İngilizce Meal — Takıyyüddin Hilâlî ve Muhsin Han — Ad-Dukhan 44:1 – Al-Ma'arij 70:44

1. Hâ.-Mîm.

2. By the manifest Book (this Qur’ân) that makes things clear.

3. We sent it (this Qur’ân) down on a blessed night [(i.e. night of Al-Qadr, Sûrah No. 97) in the month of Ramadân - the 9th month of the Islâmic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].

4. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.[1] ——— [1] (V.44:4) i.e. the matters of deaths, births, provisions, calamities, etc. for the whole (coming) year as decreed by Allah.

5. As a Command (or this Qur’ân or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers),

6. (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

7. The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, if you (but) have a faith with certainty.

8. Lâ ilaha illâ Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). It is He Who gives life and causes death - your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers.

9. Nay! They play about in doubt.

10. Then wait you for the Day when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke,

11. Covering the people: this is a painful torment.

12. (They will say): "Our Lord! Remove the torment from us, really we shall become believers!"

13. How can there be for them an admonition (at the time when the torment has reached them), when a Messenger explaining things clearly has already come to them.

14. Then they had turned away from him (Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) and said: (He is) one taught (by a human being), a madman!"

15. Verily, We shall remove the torment for a while. Verily you will revert (to disbelief).

16. On the Day when We shall seize you with the greatest seizure (punishment). Verily, We will exact retribution.

17. And indeed We tried before them Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh) people, when there came to them a noble Messenger [i.e. Mûsâ (Moses) عليه السلام],

18. Saying: "Deliver to me the slaves of Allâh (i.e. the Children of Israel). Verily, I am to you a Messenger worthy of all trust.

19. "And exalt not yourselves against Allâh. Truly, I have come to you with a manifest authority.

20. "And truly, I seek refuge with my Lord and your Lord, lest you should stone me (or call me a sorcerer or kill me).

21. "But if you believe me not, then keep away from me and leave me alone."

22. (But they were aggressive), so he [Mûsâ (Moses)] called upon his Lord (saying): "These are indeed the people who are Mujrimûn (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals)."

23. (Allâh said): "Depart you with My slaves by night. Surely, you will be pursued.

24. "And leave the sea as it is (quiet and divided). Verily, they are a host to be drowned."

25. How many of gardens and springs that they [Fir‘aun’s (Pharaoh) people] left behind,

26. And green crops (fields) and goodly places,

27. And comforts of life wherein they used to take delight!

28. Thus (it was)! And We made other people inherit them (i.e. We made the Children of Israel to inherit the kingdom of Egypt).

29. And the heavens and the earth wept not for them,[2] nor were they given a respite. ——— [2] (V.44:29) Narrated Ibn Jarîr At-Tabari: Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما said, "When a believer dies, the place of earth on which he used to prostrate himself in his Salât (prayer), and the gate in the heaven through which his good deeds used to ascend, weep for him (or her), while they do not weep for the disbeliever." [Tafsir At-Tabari].

30. And indeed We saved the Children of Israel from the humiliating torment:

31. From Fir‘aun (Pharaoh); verily he was arrogant and was of the Musrifûn (those who transgress beyond bound in spending and other things and commit great sins).

32. And We chose them (the Children of Israel) above the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn) [during the time of Mûsâ (Moses)] with knowledge,

33. And granted them signs in which there was a plain trial.

34. Verily, these (Quraish) people are saying:

35. "There is nothing but our first death, and we shall not be resurrected.

36. "Then bring back our forefathers, if you speak the truth!"

37. Are they better or the people of Tubba‘ and those before them? We destroyed them because they were indeed Mujrimûn (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, criminals).

38. And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play.

39. We created them not except with truth (i.e. to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones), but most of them know not.

40. Verily, the Day of Judgement (when Allâh will judge between the creatures) is the time appointed for all of them -

41. The Day when a Maulâ (a near relative) cannot avail a Maulâ (a near relative) in aught, and no help can they receive,

42. Except him on whom Allâh has Mercy. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

43. Verily, the tree of Zaqqûm

44. Will be the food of the sinners.

45. Like boiling oil, it will boil in the bellies,

46. Like the boiling of scalding water.

47. (It will be said) "Seize him and drag him into the midst of blazing Fire,

48. "Then pour over his head the torment of boiling water.

49. "Taste you (this)! Verily, you were (pretending to be) the mighty, the generous!

50. "Verily, this is that whereof you used to doubt!"

51. Verily, the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2), will be in place of Security (Paradise).

52. Among Gardens and Springs,

53. Dressed in fine silk and (also) in thick silk, facing each other,

54. So (it will be). And We shall marry them to Hûr[3] (fair female) with wide, lovely eyes. ——— [3] (V.44:54) Hûr: Very fair females created by Allah as such, not from the offspring of Adam عليه السلام, with intense black irises of their eyes and intense white scleras. [For details see the book Hadi Al-Arwâh by Ibn Al-Qaiyim, Chapter 54, Page 147].

55. They will call therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security;

56. They will never taste death therein except the first death (of this world), and He will save them from the torment of the blazing Fire,

57. As a Bounty from your Lord! That will be the supreme success!

58. Certainly, We have made this (Qur’an) easy in your tongue, in order that they may remember.

59. Wait then (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم); verily, they (too) are waiting.

1. Hâ-Mîm.

2. The revelation of the Book (this Qur’ân) is from Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

3. Verily, in the heavens and the earth are signs for the believers.

4. And in your creation, and what He scattered (through the earth) of moving (living) creatures are signs for people who have Faith with certainty.

5. And in the alternation of night and day, and the provision (rain) that Allâh sends down from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the turning about of the winds (i.e. sometimes towards the east or north, and sometimes towards the south or west sometimes bringing glad tidings of rain etc., and sometimes bringing the torment), are signs for a people who understand.

6. These are the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, which We recite to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) with truth. Then in which speech after Allâh and His Ayât will they believe?

7. Woe to every sinful liar

8. Who hears the Verses of Allâh (being) recited to him, yet persists with pride as if he heard them not. So announce to him a painful torment!

9. And when he learns something of Our Verses (this Qur’ân), he makes them a jest. For such there will be a humiliating torment.

10. In front of them there is Hell. And that which they have earned will be of no profit to them, nor (will be of any profit to them) those whom they have taken as Auliyâ’ (protectors, helpers) besides Allâh. And theirs will be a great torment.

11. This (Qur’an) is a guidance. And those who disbelieve in the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) of their Lord, for them there is a painful torment of Rijz (a severe kind of punishment).

12. Allâh, it is He Who has subjected to you the sea, that ships may sail through it by His Command, and that you may seek of His Bounty, and that you may be thankful.

13. And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him. Verily, in it are signs for a people who think deeply.

14. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the believers to forgive those who (harm them and) hope not for the Days of Allâh (i.e. His Recompense), that He may recompense people, according to what they have earned (i.e. to punish these disbelievers who harm the believers).[1] ——— [1] (V.45:14) The provision of this Verse was abrogated by the Verse of Jihâd (holy fighting) (V.9:36) against the polytheists.

15. Whosoever does a good deed, it is for his ownself, and whosoever does evil, it is against (his ownself). Then to your Lord you will be made to return.

16. And indeed We gave the Children of Israel the Scripture, and the understanding of the Scripture and its laws, and the Prophethood; and provided them with good things, and preferred them above the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn of their time, during that period),

17. And gave them clear proofs in matters [by revealing to them the Taurât (Torah)]. And they differed not until after the knowledge came to them, through envy among themselves. Verily, Your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they used to differ.

18. Then We have put you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) on a (plain) way of (Our) commandment [like the one which We commanded Our Messengers before you (i.e. legal ways and laws of the Islâmic Monotheism)]. So follow you that (Islâmic Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not. (Tafsir At-Tabarî).

19. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allâh (if He wants to punish you). Verily, the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers) are Auliyâ’ (protectors, helpers) of one another, but Allâh is the Walî (Helper, Protector) of the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2).

20. This (Qur’an) is a clear insight and evidence for mankind, and a guidance and a mercy for people who have Faith with certainty.[2] ——— [2] (V.45:20) a) See the footnote of (V.10:37). b) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

21. Or do those who earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, in their present life and after their death? Worst is the judgement that they make.

22. And Allâh has created the heavens and the earth with truth, in order that each person may be recompensed what he has earned, and they will not be wronged.[3] ——— [3] (V.45:22) See the footnote of (V.15:23).

23. Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilâh (god)? And Allâh knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allâh? Will you not then remember?

24. And they say: "There is nothing but our life of this world, we die and we live and nothing destroys us except Ad-Dahr (time).[4] And they have no knowledge of it: they only conjecture. ——— [4] (V.45:24) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Allâh said, ‘The son of Adam annoys Me for he abuses Ad-Dahr* (Time) though I am Ad-Dahr (Time); in My Hands are all things, and I cause the revolution of day and night.’ " (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.351). * ‘I am Ad-Dahr’ means ‘I am the Creator of Time, and I manage the affairs of all creation including Time.’ One should not attribute anything whether cheerful or disastrous to Time, for everything is in the Hands of Allâh and only He is the Disposer of everything.

25. And when Our Clear Verses are recited to them, their argument is no other than that they say: "Bring back our (dead) fathers, if you are truthful!"

26. Say (to them): "Allâh gives you life, then causes you to die, then He will assemble you on the Day of Resurrection about which there is no doubt. But most of mankind know not."

27. And to Allâh belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And on the Day that the Hour will be established - on that Day the followers of falsehood (polytheists, disbelievers, worshippers of false deities) shall lose (everything).

28. And you will see each nation humbled to their knees (kneeling): each nation will be called to its Record (of deeds). This Day you shall be recompensed for what you used to do.

29. This Our Record speaks about you with truth. Verily, We were recording what you used to do (i.e. Our angels used to record your deeds).

30. Then, as for those who believed (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and did righteous good deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy. That will be the evident success.

31. But as for those who disbelieved (it will be said to them): "Were not Our Verses recited to you? But you were proud, and you were a people who were Mujrimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals)."

32. And when it was said: "Verily, Allâh’s Promise is the truth, and there is no doubt about the coming of the Hour," you said: "We know not what is the Hour: we do not think it but as a conjecture, and we have no firm convincing belief (therein)."

33. And the evil of what they did will appear to them, and that which they used to mock at will completely encircle them.

34. And it will be said: "This Day We will forget you as you forgot the Meeting of this Day of yours. And your abode is the Fire, and there is none to help you."

35. This, because you took the revelations of Allâh (this Qur’ân) in mockery, and the life of the world deceived you. So this Day, they shall not be taken out from there (Hell),[5] nor shall they be returned to the worldly life, (so that they repent to Allâh, and beg His Pardon for their sins). ——— [5] (V.45:35) a) Narrated Anas bin Mâlik رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "When carried to his grave, a dead person is followed by three, two of which return (after his burial) and one remains with him: his relatives, his property and his deeds follow him; relatives and his property return back while his deeds remain with him." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadith No.521 b) Narrated Anas رضي الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The people will be thrown into Hell (Fire) and it will keep on saying, ‘Is there any more," till the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists) puts His Foot over it, whereupon its different sides will come close to each other, and it will say, ‘Qat ! Qat ! (enough! enough!) By Your ‘Izzat (Honour and Power) and Your Karam (Generosity)!’ Paradise will remain spacious enough to accommodate more people until Allâh will create some more people and let them dwell in the superfluous (empty) space of Paradise." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.9, Hadith No.481). c) Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to say, "I seek refuge (with You) By Your ‘Izzat (Honour and Power) Lâ ilâha illâ Anta (none has the right to be worshipped but You); Who does not die, while the jinn and the human beings die." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.9, Hadith No.480).

36. So all the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the heavens and the Lord of the earth, and the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

37. And His (Alone) is the Majesty in the heavens and the earth, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

1. Hâ-Mîm.

2. The revelation of the Book (this Qur’ân) is from Allâh, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

3. We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth, and for an appointed term. But those who disbelieve turn away from that whereof they are warned.

4. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to these pagans): "Think you about all that you invoke besides Allâh? Show me. What have they created of the earth? Or have they a share in (the creation of) the heavens? Bring me a Book (revealed before this), or some trace of knowledge (in support of your claims), if you are truthful!"

5. And who is more astray than one who calls on (invokes) besides Allâh, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them?[1] ——— [1] (V.46:5) See the footnote of (V.2:165).

6. And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become their enemies and will deny their worshipping.

7. And when Our Clear Verses are recited to them, the disbelievers say of the truth (this Qur’ân) when it reaches them: "This is plain magic!"

8. Or say they: "He (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has fabricated it." Say: "If I have fabricated it? still you have no power to support me against Allâh. He knows best of what you say among yourselves concerning it (i.e. this Qur’ân)! Sufficient is He as a witness between me and you! And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful."

9. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I am not a new thing among the Messengers (of Allâh i.e. I am not the first Messenger) nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am but a plain warner."

10. Say: "Tell me! If this (Qur’ân) is from Allâh and you deny it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel (‘Abdullâh bin Salâm رضي الله عنه) testifies that [this Qur’ân is from Allâh (like the Taurât (Torah)], and he believed (embraced Islâm)[2] while you are too proud (to believe)." Verily, Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, disbelievers and wrong-doers). ——— [2] (V.46:10) See the footnote of (V.5:66).

11. And those who disbelieve (the strong and wealthy) say of those who believe (the weak and poor): "Had it (Islâmic Monotheism to which Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is inviting mankind) been a good thing, they (the weak and poor) would not have preceded us thereto!" And when they have not let themselves be guided by it (this Qur’ân), they say: "This is an ancient lie!"

12. And before this was the Scripture of Mûsâ (Moses) as a guide and a mercy. And this is a confirming Book (the Qur’ân) in the Arabic language, to warn those who do wrong, and as glad tidings to the Muhsinûn (good-doers. See the footnote of V.9:120).

13. Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is (only) Allâh," and thereafter stand firm and straight on the Islâmic Faith of Monotheism,[3] on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. ——— [3] (V.46:13): stand firm on the Islamic Monotheism i.e. by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allâh has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained. [See the footnote of (v.41:30)].

14. Such shall be the dwellers of Paradise, abiding therein (forever) - a reward for what they used to do.

15. And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship. And she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my offspring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will)."

16. They are those from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and overlook their evil deeds. (They shall be) among the dwellers of Paradise - a promise of truth, which they have been promised.

17. But he who says to his parents: "Fie upon you both! Do you hold out the promise to me that I shall be raised up (again) when generations before me have passed away (without rising)?" While they (father and mother) invoke Allâh for help (and rebuke their son): "Woe to you! Believe! Verily, the Promise of Allâh is true." But he says: "This is nothing but the tales of the ancient."

18. They are those against whom the Word (of torment) is justified among the previous generations of jinn and mankind that have passed away. Verily, they are ever the losers.

19. And for all, there will be degrees according to that which they did, that He (Allâh) may recompense them in full for their deeds. And they will not be wronged.

20. On the Day when those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said): "You received your good things in the life of the world, and you took your pleasure therein. Now this Day you shall be recompensed with a torment of humiliation, because you were arrogant in the land without a right, and because you used to rebel against Allâh’s Command (disobey Allâh).

21. And remember (Hûd) the brother of ‘Âd, when he warned his people in Al-Ahqâf (the curved sand-hills in the southern part of Arabian Peninsula). And surely, there have passed away warners before him and after him (saying): "Worship none but Allâh; truly, I fear for you the torment of a mighty Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)."

22. They said: "Have you come to turn us away from our âlihah (gods)? Then bring us that with which you threaten us, if you are one of the truthful!"

23. He said: "The knowledge (of the time of its coming) is with Allâh only. And I convey to you that wherewith I have been sent, but I see that you are a people given to ignorance!"

24. Then, when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Nay, but it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened - a wind wherein is a painful torment!

25. Destroying everything by the Command of its Lord! So they became such that nothing could be seen except their dwellings! Thus do We recompense the people who are Mujrimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners)!

26. And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you (O Quraish)! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts; but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayât (Allâh’s Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidence, verses, signs, revelations) of Allâh, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at!

27. And indeed We have destroyed towns (populations) round about you, and We have (repeatedly) shown (them) the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in various ways that they might return (to the truth and believe in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism).

28. Then why did those whom they had taken for âlihah (gods) besides Allâh, as a way of approach (to Allâh) not help them? Nay, but they vanished completely from them (when there came the torment). And that was their lie, and their inventions which they had been inventing (before their destruction).

29. And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) a group (three to ten persons) of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur’ân. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: "Listen in silence!" And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners.

30. They said: "O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur’ân) sent down after Mûsâ (Moses), confirming what came before it: it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path (i.e. Islâm).

31. O our people! Respond (with obedience) to Allâh’s Caller (i.e. Allâh’s Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and believe in him (i.e. believe in that which Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم has brought from Allâh and follow him). He (Allâh) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e. Hell-fire)[4] ——— [4] (V.46:31) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

32. And whosoever does not respond to Allâh’s Caller, he cannot escape on earth, and there will be no Auliyâ’ (lords, helpers, supporters, protectors) for him besides Allâh (from Allâh’s punishment). Those are in manifest error.

33. Do they not see that Allâh, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Yes, He surely is Able to do all things.

34. And on the Day when those who disbelieve will be exposed to the Fire (it will be said to them): "Is this not the truth?" They will say: "Yes, By our Lord!" He will say: "Then taste the torment, because you used to disbelieve!"

35. Therefore be patient (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as did the Messengers of strong will[5] and be in no haste about them (disbelievers). On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e. threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! this Qur’ân is sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious against Allâh’s Command, the disobedient to Allâh)? ——— [5] (V.46:35) There are many Prophets and Messengers of Allah, about twenty-five of them are mentioned in the Qur’an; out of these twenty-five, only five are of strong will: namely, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, Nûh (Noah), Ibrâhîm (Abraham), Mûsâ (Moses) and ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) عليها السلام .

1. Those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh, and in the Message of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh (Islâmic Monotheism), He will render their deeds vain.[1] ——— [1] (V.47:1) It is obligatory to have Belief in the Messengership of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "By Him (Allâh) in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, there is none from amongst the Jews and the Christians (of these present nations) who hears about me and then dies without believing in the Message with which I have been sent (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism), but he will be from the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire." (Sahih Muslim , the Book of Faith, Vol.1, Chapter No.240). See also (V.3:85) and (V.3:116).

2. But those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and believe in that which is sent down to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) - for it is the truth from their Lord - He will expiate from them their sins, and will make good their state.

3. That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allâh set forth for mankind their parables.

4. So, when you meet (in fight - Jihâd in Allâh’s Cause) those who disbelieve, smite (their) necks till when you have killed and wounded many of them, then bind a bond firmly (on them, i.e. take them as captives). Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom), or ransom (according to what benefits Islâm), until the war lays down its burden. Thus [you are ordered by Allâh to continue in carrying out Jihâd against the disbelievers till they embrace Islâm and are saved from the punishment in the Hell-fire or at least come under your protection], but if it had been Allâh’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight) in order to test some of you with others. But those who are killed in the Way of Allâh, He will never let their deeds be lost.[2] ——— [2] (V.47:4) See the footnote of (V.2:190) and (V.9:20).

5. He will guide them and set right their state.

6. And admit them to Paradise which He has made known to them (i.e. they will know their places in Paradise better than they used to know their homes in the world).[3] [Tafsir Ibn Kathir ] ——— [3] (V.47:6) Narrated Abû Sa‘îd Al-Khudrî رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The believers, after being saved from the (Hell) Fire, will be stopped at a bridge between Paradise and Hell and mutual retaliation will take place among them regarding the wrongs they have committed in the world against one another. After they are cleansed and purified (through the retaliation), they will be admitted into Paradise; and by Him in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, everyone of them will know his dwelling in Paradise better than he knew his dwelling in this world." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadith No.542)

7. O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allâh, He will help you, and make your foothold firm.

8. But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), for them is destruction, and (Allâh) will make their deeds vain.

9. That is because they hate that which Allâh has sent down (this Qur’ân and Islâmic laws, etc.); so He has made their deeds fruitless.

10. Have they not travelled through the earth, and seen what was the end of those before them? Allâh destroyed them completely, and a similar (fate awaits) the disbelievers.

11. That is because Allâh is the Maulâ (Lord, Master, Helper, Protector, etc.) of those who believe, and the disbelievers have no Maulâ (lord, master, helper, protector, etc.).

12. Certainly Allâh will admit those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise); while those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat; and the Fire will be their abode.

13. And many a town, stronger than your town (Makkah) (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) which has driven you out We have destroyed. And there was none to help them.

14. Is he who is on a clear proof from his Lord, like those for whom their evil deeds that they do are beautified for them, while they follow their own lusts (evil desires)?

15. The description of Paradise which the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2) have been promised (is that) in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed, rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit, and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell for ever in the Fire and be given to drink boiling water so that it cuts up their bowels?

16. And among them are some who listen to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) till when they go out from you, they say to those who have received knowledge: "What has he said just now? Such are men whose hearts Allâh has sealed, and they follow their lusts (evil desires).

17. While as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance and bestows on them their piety.

18. Do they then await (anything) other than the Hour, that it should come upon them suddenly? But some of its portents (indications and signs) have already come; and when it (actually) is on them, how can they benefit then by their reminder?[4] ——— [4] (V.47:18) See the footnote of (V.6:158).

19. So know (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that, Lâ ilâha illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh)[5], and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allâh knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes). ——— [5] (V.47:19) It is essential to know a thing first before saying or acting upon it as Allâh’s Statement: "So know..." (V.47:19). Please see also the footnote of (V.6:125).

20. Those who believe say: "Why is not a Sûrah (chapter of the Qur’ân) sent down (for us)? But when a decisive Sûrah (explaining and ordering things) is sent down, and fighting (Jihâd - holy fighting in Allâh’s cause) is mentioned (i.e. ordained) therein, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy) looking at you with a look of one fainting to death. But it was better for them (hypocrites, to listen to Allâh and to obey Him).

21. Obedience (to Allâh) and good words (were better for them). And when the matter (preparation for Jihâd ) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allâh, it would have been better for them.

22. Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship?[6] ——— [6] (V.47:22). a) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Allâh created His creation, and when He finished it, the womb got up and caught hold of Allâh whereupon Allâh said, ‘What is the matter?’ On that, it said, ‘I seek refuge with you from Al-qatî‘âh (those who sever the ties of kith and kin).’ On that Allâh said, ‘Will you accept (be satisfied) if I bestow My Favours on him who keeps your ties, and withhold My Favours from him who severs your ties?’ On that it said, ‘Yes, O my Lord!’ Then Allâh said, ‘That is for you.’ Abu Hurairah added: If you wish, you can recite: "Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land and sever your ties of kinship?" (V.47:22). (Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.354). b) See the footnote of (V.2:27).

23. Such are they whom Allâh has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.

24. Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’ân, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?

25. Verily, those who have turned back (have apostatised) as disbelievers after the guidance has been manifested to them - Shaitân (Satan) has beautified for them (their false hopes), and (Allâh) prolonged their term (age).

26. This is because they said to those who hate what Allâh has sent down: "We will obey you in part of the matter." But Allâh knows their secrets.

27. Then how (will it be) when the angels will take their souls at death, smiting their faces and their backs?

28. That is because they followed that which angered Allâh and hated that which pleased Him. So He made their deeds fruitless.

29. Or do those in whose hearts is a disease (of hypocrisy), think that Allâh will not bring to light all their hidden ill-wills?[7] ——— [7] (V.47:29) See hypocrisy in the Appendix II

30. Had We willed, We could have shown them to you, and you should have known them by their marks; but surely, you will know them by the tone of their speech! And Allâh knows (all) your deeds.

31. And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the Cause of Allâh) and As-Sâbirûn (the patient), and We shall test your facts (i.e. the one who is a liar, and the one who is truthful).

32. Verily, those who disbelieve, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh (i.e. Islâm), and oppose the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) (by standing against him and hurting him), after the guidance[8] has been clearly shown to them, they will not harm Allâh in the least, but He will make their deeds fruitless, ——— [8] (V.47:32) A. Narrated Abû Mûsâ رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The example of guidance and knowledge (the Qur’ân and the Sunnah ) with which Allâh has sent me, is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rain water and Allâh benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and irrigating the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allâh’s religion (Islam) and gets benefit (from the knowledge) which Allah عز وجل has revealed through me (the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) and learns and then teaches it to others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allâh’s Guidance revealed through me: (He is like that barren land)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadîth No.79). B. Guidance is of two kinds: a) Guidance of Taufîq and it is totally from Allâh, i.e. Allâh opens one’s heart to receive the truth (from disbelief to Belief in Islamic Monotheism). b) Guidance of Irshâd i.e. through preaching by Allâh’s Messengers and pious preachers who preach the truth i.e. Islamic Monotheism.

33. O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and render not vain your deeds.

34. Verily, those who disbelieve, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh (i.e. Islâm); then die while they are disbelievers - Allâh will not forgive them.[9] ——— [9] (V.47:34) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

35. So be not weak and ask not for peace (from the enemies of Islâm) while you are having the upper hand. Allâh is with you, and He will never decrease the reward of your good deeds.

36. The life of this world is but play and pastime; but if you believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism), and fear Allâh, and avoid evil, He will grant you your wages, and will not ask you your wealth.

37. If He were to ask you of it, and press you, you would covetously withhold, and He will bring out all your (secret) ill-wills.

38. Behold! You are those who are called to spend in the Cause of Allâh, yet among you are some who are niggardly. And whoever is niggardly, it is only at the expense of his ownself. But Allâh is Rich (Free of all needs), and you (mankind) are poor. And if you turn away (from Islâm and the obedience to Allâh), He will exchange you for some other people and they will not be your likes.

1. Verily, We have given you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) a manifest victory.

2. That Allâh may forgive you your sins of the past and the future,[1] and complete His Favour on you, and guide you on the Straight Path, ——— [1] (V.48:2) Narrated Al-Mughîrah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to offer night prayers till his feet became swollen. Somebody said to him, "Allah has forgiven you your sins of the past and the future." On that, He said, " Shouldn‘t I be a thankful slave of Allah?" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.360).

3. And that Allâh may help you with strong help.

4. He it is Who sent down As-Sakînah (calmness and tranquillity) into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith. And to Allâh belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allâh is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise.

5. That He may admit the believing men and the believing women to Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise), to abide therein forever, and He may expiate from them their sins; and that is with Allâh a supreme success,

6. And that He may punish the Munâfiqûn (hypocrites), men and women, and also the Mushrikûn[2] men and women, who think evil thoughts about Allâh: for them is a disgraceful torment. And the Anger of Allâh is upon them, and He has cursed them and prepared Hell for them - and worst indeed is that destination. ——— [2] (V.48:6) Al-Mushrikûn: Polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم .

7. And to Allâh belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth. And Allâh is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise.

8. Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner[3]. ——— [3] (V.48:8) See the footnote of (V.2:42).

9. In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and that you assist and honour him (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and (that you) glorify (Allâh’s) praises morning and afternoon.

10. Verily, those who give Bai‘ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) they are giving Bai‘ah (pledge) to Allâh. The Hand of Allâh is over their hands. Then whosoever breaks his pledge, breaks it only to his own harm; and whosoever fulfils what he has covenanted with Allâh, He will bestow on him a great reward.

11. Those of the bedouins who lagged behind will say to you: "Our possessions and our families occupied us, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who then has any power at all (to intervene) on your behalf with Allâh, if He intends you hurt or intends you benefit? Nay, but Allâh is Ever All-Aware of what you do.

12. "Nay, but you thought that the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and the believers would never return to their families, and that was made fair-seeming in your hearts, and you did think an evil thought and you became a useless people going for destruction."

13. And whosoever does not believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), then verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers a blazing Fire.[4] ——— [4] (V.48:13) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

14. And to Allâh belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allâh is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

15. Those who lagged behind will say, when you set forth to take the spoils, "Allow us to follow you." They want to change Allâh’s Words. Say: "You shall not follow us; thus Allâh has said beforehand." Then they will say: "Nay, you envy us." Nay, but they understand not except a little.

16. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to the bedouins who lagged behind: "You shall be called to fight against a people given to great warfare, then you shall fight them, or they shall surrender. Then if you obey, Allâh will give you a fair reward; but if you turn away as you did turn away before, He will punish you with a painful torment."

17. No blame or sin is there upon the blind, nor is there blame or sin upon the lame, nor is there blame or sin upon the sick (that they go not for fighting). And whosoever obeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), He will admit him to Gardens beneath which rivers flow (Paradise); and whosoever turns back, He will punish him with a painful torment.

18. Indeed, Allâh was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bai‘ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakînah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory.

19. And abundant spoils that they will capture. And Allâh is Ever All-Mighty, All-Wise.

20. Allâh has promised you abundant spoils that you will capture, and He has hastened for you this, and He has restrained the hands of men from you: that it may be a sign for the believers, and that He may guide you to the Straight Path.

21. And other (victories and much booty He promises you) which are not yet within your power; indeed Allâh compasses them. And Allâh is Ever Able to do all things.

22. And if those who disbelieve fight against you, they certainly would have turned their backs; then they would have found neither a Walî (protector, guardian) nor a helper.

23. That has been the Way of Allâh already with those who passed away before. And you will not find any change in the Way of Allâh.

24. And He it is Who has withheld their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Makkah, after He had made you victors over them. And Allâh is Ever the All-Seer of what you do.

25. They are the ones who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and hindered you from Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (at Makkah) and detained the sacrificial animals from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom you did not know, that you may kill them and on whose account a sin would have been committed by you without (your) knowledge, that Allâh might bring into His Mercy whom He wills - if they (the believers and the disbelievers) had been apart, We verily would have punished those of them who disbelieved with painful torment.

26. When those who disbelieve had put in their hearts pride and haughtiness - the pride and haughtiness of the time of ignorance, - then Allâh sent down His Sakînah (calmness and tranquillity) upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and upon the believers, and made them stick to the word of piety (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh); and they were well entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allâh is the All-Knower of everything.

27. Indeed Allâh shall fulfil the true vision which He showed to His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) [i.e. the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saw a dream that he has entered Makkah along with his Companions, having their (head) hair shaved and cut short] in very truth. Certainly, you shall enter Al-Masjid-al-Harâm, if Allâh wills, secure, (some) having your heads shaved, and (some) having your head hair cut short, having no fear. He knew what you knew not, and He granted besides that a near victory.

28. He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâm), that He may make it (Islâm) superior to all religions. And All-Sufficient is Allâh as a Witness.

29. Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is the Messenger of Allâh. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allâh and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurât (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allâh has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islâmic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise).

1. O you who believe! Make not (a decision) in advance[1] before Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and fear Allâh. Verily! Allâh is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. ——— [1] (V.49:1) i.e. hasten not to decide in matters of war or religion before Allah and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, that you may decide the contrary to what Allah and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم may decide.

2. O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds should be rendered fruitless while you perceive not.

3. Verily, those who lower their voices in the presence of Allâh’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), they are the ones whose hearts Allâh has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward.

4. Verily those who call you from behind the dwellings, most of them have no sense.

5. And if they had patience till you could come out to them, it would have been better for them. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

6. O you who believe! If a Fâsiq (liar - evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.

7. And know that among you there is the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وسلم). If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble. But Allâh has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allâh and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم) hateful to you. Such are they who are the rightly guided.

8. (This is) a Grace from Allâh and His Favour. And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

9. And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make peace between them both. But if one of them outrages against the other, then fight you (all) against the one that which outrages till it complies with the Command of Allâh. Then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allâh loves those who are the equitable.

10. The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islâmic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allâh, that you may receive mercy.

11. O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one’s brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: "O sinner", or "O wicked"]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, etc.).

12. O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting)[2]. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful. ——— [2] (V.49:12). a) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales; and do not look for other’s faults, and do not do spying on one another, and do not practise Najsh* and do not be jealous of one another and do not hate one another, and do not desert (stop talking to) one another. And O Allâh’s worshippers! Be brothers!"(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadîth No.92). b) Narrated Hudhaifah رضي الله عنه: I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "A Qattât ** will not enter Paradise." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadîth No.82). c) Backbiting and the Statement of Allâh عز وجل: "And spy not, neither backbite one another." Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضي الله عنهما: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم passed by two graves and said, "Both of them (persons in the grave) are being tortured, and they are not being tortured for a major sin. This one used not to save himself from being soiled with his urine, and the other used to go about with calumnies (among the people to rouse hostilities, e.g., one goes to a person and tells him that so-and-so says about him such and such evil things)." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then asked for a green branch of a date-palm tree, split it into two pieces and planted one on each grave and said, "It is hoped that their punishment may be abated till those two pieces of the branch get dried." *** (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.8, Hadîth No.78). * Najsh means to offer a high price for something in order to allure another customer who is interested in the thing. **A Qattât is a person who conveys disagreeable, false information from one person to another with the intention of causing harm and enmity between them. ***This action was a kind of invocation on the part of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for the deceased persons. [Fath Al-Bari, Vol.1, Page 332].

13. O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-Taqwâ [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2)]. Verily, Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Aware.

14. The bedouins say: "We believe." Say: "You believe not but you only say, ‘We have surrendered (in Islâm),’ for Faith has not yet entered your hearts. But if you obey Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), He will not decrease anything in reward for your deeds. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

15. Only those are the believers who have believed in Allâh and His Messenger, and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allâh. Those! They are the truthful.

16. Say: "Will you inform Allâh of your religion while Allâh knows all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allâh is All-Aware of everything.

17. They regard as favour to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that they have embraced Islâm. Say: "Count not your Islâm as a favour to me. Nay, but Allâh has conferred a favour upon you that He has guided you to the Faith if you indeed are true.

18. Verily, Allâh knows the Unseen of the heavens and the earth. And Allâh is the All-Seer of what you do.

1. Qâf. [These letters (Qâf, etc.) are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. By the Glorious Qur’ân.

2. Nay, they wonder that there has come to them a warner (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from among themselves. So the disbelievers say: "This is a strange thing!

3. "When we are dead and have become dust (shall we be resurrected?) That is a far return."

4. We know that which the earth takes of them (their dead bodies), and with Us is a Book preserved (i.e. the Book of Decrees).

5. Nay, but they have denied the truth (this Qur’ân) when it has come to them, so they are in a confused state (cannot differentiate between right and wrong).

6. Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it?

7. And the earth! We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and have produced therein every kind of lovely growth (plants).

8. An insight and a Reminder for every slave who turns to Allâh in repentance (i.e. the one who believes in the Oneness of Allâh and performs deeds of His obedience, and always begs His pardon).

9. And We send down blessed water (rain) from the sky, then We produce therewith gardens and grain (every kind of harvests) that are reaped.

10. And tall date-palms, with ranged clusters.

11. A provision for (Allâh’s) slaves. And We give life therewith to a dead land. Thus will be the resurrection (of the dead).

12. Denied before them (i.e. these pagans of Makkah) the people of Nûh (Noah), and the dwellers of Rass, and Thamûd;

13. And ‘Âd, and Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), and the brethren of Lût (Lot);

14. And the Dwellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba‘. Everyone of them denied (their) Messengers, so My Threat took effect.

15. Were We then tired with the first creation? Nay, they are in confused doubt about a new creation (i.e. Resurrection).

16. And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge).

17. (Remember) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being),[1] one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions).[2] ——— [1] A (V.50:17) Narrated ‘Âishah رضي الله عنها The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: The deeds of the following three persons are not recorded by the pen: 1. A sleeping person till he wakes up. 2. A child till he reaches the age of puberty. 3. An insane person till he becomes sane. This Hadith is quoted by An-Nasâ’i, The Book of Divorce. Chap.21. [2] B (V.50:17) See the footnote (B) of (V.6:61).

18. Not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).[3] ——— [3] (V.50:18) See the footnote (A) of (V.6:61).

19. And the stupor of death will come in truth: "This is what you have been avoiding!"

20. And the Trumpet will be blown - that will be the Day whereof warning (had been given) (i.e. the Day of Resurrection).

21. And every person will come forth along with an (angel) to drive (him) and an (angel) to bear witness.

22. (It will be said to the sinners): "Indeed you were heedless of this. Now We have removed from you your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day!"

23. And his companion (angel) will say: "Here is (this Record) ready with me!"

24. (Allah will say to the angels): "Both of you throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever (in the Oneness of Allâh, in His Messengers).

25. "Hinderer of good, transgressor, doubter,

26. "Who set up another ilâh (god) with Allâh. Then both of you cast him in the severe torment."

27. His companion (Satan - devil)] will say: "Our Lord! I did not push him to transgression, (in disbelief, oppression, and evil deeds) but he was himself in error far astray."

28. Allâh will say: "Dispute not in front of Me, I had already in advance sent you the threat.

29. The Sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed, and I am not unjust to the slaves."

30. On the Day when We will say to Hell: "Are you filled?" It will say: "Are there any more (to come)?"[4] ——— [4] (V.50:30) Allah’s Statement: "It (Hell) will say: ‘Are there any more (to come)?’" Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The people will be thrown into the (Hell) Fire and it will say: ‘Are there any more (to come)?’ till Allah will put His Foot over it and it will say: ‘Qat ! Qat ! (Enough! Enough!)’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.371).

31. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2), not far off.

32. (It will be said): "This is what you were promised - (it is) for those oft-returning (to Allâh) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allâh (by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worshipping none but Allâh Alone, i.e. follow Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism).

33. "Who feared the Most Gracious (Allâh) in the Ghaib (Unseen) and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism).

34. "Enter you therein in peace and security - this is a Day of eternal life!"

35. There they will have all that they desire - and We have more (for them, i.e. a glance at the All-Mighty, All-Majestic جل جلاله).

36. And how many a generation We have destroyed before them who were stronger in power than they. And (when Our Torment came), they ran for a refuge in the land! Could they find any place of refuge (for them to save themselves from destruction)?

37. Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.

38. And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us.

39. So bear with patience (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) all that they say, and glorify the Praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting (i.e. the Fajr, Zuhr, and ‘Asr prayers)[5]. ——— [5] (V.50:39). a) Narrated Qais: Jarîr said, "We were with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and he looked at the moon on a full-moon night and said: ‘Certainly you will see your Lord as you see this moon and you will have no trouble in seeing Him. So if you can avoid missing (through sleep or business) a prayer before the sunrise (Fajr) and a prayer before sunset (‘Asr ), you must do so’. ‘He then recited Allah’s Statement: "And glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun, and before (its) setting." (V.50:39). Ismâ‘îl said: "Offer those prayers and do not miss them." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadîth No.529) b) See the footnote of (V.32:16).

40. And during a part of the night (also) glorify His praises (i.e. Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers) and (so likewise) after the prayers [As-Sunnah, Nawâfil - optional and additional prayers. And also glorify, praise and magnify Allâh - Subhân Allâh, Alhamdu lillâh, Allâhu-Akbar].

41. And listen on the Day when the caller will call from a near place.

42. The Day when they will hear As-Saihah (shout) in truth: that will be the Day of coming out (from the graves, i.e. the Day of Resurrection).

43. Verily, We it is Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return.

44. On the Day when the earth shall be cleft, from off them, (they will come out) hastening forth. That will be a gathering, quite easy for Us.

45. We know best what they say. And you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are not the one to force them (to Belief). But warn by the Qur’an; him who fears My Threat.

1. By (the winds) that scatter dust.

2. And (the clouds) that bear heavy weight of water.

3. And (the ships) that float with ease and gentleness.

4. And those (angels) who distribute (provisions, rain, and other blessings) by (Allâh’s) Command.

5. Verily, that which you are promised (i.e. Resurrection in the Hereafter and receiving the reward or punishment of good or bad deeds) is surely true.

6. And verily, the Recompense is sure to happen.

7. By the heaven full of paths,

8. Certainly, you have different ideas (about Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and the Qur’ân).

9. Turned aside therefrom (i.e. from Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and the Qur’ân) is he who is turned aside (by the Decree and Preordainment القضاء والقدر of Allâh).

10. Cursed be the liars

11. Who are under a cover of heedlessness (think not about the gravity of the Hereafter),

12. They ask: "When will be the Day of Recompense?"

13. (It will be) a Day when they will be tried (punished i.e. burnt) over the Fire!

14. "Taste you your trial (punishment i.e. burning)! This is what you used to ask to be hastened!"

15. Verily, the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2) will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs (in the Paradise),

16. Taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinûn (good-doers. See V.2:112).

17. They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allâh) and praying, with fear and hope].

18. And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allâh) for forgiveness.

19. And in their properties there was the right of the Sâ’il (the beggar who asks) and the Mahrûm (the poor who does not ask others)[1]. ——— [1] (V.51:19) See the footnote of (V.4:37).

20. And on the earth are signs for those who have Faith with certainty.

21. And also in your ownselves. Will you not then see?

22. And in the heaven is your provision, and that which you are promised.

23. Then by the Lord of the heaven and the earth, it is the truth (i.e. what has been promised to you), just as it is the truth that you can speak.

24. Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrîl (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrâhîm (Abraham)?

25. When they came in to him and said: "Salâm, (peace be upon you)!" He answered: "Salâm, (peace be upon you)," and said: "You are a people unknown to me."

26. Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) was mainly cows].

27. And placed it before them, (saying): "Will you not eat?"

28. Then he conceived fear of them (when they ate not). They said: "Fear not."[2] And they gave him glad tidings of a son having knowledge (about Allâh and His religion of True Monotheism). ——— [2] (V.51:28) i.e. when the angels noticed some fear over the face of Abraham, they told him that they are Allâh’s messengers. And they also gave the glad news to his wife Sarah that she will give birth to a son (Isaac).

29. Then his wife came forward with a loud voice: she smote her face, and said: "A barren old woman!"[3] ——— [3] (V.51:29) "How can I bear a child." At that time she (Sarah) was approximately 99 years old. (Tafsîr Al-Qurtubi ).

30. They said: "Even so says your Lord.[4] Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower." ——— [4] (V.51:30) a) The Statement of Allâh عز وجل: ‘Verily, Our Word (Command) unto a thing, when We intend it, is only that We say unto it: "Be!" - and it is.’ (V.16:40) Narrated Mu‘âwiyah رضي الله عنه: I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "A group of my followers will keep on following Allâh’s Orders [i.e., following strictly Allâh’s Book (the Qur’ân) and the Prophet’s Sunnah (legal ways)] strictly and they will not be harmed by those who will belie (disbelieve) them or desert (stand against) them till Allâh’s Order (the Hour) will come while they will be in that state." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.9, Hadith No.552). b) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Allâh said, ‘I have prepared for My pious slaves things which have never been seen by an eye, nor heard by an ear, or (even) imagined by a human being.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 467) c) Narrated Abû Sa‘îd Al-Khudrî رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of Al-Ghuraf (the lofty mansions i.e. a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star far away in the east or in the west on the horizon; all that is because of their superiority over one another (in rewards)." On that the people said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! Are these residences (lofty mansions) for the Prophets which nobody else can reach?" The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, "No! By Him (Allah) in Whose Hand my soul is, these are for the men who believed in Allah and also believed in the Messengers." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 478) d) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The first batch (of people) who will enter Paradise will be (glittering) like the moon on a full-moon night and those who will enter next will be glittering like the brightest star. Their hearts will be as if the heart of a single man for they will have neither difference nor any enmity amongst themselves, and everyone of them shall have two wives, each of whom will be so beautiful, pure and transparent that the marrow of the bones of their legs will be seen through the flesh. They will be glorifying Allâh in the morning and afternoon, and will never fall ill, and they will neither blow their noses nor spit. Their utensils will be of gold and silver, and their combs will be of gold and the fuel used in their censers will be of aloes-wood and their sweat will smell like musk." ... (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 469).

31. [Ibrâhîm (Abraham)] said: "Then for what purpose you have come, O Messengers?"

32. They said: "We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimûn (polytheists, sinners, criminals, disbelievers in Allâh)

33. To send down upon them stones of baked clay.

34. Marked by your Lord for the Musrifûn (polytheists, criminals, sinners - those who trespass Allâh’s set limits in evil-doings by committing great sins).

35. So We brought out from therein the believers.

36. But We found not there any household of the Muslims except one [of Lût (Lot) and his two daughters].

37. And We have left there a sign (i.e. the place of the Dead Sea[5] in Palestine) for those who fear the painful torment. ——— [5] (V.51:37) See the book of history "The Stories of the Prophets." by Ibn Kathir رحمه الله.

38. And in Mûsâ (Moses) (too, there is a sign), when We sent him to Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) with a manifest authority.

39. But [Fir‘aun (Pharaoh)] turned away (from Belief in might) along with his hosts, and said: "A sorcerer, or a madman."

40. So We took him and his hosts, and dumped them into the sea, for he was blameworthy.

41. And in ‘Âd (there is also a sign) when We sent against them the barren wind;

42. It spared nothing that it reached, but blew it into broken spreads of rotten ruins.

43. And in Thamûd (there is also a sign), when they were told: "Enjoy yourselves for a while!"

44. But they insolently defied the Command of their Lord, so the Sâ‘iqah[6] overtook them while they were looking. ——— [6] (V.51:44) Sâ‘iqah: A destructive awful cry, torment, hit, a thunderbolt, See (V.41:13).

45. Then they were unable to rise up, nor could they help themselves.

46. (So were) the people of Nûh (Noah) before them. Verily, they were a people who were Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

47. With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We are Able to extend the vastness of space thereof.

48. And We have spread out the earth: how Excellent Spreader (thereof) are We!

49. And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember (the Grace of Allâh).

50. So flee to Allâh (from His Torment to His Mercy - Islâmic Monotheism). Verily, I (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) am a plain warner to you from Him.[7] ——— [7] (V.51:50) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

51. And set not up (or worship not) any other ilâh (god) along with Allâh [Glorified be He (Alone), Exalted above all that they associate as partners with Him]. Verily, I (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) am a plain warner to you from Him.

52. Likewise, no Messenger came to those before them but they said: "A sorcerer or a madman!"

53. Have they (the people of the past) transmitted this saying to these (Quraish pagans)? Nay, they are themselves a people transgressing beyond bounds (in disbelief)!

54. So turn away (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from them (Quraish pagans), you are not blame-worthy (as you have conveyed Allâh’s Message).

55. And remind (by preaching the Qur’ân, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), for verily, the reminding profits the believers.

56. And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).

57. I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures).

58. Verily, Allâh is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong.

59. And verily, for those who do wrong, there is a portion of torment like to the evil portion of torment (which came for) their likes (of old); so let them not ask Me to hasten on!

60. Then woe to those who disbelieve (in Allâh and His Oneness - Islâmic Monotheism) from their Day which they have been promised (for their punishment).[8] ——— [8] (V.51:60) A) See the footnote of (V.3:85). B) Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Allâh will say to the person of the (Hell) Fire who will receive the least punishment, ‘If you had everything on the earth, would you give it as a ransom to free yourself (i.e., save yourself from this Fire)?" He will say, ‘Yes.’ Then Allâh will say, ‘While you were in the backbone of Adam, I asked you much less than this, (i.e., not to worship others besides Me), but you insisted on worshipping others besides me.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No.551).

1. By the Tûr (Mount)

2. And by a Book Inscribed

3. In parchment unrolled.

4. And by Al-Bait-ul-Ma‘mûr[1] (the house over the heavens parallel to the Ka‘bah at Makkah, continuously visited by the angels). ——— [1] (V.52:4) See the footnote of (V.53:12).

5. And by the roof raised high (i.e. the heaven).

6. And by the sea kept filled (or it will be fire kindled on the Day of Resurrection).

7. Verily, the Torment of your Lord will surely come to pass.

8. There is none that can avert it.

9. On the Day when the heaven will shake with a dreadful shaking,

10. And the mountains will move away with a (horrible) movement.

11. Then woe that Day to the beliers.[2] ——— [2] (V.52:11) See the footnote of (V.17:97).

12. Who are playing in falsehood[3]. ——— [3] (V.52:12) Busy in disbelief and evil deeds in this world, that are trials (for mankind), and they are ignoring their eternal end (i.e. punishment in the Fire of Hell, forever).

13. The Day when they will be pushed down by force to the Fire of Hell, with a horrible, forceful pushing.

14. This is the Fire which you used to belie.

15. Is this magic, or do you not see?

16. Taste you therein its heat and whether you are patient of it or impatient of it, it is all the same. You are only being requited for what you used to do.

17. Verily, the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2) will be in Gardens (Paradise), and Delight.

18. Enjoying in that which their Lord has bestowed on them, and (the fact that) their Lord saved them from the torment of the blazing Fire.

19. "Eat and drink with happiness because of what you used to do."

20. They will recline (with ease) on thrones arranged in ranks. And We shall marry them to Hûr: (female, fair ones) with wide lovely eyes.[4] ——— [4] (V.52:20) Hûr. Very fair females created by Allah as such, not from the offspring of Adam عليه السلام with intense black irises of their eyes and intense white scleras. See the footnote of (V.44:54)

21. And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Faith: to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned.

22. And We shall provide them with fruit and meat such as they desire.

23. There they shall pass from hand to hand a (wine) cup, free from any Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk between them), and free from sin[5] (because it will be lawful for them to drink). ——— [5] (V.52:23) See Footnote b, c and d of (V.2:219).

24. And there will go round boy-servants of theirs, to serve them as if they were preserved pearls.

25. And some of them draw near to others, questioning.

26. Saying: "Aforetime, we were afraid (of the punishment of Allâh) in the midst of our families.

27. "So Allâh has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire.

28. "Verily, We used to invoke Him (Alone and none else) before. Verily, He is Al-Barr (the Most Subtle, Kind, Courteous, and Generous), the Most Merciful."[6] ——— [6] (V.52:28) See the footnote of (V.2:165).

29. Therefore, remind (mankind of Islâmic Monotheism, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). By the Grace of Allâh, you are neither a soothsayer, nor a madman.

30. Or do they say: "(Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a poet! We await for him some calamity by time!"

31. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to them): "Wait! I am with you among the waiters!"

32. Do their minds command them this [i.e. to tell a lie against you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)] or are they people transgressing all bounds?

33. Or do they say: "He (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has forged it (this Qur’ân)?" Nay! They believe not!

34. Let them then produce a recital like unto it (the Qur’ân) if they are truthful.

35. Were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves the creators?

36. Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they have no firm Belief.

37. Or are with them the treasures of your Lord? Or are they the tyrants with the authority to do as they like?

38. Or have they a stairway (to heaven), by means of which they listen (to the talks of the angels)? Then let their listener produce some manifest proof.

39. Or has He (Allâh) only daughters and you have sons?

40. Or is it that you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) ask a wage from them (for your preaching of Islâmic Monotheism) so that they are burdened with a load of debt?

41. Or that the Ghaib (Unseen) is with them, and they write it down?

42. Or do they intend a plot (against you O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)? But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) are themselves plotted against!

43. Or have they an ilâh (a god) other than Allâh? Glorified be Allâh from all that they ascribe as partners (to Him)[7] ——— [7] (V.52:43) a) See the footnote (B) of (V.3:130). b) See the footnote of (V.2:278)

44. And if they were to see a piece of the heaven falling down, they would say: "Clouds gathered in heaps!"

45. So leave them alone till they meet their Day, in which they will sink into a fainting (with horror).

46. The Day when their plotting shall not avail them at all nor will they be helped (i.e. they will receive their torment in Hell).

47. And verily, for those who do wrong, there is another punishment (i.e. the torment in this world and in their graves)[8] before this; but most of them know not. (Tafsir At-Tabarî). ——— [8] (V.52:47) See the footnote (B) of (V.6:93).

48. So wait patiently (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) for the Decision of your Lord, for verily, you are under Our Eyes[9]; and glorify the Praises of your Lord when you get up from sleep. ——— [9] (V.52:48) See the footnote of (V.3:73).

49. And in the nighttime also glorify His Praises - and at the setting of the stars.[10] ——— [10] (V.52:49) It is said that glorifying Allâh’s Praises here means: all the five compulsory and additional Nawâfil prayers.

1. By the star when it goes down (or vanishes).

2. Your companion (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has neither gone astray nor has erred.

3. Nor does he speak of (his own) desire.

4. It is only a Revelation revealed.

5. He has been taught (this Qur’ân) by one mighty in power [Jibrîl (Gabriel)]

6. One free from any defect in body and mind then he (Jibrîl - Gabriel in his real shape as created by Allah) rose and became stable.

7. While he [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] was in the highest part of the horizon, (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

8. Then he [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] approached and came closer,

9. And was at a distance of two bows’ length or (even) nearer.

10. So (Allâh) revealed to His slave [Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم through Jibrîl (Gabriel) عليه السلام] whatever He revealed.

11. The (Prophet’s) heart lied not in what he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw.

12. Will you then dispute with him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) about what he saw [during the Mi‘râj: (Ascent of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to the seven heavens)][1] ——— [1] (V.53:12) Al-Mi‘râj (i.e. Ascent of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to the heavens with his body and soul (بالروح والجسد). Narrated Mâlik bin Sa‘sa‘ah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "While I was at the house in a state midway between sleep and wakefulness, (an angel recognized me) as the man lying between two men. A golden tray full of wisdom and belief was brought to me and my body was cut open from the throat to the lower part of the abdomen and then my abdomen was washed with Zamzam water and (my heart was) filled with wisdom and belief. Al-Burâq, a white animal smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me and I set out with Jibrîl (Gabriel). When I reached the nearest heaven, Jibrîl said to the gate-keeper of the heaven, ‘Open the gate.’ The gate-keeper asked, ‘Who is it?’ He said, ‘Jibrîl.’ The gate-keeper, said ‘Who is accompanying you?’ Jibrîl said, ‘Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم’. The gate-keeper said, ‘Has he been called?’ Jibrîl said, ‘Yes’. Then it was said, ‘He is welcome. What a wonderful visit his is!’ Then I met Adam and greeted him and he said, ‘You are welcome O son and a Prophet.’ Then we ascended to the second heaven. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Jibrîl said, ‘Jibrîl.’ It was said, ‘Who is with you?’ He said, ‘Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم’. It was asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ It was said, ‘He is welcome. What a wonderful visit his is.’ Then I met ‘Îsâ (Jesus) and Yahyâ (John) who said, ‘You are welcome, O brother and a Prophet.’ Then we ascended to the third heaven. It was asked, ‘Who is it?’ Jibrîl said, ‘Jibrîl.’ It was asked, ‘Who is with you?’ Jibrîl said, ‘Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم’. It was asked, ‘Has he been sent for?’ Jibrîl said, ‘Yes.’ It was said ‘He is welcome. What a wonderful visit his is!’ (The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم added:). There I met Yûsuf (Joseph) and greeted him, and he replied, ‘You are welcome, O brother and a Prophet!’ Then we ascended to the fourth heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met Idrîs (Enoch) and greeted him. He said, ‘You are welcome O brother and Prophet.’ Then we ascended to the fifth heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Hârûn (Aaron) who said, ‘You are welcome, O brother and a Prophet.’ Then we ascended to the sixth heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Mûsâ (Moses) who said, ‘You are welcome, O brother and a Prophet.’ When I proceeded on, he started weeping and on being asked why he was weeping, he said, ‘O Lord! followers of this youth who was sent after me will enter Paradise in greater number than my followers.’ Then we ascended to the seventh heaven and again the same questions and answers were exchanged as in the previous heavens. There I met and greeted Abraham who said, ‘You are welcome, O son and a Prophet.’ Then I was shown Al-Bait Al-Ma‘mûr (i.e. Allah’s House). I asked Jibrîl about it and he said, ‘This is Al-Bait Al-Ma‘mûr where 70,000 angels perform prayers daily; and when they leave they never return to it (but always a fresh batch comes into it daily).’ Then I was shown Sidrat-ul Muntaha (i.e. the lote-tree of the utmost boundary over the seventh heaven) and I saw its Nabiq fruits which resembled the clay jugs of Hajar (a town in Arabia), and its leaves were like the ears of elephants, and four rivers originated at its root: two of them were apparent and two were hidden. I asked Jibrîl about those rivers and he said, ‘The two hidden rivers are in Paradise and the apparent ones are the Nile and the Euphrates.’ Then fifty prayers were enjoined on me. I descended till I met Mûsâ who asked me, ‘What have you done?’ I said, ‘Fifty prayers have been enjoined on me.’ He said, ‘I know the people better than you, because I had the hardest experience to bring Banî Israel to obedience. Your followers cannot put up with such obligation. So, return to your Lord and request Him (to reduce the number of prayers).’ I returned and requested Allah (for reduction) and He made it forty. I returned and [met Mûsâ] and had a similar discussion, and then returned again to Allah for reduction and He made it thirty, then twenty, then ten; and then I came to Mûsâ! who repeated the same advice. Ultimately Allah reduced it to five. When I came to Mûsâ again, he said, ‘What have you done?’ I said, ‘Allah has made it five only.’ He repeated the same advice but I said that I surrendered (to Allah’s Final Order)" Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم was addressed by Allah, "I have decreed My Obligation and have reduced the burden on My slaves, and I shall reward a single good deed as if it were ten good deeds." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadîth No.429).

13. And indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) saw him [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] at a second descent (i.e. another time).

14. Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (a lote-tree of the utmost boundary over the seventh heaven beyond which none can pass).

15. Near it is the Paradise of Abode.

16. When that covered the lote-tree which did cover it![2] ——— [2] (V.53:16) It is said that the Lot-Tree was covered with the light of Allah along with the angels and also with different kinds of colours. (Please see T. Ibn Kathîr).

17. The sight (of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) turned not aside (right or left), nor it transgressed beyond the limit (ordained for it).

18. Indeed he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) did see of the Greatest Signs, of his Lord (Allâh).

19. Have you then considered Al-Lât, and Al-‘Uzzâ (two idols of the pagan Arabs)[3] ——— [3] (V.53:19) See the footnote (A) of (V.2: 219).

20. And Manât (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third?

21. Is it for you the males and for Him the females?

22. That indeed is a division most unfair!

23. They are but names which you have named - you and your fathers - for which Allâh has sent down no authority. They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire, whereas there has surely come to them the Guidance from their Lord!

24. Or shall man have what he wishes?

25. But to Allâh belongs the last (Hereafter) and the first (the world).

26. And there are many angels in the heavens, whose intercession will avail nothing except after Allâh has given leave for whom He wills and is pleased with.

27. Verily, those who believe not in the Hereafter, name the angels with female names.

28. But they have no knowledge thereof. They follow but a guess, and verily, guess is no substitute for the truth.

29. Therefore withdraw (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from him who turns away from Our Reminder (this Qur’ân) and desires nothing but the life of this world.

30. That is what they could reach of knowledge. Verily, your Lord it is He Who knows best him who goes astray from His Path, and He knows best him who receives guidance.

31. And to Allâh belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, that He may requite those who do evil with that which they have done (i.e. punish them in Hell), and reward those who do good, with what is best (i.e. Paradise).

32. Those who avoid great sins (See the Qur’ân, Verses: 6:152,153) and Al-Fawâhish (illegal sexual intercourse) except the small faults, - verily, your Lord is of Vast Forgiveness. He knows you well when He created you from the earth (Adam), and when you were fetuses in your mothers’ wombs. So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him [i.e. those who are Al-Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2)].

33. Did you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) observe him who turned away (from Islâm).

34. And gave a little, then stopped (giving)?

35. Is with him the knowledge of the Unseen so that he sees?

36. Or is he not informed with what is in the Pages (Scripture) of Mûsâ (Moses),

37. And of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) who fulfilled (or conveyed) all that (Allâh ordered him to do or convey):

38. That no burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another.

39. And that man can have nothing but what he does (good or bad).[4] ——— [4] (V.53:39) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "When a person is dead, his deeds cease (are stopped) except from three: a) Deeds of continuous Sadaqah (act of charity): e.g. an orphan home (orphanage) or a well for giving water to drink, etc. b) (Written) knowledge with which mankind gets benefit. c) A righteous, pious son (or daughter) who begs Allâh to forgive his (or her) parents." (Sahih Muslim. The Book of Wasâyâ (Wills and Testaments).

40. And that his deeds will be seen.

41. Then he will be recompensed with a full and the best recompense.[5] ——— [5] (V.53:41) See the footnote (A) of (V.6:61).

42. And that to your Lord (Allâh) is the End (Return of everything).

43. And that it is He (Allâh) Who makes (whom He wills) laugh, and makes (whom He wills) weep.

44. And that it is He (Allâh) Who causes death and gives life.

45. And that He (Allâh) creates the pairs, male and female,

46. From Nutfah (drops of semen - male and female discharges) when it is emitted.

47. And that upon Him (Allâh) is another bringing forth (Resurrection).

48. And that it is He (Allâh) Who gives much or a little (of wealth and contentment)

49. And that He (Allâh) is the Lord of Sirius (the star which the pagan Arabs used to worship).

50. And that it is He (Allâh) Who destroyed the former ‘Âd (people),

51. And Thamûd (people): He spared none of them.

52. And the people of Nûh (Noah) aforetime. Verily, they were more unjust and more rebellious and transgressing [in disobeying Allâh and His Messenger Nûh (Noah) عليه السلام].

53. And He destroyed the overthrown cities [of Sodom to which Prophet Lût (Lot) was sent].

54. So there covered them that which did cover (i.e. torment with stones).

55. Then which of the Graces of your Lord (O man!) will you doubt?

56. This (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a warner (Messenger) of the (series of) warners (Messengers) of old.[6] ——— [6] (V.53:56) See the footnote of (V.2: 252).

57. The Day of Resurrection draws near.

58. None besides Allâh can avert it (or advance it or delay it).

59. Do you then wonder at this recitation (the Qur’ân)?

60. And you laugh at it and weep not,

61. Wasting your (precious) lifetime in pastime and amusements (singing, etc.).

62. So fall you down in prostration to Allâh and worship Him (Alone).

1. The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder (the people of Makkah requested Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to show them a miracle, so he showed them the splitting of the moon).[1] ——— [1] (V.54:1) Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه: The people of Makkah asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to show them a sign (miracle). So he showed them (the miracle) of the cleaving of the moon. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.390).

2. And if they see a sign, they turn away, and say: "This is continuous magic."

3. They belied (the Verses of Allâh - this Qur’ân), and followed their own lusts. And every matter will be settled (according to the kind of deeds: good deeds will take their doers to Paradise, and similarly evil deeds will take their doers to Hell).

4. And indeed there has come to them news (in this Qur’ân) wherein there is (enough warning) to check (them from evil),

5. Perfect wisdom (this Qur’ân), but (the preaching of) warners benefit them not.

6. So (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) withdraw from them. The Day that the caller will call (them) to a terrible thing.

7. They will come forth, with humbled eyes from (their) graves as if they were locusts spread abroad,

8. Hastening towards the caller. The disbelievers will say: "This is a hard Day."

9. The people of Nûh (Noah) denied (their Messenger) before them. They rejected Our slave, and said: "A madman!" and he was insolently rebuked and threatened.

10. Then he invoked his Lord (saying): "I have been overcome, so help (me)!"

11. So We opened the gates of the heaven with water pouring forth.

12. And We caused springs to gush forth from the earth. So the waters (of the heaven and the earth) met for a matter predestined.

13. And We carried him on a (ship) made of planks and nails,

14. Floating under Our Eyes: a reward for him who had been rejected!

15. And indeed, We have left this as a sign. Then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?

16. Then how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?

17. And We have indeed made the Qur’ân easy to understand and remember; then is there any one who will remember (or receive admonition)?

18. ‘Âd (people) belied (their Prophet, Hûd); then how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?

19. Verily, We sent against them a furious wind of harsh voice on a day of evil omen and continuous calamity.

20. Plucking out men as if they were uprooted stems of date-palms.

21. Then, how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?

22. And We have indeed made the Qur’ân easy to understand and remember; then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?

23. Thamûd (people also) belied the warnings.

24. And they said: "A man, alone among us - shall we follow him? Truly then we should be in error and distress (or madness)!"

25. "Is it that the Reminder is sent to him [Prophet Sâlih عليه السلام] alone from among us? Nay, he is an insolent liar!"

26. Tomorrow they will come to know who is the liar, the insolent one!

27. Verily, We are sending the she-camel as a test for them. So watch them [O Sâlih عليه السلام], and be patient!

28. And inform them that the water is to be shared between (her and) them, each one’s right to drink being established (by turns).

29. But they called their comrade and he took (a sword) and killed (her).

30. Then, how (terrible) was My Torment and My Warnings?

31. Verily, We sent against them a single Saihah (torment - awful cry), and they became like the stubble of a fold-builder.

32. And indeed, We have made the Qur’ân easy to understand and remember; then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?

33. The people of Lût (Lot) belied the warnings.

34. Verily, We sent against them a violent storm of stones (which destroyed them all), except the family of Lût (Lot), them We saved in the last hour of the night,

35. As a Favour from Us. Thus do We reward him who gives thanks (by obeying Us).

36. And he [Lût (Lot)] indeed had warned them of Our Seizure (punishment), but they did doubt the warnings!

37. And they indeed sought to shame his guest (by asking to commit sodomy with them). So We blinded their eyes, (saying) "Then taste you My Torment and My Warnings."

38. And verily, an abiding torment seized them early in the morning.

39. "Then taste you My Torment and My Warnings."

40. And indeed, We have made the Qur’ân easy to understand and remember; then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?

41. And indeed, warnings came to the people of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) [through Mûsâ (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron)].

42. (They) belied all Our Signs, so We seized them with a Seizure of the All-Mighty, All-Capable (Omnipotent).

43. Are your disbelievers (O Quraish!) better than these [nations of Nûh (Noah), Lût (Lot), Sâlih, and the people of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) who were destroyed)? Or have you an immunity (against Our Torment) in the Divine Scriptures?

44. Or say they: "We are a great multitude, victorious?"

45. Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs.

46. Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.

47. Verily the Mujrimûn (polytheists, disbelievers, sinners, criminals) are in error (in this world) and will burn (in the Hell-fire in the Hereafter).

48. The Day they will be dragged on their faces into the Fire (it will be said to them): "Taste you the touch of Hell!"[2] ——— [2] (V.54:48) See (V.25:34) and the footnote of (V.17:97).

49. Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine Preordainments of all things before their creation as written in the Book of Decrees Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz).

50. And Our Commandment is but one as the twinkling of an eye.

51. And indeed, We have destroyed your likes; then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?

52. And everything they have done is noted in (their) Records (of deeds).

53. And everything, small and big, is written down (in Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz already beforehand i.e. before it befalls, or is done by its doer: الإيمان بالقدر) (See the Qur’ân V.57:22 and its footnote).

54. Verily, The Muttaqûn (the pious - see V.2:2), will be in the midst of Gardens and Rivers (Paradise).

55. In a seat of truth (i.e. Paradise), near the Omnipotent King (Allâh, the One, the All-Blessed, the Most High, the Owner of Majesty and Honour).

1. The Most Gracious (Allâh)!

2. He has taught (you mankind) the Qur’ân (by His Mercy).

3. He created man.

4. He taught him eloquent speech.

5. The sun and the moon run on their fixed courses (exactly) calculated with measured out stages for each (for reckoning).

6. And the herbs (or stars) and the trees both prostrate themselves (to Allah - See V.22:18) (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)

7. And the heaven: He has raised it high, and He has set up the Balance.

8. In order that you may not transgress (due) balance.

9. And observe the weight with equity and do not make the balance deficient.

10. And the earth: He has put down (laid) for the creatures.

11. Therein are fruits and date-palms producing sheathed fruit-stalks (enclosing dates).

12. And also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-scented plants.

13. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

14. He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery.

15. And the jinn: He created from a smokeless flame of fire.

16. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

17. (He is) the Lord of the two easts (places of sunrise during early summer and early winter) and the Lord of the two wests (places of sunset during early summer and early winter).

18. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

19. He has let loose the two seas (the salt and fresh water) meeting together.

20. Between them is a barrier which none of them can transgress.

21. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

22. Out of them both come out pearl and coral.

23. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

24. And His are the ships going and coming in the seas, like mountains.

25. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

26. Whatsoever is on it (the earth) will perish.

27. And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will remain forever.

28. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

29. Whosoever is in the heavens and on earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He is (engaged) in some affair (such as giving honour or disgrace to some, life or death to some, etc.)!

30. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

31. We shall attend to you, O you two classes (jinn and men)!

32. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

33. O assembly of jinn and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allâh)!

34. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

35. There will be sent against you both, smokeless flames of fire and (molten) brass, and you will not be able to defend yourselves.

36. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

37. Then when the heaven is rent asunder, and it becomes rosy or red like red-oil, or red hide - [See V.70:8]

38. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

39. So on that Day no question will be asked of man or jinns as to his sin, [because they have already been known from their faces either white (dwellers of Paradise - true believers of Islamic Monotheism) or black (dwellers of Hell - polytheists; disbelievers, criminals)].

40. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

41. The Mujrimûn (polytheists, criminals, sinners) will be known by their marks (black faces), and they will be seized by their forelocks and their feet.

42. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

43. This is the Hell which the Mujrimûn (polytheists, criminals, sinners) denied.

44. They will go between it (Hell) and the fierce boiling water!

45. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

46. But for him who[1] fears the standing before his Lord, there will be two Gardens (i.e. in Paradise).[2] ——— [1] (V.55:46) : The true believer of Islâmic Monotheism who performs all the duties ordained by Allâh and His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, and abstain from all kinds of sin and evil deeds prohibited in Islâm. [2] (V.55:46) See the footnote of (V.23:60).

47. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

48. With spreading branches.

49. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

50. In them (both) will be two springs flowing (free).

51. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

52. In them (both) will be every kind of fruit in pairs.

53. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

54. Reclining upon the couches lined with silk brocade, and the fruits of the two Gardens will be near at hand.

55. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

56. Wherein both will be Qâsirât-ut-Tarf [chaste females (wives) restraining their glances, desiring none except their husbands], with whom no man or jinni has had tamth[3] before them. ——— [3] (V.55:56): Tamth means: Opening their hymens with sexual intercourse.

57. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

58. (In beauty) they are like rubies and coral.

59. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

60. Is there any reward for good other than good?

61. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

62. And besides these two, there are two other Gardens (i.e. in Paradise).

63. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

64. Dark green (in colour).

65. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

66. In them (both) will be two springs gushing forth.

67. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

68. In them (both) will be fruits, and date-palms and pomegranates.

69. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

70. Therein (Gardens) will be Khairâtun-Hisân [fair (wives) good and beautiful];

71. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

72. Hûr[4] (beautiful, fair females) guarded in pavilions; ——— [4] (V.55:72) See footnote of (V.52:20).

73. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

74. With whom no man or jinni has had tamth[5] before them. ——— [5] (V.55:74) Tamth means: Opening their hymens with sexual intercourse.

75. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

76. Reclining on green cushions and rich beautiful mattresses.

77. Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?

78. Blessed be the Name of your Lord (Allâh), the Owner of Majesty and Honour.

1. When the Event (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) befalls.

2. And there can be no denial of its befalling.

3. Bringing low (some - those who will enter Hell) Exalting (others - those who will enter Paradise). [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

4. When the earth will be shaken with a terrible shake.

5. And the mountains will be powdered to dust,

6. So that they will become floating dust particles.

7. And you (all) will be in three groups.

8. So those on the Right Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Records in their right hands) - how (fortunate) will be those on the Right Hand! (As a respect for them, because they will enter Paradise).

9. And those on the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands) - how (unfortunate) will be those on the Left Hand! (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell).

10. And those foremost [(in Islâmic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islâm] will be foremost (in Paradise).

11. These will be the nearest (to Allâh).

12. In the Gardens of Delight (Paradise).

13. A multitude of those (foremost) will be from the first generations (who embraced Islâm).

14. And a few of those (foremost) will be from the later generations.

15. (They will be) on thrones woven with gold and precious stones.

16. Reclining thereon, face to face.

17. Immortal boys will go around them (serving),

18. With cups, and jugs, and a glass of flowing wine,

19. Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication.

20. And with fruit that they may choose.

21. And with the flesh of fowls that they desire.

22. And (there will be) Hûr (fair females) with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for "Al-Muttaqûn" - the pious - See V. 2:2),

23. Like unto preserved pearls.

24. A reward for what they used to do.

25. No Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk) will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech (like backbiting).

26. But only the saying of: Salâm! Salâm! (greetings with peace)![1] ——— [1] (V.56:26) See the footnote (A) of (V.29:64).

27. And those on the Right Hand - how (fortunate) will be those on the Right Hand?

28. (They will be) among thornless lote-trees,

29. And among Talh (banana-trees) with fruits piled one above another,

30. And in shade long-extended,

31. And by water flowing constantly,

32. And fruit in plenty,

33. Whose supply is not cut off (by change of season), nor are they out of reach,

34. And on couches or thrones, raised high.

35. Verily, We have created them (maidens) of special creation.

36. And made them virgins.

37. Loving (their husbands only), (and) of equal age.

38. For those on the Right Hand.

39. A multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islâm).

40. And a multitude of those (on the Right Hand) will be from the later generations.

41. And those on the Left Hand - how (unfortunate) will be those on the Left Hand?

42. In fierce hot wind and boiling water,

43. And shadow of black smoke,

44. (That shadow) neither cool, nor (even) pleasant,

45. Verily, before that, they indulged in luxury,

46. And were persisting in great sin (joining partners in worship along with Allâh, committing murder and other crimes)[2] ——— [2] (V.56:46) See the footnote (B) of (V.3:130).

47. And they used to say: "When we die and become dust and bones, shall we then indeed be resurrected?

48. "And also our forefathers?"

49. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "(Yes) verily, those of old, and those of later times.

50. "All will surely be gathered together for appointed Meeting of a known Day.

51. "Then moreover, verily you the erring-ones, the deniers (of Resurrection)!

52. "You verily will eat of the trees of Zaqqûm.

53. "Then you will fill your bellies therewith,

54. "And drink boiling water on top of it.

55. "And you will drink (that) like thirsty camels!"

56. That will be their entertainment on the Day of Recompense!

57. We created you: then why do you believe not?

58. Then tell Me (about) the (human) semen that you emit.

59. Is it you who create it (i.e. make this semen into a perfect human being), or are We the Creator?

60. We have decreed death to you all, and We are not outstripped,

61. To transfigure you and create you in (forms) that you know not.

62. And indeed, you have already known the first form of creation (i.e. the creation of Adam): why then do you not remember (or take heed)?

63. Then tell Me about the seed that you sow in the ground.

64. Is it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower?

65. Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry pieces, and you would be regretful (or left in wonderment) [Tafsir Ibn Kathîr].

66. (Saying): "We are indeed Mughramûn (i.e. ruined or have lost the money without any profit, or are punished by the loss of all that we spend for cultivation)! (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî)

67. "Nay, but we are deprived!"

68. Then tell Me about the water that you drink.

69. Is it you who cause it from the rain-clouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down?

70. If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable): why then do you not give thanks (to Allâh)?

71. Then tell Me about the fire which you kindle.

72. Is it you who made the tree thereof to grow, or are We the Grower?

73. We have made it a Reminder (of the Hell-fire in the Hereafter), and an article of use for the travellers (and all the others, in this world).

74. Then glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.

75. So I swear by the setting of the stars.[3] ——— [3] (V.56:75) In Arabic Mawâqi‘i An-Nujûm: This word has many interpretations: it may mean the setting or the rising or the mansions of the stars, or the Qur’ân and its gradual revelation in stages. Please see Tafsir At-Tabari for detail..

76. And verily that is indeed a great oath, if you but know.

77. That (this) is indeed an honourable recitation (the Noble Qur’ân).

78. In a Book well-guarded (with Allâh in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz ).

79. Which (that Book with Allâh) none can touch but the purified (i.e. the angels).

80. A Revelation (this Qur’ân) from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

81. Is it such a talk (this Qur’ân) that you (disbelievers) deny?

82. And instead (of thanking Allâh) for the provision He gives you, you deny (Him by disbelief)!

83. Then why do you not (intervene) when (the soul of a dying person) reaches the throat?

84. And you at the moment are looking on,

85. But We (i.e. Our angels who take the soul) are nearer to him than you, but you see not, (Tafsir At-Tabarî)

86. Then why do you not - if you are exempt from the reckoning and recompense (punishment) -

87. Bring back the soul (to its body), if you are truthful?

88. Then, if he (the dying person) be of the Muqarrabûn (those brought near to Allâh),

89. (There is for him) rest and provision, and a Garden of Delights (Paradise).

90. And if he (the dying person) be of those on the Right Hand,

91. Then there is safety and peace (from the Punishment of Allâh) for those on the right Hand.

92. But if he (the dying person) be of the denying (of the Resurrection), the erring (away from the Right Path of Islâmic Monotheism),

93. Then for him is an entertainment with boiling water.

94. And burning in Hell-fire.

95. Verily, this! This is an absolute Truth with certainty.

96. So glorify with praises the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.

1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allâh - and He is the All-Mighty, All-Wise.

2. His is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. It is He Who gives life and causes death: and He is Able to do all things.

3. He is the First (nothing is before Him) and the Last (nothing is after Him), the Most High (nothing is above Him) and the Most Near (nothing is nearer than Him). And He is the All-Knower of every thing.

4. He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then rose over (Istawâ) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). He knows what goes into the earth and what comes forth from it, and what descends from the heaven and what ascends thereto. And He is with you (by His Knowledge) wheresoever you may be. And Allâh is the All-Seer of what you do.

5. His is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And to Allâh return all the matters (for decision).

6. He merges night into day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night is added into the hours of the day), and merges day into night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added into the hours of the night), and He has full knowledge of whatsoever is in the breasts.

7. Believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees.[1] And such of you as believe and spend (in Allâh’s Way), theirs will be a great reward. ——— [1] (V.57:7) See the footnote of (V.4:37).

8. And what is the matter with you that you believe not in Allâh! While the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) invites you to believe in your Lord (Allâh); and He (Allâh) has indeed taken your covenant, if you are real believers.

9. It is He Who sends down manifest Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that He may bring you out from darkness into light. And verily, Allâh is to you full of kindness, Most Merciful.

10. And what is the matter with you that you spend not in the Cause of Allâh? And to Allâh belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the conquering (of Makkah, with those among you who did so later). Such are higher in degree than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all Allâh has promised the best (reward). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.

11. Who is he that will lend Allâh a goodly loan: then (Allâh) will increase it manifold to his credit (in repaying), and he will have (besides) a good reward (i.e. Paradise).

12. On the Day you shall see the believing men and the believing women: their light running forward before them and by their right hands. Glad tidings for you this Day! Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever! Truly, this is the great success!

13. On the Day when the hypocrites - men and women - will say to the believers: "Wait for us! Let us get something from your light!" It will be said: "Go back to your rear! Then seek a light!" So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein. Inside it will be mercy, and outside it will be torment."

14. (The hypocrites) will call the believers: "Were we not with you?" The believers will reply: "Yes! But you led yourselves into temptations, you looked forward for our destruction; you doubted (in Faith) and you were deceived by false desires, till the Command of Allâh came to pass. And the chief deceiver (Satan) deceived you in respect of Allâh."

15. So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved, (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism). Your abode is the Fire. That is your maulâ (friend - proper place), and worst indeed is that destination.

16. Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) to be affected by Allâh’s Reminder (this Qur’ân), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, the disobedient to Allâh).

17. Know that Allâh gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed We have made clear the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to you, if you but understand.

18. Verily, those who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât and alms), men and women, and lend Allâh a goodly loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and theirs shall be an honourable good reward (i.e. Paradise).

19. And those who believe in (the Oneness of) Allâh and His Messengers - they are the Siddiqûn (i.e. those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them), and the martyrs with their Lord, they shall have their reward and their light. But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and deny Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) - they shall be the dwellers of the blazing Fire.

20. Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers - evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allâh and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers - good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

21. Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord (Allâh), and Paradise the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allâh and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allâh which He bestows on whom He is pleased with. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.

22. No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allâh.[2] ——— [2] (V.57:22) Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas رضي الله عنهما : Once I was behind the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and he said: "O boy, I will teach you a few words: (a) Be loyal and obedient to Allâh [worship Him (Alone)], remember Him always, obey His Orders. He will save you from every evil and will take care of you in all the spheres of life. (b) Be loyal and obedient to Allâh, you will find Him near (in front of you) i.e. He will respond to your requests. (c) If you ask, ask Allâh. (d) If you seek help, seek help from Allâh. (e) Know that if all the people get together in order to benefit you with something, they will not be able to benefit you in anything except what Allâh has decreed for you. And if they all get together in order to harm you with something, they will not be able to harm you in anything except what Allâh has decreed for you. The pens have stopped writings [Divine (Allâh’s) Preordainments]. And (the ink over) the papers (Book of Decrees) has dried." [This Hadith is quoted in Sahih At-Tirmidhi].

23. In order that you may not grieve at the things that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you. And Allâh likes not prideful boasters.

24. Those who are misers and enjoin upon people miserliness - (Allâh is not in need of their charity). And whosoever turns away (from Faith - Allâh’s Monotheism), then Allâh is Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all praise.

25. Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice. And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war[3]), as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allâh may test who it is that will help Him (His religion) and His Messengers in the unseen. Verily, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty. ——— [3] (V.57:25) Paradise is under the blades of swords (in Jihâd in Allâh’s cause). a) Narrated Al-Mughîrah bin Shu‘bah رضي الله عنه : Our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم told us about the Message of our Lord that..."whoever amongst us is killed (in Jihâd in Allâh’s cause) will go to Paradise". ‘Umar asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم " Is it not true that our men who are killed (in Jihâd in Allâh’s cause) will go to Paradise and theirs (i.e. those of the pagan’s) will go to the (Hell) Fire?" The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Yes". b) Narrated ‘Abdullâh bin Abî Aufâ رضي الله عنهما ! Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Know that Paradise is under the shades of sword (Jihâd in Allâh’s cause). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadîth No.73 and its chapter No.22).

26. And indeed, We sent Nûh (Noah) and Ibrâhîm (Abraham), and placed in their offspring Prophethood and Scripture. And among them there are some who are guided; but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

27. Then, We sent after them Our Messengers, and We sent ‘Îsâ (Jesus) - son of Maryam (Mary), and gave him the Injeel (Gospel). And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy. But the monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allâh therewith, but they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed their (due) reward; but many of them are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

28. O you who believe [in Mûsâ (Moses) (i.e. Jews) and ‘Îsâ (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)]! Fear Allâh, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.[4] ——— [4] (V.57:28) (a) Narrated Abû Buradah’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 (Allâh) will (also) get a double reward." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadîth No.20). (b) It is obligatory to have Belief in the Messengership of the Prophet (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه : Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "By Him (Allâh) in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, there is none from amongst the Jews and the Christians (of these present nations) who hears about me and then dies without believing in the Message with which I have been sent (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism), but he will be from the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire." (Sahih Muslim , the Book of Faith, Vol.1, Chapter No.240) See also (V.3:85) and (V.3:116).

29. So that the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) may know that they have no power whatsoever over the Grace of Allâh, and that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His Hand to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. And Allâh is the Owner of Great Bounty.

1. Indeed Allâh has heard the statement of her (Khaulah bint Tha‘labah) that disputes with you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning her husband (Aus bin As-Sâmit), and complains to Allâh. And Allâh hears the argument between you both. Verily, Allâh is All-Hearer, All-Seer.

2. Those among you who make their wives unlawful to them by (Zihâr الظهار)[1] (i.e. by saying to them "You are like my mother’s back,") they cannot be their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And verily, they utter an ill word and a lie. And verily, Allâh is Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving. ——— [1] (V.58:2) Az-Zihâr الظهار is the saying of a husband to his wife: You are to me like the back of my mother (i.e. unlawful for me to approach).

3. And those who make unlawful to them their wives by Zihâr and wish to free themselves from what they uttered, (the penalty) in that case is the freeing of a slave before they touch each other. That is an admonition to you (so that you may not repeat such an ill thing). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.

4. And he who finds not (the money for freeing a slave) must fast two successive months before they both touch each other. And he who is unable to do so, should feed sixty Miskîns (poor). That is in order that you may have perfect Faith in Allâh and His Messenger. These are the limits set by Allâh. And for disbelievers, there is a painful torment.

5. Verily, those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)[2] will be disgraced, as those before them (among the past nation) were disgraced. And We have sent down clear Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). And for the disbelievers is a disgracing torment. ——— [2] (V.58:5) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

6. On the Day when Allâh will resurrect them all together (i.e. on the Day of Resurrection) and inform them of what they did. Allâh has kept account of it, while they have forgotten it. And Allâh is Witness over all things.

7. Have you not seen that Allâh knows whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth? There is no Najwâ[3] (secret counsel) of three but He is their fourth (with His Knowledge, while He Himself is over the Throne, over the seventh heaven), nor of five but He is their sixth (with His Knowledge), nor of less than that or more but He is with them (with His Knowledge) wheresoever they may be. And afterwards on the Day of Resurrection He will inform them of what they did. Verily, Allâh is the All-Knower of everything. ——— [3] (V.58:7) See the footnote of (V.11:18)

8. Have you not seen those who were forbidden to hold secret counsels, and afterwards returned to that which they had been forbidden, and conspired together for sin and wrong doing and disobedience to the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). And when they come to you, they greet you with a greeting wherewith Allâh greets you not, and say within themselves: "Why should Allâh punish us not for what we say?" Hell will be sufficient for them; they will burn therein. And worst indeed is that destination!

9. O you who believe! When you hold secret counsel, do it not for sin and wrong-doing, and disobedience towards the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), but do it for Al-Birr (righteousness) and Taqwâ (virtues and piety); and fear Allâh unto Whom you shall be gathered.

10. Secret counsels (conspiracies) are only from Shaitân (Satan), in order that he may cause grief to the believers. But he cannot harm them in the least, except as Allâh permits. And in Allâh let the believers put their trust[4]. ——— [4] (V.58:10) See the footnote (A) of (V.12:67).

11. O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allâh will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up [for prayers, or Jihâd (holy fighting in Allâh’s cause), or for any other good deed], rise up. Allâh will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

12. O you who believe! When you (want to) consult the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) in private, spend something in charity before your private consultation. That will be better and purer for you. But if you find not (the means for it), then verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

13. Are you afraid of spending in charity before your private consultation (with him)? If then you do it not, and Allâh has forgiven you, then (at least) perform Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât ) and give Zakât and obey Allâh (i.e. do all that Allâh and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم order you to do). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.

14. Have you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) not seen those (hypocrites) who take as friends a people upon whom is the Wrath of Allâh (i.e. Jews)? They are neither of you (Muslims) nor of them (Jews), and they swear to a lie while they know.

15. Allâh has prepared for them a severe torment. Evil indeed is that which they used to do.

16. They have made their oaths a screen (for their evil actions). Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh: so they shall have a humiliating torment.

17. Their children and their wealth will avail them nothing against Allâh. They will be the dwellers of the Fire to dwell therein forever.

18. On the Day when Allâh will resurrect them all together (for their account); then they will swear to Him as they swear to you (O Muslims). And they think that they have something (to stand upon). Verily, they are liars!

19. Shaitân (Satan) has overpowered them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allâh. They are the party of Shaitân (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaitan (Satan) that will be the losers!

20. Those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) they will be among the lowest (most humiliated).

21. Allâh has decreed: "Verily, it is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious." Verily, Allâh is All-Powerful, All-Mighty.

22. You (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will not find any people who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), even though they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rûh (proofs, light and true guidance) from Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow to dwell therein (forever). Allâh is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of Allâh. Verily, it is the Party of Allâh that will be the successful.

1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allâh. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. He it is Who drove out the disbelievers among the people of the Scripture (i.e. the Jews of the tribe of Banû An-Nadîr) from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think that they would get out. And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allâh! But Allâh’s (Torment) reached them from a place whereof they expected it not, and He cast terror into their hearts so that they destroyed their own dwellings with their own hands and the hands of the believers. Then take admonition, O you with eyes (to see).

3. And had it not been that Allâh had decreed exile for them, He would certainly have punished them in this world; and in the Hereafter theirs shall be the torment of the Fire.

4. That is because they opposed Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). And whosoever opposes Allâh, then verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment.

5. What you (O Muslims) cut down of the palm-trees (of the enemy), or you left them standing on their stems, it was by Leave of Allâh, and in order that He might disgrace the Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, the disobedient to Allâh).

6. And what Allâh gave as booty (Fai’) to His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from them, for this you made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry. But Allâh gives power to His Messengers over whomsoever He wills. And Allâh is Able to do all things.

7. What Allâh gave as booty (Fai’) to His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from the people of the townships - it is for Allâh, His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), the kindred (of Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), the orphans, Al-Masâkin (the poor), and the wayfarer, in order that it may not become a fortune used by the rich among you. And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it).[1] And fear Allâh; verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. ——— [1] (V.59:7) Narrated ‘Alqamah: ‘Abdullâh (bin Mas‘ûd) said. "Allâh curses those ladies who practise tatooing and those who get themselves tatooed, and those ladies who get their hair removed from their eyebrows and faces except the beard and moustache, and those who make artificial spaces between their teeth in order to look more beautiful whereby they change Allâh’s creation." His saying reached a lady from Banû Asad, called Umm Ya‘qûb, who came (to ‘Abdullâh) and said, "I have come to know that you have cursed such-and-such (ladies)?" He replied, "Why should I not curse these whom Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم has cursed and who are (cursed) in Allâh’s Book!" Umm Ya‘qûb said, "I have read the whole Qur’ân, but I did not find in it what you say." He said, "Verily, if you have read it (i.e. the Qur’ân), you have found it. Didn’t you read: "And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." (V.59:7). She replied, "Yes, I did", He said, "Verily, Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade such things." She said, "But I see your wife doing these things?" He said, "Go and watch her". She went and watched her but could not see anything in support of her statement. On that he said, "If my wife was as you thought, I would not keep her in my company" (i.e. I would divorce her). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.408). Narrated ‘Abdullâh (bin Mas‘ûd) رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم has cursed the lady who uses false hair. (See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.409).

8. (And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allâh and to please Him, and helping Allâh (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say).

9. And (it is also for) those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banû An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.

10. And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful.

11. Have you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) not observed the hypocrites who say to their friends among the people of the Scripture who disbelieve: "(By Allâh) If you are expelled, we (too) indeed will go out with you, and we shall never obey any one against you; and if you are attacked (in fight), we shall indeed help you." But Allâh is Witness that they verily are liars.

12. Surely, if they (the Jews) are expelled, never will they (hypocrites) go out with them; and if they are attacked, they will never help them. And (even) if they do help them, they (hypocrites) will turn their backs, and they will not be victorious.

13. Verily, you (believers in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) are more fearful in their (Jews of Banû An-Nadîr) breasts than Allâh. That is because they are a people who comprehend not (the Majesty and Power of Allâh).

14. They fight not against you even together, except in fortified townships, or from behind walls. Their enmity among themselves is very great. You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people who understand not.

15. They are like their immediate predecessors (the Jews of Banû Qainûqâ‘, who suffered); they tasted the evil result of their conduct, and (in the Hereafter, there is) for them a painful torment.

16. (Their allies deceived them) like Shaitân (Satan), when he says to man: "Disbelieve in Allâh." But when (man) disbelieves in Allâh, Shaitân (Satan) says: "I am free of you, I fear Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!"

17. So the end of both will be that they will be in the Fire, abiding therein. Such is the recompense of the Zâlimûn (i.e. polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in Allâh and in His Oneness).

18. O you who believe! Fear Allâh and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.[2] ——— [2] (V.59:18). a) See the footnote of (V.32:16). b) See the footnote of (V.15:23). c) See the footnote (C) of (V.9:111).

19. And be not like those who forgot Allâh (i.e. became disobedient to Allâh), and He caused them to forget their ownselves, (let them to forget to do righteous deeds). Those are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).

20. Not equal are the dwellers of the Fire and the dwellers of the Paradise. It is the dwellers of Paradise that will be successful.

21. Had We sent down this Qur’ân on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rent asunder by the fear of Allâh. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.[3] ——— [3] (V.59:21) Narrated Jâbir bin ‘Abdullâh رضي الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to stand by a tree or a date-palm on Friday. Then an Ansâri woman or man said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! Shall we make a pulpit for you?" He replied, "If you wish." So they made a pulpit for him and when it was Friday, he proceeded towards the pulpit [for delivering the Khutbah (religious talk)]. The date-palm cried like a child! The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم descended (from the pulpit) and embraced it while it continued moaning like a child being quietened. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "It was crying for (missing) what it used to hear of religious knowledge given near it." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadîth No. 784).

22. He is Allâh, beside Whom Lâ ilâha illâ Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

23. He is Allâh beside Whom Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allâh! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.

24. He is Allâh, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names.[4] All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. ——— [4] (V.59:24) See the footnote of (V.7:180).

1. O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing affection towards them, while they have disbelieved in what has come to you of the truth (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism, this Qur’ân, and Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and have driven out the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and yourselves (from your homeland) because you believe in Allâh your Lord! If you have come forth to strive in My Cause and to seek My Good Pleasure, (then take not these disbelievers and polytheists as your friends). You show friendship to them in secret, while I am All-Aware of what you conceal and what you reveal. And whosoever of you (Muslims) does that, then indeed he has gone (far) astray from the Straight Path[1]. ——— [1] (V.60:1) See (V.3:149) and its footnote.

2. Should they gain the upper hand over you, they would behave to you as enemies, and stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you with evil, and they desire that you should disbelieve.

3. Neither your relatives nor your children will benefit you on the Day of Resurrection (against Allâh). He will judge between you. And Allâh is the All-Seer of what you do.

4. Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibrâhîm (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: "Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allâh: we have rejected you, and there has started between us and you hostility and hatred for ever until you believe in Allâh Alone" - except the saying of Ibrâhîm (Abraham) to his father: "Verily, I will ask forgiveness (from Allâh) for you, but I have no power to do anything for you before Allâh.[2]" Our Lord! In You (Alone) we put our trust, and to You (Alone) we turn in repentance, and to You (Alone) is (our) final Return. ——— [2] (V.60:4) See the Qur’ân Verses (V.9:114), (V.19:41-49) and (V.26:70-86)

5. "Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the disbelievers, and forgive us, Our Lord! Verily, You, only You, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise."

6. Certainly, there has been in them an excellent example for you to follow - for those who look forward to (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day. And whosoever turns away, then verily, Allâh is Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all Praise.

7. Perhaps Allâh will make friendship between you and those whom you hold as enemies. And Allâh has power (over all things), and Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

8. Allâh does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allâh loves those who deal with equity.

9. It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allâh forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers - those who disobey Allâh).

10. O you who believe! When believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them; Allâh knows best as to their Faith, then if you ascertain that they are true believers send them not back to the disbelievers. They are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them. But give them (the disbelievers) that (amount of money) which they have spent [as their Mahr][3] to them. And there will be no sin on you to marry them if you have paid their Mahr to them. Likewise hold not the disbelieving women as wives, and ask for (the return of) that which you have spent (as Mahr ) and let them (the disbelievers) ask back for that which they have spent. That is the Judgement of Allâh, He judges between you. And Allâh is All-Knowing, All-Wise. ——— [3] (V.60:10) Mahr: Bridal-money given by the husband to his wife at the time of wedding.

11. And if any of your wives have gone from you to the disbelievers, (as apostates and you asked them to return back your Mahr but they refused) - then you went out for a Ghazwah (military expedition) (against them and) gained booty; then pay from that booty to those whose wives have gone, the equivalent of what they had spent (on their Mahr ). And fear Allâh in Whom you believe.

12. O Prophet! When believing women come to you to give you the Bai‘ah (pledge), that they will not associate anything in worship with Allâh, that they will not steal, that they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood (i.e. by making illegal children belonging to their husbands), and that they will not disobey you in Ma‘rûf (Islâmic Monotheism and all that which Islâm ordains), then accept their Bai‘ah (pledge), and ask Allâh to forgive them. Verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

13. O you who believe! Take not as friends the people who incurred the Wrath of Allâh (i.e. the Jews). Surely, they have despaired of (receiving any good in) the Hereafter, just as the disbelievers have despaired of those (buried) in graves (that they will not be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection).

1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allâh. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?

3. Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do.

4. Verily, Allâh loves those who fight in His Cause in rows (ranks) as if they were a solid structure.[1] ——— [1] (V.61:4) a) Narrated Abû Sa‘îd Al-Khudrî رضي الله عنه : Somebody asked, "O Allâh’s Messenger! Who is the best among the people?" Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, "A believer who strives his utmost in Allâh’s Cause with his life and property." They asked, "Who is next?" He replied, "A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allâh and leaving the people secure from his mischief." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4., Hadîth No. 45). b) See the footnote (A) of (V.9:111).

5. And (remember) when Mûsâ (Moses) said to his people: "O my people! Why do you annoy me while you know certainly that I am the Messenger of Allâh to you? So when they turned away (from the Path of Allâh), Allâh turned their hearts away (from the Right Path). And Allâh guides not the people who are Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, the disobedient to Allâh).

6. And (remember) when ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allâh unto you, confirming the Taurât [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.[2] But when he (Ahmad i.e. Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) came to them with clear proofs, they said: "This is plain magic."[3] ——— [2] (V.61:6) i.e. the second name of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and it (Ahmad) literally means: "One who praises Allâh more than others". [3] (V.61:6) A) Narrated Jubair bin Mut‘im رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "I have five names: I am Muhammad and Ahmad; I am Al-Mahî through whom Allâh will eliminate Al-Kufr (infidelity); I am Al-Hashir who will be the first to be resurrected, the people being resurrected thereafter; and I am also Al-‘Âqib (i.e. there will be no Prophet after me)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadîfh No.732). B) Narrated Abû Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "By Him (Allâh) in Whose Hand my soul is, surely, the son of Mary [‘Îsâ (Jesus)] عليهما السلام * will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims), and will judge mankind justly by the Law of the Qur’ân (as a just ruler), and will break the Cross and kill the pigs and abolish the Jizyah [a tax taken from the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians), who are under the protection of a Muslim government. This Jizyah tax will not be accepted by ‘Îsâ (Jesus) عليه السلام and all mankind will be required to embrace Islam with no other alternative]. Then there will be abundance of money and nobody will accept charitable gifts." (See Fath Al-Bari , Page No. 304 and 305, Vol. 7), (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadîth No.425). * ‘Îsâ (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary) عليهما السلام will descend as a leader of the Muslims and it is a severe warning to the Christians who claim to be the followers of ‘Îsâ (Jesus) and he will break the Cross and kill the pigs, and he will abolish the Jizyah (tax); and all mankind will be required to embrace Islam with no other alternative.

7. And who does more wrong than the one who invents a lie against Allâh, while he is being invited to Islâm? And Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers) folk.

8. They intend to put out the Light of Allâh (i.e. the Religion of Islâm, this Qur’ân, and the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with their mouths. But Allâh will bring His Light to perfection even though the disbelievers hate (it).

9. He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islâmic Monotheism) to make it victorious over all (other) religions even though the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh and in His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) hate (it).

10. O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment?

11. That you believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allâh with your wealth and your lives: that will be better for you, if you but know!

12. (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise; that is indeed the great success.

13. And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love, - help from Allâh (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to the believers.

14. O you who believe! Be you helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh as said ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), to the Hawâriyyûn (the disciples): "Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allâh?" The Hawâriyyûn (the disciples) said: "We are Allâh’s helpers" (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the victorious (uppermost).

1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allâh, the King (of everything), the Holy, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them (from the filth of disbelief and polytheism), and teaching them the Book (this Qur’ân, Islâmic laws and Islâmic jurisprudence) and Al-Hikmah (As-Sunnah: legal ways, orders, acts of worship of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). And verily, they had been before in manifest error;

3. And [He has sent him (Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) also to] others among them (Muslims) who have not yet joined them (but they will come). And He (Allâh) is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

4. That is the Grace of Allâh, which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allâh is the Owner of Mighty Grace.

5. The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurât (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey which carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). How bad is the example of people who deny the Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, signs, revelations) of Allâh. And Allâh guides not the people who are Zâlimûn(polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers).

6. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "O you Jews! If you pretend that you are friends of Allâh, to the exclusion of (all) other mankind, then long for death if you are truthful."

7. But they will never long for it (death), because of what (deeds) their hands have sent before them! And Allâh knows well the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers).

8. Say (to them): "Verily, the death from which you flee will surely meet you, then you will be sent back to (Allâh), the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do."

9. O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salât (prayer) on Friday (Jumu‘ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allâh [Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salât (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing). That is better for you if you did but know!

10. Then when the (Jumu‘ah) Salât (prayer) is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allâh (by working, etc.), and remember Allâh much: that you may be successful.

11. And when they see some merchandise or some amusement [beating of Tambur (drum) etc.] they disperse headlong to it, and leave you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) standing [while delivering Jumu‘ah religious talk (Khutbah)]. Say: "That which Allâh has is better than any amusement or merchandise! And Allâh is the Best of providers."

1. When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), they say: "We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allâh." Allâh knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allâh bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed.[1] ——— [1] (S.63) See "Hypocrisy" in Appendix 2 at the end of the Book.

2. They have made their oaths a screen (for their hypocrisy). Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allâh. Verily, evil is what they used to do.

3. That is because they believed, and then disbelieved; therefore their hearts are sealed, so they understand not.

4. And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allâh curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path?

5. And when it is said to them: "Come, so that the Messenger of Allâh may ask forgiveness from Allâh for you," they twist their heads, and you would see them turning away their faces in pride.[2] ——— [2] (V.63:5) See the footnote of (V.22:9).

6. It is equal to them whether you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) ask forgiveness or ask not forgiveness for them, Allâh will never forgive them. Verily, Allâh guides not the people who are the Fâsiqîn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh).[3] ——— [3] (V.63:6) See the Qur’ân (V.4:138-145).

7. They are the ones who say: "Spend not on those who are with Allâh’s Messenger, until they desert him." And to Allâh belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites comprehend not.

8. They (hyprocrites) say: "If we return to Al-Madinah, indeed the more honourable (‘Abdullâh bin Ubai bin Salûl, the chief of hyprocrites at Al-Madinah) will expel therefrom the meaner (i.e. Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم)." But honour, power and glory belong to Allâh, and to His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and to the believers, but the hypocrites know not.

9. O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allâh. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.

10. And spend (in charity) of that with which We have provided you before death comes to one of you, and he says: "My Lord! If only You would give me respite for a little while (i.e. return to the worldly life), then I should giveSadaqah (i.e. Zakât ) of my wealth,[4] and be among the righteous [i.e. perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) and other good deeds]. ——— [4] (V.63:10). A) Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Everyday two angels come down from heaven and one of them says, ‘O Allâh! Compensate every person who spends in Your Cause,’ and the other (angel) says, ‘O Allâh! Destroy every miser.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.2, Hadith No.522). B) The performance of Hajj is an enjoined duty and its superiority, and the Statement of Allâh عز وجل: "Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (Ka‘bah), is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allâh], then Allâh stands not in need of any of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn)." (V.3:97). C) Islâm demolishes all the previous evil deeds and so do migration (for Allâh’s sake) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) [Al-Lû’lû’ wal-Marjân, Vol. 1, Chapter 52, Page 205] (Sahih Muslim, Vol.1, Chapter 52, Page 78) D) See the footnote of (V.3:180).

11. And Allâh grants respite to none when his appointed time (death) comes. And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.

1. Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allâh. His is the dominion, and to Him belong all the praises and thanks, and He is Able to do all things.

2. He it is Who created you, then some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And Allâh is All-Seer of what you do.

3. He has created the heavens and the earth with truth, and He shaped you and made good your shapes. And to Him is the final Return.

4. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth, and He knows what you conceal and what you reveal. And Allâh is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts (of men).

5. Has not the news reached you of those who disbelieved aforetime? And so they tasted the evil result of their disbelief, and theirs will be a painful torment.

6. That was because there came to them their Messengers with clear proofs (signs), but they said: "Shall mere men guide us?" So they disbelieved and turned away (from the truth). But Allâh was not in need (of them). And Allâh is Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all praise.

7. The disbelievers pretend that they will never be resurrected (for the Account). Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): Yes! By my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected, then you will be informed of (and recompensed for) what you did; and that is easy for Allâh.

8. Therefore, believe in Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and in the Light (this Qur’ân) which We have sent down. And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do.

9. (And remember) the Day when He will gather you (all) on the Day of Gathering, - that will be the Day of mutual loss and gain (i.e. loss for the disbelievers as they will enter the Hell-fire and gain for the believers as they will enter Paradise). And whosoever believes in Allâh and performs righteous good deeds, He will expiate from him his sins, and will admit him to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) to dwell therein forever; that will be the great success.

10. But those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and denied Our Ayât (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), they will be the dwellers of the Fire, to dwell therein forever. And worst indeed is that destination[1]. ——— [1] (V.64:10) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

11. No calamity befalls, but by the Leave [i.e. Decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)] of Allâh, and whosoever believes in Allâh, He guides his heart [to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allâh from the Qadar (Divine Preordainments)]. And Allâh is the All-Knower of everything.[2] ——— [2] (V.64:11) See the footnote of (V.57:22).

12. Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم); but if you turn away, then the duty of Our Messenger is only to convey (the Message) clearly.

13. Allâh! Lâ ilâha illâ Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). And in Allâh (Alone) therefore, let the believers put their trust.

14. O you who believe! Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you (who may stop you from the obedience of Allâh); therefore beware of them! But if you pardon (them) and overlook, and forgive (their faults), then verily Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

15. Your wealth and your children are only a trial, whereas Allâh! With Him is a great reward (Paradise).

16. So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey, and spend in charity; that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, then they are the successful ones.

17. If you lend Allâh a goodly loan (i.e. spend in Allâh’s Cause), He will double it for you, and will forgive you. And Allâh is Most Ready to appreciate and to reward, Most Forbearing,

18. All-Knower of the unseen and seen, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

1. O Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)! When you divorce women, divorce them at their ‘Iddah (prescribed periods) and count (accurately) their ‘Iddah (periods[1]). And fear Allâh your Lord (O Muslims). And turn them not out of their (husband’s) homes nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case they are guilty of some open illegal sexual intercourse. And those are the set limits of Allâh. And whosoever transgresses the set limits of Allâh, then indeed he has wronged himself. You (the one who divorces his wife) know not it may be that Allâh will afterward bring some new thing to pass (i.e. to return her back to you if that was the first or second divorce). ——— [1] (V.65:1) Narrated ‘Abdullâh bin ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما that he had divorced his wife while she was menstruating during the lifetime of Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم . ‘Umar bin Al-Khattâb رضي الله عنه asked Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم about that. Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Order him (your son) to take her back and keep her till she is clean from her menses and then to wait till she gets her next period and becomes clean again, whereupon, if he wishes to keep her, he can do so, and if he wishes to divorce her he can divorce her before having sexual intercourse with her; and that is the ‘Iddah (prescribed period) which Allâh has fixed for the women meant to be divorced." (Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadîth No.178).

2. Then when they are about to attain their term appointed, either take them back in a good manner or part with them in a good manner. And take as witness two just persons from among you (Muslims). And establish the testimony for Allâh. That will be an admonition given to him who believes in Allâh and the Last Day. And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).

3. And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things.

4. And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the ‘Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubt (about their periods), is three months; and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) their ‘Iddah (prescribed period) is three months likewise, except in case of death][2]. And for those who are pregnant (whether they are divorced or their husbands are dead), their ‘Iddah (prescribed period) is until they lay down their burden; and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him. ——— [2] (V.65:4) See the Our’ân, Verse 2:234.

5. That is the Command of Allâh, which He has sent down to you; and whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will expiate from him his sins, and will enlarge his reward.

6. Lodge them (the divorced women) where you dwell, according to your means, and do not harm them so as to straiten them (that they be obliged to leave your house). And if they are pregnant, then spend on them till they lay down their burden. Then if they give suck to the children for you, give them their due payment, and let each of you accept the advice of the other in a just way. But if you make difficulties for one another, then some other woman may give suck for him (the father of the child).

7. Let the rich man spend according to his means; and the man whose resources are restricted, let him spend according to what Allâh has given him. Allâh puts no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. Allâh will grant after hardship, ease.

8. And many a town (population) revolted against the Command of its Lord and His Messengers; and We called it to a severe account (i.e. torment in this worldly life), and We shall punish it with a horrible torment (in Hell in the Hereafter).

9. So it tasted the evil result of its affair (disbelief), and the consequence of its affair (disbelief) was loss (destruction in this life and an eternal punishment in the Hereafter).

10. Allâh has prepared for them a severe torment. So fear Allâh and keep your duty to Him, O men of understanding who have believed! Allâh has indeed sent down to you a Reminder (this Qur’ân).

11. (And has also sent to you) a Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), who recites to you the Verses of Allâh (the Qur’ân) containing clear explanations, that He may take out those who believe and do righteous good deeds, from the darkness (of polytheism and disbelief) to the light (of Islamic Monotheism). And whosoever believes in Allâh and performs righteous good deeds, He will admit him into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) to dwell therein forever. Allâh has indeed granted for him an excellent provision.

12. It is Allâh Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allâh has power over all things, and that Allâh surrounds all things in (His) Knowledge.

1. O Prophet! Why do you forbid (for yourself) that which Allâh has allowed to you, seeking to please your wives? And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

2. Allâh has already ordained for you (O men) the absolution from your oaths. And Allâh is your Maulâ (Lord, or Master, or Protector) and He is the All-Knower, the All-Wise.

3. And (remember) when the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his wives (Hafsah), then she told it (to another i.e. ‘Âishah). And Allâh made it known to him; he informed part thereof and left a part. Then when he told her (Hafsah) thereof, she said: "Who told you this?" He said: "The All-Knower, the All-Aware (Allâh) has told me."

4. If you two (wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم : ‘Âishah and Hafsah رضي الله عنهما) turn in repentance to Allâh, (it will be better for you), your hearts are indeed so inclined (to oppose what the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم likes); but if you help one another against him (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), then verily, Allâh is his Maulâ (Lord, or Master, or Protector), and Jibrîl (Gabriel), and the righteous among the believers; and furthermore, the angels are his helpers.

5. It may be if he divorced you (all) that his Lord will give him instead of you, wives better than you - Muslims (who submit to Allâh), believers, obedient (to Allâh), turning to Allâh in repentance, worshipping Allâh sincerely, given to fasting or emigrants (for Allâh’s sake), previously married and virgins.

6. O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allâh, but do that which they are commanded.

7. (It will be said in the Hereafter) O you who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism)! Make no excuses this Day! You are being requited only for what you used to do.[1] ——— [1] (V.66:7) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

8. O you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) - the Day that Allâh will not disgrace the Prophet (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) and those who believe with him. Their Light will run forward before them and (with their Records - Books of deeds) in their right hands. They will say: "Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us [and do not put it off till we cross over the Sirât (a slippery bridge over the Hell) safely] and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things."[2] ——— [2] (V.66:8). a) See the footnote of (V.4:106). b) See the footnote of (V.5:74). c) See the footnote of (V.68:42).

9. O Prophet (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be severe against them; their abode will be Hell, and worst indeed is that destination.[3] ——— [3] (V.66:9) See the footnote of (V.8:39).

10. Allâh sets forth an example for those who disbelieve: the wife of Nûh (Noah) and the wife of Lût (Lot). They were under two of our righteous slaves, but they both betrayed them (their husbands by rejecting their doctrine). So they [Nûh (Noah) and Lût (Lot) عليهما السلام] availed them (their respective wives) not against Allâh and it was said: "Enter the Fire along with those who enter!"

11. And Allâh has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), when she said: "My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his work, and save me from the people who are Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers in Allâh).

12. And Maryam (Mary), the daughter of ‘Imrân who guarded her chastity. And We breathed into (the sleeve of her shirt or her garment) through Our Rûh [i.e. Jibrîl (Gabriel)[4]], and she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord [i.e. believed in the Words of Allâh: "Be!" - and he was; that is ‘Îsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) as a Messenger of Allâh], and (also believed in) His Scriptures, and she was of the Qânitûn (i.e. obedient to Allâh)[5]. ——— [4] (V.66:12) "And (remember) she who guarded her chastity [Virgin Maryam (Mary)], We breathed into (the sleeves of) her (shirt or garment) [through Our Rûh (Jibrîl - Gabriel)]*, and We made her and her son (Jesus) a sign for Al-‘Âlamîn (mankind and jinn)." [The Qur’ân, (V.21:91)] * It is said that Jibrîl (Gabriel) had merely breathed in the sleeve of Maryam’s (Mary) shirt, and thus she conceived. [5] (V.66:12) The Statement of Allâh عز وجل: ‘And Allâh has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Pharaoh ... (up to) ... and she was of the obedient to Allâh.’ (V.66:11 and 12). Narrated Abû Mûsâ رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Many amongst men reached (the level of) perfection but none amongst the women reached this level except Âsiyah, Pharaoh’s wife, and Maryam (Mary), the daughter of ‘Imrân. And no doubt, the superiority of ‘Âishah to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. a meat and bread dish) to other meals." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No.623).

1. Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the dominion; and He is Able to do all things.

2. Who has created death and life that He may test you which of you is best in deed.[1] And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving; ——— [1] (V.67:2) i.e. who amongst you do the good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allâh’s sake and in accordance with the legal ways of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم.

3. Who has created the seven heavens one above another; you can see no fault in the creation of the Most Gracious. Then look again: "Can you see any rifts?"

4. Then look again and yet again: your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out.

5. And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps[2], and We have made such lamps (as) missiles to drive away the Shayâtîn (devils), and have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire. ——— [2] (V.67:5) See the footnote of (V.6:97) and (V.85:1).

6. And for those who disbelieve in their Lord (Allâh) is the torment of Hell, and worst indeed is that destination.

7. When they are cast therein, they will hear the (terrible) drawing in of its breath as it blazes forth.

8. It almost bursts up with fury. Every time a group is cast therein, its keeper will ask: "Did no warner come to you?"

9. They will say: "Yes, indeed a warner did come to us, but we belied him and said: ‘Allâh never sent down anything (of revelation); you are only in great error.’"

10. And they will say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing Fire!"

11. Then they will confess their sin. So, away with the dwellers of the blazing Fire!

12. Verily,, those who fear their Lord unseen (i.e. they do not see Him, nor His punishment in the Hereafter), theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).

13. And whether you keep your talk secret or disclose it, Verily, He is the All-Knower of what is in the breasts (of men).

14. Should not He Who has created know? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous (to His slaves), All-Aware (of everything).

15. He it is Who has made the earth subservient to you (i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it); so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision. And to Him will be the Resurrection.

16. Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then it should quake?

17. Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not send against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) has been My Warning.

18. And indeed those before them belied (the Messengers of Allâh), then how terrible was My denial (punishment)?

19. Do they not see the birds above them, spreading out their wings and folding them in? None upholds them except the Most Gracious (Allâh). Verily, He is the All-Seer of everything.

20. Who is he besides the Most Gracious that can be an army to you to help you? The disbelievers are in nothing but delusion.

21. Who is he that can provide for you if He should withhold His provision? Nay, but they continue to be in pride, and (they) flee (from the truth).

22. Is he who walks prone (without seeing) on his face, more rightly guided, or he who (sees and) walks upright on the Straight Way (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism)?

23. Say it is He Who has created you, and endowed you with hearing (ears) and seeing (eyes), and hearts. Little thanks you give.

24. Say: "It is He Who has created you on the earth, and to Him shall you be gathered (in the Hereafter)."

25. They say: "When will this promise (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) come to pass if you are telling the truth.?"

26. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "The knowledge (of its exact time) is with Allâh only, and I am only a plain warner."

27. But when they will see it (the torment on the Day of Resurrection) approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will change and turn black with sadness and in grief and it will be said (to them): "This is (the promise) which you were calling for!"

28. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Tell me! If Allâh destroys me, and those with me, or He bestows His Mercy on us - who can save the disbelievers from a painful torment?"

29. Say: "He is the Most Gracious (Allâh), in Him we believe, and in Him we put our trust. So you will come to know who it is that is in manifest error."

30. Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Tell me! If (all) your water were to sink away, who then can supply you with flowing (spring) water?"

1. Nûn. [These letters (Nun, etc.) are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. By the pen and by what they (the angels) write (in the Records of men).

2. You (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), by the Grace of your Lord, are not mad.

3. And Verily, for you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will be an endless reward.

4. And Verily, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are on an exalted (standard of) character.

5. You will see, and they will see,

6. Which of you is afflicted with madness.

7. Verily, your Lord is the Best Knower of him who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Knower of those who are guided.

8. So (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) obey you not the deniers [(of Islâmic Monotheism - those who belie the Verses of Allâh), the Oneness of Allâh, and the Messengership of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم][1] ——— [1] (V.68:8) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

9. They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them: so they (too) would compromise with you.

10. And (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) obey you not everyone Hallaf Mahîn (the one who swears much and is a liar or is worthless). [Tafsir At-Tabari]

11. A slanderer, going about with calumnies,

12. Hinderer of the good, transgressor, sinful,

13. Cruel, and moreover base-born (of illegitimate birth).

14. (He was so) because he had wealth and children.

15. When Our Verses (of the Qur’ân) are recited to him, he says: "Tales of the men of old!"

16. We shall brand him on the snout (nose)!

17. Verily, We have tried them as We tried the people of the garden, when they swore to pluck the fruits of the (garden) in the morning,

18. Without saying: Inshâ’ Allâh (If Allâh wills).

19. Then there passed by on the (garden) a visitation (fire) from your Lord at night and burnt it while they were asleep.

20. So the (garden) became black by the morning, like a pitch dark night (in complete ruins).

21. Then they called out one to another as soon as the morning broke.

22. Saying: "Go to your tilth in the morning, if you would pluck the fruits."

23. So they departed, conversing in secret low tones (saying):

24. "No Miskîn (poor man) shall enter upon you into it today."

25. And they went in the morning with strong intention, thinking that they have power (to prevent the poor taking anything of the fruits therefrom).

26. But when they saw the (garden), they said: "Verily, we have gone astray."

27. (Then they said): "Nay! Indeed we are deprived of (the fruits)!"

28. The best among them said: "Did I not tell you: why say you not: Inshâ’ Allâh (If Allâh wills)."

29. They said: "Glory to Our Lord! Verily, we have been Zâlimûn (wrong-doers)."

30. Then they turned one against another, blaming.

31. They said: "Woe to us! Verily, we were Tâghûn (transgressors and disobedient)

32. We hope that our Lord will give us in exchange a better (garden) than this. Truly, we turn to our Lord (wishing for good that He may forgive our sins and reward us in the Hereafter).

33. Such is the punishment (in this life), but truly, the punishment of the Hereafter is greater if they but knew.

34. Verily, for the Muttaqûn (the pious - See V.2:2) are Gardens of delight (Paradise) with their Lord.

35. Shall We then treat the Muslims (believers of Islamic Monotheism, doers of righteous deeds) like the Mujrimûn (criminals, polytheists and disbelievers, etc.)?

36. What is the matter with you? How judge you?

37. Or have you a Book wherein you learn,

38. That you shall therein have all that you choose?

39. Or have you oaths from Us, reaching to the Day of Resurrection, that yours will be what you judge?

40. Ask them, which of them will stand surety for that!

41. Or have they "partners"? Then let them bring their "partners" if they are truthful!

42. (Remember) the Day when the Shin[2] shall be laid bare (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) and they shall be called to prostrate themselves (to Allâh), but they (hypocrites) shall not be able to do so. ——— [2] (V.68:42). a) Narrated Abû-Sa‘îd رضي الله عنه: I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "Allâh will lay bare His Shin and then all the believers, men and women, will prostrate themselves before Him; but there will remain those who used to prostrate themselves in the world for showing off and for gaining good reputation. Such a one will try to prostrate himself (on the Day of Judgement) but his back (bones) will become a single (vertebra) bone (so he will not be able to prostrate). (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.6, Hadîth No.441). b) See the footnote of (V.3:73) صفات الله . c) Narrated Abu Sa‘îd Al-Khudrî رضي الله عنه: We said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?" He said, "Do you have any difficulty in seeing the sun and the moon when the sky is clear?" We said, "No." He said, "So you will have no difficulty in seeing your Lord on that Day as you have no difficulty in seeing the sun and the moon (in a clear sky)." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then said, "Somebody will then announce, ‘Let every nation follow what they used to worship.’ So the people of the Cross will go with their Cross, and the idolaters (will go) with their idols, and the worshippers of every god (false deities) (will go) with their god: till there remain those who used to worship Allâh, from the righteous pious ones and the mischievous ones, and some of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians). Then Hell will be presented to them as if it were a mirage. Then it will be said to the Jews, ‘What did you use to worship?’ They will reply, ‘We used to worship ‘Uzair (Ezra), the son of Allâh.’ It will be said to them, ‘You are liars, for Allâh has neither a wife nor a son. What do you want (now)?’ They will reply, ‘We want You to provide us with water.’ Then it will be said to them ‘Drink’, and they will fall down in Hell (instead). Then it will be said to the Christians, ‘What did you use to worship?’ They will reply, ‘We used to worship Messiah, the son of Allâh.’ It will be said, ‘You are liars, for Allâh has neither a wife nor a son. What do you want (now)?’ They will say, ‘We want You to provide us with water.’ It will be said to them, ‘Drink,’ and they will fall down in Hell (instead): till there remain only those who used to worship Allâh (Alone), from the righteous pious ones and the mischievous evil ones, it will be said to them, ‘What keeps you here when all the people have gone?’ They will say, ‘We left them (in the world) when we were in greater need of them than we are today; we heard the call of one proclaiming - Let every nation follow what they used to worship, - and now we are waiting for our Lord.’ Then the Almighty will come to them in a shape other than the one which they saw the first time, and He will say, ‘I am your Lord,’ and they will say, ‘You are our Lord.’ And none will speak to Him then but the Prophets. And then it will be said to them, ‘Do you know any sign by which you can recognise Him?’ They will say, ‘The Shin,’ and so Allâh will then uncover His Shin whereupon every believer will prostrate himself before Him and there will remain those who used to prostrate themselves before Him just for showing off and for gaining good reputation. Such a one will try to prostrate himself but his back (bones) will become a single (vertebra) bone [like one piece of a wood and he will not be able to prostrate]. Then the bridge will be brought and laid across Hell." We (the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, "O Allâh’s Messenger! What is the bridge?" He said, "It is a slippery (bridge) on which there are clamps and (hooks like) a thorny seed that is wide at one side and narrow at the other and has thorns with bent ends. Such a thorny seed is found in Najd and is called As-Sa‘dân. Some of the believers will cross the bridge as quickly as the wink of an eye, some others as quick as lightning, or a strong wind, or fast horses or she-camels. So some will be safe without any harm; some will be safe after receiving some scratches and some will fall down into Hell (Fire). The last person will cross as if being dragged (over the bridge)." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "You (Muslims) cannot be more pressing in claiming from me a right that has been clearly proved to be yours than the believers in interceding with Almighty for their (Muslim) brothers on that Day, when they see themselves safe. They will say, ‘O Allâh! (Save) our brothers (for they) used to pray with us, fast with us and also do good deeds with us.’ Allâh will say, ‘Go and take out (of Hell) anyone in whose heart you find Faith equal to the weight of one (gold) Dinar.’ Allâh will forbid the Fire to burn the faces of those sinners. They will go to them and find some of them in Hell (Fire) up to their feet, and some up to the middle of their legs. So, they will take out those whom they will recognise and then they will return. And Allâh will say (to them), ‘Go and take out (of Hell) anyone in whose heart you find Faith equal to the weight of one-half Dinar.’ They will take out whomever they will recognise and return. And then Allâh will say, ‘Go and take out (of Hell) anyone in whose heart you find Faith equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), and so they will take out all those whom they will recognise." Abû Sa‘îd said: "If you do not believe me then read the Holy Verse: ‘Surely Allâh wrongs not even of the weight of an atom (or a small ant) but if there is any good (done), He doubles it.’ (V.4:40)." The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم added: "Then the Prophets and angels and the believers will intercede, and (last of all) the Almighty (Allâh) will say, ‘Now remains My Intercession. He will then hold a handful of the Fire from which He will take out some people whose bodies have been burnt, and they will be thrown into a river at the entrance of Paradise, called the Water of Life. They will grow on its banks, as a seed carried by the torrent grows. You have noticed how it grows beside a rock or beside a tree, and how the side facing the sun is usually green while the side facing the shade is white. Those people will come out (of the River of Life) like pearls, and they will have (golden) necklaces, and then they will enter Paradise whereupon the people of Paradise will say, ‘These are the people emancipated by the Gracious. He has admitted them into Paradise without (them) having done any good deed and without sending forth any good (for themselves).’ Then it will be said to them, ‘For you is what you have seen and its equivalent as well.’" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.9, Hadîth No.532B).

43. Their eyes will be cast down and ignominy will cover them; they used to be called to prostrate themselves (offer prayers), while they were healthy and good (in the life of the world, but they did not).

44. Then leave Me Alone with such as belie this Qur’ân. We shall punish them gradually from directions they perceive not.

45. And I will grant them a respite. Verily, My Plan is strong.

46. Or is it that you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) ask them a wage, so that they are heavily burdened with debt?

47. Or that the Ghaib (the Unseen - here in this Verse it means Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz) is in their hands, so that they can write it down?

48. So wait with patience for the Decision of your Lord, and be not like the Companion of the Fish - when he cried out (to Us) while he was in deep sorrow. (See the Qur’ân, Verse 21:87).

49. Had not a Grace from his Lord reached him, he would indeed have been (left in the stomach of the fish, but We forgave him): so he was cast off on the naked shore, while he was to be blamed.

50. Then his Lord chose him and made him of the righteous.

51. And verily, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes (through hatred) when they hear the Reminder (the Qur’ân), and they say: "Verily, he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a madman!"

52. But it is nothing else than a Reminder to all the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, and jinn).

1. The Inevitable (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)!

2. What is the Inevitable?

3. And what will make you know what the Inevitable is?

4. Thamûd and ‘Âd people denied the Qâri‘ah (the striking Hour of Judgement)!

5. As for Thamûd, they were destroyed by the awful cry!

6. And as for ‘Âd, they were destroyed by a furious violent wind!

7. Which Allâh imposed on them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed), as if they were hollow trunks of date-palms!

8. Do you see any remnants of them?

9. And Fir‘aun (Pharaoh), and those before him, and the cities overthrown [the towns of the people of [Lût (Lot)] committed sin.

10. And they disobeyed their Lord’s Messenger, so He seized them with a strong punishment.

11. Verily, when the water rose beyond its limits [Nûh’s (Noah) Flood], We carried you (mankind) in the floating [ship that was constructed by Nûh (Noah)]

12. That We might make it (Noah’s ship) an admonition for you and that it might be retained by the retaining ears.

13. Then when the Trumpet will be blown with one blowing (the first one).

14. And the earth and the mountains shall be removed from their places, and crushed with a single crushing.

15. Then on that Day shall the (Great) Event befall.

16. And the heaven will be rent asunder, for that Day it (the heaven) will be frail and torn up.

17. And the angels will be on its sides, and eight angels will, that Day, bear the Throne of your Lord above them.

18. That Day shall you be brought to Judgement, not a secret of you will be hidden.

19. Then as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand will say: "Here! read my Record!

20. "Surely, I did believe that I shall meet my Account!"

21. So he shall be in a life, well-pleasing.

22. In a lofty Paradise,

23. The fruits in bunches whereof will be low and near at hand.

24. Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!

25. But as for him who will be given his Record in his left hand, will say: "I wish that I had not been given my Record!

26. "And that I had never known how my Account is!

27. "Would that it had been my end (death)!

28. "My wealth has not availed me;

29. "My power (and arguments to defend myself) have gone from me!"

30. (It will be said): "Seize him and fetter him;

31. Then throw him in the blazing Fire.

32. "Then fasten him with a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits!"

33. Verily, he used not to believe in Allâh, the Most Great,

34. And urged not on the feeding of Al-Miskîn (the poor).[1] ——— [1] (V.69:34) a) See the footnote of (V.2:83). b) Narrated ‘Abdullâh bin ‘Amr رضي الله عنه: A man asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, "What sort of deeds (or what qualities) of Islâm are good?" The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, "To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know". (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.1, Hadith No.11).

35. So no friend has he here this Day,

36. Nor any food except filth from the washing of wounds.

37. None will eat it except the Khâti’ûn (sinners, disbelievers, polytheists).

38. So I swear by whatsoever you see,

39. And by whatsoever you see not,

40. That this is verily, the word of an honoured Messenger [i.e. Jibrîl (Gabriel) or Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم which he has brought from Allâh].

41. It is not the word of a poet: little is that you believe!

42. Nor is it the word of a soothsayer (or a foreteller): little is that you remember!

43. This is the Revelation sent down from the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

44. And if he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) had forged a false saying concerning Us (Allâh جل جلاله),

45. We surely would have seized him by his right hand (or with power and might),

46. And then We certainly would have cut off his life artery (aorta),

47. And none of you could have withheld Us from (punishing) him.

48. And verily, this (Qur’an) is a Reminder for the Muttaqûn (the pious. See V.2:2).

49. And verily, We know that there are some among you that belie (this Qur’ân). (Tafsir At-Tabarî)

50. And indeed it (this Qur’ân) will be an anguish for the disbelievers (on the Day of Resurrection).[2] ——— [2] (V.69:50) See the footnote of (V.3:85).

51. And verily, it (this Qur’ân) is an absolute truth with certainty.[3] ——— [3] (V.69:51) See the footnote of (V.10:37).

52. So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.[4] ——— [4] (V.69:52) See footnotes of (V.13:28).

1. A questioner asked concerning a torment about to befall

2. Upon the disbelievers, which none can avert,

3. From Allâh, the Lord of the ways of ascent.

4. The angels and the Rûh [Jibrîl (Gabriel)] ascend to Him in a Day the measure whereof is fifty thousand years.

5. So be patient (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), with a good patience.

6. Verily, they see it (the torment) afar off.

7. But We see it (quite) near.

8. The Day that the sky will be like the boiling filth of oil, (or molten copper or silver or lead).

9. And the mountains will be like flakes of wool.

10. And no friend will ask a friend (about his condition),

11. Though they shall be made to see one another [(i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), there will be none but see his father, children and relatives, but he will neither speak to them nor will ask them for any help]. The Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children,

12. And his wife and his brother,

13. And his kindred who sheltered him,

14. And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him.[1] ——— [1] (V.70:14) See the footnote (B) of (V.51:60).

15. By no means! Verily, it will be the Fire of Hell,

16. Taking away (burning completely) the head skin!

17. Calling[2] (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from Faith) [picking and swallowing them up from that great gathering of mankind on the Day of Resurrection just as a bird picks up a food-grain from the earth with its beak and swallows it up] (Tafsir Al-Qurtubî) ——— [2] (V.70:17) (i.e. the Hell will call out): "[O Kafir (O disbeliever in Allâh, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, Day of Resurrection and in Al-Qadar (Divine Preordainments), O Mushrik (O polytheist, disbeliever in the Oneness of Allâh).

18. And collect (wealth) and hide it (from spending it in the Cause of Allâh).

19. Verily, man (disbeliever) was created very impatient;

20. Irritable (discontented) when evil touches him;

21. And niggardly when good touches him.

22. Except those who are devoted to Salât (prayers).[3] ——— [3] (V.70:22) See the footnote of (V.9:91).

23. Those who remain constant in their Salât (prayers);

24. And those in whose wealth there is a recognised right

25. For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened).

26. And those who believe in the Day of Recompense.

27. And those who fear the torment of their Lord.

28. Verily, the torment of their Lord is that before which none can feel secure. -

29. And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts from illegal sexual acts).[4] ——— [4] (V.70:29) Narrated Sahl bin Sa‘d رضي الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his mouth, tongue and his private parts),* I guarantee Paradise for him." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadith No.481). * i.e., whoever protects his tongue from illegal talk like telling lies, or backbiting, etc., and his mouth from eating and drinking of forbidden illegal things, etc., and his private parts from illegal sexual acts.

30. Except from their wives or the (women slaves) whom their right hands possess - for (then) they are not blameworthy.

31. But whosoever seeks beyond that, then it is those who are trespassers.[5] ——— [5] (V.70:31) Narrated Anas رضي الله عنه: I will narrate to you a Hadith I heard from Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and none other than I will tell of it. I heard Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "From among the portents of the Hour are the following: Religious knowledge will be taken away; General ignorance (in religious matters) will increase; illegal sexual intercourse will prevail; Drinking of alcoholic drinks will be very common; Men will decrease in number, and women will increase in number, so much so that fifty women will be looked after by one man." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadith No.158).

32. And those who keep their trusts and covenants.

33. And those who stand firm in their testimonies.

34. And those who guard their Salât (prayers) well.[6] ——— [6] (V.70:34) See (V.2:238) and its footnote.

35. Such shall dwell in the Gardens (i.e. Paradise), honoured.

36. So what is the matter with those who disbelieve that they hasten to listen from you [O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), in order to belie you and to mock at you, and at Allâh’s Book (this Qur’ân)].

37. (Sitting) in groups on the right and on the left (of you, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)?

38. Does every man of them hope to enter the Paradise of Delight?

39. No, that is not like that! Verily, We have created them out of that which they know!

40. So I swear by the Lord of all the [three hundred and sixty-five (365)] points of sunrise and sunset in the east and the west that surely We are Able

41. To replace them by (others) better than them; and We are not to be outrun.

42. So leave them to plunge in vain talk[7] and play about, until they meet their Day which they are promised - ——— [7] (V.70:42) See the footnote of (V.4:5).

43. The Day when they will come out of the graves quickly as racing to a goal,

44. With their eyes lowered in fear and humility, ignominy covering them (all over)! That is the Day which they were promised!