and a lie."

5. And they say: "Tales of the ancients, which he has written down: and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon."

6. Say: "It (this Qur’ân) has been sent down by Him (Allâh) (the Real Lord of the heavens and earth) Who knows the secret of the heavens and the earth. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

7. And they say: "Why does this Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) eat food, and walk about in the markets (as we). Why is not an angel sent down to him to be a warner with him?

8. "Or (why) has not a treasure been granted to him, or why has he not a garden whereof he may eat?" And the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) say: "You follow none but a man bewitched."

9. See how they coin similitudes for you, so they have gone astray, and they cannot find a (Right) Path.

10. Blessed be He Who, if He wills will assign you better than (all) that - Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) and will assign you palaces (i.e. in Paradise).

11. Nay, they deny the Hour (the Day of Resurrection), and for those who deny the Hour, We have prepared a flaming Fire (i.e. Hell).

12. When it (Hell) sees them from a far place, they will hear its raging and its roaring.

13. And when they shall be thrown into a narrow place thereof, chained together, they will exclaim therein for destruction.

14. Exclaim not today for one destruction, but exclaim for many destructions.

15. Say: (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) "Is that (torment) better or the Paradise of Ete - nity which is promised to the Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2)?" It will be theirs as a reward and as a final destination.

16. For them there will be therein all that they desire, and they will abide (there forever). It is a promise binding upon your Lord that must be fulfilled.

17. And on the Day when He will gather them together and that which they worship besides Allâh [idols, angels, pious men, saints][1]. He will say: "Was it you who misled these My slaves or did they (themselves) stray from the (Right) Path?" ——— [1] (V.25:17) Narrated Mu‘âdh bin Jabal رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "O Mu‘âdh! Do you know what Allâh’s Right upon His slaves is?" I said, "Allâh and His Messenger know better." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "To worship Him (Allâh) Alone and to join none in worship with Him (Allâh). Do you know what their right upon Him is?" I replied, "Allâh and His Messenger know better." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Not to punish them (if they did so)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, Hadith No. 470).

18. They will say: "Glorified be You! It was not for us to take any Auliyâ’ (Protectors, Helpers) besides You, but You gave them and their fathers comfort till they forgot the warning, and became a lost people (doomed to total loss).

19. Thus they (false gods - all deities other than Allâh) will belie you (polytheists) regarding what you say (that they are gods besides Allâh): then you can neither avert (the punishment), nor get help. And whoever among you does wrong (i.e. sets up rivals to Allâh), We shall make him taste a great torment.

20. And We never sent before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) any of the Messengers but verily, they ate food and walked in the markets. And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of everything).

21. And those who expect not a Meeting with Us (i.e. those who deny the Day of Resurrection and the life of the Hereafter) said: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?" Indeed they think too highly of themselves, and are scornful with great pride.[2] ——— [2] (V.25:21) See the footnote of (V.22:9).

22. On the Day they will see the angels - no glad tidings will there be for the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) that day. And they (angels) will say: "All kinds of glad tidings are forbidden to you," [none will be allowed to enter Paradise except the one who said: Lâ ilâha illallâh, "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh) and acted practically on its legal orders and obligations. See the footnote of V.2:193)].

23. And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.

24. The dwellers of Paradise (i.e. those who deserved it through their Islamic Monotheistic Faith and their deeds of righteousness) will, on that Day, have the best abode, and have the fairest of places for repose.

25. And (remember) the Day when the heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and the angels will be sent down, with a grand descending.

26. The sovereignty on that Day will be the true (sovereignty), belonging to the Most Gracious (Allâh), and it will be a hard Day for the disbelievers (those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism).

27. And (remember) the Day when the Zâlim (wrong-doer, oppressor, polytheist) will bite at his hands, he will say: "Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم).[3] ——— [3] (V.25:27) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

28. "Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a Khalîl (an intimate friend)!

29. "He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (this Qur’ân) after it had come to me. And Shaitân (Satan) is to man ever a deserter in the hour of need." [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]

30. And the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will say: "O my Lord! Verily, my people deserted this Qur’ân (neither listened to it, nor acted on its laws and teachings).

31. Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the Mujrimûn (disbelievers, polytheists, criminals). But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.

32. And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not the Qur’ân revealed to him all at once?" Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. (It was revealed to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in 23 years.).

33. And no example or similitude do they bring (to oppose or to find fault in you or in this Qur’ân), but We reveal to you the truth (against that similitude or example), and the better explanation thereof.

34. Those who will be gathered to Hell (prone) on their faces, such will be in an evil state, and most astray from the (Straight) Path.[4] ——— [4] (V.25:34) See the footnote of (V.17:97).

35. And indeed We gave Mûsâ (Moses) the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)], and placed his brother Hârûn (Aaron) with him as a helper;

36. And We said: "Go you both to the people who have denied Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)." Then We destroyed them with utter destruction.

37. And Nûh’s (Noah) people, when they denied the Messengers, We drowned them, and We made them as a sign for mankind. And We have prepared a painful torment for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).

38. And (also) ‘Âd and Thamûd, and the Dwellers of Ar-Rass, and many generations in between.

39. And for each (of them) We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons), and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds).

40. And indeed they have passed by the town [of Prophet Lût (Lot)] on which was rained the evil rain. Did they (disbelievers) not then see it (with their own eyes)? Nay! But they used not to expect any resurrection.

41. And when they see you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), they treat you only in mockery (saying): "Is this the one whom Allâh has sent as a Messenger?

42. "He would have nearly misled us from our âlihah (gods), had it not been that we were patient and constant in their worship!" And they will know when they see the torment, who it is that is most astray from the (Right) Path!

43. Have you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) seen him who has taken as his ilâh (god) his own vain desire? Would you then be a Wakîl (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him?

44. Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle - nay, they are even farther astray from the Path (i.e. even worse than cattle).

45. Have you not seen how your Lord spread the shadow. If He willed, He could have made it still - But We have made the sun its guide (i.e. after the sunrise, the shadow shrinks and vanishes at midnoon and then again appears in the afternoon with the decline of the sun, and had there been no sunlight, there would have been no shadow).

46. Then We withdraw it to Us a gradual concealed withdrawal.

47. And it is He Who makes the night a covering for you, and the sleep (as) a repose, and makes the day Nushûr (i.e. getting up and going about here and there for daily work, after one’s sleep at night, or like resurrection after one’s death).

48. And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain); and We send down pure water from the sky.

49. That We may give life thereby to a dead land, and We give to drink thereof many of the cattle and men that We had created.

50. And indeed We have distributed it (rain or water) amongst them in order that they may remember (the Grace of Allâh,) but most men (refuse to accept the Truth or Faith and) accept nothing but disbelief or ingratitude.

51. And had We willed, We would have raised a warner in every town.

52. So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them (by preaching) with the utmost endeavour with it (the Qur’ân).

53. And it is He Who has let free the two seas (kinds of water): this is palatable and sweet, and that is salt and bitter; and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them.

54. And it is He Who has created man from water, and has appointed for him kindred by blood, and kindred by marriage. And your Lord is Ever All-Powerful to do what He wills.

55. And they (disbelievers, polytheists) worship besides Allâh that which can neither profit them nor harm them; and the disbeliever is ever a helper (of the Satan) against his Lord.

56. And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) only as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner.

57. Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this (that which I have brought from my Lord and its preaching), save that whosoever wills may take a Path to his Lord.

58. And put your trust (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) in the Ever Living One Who dies not, and glorify His Praises, and Sufficient is He as the All-Knower of the sins of His slaves,

59. Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six Days. Then He (Istawâ ) rose over the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). The Most Gracious (Allâh)! Ask Him (O Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , concerning His Qualities: His rising over His Throne, His creations, etc.), as He is Al-Khabîr (The All-Knower of everything i.e. Allâh).

60. And when it is said to them: "Prostrate yourselves to the Most Gracious (Allâh)! they say: "And what is the Most Gracious? Shall we fall down in prostration to that which you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) command us?" And it increases in them only aversion.

61. Blessed be He Who has placed in the heaven big stars, and has placed therein a great lamp (sun), and a moon giving light.

62. And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.

63. And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allâh) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.

64. And those who spend the night in worship of their Lord, prostrate and standing.[5] ——— [5] (V.25:64) Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما said: "Whosoever prayed two Rak‘at or more after the ‘Isha’ (night) prayer, will be considered like those mentioned in this Verse." And Al-Kalbi said: "Whosoever prayed two Rak‘at after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and four Rak‘at after the ‘Ishâ (night) prayer will be considered like those mentioned in this Verse." (Tafsîr Al-Qurtubî).

65. And those who say: "Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment."

66. Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and as a place to rest in.

67. And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).

68. And those who invoke not any other ilâh (god) along with Allâh, nor kill such person as Allâh has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse - and whoever does this shall receive the punishment.[6] ——— [6] (V.25:68) A) See the footnote of (V.2:22). B) See the footnote of (V.4:135).

69. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace;

70. Except those who repent and believe (in Islâmic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those, Allâh will change their sins into good deeds, and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.[7] ——— [7] (V.25:70) Islam demolishes all the previous evil deeds and so do migration (for Allah’s sake) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). [Al-Lu’lu’ Wal-Marjan, Vol. 1, Chapter 52, Page 205] Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما: Some pagans who committed murders in great number and committed illegal sexual intercourse excessively, came to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and said: "O Muhammad! Whatever you say, and invite people to, is good, but we wish if you could inform us whether we can make an expiation for our (past evil) deeds." So the Divine Verses came: "Those who invoke not with Allah any other god, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse." (V.25:68) "...Except those who repent..." (V.25:70). And there was also revealed: "Say: O My slaves who have transgressed against their ownselves! (by committing sins), despair not of the Mercy of Allah." (V.39:53). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, Hadîth No. 334).

71. And whosoever repents and does righteous good deeds; then verily, he repents towards Allâh with true repentance.

72. And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.

73. And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat.

74. And those who say: "Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of the Muttaqûn(the pious. See V.2:2)."

75. Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.

76. Abiding therein - excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to rest in.

77. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to the disbelievers): "My Lord pays attention to you only because of your invocation to Him. But now you have indeed denied (Him). So the torment will be yours for ever (inseparable, permanent punishment)."

1. Tâ-Sîn-Mîm.

2. These are the Verses of the manifest Book [(this Qur’ân), which was promised by Allâh in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), makes things clear].

3. It may be that you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are going to kill yourself with grief, that they do not become believers [in your Risalah (Messengership) i.e. in your Message of Islâmic Monotheism].[1] ——— [1] (V.26:3) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

4. If We will, We could send down to them from the heaven a sign, to which they would bend their necks in humility.

5. And never comes there unto them a Reminder as a recent revelation from the Most Gracious (Allâh), but they turn away therefrom.

6. So they have indeed denied (the truth - this Qur’ân), then the news of what they mocked at will come to them.

7. Do they not observe the earth - how much of every good kind We cause to grow therein?

8. Verily, in this is an Ayâh (proof or sign), yet most of them (polytheists, pagans who do not believe in Resurrection) are not believers.

9. And verily your Lord, He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

10. And (remember) when your Lord called Mûsâ (Moses) (saying): "Go to the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) -

11. "The people of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh): Will they not fear Allâh and become righteous?"

12. He said: "My Lord! Verily, I fear that they will belie me,

13. "And my breast straitens, and my tongue expresses not well. So send for Hârûn (Aaron) (to come along with me).

14. "And they have a charge of crime against me, and I fear they will kill me."

15. (Allâh) said: "Nay! Go you both with Our Signs. Verily We shall be with you, listening.

16. "And go both of you to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), and say: ‘We are the Messengers of the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists),

17. "So allow the Children of Israel to go with us.’ "

18. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said [to Mûsâ (Moses)]: "Did we not bring you up among us as a child? And you did dwell many years of your life with us.

19. "And you did your deed, which you did (i.e. the crime of killing a man) while you were one of the ingrates."

20. Mûsâ (Moses) said: "I did it then, when I was ignorant (as regards my Lord and His Message).

21. "So I fled from you when I feared you. But my Lord has granted me Hukm (i.e. religious knowledge, right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood), and made me one of the Messengers.

22. "And this is the past favour with which you reproach me: that you have enslaved the Children of Israel."

23. Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) said: "And what is the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)?"

24. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty."

25. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said to those around: "Do you not hear (what he says)?"

26. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers!"

27. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "Verily, your Messenger who has been sent to you is a madman!"

28. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Lord of the east and the west, and all that is between them, if you did but understand!"

29. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "If you choose an ilâh (god) other than me, I will certainly put you among the prisoners."

30. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Even if I bring you something manifest (and convincing)?"

31. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "Bring it forth then, if you are of the truthful!"

32. So [Mûsâ (Moses)] threw his stick, and behold, it was a serpent, manifest.

33. And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all beholders!

34. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said to the chiefs around him: "Verily! This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer.

35. "He wants to drive you out of your land by his sorcery: what is it then that you command?"

36. They said: "Put him off and his brother (for a while), and send callers to the cities;

37. "To bring up to you every well-versed sorcerer."

38. So the sorcerers were assembled at a fixed time on a day appointed.

39. And it was said to the people: "Are you (too) going to assemble?

40. "That we may follow the sorcerers [who were on Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh) religion of disbelief] if they are the winners."

41. So when the sorcerers arrived, they said to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh): "Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?"

42. He said: "Yes, and you shall then verily be of those brought near (to myself)."

43. Mûsâ (Moses) said to them: "Throw what you are going to throw!"

44. So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!"

45. Then Mûsâ (Moses) threw his stick, and behold, it swallowed up all that they falsely showed!

46. And the sorcerers fell down prostrate.

47. Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

48. "The Lord of Mûsâ (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron)."

49. [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] said: "You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all."

50. They said: "No harm! Surely, to our Lord (Allâh) we are to return.

51. "Verily we really hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers [in Mûsâ (Moses) and in the Monotheism which he has brought from Allâh]."

52. And We revealed to Mûsâ (Moses), saying: "Depart by night with My slaves, verily you will be pursued."

53. Then Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) sent callers to (all) the cities.

54. (Saying): "Verily these indeed are but a small band.

55. "And verily, they have done what has enraged us.

56. "But we are a host all assembled, amply fore-warned."

57. So, We expelled them from gardens and springs,

58. Treasures, and every kind of honourable place.

59. Thus [We turned them (Pharaoh’s people) out] and We caused the Children of Israel to inherit them.

60. So they pursued them at sunrise.

61. And when the two hosts saw each other, the companions of Mûsâ (Moses) said: "We are sure to be overtaken."

62. [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "Nay, verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me."

63. Then We revealed to Mûsâ (Moses) (saying): "Strike the sea with your stick." And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like huge mountain.

64. Then We brought near the others [Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh) party] to that place.

65. And We saved Mûsâ (Moses) and all those with him.

66. Then We drowned the others.

67. Verily in this is indeed a sign (or a proof), yet most of them are not believers.

68. And verily your Lord, He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

69. And recite to them the story of Ibrâhîm (Abraham).

70. When he said to his father and his people: "What do you worship?"

71. They said: "We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted."

72. He said: "Do they hear you, when you call on (them)?

73. "Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?"

74. They said: "(Nay) but we found our fathers doing so."

75. He said: "Do you observe that which you have been worshipping -

76. "You and your ancient fathers?

77. "Verily they are enemies to me, save the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists),

78. "Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me.

79. "And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink.

80. "And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.

81. "And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again).

82. "And Who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection).

83. My Lord! Bestow Hukm (religious knowledge, right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) on me, and join me with the righteous.

84. And grant me an honourable mention in later generations.

85. And make me one of the inheritors of the Paradise of Delight.

86. And forgive my father, verily he is of the erring.

87. And disgrace me not on the Day when (all the creatures) will be resurrected.

88. The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail,

89. Except him who brings to Allâh a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifâq (hypocrisy)]."

90. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2).

91. And the (Hell) Fire will be placed in full view of the erring.

92. And it will be said to them: "Where are those (the false gods whom you used to set up as rivals with Allâh) that you used to worship.

93. "Instead of Allâh? Can they help you or (even) help themselves?"

94. Then they will be thrown on their faces into the (Fire), they and the Ghâwûn (devils, and those who were in error).

95. And the whole hosts of Iblîs (Satan) together.

96. They will say while contending therein,

97. By Allâh, we were truly in a manifest error,

98. When We held you (false gods) as equals (in worship) with the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists);

99. And none has brought us into error except the Mujrimûn [Iblîs (Satan) and those of human beings who commit crimes, murderers, polytheists, oppressors].

100. Now we have no intercessors,

101. Nor a close friend (to help us).

102. (Alas!) If we only had a chance to return (to the world), we shall truly be among the believers!

103. Verily in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

104. And verily, your Lord, He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

105. The people of Nûh (Noah) belied the Messengers.

106. When their brother Nûh (Noah) said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him?

107. "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you.

108. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.

109. "No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism); my reward is only from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

110. "So keep your duty to Allâh, fear Him and obey me."

111. They said: "Shall we believe in you, when the meanest (of the people) follow you?"

112. He said: "And what knowledge have I of what they used to do?

113. "Their account is only with my Lord, if you could (but) know.

114. "And I am not going to drive away the believers.

115. I am only a plain warner."

116. They said: "If you cease not, O Nûh (Noah) you will surely be among those stoned (to death)."

117. He said: "My Lord! Verily, my people have belied me.

118. Therefore judge You between me and them, and save me and those of the believers who are with me."

119. And We saved him and those with him in the laden ship.

120. Then We drowned the rest (disbelievers) thereafter.

121. Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

122. And verily your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

123. ‘Âd (people) belied the Messengers.

124. When their brother Hûd said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him?

125. "Verily I am a trustworthy Messenger to you.

126. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.

127. "No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism); my reward is only from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).

128. "Do you build high palaces on every high place, while you do not live in them?

129. "And do you get for yourselves palaces (fine buildings) as if you will live therein for ever.[2] ——— [2] (V.26:129) See the footnote (C) of (V.9:111).

130. "And when you seize (somebody), seize you (him) as tyrants?

131. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.

132. "And keep your duty to Him, fear Him Who has aided you with all (good things) that you know.

133. "He has aided you with cattle and children.

134. "And gardens and springs.

135. "Verily, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day."

136. They said: "It is the same to us whether you preach or be not of those who preach.

137. "This is no other than the false tales and religion of the ancients, [Tafsir At-Tabarî]

138. "And we are not going to be punished."

139. So they belied him, and We destroyed them. Verily in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

140. And verily your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

141. Thamûd (people) belied the Messengers.

142. When their brother Sâlih said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him?

143. "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you.

144. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.

145. "No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism); my reward is only from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

146. "Will you be left secure in that which you have here?

147. "In gardens and springs.

148. And green crops (fields) and date-palms with soft spadix.

149. "And you hew out in the mountains, houses with great skill.

150. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.

151. "And follow not the command of Al-Musrifûn [i.e. their chiefs: leaders who were polytheists, criminals and sinners],

152. "Who make mischief in the land, and reform not."

153. They said: "You are only of those bewitched!

154. "You are but a human being like us. Then bring us a sign if you are of the truthful."

155. He said: "Here is a she-camel: it has a right to drink (water), and you have a right to drink (water) (each) on a day, known.

156. "And touch her not with harm, lest the torment of a Great Day should seize you."

157. But they killed her, and then they became regretful.

158. So the torment overtook them. Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

159. And verily your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

160. The people of Lût (Lot) (-who dwelt in the town of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers.

161. When their brother Lût (Lot) said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh and obey Him?

162. "Verily I am a trustworthy Messenger to you.

163. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.

164. "No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism); my reward is only from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

165. "Go you in unto the males of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind),

166. "And leave those whom Allâh has created for you to be your wives? Nay, you are a trespassing people!"

167. They said: "If you cease not O Lût (Lot)! verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!"

168. He said: "I am, indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy).

169. "My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do."

170. So We saved him and his family, all,

171. Except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind.

172. Then afterward We destroyed the others.

173. And We rained on them a rain (of torment). And how evil was the rain of those who had been warned!

174. Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

175. And verily your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

176. The dwellers of Al-Aikah [near Madyan (Midian)] belied the Messengers.

177. When Shu‘aib said to them: "Will you not fear Allâh (and obey Him)?

178. "I am a trustworthy Messenger to you.

179. "So fear Allâh, keep your duty to Him, and obey me.

180. "No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islâmic Monotheism); my reward is only from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

181. "Give full measure, and cause no loss (to others).

182. "And weigh with the true and straight balance.

183. "And defraud not people by reducing their things, nor do evil, making corruption and mischief in the land.

184. "And fear Him Who created you and the generations of the men of old."

185. They said: "You are only one of those bewitched!

186. "You are but a human being like us and verily, we think that you are one of the liars!

187. "So cause a piece of the heaven to fall on us, if you are of the truthful!"

188. He said: "My Lord is the Best Knower of what you do."

189. But they belied him, so the torment of the day of shadow (a gloomy cloud) seized them. Indeed that was the torment of a Great Day.

190. Verily, in this is indeed a sign, yet most of them are not believers.

191. And verily your Lord, He is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

192. And truly, this (the Qur’ân) is a revelation from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists),

193. Which the trustworthy Rûh [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] has brought down

194. Upon your heart (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that you may be (one) of the warners,

195. In the plain Arabic language.

196. And verily, it (the Qur’ân, and its revelation to Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is (announced) in the Scriptures [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] of former people.

197. Is it not a sign to them that the learned scholars (like ‘Abdullâh bin Salâm رضي الله عنه who embraced Islâm)[3] of the Children of Israel knew it (as true)? ——— [3] (V.26:197) See the footnote of (V.5:66) [The story about ‘Abdullâh bin Salâm رضي الله عنه].

198. And if We had revealed it (this Qur’ân) unto any of the non-Arabs,

199. And he had recited it unto them, they would not have believed in it.

200. Thus have We caused it (the denial of the Qur’ân) to enter the hearts of the Mûjrimûn (criminals, polytheists, sinners).

201. They will not believe in it until they see the painful torment.

202. It shall come to them of a sudden, while they perceive it not.

203. Then they will say: "Can we be respited?"

204. Would they then wish for Our Torment to be hastened on?

205. Tell Me, (even) if We do let them enjoy for years,

206. And afterwards comes to them that (punishment) which they had been promised,

207. All that with which they used to enjoy shall not avail them.

208. And never did We destroy a township but it had its warners

209. By way of reminder, and We have never been unjust.

210. And it is not the Shayâtîn (devils) who have brought it (this Qur’ân) down.

211. Neither would it suit them, nor they can (produce it).

212. Verily, they have been removed far from hearing it.

213. So invoke not with Allâh another ilâh (god) lest you should be among those who receive punishment.

214. And warn your tribe (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) of near kindred.[4] ——— [4] (V.26:214) Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما: When the Verse: "And warn your tribe (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) of near kindred." (V.26:214) was revealed, Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم went out, and when he had ascended As-Safa mountain, he shouted, "Yâ Sabâhâh!*" The people said, "Who is that?" "Then they gathered around him, whereupon he said, "Do you see? If I inform you that cavalrymen are proceeding up the side of this mountain, will you believe me?" They said, "We have never heard you telling a lie." Then he said, "I am a plain warner to you of a coming severe punishment." Abû Lahab said: "May you perish! You gathered us only for this reason?" Then Abû Lahab went away. So Sûrat Al-Masad "Perish the hands of Abû Lahab!" (V.111:1) was revealed. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.495). * "Yâ Sabâhâh!" is an Arabic expression used when one appeals for help or draws the attention of others to some danger.

215. And be kind and humble to the believers who follow you.

216. Then if they disobey you, say: "I am innocent of what you do."

217. And put your trust in the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful,

218. Who sees you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) when you stand up (alone at night for Tahajjud prayers).

219. And your movements among those who fall prostrate (to Allâh in the five compulsory congregational prayers).

220. Verily He, only He, is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

221. Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayâtîn (devils) descend?

222. They descend on every lying, sinful person.

223. Who gives ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the Unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars.

224. As for the poets, the erring ones follow them,

225. See you not that they speak about every subject (praising people - right or wrong) in their poetry?

226. And that they say what they do not do.

227. Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, and remember Allâh much, and vindicate themselves after they have been wronged [by replying back in poetry to the unjust poetry (which the pagan poets utter against the Muslims)]. And those who do wrong will come to know by what overturning they will be overturned.

1. Tâ-Sîn. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. These are the Verses of the Qur’an, and (it is) a Book (that makes things) clear:

2. A guide (to the Right Path) and glad tidings for the believers [who believe in the Oneness of Allâh (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism)].

3. Those who perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give Zakât and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter (resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds, Paradise and Hell).

4. Verily, those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds fair-seeming to them, so that they wander about blindly.

5. They are those for whom there will be an evil torment (in this world). And in the Hereafter they will be the greatest losers.

6. And verily, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are being taught the Qur’ân from One, All-Wise, All-Knowing.

7. (Remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) said to his household: "Verily I have seen a fire; I will bring you from there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand, that you may warm yourselves."

8. But when he came to it, he was called: "Blessed is whosoever is in the fire, and whosoever is round about it! And glorified be Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

9. "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Verily it is I, Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

10. "And throw down your stick!" But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight, and did not look back. (It was said:) "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Fear not: verily the Messengers fear not in front of Me.

11. "Except him who has done wrong and afterwards has changed evil for good; then surely, I am Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

12. "And put your hand into your bosom, it will come forth white without hurt. (These are) among the nine signs (you will take) to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his people. Verily they are a people who are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

13. But when Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came to them, clear to see, they said: "This is a manifest magic."

14. And they belied them (those Ayât) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their ownselves were convinced thereof [i.e. those (Ayât ) are from Allâh, and Mûsâ (Moses) is the Messenger of Allâh in truth, but they disliked to obey Mûsâ (Moses), and hated to believe in his Message of Monotheism]. So see what was the end of the Mufsidûn (disbelievers, disobedient to Allâh, evil-doers and liars.).

15. And indeed We gave knowledge to Dâwûd (David) and Sulaimân (Solomon), and they both said: "All the praises and thanks be to Allâh, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!"

16. And Sulaimân (Solomon) inherited (the knowledge of) Dâwûd (David). He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allâh)."

17. And there were gathered before Sulaimân (Solomon) his hosts of jinn and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forward).

18. Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaimân (Solomon) and his hosts should crush you, while they perceive not."

19. So he [Sulaimân (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech[1] and said: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." ——— [1] (V.27:19) See the footnote of (V.6:143).

20. He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?

21. "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason."

22. But the hoopoe stayed not long: he (came up and) said: "I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news.

23. "I found a woman ruling over them: she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne.

24. "I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allâh, and Shaitân (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allâh’s) Way: so they have no guidance."

25. [As Shaitân (Satan) has barred them from Allâh’s Way] so they do not worship (prostrate themselves before) Allâh, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. [Tafsir At-Tabarî]

26. Allâh, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!

27. [Sulaimân (Solomon)] said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars.

28. "Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return."

29. She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter,

30. "Verily it is from Sulaimân (Solomon), and verily, it (reads): In the Name of Allâh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful:

31. "Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allâh with full submission).’ "

32. She said: "O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me (and give me your opinions)."

33. They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command: so think over what you will command."

34. She said: "Verily kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it and make the most honourable amongst its people the lowest. And thus they do.

35. "But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return."

36. So when (the messengers with the present) came to Sulaimân (Solomon), he said: "Will you help me in wealth? What Allâh has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!"

37. [Then Sulaimân (Solomon) said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present]: "Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased."

38. He said: "O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?"

39. A ‘Ifrît (strong one) from the jinn said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work."

40. One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when he [Sulaimân (Solomon)] saw it placed before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord - to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his ownself; and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly my Lord is Rich (Free of all needs), Bountiful."

41. He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognise her throne), or she will be one of those not guided."

42. So when she came, it was said (to her): "Is your throne like this?" She said: "(It is) as though it were the very same." And [Sulaimân (Solomon) said]: "Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allâh (in Islâm as Muslims before her)."

43. And that which she used to worship besides Allâh has prevented her (from Islâm), for she was of a disbelieving people.

44. It was said to her: "Enter As-Sarh" (a glass surface with water underneath it or a palace): but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she (tucked up her clothes) uncovering her legs. (Sulaimân (Solomon)) said: "Verily, it is a Sarh (a glass surface with water underneath it or a palace)." She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit [in Islâm, together with Sulaimân (Solomon)] to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)."

45. And indeed We sent to Thamûd their brother Sâlih, saying: "Worship Allâh (Alone and none else). Then look! They became two parties (believers and disbelievers) quarreling with each other."

46. He said: "O my people! Why do you seek to hasten the evil (torment) before the good (Allâh’s Mercy)? Why seek you not the Forgiveness of Allâh, that you may receive mercy?"

47. They said: "We augur ill omen from you and those with you." He said: "Your ill omen is with Allâh; nay, but you are a people that are being tested."

48. And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would not reform.

49. They said: "Swear one to another by Allâh that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and thereafter we will surely say to his near relatives: ‘We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily we are telling the truth.’"

50. So they plotted a plot, and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not.

51. Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together.

52. These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayâh (a lesson or a sign) for people who know.

53. And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allâh, and keep their duty to Him.

54. And (remember) Lût (Lot)! When he said to his people.[2] Do you commit Al-Fâhishah (evil, great sin, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, sodomy) while you see (one another doing evil without any screen)?" ——— [2] (V.27:54) i.e. the town of Sodom in Palestine - the place where the Dead Sea is now. (See the book of history by Ibn Kathir ‘The Stories of the Prophets’). (كتاب التاريخ لابن كثير).

55. "Do you practise your lusts on men instead of women? Nay, but you are a people who behave senselessly."

56. There was no other answer given by his people except that they said: "Drive out the family of Lût (Lot) from your city Verily, these are men who want to be clean and pure!"

57. So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We destined her to be of those who remained behind.

58. And We rained down on them a rain (of stones). So evil was the rain of those who were warned.

59. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Praise and thanks be to Allâh, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)! Is Allâh better, or (all) that you ascribe as partners (to Him)?" (Of course, Allâh is Better).[3] ——— [3] (V.27:59) A) Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Whoever possesses the following three (qualities) will have the sweetness (delight) of faith: 1) The one to whom Allâh عز وجل and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) become dearer than anything else. 2) Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allâh’s sake. 3) Who hates to revert to kufr (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.15) B) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allâh عز وجل and His Messenger Muhammad." The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To participate in Jihâd (holy fighting) in Allâh’s Cause." The questioner again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) Mabrûr (which is accepted by Allâh and is performed with the intention of seeking Allâh’s Pleasures only and not to show-off and without committing any sin, and in accordance with the legal ways of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.25) C) Narrated ‘Abdullâh رضي الله عنه: When the following Verse was revealed: "It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e., by worshipping others besides Allâh.)..." (V.6:82), the Companions of Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Who is amongst us who had not done Zulm (wrong)?" Then Allâh تعالى revealed: "Verily, joining others in worship with Allâh is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed." (V.31:13) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.31).

60. Is not He (better than your gods) Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain) from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight? It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their trees. Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Nay, but they are a people who ascribe equals (to Him)!

61. Is not He (better than your gods) Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water)? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Nay, but most of them know not!

62. Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls on Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Little is that you remember!

63. Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain)? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? High Exalted be Allâh above all that they associate as partners (to Him)!

64. Is not He (better than your so-called gods) Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there any ilâh (god) with Allâh? Say: "Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful."

65. Say: "None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (Unseen) except Allâh, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected."

66. Nay, they have no knowledge of the Hereafter. Nay, they are in doubt about it. Nay, they are in complete blindness about it.

67. And those who disbelieve say: "When we have become dust - we and our fathers - shall we really be brought forth (again)?

68. "Indeed we were promised this - we and our forefathers before (us), verily, these are nothing but tales of ancients."

69. Say to them (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) "Travel in the land and see how has been the end of the Mujrimûn (criminals, those who denied Allâh’s Messengers and disobeyed Allâh)."

70. And grieve you not over them, nor be straitened (in distress) because of what they plot.

71. And they (the disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) say: "When (will) this promise (be fulfilled), if you are truthful?"

72. Say: "Perhaps that which you wish to hasten on, may be close behind you.

73. "Verily, your Lord is full of Grace for mankind, yet most of them do not give thanks."

74. And verily, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they reveal.

75. And there is nothing hidden in the heaven and the earth but it is in a Clear Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz).

76. Verily, this Qur’ân narrates to the Children of Israel most of that in which they differ.

77. And truly, it (this Qur’ân) is a guide and a mercy for the believers.

78. Verily, your Lord will decide between them (various sects) by His Judgement. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

79. So put your trust in Allâh; surely, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are on manifest truth.

80. Verily, you cannot make the dead to hear nor can you make the deaf to hear the call (i.e. benefit them and similarly the disbelievers), when they flee, turning their backs.

81. Nor can you lead the blind out of their error. You can only make to hear those who believe in Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and who have submitted (themselves to Allâh in Islâm as Muslims).

82. And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast[4] for them, to speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayât (Verses of the Qur’ân and Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). ——— [4] (V.27:82) See the footnote of (V.6:158).

83. And (remember) the Day when We shall gather out of every nation a troop of those who denied Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and (then) they (all) shall be driven (to the place of reckoning),

84. Till, when they come (before their Lord at the place of reckoning), He will say: "Did you deny My Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) whereas you comprehended them not by knowledge (of their truth or falsehood), or what (else) was it that you used to do?"

85. And the Word (of torment) will be fulfilled against them, because they have done wrong, and they will be unable to speak (in order to defend themselves).

86. See they not that We have made the night for them to rest therein, and the day sight-giving? Verily, in this are Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for the people who believe.

87. And (remember) the Day on which the Trumpet will be blown - and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth, will be terrified except him whom Allâh will (exempt). And all shall come to Him, humbled.

88. And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allâh, Who perfected all things, verily He is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

89. Whoever brings a good deed (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allâh along with every deed of righteousness), will have better than its worth; and they will be safe from the terror on that Day.

90. And whoever brings an evil deed (i.e. Shirk - polytheism, disbelief in the Oneness of Allâh and every evil sinful deed), they will be cast down (prone) on their faces in the Fire. (And it will be said to them) "Are you being recompensed anything except what you used to do?"

91. I (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city (Makkah), Who has sanctified it and to Whom belongs everything. And I am commanded to be from among the Muslims (those who submit to Allâh in Islâm).[5] ——— [5] (V.27:91) a) Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما : On the day of the conquest of Makkah, Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Allâh has made this town a sanctuary. Its thorny bushes should not be cut, its game should not be chased, and its fallen things should not be picked up except by one who would announce them publicly." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.2, Hadîth No.657). b) See the footnote of (V.2:191).

92. And that I should recite the Qur’ân, then whosoever receives guidance, receives it for the good of his ownself; and whosoever goes astray, say (to him): "I am only one of the warners."

93. And say [(O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to these polytheists and pagans.]: "All the praises and thanks be to Allâh. He will show you His Ayât (signs, in yourselves, and in the universe or punishments), and you shall recognise them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do."

1. Tâ-Sîn-Mîm

2. These are the Verses of the manifest Book (that makes clear truth from falsehood, good from evil).

3. We recite to you some of the news of Mûsâ (Moses) and Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) in truth, for a people who believe (in this Qur’ân, and in the Oneness of Allâh).

4. Verily, Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them: killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidûn(i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants).

5. And We wished to do a favour to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors,

6. And to establish them in the land, and We let Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and Hâmân and their hosts receive from them that which they feared.

7. And We inspired the mother of Mûsâ (Moses): (telling): "Suckle him [Mûsâ (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily, We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]

8. Then the household of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily, Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), Hâmân and their hosts were sinners.

9. And the wife of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) said: "A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not (the result of that).

10. And the heart of the mother of Mûsâ (Moses) became empty [from every thought, except the thought of Mûsâ (Moses)]. She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers.

11. And she said to his [Mûsâ’s (Moses)] sister: "Follow him." So she (his sister) watched him from a far place secretly, while they perceived not.

12. And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she (his sister came up and) said: "Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and look after him in a good manner?"

13. So did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of Allâh is true. But most of them know not.

14. And when he attained his full strength, and was perfect (in manhood), We bestowed on him Hukm (Prophethood and right judgement of the affairs) and religious knowledge [of the religion of his forefathers i.e. Islâmic Monotheism]. And thus do We reward the Muhsinûn (i.e. good doers. See the footnote of V.9:120).

15. And he entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people: and he found there two men fighting, - one of his party (his religion - from the Children of Israel), and the other of his foes. The man of his (own) party asked him for help against his foe, so Mûsâ (Moses) struck him with his fist and killed him. He said: "This is of Shaitan’s (Satan) doing: verily, he is a plain misleading enemy."

16. He said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me." Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

17. He said: "My Lord! For that with which You have favoured me, I will never more be a helper of the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners)!"

18. So he became afraid, looking about in the city (waiting as to what will be the result of his crime of killing), when behold, the man who had sought his help the day before, called for his help (again). Mûsâ (Moses) said to him: "Verily, you are a plain misleader!"

19. Then when he decided to seize the man who was an enemy to both of them, the man said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Is it your intention to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your aim is nothing but to become a tyrant in the land, and not to be one of those who do right."

20. And there came a man running, from the farthest end of the city. He said: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Verily, the chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am one of the good advisers to you."

21. So he escaped from there, looking about in a state of fear. He said: "My Lord! Save me from the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)!"

22. And when he went towards (the land of) Madyan (Midian), he said: "It may be that my Lord guides me to the Right Way."

23. And when he arrived at the water (a well) of Madyan (Midian) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man."

24. So he watered (their flocks) for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!"

25. Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: "Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered (our flocks) for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: "Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, and wrong-doers)."

26. And said one of them (the two women): "O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy."

27. He said: "I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten years, it will be (a favour) from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allâh wills, you will find me one of the righteous."

28. He [Mûsâ (Moses)] said: "That (is settled) between me and you: whichever of the two terms I fulfil, there will be no injustice to me, and Allâh is Surety over what we say."

29. Then, when Mûsâ (Moses) had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his family, he saw a fire in the direction of Tûr (Mount). He said to his family: "Wait, I have seen a fire; perhaps I may bring you from there some information, or a burning fire-brand that you may warm yourselves."

30. So when he reached it (the fire), he was called from the right side of the valley, in the blessed place, from the tree: "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Verily I am Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!

31. "And throw your stick!" But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight, and looked not back. (It was said:) "O Mûsâ (Moses)! Draw near, and fear not. Verily, you are of those who are secure.

32. "Put your hand in your bosom, it will come forth white without a disease; and draw your hand close to your side to be free from the fear (which you suffered from the snake, and also your hand will return to its original state). These are two Burhâns (signs, miracles, evidence, proofs) from your Lord to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs. Verily, they are the people who are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

33. He said: "My Lord! I have killed a man among them, and I fear that they will kill me.

34. "And my brother Hârûn (Aaron) - he is more eloquent in speech than me: so send him with me as a helper to confirm me. Verily I fear that they will belie me."

35. Allâh said: "We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you: with Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors."

36. Then when Mûsâ (Moses) came to them with Our Clear Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they said: "This is nothing but invented magic. Never did we hear of this among our fathers of old."

37. Mûsâ (Moses) said: "My Lord knows best him who came with guidance from Him, and whose will be the happy end in the Hereafter. Verily, the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh) will not be successful."

38. Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) said: "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilâh (a god) other than me. So kindle for me (a fire), O Hâmân, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarh (a lofty tower, or palace) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilâh (God) of Mûsâ (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Mûsâ (Moses)] is one of the liars."

39. And he and his hosts were arrogant in the land, without right, and they thought that they would never return to Us.

40. So We seized him and his hosts, and We threw them all into the sea (and drowned them). So behold (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) what was the end of the Zâlimûn [wrong-doers, polytheists and those who disbelieved in the Oneness of their Lord (Allâh), or rejected the advice of His Messenger Mûsâ (Moses) عليه السلام].

41. And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire: and on the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped.

42. And We made a curse to follow them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will be among Al-Maqbuhûn (those who are prevented from receiving Allâh’s Mercy or any good; despised or destroyed).

43. And indeed We gave Mûsâ (Moses) - after We had destroyed the generations of old -the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah)] as an enlightenment for mankind, and a guidance and a mercy, that they might remember (or receive admonition).

44. And you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) were not on the western side (of the Mount), when We made clear to Mûsâ (Moses) the commandment, and you were not among the witnesses.

45. But We created generations [after generations i.e. after Mûsâ (Moses) عليه السلام], and long were the ages that passed over them. And you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) were not a dweller among the people of Madyan (Midian), reciting Our Verses to them. But it is We Who kept sending (Messengers).

46. And you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) were not at the side of the Tûr (Mount) when We did call: [it is said that Allâh called the followers of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, and they answered His Call, or that Allâh called Mûsâ (Moses)]. But (you are sent) as a mercy from your Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before you: in order that they may remember or receive admonition. [Tafsir At-Tabarî].

47. And if (We had) not (sent you to the people of Makkah) - in case a calamity should seize them for (the deeds) that their hands have sent forth, they would have said: "Our Lord! Why did You not send us a Messenger? We would then have followed Your Ayât (Verses of the Qur’ân) and would have been among the believers."

48. But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: "Why is he not given the like of what was given to Mûsâ (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Mûsâ (Moses) of old? They say: "Two kinds of magic [the Taurât (Torah) and the Qur’an], each helping the other!" And they say: "Verily in both we are disbelievers."

49. Say (to them, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Then bring a Book from Allâh, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurât (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful."

50. But if they answer you not (i.e. do not bring the Book nor believe in your doctrine of Islâmic Monotheism), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allâh? Verily Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allâh, and polytheists).

51. And indeed now We have conveyed the Word (this Qur’ân in which is the news of everything) to them, in order that they may remember (or receive admonition).

52. Those to whom We gave the Scripture [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before it, they believe in it (the Qur’ân).

53. And when it is recited to them, they say: "We believe in it. Verily, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed even before it we have been from those who submit themselves to Allâh in Islâm as Muslims (like ‘Abdullâh bin Salâm and Salmân Al-Farisî).[1] ——— [1] (V.28:53): See the footnote of (V.5:66).

54. These will be given their reward twice over,[2] because they are patient, and repel evil with good, and spend (in charity) out of what We have provided them. ——— [2] (V.28:54) a) Narrated Abû Burdah’s father: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Any man who has a slave-girl whom he educates properly, teaches good manners, manumits and marries her, will get a double reward. And if any man of the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians) believes in his own Prophet and then believes in me (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) too, he will (also) get a double reward. And any slave who fulfils his duty to his master and to his Lord (Allah), will (also) get a double reward." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadîth No.20). b) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

55. And when they hear Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk), they withdraw from it and say: "To us our deeds, and to you your deeds. Peace be to you. We seek not (the way of) the ignorant."

56. Verily you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) guide not whom you like, but Allâh guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are the guided.[3] ——— [3] (V.28:56) Narrated Al-Musayyab: When Abû Tâlib was on his death bed, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم went to him while Abû Jahl was sitting beside him. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "O my uncle! Say: Lâ ilâha illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), an expression with which I will defend your case, before Allah." Abû Jahl and ‘Abdullâh bin Umayyah said: "O Abû Tâlib! Will you leave the religion of ‘Abdul Muttalib?" So they kept on saying this to him so that the last statement he said to them (before he died) was: "I am on the religion of ‘Abdul Muttalib." Then the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "I will keep on asking for Allah’s Forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden to do so." Then the following Verse was revealed: "It is not proper for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allah’s Forgiveness for the Mushrikûn even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)." (V.9:113). The other Verse was also revealed: "Verily, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills." (V.28:56). (Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.5, Hadîth No.223).

57. And they say: "If we follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land." Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary (Makkah), to which are brought fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, but most of them know not.[4] ——— [4] (V.28:57) a) Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما: On the day of the conquest of Makkah, Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Allâh has made this town a sanctuary. Its thorny bushes should not be cut, its game should not be chased, and its fallen things should not be picked up except by one who would announce them publicly." (Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.2, Hadîth No.657). b) See the footnote of (V.2:191).

58. And how many a town (population) have We destroyed, which was thankless for its means of livelihood (disobeyed Allâh, and His Messengers, by doing evil deeds and crimes)! And those are their dwellings, which have not been inhabited after them except a little. And verily! We have been the inheritors.

59. And never will your Lord destroy the towns (populations) until He sends to their mother town a Messenger reciting to them Our Verses. And never would We destroy the towns unless the people thereof are Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, oppressors and tyrants).

60. And whatever you have been given is an enjoyment of the life of (this) world and its adornment, and that (Hereafter) which is with Allâh is better and will remain forever. Have you then no sense?

61. Is he whom We have promised an excellent promise (Paradise) - which he will find true - like him whom We have made to enjoy the luxuries of the life of (this) world, then on the Day of Resurrection, he will be among those brought up (to be punished in the Hell-fire)?

62. And (remember) the Day when He will call to them and say: "Where are My (so-called) partners whom you used to assert?"

63. Those about whom the Word will have come true (to be punished) will say: "Our Lord! These are they whom we led astray. We led them astray, as we were astray ourselves. We declare our innocence (from them) before You. It was not us they worshipped."

64. And it will be said (to them): "Call upon your (so-called) partners (of Allâh)", and they will call upon them, but they will give no answer to them, and they will see the torment. (They will then wish) if only they had been guided!

65. And (remember) the Day (Allâh) will call to them, and say: "What answer gave you to the Messengers?"

66. Then the news of a good answer will be obscured to them on that day, and they will not be able to ask one another.

67. But as for him who repented (from polytheism and sins), believed (in the Oneness of Allâh, and in His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and did righteous deeds (in the life of this world), then he will be among those who are successful.

68. And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses: no choice have they (in any matter). Glorified be Allâh, and exalted above all that they associate (as partners with Him).

69. And your Lord knows what their breasts conceal, and what they reveal.

70. And He is Allâh: Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), all praises and thanks be to Him (both) in the first (i.e. in this world) and in the last (i.e. in the Hereafter). And for Him is the Decision, and to Him shall you (all) be returned.

71. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Tell me! If Allâh made the night continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, which ilâh (god) besides Allâh could bring you light? Will you not then hear?"

72. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Tell me! If Allâh made the day continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, which ilâh (god) besides Allâh could bring you night wherein you rest? Will you not then see?"

73. It is out of His Mercy that He has made for you the night and the day that you may rest therein (i.e. during the night) and that you may seek of His Bounty (i.e. during the day) - and in order that you may be grateful.

74. And (remember) the Day when He (your Lord - Allâh) will call to them (those who worshipped others along with Allâh), and will say: "Where are My (so-called) partners, whom you used to assert?"

75. And We shall take out from every nation a witness, and We shall say: "Bring your proof." Then they shall know that the truth is with Allâh (Alone), and the lies (false gods) which they invented will disappear from them.

76. Verily, Qârûn (Korah) was of Mûsâ’s (Moses) people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. Remember when his people said to him: "Do not exult (with riches, being ungrateful to Allâh). Verily Allâh likes not those who exult (with riches, being ungrateful to Allâh).

77. "But seek, with that (wealth) which Allâh has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allâh has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allâh likes not the Mufsidûn (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters)."

78. He said: "This has been given to me only because of the knowledge I possess." Did he not know that Allâh had destroyed before him generations, men who were stronger than him in might and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected? But the Mujrimûn (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) will not be questioned of their sins (because Allâh knows them well, so they will be punished without being called to account).

79. So he went forth before his people in his pomp. Those who were desirous of the life of the world, said: "Ah, would that we had the like of what Qârûn (Korah) has been given! Verily he is the owner of a great fortune."

80. But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: "Woe to you! The Reward of Allâh (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are As-Sâbirûn (the patient in following the truth)."

81. So We caused the earth to swallow him[5] and his dwelling place. Then he had no group or party to help him against Allâh, nor was he one of those who could save themselves. ——— [5] (V.28:81) Chapter 5. Whoever drags his garment out of pride and arrogance (conceit). a) Narrated Abû Hurairahرضي الله عنه : Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Allâh will not look, on the Day of Resurrection, at a person who drags his Izâr* (behind him) out of pride and arrogance." [See the footnote of (V.22:9)] b) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم (or Abul-Qasim صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, "While a man was walking, clad in a two-piece garment and proud of himself with his hair well-combed, suddenly Allâh made him sink into the earth and he will go on sinking into it till the Day of Resurrection." c) Narrated ‘Abdullâh (bin ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما): Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘While a man was dragging his Izâr* on the ground (behind him), suddenly Allâh made him sink into the earth and he will go on sinking into it till the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadith No.679, 680, 681). Izâr: Lower-half body-cover.

82. And those who had desired (for a position like) his position the day before, began to say: "Know you not that it is Allâh Who enlarges the provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases of His slaves. Had it not been that Allâh was Gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up (also)! Know you not that the disbelievers will never be successful.

83. That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride[6] and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2). ——— [6] (V.28:83) See the footnote of (V.22:9)

84. Whosoever brings good (Islâmic Monotheism along with righteous deeds), he shall have the better thereof; and whosoever brings evil (polytheism along with evil deeds), then those who do evil deeds will only be requited for what they used to do.

85. Verily, He Who has given you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) the Qur’an (i.e. ordered you to act on its laws and to preach it to others) will surely bring you back to Ma‘âd (place of return, either to Makkah or to Paradise after your death). Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "My Lord is Aware of him who brings guidance, and of him who is in manifest error."

86. And you were not expecting that the Book (this Qur’ân) would be sent down to you, but it is a mercy from your Lord. So never be a supporter of the disbelievers.

87. And let them not turn you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) away from (preaching) the Ayât (revelations and verses) of Allâh after they have been sent down to you: and invite (men) to (believe in) your Lord[7] and be not of Al-Mushrikûn (those who associate partners with Allâh, e.g. polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allâh and deny the Prophethood of Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). ——— [7] (V.28:87) i.e: in the Oneness (Tauhîd ) of Allâh - (1) Oneness of the Lordship of Allâh; (2) Oneness of the worship of Allâh; (3) Oneness of the Names and Qualities of Allâh.

88. And invoke not any other ilâh (god) along with Allâh: Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Everything will perish save His Face. His is the Decision, and to Him you (all) shall be returned.

1. Alif-Lâm-Mîm.

2. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested.

3. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allâh will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allâh knows all that before putting them to test).

4. Or think those who do evil deeds that they can outstrip Us (i.e. escape Our punishment)? Evil is that which they judge!

5. Whoever hopes for the Meeting[1] with Allâh, then Allâh’s Term is surely coming and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. ——— [1] (V.29:5) See (V.6:31) and its footnote.

6. And whosoever strives, he strives only for himself. Verily, Allâh stands not in need of any of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).

7. Those who believe [in the Oneness of Allâh (Monotheism) and in Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , and do not give up their faith because of the harm they receive from the polytheists], and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall expiate from them their evil deeds and shall reward them according to the best of that which they used to do.[2] ——— [2] (V.29:7) See the footnote of (V.9:121).

8. And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents; but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what you used to do.

9. And for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh and the other articles of Faith)[3] and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall make them enter with (in the entrance of) the righteous (in Paradise). ——— [3] (V.29:9) See the footnote (b) of (V.3:85)

10. Of mankind are some who say: "We believe in Allâh." But if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allâh, they consider the trial of mankind as Allâh’s punishment; and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: "Verily we were with you (helping you)." Is not Allâh Best Aware of what is in the breasts of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn).

11. Verily, Allâh knows those who believe, and verily, He knows the hypocrites [i.e. Allâh will test the people with good and hard days to discriminate the good from the wicked, although Allâh knows all that before putting them to test].

12. And those who disbelieve say to those who believe: "Follow our way and we will verily bear your sins." Never will they bear anything of their sins. Surely, they are liars.

13. And verily, they shall bear their own loads, and other loads besides their own; and verily, they shall be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about that which they used to fabricate.

14. And indeed We sent Nûh (Noah) to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty years [inviting them to believe in the Oneness of Allâh (Monotheism), and discard the false gods and other deities]; and the Deluge overtook them while they were Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, polytheists, disbelievers).

15. Then We saved him and those with him in the ship, and made it (the ship) an Ayâh (a lesson, a warning) for the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

16. And (remember) Ibrâhîm (Abraham) when he said to his people: "Worship Allâh (Alone), and fear Him: that is better for you if you did but know.

17. "You worship besides Allâh only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allâh have no power to give you provision: so seek your provision from Allâh (Alone), and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back.

18. "And if you deny, then nations before you have denied (their Messengers). And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly."

19. See they not how Allâh originates the creation, then repeats it. Verily, that is easy for Allâh.

20. Say: "Travel in the land and see how (Allâh) originated the creation, and then Allâh will bring forth the creation of the Hereafter (i.e. resurrection after death). Verily, Allâh is Able to do all things."

21. He punishes whom He wills, and shows mercy to whom He wills; and to Him you will be returned.

22. And you cannot escape in the earth or in the heaven (from Allah). And besides Allâh you have neither any Walî (Protector or Guardian) nor any Helper.

23. And those who disbelieve in the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh and the Meeting with Him, it is they who have no hope of My Mercy: and it is they who will have a painful torment.

24. So nothing was the answer of [Ibrâhîm’s (Abraham)] people except that they said: "Kill him or burn him." Then Allâh saved him from the fire. Verily, in this are indeed signs for a people who believe.[4] ——— [4] (V.29:24) See the footnote of (V.3:173).

25. And [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allâh. The love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper."

26. So Lût (Lot) believed in him [Ibrâhîm’s (Abraham) Message of Islâmic Monotheism]. He [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.[5]" ——— [5] (V.29:26) See the footnote of (V.9:121).

27. And We bestowed on him [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)], Ishâq (Isaac) and Ya‘qûb (Jacob), and We ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book [i.e. the Taurât (Torah) (to Mûsâ - Moses), the Injeel (Gospel) (to ‘Îsâ - Jesus), and the Qur’ân (to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), all from the offspring of Ibrâhîm (Abraham)], and We granted him his reward in this world; and verily, in the Hereafter he is indeed among the righteous.

28. And (remember) Lût (Lot), when he said to his people: "You commit Al-Fâhishah (sodomy - the worst sin) which none has preceded you in (committing) it in the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn)."

29. "Verily, you practise sodomy with men, and rob the wayfarer (travellers)! And practise Al-Munkar (disbelief and polytheism and every kind of evil wicked deed) in your meetings." But his people gave no answer except that they said: "Bring Allâh’s Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful."

30. He said: "My Lord! Give me victory over the people who are Mufsidûn (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters).

31. And when Our Messengers came to Ibrâhîm (Abraham) with the glad tidings they said: "Verily, we are going to destroy the people of this [Lût (Lot’s)] town (i.e. the town of Sodom in Palestine); truly, its people have been Zâlimûn [wrong-doers, polytheists disobedient to Allâh, and who belied their Messenger Lût (Lot)]."

32. Ibrâhîm (Abraham) said: "But there is Lût (Lot) in it." They said: "We know better who is there. We will verily save him [Lût (Lot)] and his family except his wife: she will be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed along with those who will be destroyed from her folk)."

33. And when Our Messengers came to Lût (Lot), he was grieved because of them, and felt straitened on their account. They said: "Have no fear, and do not grieve! Truly, we shall save you and your family, except your wife: she will be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed along with those who will be destroyed from her folk).

34. "Verily, we are about to bring down on the people of this town a great torment from the sky, because they have been rebellious (against Allâh’s Command)."

35. And indeed We have left thereof an evident Ayâh (a lesson and a warning and a sign - the place where the Dead Sea is now in Palestine)[6] for a folk who understand. ——— [6] (V.29:35) See the book of history كتاب التاريخ لابن كثير "Stories of the Prophets" by Ibn Kathir (رحمه الله).

36. And to (the people of) Madyan (Midian), We sent their brother Shu‘aib. He said: "O my people! Worship Allâh (Alone) and hope for (the reward of good deeds by worshipping Allâh Alone, on) the last Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), and commit no mischief on the earth as Mufsidûn (those who commit great crimes, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters). [Tafsir At-Tabari]

37. And they belied him [Shu‘aib]: so the earthquake seized them, and they lay (dead), prostrate in their dwellings.

38. And ‘Âd and Thamûd (people)! And indeed (their destruction) is clearly apparent to you from their (ruined) dwellings. Shaitân (Satan) made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and turned them away from the (Right) Path, though they were intelligent.

39. And (We destroyed also) Qârûn (Korah), Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), and Hâmân. And indeed Mûsâ (Moses) came to them with clear Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but they were arrogant in the land, yet they could not outstrip Us (escape Our punishment).

40. So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hâsib (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as on the people of Lût (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment - awful cry. (as Thamûd or Shu‘aib’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qârûn (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nûh (Noah), or Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allâh Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.

41. The likeness of those who take (false deities as) Auliyâ’ (protectors, helpers) other than Allâh is the likeness of a spider who builds (for itself) a house; but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider’s house - if they but knew.

42. Verily, Allâh knows what things they invoke instead of Him. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.[7] ——— [7] (V.29:42) See the footnote of (V.2:165).

43. And these similitudes We put forward for mankind; but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allâh and His Signs).

44. (Allâh says to His Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Allâh (Alone) created the heavens and the earth with truth (and none shared Him in their creation)." Verily! Therein is surely a sign for those who believe.

45. Recite (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur’ân), and perform As-Salât (Iqamât-as-Salât). Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahshâ’ (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed)[8] and the remembering[9] (praising) of (you by) Allâh (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising) of Allâh in prayers. And Allâh knows what you do. ——— [8] (V.29:45) It is said by Ibn ‘Abbâs and ‘Abdullâh bin Mas‘ûd رضي الله عنهم: If the Salât (prayer) of anyone does not prevent him from Al-Fâhshâ’ and Al-Munkar (all kinds of evil, illegal and sinful deeds), then his Salât (prayer) increases him in nothing but loss, and to be far away from his Lord (Allah) [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]. [9] (V.29:45) See the footnotes of (V.13:28) and also (B) of (V.2:152).

46. And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islâmic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong; and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilâh (God) and your Ilâh (God) is One (i.e. Allâh), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)."

47. And thus We have sent down the Book (i.e. this Qur’an) to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and those whom We gave the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) aforetime] believe therein as also do some of these (who are present with you now like ‘Abdullâh bin Salâm)[10] and none but the disbelievers reject Our Ayât [(proofs, signs, verses, lessons, etc.,) and deny Our Oneness of Lordship and Our Oneness of worship and Our Oneness of Our Names and Qualities: i.e. Islâmic Monotheism]. ——— [10] (V.29:47) See the footnote of (V.5:66).

48. Neither did you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) read any book before it (this Qur’ân), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. In that case, indeed, the followers of falsehood might have doubted.

49. Nay, but they, the clear Ayât [i.e. the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم written in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (among the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrongdoers) deny Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).[11] ——— [11] (V.29:49) See the footnote of (V.2:76)

50. And they say: "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord? Say: "The signs are only with Allâh, and I am only a plain warner."

51. Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’ân) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe[12]. ——— [12] (V.29:51) a) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Allah does not listen to anything as He listens to the Prophet reciting the Qur’ân in a nice, loud and pleasant tone." Sufyân said, "This saying means: The Prophet regards the Qur’ân as something that makes him dispense with much worldly pleasure." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.542.). b) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Not to wish to be the like of except two men: A man whom Allah has taught the Qur’ân and he recites it during some hours of the night and during some hours of the day, and his neighbour listens to him and says, ‘I wish I had been given what has been given to so-and-so, so that I might do what he does’; and a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it (according to what Allâh has ordained) in a just and right manner, whereupon another man may say, ‘I wish I had been given what so-and-so has been given, for then I would do what he does.’ " (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No. 544).

52. Say (to them O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Sufficient is Allâh for a witness between me and you. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth." And those who believe in Bâtil (all false deities other than Allâh), and disbelieve in Allâh and (in His Oneness), it is they who are the losers.

53. And they ask you to hasten on the torment (for them): and had it not been for a term appointed, the torment would certainly have come to them. And surely, it will come upon them suddenly while they perceive not!

54. They ask you to hasten on the torment. And verily, Hell, of a surety, will encompass the disbelievers.

55. On the Day when the torment (Hell-fire) shall cover them from above them and from underneath their feet, and it will be said: "Taste what you used to do."

56. O My slaves who believe! Certainly, spacious is My earth. Therefore worship Me." (Alone)[13]. ——— [13] (V.29:56) Narrated Mu‘adh رضي الله عنه: While I was riding behind the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, as a companion rider, he said, "O Mu‘adh!" I replied, Labbaik wa Sa‘daik (I respond to your call and I am obedient to your orders). He repeated this call three times and then said, "Do you know what Allâh’s Right on His slaves is?" I replied "No." He said, "Allâh’s Right on His slaves is that they should worship Him (Alone) and should not join partners in worship with Him." He proceeded for a while and then said, "O Mu‘âdh!" I replied, "Labbaik wa Sa‘daik (I respond to your call and I am obedient to your orders)." He said, "Do you know what the right of (Allâh’s) slaves on Allah is, if they do that (worship Him Alone and join none in His worship)? It is that He will not punish them." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadîth No. 283).

57. Everyone shall taste death. Then unto Us you shall be returned.

58. And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to them We shall surely give lofty dwellings in Paradise, underneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever. Excellent is the reward for the workers.

59. Those who are patient, and put their trust (only) in their Lord (Allâh).[14] ——— [14] (V.29:59) See the footnote (A) of (V.12:67).

60. And so many a moving (living) creature carries not its own provision! Allâh provides for it and for you. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

61. And if you were to ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon?" they will surely reply: "Allâh." How then are they deviating (as polytheists and disbelievers)?

62. Allâh enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and straitens it for whom (He wills). Verily, Allâh is the All-Knower of everything.

63. And if you were to ask them: "Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death?" they will surely reply: "Allâh." Say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allâh!" Nay, most of them have no sense.

64. And this life of the world is only an amusement and a play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter - that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew[15]. ——— [15] (V.29:64) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The first group (of people) who will enter Paradise will be (glittering) like the moon on a full-moon night. They will neither spit therein, nor blow their noses therein nor relieve nature. Their utensils therein will be of gold and their combs of gold and silver; in their censers the aloeswood will be used, and their sweat will smell like musk. Everyone of them will have two wives; the marrow of the bones of the wives’ legs will be seen through the flesh out of excessive beauty. They (the people of Paradise) will neither have difference, nor enmity (hatred) amongst themselves; their hearts will be as if one heart, and they will be glorifying Allah in the morning and in the afternoon." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadîth No. 468).

65. And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allâh, making their Faith pure for Him only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others[16]. ——— [16] (V.29:65) See (V.17:67) and its footnote.

66. So that they become ingrate for that which We have given them, and that they take their enjoyment (as a warning and a threat), but they will come to know.

67. Have they not seen that We have made (Makkah) a secure sanctuary, while men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in Bâtil (falsehood - polytheism, idols and all deities other than Allâh), and deny (become ingrate for) the Graces of Allâh?

68. And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allâh or denies the truth (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and his doctrine of Islâmic Monotheism and this Qur’ân), when it comes to him? Is there not a dwelling in Hell for disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)?[17] ——— [17] (V.29:68) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

69. As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers)."[18] ——— [18] (V.29:69) See the footnote of (V.9:120).