İngilizce Meal — Rowad Tercüme Merkezi — Ash-Shu'ara 26:1 – Sad 38:88

Tā sīn mīm.[1] ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

These are the verses of the clear Book.

Perhaps you[2] will grieve yourself to death because they do not believe. ——— [2] O Muhammad.

If We willed, We could send down upon them a sign from the heaven, at which their necks would stay bowed in humility[3]. ——— [3] i.e., they would be compelled to believe, being humbled.

No new reminder comes to them from the Most Compassionate except that they turn away from it.

They have rejected [the Truth], soon there will come to them the consequences of their ridicule.

Do they not see the earth, how many fine kinds of plants We grow in it?

Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them will not believe.

Your Lord is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

And [remember] when your Lord called out to Moses, “Go to the wrongdoing people –

the people of Pharaoh; will they not fear [the punishment of] Allah?”

He said, “My Lord, I fear that they may reject me,

and I will feel distressed and my tongue will not be fluent, so send Aaron along [to help me].

Moreover, they have a charge against me, so I fear they may kill me[4].” ——— [4] For killing a Coptic Egyptian by mistake before becoming a prophet.

Allah said, “Certainly not! Go, both of you, with Our signs[5]; We are with you, listening. ——— [5] i.e., the miracles of the staff and the shining hand, given to Moses.

Go to Pharaoh and say, ‘We are the messengers[6] from the Lord of the worlds, ——— [6] The singular form in Arabic denotes that they both were sent with a single message.

that you let the Children of Israel go with us.’”

Pharaoh said, “Did we not bring you up as a child among us, and you stayed with us several years of your life?

Yet you did what you did[7], and you are extremely ungrateful.” ——— [7] i.e., striking the Copt in support of a man from your people, who died as a result.

He said, “I did it when I had no guidance.

So I fled from you in fear. Then my Lord gave me wisdom and made me one of the messengers.

Is this a favor that you remind me with, that you have enslaved the Children of Israel?[8] ——— [8] i.e., If you had not been cruel to the Israelites, I should not have been brought to your house for upbringing.

Pharaoh said, “What is ‘the Lord of the worlds’?”

Moses said, “The Lord of the heavens and earth and all that is between them, if only you had sure faith.”

Pharaoh said to those around him, “Did you hear [what he just said]?”

Moses said, “Your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers.”

Pharaoh said, “Your messenger who has been sent to you is truly insane!”

Moses said, “Lord of the east and west and all that is between them, if only you had sense!”

Pharaoh said, “If you take any god other than me, I will throw you into prison.”

Moses said, “What if I bring you a clear proof?”

Pharaoh said, “Bring it then if you are truthful!”

So he threw down his staff, and suddenly it was a real serpent.

And he drew out his hand, and it was glowing white to the beholders.

Pharaoh said to the chiefs around him, “This is indeed a learned magician!

He wants to drive you out of your land with his magic. What do you suggest?”

They said, “Let him and his brother wait and dispatch heralds to the cities

to bring you every learned magician.”

So the magicians were assembled at an appointed time on a known day[9]. ——— [9] i.e., the morning of the festival day. See 20:58-59.

And it was said to the people, “Will you join the gathering,

so that we may follow the magicians, if they are victorious?”

When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, “Will there be a reward for us if we are victorious?”

He said, “Yes, and then you will surely be of those who are close to me.”

Moses said to them, “Throw whatever you wish to throw.”

So they threw their ropes and staffs, and said, “By the glory of Pharaoh, it is we who will be the victorious!”

Then Moses threw his staff, and at once it swallowed up all objects of their illusion.

So the magicians fell down in prostration.

They said, “We believe in the Lord of the worlds,

the Lord of Moses and Aaron.”

Pharaoh said, “How dare you believe in him before I give you permission. Indeed, he is your master who taught you magic, but you will soon come to know. I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, then I will crucify you all.”

They said, “No harm; we will surely return to our Lord.

We hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers.”

We inspired Moses, “Leave with My slaves by night; you will surely be pursued.”

So Pharaoh sent heralds to the cities[10], ——— [10] In order to prevent the emigration of the Children of Israel.

saying, “These are but a small band,

and they have enraged us,

but we are all well-prepared.”

Thus did We drive them[11] out of their gardens and springs, ——— [11] i.e., Pharaoh and his people.

and their treasures and splendid dwellings.

So it was, and We made the Children of Israel to inherit them.

They pursued them at sunrise.

When the two groups saw each other, the companions of Moses said, “We are surely overtaken!”

Moses said, “Certainly not! My Lord is with me; He will guide me.”

Then We inspired Moses, “Strike the sea with your staff,” so it parted, and each part became like a huge mountain.

Then We brought the others [i.e., the pursuers] close to that place,

and We saved Moses and all those who were with him.

Then we drowned the others.

Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them would not believe.

Indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

Relate to them the story of Abraham,

when he said to his father and his people, “What do you worship?”

They said, “We worship idols and remain devoted to them.”

He said, “Do they hear you when you call upon them?

Or can they benefit or harm you?”

They said, “No, but this is what we found our forefathers doing.”

He said, “Do you see what you have been worshiping,

you and your ancestors?

Indeed, they are my enemies, except the Lord of the worlds[12], ——— [12] As they worshiped idols in addition to worshiping Allah.

Who created me, so He guides me;

and it is He Who provides me with food and drink;

and when I am ill He heals me;

and He will cause me to die and then bring me back to life;

and I hope that He will forgive me my sins on the Day of Judgment.”

“My Lord, grant me knowledge, and join me with the righteous,

and grant me an honorable mention among the later generations[13], ——— [13] Muslims invoke Allah’s blessings upon Abraham (ﷺ) along with Muhammad (ﷺ) in their daily prayers.

and make me of those who will inherit the Garden of Bliss;

and forgive my father, for he is one of those who have gone astray;

and do not disgrace me on the Day when all will be resurrected –

the Day when neither wealth nor children will be of any avail,

except the one who comes to Allah with a sound heart[14].” ——— [14] A heart free from disbelief, polytheism, hypocrisy, arrogance, and show-off.

Paradise will be brought near to the righteous,

and Hellfire will be uncovered to those who went astray,

and they will be told, “Where are those whom you used to worship

other than Allah? Can they help you or even help themselves?”

Then they will be hurled into Hell one upon another, along with those who led them astray,

and the followers of Iblīs, all together.

There the deviants will say while quarreling with their false deities,

“By Allah, we were clearly misguided,

when we deemed you equal to the Lord of the worlds.

None led us astray except the wicked.

Now we neither have any intercessors,

nor a close friend.

If only we had a chance to return, we would be among the believers.”

Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them would not believe.

Your Lord is surely the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

The people of Noah rejected the messengers[15] ——— [15] For denying Noah was equal to denying all of the messengers of Allah.

when their brother Noah said to them, “Do you not fear Allah?

I am a trustworthy messenger to you,

so fear Allah, and obey me.

I seek of you no reward for this; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds;

so fear Allah, and obey me.”

They said, “Shall we believe in you when you are followed by the lowest people[16]?” ——— [16] For they were mostly the poor and ordinary people, who enjoyed no position in society.

He said, “What knowledge do I have of what they do?

Their reckoning is only with my Lord if you realize!

I am not going to drive the believers away.

I am only a clear warner.”

They said, “O Noah, if you do not desist, you will certainly be stoned.”

He said, “My Lord, my people have rejected me.

So judge between me and them decisively, and save me and the believers who are with me.”

So We saved him and those who were with him in the fully laden Ark.

Then We drowned thereafter all the rest.

Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them would not believe.

Indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

The people of ‘Ād rejected the messengers

when their brother Hūd said to them, “Will you not fear Allah?

I am a trustworthy messenger to you,

so fear Allah, and obey me.

I do not ask you for any reward for this; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.

Do you build a landmark[17] on every high place for no purpose? ——— [17] They used to build lofty structures along the road to be seen by passersby, as a symbol of their wealth and power.

And do you construct for yourselves palaces, hoping that you will live forever?

And when you attack [others], do you attack ruthlessly?

So fear Allah, and obey me.

And fear the One Who has provided you with everything you know:

Who provided you with livestock and children,

and with gardens and springs.

I fear for you the punishment of a momentous day.”

They said, “It is the same to us whether you admonish us or not.

This is nothing but the custom of the former people,

and we will never be punished.”

Thus they rejected him, so We destroyed them. Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them would not believe,

Your Lord is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

The people of Thamūd rejected the messengers

when their brother Sālih said to them, “Will you not fear Allah?

I am a trustworthy messenger to you,

so fear Allah, and obey me.

I do not ask you for any reward for this; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.

Will you be left secure in whatever you have here,

in gardens and springs,

and in fields of crops and date palms laden with tender fruit,

carving out houses in the mountains with great skill?

So fear Allah, and obey me.

And do not obey the command of the transgressors,

those who spread corruption in the land and never do what is right.”

They said, “You are but one of those who are bewitched!

You are but a human like us, so bring a sign if you are one of the truthful.”

Sālih said, “This is a she-camel[18]; she will have her share of water and you will have yours, each on a specified day. ——— [18] That was miraculously sent to them as a sign by Allah.

Do not touch her with harm, or you will be seized by the punishment of a horrible day.”

But they hamstrung her, then they became regretful,

So the punishment seized them[19]. Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them would not believe. ——— [19] They were destroyed by a violent earthquake and a blast after Sālih told them: “You have only three days to enjoy yourselves in your houses”. See 11:65. Allah says: “We sent against them a single blast, leaving them like trampled hedge-building twigs”. See 54:31.

Your Lord is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

The people of Lot rejected the messengers,

when their brother Lot said to them, “Will you not fear Allah?

I am a trustworthy messenger to you,

so fear Allah, and obey me.

I do not ask you for any reward for this; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.

Do you approach males with lust among all people[20], ——— [20] i.e., Are there any creatures besides you who commit this abominable act?

leaving the wives whom your Lord has created for you? You are but a transgressing people.”

They said, “O Lot, If you do not desist, you will surely be expelled.”

Lot said, “I am one of those who utterly abhor your practice.

My Lord, save me and my family from [the consequences of] what they do.”

So We saved him and all his family,

except an old woman who was among those who remained behind[21]. ——— [21] Lot's wife, who betrayed him by not believing and remained a disbeliever; thus, she was among those destroyed.

Then We destroyed the rest,

and We poured down upon them a rain [of stones]. How terrible was the rain of those who were warned!

Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them would not believe.

Your Lord is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

The people of the Forest[22] rejected the messengers. ——— [22] i.e., the people of Madyan, to whom Shu‘ayb was sent.

When Shu‘ayb said to them, “Will you not fear Allah?

I am a trustworthy messenger to you,

so fear Allah, and obey me.

I do not ask you for any reward for this; my reward is only with the Lord of the worlds.

Give full measure and do not be of those who defraud others,

and weigh with accurate scales,

and do not defraud people of their goods, nor go about in the land spreading corruption.

And fear the One Who created you and the former peoples[23].” ——— [23] i.e., generations of the past.

They said, “You are truly bewitched!

You are only a human being like us, and we think you are nothing but a liar.

So cause pieces of the sky to fall upon us, if you are of the truthful.”

Shu‘ayb said, “My Lord knows best whatever you do.”

Thus they rejected him, so they were seized by the punishment of the cloudy day; it was the punishment of a horrible day.

Indeed, there is a sign in this, yet most of them would not believe.

Your Lord is indeed the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

This is indeed a revelation from the Lord of the worlds,

which the Trustworthy Spirit [Gabriel] has brought down

to your heart [O Prophet] so that you may be one of the warners,

in a clear Arabic language.

And it was indeed [mentioned] in the scriptures of the former peoples.

Was it not a proof for them that the learned men of the Children of Israel recognized it [to be true][24]? ——— [24] e.g., Abdullah ibn Salām, a Jewish scholar, accepted Islam during the lifetime of the Prophet (ﷺ), for he knew that he came with a true message.

If We had sent it down to any of the non-Arabs,

and he had recited it to them[25]; still, they would not have believed in it. ——— [25] As a miracle from Allah.

This is how We made it [i.e., disbelief] enter the hearts of the wicked.

They will not believe in it until they see the painful punishment,

which will come upon them suddenly when they least expect it.

They will then say, “Can we be granted some respite?”

Do they really seek to hasten Our punishment?

Tell me [O Prophet] if We give them a life of ease for years,

then there came to them what they were warned of,

what would avail them the life of ease that they were given?

We never destroyed any town without sending them warners,

to admonish them, for We are never unjust.

This [Qur’an] is not sent down by the devils[26], ——— [26] As the disbelievers claim; rather, it is brought down by Gabriel, the Trustworthy Spirit.

it is not for them to do this, nor is it within their capability,

for they are strictly barred from overhearing it[27]. ——— [27] So they cannot eavesdrop on heaven. See 72:9.

So do not call upon any other god besides Allah, lest you become of those who will be punished.

And warn [starting with] the nearest kinsfolk,

and lower your wing [in kindness] to the believers who follow you.

But if they disobey you, say, “I disown what you do.”

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

Who sees you when you stand up [for prayer],

and your movements among those who prostrate.

Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

Shall I inform you upon who the devils descend?

They descend upon every sinful liar,

who whisper hearsay in the ears, but most of them are liars.

As for poets, they are followed by the deviants.

Do you not see that they wander aimlessly in every valley[28], ——— [28] Telling lies indiscriminately, praising some, and disparaging others.

and that they say what they do not do?

Except those who believe, do righteous deeds, remember Allah much and defend themselves[29] after being wronged. The wrongdoers will come to know what end awaits them. ——— [29] By replying to the satire of hostile poets through poetry.

Tā Sīn[1]. These are the verses of the Qur’an and a clear book; ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

a guidance and glad tidings for the believers,

those who establish prayer and give zakah, and who firmly believe in the Hereafter.

As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds appealing to them, so they wander blindly.

Such are those who will have a terrible punishment, and it is they who will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter.

Indeed, you are receiving the Qur’an from the All-Wise, All-Knowing.

[Remember] when Moses said to his family, “I have spotted a fire. I will bring you some news[2] from there, or bring you a burning brand so that you may warm yourselves.” ——— [2] For they lost their way in the dark while traveling from Midian to Egypt.

When he came to it, he was called, “Blessed is He Who is at the fire and those who are around it[3]. Glory be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. ——— [3] i.e., the angels around the fire.

O Moses, verily this is Me – Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

Throw down your staff!” But when he saw it slithering as if it were a snake, he turned and ran away without looking back. “O Moses, do not be afraid! Indeed, the messengers should have no fear in My presence,

except he who does wrong, then substitutes good for evil, then I am indeed All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Put your hand into your garment, it will come out shining white without blemish, as one of nine signs to Pharaoh and his people[4], for they are indeed a rebellious people.” ——— [4] See footnote 23:45.

But when Our visible signs came to them, they said, “This is clear magic.”

They denied them wrongfully and arrogantly, although their hearts were convinced that they were true. See then how was the end of those who spread corruption!

We gave David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, “All praise be to Allah, Who has favored us[5] over many of His believing slaves.” ——— [5] They were privileged by prophethood, the ability to communicate with animals and birds, control the wind, use the jinn for their service, etc.

Solomon succeeded David, and said, “O people, we have been taught the speech of birds, and we have been given from all things. This is indeed a clear favor.”

Solomon’s armies of jinn, men and birds were assembled before him, marching in organized ranks,

until when they reached a valley of ants, an ant said, “O ants, get into your dwellings, so Solomon and his armies do not crush you unknowingly.”

So he smiled in amusement at its words and said, “My Lord, inspire me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and to do righteous deeds that please you. And admit me, by Your mercy, among Your righteous slaves.”

Once he checked the birds, and said, “Why is it that I do not see the hoopoe – or is he among the absent?

I will surely punish him severely, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a valid reason.”

It was not long before the hoopoe came and said, “I have learned something that you do not know; I come to you from Sheba with sure news.

I found a woman[6] ruling over them, who has been given of all things, and she has a great throne. ——— [6] Known as Bilqīs, the Queen of Sheba.

I found her and her people prostrating before the sun instead of Allah. Satan has made their deeds appealing to them and turned them away from the right way, so they are not guided.

so that they do not prostrate before Allah Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and earth, and Who knows all that you conceal and all that you reveal.

Allah; none has the right to be worshiped except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”

Solomon said, “We will see whether you have told the truth or you are one of the liars.

Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then withdraw and see how they respond.”

The Queen said, “O chiefs, a noble letter has been delivered to me.

It is from Solomon, and it reads, ‘In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.

Do not be arrogant towards me, but come to me in full submission.”

She said, “O chiefs, advise me in this matter of mine, for I would make no decision without your consent[7].” ——— [7] Or without your presence to hear from you.

They said, “We are powerful and great fighters, but the decision is yours, so consider what you will command.”

She said, “When kings enter a town, they ravage it and humiliate its notables; this is what they really do.

But I will send them a gift, then see with what response the envoys will return[8].” ——— [8] She wanted to see whether Solomon was a true prophet or only a king who would be satisfied with a tribute.

When the envoy came to Solomon, he said, “Do you seek to appease me with wealth? What Allah has given me is far better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who take pleasure in gifts.

Go back to them; we will surely come to them with forces that they cannot resist, and we will surely drive them out therefrom in disgrace, fully humbled[9].” ——— [9] In case they refused to submit.

He said, “O chiefs, which one of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?”

A powerful jinn said, “I will bring it to you before you rise up from your council, and I am strong enough and trustworthy.”

But the one who had some knowledge of the scripture[10] said, “I will bring it to you in the blink of your eye.” When he saw it placed before him, he said, “This is a favor of my Lord, to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. Whoever is grateful, it is only for his own good; and whoever is ungrateful, then my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Most Generous.” ——— [10] i.e., A man of righteousness and knowledge of the scripture who also knew Allah's Magnificent Name (Al-’Ism Al-‘Azam), by Which if supplication was made would be answered.

He said, “Disguise her throne for her, so we may see whether she can discover the truth, or she will be of those who cannot recognize.”

So when she came, she was asked, “Is your throne like this?” She said, “It looks as if it is the same. We were given knowledge beforehand[11], and have submitted [to Allah].” ——— [11] Because he had refused our tribute sent to him, or we had known about his kingdom and authority before seeing this sign of bringing the throne from this long distance. Or "We were given knowledge beforehand" was Prophet Solomon’s statement, which means: We were given knowledge beforehand that she will come submitting to Allah, and we were submissive and obedient to Allah Almighty.

But she was hindered [from the faith] because she used to worship other than Allah, for she came from a disbelieving people.

It was said to her, “Enter the palace.” But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water[12], so she uncovered her calves. He said, “This is a palace paved with crystal.” She said, “My Lord, I have wronged myself, and now I submit along with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” ——— [12] The floor of the palace was transparent, under which was flowing water.

We sent to the people of Thamūd their brother Sālih [saying], “Worship Allah,” then they suddenly split into two quarreling factions[13]. ——— [13] i.e., believers and non-believers.

He said, “O my people, why do you seek to hasten punishment rather than good?[14] If only you sought Allah’s forgiveness, so that you may be shown mercy!” ——— [14] They challenged Sālih to bring them the punishment rather than asking for mercy from Allah.

They said, “We consider you and those who are with you as a bad omen.” He said, “Your omen is from Allah, but you are a people who are being tested.”

There were nine men in the city who used to spread corruption in the land without doing anything good.

They said, “Let us all swear by Allah that we will kill him and his family by night. Then we will tell his heir[15], ‘We did not witness the murder of his family, and we are indeed truthful.’” ——— [15] i.e., the one who executes his will and avenges his blood.

Thus they made a plan and We too made a plan, but they were unaware of it.

See then what was the consequences of their plan: We destroyed them and their entire people.

Now their houses are utterly ruined because of their wrongdoing. Indeed, there are signs in this for people of knowledge.

And We saved those who believed and feared Allah.

And [remember] Lot, when he said to his people, “Do you commit this shameful act[16] while seeing [one another][17]? ——— [16] i.e., sodomy. [17] i.e., publicly, or while you are aware [that it is wrong].

Do you approach men with lust instead of women? In fact, you are an ignorant people!”

But the only response his people gave was to say, “Drive the family of Lot out of your town, for they are a people who keep themselves pure!”

So We saved him and his family, except his wife whom We destined to be among those who would remain behind.

And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. How terrible was the rain of those who were warned!

Say, [O Prophet], “All praise is for Allah, and peace be upon His slaves whom He has chosen. Is Allah better, or those partners whom they associate with Him?”

Is He [not better] Who created the heavens and earth, and sent down for you rain from the sky, by which We caused to grow gardens of cheerful beauty? You could never cause their trees to grow. Is there any god besides Allah? No, but they are people who ascribe equals [to Allah].

Is He [not better] Who made the earth a stable place to live, and caused rivers to flow through it, and placed therein firm mountains, and made a barrier between two flowing bodies of water[18]? Is there any god besides Allah? No, but most of them do not know. ——— [18] See footnote 25:53.

Is He [not better] Who responds to the distressed when he calls out to Him, and Who relieves suffering, and Who makes you successors[19] on earth? Is there any god besides Allah? Little is it that you take heed! ——— [19] One generation after another generation.

Is He [not better] Who guides you in the depths of the darkness of the land and sea[20], and Who sends the winds as harbingers ahead of His mercy[21]? Is there any god besides Allah? Exalted is Allah far above the partners they associate with Him! ——— [20] Through the stars, constellations, and landmarks. [21] i.e., the rain.

Is He [not better] Who originates creation then repeats it, and Who gives you provision from the heaven and earth? Is there any god besides Allah? Say, “Produce your evidence, if you are truthful.”

Say, “No one in the heavens and earth has knowledge of the unseen except Allah.” Nor do they know when they will be resurrected.

In fact, their knowledge cannot comprehend the Hereafter; rather, they are in doubt about it; rather, they are blind to it.

Those who disbelieve say, “What! Is it that when we and our forefathers become dust, will we really be brought forth [alive]?

We and our forefathers have been promised this before; this is nothing but ancient fables!”

Say, “Travel in the land and see how was the end of the wicked.”

Do not grieve over them, nor be distressed by their plots.

They say, “When will this warning come to pass, if you are truthful?”

Say, “Perhaps some of what you seek to hasten is quite near to you.”

Indeed, your Lord is graceful to mankind[22], but most of them are ungrateful. ——— [22] As He delays their punishment and grants them respite to repent.

Your Lord surely knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal[23]. ——— [23] In words or actions.

For there is nothing hidden in the heavens and earth except that it is [written] in a clear Record[24]. ——— [24] i.e., the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfūz).

Indeed, this Qur’an explains to the Children of Israel most of that over which they differ.

And it is certainly a guidance and mercy for the believers.

Indeed, your Lord will judge between them by His justice, for He is the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing.

So put your trust in Allah, for you are upon the clear truth.

You cannot make the dead[25] hear, nor can you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs retreating. ——— [25] i.e., whose hearts have died due to their disbelief in Allah.

Nor can you guide the blind out of their error, nor can you make anyone hear except those who believe in Our verses, for they are ready to submit to Allah.

When the decree [of the Hour] comes to pass against them, We will bring forth to them a beast[26] out of the earth that will tell them that the people had no faith in Our verses. ——— [26] The emergence of this beast is one of the major signs of the Day of Judgment; it will speak to people.

And [beware of] the Day when We will gather from every nation a group of those who used to reject Our verses, and they will be driven in ranks.

When they finally come, He will say, “Did you reject My verses without even comprehending them, or what exactly were you doing?

The decree [of punishment] will befall them because of their wrongdoing, leaving them speechless.

Do they not see that We made the night for them to rest in, and made the day bright? Indeed, there are signs in this for people who believe.

And [beware of] the Day when the Trumpet will be blown, and all those who are in the heavens and on earth will be horrified except whom Allah wills[27], and all will come to Him, fully humbled. ——— [27] The Trumpet will be blown twice: The first blow will cause all to be horrified and then they will die, except whom Allah spares, and the second blow will cause all to be resurrected.

You will see the mountains, thinking them firmly fixed[28], but they will be moving like clouds – such is the design of Allah, Who has perfected everything. Indeed, He is All-Aware of what you do. ——— [28] Or solid.

Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded with better than it, and they will be safe from the horror of that Day.

But whoever comes with an evil deed[29] will be thrown on their faces in the Fire. Are you recompensed except for what you used to do? ——— [29] Without having repented from disbelief or sins.

Say, “I have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city [of Makkah] Who made it sacred and to Whom belongs all things. And I am commanded to be one of those who submit to Allah [in Islam],

and to recite the Qur’an.” Then whoever chooses guidance, it is only for his own good; but whoever chooses to go astray, say [O Prophet], “I am only one of the warners.”

And say, “All praise is for Allah. He will show you His signs, then you will acknowledge them. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do.”

Tā Sīn Mīm.[1] ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

These are the verses of the clear Book.

We recount to you part of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for people who believe.

Indeed, Pharaoh arrogantly elevated himself in the land and divided its people into different factions; oppressing one group of them[2], slaughtering their sons and sparing their women alive[3]. He was truly one of those who spread corruption. ——— [2] i.e., the Children of Israel. [3] For their own service and as a sign of humiliation to the Children of Israel.

But We wanted to bestow favor upon those who were oppressed in the land[4], and make them leaders and inheritors [of the land], ——— [4] i.e., the Children of Israel who were oppressed by Pharaoh in Egypt.

and to establish them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Hāmān[5] and their soldiers[6] that which they feared[7]. ——— [5] Hāmān was Pharaoh’s minister during the time of Moses. [6] Through those whom they oppressed and enslaved. [7] i.e., the fulfillment of the Pharaoh’s old dream that his kingdom would come to an end at the hands of a newborn from the Children of Israel.

We inspired the mother of Moses, “Suckle him; but when you fear for him, cast him into the river, and do not fear or grieve. We will surely return him to you, and will make him one of the messengers.”

Then the household of Pharaoh picked him up, so that he may become an enemy to them and a source of grief. Indeed, Pharaoh, Hāmān and their soldiers were wrongdoers.

Pharaoh’s wife said, “He is a source of joy for me and you. Do not kill him; he will probably benefit us, or we may adopt him as a son.” They were unaware [of the consequences].

The heart of Moses’ mother became restless; she was about to disclose it, had We not reassured her heart so that she would maintain her faith [in Allah’s promise].

She said to his sister, “Keep track of him.” So she watched him from a distance, without them noticing.

We had already forbidden for him all wet nurses[8], then she said, “Shall I direct you to a household who will nurse him for you and take good care of him?” ——— [8] Moses had refused to nurse from any other woman.

Then We returned him to his mother so that she would be comforted and not grieve, and so that she would know that Allah’s promise is true. Yet most of them do not know.

When he reached his full strength and maturity, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. This is how We reward those who do good.

Once he entered the city unnoticed by its people[9], and found two men fighting: one of his own people and the other of his enemies. The one from his own people called him for help against his enemy, so Moses struck him with his fist, causing his death. Moses said, “This is of Satan’s work; he is a sworn enemy who mislead people.” ——— [9] i.e., as it was the time of rest at noon.

He said, “My Lord, I have wronged myself, so forgive me,” Then He forgave him, for He is indeed the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

He said, “My Lord, because of the blessings that You have bestowed upon me, I will never be a supporter of the wicked.”

Then he became fearful and vigilant in the city; suddenly the one who sought his help the day before cried out to him again for help. Moses said to him, “You are clearly a troublemaker.”

When he was about to strike the one who was an enemy to both of them, he[10] said, “O Moses, do you want to kill me as you killed that person yesterday? You only want to be a tyrant in the land, and you do not want to be one of those who put things right!” ——— [10] i.e., the Israelite thought that Moses wanted to strike him.

Then there came a man rushing from the farthest end of the city, and said, “O Moses, the chiefs are conspiring to kill you, so leave. I am giving you sincere advice.”

So he left the city, fearful and vigilant. He said, “My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.”

When he headed towards Midian, he said, “My Lord will surely guide me to a straight way.”

When he arrived at the well of Midian, he found a crowd of people watering [their flocks] and found apart from them two women holding [their flocks] back. He said, “What is the matter with you?” They said, “We cannot water [them] until the shepherds take [their flocks] away, and our father is a very old man.”

So he watered [their flocks] for them, then he turned to the shade and said, “My Lord, I am desperately in need of whatever good You may send down to me[11].” ——— [11] Moses left Egypt having nothing until he arrived in Midian. As soon as he sought Allah's help, Allah gave him a wife, a livelihood, and a home.

Then one of the two women came to him, walking modestly. She said, “My father[12] is inviting you so that he may reward you for watering [our flocks] for us.” When he came to him and told him the whole story, he said, “Have no fear. You are now safe from the wrongdoing people.” ——— [12] Prophet Shu‘ayb, the father of the two women.

One of the two daughters said, “O dear father, hire him; the best one you can hire is the strong and trustworthy.”

He said, “I would like to give you one of these two daughters of mine in marriage, provided that you serve me for eight years; if you complete ten, it will be of your own free will. I do not want to make things difficult for you. You will find me, if Allah wills, from among the righteous.”

Moses said, “Let that be the agreement between me and you. Whichever of the two terms I complete, there will be no further obligation on me, and Allah is Witness over what we say.”

When Moses had completed the term[13] and was traveling with his family, he spotted a fire in the direction of Mount Tūr. He said to his family[14], “Stay here; I have spotted a fire. Perhaps I will bring you from there some news or a brand of fire so that you may warm yourselves.” ——— [13] Moses completed the ten years term instead of eight years. [14] From Midian to Egypt.

But when he came to it, he was called from the tree[15] in the sacred ground on the right side of the valley: “O Moses, I am Allah, the Lord of the worlds. ——— [15] Which was within the fire.

Throw down your staff.” But when he saw it slithering as if it were a snake, he turned and ran away without looking back. [Allah said], “O Moses, come back, and have no fear; you are perfectly safe.

Put your hand into your garment, it will come out shining white without blemish, and draw your arms tight to you to calm your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs, for they are indeed a rebellious people.”

Moses said, “My Lord, I have killed one of their men, and I fear that they may kill me.

My brother Aaron is more eloquent than me in speech, so send him with me as a helper to confirm my words, for I fear that they may reject me.”

Allah said, “We will strengthen you through your brother and give you both power, so they cannot harm you. With Our signs, you and your followers will prevail.”

When Moses came to them with Our clear signs, they said, “This is nothing but fabricated magic; we have not heard of this from our earlier ancestors.”

Moses said, “My Lord knows best who has come with guidance from Him and who will have the best abode in the end. The wrongdoers will never succeed.”

Pharaoh said, “O chiefs, I do not know for you any god other than myself. So bake for me bricks out of clay, O Hāmān, and build for me a tower so that I may have a look at the God of Moses, for I think he is a liar.”

He and his soldiers were arrogant in the land without any right and thought that they would not be brought back to Us.

So We seized him and his soldiers and flung them into the sea[16]. See how was the end of the wrongdoers! ——— [16] Allah caused them to enter the sea in pursuit of Moses and the believers.

We made them leaders[17] calling to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped. ——— [17] i.e., precedents or role models, followed by subsequent tyrants.

We caused a curse to pursue them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be among those who are despised.

We gave Moses the Scripture after destroying earlier nations, as an insight for mankind, and a guidance and mercy, so that they may take heed.

You were not [O Prophet] on the western side [of the mountain] when We gave Moses Our commandment, nor did you witness that event[18]. ——— [18] The pagans of Makkah are recurrently reminded in the Quran that the Prophet (ﷺ) did not witness any of these events that happened centuries before his birth. See 12:102, 3:44, 11:49. So the only logical way of knowing about these stories is the divine revelation.

But We brought forth many generations [after Moses], and a long time passed on them[19]. And you [O Prophet] did not dwell among the people of Midian, rehearsing with them Our verses[20], but it is We Who sent you as a messenger [and revealed to you their stories]. ——— [19] So they forgot and neglected the ordinances of Allah over time. [20] The Prophet (ﷺ) had no way of knowing these stories except through the revelation from Allah.

You were not at the side of Mount Tūr when We called out [to Moses]. But [you have been sent] as a mercy from your Lord, to warn a people to whom no warner had come before you, so that they may take heed.

So they would not say – if struck by a calamity because of what their hands have sent forth, “Our Lord, if only You had sent us a messenger, so we could follow Your verses and be among the believers?”

But when the truth came to them from Us, they said, “If only he was given the like of what was given to Moses before[21].” Did they not reject what was given to Moses before? They say, “Both [revelations] are works of magic, supporting each other”, adding, “We truly reject both of them[22].” ——— [21] The pagans of Makkah demanded that the Qur’an should have been revealed all at once like the Torah, and the Prophet (ﷺ) should have brought us tangible miracles like Moses’ staff, illuminating hand, etc. [22] It refers to the pagans of Makkah concerning the Qur’an and the Torah.

Say, “Then bring a scripture from Allah which is better in guidance than these two so that I may follow it, if you are truthful.”

But if they do not respond to you, then know that they only follow their desires. Who is more astray than one who follows his desire without any guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

And We have constantly conveyed the Word [of admonition] to them[23], so that they may take heed. ——— [23] i.e., to the pagans of Makkah and the Jews from among the Children of Israel about the consequences of the doomed nations.

As for those whom We gave the Scripture before this [Qur’an], they[24] do believe in it. ——— [24] i.e., the sincere believers among the People of the Book.

When this [Qur’an] is recited to them, they say, “We believe in it, for it is the truth from our Lord. We had already submitted [as Muslims even] before this[25].” ——— [25] Such as ‘Abdullah ibn Salām and Salmān al-Fārisi.

They will be given their reward twice for their patience, repelling evil with good[26], and for spending out of what We have provided for them. ——— [26] i.e., compensating their misdeeds with good deeds, or responding to evil with what is good.

When they hear vain talk, they turn away from it and say, “We are accountable for our deeds and you for yours. Peace [is our response] to you[27]! We do not want [to be with] the ignorant.” ——— [27] i.e., "You are secure from being treated in a like manner by us."

You cannot guide whoever you like, but Allah guides whom He wills, and He knows best who will be guided.

They say, “If we follow the guidance with you [O Prophet], we will be snatched away from our land[28].” Have We not established for them a safe sanctuary [in Makkah] to which fruits of all kinds are brought as provision from Us? But most of them do not know. ——— [28] By other Arab tribes.

How many a town We have destroyed that were arrogant due to their affluence! Those are their dwellings which were never inhabited after them except briefly[29]. It is We Who were the Inheritors. ——— [29] By travelers of pagans of Makkah seeking temporary shelter.

Your Lord would never destroy towns without first sending to their main city a messenger, reciting to them Our verses. Nor would We destroy towns unless their people were wrongdoers.

Whatever you have been given is only an enjoyment and adornment of the life of this world, but what is with Allah is better and more lasting. Will you not then understand?

Is one whom We promised a good promise – which he is going to obtain – like one whom We gave the pleasure of the life of this world, then on the Day of Resurrection he will be among those summoned [to Hellfire]?

And [beware of] the Day when He will call out to them and say, “Where are those whom you claimed to be My partners?”

Those against whom the word will be fulfilled[30] will say, “Our Lord, these are the ones whom we led astray; we led them astray as we ourselves went astray. We disassociate ourselves [from them] before You; it was not us that they used to worship[31].” ——— [30] i.e., the disbelievers upon whom the decree of punishment has been passed. [31] i.e., We did not force them, nor did they obey us; rather, they obeyed their own desires.

Then they will be told, “Call upon your [so-called] partners [for help].” They will call upon them, but will receive no response. They will see the punishment, wishing that they had followed guidance.

On the Day when He will call out to them, saying, “What response did you give to the messengers?”

They will be dumbstruck[32] on that Day, not even able to ask one another. ——— [32] Not being able to make excuses or invent lies.

But whoever repents and believes, and does righteous deeds, he will be among the successful.

Your Lord creates and chooses what He wills; they have no choice. Glorified is Allah and Exalted is He far above what they associate with Him.

Your Lord knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal.

He is Allah: none has the right to be worshiped except Him. All praise belongs to Him in this life and the Hereafter. His is the Judgment, and to Him you will all be returned.

Say, “What do you think, if Allah were to make the night perpetual for you until the Day of Resurrection, which god other than Allah could bring you shining light? Do you not then listen?”

Say, “What do you think, if Allah were to make the day perpetual for you until the Day of Resurrection, which god other than Allah could bring you night to rest in? Do you not then see?”

It is out of His mercy that He made for you the night and day, so that you may rest therein and seek of His bounty, and so that you may be grateful.

And [beware of] the Day when He will call out to them and say, “Where are those whom you claimed to be My partners?”

We will bring forth from every nation a witness[33] and say, “Bring your proof.” They will then know that the truth is with Allah, and all [false gods] that they used to invent will be lost from them. ——— [33] i.e., a prophet.

Indeed, Korah[34] was one of the people of Moses, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. We had given him such treasures that their keys would weigh down a group of strong men. When his people said to him, “Do not exult, for Allah does not like the exultant. ——— [34] Korah was Moses’ cousin. Instead of helping his people, he behaved arrogantly toward them.

Rather, seek with what Allah has given you the abode of the Hereafter, without forgetting your share of this world, and do good as Allah has done good to you, and do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for Allah does not like those who spread corruption.”

He said, “I have been given all this because of the knowledge that I have.” Did he not know that Allah destroyed some generations before him who were superior to him in power and greater in accumulating [wealth]? There will be no need for the wicked to be asked about their sins[35]. ——— [35] Since Allah already knows their sins; they will only be interrogated as a form of censure and rebuke.

He came out before his people in all his glamor. Those who desired the life of this world said, “Oh, would that we had the like of what Korah has been given! He is indeed a man of great fortune.”

But those who were given knowledge said, “Woe to you! Allah’s reward is better for those who believe and do righteous deeds. But none will attain this except those who are steadfast.”

Then We caused the earth to swallow him and his house. There was no one to help him against Allah, nor was he able to help himself.

Those who had wished for his position the day before started saying, “Oh, it is surely Allah Who extends provisions to whom He wills or restricts it. If Allah had not favored us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. Oh, indeed the disbelievers will never succeed.”

That is the abode of the Hereafter We will assign to those who neither seek superiority nor corruption on earth. The best outcome is for those who fear Allah.

Whoever comes with a good deed will be rewarded with what is better, and whoever comes with an evil deed, the evildoers will only be recompensed for what they used to do.

Indeed, the One Who has ordained for you the Qur’an will bring you back home[36]. Say, “My Lord knows best who has come with guidance and who is clearly misguided.” ——— [36] This is referring to the return of the Prophet (ﷺ) to Makkah after emigration to Medina, which did take place eventually as a conquerer.

You were not expecting the Book to be revealed to you, but it was a mercy from your Lord. So never be a supporter to the disbelievers[37]. ——— [37] By making any concessions to their beliefs.

Do not let them turn you away from Allah’s verses after they have been sent down to you. Rather, call people to your Lord, and never be among those who associate partners with Allah.

Do not invoke with Allah another god; none has the right to be worshiped except Him. Everything will perish except His Face[38]. His is the Judgment and to Him you will all be brought back. ——— [38] i.e., except Himself. The commentators have two interpretations here: 1. that Allah is Permanent and Eternal, for everything will perish except Himself. 2. that everything will perish except what is done for the sake (Face) of Allah.

Alif Lām Mīm[1]. ——— [1] See footnote 2:1

Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test?

We certainly tested those who came before them. For Allah will surely make known those who are truthful and those who are liars.

Do the evildoers think that they can escape Us? How evil is their judgment!

Whoever hopes to meet Allah, the time appointed by Allah is sure to come, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

Whoever strives, he only strives for his own good. Indeed, Allah is in no need of the worlds.

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will surely expiate their sins, and reward them according to the best of what they used to do.

We have enjoined upon man kindness to his parents. But if they strive to make you associate with Me what you have no knowledge of[2], then do not obey them. To Me is your return; then I will inform you of what you used to do. ——— [2] Knowledge of other gods, as there can be no valid knowledge about something non-existent or untrue.

Those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will surely admit them among the righteous.

There are some among people who say, “We believe in Allah”, but when they suffer for the sake of Allah, they deem the persecution of men as equal to the punishment of Allah. But when victory comes from your Lord, they will surely say, “We were with you.” Does Allah not know best what is in the hearts of all people?

Allah will certainly make known those who truly believe and those who are hypocrites.

Those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Follow our way, and we will bear the burden of your sins.” But they will never bear any of their sins. They are indeed liars.

They will certainly bear their own burdens, as well as other burdens along with their own burdens[3], and on the Day of Resurrection they will certainly be questioned concerning what they used to fabricate. ——— [3] They will carry the burdens of those whom they misled besides their own sins, although it will not lessen the burden of the former.

We sent Noah to his people, and he lived among them for a thousand years, less fifty. Then the Flood overtook them, while they persisted in wrongdoing.

But We saved him and those who were in the Ark, and We made it[4] a sign for all people. ——— [4] i.e., the Ark or the story.

And [remember] Abraham, when he said to his people, “Worship Allah and fear Him; that is better for you, if only you knew.

You worship nothing besides Allah but idols and fabricate lies. Those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you provision. So seek provision from Allah, worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you will all be returned.

If you reject [the message], so did many nations reject before you. The duty of the Messenger is only to deliver the message clearly[5].” ——— [5] It is either the continuation of the words of Abraham or Allah’s words given as a comfort to the Prophet (ﷺ).

Do they not see how Allah originates the creation then resurrects it? That is certainly easy for Allah.

Say, “Travel through the land and see how He originated the creation, and then Allah will repeat it a second time. Indeed, Allah is Most Capable of all things.”

He punishes whom He wills and shows mercy to whom He wills, and to Him you will all be returned.

You cannot escape [His punishment] on earth or in heaven, and you have no protector or helper besides Allah.”

Those who disbelieve in Allah’s signs and the meeting with Him, it is they who will have no hope in My mercy, and for them there will be a painful punishment.

His people’s only response was to say, “Kill him or burn him!” But Allah saved him from the fire[6]. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who believe. ——— [6] The people of Abraham tried to burn him because he called them to worship Allah alone without associating others with Him; eventually, he smashed their idols. For the full story see 21:51-71.

He said, “You have taken idols other than Allah as a means of love among yourselves in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection you will disown and curse one another. Your abode will be the Fire, and you will have no helpers.”

Lot believed in him, and Abraham said, “I am emigrating to my Lord. He is indeed the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

We gave him Isaac and Jacob, and assigned prophethood and scripture to his offspring, and gave him his reward in this life[7], and in the Hereafter he will surely be among the righteous. ——— [7] By righteous offspring, honorable mention, etc.

And [remember] Lot, when he said to his people, “You surely commit a shameful act that no one in the world has ever done before you.

Do you approach men with lust, engage in highway robbery[8], and practice immoral acts in your gatherings?” But the only response his people gave was to say, “Bring us Allah’s punishment, if you are truthful.” ——— [8] And aggression against travelers.

He said, “My Lord, help me against people who spread corruption.”

When Our angel-messengers came to Abraham with glad tidings[9], they said, “We are going to destroy the people of this town, for its people have been persisting in wickedness.” ——— [9] Of the birth of Isaac and his son, Jacob.

He said, “But Lot is there!” They said, “We know well who is there. We will surely save him and his family, except his wife; she is one of those who will remain behind.”

When Our angel-messengers came to Lot, he was distressed by their coming and felt troubled on their account[10], but they said, “Do not fear nor grieve; we will surely save you and your family, except your wife; she is one of those who will remain behind.” ——— [10] Because they came in the form of handsome men, so Prophet Lot was worried for the dignity of his guests from his wicked people.

We will surely send down on the people of this town a scourge from heaven because of their evildoing.”

We surely left some of its ruins as a clear sign for people of understanding.

To the people of Midian we sent their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, “O my people, worship Allah and expect the Last Day, and do not go about spreading corruption in the land.”

But they rejected him, so an earthquake seized them and they fell lifeless in their homes.

And [We destroyed] ‘Ād and Thamūd, which is clear to you from their ruined dwellings. Satan made their deeds appealing to them and averted them from the right way, although they were people of perception.

And [We also destroyed] Korah, Pharaoh and Hāmān. Moses came to them with clear signs, but they showed arrogance in the land, yet they could not escape [Us].

Each of them We seized for their sin: against some of them We sent a storm of stones[11]; some were seized by a blast[12]; some We caused the earth to swallow[13]; and some We drowned[14]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but it was they who wronged themselves. ——— [11] e.g., the people of Prophet Lot; and the people of Prophet Hūd (Aad) who were subjected to a furious windstorm for seven nights and eight days continuously. [12] e.g., the people of Prophet Sālih (Thamūd). [13] e.g., Korah, the cousin of Prophet Moses. [14] e.g., the people of Prophet Noah; Pharaoh; and Hāmān.

The likeness of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of a spider spinning a house. Indeed, the flimsiest of houses is the house of a spider[15], if only they knew. ——— [15] As it cannot protect the spider against rain, strong wind, and enemies.

Allah knows whatever they call upon besides Him. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

Such are the comparisons We set forth for people, but none will understand them except the people of knowledge.

Allah created the heavens and earth for a true purpose. Indeed, there is a sign in this for the believers.

Recite [O Prophet] what is revealed to you of the Book, and establish prayer, for indeed prayer restrains one from immoral acts and wickedness[16]. Indeed, the remembrance of Allah is of greater merit. And Allah knows all what you do. ——— [16] For it instills light in the heart, which prevents committing sins and guides to good deeds.

Do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner, unless with those of them who transgress[17] [against you]. And say, “We believe in what is sent down to us and what was sent down to you, and our God and your God is One, and to Him we submit.” ——— [17] Those who are obstinate and oppressive against Muslims, should not be dealt with in the best manner, for it will make them persist in their disbelief and transgression.

Thus We have sent down to you the Book. Those to whom We gave the Scripture believe in it[18], and from these [pagans] there are some who believe in it, and none rejects Our verses except the disbelievers. ——— [18] Such as Abdullah ibn Salām, for they find the description of the Qur’an in their scriptures.

You [O Prophet] never recited any book before this, nor did you write with your hand. Otherwise, the people of falsehood would have raised suspicions.

Rather, this [Qur’an] is clear verses [preserved] in the hearts of those who have been given knowledge. And none rejects Our verses except the wrongdoers.

They say, “Why is it that no signs have been sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, “The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a clear warner.”

Is it not enough for them that We have sent down to you the Book which is being recited to them? Indeed, there is a mercy and reminder in it for people who believe.

Say, “Allah is Sufficient as a Witness between me and you. He knows all that is in the heavens and earth. Those who believe in falsehood and disbelieve in Allah, it is they who are the losers.”

They ask you [O Prophet] to hasten the punishment. If it had not been for a time already set, the punishment would have come to them. But it will surely come to them by surprise when they least expect it.

They ask you to hasten the punishment, but Hell will surely encompass the disbelievers

on the Day when the punishment will overwhelm them from above and from below their feet, and He will say, “Taste [the punishment] for what you used to do!”

O My believing slaves, My earth is spacious, so worship Me alone.

Every soul will taste death, and then to Us you will all be returned.

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, We will surely accommodate them in mansions of Paradise under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. How excellent is the reward of those who work [righteousness]! –

those who endure patiently and put their trust in their Lord.

How many creatures there are that cannot carry their provisions! It is Allah Who provides for them and for you, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

If you ask them who created the heavens and earth and subjected the sun and moon, they will surely say, “Allah.” How are they then deluded?[19] ——— [19] How are they turning away from belief in Allah alone and worshiping besides Him other false deities that cannot bring about benefit or cause harm?!

Allah extends provision to whom He wills of His slaves or restricts it. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

If you ask them who sends down rain from the sky, then revives therewith the land after its death, they will surely say, “Allah”. Say, “All praise is for Allah,” but most of them do not understand.

The life of this world is nothing but amusement and play, and the Abode of the Hereafter is indeed the real life, if only they knew.

When they board a ship, they supplicate Allah, devoting their faith sincerely to Him. But as soon as He rescues them to the land, they associate partners with Him,

showing their ingratitude to what We have given them and enjoy themselves, but they will soon come to know.

Do they not see that We have made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people around them are being snatched away?[20] Do they still believe in falsehood[21] and show ingratitude to Allah’s favors? ——— [20] Makkah, especially Ka‘bah, was considered a sanctuary; as fighting was forbidden therein, and whoever entered it was safe. Whereas people were being killed and taken as captives in other cities of Arabia. [21] i.e., in idols and false gods.

Who does greater wrong than one who fabricates lies against Allah or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is there not a home in Hell for the disbelievers?

As for those who strive in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our ways[22], for Allah is certainly with those who do good. ——— [22] i.e., various ways and means of attaining Allah’s pleasure.

Alif Lām Mīm[1]. ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

The Romans have been defeated[2] ——— [2] By the Persians.

in a nearby land[3], but they will gain victory after their defeat ——— [3] Or in the lowest part of the earth.

within a few years. To Allah belongs the whole matter before and after [the victory]. On that day the believers will rejoice

at the victory granted by Allah[4]. He gives victory to whom He wills, and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. ——— [4] i.e., Allah’s victory to the People of the Book (the Christians) over the Magians of Persia.

This is the promise of Allah. Allah never breaks His promise, but most people do not know.

They only know the apparent life of this world, but they are heedless of the Hereafter.

Do they not reflect on themselves? Allah did not create the heavens and earth and all that is between them except for a true purpose and for an appointed term, but most people deny the meeting with their Lord.

Have they not traveled through the land to see how was the end of those who came before them? They were more powerful than them, and they tilled the land and built it more than these people have ever built. Their messengers came to them with clear proofs. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but it was they who wronged themselves.

Then the end of the evildoers was utterly evil because they rejected the signs of Allah and used to ridicule them.

Allah brings the creation into being, then He will repeat it[5], then to Him you will be returned. ——— [5] Common sense testifies that He Who originates creation can reproduce it far more easily.

On the Day when the Hour begins, the wicked will be in utmost despair.

They will have no intercessors among their [so-called] partners, rather they will disown those partners.

On the Day when the Hour begins, the people will then be separated:

As for those who believed and did righteous deeds, they will be rejoicing in a garden [of Paradise].

And as for those who disbelieved, and rejected Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter, they will be arraigned for punishment.

So glory be to Allah in the evening and in the morning[6], ——— [6] This and the next verse demonstrate the times of the five daily prayers. The "evening" refers to Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers, and "morning" refers to Fajr prayer.

and all praise is due to Him in the heavens and earth – and [glorify Him] in the afternoon and at noon[7]. ——— [7] The "afternoon" refers to ‘Asr prayer, and "noon" refers to Zhuhr prayer.

He brings the living out of the dead and the dead out of the living, and gives life to the earth after its death. This is how you will be brought forth[8]. ——— [8] Out of the graves at the time of resurrection.

Among His signs is that He created you from dust, then you became human beings spreading [on the earth].

And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves that you may find comfort in them, and He placed between you love and mercy. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who reflect.

And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colors. Indeed, there are signs in this for those who have knowledge.

And among His signs is your sleep by night and day, and your seeking of His bounty [by day]. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who listen.

And among His signs is that He shows you lightning, causing fear and hope[9], and He sends down water from the sky, reviving therewith the earth after its death. Indeed, there are signs in this for people who understand. ——— [9] i.e., fear of thunderbolts and torrents, and hope of pleasant and cultivating rain.

And among His signs is that the sky and earth are maintained by His command. Then when He calls you out of the earth, you will immediately come forth.

To Him belong all those who are in the heavens and earth; all are devotedly obedient to Him.

It is He Who originates the creation and then repeats it, which is easier for Him. To Him belong the most sublime attributes in the heavens and earth, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

He makes this comparison for you from your own lives: do you have among your slaves any partners who equally share with you whatever wealth we have given you[10], so you are fearing them as you fear one another[11]? This is how We make the verses clear for people who understand. ——— [10] Here Allah says that humans would not let their slaves be their partners in their wealth, how can they accept helpless humans as partners with Allah Who owns the whole universe in His dominion?! [11] So you fear those slaves to share with you your wealth equally, similar to your fear of your free partners to share with you your wealth.

In fact, the wrongdoers follow their own desires without any knowledge. Who can guide those whom Allah caused to stray? They will have no helpers.

Adhere sincerely to the true religion in all uprightness. This is the natural disposition[12] with which Allah has created mankind. There is no change in Allah’s creation. This is the straight religion, but most people do not know[13]. ——— [12] Fitrah: the natural inborn inclination of man to worship his Lord prior to the corruption of his nature by external influences. Thus, the Islamic monotheistic faith is described as the religion of fitrah - that of the inherent nature of humankind. [13] i.e., let people stay committed to their fitrah within the religion of Islam.

Turn to Him [in repentance] and fear Him, and establish prayer, and do not be among those who associate partners with Allah,

those who split up their religion and became sects, each party rejoicing in what it has[14]. ——— [14] Of beliefs, traditions, opinions, etc.

When people are afflicted with hardship, they cry out to their Lord, turning to Him penitently. But as soon as He gives them a taste of His mercy, some of them associate partners with their Lord,

showing their ingratitude for what We have given them. Then enjoy yourselves for a while, but you will soon come to know.

Is it that We have sent down to them any authority that speaks in support of their associating partners with Him?

When We give people a taste of mercy, they rejoice in pride. But when they are afflicted with evil because of what their hands have done, they fall into utter despair.

Do they not see that Allah extends provision to whom He wills or restricts it? Indeed, there are signs in this for people who believe.

So give your close relatives their due, and the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek Allah’s pleasure[15], and it is they who will be successful. ——— [15] lit., seek Allah’s Face.

Whatever you lend in usury in order to gain more at the expense of people’s wealth[16], it will not increase [in reward] with Allah. But whatever you give as charity[17], seeking Allah’s pleasure – it is they who will have multiple rewards[18]. ——— [16] i.e., to be repaid with interest; or a gift given with the intention of obtaining a greater benefit or a larger gift. [17] i.e., voluntary or obligatory charity. [18] Of its blessings in this life and its rewards in the Hereafter.

It is Allah Who created you, then gave you provision, then He will cause you to die and then will bring you back to life. Is there any of your [so-called] partners who can do anything of this? Glorified and Exalted is He far above what they associate with Him!

Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what people’s hands have earned, so that He may cause them to taste the consequence of some of their deeds, so that they may return.

Say, “Travel through the land and see how was the end of those who came before – most of them associated partners with Allah.”

Adhere sincerely to the true religion before there comes a Day that cannot be averted from Allah. On that Day people will be divided[19]. ——— [19] i.e., one party will be in Paradise and another in Hell.

Whoever disbelieves will bear [the burden of] his disbelief, and whoever does righteous deeds, they are preparing for themselves [a place in Paradise],

so that He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds out of His grace. Indeed, He does not like the disbelievers.

Among His signs is that He sends the winds as harbingers [of rain], so that He may give you a taste of His mercy, and that the ships may sail by His command, and that you may seek His bounty, and so that you may be grateful.

Indeed, We sent before you messengers to their people, and they came to them with clear signs. Then We took vengeance on those who persisted in wickedness, for it is incumbent upon Us to help the believers[20]. ——— [20] i.e., We made it obligatory upon Us to help the believers.

It is Allah Who sends the winds that stir up clouds, then He spreads them in the sky as He wills, and He splits them into different fragments, and then you see the rain pouring down from their midst. Then as soon as He makes it fall upon whoever He wills of His slaves, they rejoice,

although they had lost all hope before it was sent down to them.

See then the effects of Allah’s mercy, how He revives the earth after its death. Indeed, it is He Who will raise the dead, and He is Most Capable of all things.

But if We send a [harmful] wind and they see [their crops] turning yellow, they become ungrateful thereafter[21]. ——— [21] i.e., they become ungrateful to the previous favors of Allah.

You cannot make the dead hear, nor can you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs and walk away.

Nor can you guide the blind out of their misguidance. You cannot make anyone hear except those who believe in Our verses, for they are ready to submit [to Allah].

It is Allah Who created you in a state of weakness, then after weakness He gave you strength, then after strength He made you weak and old. He creates what He wills, and He is the All-Knowing, the Most Capable.

On the Day when the Hour begins, the wicked will swear that they had not stayed [in this world] more than an hour. This is how they were deluded [from the truth][22]. ——— [22] They used to make similar wrong estimates in the world that there was going to be no resurrection and accountability.

As for those who were given knowledge and faith will say, “You did stay, according to Allah’s decree, until the Day of Resurrection. This is the Day of Resurrection, but you did not know[23].” ——— [23] i.e., you did not acknowledge the truth about the afterlife.

On that Day, no excuse will benefit the wrongdoers, nor will they be allowed to make amends.

We have presented in this Qur’an every kind of example for mankind. But no matter what sign you bring them, the disbelievers will surely say, “You follow nothing but falsehood.”

This is how Allah seals the hearts of those who have no knowledge[24]. ——— [24] i.e., those who do not want to know the truth; rather, they refuse it.

So be patient, for Allah’s promise is true, and do not let those who have no faith discourage you.

Alif Lām Mīm[1]. ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

These are the verses of the Book of wisdom[2], ——— [2] i.e., full of wisdom and whose teachings are based on wisdom.

a guidance and mercy for those who do good,

those who establish prayer and give zakah, and firmly believe in the Hereafter.

It is they who are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is they who are successful.

There are some people who engage in a discourse of amusements[3] in order to lead people away from the way of Allah without knowledge, and to make a mockery of it. For such there will be a humiliating punishment. ——— [3] i.e., all that diverts one from the Qur’an and the remembrance of Allah such as misleading stories, gossip, singing, dancing, etc.

When Our verses are recited to him, he turns away in arrogance, as if he did not hear them, as if there were deafness in his ears. So give him tidings of a painful punishment.

But those who believe and do righteous deeds, they will have Gardens of Bliss,

abiding therein forever; this is a true promise from Allah, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

He created the heavens without pillars that you can see; and He placed firm mountains on the earth so it does not shake with you; and He spread therein all kinds of creatures. We sent down rain from the sky and caused to grow therein all kinds of fine plants.

This is Allah’s creation. So show Me what others besides Him have created. In fact, the wrongdoers are clearly misguided.

Indeed, We endowed Luqmān[4] with wisdom, [saying], “Be grateful to Allah.” Whoever is grateful, it is only for his own good; and whoever is ungrateful, then Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy. ——— [4] It is believed that Luqmān was a righteous and wise man during the time of Prophet David.

When Luqmān said to his son, while advising him, “O my dear son, do not associate partners with Allah. Indeed, associating partners with Allah is the worst wrongdoing.”

We have enjoined upon man kindness to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning took place within two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents. To Me is the final return.

But if they strive to make you associate partners with Me of what you have no knowledge[5], then do not obey them. Yet keep company with them in this world with kindness, and follow the way of those who turn to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me is your return, and I will inform you of what you used to do. ——— [5] Of other false gods, while there is no partner with Me whatsoever.

[Luqmān said], “O my dear son, even if a deed were the weight of a mustard seed – whether in a rock or in the heavens or in the earth – Allah will bring it forth. Indeed, Allah is Most Subtle, All-Aware.

“O my dear son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and be patient with whatever befalls you. This is a matter of firm resolve[6]. ——— [6] For they are enjoined by Allah.

Do not turn your face away from people [in contempt][7], and do not walk on earth in arrogance. Indeed, Allah does not like anyone who is arrogant and boastful. ——— [7] Rather, direct your face and attention to them as a sign of respect.

Be moderate in your gait and lower your voice. Indeed, the most repugnant of voices is the voice of donkeys.”

Do you not see that Allah has made subservient to you all that is in the heavens and on earth, and has abundantly bestowed upon you His favors, both apparent and hidden? Yet there are some people who dispute concerning Allah without knowledge, guidance, or an enlightening scripture.

When it is said to them, “Follow what Allah has sent down,” they say, “No, we follow what we found our forefathers doing.” Is that so, even if Satan is calling them to the punishment of the Blazing Fire?

Whoever submits himself to Allah[8] and does good, has certainly grasped the firmest handhold. To Allah is the ultimate decision of all matters. ——— [8] i.e., obeys His commandments sincerely in words and deeds.

But whoever disbelieves, do not let his disbelief grieve you. To Us is their return, then We will inform them of what they used to do. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing of what is in the hearts.

We let them enjoy for a little while, then We will drive them to a harsh punishment.

If you ask them who created the heavens and earth, they will surely say, “Allah.” Say, “All praise is for Allah.” Yet most of them do not understand.

To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and earth. Indeed, Allah is the Self-Sufficient, the Praiseworthy.

If all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean [were ink], replenished by seven more oceans, the Words of Allah would not be exhausted[9]. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. ——— [9] See footnote 18:109.

Your creation and resurrection is only like that of a single soul[10]. Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All Seeing. ——— [10] The creation and resurrection of all of you are as easy to Allah as that of a single soul.

Do you not see that Allah causes the night to merge into day and the day into the night, and has subjected the sun and the moon, each running its course for an appointed term, and that Allah is All-Aware of what you do?

That is because Allah is the Truth, and what they supplicate other than Him is false, and it is Allah Who is the Most High, the All-Great.

Do you not see that the ships sail through the sea by the grace of Allah, so that He may show you some of His signs? Indeed, there are signs in this for everyone who is steadfast and grateful.

When they are overwhelmed by waves like canopies, they cry out to Allah in sincere devotion to Him alone, but when He delivers them to the land, only some of them take a middle course [in faith][11]. But none rejects Our signs except every ungrateful treacherous. ——— [11] i.e., for they do not show gratitude to Allah in a due manner.

O people, fear your Lord and dread a day when no father will avail his son, nor will a son avail his father anything. The promise of Allah is true, so do not let the life of this world deceive you, nor let the Chief Deceiver [Satan] deceive you concerning Allah.

Indeed, Allah has the knowledge of the Hour[12]. He sends down the rain and knows what is in the wombs[13]. No soul knows what it will do tomorrow[14], nor does any soul know in which land it will die. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. ——— [12] i.e., the time of its occurrence. [13] Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The creation of each one of you is brought together in the womb of his mother as a drop of discharges for forty days, then it becomes a clinging clot of blood for a similar period, then a lump of flesh for a similar period. Then an angel is sent to blow life into the embryo. Then the angel is commanded to write four things: his destined provisions, lifespan, actions, and whether he will be happy or miserable.” [Al-Bukhāri and Muslim] [14] i.e., its timing, its quantity, its location, etc.

Alif Lām Mīm[1]. ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

The revelation of the Book, about which there is no doubt, is from the Lord of the worlds.

Or do they say, “He has fabricated it.”? No, it is the truth from your Lord so that you may warn a people to whom no warner has come before you, in order that they may be guided.

It is Allah Who created the heavens and earth and all that is between them in six Days, then rose over the Throne[2]. You have no protector or intercessor other than Him. Will you not then take heed? ——— [2] See footnote 7:54.

He manages every matter from the heaven to the earth, then everything ascends to Him on a Day the length of which is a thousand years by your reckoning.

Such is the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful,

Who perfected everything He created, and initiated the creation of man[3] from clay. ——— [3] i.e., the creation of Adam in an unprecedented manner.

Then He made his progeny from the extract of a worthless fluid.

Then He fashioned him and breathed into him of His spirit[4]. He granted you hearing, sight and intellect; yet little it is that you give thanks. ——— [4] i.e., which is an element of life.

They say, “What! Is it that when we are disintegrated into the earth, will we then be created anew?” Rather, they deny the meeting with their Lord.

Say, “The angel of death, who is in charge of you, will take your souls, then to your Lord you will be brought back.”

If only you could see the wicked lowering their heads before their Lord, “Our Lord, we have now seen and heard. Send us back; we will do righteous deeds. Now we truly have faith.”

If We had willed, We could have given every soul its guidance, but My Word[5] will be fulfilled: “I will certainly fill up Hell with jinn and men all together.” ——— [5] That the evildoers deserve.

So taste [the punishment] because you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours. We have likewise forgotten you. Taste the eternal punishment for what you used to do.”

The true believers in Our verses are only those who, when they are reminded of them, fall in prostration and glorify their Lord with praise, and they do not show arrogance.

They forsake their beds, invoking their Lord with fear and hope, and spend[6] out of what We have provided for them. ——— [6] In the way of Allah.

No soul knows what delights are kept hidden for them as a reward for what they used to do.

Is one who is a believer like one who is an evildoer? They are not equal.

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, they will have gardens to dwell in, as an accommodation for what they used to do.

But those who are rebellious, their abode will be the Fire. Every time they try to escape from it, they will be driven back into it, and it will be said to them, “Taste the punishment of the Fire which you used to deny.”

We will certainly make them taste some minor punishment[7] prior to the greater punishment[8], so that they may return. ——— [7] i.e., the calamities and trials in this world. [8] In the Hereafter.

Who does greater wrong than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord, then turns away from them? We will surely take vengeance upon the wicked.

We gave Moses the Scripture, so do not doubt about meeting him[9], and We made it a guide for the Children of Israel. ——— [9] i.e., so do not doubt, O Muhammad, about meeting Moses on the night of al-Mi‘rāj (ascent).

We made some of them leaders[10], guiding by Our command, because they observed patience and firmly believed in Our signs. ——— [10] i.e., prophets and religious leaders.

Indeed, it is your Lord Who will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.

Is it not yet clear to them how many generations We destroyed before them, in whose dwellings they now walk about? Indeed, there are signs in this. Do they not then listen?

Do they not see that We drive water to parched land, producing thereby crops of which their cattle and they themselves eat? Do they not then see?

They say, “When will this Decision[11] be if you are truthful?” ——— [11] i.e., judgment on the Day of Resurrection.

Say, “On the Day of Decision the belief of those who disbelieved will not benefit them, nor will they be given any respite.”

So turn away from them and wait; they too are waiting.

O Prophet, fear Allah and do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Follow what is revealed to you from your Lord. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

Put your trust in Allah; sufficient is Allah as a Disposer of Affairs.

Allah has not made for any man two hearts inside him, nor has he made your wives – whom you declare unlawful – your real mothers[1], nor has he made your adopted sons your real sons[2]. These are only words that you utter, but Allah speaks the truth and He guides to the right way. ——— [1] This type of divorce is called zihār: a common practice in Arabia before the Prophet (ﷺ). If someone declared his wife as unlawful for him as the zahr (back) of his mother is unlawful for him, his wife would be divorced. Islam abolished this divorce. Allah says: “As for those among you who divorce their wives by likening them to their mothers, they are not their mothers; their mothers are none but those who gave birth to them.” See 58:2. [2] Adoption of a child or an orphan is not permissible by ascribing the child to other than their real parents. Whereas, it is permissible for one to sponsor a child or host them in their home and care for them as they care for their own children, except for legal matters.

Call these [adopted sons] by their fathers’ names; that is more equitable before Allah. But if you do not know their fathers, then they are your brothers in faith and your patronized associates. There is no blame on you if you make a mistake in that regard, but only for what your hearts intend. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The Prophet has a greater claim over the believers than their own selves[3], and his wives are their mothers. And blood relatives are more entitled [to inheritance] than other believers and emigrants according to the Book of Allah unless you do good to your close associates [through bequest][4]. This is written in the Record[5]. ——— [3] He (ﷺ) is more worthy of their obedience and loyalty. [4] A previous ruling that allowed inheritance between Muslims, especially between the Emigrants and the Helpers, was abrogated. Only relatives can inherit from one another now, whereas non-heirs can have a share through a bequest of a deceased, up to one-third of the estate. See 4:7, 11-13, 32-33, 176, 8:75. [5] i.e., the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfūz).

And [remember] when We took from the prophets their covenant and from you [O Prophet], and from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, son of Mary; We took from them a solemn covenant

so that He may question the truthful[6] about their truthfulness, and He has prepared for the disbelievers a painful punishment. ——— [6] i.e., so that He may ask the "prophets" what they conveyed and what response they received. The "truthful" may also refer to those who believed in the prophets’ message and imparted it to others.

O you who believe, remember Allah’s favor upon you when [enemy] forces came against you[7], but We sent against them a violent wind and forces that you could not see[8]. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. ——— [7] This is referring to what is known as the Battle of the Trench or the Confederates which occurred in 5 A.H./627 C.E., where the pagans of Makkah along with some Arab and Jewish tribes (totaling around 10,000 soldiers) besieged Madinah, and the Prophet (ﷺ) positioned around 3000 soldiers to defend Madinah. The Prophet (ﷺ) had anticipated the offense and, upon advice from one of his companions, Salmān from Persia, dug a trench around the city to protect it from the invaders. After several attempts to cross the trench, the Allied forces lost morale and were forced to end the siege due to severe weather conditions. By this Allah saved Muslims from the machination of the non-Muslim allied forces to destroy the newly-born Islamic community in Madinah. [8] i.e., the angles.

[Remember] when they came upon you from above you and from below you[9], and your eyes grew wild [in horror], and the hearts reached the throats, and you began to entertain various thoughts about Allah[10]. ——— [9] i.e., those coming from Najd and Khaybar came from above and those coming from Makkah came from below you. [10] i.e., sometimes expecting victory and other times going desperate.

There the believers were tested and were severely shaken.

And [remember] when the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts said, “Allah and His Messenger did not promise us but delusion!”

And [remember] when a group of them said, “O people of Yathrib[11], you cannot withstand [the enemy attack], so go back.” Another group of them asked the Prophet’s permission to leave, saying, “Our homes are exposed,” even though they were not exposed; they only wanted to flee. ——— [11] This was the name of Madīnah prior to the arrival of the Prophet (ﷺ).

If the enemy were to enter the town upon them[12] from all sides, and they were asked to abandon faith, they would have done it and would not have shown hesitation in it except a little. ——— [12] i.e., upon the hypocrites.

They had already made a covenant with Allah earlier that they would not turn and flee, and the covenant of Allah will surely be questioned about.

Say, “Fleeing will never benefit you if you try to flee from death or killing, even then you will only be left to enjoy life except for a little while[13].” ——— [13] i.e., until your short life on earth comes to an end.

Say, “Who is there that can protect you from Allah if He intends to harm you[14] or show you mercy?” They will not find besides Allah any protector or helper. ——— [14] i.e., by killing or death.

Allah knows well those among you who discourage others[15] and those [hypocrites] who say to their brothers, “Come and join us[16],” and they hardly take part in the battle[17]. ——— [15] From supporting the Prophet (ﷺ) in battle. [16] Instead of joining the Prophet (ﷺ). [17] If they go out, they do so for ulterior motives, not to help the Prophet (ﷺ).

They are niggardly[18] towards you. When danger comes, you see them looking at you with their eyes rolling like someone in the throes of death. But when danger is over, they slash you with sharp tongues, in greed for gains. Such people have not truly believed, so Allah will render their deeds worthless. That is easy for Allah. ——— [18] i.e., stingy, not willing to provide any help.

They think that the Confederates have not yet gone[19]. If the Confederates were to come again, they would wish that they were away in the desert with Bedouins, asking for news of you. Even if they were among you, they would hardly take part in the fight. ——— [19] Due to their excessive cowardice, the hypocrites could not believe that the non-Muslim allied forces had left.

Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example[20] for those who look forward to Allah and the Last Day, and remember Allah much. ——— [20] i.e., a role model to be followed.

When the believers saw the confederates, they said, “This is what Allah and His messenger had promised us[21], and Allah and His messenger have told the truth.” And it only increased them in faith and submission. ——— [21] Of trial, hardship, and victory.

Among the believers there are men who have been true to their pledge to Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their pledge[22], and others are still waiting[23], and they have not changed in the least[24]. ——— [22] i.e., have been martyred or died in the way of Allah. [23] i.e., waiting to be martyred for the sake of Allah. [24] Unlike the hypocrites who have betrayed their pledges.

[It all happened] so that Allah may reward the truthful for their truthfulness, and punish the hypocrites if He wills, or accept their repentance. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah has repelled the disbelievers in their rage without gaining any good. And Allah spared the believers from fighting, and Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty.

And He brought down those of the People of the Book[25] who supported them from their fortresses, and cast horror into their hearts: you killed some and took others as captives. ——— [25] The Jews of Banū Qurayzah betrayed the Muslims by breaking their treaty with them and joined the Allied forces.

He also made you inherit their land, their homes and their wealth, and a land on which you have not yet set foot[26]. And Allah is Most Capable of all things. ——— [26] i.e., the land of Khayber that was taken in subsequent conquests.

O Prophet, tell your wives, “If you seek the life of this world and its embellishments, then come, I will give you provision and release you graciously.

But if you seek Allah and His Messenger and the Final Abode, then Allah has prepared for those who do good among you a great reward.”

O wives of the Prophet, if anyone from among you were to commit a clear shameful act, the punishment would be doubled for her. That is easy for Allah.

But whoever among you devoutly obeys Allah and His Messenger and does righteous deeds, We will give her a double reward, and We have prepared for her an honorable provision.

O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any other women: if you fear Allah, do not be complaisant in your speech[27], lest those with sickness in their hearts should be moved with desire; but speak in an appropriate manner. ——— [27] i.e., do not be soft in your speech.

Stay in your homes and do not display your charms as was done in the former days of ignorance; establish prayer and give Zakah; and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah only intends to keep evil away from you, O members of the [Prophet’s] household, and to completely purify you.

And remember what is recited in your homes of Allah’s verses and [prophetic] wisdom[28]. Allah is Most Subtle, All-Aware. ——— [28] The Sunnah or the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Muslim men and women, believing men and women, obedient men and women, truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, charitable men and women, fasting men and women, and the men and women who guard their chastity, and men and women who remember Allah much – Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.

It is not for a believing man or woman – when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter – to have any other choice in their matter[29]. Whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has clearly gone astray. ——— [29] i.e., to seek judgment from anyone else, or to have a choice to accept or reject it.

And [remember, O Prophet] when you were saying to the one[30] who was favored by Allah[31] and favored by you[32], “Keep your wife and fear Allah.” You were concealing in your heart what Allah was going to reveal[33], and you were fearing people[34], while it was more fitting that you should fear Allah[35]. When Zayd no longer had desire for her, We gave her to you in marriage, so that there would be no restraint for the believers in marrying the ex-wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have desire for them. And Allah’s decree is bound to be fulfilled. ——— [30] It refers to the Prophet's adopted son, Zayd ibn Hārithah, before the adoption was abolished. [31] By guiding him to Islam. [32] By emancipating him from bondage. [33] i.e., the command of Allah to the Prophet (ﷺ) to marry Zaynab bint Jahsh after Zayd divorced her; in order to make clear to people that a man can marry a woman previously married to his adopted son. [34] i.e., fear that people may say that he married the former wife of his adopted son. [35] By making Allah’s command known to people.

There is no blame on the Prophet concerning what Allah has made lawful for him[36]. Such was the way of Allah with those [prophets] who came before. And Allah’s command is a decree firmly determined, ——— [36] Concerning the Prophet’s (ﷺ) marriage with Zaynab bint Jahsh.

those who convey the messages of Allah[37] and fear Him, and they do not fear anyone except Allah. And sufficient is Allah as a Reckoner. ——— [37] i.e., the prophets and their followers who honestly convey Allah’s message to the people.

Muhammad is not the father of any of your men[38], but he is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. And Allah is All-Knowing of everything. ——— [38] Muhammad (ﷺ) is not the father of any men, neither Zaid (previously mentioned in verse 37) nor any other men. He (ﷺ) had three biological sons: Qāsim, Ibrāhim, and Abdullah; all of them died in their childhood.

O you who believe, remember Allah much,

and glorify Him morning and evening.

It is He Who confers blessings upon you[39], and His angels pray for you, so that He may bring you out of the depths of darkness into the light. And He is Most Merciful to the believers. ——— [39] i.e., He praises you in the presence of the angels.

Their greeting on the Day they meet Him will be, “Peace,” and He has prepared for them a generous reward.

O prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner,

and a caller to [the way of] Allah by His command, and as a lamp spreading light.

And give glad tidings to the believers that they will have a great bounty from Allah.

Do not yield to the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and pay no heed to their annoyances. Put your trust in Allah, for Allah is sufficient as a Trustee of affairs.

O you who believe, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before the marriage is consummated[40], you have no reason to ask them to observe any waiting period[41], so give them compensation and release them in a pleasant manner. ——— [40] Lit., before you touch them. [41] After divorce a waiting period of three months is observed; however, if the marriage is not consummated, then there is no waiting period after the divorce.

O Prophet, We have made lawful for you[42] your wives whose dowries[43] you have paid; any bondwomen you may own from the captives whom Allah has bestowed upon you; daughters of your paternal uncle, daughters of your paternal aunts, daughters of your maternal uncle, daughters of your maternal aunts who have migrated with you; and a believing woman who offers herself to the Prophet [without dowry] if the Prophet wishes to marry her, [this is] exclusively for you, not for the rest of the believers. We know well what We have ordained for them concerning their marriages and the bondwomen they may own, so that there would be no discomfort for you. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.. ——— [42] As for the Muslims, see 4:3. [43] i.e., bridal gifts (mahr).

You [O Prophet] may postpone [the turn of] whoever you wish [of your wives], and you may share your time with whoever of them you wish[44], and there is no blame on you if you call back any of those whose turn you have set aside. That is more likely that they will be content and not distressed, and that they will be satisfied with what you give them all. Allah knows what is in your hearts, and Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing. ——— [44] The Prophet’s marital life is classified into four stages: He was single until the age of 25. He was married only to Khadijah from the age of 25 to 50. He had no wife after Khadijah’s death from the age of 50 to 52. Finally, he had a total of ten wives from the age of 53 until his death at the age of 63. Most of these marriages were to widows, and in some cases to foster ties with some of his companions and neighboring tribes. ‘Ā’ishah was the only virgin among all his wives.

It is not lawful for you [O Prophet] to marry more women henceforth, nor can you replace any of them with others, even if their beauty may please you, except those bondwomen whom you own. And Allah is ever Watchful over all things.

O you who believe, do not enter the houses of the Prophet unless you are given permission for a meal; not so early as to wait for the meal to be prepared. But if you are invited, then enter, and when you have eaten, then disperse, without lingering for conversation. Such [behavior] causes annoyance to the Prophet; he is too shy to express it to you, but Allah is not shy of [telling] the truth. And if you ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a screen; that is purer for your hearts and their hearts. It is not lawful for you to cause annoyance to Allah’s Messenger, or to ever marry his wives after him, for that is indeed an enormous sin before Allah.

Whether you reveal something or conceal it, Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

There is no blame on the Prophet’s wives [if they are seen unveiled] by their fathers[45], their sons, their brothers, their brothers’ sons, their sisters’ sons[46], their fellow [Muslim] women, and their slaves whom they own. And fear Allah [O Prophet’s wives], for Allah is Witness over all things. ——— [45] Uncles, paternal or maternal, are similar to fathers. [46] It is permissible for a woman to appear before these male relatives without wearing a hijāb (a complete covering).

Indeed, Allah sends His blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels pray for him. O you who believe, invoke Allah’s blessings upon him and send him greetings of peace.

Those who offend Allah[47] and His Messenger[48] are cursed by Allah in this world and in the Hereafter, and He has prepared for them a humiliating punishment. ——— [47] By falsely ascribing children to Him or associating partners with Him. [48] By offending him or his household in words or actions.

Those who abuse believing men and women[49] for something they did not commit, will bear the burden of slander and flagrant sin. ——— [49] By physically harming them or falsely accusing them.

O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters, and the believing women to draw their outer garments[50] over themselves; that is more likely that they will be known [as chaste women] and will not be harassed. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ——— [50] Jilbāb (pl. jalābīb): a cloak covering the woman's entire body.

If the hypocrites and those who have sickness in their hearts[51], and the rumormongers in Madinah do not desist, We will surely instruct you [O Prophet] to overpower them, then they will not remain in the city with you except for a short while. ——— [51] By hiding disbelief and proclaiming faith.

They are cursed; wherever they are found they should be seized and killed outright[52]. ——— [52] It was a deterrence to the hypocrites, for the Prophet (ﷺ) did not kill anyone of them as long as they claimed to be Muslims.

Such was Allah’s way with those [hypocrites] who came before, and you will find no change in Allah’s way.

People ask you [O Prophet] concerning the Hour. Say, “Its knowledge is only with Allah.” How could you know? Perhaps the Hour is near.

Indeed, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and has prepared for them a Blazing Fire,

abiding therein forever, never will they find any protector or helper.

On the Day when their faces are turned over in the Fire, they will say, “Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!”

They will say, “Our Lord, we obeyed our chiefs and our elders[53], but they led us astray from the [right] way. ——— [53] i.e., our leaders and our dignitaries.

Our Lord, give them a double punishment and curse them with a mighty curse.”

O you who believe, do not be like those who maligned Moses[54], but Allah cleared him of what they said; he was highly honored before Allah. ——— [54] By falsely accusing him of having a skin disease or another physical defect, simply because he used to bathe with his clothes on, unlike others.

O you who believe, fear Allah and say what is right,

He will guide you to righteous deeds and forgive your sins. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger will surely achieve a supreme triumph.

Indeed, We offered the Trust[55] to the heavens, the earth, and the mountains, yet they refused[56] to bear it and were afraid of it. But man assumed it; he is indeed wrongful and ignorant[57]. ——— [55] i.e., legal assignments and pledge of obedience to Allah. [56] i.e., they did not accept the offer for fear of not being able to bear it in a due manner. [57] Coveting the reward of this commitment while forgetting the consequence of the failure to fulfilling his pledge.

[As a result of that] Allah will punish the hypocrite men and women, and the polytheist men and women, and Allah will accept the repentance of the believing men and women, for Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful[58]. ——— [58] Allah is always willing to forgive whoever repents, regardless of the severity of the sin or the disobedience of His slaves.

All praise be to Allah, to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on earth, and to Him is the praise in the Hereafter; He is the All-Wise, All-Aware.

He knows whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes out of it, and whatever descends from the heaven and whatever ascends to it, and He is the Most Merciful, All-Forgiving.

Those who disbelieve say, “The Hour will not come to us.” Say, “Yes, by my Lord, it will surely come to you.” [He is] the Knower of the unseen; not even an atom’s weight[1] is hidden from Him in the heavens or on earth, nor is there anything smaller or bigger than that, except that it is in a clear Record[2], ——— [1] Or the weight of the smallest ant. [2] i.e., the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfūz).

so that He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds; it is they who will have forgiveness and a generous provision.

But those who strive against Our verses[3], seeking to discredit them, for such there will be a punishment of agonizing pain. ——— [3] In order to undermine their credibility.

Those who are blessed with knowledge can see that whatever has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth and that it guides to the path of the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy.

The disbelievers [mockingly] say, “Shall we show you a man[4] who will tell you that when you are completely disintegrated into dust, you will be created anew?” ——— [4] i.e., the Prophet (ﷺ).

Has he fabricated a lie against Allah, or is he mad?”[5] No, but those who do not believe in the Hereafter will be in the punishment, and they are extremely misguided. ——— [5] People knew that the Prophet (ﷺ) was the most truthful person, as he was known to be the wisest person among them too; so Allah did not refute these two baseless accusations; rather, He only made mention of their consequence of denying the life after death.

Do they not see all that is before them and all that is behind them of the heavens and earth? If We willed, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause fragments of the sky to fall upon them. Indeed, there is a sign in this for every slave who turns to Allah in repentance.

Indeed, We bestowed favors upon David: “O mountains, echo Allah’s praise with him, and the birds too!” And We made iron malleable for him:

“Make coats of mail, and maintain balance in the linking rings, and do [all of you] righteous deeds, for I am All-Seeing of what you do.”

And to Solomon [We subdued] the wind: its morning course was a month’s journey and its evening course was a month’s journey. And We caused a stream of molten brass to flow for him, and there were some jinn who worked for him by his Lord’s permission; whoever among them deviated from Our command, We made him taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire.

They made for him whatever he wished of sanctuaries[6], images[7], basins as large as reservoirs, and huge fixed cooking pots. “Do [good deeds] in gratitude, O household of David!” But few of My slaves are grateful.” ——— [6] i.e., palaces, dwellings, or places of prayer. [7] Which were not prohibited at the time of Solomon (ﷺ).

Then when We decreed Solomon’s death, nothing showed them that he was dead except a creature of the earth[8] eating away his staff[9]. When he fell down, the jinn realized that if they had truly known the unseen, they would not have remained in the debasing servitude[10]. ——— [8] i.e., a termite was gnawing his staff. [9] Upon which he was leaning. [10] It is proof that the jinn do not have knowledge of the unseen.

There was a sign for [the people of] Sheba in their dwelling place: two gardens – one on the right and one on the left. “Eat of your Lord’s provision, and be grateful to Him; a pleasant land and a Forgiving Lord.”

But they turned away, so We sent against them a devastating flood[11] and replaced their two gardens with two others of bitter fruit, and tamarisk bushes, and a few lote trees. ——— [11] i.e., which destroyed their dam and submerged their farms.

This is how We punished them for their ingratitude; would We punish anyone except those who are utterly ungrateful?

We placed [a chain of] towns between them and the towns We had blessed[12], and We made between them well-measured distances[13]: “Travel through them by night and day safely.” ——— [12] i.e., between the land of the people of Sheba and the land of Makkah and Jerusalem. [13] i.e., We placed between them settlements at measured distances for the travelers’ convenience.

But they said, “Our Lord, make [the distance between] our journeys longer[14],” and they wronged themselves. So We made them tales [of the past], and dispersed them in all directions. Indeed, there are signs in this for everyone who is patient and grateful. ——— [14] They were bored of a comfortable life and easy traveling. Similarly, the Children of Israel were bored of eating the manna and quails and sought other types of food such as onions, garlic, cucumber, etc. See 2:61.

Satan found his assumption[15] about them[16] to be true, for they followed him, except for a group of the believers, ——— [15] That he would be able to mislead them. [16] i.e., the people of Sheba or humankind in general.

even though he had no authority over them, except that We might distinguish those who believe in the Hereafter from those who are in doubt about it. Your Lord is Watchful over all things.”

Say, “Call upon those whom you claim [to be gods] besides Allah. They do not have even an atom’s weight of authority in the heavens or on earth, nor do they have any share in either of them, nor is any of them a helper to Allah.”

No intercession will be of any benefit before Him, except for those whom He gave permission. Until when their hearts are relieved of dread[17], they will say [to the angels], “What did your Lord just say?” They will say, “The Truth, and He is the Most High, Most Great.” ——— [17] i.e., the hearts of the angels who will have permission to intercede.

Say, “Who provides for you from the heavens and earth?” Say, “Allah! And surely either we or you[18] are rightly guided or clearly misguided.” ——— [18] i.e., the believers or the polytheists.

Say, “You will not be questioned about our misdeeds, nor will we be questioned about your deeds.”

Say, “Our Lord will gather us together, then He will rightly judge between us, for He is the All-Knowing Judge[19].” ——— [19] Al-Fattāh (lit., "the Opener"): He who decides all matters in truth and justice; opens the way to victory, success, relief, and knowledge.

Say, “Show me those whom you have associated with Him as partners. No indeed! Rather, He is Allah, the All-Mighty, All-Wise.”

We have not sent you [O Prophet] except as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most people do not know.

They say, “When will this promise come to pass, if you are truthful?”

Say, “There is an appointed Day for you that you can neither delay for a while, nor can you bring it forward.”

Those who disbelieve say, “We will never believe in this Qur’an or in any [Scripture] before it.” If only you could see when the wrongdoers would be made to stand before their Lord, throwing blame at one another! Those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, “Had it not been for you, we would have been believers.”

Those who were arrogant will say to those who were oppressed, “Was it we who prevented you from guidance after it came to you? Rather, you yourselves were wicked.”

Those who were oppressed will say to those who were arrogant, “Rather, [it was your] conspiracy of night and day when you were ordering us to disbelieve in Allah and to set up rivals to Him.” They will hide their remorse when they see the punishment, and We will put shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Will they be recompensed except for what they used to do?

We never sent a warner to a town except that its affluent ones said, “We disbelieve in what you have been sent with.”

They[20] said, “We have greater wealth and more children, and we will not be punished”. ——— [20] i.e., the affluent ones of the people of Makkah and others.

Say, “My Lord extends provision to whom He wills or restricts it, but most people do not know”.

It is not your wealth or your children that bring you closer to Us; but those who believe and do righteous deeds, it is they who will have a multiple reward for what they did, and they will be safe in the lofty mansions.

But those who strive against Our verses[21], seeking to discredit them, it is they who will be summoned to the punishment. ——— [21] In order to undermine their credibility.

Say, “My Lord extends provision to whom He wills of His slaves or restricts it. Whatever you spend in charity, He will compensate for it, for He is the Best of Providers.”

On the Day when He gathers them all together, then He will say to the angels, “Was it you that they used to worship?”

They will say, “Glory be to You! You are our Protector, not they. Rather they used to worship the jinn[22]; most of them believed in them.” ——— [22] i.e., the devils.

So Today none of you has the power to benefit or harm one another. And We will say to the wrongdoers, “Taste the punishment of the Fire which you used to deny!”

When Our clear verses are recited to them, they say, “This is nothing but a man who wishes to turn you away from what your forefathers used to worship.” And they say, “This is nothing but a fabricated lie.” And the disbelievers say about the Truth when it comes to them, “This is nothing but clear magic,”

even though We did not give them any scriptures to study, nor did We send them any warner before you.

Those who came before them also rejected [the truth], while these [Makkans] have not been given even one-tenth of what We had given those [earlier nations], yet they rejected My messengers; how severe was My response!

Say [O Prophet], “I only advise you to do one thing: stand up for Allah, in pairs and individually, then reflect. There is no madness in your companion[23]; he is but a warner to you ahead of a severe punishment.” ——— [23] i.e., Muhammad (ﷺ).

Say, “If I had ever asked you for a reward, it is yours. My reward is only with Allah, and He is Witness over all things.”

Say, “My Lord hurls the Truth [against falsehood], and He is the All-Knower of the unseen.”

Say, “The Truth has come, and falsehood can neither initiate nor restore anything[24].” ——— [24] i.e., the falsehood has been abolished.

Say, “If I go astray, the detriment of my straying is only upon myself; but if I am guided, it is because of what my Lord reveals to me. He is indeed All-Hearing, Ever Near.”

If only you could see when they are stricken with terror, but there will be no escape, and they will be seized from a nearby place[25]. ——— [25] i.e., from the place of Judgment to the Hellfire.

They will say, “Now we believe in it,” but how could they attain faith from such a distant place[26], ——— [26] For it is already too late to return to worldly life.

while they disbelieved in it before, making far-fetched conjectures about the unseen[27]? ——— [27] i.e., conjectures far from the truth; saying about the Prophet (ﷺ) that he is a magician, a soothsayer, a poet, etc.

A barrier will be placed between them and what they desire[28], as was done with the likes of them before, for they were indeed in a disquieting doubt. ——— [28] i.e., the attainment of faith and admission into Paradise.

All praise be to Allah, the Originator of the heavens and earth, Who made the angels messengers with two, three, or four wings. He increases in creation whatever He wills. Indeed, Allah is Most Capable of all things.

Whatever mercy Allah opens up for people, none can withhold it; and whatever He withholds, none can release it thereafter, for He is the All-Mighty, All-Wise.

O people, remember Allah’s favor upon you. Is there any creator other than Allah who gives you provision from heaven and earth? None has the right to be worshiped except Him. How can you then be deluded?

If they reject you, there were messengers rejected before you; it is to Allah that all matters will be returned.

O people, indeed Allah’s promise is true, so do not let the life of this world deceive you, nor let the Chief Deceiver [Satan] deceive you concerning Allah.

Indeed, Satan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy. He only calls his followers to be among the inmates of the Blazing Fire.

Those who disbelieve will have a severe punishment, but those who believe and do righteous deeds will have forgiveness and a great reward.

Is one whose evil deed is made appealing to him so he deems it good [like one who is rightly guided]? It is Allah who causes to stray whom He wills and guides whom He wills. So do not let yourself collapse in grief for them. Allah is All-Knowing of what they do.

It is Allah Who sends the winds which stir up clouds, then We drive them to a dead land and revive therewith the earth after its death. Such will be the Resurrection.

Whoever seeks honor, then all honor belongs to Allah alone. To Him ascend good words, and righteous deeds raise them[1]. But those who plan evil deeds there will be a severe punishment for them, and the plans of such people will perish. ——— [1] To Allah, i.e., righteous deeds are confirmation of what is uttered by the tongue.

It is Allah Who created you from dust[2], then from a drop of semen, and then He made you into pairs[3]. No female conceives nor gives birth without His knowledge. None is given long life or cut short of his life except that it is in a Record[4]. That is surely easy for Allah. ——— [2] i.e., your father, Adam. [3] i.e., into males and females. [4] i.e., the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfūzh).

The two bodies of water are not alike: one is fresh and palatable, pleasant to drink, and the other is salty and bitter. Yet from each you eat fresh meat and extract ornaments to wear. And you see the ships traverse their way through both, so that you may seek His bounty and so that you may give thanks.

He merges the night into the day and the day into the night, and subjected the sun and the moon, each running its course for an appointed term. Such is Allah, your Lord. To Him belongs the dominion, whereas those whom you invoke besides Him do not own so much as the membrane of a date stone.

If you call upon them, they cannot hear your call, and even if they were to hear, they could not respond to you. On the Day of Resurrection they will disown your associating them as partners with Allah[5]. And none can inform you like the All-Aware. ——— [5] Or your worship of them.

O people, it is you who are in need of Allah, whereas Allah is the Self-Sufficient, the Praiseworthy.

If He wills, He can eliminate you and bring in a new creation,

for that is not difficult for Allah.

No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. If a heavily-laden soul calls for help to bear its burden, nothing of it will be carried, even if he is a close relative. You can only warn those who fear their Lord unseen[6] and establish prayer. Whoever purifies himself, he only does so for his own benefit. To Allah is the final return. ——— [6] Without seeing Him or when they are in private.

The blind and the seeing are not equal[7], ——— [7] It refers to believers and disbelievers.

nor are the depths of darkness and the light[8], ——— [8] It refers to belief and disbelief.

nor the shade and the scorching wind[9]. ——— [9] It refers to Paradise and Hell.

Nor are the living and the dead equal. Allah makes to hear whom He wills, but you cannot make to hear those who are in the graves[10]. ——— [10] It refers to believers and disbelievers.

You are but a warner.

We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. There has never been any community except that a warner came to it[11]. ——— [11] Among all prophets and messengers, only twenty-five are mentioned in the Qur’an.

If they reject you, so did those who came before them. Their messengers came to them with clear proofs, divine scriptures[12], and an enlightening Book[13]. ——— [12] i.e., the Torah, the Gospel, and the Psalms. [13] i.e., the Qur’an.

Then I seized those who disbelieved. How severe was My response!

Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, then We bring forth thereby fruits of various colors? And in the mountains there are various tracts of white and red, of various colors, and raven black;

just as humans, animals and livestock are of various colors. Only the people of knowledge among His slaves fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Forgiving.

Those who recite the Book of Allah, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, secretly and openly, hoping for a deal that will suffer no loss,

so that He will reward them in full and give them more out of His bounty[14]. He is All-Forgiving, Most Appreciative. ——— [14] i.e., Allah gives much in return for little.

The Book that We have revealed to you [O Prophet] is the truth, confirming that which came before it. Indeed, Allah is All-Aware and All-Seeing of His slaves.

Then We made to inherit the Book those whom We have chosen from among Our slaves[15]. But among them are some who wrong themselves, some follow a middle course, and some are foremost in good deeds with Allah’s permission. That is the great bounty. ——— [15] i.e., the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) followers.

They will enter Gardens of Eternity; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments will be of silk.

And they will say, “All praise be to Allah Who has taken away from us all sorrow. Indeed, our Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Appreciative,

He Who has caused us to settle – out of His grace – in the everlasting home, wherein no weariness or fatigue will touch us.”

As for those who disbelieve, there will be the Fire of Hell; neither will they be sentenced to death, so that they may die, nor will its punishment be lightened for them. This is how We recompense every disbeliever.

They will be screaming therein, “Our Lord, take us out; we will do righteous deeds, unlike what we used to do.” [They will be told], “Did We not give you long enough lives to take heed for anyone who wished to take heed? And the warner did come to you. So taste! The wrongdoers will have no helper.”

Allah is the Knower of the unseen in the heavens and earth. He is All-Knowing of what is in the hearts.

It is He Who has made you successors on earth. Whoever disbelieves will bear the burden of his disbelief. Their disbelief only increases the disbelievers in contempt before their Lord, and their disbelief only increases the disbelievers in loss.

Say, “Tell me about your associate-gods whom you supplicate besides Allah. Show me what they created on earth, or do they have a share in the heavens? Or have We given them a Book so they have clear proof? No, the wrongdoers promise one another nothing but delusion[16].” ——— [16] By giving their followers deceptive hopes that their false deities will intercede for them with Allah.

Allah keeps the heavens and earth from vanishing. If they were to vanish, there is none to sustain them other than Him. He is Most Forbearing, All-Forgiving.

They swore by Allah their most solemn oaths that if a warner came to them, they would surely be more guided than any other community. But when a warner came to them, it only added to their aversion –

due to their arrogance in the land and plotting evil, but evil plotting only backfires on its own people. Are they awaiting anything other than the fate of the earlier peoples? You will find no change in Allah’s way[17], and you will find no alteration in Allah’s way[18]. ——— [17] In punishing those who deny the prophets. [18] In transferring punishment to others in place of them.

Have they not traveled in the land to see what was the end of those who came before them. They were more powerful than them? Allah is not such that something can escape Him in the heavens or on earth. He is indeed All-Knowing, Most Capable.

If Allah were to take people to task for what they did, He would not leave a single living being on earth, but He gives them respite for an appointed term. When their appointed time comes, then Allah is All-Seeing of His slaves.

Yā Sīn[1] ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

By the Qur’an, full of wisdom,

You [O Muhammad] are indeed one of the messengers,

on a straight path,

[This is] a revelation from the All-Mighty, Most Merciful,

so that you warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, so they are heedless.

The decree [of punishment] has been passed against most of them, for they will not believe.

[It is as if] We have placed shackles around their necks up to their chins, so their heads are forced to remain up,

and We have placed a barrier before them and a barrier behind them, and have blocked their vision so they cannot see[2]. ——— [2] Because of their obstinacy and persistence in disbelief.

It is the same to them whether you warn them or not, they will not believe.

You can only warn one who follows the Reminder[3] and fears the Most Compassionate unseen. So give him glad tidings of forgiveness and a generous reward. ——— [3] i.e., the Qur’an.

It is We Who give life to the dead, and record what they send forth and what they leave behind, and We keep an account of everything in a clear Record[4]. ——— [4] See footnote 35:11.

Give them an example of the People of the Town when the messengers came to it.

When We sent them two [messengers], but they rejected them, so We strengthened them with a third, and they said, “We are sent to you as messengers.”

They said, “You are no more than human beings like us, and the Most Compassionate has not sent down anything. You are simply lying.”

They said, “Our Lord knows that we are sent to you as messengers.

Our duty is only to convey the message clearly.”

The people said, “We consider you as an evil omen. If you do not desist, we will surely stone you, and we will inflict upon you a painful punishment.”

The messengers said, “Your evil omen is with yourselves [because of your disbelief]. Is it[5] because you are admonished? Rather, you are a people who transgress all bounds.” ——— [5] i.e., this threat.

A man came from the farthest end of the city, rushing, and said, “O my people, follow the messengers.

Follow those who ask no recompense of you, and who are guided.

Why should I not worship the One Who created me and to Whom you will all be brought back?

Should I take besides Him other gods whose intercession cannot avail me in the least, nor can they come to my rescue, if the Most Compassionate wills to harm me?

Surely I would then be clearly misguided.

I believe in your Lord, so listen to me.”

[But they killed him], so he was told[6], “Enter Paradise.” He said, “If only my people knew[7] ——— [6] After he was martyred for the sake of Allah. [7] He said so after Allah admitted him into paradise and he saw the pleasures therein.

of how my Lord has forgiven me, and made me among the honored ones.”

After his death, We did not send down any soldiers from heaven against his people, nor would We have done so.

It was no more than a single blast, and immediately they were extinguished.

Alas for the humans! No messenger ever comes to them but they ridicule him.

Do they not see how many generations We destroyed before them who will never come back to them[8]? ——— [8] i.e., to the life of this world.

Yet all of them will be brought before Us.

There is a sign for them in the dead land: We give it life and produce from it grain for them to eat.

And We have made therein gardens of palm trees and grapevines, and caused springs to gush forth,

so that they may eat of its fruit that was not made by their hands[9]. Will they not then give thanks? ——— [9] i.e., that which Allah has produced for them without labor on their part.

Glory be to the One Who created all types of things[10] that the earth produces, and of themselves, and of things that they have no knowledge about. ——— [10] i.e., all species, all things in pairs.

There is another sign for them in the night: We strip from it the daylight, and they are left in darkness.

The sun is running to its determined course. That is the design of the All-Mighty, All-Knowing.

As for the moon, We have determined phases for it, until it becomes like an old palm stalk.

It is not for the sun to catch up with the moon, nor for the night to outstrip the day. Each is floating in its own orbit.

Another sign for them is that We carried their offspring[11] in the loaded Ark, ——— [11] "Dhurriyyah" (lit., offspring); however, it is used here to denote ancestors (being the offspring of Noah) who were saved from the flood.

and We created for them similar things on which they ride.

If We willed, We could drown them, then there would be no one to respond to their cry, nor could they be rescued,

except by a mercy from Us, leaving them to enjoy for a while.

When it is said to them, “Beware of what is ahead of you and what is behind you[12], so that you may be shown mercy[13].” ——— [12] Of what awaits you in this life and in the Hereafter, or of the sins of the past and the future. [13] But they ignored the warning.

No sign ever comes to them from their Lord except that they turn away from it.

And when it is said to them, “Spend of what Allah has provided you with”, the disbelievers say to the believers, “Should we feed those whom Allah could feed if He willed? You are clearly misguided!”

They say, “When will this promise come to pass, if you are truthful?”

They are not awaiting but a single Blast that will seize them while they are still disputing[14]. ——— [14] The first blast (lit., a cry or a shriek) of the Trumpet will take them by surprise on the Day of Judgment while they will be disputing in their worldly affairs.

Then they will not be able to make a will, nor will they be able to return to their households.

The Trumpet will be blown[15] [again], and at once they will rush from their graves to their Lord. ——— [15] i.e., the second blast or blow.

They will say, “Woe to us! Who has resurrected us from our resting place?” [They will be told,] “This is what the Most Compassionate promised, and the messengers told the truth.”

It will only be a single Blast, and at once they will all be brought before Us.

On that Day no soul will be wronged in the least, nor will you be recompensed except for what you used to do.

Indeed, on that Day the people of Paradise will be busy enjoying themselves,

they and their spouses will be reclining on couches in the shade.

They will have therein fruits and all what they ask for[16]. ——— [16] i.e., wish or desire.

“Peace”: a word from a Most Merciful Lord.

“Stand apart [from the believers] this Day, O wicked ones!

Did I not command you, O children of Adam, not to worship Satan, for he is your sworn enemy,

but to worship Me? This is a straight path.

He had already misled great multitudes of you. Did you not then have sense?

This is the Hell that you were promised.

Burn in it Today for your disbelief[17].” ——— [17] i.e., because you used to disbelieve.

Today We will seal up their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will testify to all what they used to do.

If We willed, We could have taken away their sight, so they would rush to find their way, but then how could they see?

And if We willed, We could have paralyzed them in their places[18], so they could neither move forward nor backward. ——— [18] i.e., We could turn them into inanimate objects.

Whomsoever We give a long life, We cause his strength to decline[19]. Do they not then understand? ——— [19] Humans are born weak, then they reach their prime when they are young, then they grow physically and mentally weak when they are old.

We have not taught him poetry, nor is it fitting for him. This is only a Reminder and a clear Qur’an

so that he may warn those who are truly alive[20] and establish the argument against the disbelievers. ——— [20] In heart and mind, i.e., those who have faith.

Do they not see that We have created for them livestock made by Our Hands, and then they are their owners?

And We have made them subservient to them; some they ride, and from others they eat,

and there are other benefits and drinks therein for them. Will they not then give thanks?

Yet they have taken other gods besides Allah, hoping that they may be helped.

They cannot help them, yet they serve them as their dedicated guards[21]. ——— [21] Or their idols or so-called gods will be assembled to witness the punishment of their worshipers on the Day of Judgment.

Do not let their words grieve you. Surely We know what they conceal and what they reveal.

Does man not see that We have created him from a sperm-drop, then[22] he becomes a clear adversary, ——— [22] i.e., as soon as he becomes a self-sufficient being.

producing arguments[23] against Us while forgetting his own creation[24]. He says, “Who can give life to the bones after they have crumbled to dust?” ——— [23] Trying to prove that there is no life after death. [24] That we created him from dead matter to such an extent that he became now a clear disputant before Us.

Say, “The One Who created them in the first place will give life to them, for He has full knowledge of every created being;

the One Who made for you fire out of the green tree, with which you kindle your fires[25].” ——— [25] It alludes to the "markh" and "‘afār" trees in Arabia, whose green branches if struck against each other, it produces sparks.

Is not the One Who created the heavens and earth able to create the like of these [people]? Yes indeed, for He is the Creator of all, the All-Knowing.

Whenever He wills something to be, He only says to it, “Be”, and it is.

So glory be to the One in Whose Hand is the dominion of everything, and to Him you will all be returned.

By those [angels] lined up in rows,

and those who drive [the clouds],

and those who recite Allah’s words[1], ——— [1] Allah swears by three kinds of angels in these three above-mentioned verses to emphasize what comes in the next verse.

indeed, your God is One,

Lord of the heavens and earth and all that is between them, and Lord of the points of sunrise.

We have adorned the sky with the beauty of the stars,

and for safeguarding it against every rebellious devil,

so that they cannot eavesdrop on the highest assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side[2] ——— [2] By meteors.

to repel them; and for them there will be a perpetual punishment,

except who stealthily snatches away some words, he will be pursued by a piercing flame.

So ask them, “Are they more difficult to create or other things We created? We created them[3] from sticky clay. ——— [3] i.e., their father Adam.

Rather you are astonished, while they ridicule it,

and when they are reminded, they pay no heed,

and when they see a sign, they ridicule it,

and they say, “This is nothing but clear magic.

Is it that when we are dead and become dust and bones, will we really be raised up again,

and our forefathers too?”

Say, “Yes, and you will be disgraced.”

It will only be a single Blast[4], and at once they will be looking around. ——— [4] i.e., the second blow of the Trumpet.

They will say, “Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!”

[They will be told], “This is the Day of Decision that you used to deny.”

[The angels will be told], “Gather all those who did wrong and their fellows[5], and whatever they used to worship ——— [5] In wrongdoing or evil deeds.

besides Allah, and lead them to the way of Hell,

and stop them, for they are to be questioned.”

[They will be asked], “What is the matter with you, that you no longer help one another?”

Rather on that Day they will surrender completely.

They will turn to one another, reproaching one another.

[The followers] will say, “It was you who used to delude us from the right way[6].” ——— [6] Or you used to pressure us, or deceived us with false oaths, or claimed to have the truth.

[The misleaders] will say, “Rather, you yourselves were not believers,

and We had no power over you, rather you yourselves were a transgressing people.

Now the punishment of our Lord has come true against us; we will surely taste it.

We did misguide you, for we ourselves were misguided”.

On that Day they will all share in the punishment.

This is how We deal with the wicked,

for whenever it was said to them, “None has the right to be worshiped except Allah,” they became arrogant,

and said, “Are we going to abandon our gods for a mad poet[7]?” ——— [7] They mean the Prophet (ﷺ).

Rather, he came with the truth and confirmed the messengers.

You will surely taste the painful punishment,

and you will only be recompensed for what you used to do,

except the chosen slaves of Allah.

They will have a known provision,

fruits[8]; and they will be honored ——— [8] i.e., everything delicious that they desire.

in Gardens of Bliss,

facing one another[9] on couches. ——— [9] It implies that they will not harbor ill feelings toward one another.

They will be served with a cup of wine from a flowing stream,

white and delicious for those who drink.

It will cause no harm, nor will they be intoxicated by it,

and with them will be maidens of modest gaze[10] and beautiful eyes, ——— [10] i.e., chaste and bashful, looking only at their mates.

as if they were well-protected eggs[11]. ——— [11] Or pristine pearls.

Then they will turn to one another asking[12]. ——— [12] Of their lives in the world and what led them to Paradise.

One of them will say, “I had a close friend [in the world]

who used to say[13], ‘Are you one of those who believe ——— [13] Mockingly.

that when we die and become dust and bones, shall we be brought for judgment?’”

He will say[14], “Do you wish to see [his fate]?” ——— [14] To his companions in Paradise.

So he will look down and see him[15] in the midst of the Blazing Fire. ——— [15] His close friend who tried to dissuade him from faith.

He will say, “By Allah, you were about to ruin me.

Were it not for the grace of my Lord, I would have been among those who are brought [to Hell].”

[He will say to his fellow believers], “Are we not going to die anymore,

except for our first death, nor are we going to be punished?”

This is indeed the supreme triumph!

For such [reward] let the workers work.

Is this a better accommodation or the tree of Zaqqūm[16]?[17] ——— [16] The tree of cactus. [17] The disbelievers of Makkah derided the Prophet (ﷺ) when he warned them of this tree. They wondered how a tree could grow in Hellfire. So Allah revealed this verse.

We have made it a trial for the wrongdoers.

It is a tree that grows in the bottom of the Blazing Fire;

its fruits are like heads of devils.

They will certainly eat from it, filling their bellies.

Then on top of that they will be given a mixture of scalding water,

then their final return will be to the Blazing Fire.

For they found their forefathers astray,

so they rushed to follow in their footsteps.

Indeed, most of the earlier people went astray before them,

even though We sent among them warners.

Then see how was the end of those who were warned,

except the chosen slaves of Allah.

Indeed, Noah called upon Us; how excellent are We at responding!

And We saved him and his household[18] from the great distress, ——— [18] i.e., the believers in his household.

and made his offspring[19] the only survivors, ——— [19] i.e., Noah’s offspring: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

and We left for him [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Noah among all the nations.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

He was one of Our believing slaves.

Then we drowned the others.

Indeed, Abraham was one of those who followed his way.

When he came to his Lord with a sound heart,

and said to his father and his people, “What are you worshiping?

Is it false gods that you seek other than Allah?

Then what do you think of the Lord of the worlds?”

He then cast a glance at the stars[20], ——— [20] His people had faith in astrology, so Abraham pretended to do the same to show them that he was not able to join them at their pagan feast and to remain in their temple of idols, while he was planning to destroy their idols.

and said, “I am sick[21].” ——— [21] The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Ibrahim (peace be upon him) did not lie except for three lies: His saying {I am sick} and his saying {Rather, the chief of them did this} and his saying about his wife, “She is my sister.” [Al-Bukhāri, Muslim]. Two of them were for the sake of Allah, and the third one was for the sake of his sister.

So they went away from him and left.

Then he turned to their gods and said, “Why do you not eat[22]? ——— [22] The offerings placed before you.

What is wrong with you that you do not speak?”

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

Then his people came rushing towards him.

He said, “Do you worship what you yourselves carve,

when it is Allah Who created you and all what you do?”

They said, “Build a pyre for him and throw him into the blazing fire.”

They contrived a plan against him, but We made them the lowest.

He said, “I am going to my Lord; He will guide me.

My Lord, grant me righteous offspring.”

So We gave him glad tidings of a forbearing boy[23]. ——— [23] i.e., Ishmael

Then when he reached the age where he could work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. What do you think?” He said, “O my dear father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, one of the steadfast.”

When they both submitted [to Allah’s command] and Abraham laid him on his forehead,

and We called out to him, “O Abraham,

You have fulfilled the dream.” This is how We reward those who do good.

This was indeed a revealing test.

And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice[24], ——— [24] Allah Almighty sent a ram to be sacrificed in place of Ishmael.

and We left for him [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Abraham.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

He was one of Our believing slaves.

And We gave him the glad tidings of Isaac[25], a prophet, and one of the righteous. ——— [25] The birth of Isaac is mentioned after the story of sacrifice, which verifies that the firstborn son who was sacrificed was indeed Ishmael and not Isaac, contrary to what is claimed by the Jews and Christians. This is also supported by 11:71, where Sarah is told that she would give birth to Isaac, who would have a son by the name of Jacob.

We blessed him[26] and Isaac, but among their offspring were some who did good and some who clearly wronged themselves. ——— [26] Abraham or Ishmael.

Indeed, We bestowed Our favor upon Moses and Aaron,

and We saved them and their people from the great distress[27], ——— [27] Of enslavement at the hands of Pharaoh and his people, as well as of drowning.

and We helped them, so they were victorious,

and We gave them both the clear Scripture,

and guided them to the straight path;

and We left for them [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Moses and Aaron.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

They were truly of Our believing slaves.

Elijah was indeed one of the messengers.

When he said to his people: “Do you not fear Allah?

Do you call upon Ba‘l[28] and ignore the Best of the Creators, ——— [28] A great idol worshiped by the people.

Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?”

But they rejected him, so they will surely be brought [for punishment],

except the chosen slaves of Allah.

And We left for him [a favorable mention] among later generations:

“Peace be upon Elias.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

He was one of Our believing slaves.

Lot was indeed one of the messengers.

When We saved him and all of his household,

except an old woman[29] who was among those who stayed behind. ——— [29] Lot’s wife, who was not a believer.

Then We destroyed the rest.

You [Makkans] pass by their ruins by day

and by night. Do you still not understand?

Jonah was indeed one of the messengers.

When he fled to the fully laden ship,

then he cast lots[30] with them, but was among those who lost. ——— [30] To determine who would be cast overboard in order to save the rest of the passengers; the ship was about to sink, for it was overloaded.

The whale then swallowed him while he was blameworthy[31]. ——— [31] For leaving his people without Allah’s permission.

Were it not for the fact that he was one of those who glorify Allah,

he would have stayed in its belly until the Day of Resurrection[32]. ——— [32] The belly of the fish would have turned to be his grave.

But We cast him ashore on a barren land while he was ill,

and caused a gourd vine[33] to grow over him. ——— [33] For its cooling shade and as food for him.

We sent him[34] to one hundred thousand people or more, ——— [34] i.e., We sent him thereafter to his people.

and they believed, so We let them enjoy for a while.

So ask them, “Does your Lord have daughters while they have sons?”[35] ——— [35] The pagans of Makkah claimed that angels were Allah’s daughters, while preferring sons for themselves.

Or did We create the angels as females while they were watching?

No indeed, it is one of their fabrications when they say,

“Allah has children,” and they are truly liars.

Did He choose daughters over sons[36]? ——— [36] i.e., daughters that you hate over sons that you like?

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

Will you not then take heed?

Do you have any compelling proof?

Then bring your scripture, if you are truthful.

They claim that there is a kinship between Him and the jinn[37], when the jinn themselves know that such people will surely be brought [for punishment]. ——— [37] It was claimed by some Arab pagans that angels are daughters of Allah through female jinn.

Glorified is Allah far above what they ascribe [to Him].

But not the chosen slaves of Allah[38]. ——— [38] Who do not ascribe to Allah such false claims.

So you and whatever you worship

none of you can lure anyone away from Him,

except those who are destined to burn in the Blazing Fire[39]. ——— [39] Due to their disbelief and evil deeds.

[The angels say][40], “There is none among us but has a known station[41]: ——— [40] Refuting the disbelievers’ false claims about them. [41] In worshiping Allah and obeying Him in our assigned tasks.

We are indeed those who stand lined up in rows,

and we are indeed those who glorify Allah.”

And [the pagans] used to say[42], ——— [42] Before the revelation of the Qur’an.

“If only we had a scripture[43] like the previous people, ——— [43] Such as the Torah and the Gospel.

we would have surely been true slaves of Allah.”

But they rejected it[44]; soon they will come to know. ——— [44] i.e., their own message, the Qur’an.

Our Word has already been given to Our slaves, the messengers,

that it is surely they who will be given victory,

and that Our soldiers will surely be the victors.

So turn away from them for a while.

Wait and see; soon they will see [their end].

Do they really seek to hasten Our punishment?

When it[45] descends on their courtyard, how terrible will be the morning of those who were warned! ——— [45] Allah’s punishment.

And turn away from them for a while.

Wait and see; soon they will see [their end].

Glory be to your Lord, the Lord of Might, far above what they ascribe [to Him],

and peace be upon the messengers,

and all praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Sād[1]. By the Qur’an, full of reminder[2], ——— [1] See footnote 2:1. [2] The oath's completion is that the Qur’an is inimitable and thus Allah's miracle.

yet those who disbelieve are in arrogance and dissension.

How many generations have We destroyed before them, and they cried out when it was too late for deliverance.

They wonder that a warner has come to them from among themselves[3], and the disbelievers say, “This is a magician and a liar! ——— [3] The disbelievers demanded that an angel be sent to them to convey the message of Allah, not a human like themselves.

Has he made all gods into one God? Indeed, this is something strange!”

The leaders among them departed, saying, “Carry on as you are, and stay faithful to your gods. Indeed, there is a motive behind it[4]. ——— [4] i.e., The Prophet (ﷺ) only wants to gain influence and prestige for himself.

We have not heard of this in the last religion[5]. This is nothing but a fabrication. ——— [5] It refers to Christianity or pagan Arab beliefs.

Has the Reminder been sent down to him from among us?” Rather, they are in doubt about My Reminder[6], for they have not yet tasted My punishment. ——— [6] They do not question the Prophet's (ﷺ) honesty; rather, they question the Qur’an itself. See 6:33.

Or do they possess the treasuries of the mercy of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the Bestower?

Or do they have the dominion of the heavens and earth and all that is between them? Then let them ascend by any means[7]. ——— [7] To manage the affairs of their dominion.

This is only a small army[8] among several armies[9] that will soon be defeated. ——— [8] It alludes to the defeat of the pagans of Makkah at Badr. [9] i.e., the defeated armies of the past who rejected their messengers.

The people of Noah rejected [their messengers] before them, as did ‘Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes[10]; ——— [10] It refers to the stakes by which he used to torture people, or the pyramids which are like stakes into the earth.

and Thamūd and the people of Lot, and the dwellers of the Forest – such were the [denier] parties.

Each of them rejected their messenger, therefore My punishment became inevitable.

They are only waiting for a single Blast that cannot be stopped[11]. ——— [11] Fawāq: "respite", more literally, "a period between two milkings of a she-camel," which also alludes to "return" or "repetition."

They say, “Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of punishment] before the Day of Reckoning.”

Bear with patience whatever they say, and remember Our slave David, the man of strength who constantly turned [to Allah].

We subjected the mountains to join him in glorifying Allah in the evening and the morning,

and the birds, in their flocks; they all would echo his praise.

We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and sound judgment [and speech].

Has there come to you the story of the adversaries, when they climbed the wall of his chamber?

When they entered upon David, he was frightened. They said, “Do not be afraid. We are two adversaries: one of us has wronged the other, so judge between us with fairness, and do not be unjust, and guide us to the straight path.

This is my brother[12]. He has ninety-nine ewes while I have only one. He said, ‘Give her into my charge,’ and he overpowered me in speech.” ——— [12] i.e., brother in faith, business partner, or biological brother.

David said, “He has certainly wronged you by demanding that your ewe be added to his flock. Indeed, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous deeds – and how few they are.” Then David realized that We were only testing him, so he asked his Lord for forgiveness[13], fell down in prostration, and turned to Him in repentance. ——— [13] For fear of the two men or the misjudgment he made.

So We forgave that for him, and he certainly has a place of nearness to Us and a good place of return.

“O David, We have made you a ruler on earth, so judge between people with justice, and do not follow your desires lest they lead you astray from Allah’s way. Those who go astray from Allah’s way will have a severe punishment because of their forgetting the Day of Reckoning.”

We have not created the heavens and earth and all that is between them in vain. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve. So woe to the disbelievers from the Fire!

Should We make those who believe and do righteous deeds equal to those who spread corruption on earth? Or should We make the righteous equal to the wicked?

This is a blessed Book that We have sent down to you [O Prophet] so that they may reflect upon its verses, and so that people of understanding may take heed.

And to David We gave Solomon, an excellent and faithful slave who constantly turned [to Us].

One evening, well-trained and swift horses of noble breed were presented before him.

He then said, “I gave preference to the love of fine things over the remembrance of my Lord,” until the sun went out of sight.

[He ordered], “Bring them back to me,” and he began striking [their] shanks and necks[14]. ——— [14] With his sword as expiation, for it might have been permissible in their law, especially if it had been for the sake of Allah such as missing prayer or the like; this is a more correct view. However, Ibn Jarīr favored the view that Solomon began to rub down their legs and necks with the hand, not by the sword.

Indeed, We tested Solomon and cast upon his throne a body, then he turned [to Allah][15]. ——— [15] The Prophet (ﷺ) said that one night Solomon said that each one of his wives would conceive a boy who would fight for the sake of Allah. He forgot to say ‘Allah willing,’ so only one of them gave birth to a deformed, dead baby. So Solomon sought Allah’s forgiveness. [Al-Bukhāri]

He said, “My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom, the like of which will never be granted to anyone after me. You are indeed the Bestower.”

So We subjected to him the wind blowing gently by his command to wherever he wished,

And [We subjected to him] the devils, all kinds of builders and divers[16], ——— [16] They dived to bring him pearls.

and others bound in chains.

[We said], “This is Our gift, so give freely or withhold, without account[17].” ——— [17] i.e., you will not be called to account thereby.

And he certainly has a status of nearness to Us and a good place of return.

And remember Our slave Job, when he cried out to his Lord, “Indeed, Satan has afflicted me with hardship and pain.”

[Allah said], “Stamp [the ground] with your foot: here is a cool spring for bathing and drinking.”

And We restored his family to him and the like of them[18] as a mercy from Us and as a reminder for people of understanding. ——— [18] When Allah granted him health, the whole family returned to him and he was granted even more children.

[We said], “Take a bunch of grass in your hand, and strike [your wife] with it, and do not break your oath[19].” We truly found him patient – an excellent and faithful slave he was. He constantly turned [to Us]. ——— [19] When Job was afflicted with illness, everyone abandoned him except his wife. Once he became angry with her and vowed to punish her with one hundred lashes if he recovered. According to Allah's instruction, the oath was fulfilled by striking her once with one hundred blades of grass without harming his wife.

Remember Our slaves: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – men of strength and insight.

We chose them exclusively for the remembrance of the Final Home.

Indeed, they are before us among the chosen and best ones.

Also remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl[20] – all were among the best. ——— [20] Scholars are of different opinions as to whether Dhul-Kifl was a prophet or only a righteous man.

This is a reminder. And the righteous will surely have a good return:

Gardens of Eternity, with gates wide open for them.

They will recline therein, calling for abundant fruit and drink.

And they will have maidens of modest gaze[21] and equal age. ——— [21] Their gaze will be restricted to their mates alone.

This is what you are promised for the Day of Account.

Indeed, this is Our provision [for the righteous] that will never cease.

This [is so]. But the transgressors will surely have the worst return:

Hell, where they will burn. What a terrible resting place!

Let them taste this: scalding water and pus,

and other similar [torments] of various kinds.

[The misleaders will say], “Here is a crowd of people being thrown in with you. They are not welcome! They will surely burn in the Fire.”

They will say, “No! You are not welcome! You brought this on us. What a terrible place to settle in!”

They will say, “Our Lord, whoever brought this on us, give him double punishment in the Fire.”

They will say, “Why do we not see those whom we considered to be among the wicked[22]? ——— [22] They are alluding to the believers.

Is it that we mistakenly made fun of them, or do our eyes fail to see them [in the Fire]?”

This is certainly true that the people of the Fire will dispute among themselves.

Say [O Prophet], “I am only a warner, and none has the right to be worshiped except Allah, the One, the Subjugator,

Lord of the heavens and earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty[23], Most Forgiving[24].” ——— [23] Honored for absolute power, wisdom, and justice. [24] Who repeatedly conceals the sins of His slaves.

Say, “This [Qur’an] is of momentous news

from which you are turning away.”

[And say], “I had no knowledge of the highest assembly [of angels] when they were disputing [about Adam][25]. ——— [25] When the angels obeyed Allah’s command to prostrate before Adam; whereas, Satan refused to comply, for he considered himself superior to Adam, neglecting the fact that this was a command from Allah Almighty.

I have only received revelation in order to give a clear warning.”

[Remember] when your Lord said to the angels, “I am going to create a human being from clay.

When I completed his creation and breathed into him of My spirit[26], fall down in prostration to him.” ——— [26] See footnote 15:29.

Then the angels fell down in prostration all together,

except Iblīs, who was arrogant and became one of the disbelievers[27]. ——— [27] This command of Allah to bow down before Adam was a test of obedience. Satan refused to comply out of arrogance for he thought he was better than Adam.

[Allah] said, “O Iblīs, what prevented you from prostrating to whom I created with My two Hands? Did you just become proud or have you always been arrogant?”

He said, “I am better than him: You created me from fire and created him from clay.”

[Allah] said, “Then get out of here, for you are accursed,

and My curse will be upon you until the Day of Judgment.”

He said, “My Lord, then give me respite until the Day of their resurrection.”

Allah said, “You are given respite,

until the Day of the appointed time.”

Iblīs said, “By Your Glory, I will surely mislead them all,

except for Your chosen slaves among them.”

Allah said, “Such is the truth – and I only say the truth –

that I will certainly fill Hell with you and those of them who follow you all together.”

Say [O Prophet], “I do not ask you for any reward for it, nor do I pretend to be what I am not.

It is only a reminder for all people[28]. ——— [28] Of jinn and men.

And you will surely know its truth after a while.”