İngilizce Meal — Rowad Tercüme Merkezi — Al-Mumtahanah 60:1 – An-Nas 114:6

O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies, offering them friendship even though they rejected the truth that has come to you, and they have driven out the Messenger and yourselves [from Makkah] simply because you believe in Allah, your Lord – if you have emigrated[1] to struggle in My cause and seek My pleasure. How can you disclose secrets [of the believers], showing them friendship, when I know best all that you conceal and all that you reveal? Whoever among you does that has truly strayed from the straight path. ——— [1] From Makkah.

If they gain the upper hand over you, they would be your [open] enemies and would stretch their hands and tongues towards you to harm you, and they wish that you too would disbelieve.

Neither your relatives nor your children will benefit you on the Day of Resurrection; He will judge between you, and Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

Indeed, you have a good example[2] in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, “We dissociate ourselves from you and whatever you worship besides Allah. We renounce you, and the enmity and hatred have arisen between us and you forever until you believe in Allah alone”, except for Abraham when he said to his father, “I will seek forgiveness for you, but I cannot protect you from Allah in the least.” “Our Lord, in You we put our trust and to You we turn, and to You is the final return.” ——— [2] To be followed.

Our Lord, do not make us subject to the persecution of those who disbelieve; and forgive us, our Lord. Indeed, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”

You certainly have a good example in them, for those who look forward with hope to Allah and the Last Day. But whoever turns away, Allah is indeed the Self-Sufficient, the Praiseworthy.

It may be that Allah will bring about affection between you and those of them whom you hold as enemies. Allah is Most Capable[3], and Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ——— [3] To accomplish this or whatever He wills.

Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who did not fight against you nor did they drive you out of your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who are just.

Allah only forbids you from taking as allies those who fought against you on account of your religion and drove you out of your homes or helped others in driving you out. Whoever takes them as allies, it is they who are the wrongdoers.

O you who believe, when the believing women come to you as migrants, test their sincerity, although Allah knows best about their faith. Then if you find them to be believers, do not send them back to the disbelievers; they are not lawful [wives] for them, nor are they lawful [husbands] for them. But give the disbelievers whatever [dowries] they have spent[4]. And there is no blame on you if you marry them, as long as you give them their dowries. Do not hold on to the marriage ties with the disbelieving women[5]; ask for repayment of whatever [dowries] you have spent, and let the disbelievers ask for repayment of whatever [dowries] they have spent[6]. This is the ruling of Allah that He judges between you, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. ——— [4] i.e., compensate for their loss. [5] i.e., do not stop them from joining the disbelievers. [6] If a disbelieving wife opted to join the disbelievers, a Muslim husband could demand in return the equivalent of her dowries. Similarly, the disbelievers had a similar right if a believing woman joined the Muslims. This and the following verses were revealed after the Treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah.

If any of your wives desert you and join the disbelievers [without returning your dowries], and later you take spoils from them, then give to those whose wives have deserted them the equivalent of what they had spent. And fear Allah, in Whom you believe.

O Prophet, when the believing women come to you, pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit fornication, that they will not kill their children, that they will not falsely attribute [illegitimate] children to their husbands between their arms and their legs[7], that they will not disobey you in what is right, then accept their pledge and ask Allah to forgive them. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ——— [7] It is alluding to falsely attributing a child, whether adopted or born of adultery, to the husband.

O you who believe, do not take as allies a people whom Allah is displeased with. They have lost hope in the Hereafter, just as the disbelievers have lost hope in those who are in the graves.

All that is in the heavens and all that is on earth glorifies Allah, for He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do?

It is most loathsome to Allah that you say what you do not do.

Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His way in firm ranks, as if they were a solid structure.

And [remember] when Moses said to his people, “O my people, why do you hurt me when you know that I am a messenger of Allah to you?” So when they chose to deviate, Allah caused their hearts to deviate, for Allah does not guide the rebellious people.

And [remember] when Jesus, son of Mary, said, “O Children of Israel, I am truly a messenger of Allah to you, confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving glad tidings of a messenger after me whose name will be Ahmad[1].” But when he came to them with clear proofs, they said, “This is clear magic.” ——— [1] Another name of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Both are derived from "hamd" which means praise. Some scholars believe that this verse refers to John 14:16, where Jesus says: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete, to be with you forever.” Paraclete in Greek means ‘the praised one.’ Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) name is mentioned several times in the Gospel of Barnabas, which the Christian authorities deem as apocryphal Bible.

Who could be more wrong than the one who fabricates lies against Allah when invited to Islam? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.

They wish to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will complete His light, even though the disbelievers dislike it.

It is He Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, so that He may make it prevail over all religions, even though the polytheists may dislike it.

O you who believe, shall I tell you about a trade that will save you from a painful punishment?

It is to believe in Allah and His Messenger and to struggle in the way of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if only you knew.

He will forgive you your sins and admit you to gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eternity. That is the supreme triumph.

And [He will grant you] another favor that you love: help from Allah [against your enemies] and an imminent conquest. Give glad tidings to the believers.

O you who believe, be supporters of Allah’s cause, as Jesus, son of Mary, said to the disciples, “Who will be my supporters for Allah’s cause?” The disciples said, “We are the supporters of Allah’s cause.” Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and another disbelieved. We then supported those who believed against their enemies, so they prevailed.

All that is in the heavens and all that is on earth glorifies Allah, the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

It is He Who has sent among the unlettered [Arabs] a messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them, and teaching them the Book and Wisdom [i.e., Sunnah], although before that they were clearly misguided.

And [he is also sent] to others of them who have not yet joined them, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

That is the bounty of Allah that He gives to whom He wills, for Allah is the Lord of great bounty.

The similitude of those who were given the Torah but failed to uphold it[1], is like that of a donkey laden with books[2]. How terrible is the similitude of those who reject the verses of Allah! And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. ——— [1] i.e., did not put its teachings into practice. [2] i.e., They carry the physical burden of the books but are unaware of their contents and do not benefit from them.

Say, “O you who are Jews, if you claim that you alone are Allah’s allies apart from all other people, then wish for death, if you are truthful.

But they will never wish for it because of what their hands have sent forth[3]. And Allah is All-Knowing of the wrongdoers. ——— [3] Such as disobedience to Allah, distorting of the scriptures, killing of the prophets, claiming to have killed Jesus, accusing Mary of adultery, devouring peoples' wealth unlawfully and usury, etc. See 4:153-158.

Say, “The death from which you run away will surely overcome you, then you will be brought back to the Knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will inform you of what you used to do.”

O you who believe, when the call for prayer is made on Friday, then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave off trading. That is better for you, if only you knew.

When the prayer is over, disperse in the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may be successful.

When they see some merchandise or amusement, they rush towards it and leave you standing. Say, “That which is with Allah is better than amusement and merchandise, and Allah is the Best of Providers.”

When the hypocrites come to you, they say, “We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah” And Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are truly liars.

They have taken their oaths as a shield in order to hinder people from the way of Allah. Evil indeed is what they do!

That is because they believed, then disbelieved; therefore their hearts have been sealed, so they do not understand.

When you see them, their outward appearance pleases you, and when they speak, you listen to what they say. But they are like planks of wood leaned [against the wall][1]. They deem every cry to be against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded? ——— [1] They are like bodies with empty minds and hearts.

When it is said to them, “Come, so that the Messenger of Allah may seek forgiveness for you”, they shake their heads, and you see them turning away in arrogance.

It is the same to them whether you seek forgiveness for them or not, Allah will never forgive them. Indeed, Allah does not guide the wicked people.

They are those who say, “Do not spend on those who are with Allah’s Messenger so that they may desert him. But to Allah belong the treasures of the heavens and earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

They[2] say, “When we return to Madinah, the mightier will surely expel the weaker therefrom.” In fact, all might belongs to Allah and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know. ——— [2] Referring to the notorious head of the hypocrites in Madinah, Abdullah ibn ’Ubayy, who uttered such words about the Prophet (عليه السلام) and his Companions.

O you who believe, do not let your wealth and your children distract you from Allah’s remembrance. For whoever does that, it is they who are the losers.

And spend from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you, then he would say, “My Lord, If only You had delayed me for a short while, so that I would give in charity and be one of the righteous.”

But Allah will never delay a soul when its appointed time comes, and Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

All that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth glorifies Allah. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise, and He is Most Capable of all things.

It is He Who created you, yet some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

He created the heavens and earth for a true purpose, He shaped you and perfected your form. And to Him is the final return.

He knows all that is in the heavens and earth, and He knows whatever you conceal and whatever you reveal. And Allah is All-Knowing of what is in the hearts.

Has there not come to you the stories of those who disbelieved before you? They tasted the evil consequence of their deeds, and for them there will be a painful punishment.

That is because their messengers came to them with clear proofs, but they said, “How can a human guide us?” Thus they disbelieved and turned away, but Allah had no need for them, for Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy.

The disbelievers claim that they will never be resurrected. Say, “Yes, by my Lord, you will surely be resurrected, then you will surely be informed of what you did. And that is easy for Allah.”

So believe in Allah and His Messenger, and in the Light [i.e., the Qur’an] that We have sent down. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

When He will gather you for the Gathering Day; that is the Day of great loss[1]. But whoever believes in Allah and does righteous deeds, He will absolve them of their bad deeds and will admit them to gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. That is the supreme triumph. ——— [1] "At-Taghābun" denotes being outdone by others in acquiring something valuable. On the Day of Judgment, the disbelievers will suffer the great loss of Paradise to the believers.

As for those who disbelieve and reject Our verses, they will be the people of the Fire, abiding therein forever. What a terrible destination!

No calamity befalls except with Allah’s permission. Whoever believes in Allah, He will guide his heart. And Allah is All-Knowing of everything.

Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, but if you turn away, then the duty of Our Messenger is only to convey the message clearly.

Allah, none has the right to be worshiped except Him. So in Allah let the believers put their trust.

O you who believe, indeed, among your wives and your children are some who are enemies[2] to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook, and forgive, then Allah is indeed All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. ——— [2] Some early Muslims were prevented from emigrating to Madinah by their spouses and children, so they were deprived of the honor of joining the Prophet (ﷺ) and the believers in Jihad and other meritorious deeds.

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and with Allah is a great reward.

So fear Allah as much as you can, listen and obey, and spend in charity; that is better for your souls. Whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul, it is they who are successful.

If you lend Allah a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you, for Allah is Most Appreciative[3], Most Forbearing, ——— [3] Who gives much in return for a little work.

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

O Prophet, when you [believers] divorce women, divorce them with concern to their waiting period and keep an accurate count of the waiting period[1], and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not force them out of their houses, nor should they leave unless they commit a clear shameful act. Such are the limits ordained by Allah. Whoever transgresses the limits ordained by Allah has truly wronged himself. You never know, perhaps Allah will bring about a change [of heart] later[2]. ——— [1] A wife should only be divorced after the completion of her monthly cycle and before sexual intercourse after purity, or else during a confirmed pregnancy. Her waiting period (‘iddah) begins with the pronouncement of divorce. See 2:228-233. [2] Such as regret for divorcing or renewed desire for the wife.

Then when they have approached the end of their waiting period, either retain them honorably or part with them honorably[3]. Call two just men from among yourselves as witnesses, and give true testimony for the sake of Allah. This is an exhortation for those who believe in Allah and the Last Day. Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him[4], ——— [3] A husband may return to his wife after the first or the second divorce (revocable divorce) or at the end of her waiting period with dignity. If he divorces her a third time, the marriage is terminated at the end of her third waiting period (Irrevocable divorce). The wife will have to marry and get divorced by another man before she can remarry her ex-husband. See 2:230. [4] i.e., relief from distress and inconvenience.

and He will provide for him from where he does not expect. Whoever puts his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will surely accomplish His purpose, for Allah has set a destiny for everything.

As for those women from among you who reached their menopause, in case you doubt, their waiting period is three months, as well as of those who have not yet menstruated. As for pregnant women, their waiting period ends with delivery[5]. And whoever fears Allah, He will make his matters easy for him. ——— [5] This ruling for the waiting period of pregnant women applies also in case the husband dies.

This is the commandment of Allah that He has sent down to you. Whoever fears Allah, He will absolve him of his bad deeds and will reward him immensely.

Let them live where you live [during their waiting period], according to your means, and do not harass them to make their stay unbearable[6]. If they are pregnant, maintain them until they deliver, and if they suckle your child, compensate them, and graciously settle the question of compensation by mutual understanding. But if you fail to reach an agreement, then another woman may suckle the child. ——— [6] By compelling them to leave or to ransom themselves.

Let the wealthy man spend according to his means. As for the one with limited resources, he should spend according to whatever Allah has given him. Allah does not burden any soul beyond what He has given him. Allah will bring about ease after hardship.

And [imagine] how many towns rebelled against the commandments of their Lord and His messengers, so We called them to a severe account and punished them with a horrendous punishment.

Thus they tasted the evil consequence of their deeds, and the outcome of their deeds was a total loss.

Allah has prepared for them a severe punishment. So fear Allah O people of understanding who have faith. Allah has sent down to you a Reminder[7], ——— [7] i.e., the Qur’an or the Prophet (ﷺ), for he is mentioned in the next verse.

a Messenger who recites to you the clear verses of Allah, so that He may bring those who believe and do righteous deeds out of the depths of darkness into the light. Whoever believes in Allah and does righteous deeds, He will admit him to gardens under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. Allah has prepared for him a good provision.

Allah is the One who has created seven heavens, and likewise for the earth[8]. The Command descends between them so that you may know that Allah is Most Capable of all things and that Allah has encompassed everything in knowledge. ——— [8] i.e., seven earths.

O Prophet, why do you prohibit [yourself from] what Allah has made lawful to you, seeking to please your wives? Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Allah has ordained for you the way to absolve yourselves from your oaths[1]. Allah is your Guardian, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. ——— [1] By way of expiation. This is when one is unable to fulfill an oath or has taken an oath that is not pleasing to Allah. See 5:89.

And [remember] when the Prophet told one of his wives something in secret. Then when she disclosed it [to another wife], and Allah made it known to him, he told [the disclosing wife] part of what was disclosed and overlooked a part. When he informed her of that, she said, “Who informed you of this?” He said, “I was informed by the All-Knowing, the All-Aware.

You both had better turn to Allah in repentance, for your hearts have faltered. But if you insist on conspiring against him, then indeed Allah is his Protector, as well as Gabriel and the righteous believers, and moreover, the angels are his supporters.

Perhaps, if he were to divorce you all, his Lord would replace you with better wives who are submissive to Allah, who are believers, obedient, repentant, devout in worship and fasting[2] – previously married and virgins. ——— [2] i.e., emigrating for Allah's cause, or given to fasting.

O you who believe, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, and is overseen by rigorous and stern angels, who never disobey whatever Allah commands and do whatever they are commanded.

“O you who disbelieve, make no excuses this Day. You will only be recompensed for what you used to do.”

O you who believe, turn to Allah in sincere repentance. It may be that your Lord will absolve you of your bad deeds and admit you to gardens under which rivers flow, on the Day when Allah will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will stream ahead of them and on their right. They will say, “Our Lord, complete our light for us and forgive us, for You are Most Capable of all things.”

O Prophet, strive [i.e., fight] against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh with them. Their abode will be Hell. What a terrible destination!

Allah sets forth an example for the disbelievers: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot, who were under two of Our righteous slaves, but they betrayed them[3]. Their husbands could not avail them anything against Allah, and they both were told, “Enter the Fire along with those who enter!” ——— [3] In the matter of religion, for they both were disbelievers.

And Allah sets forth an example for the believers: the wife of Pharaoh, who said, “My Lord, build for me a house in Paradise near You, save me from Pharaoh and his [evil] deeds, and save me from the wrongdoing people.”

Also [the example of] Mary, daughter of ‘Imrān who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her through Our angel [Gabriel][4], and she firmly believed in the words of her Lord and His Scriptures and was one of the obedient. ——— [4] Gabriel breathed into the garment of Mary so she conceived Jesus.

Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion, and He is Most Capable of all things.

Who created death and life to test you as to which of you is best in deeds, and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Forgiving.

Who created seven heavens one above another; you will not see any imperfection[1] in the creation of the Most Compassionate. Look again; can you see any flaw? ——— [1] All parts of the universe are well connected and in perfect harmony and coordination. There is no indiscipline, disorder and discordance in the universe, and nothing is disjointed and out of proportion in the creation of Allah. As for birth defects, genetic mutations and other things that we see in the world are part of this great creation, for perfection cannot be noticed except if the opposite is seen, also as a test for humans.

Then look again and again; your sight will turn back to you humbled and weary.

We have adorned the lowest heaven with lamps and have made them as missiles to stone the devils[2], and We have prepared for them the punishment of the Blazing Fire. ——— [2] Preventing them thereby from eavesdropping in the heavens. See 72:8-10.

For those who disbelieve in their Lord there will be the punishment of Hell. What a terrible destination!

When they are thrown in it, they will hear its roaring as it boils up,

almost bursting in fury. Every time a group is thrown in it, its keepers will ask them, “Did there not come to you a warner?”

They will say, “Yes, a warner did come to us, but we denied and said, ‘Allah has not sent down anything; you are greatly misguided.’”

And they will say, “If only we had listened or understood, we would not be among the dwellers of the Blazing Fire.”

Thus they will confess their sins. So away[3] with the dwellers of the Blazing Fire! ——— [3] Away from all good and from the mercy of Allah.

Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and a great reward.

Whether you speak secretly or openly, He is All-Knowing of that which is in the hearts.

Does He not know His Own creation[4], when He is the Most Subtle, the All-Aware? ——— [4] Or does He not know those whom He created?

It is He Who made the earth smooth[5] for you, so travel through its regions and eat from His provisions. And to Him is the resurrection. ——— [5] i.e., subservient and stable.

Do you feel secure that He Who is above heaven will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then suddenly convulse[6]? ——— [6] In a circular motion.

Do you feel secure that He Who is in heaven will not send against you a storm of stones? Only then would you know how [serious] My warning was!

Those who came before them rejected [the messengers]; then how severe was My response!

Do they not see the birds above them, spreading out and folding in their wings? None holds them up except the Most Compassionate. He is indeed All-Seeing of everything.

Which is your army that can come to your aid against the Most Compassionate? The disbelievers are in utter delusion.

Who is there to give you provision if He withholds His provision? Yet they persist in arrogance and aversion.

Who is better guided: the one who walks stumbling and falling on his face or the one who walks upright on a straight path?

Say, “It is He Who brought you into being and gave you hearing, sight, and hearts; little do you give thanks.”

Say, “It is He Who has dispersed you throughout the earth, and to Him you will be gathered.”

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

Say, “That knowledge is with Allah alone, and I am only a clear warner.”

Then when they see it[7] approaching closer, the faces of the disbelievers will be distressed, and it will be said, “This is what you were asking for[8].” ——— [7] The punishment on the Day of Judgment of which they were warned. [8] As they were challenging their prophets, saying, "Bring upon us the punishment, if you are truthful."

Say, “What do you think[9], if Allah causes me and those who are with me to die or shows us mercy, who will save the disbelievers from a painful punishment?” ——— [9] i.e., Inform me.

Say, “He is the Most Compassionate; we believe in Him and put our trust in Him. You will come to know who is clearly misguided.”

Say, “What do you think, if your water were to sink deep into the earth, who can bring you flowing water?”

Nūn[1]. By the pen and what they [i.e., the angels] write [in the Records of deeds], ——— [1] See footnote 2:1.

By the grace of your Lord [O Prophet], you are not a madman.

You will surely have a never-ending reward.

Indeed, you are of a great moral character.

Soon you will see and they will see,

which of you is afflicted with madness.

Indeed, your Lord alone knows best who has strayed from His way and those who are rightly guided.

So do not obey the deniers.

They wish that you would compromise so they would too compromise.

And do not obey every disgraceful swearer,

backbiter, gossip-monger,

withholder of good, transgressor, sinful,

coarse, and furthermore, an illegitimate child[2]. ——— [2] i.e., falsely claiming a particular lineage. It refers to Al-Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah (See also 74:11-25) or possibly Al-Akhnas ibn Shurayq.

Simply because he has wealth and children,

When Our verses are recited to him, he says, “Ancient fables!”

We will soon brand him on the snout[3]. ——— [3] Lit., "trunk," meaning the nose of an elephant or pig. These verses refer to Al-Walīd ibn al-Mughīrah, a leader of the pagans of Makkah and a staunch enemy of Islam. He called the Prophet (ﷺ) a madman, so the Qur’an responded by mentioning ten of Al-Walīd’s qualities. (See 53:33-35 and 74:11-26). Two of those qualities were not known to him: the fact that he was an illegitimate child and that his nose would be chopped off years later at the Battle of Badr. Khālid ibn al-Walīd and two of his brothers embraced Islam.

Indeed, We have tested them [i.e., the Makkans] as We tested the people of the garden when they swore to harvest its fruits in the early morning,

and made no exception [by saying: if Allah wills][4]. ——— [4] Or without leaving some for the poor.

Then it was struck by an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep,

and it turned to ashes [as black as night].

Then in the early morning they called out to one another:

“Go early to your garden if you really wish to harvest.”

So they set out, whispering to one another,

“Not a single poor person should enter your garden today.”

And they left early, fully determined to stick to their plan[5]. ——— [5] To implement their plan, fully confident of their ability.

But when they saw the garden, they said, “We must have lost our way!

Rather, we have been deprived.”

The best among them said, “Did I not say to you to glorify Allah[6]?” ——— [6] i.e., remember Him by saying, "...if Allah wills." Or "praise" and "thank" Allah for His bounty.

They said, “Glory be to our Lord! We were truly wrongdoers.”

Then they turned to one another, throwing blame.

They said, “Woe to us! We were surely transgressors.

Our Lord may give us something better than this. We certainly turn to our Lord in hope[7].” ——— [7] Of His forgiveness and bounty.

Such is the punishment [in this world]; but the punishment of the Hereafter is far worse, if only they knew.

Indeed, the righteous will have gardens of bliss with their Lord.

Should We then treat Muslims like the wicked?

What is the matter with you that you make such a judgment?

Or do you have a scripture in which you read

that you will be given whatever you choose?

Or do you have a solemn promise binding upon Us until the Day of Resurrection, that you will have whatever you decide for yourselves?

Ask them which of them can guarantee that.

Or do they have associate-gods? Then let them bring forth their associate-gods[8], if they are truthful. ——— [8] whom they took as partners with Allah.

On the Day when the Shin [of Allah] will be uncovered[9], and they are invited to prostrate, but they will not be able to do so. ——— [9] i.e., It is a Day that everyone will find before him great difficulty. According to a long and authentic Hadīth of Abu Sa‘īd al-Khudrī, "the Shin" refers to that of Allah Almighty, before which every believer will prostrate on the Day of Judgment when the disbelievers and hypocrites will not be able to prostrate. The text of the Hadith is as follows: "... Then the Lord will uncover His Shank, so they will prostrate to Him...".

Their eyes will be downcast, overwhelmed with humiliation, for they were invited to prostrate when they were capable[10] [but they refused]. ——— [10] During the life of this world.

So leave to Me those who reject this message [O Prophet]. We will gradually lead them to their ruin in ways that they do not perceive[11]. ——— [11] Allah will increase favors upon them in this life as a trial, so they will increase sin, which will lead to their destruction.

I will give them respite, but My plan is firm.

Or are you asking them for a reward, so they find it too burdensome?

Or do they have knowledge of the unseen, so they write it down?

So be patient with the decree of your Lord, and do not be like the man of the Whale [i.e., Jonah], when he cried out in anguish[12]. ——— [12] While inside the belly of the whale. See 21:87 and 37:139-148.

Had it not been for the grace that he received from his Lord, he would have surely been thrown onto the barren shore, blameworthy[13]. ——— [13] Instead, Allah accepted his repentance and provided for him means of recovery. See 37:139-148.

But his Lord chose him and made him one of the righteous.

The disbelievers would almost strike you down with their malicious gazes when they hear the Reminder, and they say, “He is certainly mad.”

But it is nothing other than a reminder to the whole world.

The Inevitable Hour!

What is the Inevitable Hour?

How do you know what the Inevitable Hour is?

Thamūd and ‘Ād denied the Striking Calamity of the Hour[1]. ——— [1] The Striking Calamity is one of the names of the Day of Judgment.

As for Thamūd, they were destroyed by a dreadful blast.

And as for ‘Ād, they were destroyed by a furious windstorm[2] ——— [2] Or by a cold windstorm.

which He unleashed against them for seven successive nights and eight days, so you would see the people lying dead as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees.

Do you see any trace of them now?

Also, Pharaoh and those who came before him, and the overturned cities [of Lot] committed the grave sin,

each disobeying the messenger of their Lord, so He seized them with a severe punishment.

Indeed, when the floodwater overflowed, We carried you [O humans] in the sailing Ark[3], ——— [3] Which was made by Noah with Allah's command.

so that We might make it a reminder for you, and that attentive ears may take heed.

Then when the Trumpet is blown with a single blast,

and the earth and mountains are lifted up and crushed with a single blow,

on that Day the Inevitable Event will occur.

And the sky will split asunder and will be frail[4] on that day, ——— [4] i.e., weak and unstable.

with the angels on all its sides, and on that Day, eight [mighty angels] will bear the Throne of your Lord above them.

On that day, you will be brought forth [before Allah], and none of your secrets will remain hidden.

As for the one who is given his Record in his right hand, he will say, “Here is my Record, read it!

I was sure that I would meet my reckoning.”

So he will be in a pleasant life,

in a lofty garden,

with clustered fruit within his reach.

[They will be told,] “Eat and drink joyfully for what you did[5] in the days gone by.” ——— [5] Lit., "advanced" anticipating the reward in the Hereafter.

As for the one who is given his Record in his left hand, he will say, “Would that I had not been given my Record,

nor had I known anything of my reckoning!

Would that it [i.e., death] had been the end of me[6]! ——— [6] Rather than a gateway to eternal life.

My wealth has been of no avail to me.

My authority has vanished[7].” ——— [7] i.e., I have no valid argument or authority today.

[It will be said,] “Seize him and shackle him,

then make him burn in the Blazing Fire,

then tie him up with a chain of seventy cubits long.

For he did not believe in Allah, the Most Great,

nor did he encourage feeding the needy.

So Today he will have no close friend here,

nor any food except the discharge of wounds,

none will eat it except the sinners.”

I swear by what you can see.

and what you cannot see!

Indeed, this is the word of a noble Messenger[8], ——— [8] i.e., recited by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

and it is not the word of a poet; little do you believe!

Nor is it the word of a soothsayer; little do you take heed!

It is a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.

If he had falsely attributed something to Us,

We would have surely seized him by the right hand[9], ——— [9] Or "by [Our] Right Hand," i.e., Allah would have surely exacted revenge with might and power.

then severed his aorta[10], ——— [10] i.e., his life artery of the heart; causing immediate death.

and none of you could have rescued him.

This [Qur’an] is indeed a reminder for those who are righteous.

And We surely know that some of you will be deniers,

and it[11] will certainly be a source of regret for the disbelievers. ——— [11] i.e., denying this Qur’an.

And this[12] is indeed the absolute truth. ——— [12] i.e., this Qur’an.

So glorify the name of your Lord, the Most Great.

A challenger asked for a punishment bound to come[1] ——— [1] In the Hereafter. The pagans of Makkah had challenged the Prophet (ﷺ) in ridicule by asking Allah to bring upon them His punishment. See 8:32.

upon the disbelievers, which none can avert,

from Allah, Lord of the pathways of ascent,

by which the angels and the Spirit[2] will ascend to Him on a Day[3] the length of which is fifty thousand years. ——— [2] i.e., the angel Gabriel. [3] The Day of Judgment will be an extremely long day.

So be patient [O Prophet] with beautiful patience.

Indeed, they see this [punishment] far off,

but We see it to be close at hand.

On the Day when the sky will be like molten brass[4] ——— [4] Or "murky oil."

and the mountains will be like dyed wool[5], ——— [5] While disintegrating.

and no close friend will ask about another,

even though they will see one another. The wicked will wish he could ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by offering his children,

and his wife and his brother,

and his kindred who stood by him,

and everyone on earth, just to save himself.

By no means![6] It is a raging Flame, ——— [6] An emphatic denial, meaning "It will never be."

that will strip off the scalps[7]. ——— [7] Referring to the skin of the head or of the body extremities, which will be burned away by severe heat and flames.

It will call everyone who turned their backs and disobeyed,

and amassed and hoarded wealth.

Indeed, man was created impatient:

when evil befalls him, he bewails,

but when good fortune comes his way, he becomes tight-fisted –

except those who pray,

who are steadfast in their prayers;

and who give a due share[8] of their wealth ——— [8] i.e., obligatory charity; zakah.

to the beggar and the dispossessed;

and who firmly believe in the Day of Judgment;

and those who fear the punishment of their Lord –

for none can feel secure from their Lord’s punishment –

and those who guard their private parts[9], ——— [9] i.e., their chastity and honor from immoralities.

except from their wives or bondwomen[10] whom they own, for then they are not to be blamed. ——— [10] i.e., female slaves or slave-girls.

But whoever seeks beyond that, it is they who are the transgressors.

and those who fulfill their trusts and pledges;

and who are upright in their testimonies;

and who take due care of their prayers;

they will be honored in gardens[11]. ——— [11] Of Paradise.

What is the matter with the disbelievers that they are rushing towards you [O Prophet][12], ——— [12] i.e., rushing to deny you.

from the right and from the left, in crowds[13]? ——— [13] Some pagans of Makkah gathered around the Prophet (ﷺ) mocking and opposing him, claiming that if there is in fact a Hereafter, they would enter Paradise before the believers.

Does everyone of them aspire to enter a garden of bliss?

By no means! We have created them from what they know[14]. ——— [14] i.e., from a disdained fluid.

I swear by the Lord of the sunrises and sunsets[15] that We are surely Capable ——— [15] i.e., Allah is the One Who determines the daily points of sunrise and sunset according to each season by the rotation of the earth around its axis.

to replace them with others better than them, and none can escape Our decree.

So leave them to engage in their falsehood and amuse themselves until they meet their Day which they are promised;

the Day when they will rush out of their graves as if they are racing towards an idol[16], ——— [16] i.e., just as they used to race towards a newly appointed idol, to be among the first of its worshipers.

with their eyes downcast and overwhelmed with disgrace. That is the Day that they were promised.

Indeed, We sent Noah to his people, “Warn your people before there comes to them a painful punishment.”

He said: “O my people, indeed I am a clear warner to you,

that you worship Allah and fear Him, and obey me;

He will forgive you some of your sins and grant you respite until an appointed term[1]. Indeed, when Allah’s appointed term comes, it cannot be delayed, if you only knew!” ——— [1] i.e., until the time your life comes to an end.

He said, “My Lord, I have surely called my people night and day,

but my call only drove them further away.

Every time I call them so that You may forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears and cover their faces with their garments[2], and persist in obstinacy and grow extremely arrogant. ——— [2] Refusing to see me or listen to my call.

Then I called them openly,

then I addressed them in public and in private,

I said, ‘Seek forgiveness from your Lord. Indeed, He is Most Forgiving.

He will shower you with abundant rain from the sky,

and He will give you wealth and children, and bestow upon you gardens and rivers.

What is the matter with you that you do not fear the Majesty of Allah[3], ——— [3] While disobeying Him carelessly.

when He has created you in stages[4]? ——— [4] See 22:5 and 23:12-14 for the stages of the embryo.

Do you not see how Allah has created seven heavens, one above another,

and has placed the moon therein as a light and the sun as a burning lamp?

Allah has produced you from the earth like a plant[5], ——— [5] i.e., your father Adam, whom Allah created from clay.

then He will return you into it and then will bring you out again.

Allah has made the earth widespread for you

so that you may tread its spacious paths[6].’” ——— [6] In the pursuit of a lawful livelihood.

Noah said, “My Lord, they have disobeyed me and followed those whose wealth and children did not increase them except in loss[7]. ——— [7] i.e., the lowly people among them followed their wealthy chiefs.

They have contrived a mighty plot,

They said, ‘Do not abandon your gods; and do not abandon Wadd, Suwā‘, Yaghūth, Ya‘ūq, and Nasr[8].’ ——— [8] These were the names of idols named after pious men of past generations before the time of Noah, to commemorate them. In later generations, people started worshiping these idols.

They have led many astray. So [O Lord], do not increase the wrongdoers except in error.”

Because of their sins, they were drowned and then were cast into the Fire, and they did not find any helpers against Allah.

Noah said, “My Lord, do not leave on earth a single disbeliever.

For if You leave them, they will surely lead Your slaves astray and beget none but wicked disbelievers.

My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and whoever enters my house as a believer, and all the believing men and women, and do not increase the wrongdoers except in ruin.”

Say, “It has been revealed to me that a group of jinn listened [to the Qur’an,] and they said, ‘Indeed, we have heard a wondrous recitation

that guides to the right way, so we have believed in it, and we will never associate anyone with our Lord.

And that He – our exalted and glorified Lord[1] – has neither taken a wife nor a child; ——— [1] “Jadd” of Our Lord means His Glory, Grandeur, and Command.

and that the fool among us [i.e., Satan] used to say outrageous things about Allah[2], ——— [2] i.e., Satan tempted humans to believe that Allah has a wife and children, and that the angels are Allah's daughters.

although we thought that humans and jinn would never tell lies about Allah.

And there were some men who used to seek refuge with some jinn, but they only increased them in burden.

They thought, just like you [jinn] thought that Allah would never send any messenger.

We have sought to reach heaven but found it filled with stern guards and flaming fire.

We used to take up positions there for eavesdropping, but now anyone who eavesdrops will find a flaming fire waiting for him[3]. ——— [3] After the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent as a messenger, the jinn who used to eavesdrop on heaven and then pass it on to fortune-tellers came to an end.

We do not know whether evil is intended for those on earth, or their Lord intends good for them.

Among us are some who are righteous and some who are otherwise, for we follow divergent ways[4]. ——— [4] In beliefs and religious duties.

We have realized that we can never escape Allah on earth, nor can we ever escape Him by fleeing.

When we heard the guidance [of the Qur’an], we believed in it. Whoever believes in his Lord will have no fear of curtailment [from his reward] or injustice[5]. ——— [5] i.e., nor will the sins of another be placed upon him.

Among us are some who are Muslims and some who are deviant[6]. Those who accepted Islam have sought the true guidance, ——— [6] i.e., deviant from the right way.

but those who are deviant, they will be fuel for Hell.’”

“If they had remained steadfast on the right way, We would have given them abundant rain,

as a test for them[7]. But whoever turns away from the remembrance of his Lord[8], He will make him suffer an arduous punishment. ——— [7] As to whether they will be grateful for Allah's provisions or not. [8] i.e., the Qur’an and obedience to Him.

The mosques[9] are for Allah alone, so do not supplicate anyone along with Allah. ——— [9] "Masjid" here means every place of worship on earth.

Yet when the slave of Allah stood up supplicating Him, they swarmed around him[10].” ——— [10] Crowding in the manner of locusts on top of one another in order to hear him (ﷺ). It refers to the jinn or to the Arabs pagans.

Say [O Prophet], “I only supplicate my Lord and I do not associate anyone with Him.”

Say, “I have no power to harm or benefit you[11].” ——— [11] i.e., grant you goodness and guidance.

Say, “None can ever protect me from Allah [if I should disobey Him], nor can I ever find refuge except in Him.

I only convey what I receive from Allah and His messages.” And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger will certainly be in the Fire of Hell, abiding therein forever.

Until when they see what they were promised, they will realize who is weaker in helpers and fewer in number.

Say, “I do not know if what you are promised is near or my Lord has appointed a distant time for it.

[He is] the Knower of the unseen, He does not reveal His unseen to anyone,

except the messenger whom He chooses, then He appoints angel-guards before him and behind him[12] ——— [12] Protecting him so that others do not know what he was informed of the unseen.

to ensure[13] that the messengers fully conveyed the messages of their Lord. He encompasses in His knowledge all about them, and keeps count of all things.” ——— [13] Or "So He may make evident."

O you the enwrapped one[1], ——— [1] Allah is addressing the Messenger (ﷺ), who was wrapped in his garments.

Stand up in prayer at night except a little,

half of it, or a little less,

or a little more, and recite the Qur’an at a measured pace.

We will send down upon you a heavy Word[2]. ——— [2] i.e., the revelation, which the Prophet (ﷺ) would feel its great weight when descending upon him. Also, it is heavy for its ordinances, rulings, punishments, ethics, etc.

Indeed, worship at night is more effective[3] and more conducive to proper recitation[4]. ——— [3] Or "getting up at night is more difficult...," meaning that it can only be done by sincere believers. [4] i.e., for reciting, hearing, and understanding of the Qur’an.

In the daytime, you have plenty of time for your worldly matters.

And remember the Name of your Lord, and devote yourself completely to Him.

[He is] Lord of the east and the west; none has the right to be worshiped except Him, so take Him as the Disposer of your affairs[5]. ——— [5] i.e., trust in Allah and rely upon Him in all your matters.

Bear patiently what they say, and avoid them in a gracious manner.

Leave to Me the deniers who are having a life of luxury, and bear with them for a little while.

Indeed, We have heavy shackles and a Blazing Fire,

and food that chokes, and a painful punishment,

on the Day when the earth and the mountains will convulse, and the mountains will be like dunes of loose sand.

Indeed, We have sent to you a Messenger to be a witness over you, just as We sent to Pharaoh a messenger.

But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger, so We seized him with a severe punishment.

If you disbelieve, then how will you protect yourselves against a Day that will turn children’s hair gray?

It will cause the sky to break asunder[6]. His promise will certainly be fulfilled. ——— [6] Out of the terror of that Day.

Indeed, this is a reminder; so whoever wills may take a way to his Lord.

Indeed, your Lord knows that you [O Prophet] stand up in prayer for nearly two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or one-third of it, as do others among your companions. Allah determines the night and the day; He knows that you [Muslims] cannot keep an accurate count of it, so He pardoned you[7]. Recite then as much of the Qur’an as is easy for you [in the night prayers]. He knows that there are some among you who will be ill, and others traveling in the land, seeking the grace of Allah, and others fighting in Allah’s way. So recite as much of it as is easy for you; establish prayer and give zakah; and lend to Allah a goodly loan[8]. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah, much better in condition and much greater in reward[9]. And seek forgiveness of Allah, for indeed Allah is All-Forgiving, Most-Merciful. ——— [7] The ruling mentioned at the beginning of this surah is lightened here. So from now on, the believers do not have to stick to any of the portions specified there; rather, they can pray whatever they can at night. It is out of the mercy of Allah upon His servants that He does not want hardship for them. [8] i.e., giving in charity and for His causes. [9] It will be rewarded tenfold, or 700-fold, and Allah gives even more to whoever He wills. See 2:261.

O you covered [in your cloak][1], ——— [1] It refers to the Prophet (ﷺ).

arise and warn,

and proclaim the greatness of your Lord,

and purify your garments,

and shun idol worshiping[2], ——— [2] And other sins and bad conducts and morals.

and do not do a favor for a greater return[3], ——— [3] Or: do not consider your good deeds as a favor to Allah, thinking of your little deeds as abundant.

and be patient for the sake of your Lord.

When the Trumpet is sounded[4], ——— [4] For the second time, causing all to rise from the dead for resurrection. See 39:68.

that Day will be a difficult day,

not easy for the disbelievers.

Leave me to deal with the one whom I created lonely[5], ——— [5] i.e., having no wealth or children. It refers to al-Walīd bin al-Mughīrah, who was impressed by the Qur’an, yet he publicly denied it to win the approval of the pagans of Makkah.

and gave him abundant wealth,

and sons by his side,

and gave him a life of comfort and power,

yet he aspires that I should give him more.

By no means! For he has been stubborn against Our verses.

I will subject him to an unbearable punishment.

For he reflected and plotted [against the Qur’an][6]. ——— [6] In order to discredit it.

May he perish, how he plotted!

Again, may he perish, how he plotted!

Then he looked around,

then he frowned and scowled,

then turned away with arrogance,

then said, “This is nothing but magic from the past.

This is nothing but the words of a man.”

Soon I will make him burn in the Scorching Fire[7]. ——— [7] "Saqar" is one of the names of Hell.

How do you know what Scorching Fire is?

It leaves nothing and spares no one,

scorching the skin.

It is overseen by nineteen [angels].

We have only appointed angels as keepers of the Fire, and We have only made their number as a test for the disbelievers[8], so that those who were given the Scripture may have certainty and the believers may increase in faith; and neither those who were given the Scripture nor the believers may have any doubts; and so that those [hypocrites] in whose hearts is sickness and the disbelievers may say, “What does Allah mean by this number?” Thus Allah causes to stray whom He wills and guides whom He wills, and none knows the soldiers of your Lord but He. This is but a reminder to mankind. ——— [8] To say what they want to say, so their punishment will be multiplied for them. Abu Jahl, one of the chief pagans in Makkah, made fun of the Prophet (ﷺ) when they came to know that the keepers of Hell are nineteen angels, so he ridiculed this number and said that it is an easy number to overcome.

No indeed! By the moon,

and by the night when it departs,

and by the dawn when it brightens,

Hellfire is indeed one of the greatest matters,

a warning to mankind,

to whoever among you chooses to advance or regress.

Every soul is held in pledge[9] for its deeds, ——— [9] i.e., held responsible.

except the People of the Right[10], ——— [10] i.e., the believers who receive their records of deeds in their right hands.

who will be in gardens, asking one another

about the wicked:

“What brought you to Hell?”

They will say, “We were not among those who prayed,

nor did we feed the poor,

and we indulged in falsehood along with those who indulged in it,

and we denied the Day of Judgment,

until the certainty [of death] came to us.”

So the intercession of intercessors will not benefit them.

Then what is the matter with them that they turn away from the Reminder,

as if they were terrified wild asses,

fleeing from a lion?

In fact, each one of them desires that open [divine] letters be sent to each of them[11]. ——— [11] Instead of Muhammad (ﷺ), not due to the lack of proofs or signs presented to them but out of obstinacy and arrogance.

By no means! They rather do not fear the Hereafter.

No indeed! This [Qur’an] is a reminder.

So whoever wills may take heed.

But they will not take heed unless Allah so wills. He is most worthy to be feared and most worthy to forgive.

I swear by the Day of Resurrection,

and I swear by the self-reproaching soul[1]! ——— [1] Of the believer, which blames oneself whenever falls into sin or error.

Does man think that We cannot reassemble his bones?

In fact, We are able to restore even his very fingertips.

But man desires to persist in sin[2], ——— [2] While denying the coming of the Day of Judgment.

and asks [mockingly], “When is the Day of Resurrection?”

But when the sight is dazzled,

and the moon is darkened,

and the sun and the moon are brought together[3], ——— [3] They both have never been together since they were created. On this Day they will be brought together, darkened, and both will be thrown into the Hell; so that all should know that they were subservient created beings, especially those who worshiped them.

on that Day man will say, “Where is the escape?”

No indeed! There will be no refuge.

On that Day all will end up before your Lord.

On that Day man will be informed of what he has sent forth[4] and left behind[5]. ——— [4] i.e., of his deeds for the Hereafter. [5] i.e., that which he failed to do.

In fact, man will be a witness against himself[6], ——— [6] His organs will testify against him, as mentioned in 36:65 and 41:20-23.

despite the excuses he may put forward.

Do not move your tongue [O Prophet] in haste trying to memorize it.

It is upon Us to make you memorize and recite it.

Then when We recite it [through Gabriel], follow its recitation attentively;

then it is upon Us to explain its meanings.

No indeed! You [people] love this fleeting world,

and neglect the Hereafter.

On that Day some faces will be bright,

looking at their Lord[7]. ——— [7] The dwellers of Paradise will be granted the honor of actually seeing their Lord in the Hereafter.

And on that Day, some faces will be gloomy,

knowing that a crushing calamity will befall them.

Indeed, when the soul reaches the throat[8], ——— [8] Upon death.

and it is said, “Is there any healer?”

And he realizes that it is time to depart,

when legs are brought together [in a shroud][9]; ——— [9] The difficulties the person faces while leaving this world and moving on to the Hereafter; or the people arrange for the departure of his body, while angels arrange for the departure of his soul.

on that Day, he will be driven to your Lord.

He neither believed nor prayed;

rather he denied and turned away,

then he went to his people, elated with pride,

Woe to you, and woe!

Again, woe to you, and woe!

Does man think that he will be left neglected[10]? ——— [10] i.e., without purpose and responsibility, or without returning to Allah for account.

Was he not once a drop of semen emitted,

then he became a clinging clot[11], then He created him and perfected his form, ——— [11] "‘Alaqah": an embryo that resembles a leech.

and made from him both genders, male and female?

Is not He able to bring the dead back to life?

Was there not a period of time when man was not a thing [even] mentioned[1]? ——— [1] Before coming into being.

Indeed, We created man from a drop of mixed fluids[2], in order to test him. So We gave him hearing and sight. ——— [2] A combination of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) which form the zygote after fertilization in the womb.

Indeed, We showed him the way, whether he is grateful or ungrateful.

We have surely prepared for the disbelievers chains, shackles, and a Blazing Fire.

Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup [of wine] flavored with camphor[3], ——— [3] "Kāfoor": a sweet-scent spring in Paradise.

a spring from which Allah’s slaves will drink, which will flow as they wish.

They fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose evil will spread far and wide,

and they give food, despite their love for it[4], to the needy, the orphans, and the captives, ——— [4] Or "out of love for Him (Allah)".

[saying to themselves] “We feed you only for the sake of Allah; we seek from you neither reward nor gratitude.

We fear from our Lord a grim and distressful Day.”

So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day, and will grant them radiance and delight,

and will reward them for their perseverance with Paradise and garments of silk.

They will recline therein on adorned couches; neither feeling scorching heat[5] nor freezing cold. ——— [5] i.e., the sun.

with shady branches spread above them, and clusters of fruit will be made within their reach.

They will be served frequently with silver vessels and crystal cups,

crystalline goblets of silver, filled precisely as desired.

They will be given a glass [of wine] flavored with ginger

from a spring therein called Salsabīl.

They will be served by eternal young boys; if you see them, you would think that they are scattered pearls.

If you were to look around, you would see bliss and a vast dominion.

They will be dressed in garments of fine green silk and rich brocade, and will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.

[And they will be told,] “Indeed, this is your reward, and your efforts have been appreciated.”

Indeed, it is We Who have sent down the Qur’an to you in stages.

So be patient with your Lord’s decree, and do not obey any sinner or disbeliever from among them.

And remember the Name of your Lord morning and evening[6], ——— [6] This and the next verse refer to the five daily prayers: here it refers to the dawn prayer, then the noon and afternoon prayers.

and prostrate to Him at night, and glorify Him at length by night[7]. ——— [7] It refers to the sunset and night prayers.

Indeed, these [pagans] love this fleeting life and pay no heed to a heavy Day ahead of them.

It is We Who created them and strengthened their build. If We will, We can replace them with others like them.

Indeed, this is a reminder; so let anyone who wills may take a way to his Lord.

But you cannot will unless Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

He admits whom He wills into His mercy, but for the wrongdoers He has prepared a painful punishment.

By those [winds] sent forth in succession,

those that blow violently,

and scatter [rainclouds] far and wide,

And by those [angels] who bring criterion[1]; ——— [1] To Allah's messengers to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

and those who deliver revelation,

leaving no excuse or giving warning –

what you are promised will surely come to pass.

So when the stars are effaced,

and when the sky is split apart,

and when the mountains are blown away,

and when the messengers are summoned[2], ——— [2] To testify concerning their nations.

until which Day has all this been postponed?

Until the Day of Judgment.

How do you know what the Day of Judgment is?

Woe on that Day to the deniers[3]! ——— [3] i.e., Death and destruction be upon them.

Did We not destroy the earlier nations?

Then We will do likewise to the later ones.

This is how We deal with the wicked.

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

Did We not create you from a worthless fluid,

then We placed it in a secure repository

for a determined period[4]? ——— [4] See 23:12-14

For We determined it; How excellently We determine!

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

Have We not made the earth a receptacle[5] ——— [5] i.e., a lodging, a container that contains all people.

for the living and the dead,

and placed therein firm towering mountains, and given you fresh water to drink?

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

[They will be told,] “Proceed to that [Fire] which you used to deny!

Proceed to the shadow [of smoke] ascending in three columns,

that provides neither shade nor protection from the flames.

Indeed, it [i.e., Hell] throws up sparks as big as castles,

as if they were tawny camels[6]. ——— [6] i.e., huge and black camels.

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

On that Day they won’t speak,

nor will they be allowed to make excuses.

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

[They will be told,] “This is the Day of Judgment: We have gathered you along with the earlier generations.

So if you have any scheme, then plot it against Me.”

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

Indeed, the righteous will be amid shades and springs

and will have whatever fruit they desire.

[They will be told,] “Eat and drink joyfully, as a reward for what you used to do.”

This is how We reward those who do good.

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

“Eat and enjoy yourselves for a while; you are truly wicked.”

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

When it is said to them, “Bow [in prayer],” they do not bow.

Woe on that Day to the deniers!

In which message after this [Qur’an] will they believe?

About what are they asking one another?

About the momentous news[1], ——— [1] i.e., the Resurrection.

that which they differ about[2]. ——— [2] The pagans of Makkah denied the Qur’an, resurrection, and judgment. They differed as to whether the Qur’an was magic, fortune-telling, or poetry.

No indeed; they will come to know.

Again no; they will come to know.

Have We not made the earth a resting place?

And the mountains as stakes[3], ——— [3] Mountains go deep below the surface like pegs and icebergs, stabilizing the earth and slowing tectonic movement.

and created you in pairs,

and made your sleep for rest,

and made the night a covering[4], ——— [4] Covering you in its darkness as garments cover you.

and made the day for seeking a livelihood,

and built above you seven mighty heavens,

and made therein a blazing lamp,

and sent down from the rainclouds abundant water,

so that We may produce thereby grains and vegetation,

and gardens with dense foliage?

Indeed, the Day of Judgment is a time appointed,

the Day when the Trumpet will be blown, you will come forth in crowds,

and the sky will be opened up and will become gateways,

and the mountains will vanish, becoming like a mirage.

Indeed, Hell is lying in wait,

a resort for the transgressors,

wherein they will abide for endless ages.

They will neither taste therein any coolness nor any drink,

except for scalding water and discharge of wounds,

a fitting recompense[5]. ——— [5] To their disbelief and evil deeds.

Indeed, they did not expect a reckoning,

and utterly rejected Our verses.

But We have enumerated everything in a record[6]. ——— [6] i.e., a record of deeds.

So taste [the punishment], for We will not increase you except in torment[7].” ——— [7] The addressees are the dwellers of Hell.

Indeed, the righteous will have salvation[8], ——— [8] i.e., safety from Hell and winning Paradise.

gardens and vineyards,

and full-bosomed maidens of equal age,

and a full cup [of wine][9]. ——— [9] i.e., tasteful wine which neither intoxicates nor causes headache.

They will not hear therein vain talk or lies –

a reward and a generous gift from your Lord[10], ——— [10] Or "a gift adequately calculated"; as a result of their righteous deeds as well as the ample generosity of Allah.

[from] the Lord of the heavens and earth and all that is between them, the Most Compassionate; none will dare to speak to Him[11]. ——— [11] None can ask or plead on the Day of Judgment except by Allah's permission.

On the Day when the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows; none will dare to speak, except those to whom the Most Compassionate granted permission, and they will only speak the truth.

That Day is sure to come. So whoever wills may seek a path leading to his Lord[12]. ——— [12] i.e., the path of guidance and righteous deeds.

Indeed, We have warned you of an imminent punishment on the Day when everyone will see what his hands have sent forth[13], and the disbeliever will say, “Oh, I wish that I were dust!” ——— [13] i.e., the deeds he did in this world.

By those who pull out [evil souls][1] harshly, ——— [1] Of the disbelievers.

and by those who draw out [good souls][2] gently, ——— [2] Of the believers.

and by those who glide swiftly[3], ——— [3] i.e., angels glide swiftly through the heavens and earth with Allah’s command.

and those who overtake one another as in a race[4], ——— [4] To execute Allah's commands.

and those who carry out the command [of Allah],

on the Day when the earth convulses [by the first Blast],

followed by the second Blast,

hearts[5] will be pounding on that Day, ——— [5] Of those who denied the Resurrection.

and their eyes[6] will be downcast. ——— [6] Of the disbelievers.

They say, “Will we be brought back to life,

after we have turned into decayed bones[7]?” ——— [7] They would say this in ridicule of the warning.

They say, “Then that would surely be a losing return[8]!” ——— [8] To one another.

It will only be a single Blast,

then they will immediately be above the ground.

Has there come to you the story of Moses,

when his Lord called out to him at the sacred valley of Tuwa?

[Saying,] “Go to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed all bounds”.

And say: ‘Are you willing to be purified,

and I will guide you to your Lord so that you may fear Him?’”

Then Moses showed him the greatest sign[9]. ——— [9] i.e., the miracle of the staff turning into a snake. See 20:17-23.

But Pharaoh denied it and disobeyed.

Then he turned back striving to plot.

He gathered [his people] and proclaimed,

saying, “I am your lord, the most high.”

So Allah seized him for an exemplary punishment in this life and in the Hereafter[10]. ——— [10] Or for his claim of being the greatest god and for his previous oppression of the Children of Israel.

Indeed, there is a lesson in this for those who fear Allah.

Are you more difficult to create or the heaven that He built?

He raised its vault high and proportioned it,

and darkened its night and brought forth its daylight.

And thereafter He spread out the earth,

brought forth from it its water and its pasture,

and set the mountains firmly,

as a provision for you and your grazing livestock.

But when the Supreme Calamity comes[11], ——— [11] i.e., the second Blast which marks the Day of judgment.

on that Day man will remember all what he did,

and the Blazing Fire will be exposed for all to see.

As for those who transgressed,

and preferred the life of this world,

the Blazing Fire will be their abode.

But those who feared standing before their Lord and restrained themselves from evil desires,

Paradise will surely be their abode.

They ask you concerning the Hour, “When will it be[12]?” ——— [12] Lit., "established."

How could you possibly mention that?

Its knowledge rests only with your Lord[13]. ——— [13] i.e., its end and termination. Its ultimate knowledge belongs to Allah alone.

You are only a warner for those who fear it.

On the Day when they see it[14], it will be as if they had remained [in this world] no more than an evening or a morning. ——— [14] i.e., the Hour.

He frowned and turned away,

when the blind man came to him[1]. ——— [1] Abdullah ibn Um Maktūm, an early Muslim who was blind, came to the Prophet (ﷺ) seeking knowledge and guidance, while the Prophet (ﷺ) was in the middle of a discussion with some leading pagans of Makkah, calling them to Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) frowned and turned his attention from him. So this Makkan surah was revealed.

How would you know? Perhaps he might be purified[2], ——— [2] Through the knowledge he learns from you.

or he might take heed and benefit from the reminder?

But he who was indifferent[3], ——— [3] Towards faith. Here it is referring to that influential pagan of the Quraysh whom the Prophet (ﷺ) had hoped to embrace Islam.

you give him your full attention,

although you are not to be blamed if he does not purify himself[4]. ——— [4] The Prophets are only responsible to convey the message, not for people’s guidance.

But as for the one who came to you striving [for purification],

and he fears Allah,

you let yourself be distracted from him.

No indeed; this is a reminder –

so whoever wills may give heed to it –

on venerable pages,

exalted and purified,

[preserved] in the hands of angel-scribes,

honorable and obedient.

Woe to man; how ungrateful he is[5]! ——— [5] i.e., the disbelievers.

From what did He create him?

He created him from a drop of semen and proportioned him[6], ——— [6] His creation, provisions, life span, etc.

then He made the way easy for him[7]; ——— [7] i.e., the way out of his mothers’ wombs (his birth), or the way to guidance.

then He caused him to die and be buried;

then when He wills, He will resurrect him.

Yet he has not fulfilled what He commanded him.

Let man consider the food he eats:

How We pour down rainwater in torrents,

and cause the soil to split open [for sprouts],

and cause grains to grow in it,

as well as grapes and fodder,

and olive trees and date palms,

and dense orchards,

and fruits and grass,

as provision for you and your livestock.

But when the Deafening Blast[8] comes, ——— [8] The piercing Blast; the second Blast for resurrection.

on that Day everyone will flee from his brother,

and from his mother and father,

and from his wife and children.

On that day, everyone will have enough concern of his own[9]. ——— [9] Thus forgetting all others.

On that Day, some faces will be bright,

cheerful and rejoicing;

while other faces will be dust-stained,

covered in darkness.

Such are the disbelievers, the wicked.

When the sun is wrapped up in darkness,

and when the stars fall down,

and when the mountains are set in motion,

and when pregnant camels[1] are left unattended, ——— [1] Which are near delivery. It alludes to the distraction of people from their most valuable possessions, such as ten-month pregnant camels for nomadic Arabs.

and when wild beasts are gathered,

and when the seas are set on fire,

and when the souls are sorted[2], ——— [2] i.e., "joined" with their groups or sects, wicked with the wicked souls, righteous with the righteous.

and when the baby girl buried alive[3] is asked, ——— [3] As the pagan Arabs used to do for fear of shame or poverty. The Qur’an condemned this practice. See 16:58-59.

for what crime she was killed,

and when records of deeds are spread open,

and when the sky is stripped away[4], ——— [4] As the skin of sheep is stripped away.

and when the Blazing Fire is flared up,

and when Paradise is brought near –

then every soul will know what it has brought about[5]. ——— [5] Of faith or disbelief, good or bad deeds for that Day.

I swear by the receding stars,

that rise and hide[6], ——— [6] This probably refers to black holes in the sky. "Kanasa" means sweeping or hiding.

and by the night as it departs,

and by the day as it breaks –

Indeed, this [Qur’an] is a word conveyed by a noble angel-messenger.

extremely powerful, highly revered by the Lord of the Throne,

obeyed there [by other angels] and trustworthy.

Your fellow [i.e., the Prophet] is not a madman.

He indeed saw him [i.e., Gabriel] on the clear horizon[7]. ——— [7] i.e., the eastern horizon, where the sun rises. See footnote 53:6

He does not withhold [knowledge of] the unseen[8]. ——— [8] He (ﷺ) did not withhold the unseen which Allah had revealed to him in the Qur’an.

This [Qur’an] is not the word of an accursed devil.

So which way are you going[9]? ——— [9] In your denial of the Qur’an for being the revelation from Allah.

It is but a reminder to the worlds,

for those among you who wish to take the straight path.

But you cannot wish except by the Will of Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

When the sky breaks apart.

and when the stars fall, scattered,

and when the seas burst forth,

and when the graves are overturned,

then each soul will come to know what it has done or what it has left undone.

O mankind, what has lured you away from your Lord, the Most Generous,

Who created you, then shaped and proportioned you,

and assembled you in whatever form He willed?

No indeed; but you deny the Judgment Day,

while there are watchers[1] over you, ——— [1] i.e., angels who preserve all your deeds.

honorable scribes,

who know whatever you do.

Indeed, the righteous will be in Bliss,

and the wicked will be in Blazing Fire,

which they will enter on Judgment Day,

and will never come out of it.

How do you know what Judgment Day is?

Again, how do you know what Judgment Day is?

It is the Day when no soul will be of any help to another, and all command on that Day will be with Allah.

Woe to the defrauders[1], ——— [1] i.e., those who cheat people by giving them less in sale transactions, an amount so little as to hardly be noticed.

those who take full measure when they take from others,

but they give less when they measure or weigh for them.

Do they really not think that they will be resurrected

for a momentous Day,

a Day when people will stand before the Lord of the worlds?

No indeed! The record of the wicked is surely in Sijjīn.

How do you know what Sijjīn is?

It is a clearly inscribed Record.

Woe on that Day to the deniers,

those who deny the Judgment Day!

None denies it except every sinful transgressor.

When Our verses are recited to him, he says, “Ancient fables[2]!” ——— [2] i.e., tales of old times, legends of former peoples.

No indeed! Their hearts have been stained by what they used to commit[3]! ——— [3] i.e., their sins and evil deeds.

No indeed! On that Day they will be barred from seeing their Lord[4]. ——— [4] As a punishment, since the believers will see Him.

They will then surely enter the Blazing Fire,

then they will be told, “This is what you used to deny.”

No indeed! The record of the righteous is certainly in ‘illiyyīn –

and how do you know what ‘illiyyūn is? –

It is a record inscribed,

witnessed by those who are close to Allah.

Indeed, the righteous will be in Bliss,

seated on the couches, gazing in wonder.

You will see on their faces the radiance of bliss.

They will be served to drink pure wine from a sealed container,

whose last sip is musk[5] – let those who strive, strive for that – ——— [5] i.e., having a lingering odor.

and it will be mixed with water from the spring of Tasnīm[6], ——— [6] It is the highest spring in Paradise.

a spring from which those who are close to Allah will drink.

Indeed, the wicked used to laugh at the believers;

when they passed by them, they would wink at one another,

and when they went back to their people, they would return exulting.

When they saw the believers, they would say, “These people are truly misguided,”

although they were not sent as their keepers.

So Today[7] the believers will laugh at the disbelievers, ——— [7] i.e., the Day of Judgment.

while sitting on the couches, gazing around.

Have the disbelievers been rewarded except for what they used to do?

When the sky is rent asunder,

and hearkens to its Lord[1], as it must, ——— [1] In full obedience.

and when the earth is leveled out[2], ——— [2] i.e., spread out.

and casts out all what it contains[3], and becomes empty, ——— [3] i.e., its dead bodies and treasures buried in it.

and hearkens to its Lord, as it must,

O humans, you are toiling towards your Lord[4], and you will surely meet Him[5]. ——— [4] i.e., striving in doing good or evil until you meet your Lord. [5] To be recompensed by Him for your deeds.

Whoever is given his Record in his right hand,

he will have an easy reckoning,

and he will return to his people joyfully.

But whoever is given his Record from behind his back,

he will call out for destruction,

and he will enter the Blazing Fire.

Indeed, he used to live among his people joyfully.

and he thought that he would never return [to Allah].

Indeed he will! His Lord was always watching him.

Indeed, I swear by the twilight,

and by the night and what it covers,

and by the moon when it becomes full,

You will surely pass from one stage to another[6]. ——— [6] i.e., from sperm-drop to clinging clot to lump, from life to death to resurrection.

Then what is the matter with them that they do not believe,

and when the Qur’an is recited to them, they do not prostrate?

Rather, the disbelievers persist in denying it,

but Allah knows best whatever they harbor in their hearts.

So give them the tidings of a painful punishment.

But those who believe and do righteous deeds will have a never-ending reward.

By the sky full of constellations,

and by the promised Day,

and by the witness and the witnessed,

cursed be the makers of the trench[1], ——— [1] Those who worked for a tyrannical king and did not allow the people to believe in Allah. Their blind obedience to their ruler incurred upon them the curse of Allah.

the fire full of fuel,

when they sat around it,

and were witnessing what they did to the believers[2]. ——— [2] After the believers were casted into a trench of fire, they sat around it watching them burn to death. It occurred long before Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) time.

Their only grievance against them was that they believed in Allah, the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy,

to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and earth, and Allah is Witness over all things.

Indeed, for those who tortured the believing men and women, and then did not repent, there will be the punishment of Hell and the punishment of the burning fire[3]. ——— [3] Those who burned the believers will be punished with the burning fire in the Hereafter.

But those who believed and did righteous deeds will certainly have gardens under which rivers flow; that is the supreme triumph.

Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is severe.

Indeed, it is He Who originates [the creation] and then resurrects all,

and He is the All-Forgiving, the Most Affectionate,

the Lord of the Glorious Throne;

He does whatever He wills.

Has there not come to you the story of the forces

of Pharaoh and Thamūd?

But the disbelievers are in persistent denial,

although Allah encompasses them from all sides.

But this is a glorious Qur’an,

[inscribed] in a Preserved Tablet.

By the sky and the night comer –

and how do you know what the night comer is?

It is the star of piercing brightness[1] – ——— [1] Whose light pierces through the darkness or through the sky.

there is no soul except that there is a watcher over it.

Let man reflect on what he was created from.

He was created from a spurting fluid,

emerging from between the backbone and the ribs[2]. ——— [2] Both testes and ovaries are sustained by arteries originating between the backbone and the ribcage.

Indeed, Allah is able to bring him back to life.

On the Day when all secrets will be disclosed[3], ——— [3] The secrets will be examined, disclosing the real intentions and faiths people harbored, distinguishing between righteous and evil therefrom.

he will then have no power, nor any helper.

By the sky and its recurring rain[4], ——— [4] And sun, moon, stars, clouds, heat, etc.

and by the earth that cracks open [with the sprout of plants],

Indeed, this [Qur’an] is a decisive word,

which is not for amusement.

Indeed, they are devising a plan.

I am too devising a plan.

So bear with the disbelievers, and give them respite for a while[5]. ——— [5] i.e., Do not be in haste in seeking their punishment and destruction.

Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High,

Who created and fashioned in due proportion,

and Who determined [the creation] then inspired them,

and Who brings forth the pasture,

then makes it into withered chaff.

We will teach you [the Qur’an], so you will not forget,

except what Allah wills[1], for indeed He knows what is manifest and what is hidden. ——— [1] i.e., except what Allah wills to make you forget for wisdom such as abrogating or replacing a ruling by another.

We will guide you to the easy way[2]. ——— [2] To the way of Islam which brings about ease in this life and attainment of Paradise in the Hereafter, or will give you opportunities for righteous deeds that lead to Paradise.

So remind, if the reminder should benefit[3]. ——— [3] Wherever this Qur’an will be heard.

He who fears Allah will take heed,

but the wretched will avoid it,

who will enter the Great Fire,

wherein he will neither die nor live.

Indeed, he who purifies himself will attain success,

and remembers his Lord’s Name and prays.

But you prefer the life of this world,

even though the Hereafter is better and more lasting.

Indeed, this was in the earlier Scriptures,

the Scriptures of Abraham and Moses.

Has there come to you the story of the Overwhelming Event?

On that Day, some faces will be humiliated,

overburdened and weary[1], ——— [1] They will be burdened with the heavy shackles in the Hereafter, or they performed deeds in their worldly life which were bereft of faith or not done for the sake of Allah.

as they burn in a scorching Fire.

They will be made to drink from a boiling spring,

and they will have no food except bitter thorny plants,

that neither nourishes nor satisfies hunger.

Other faces on that Day will be joyful,

well-pleased with their past striving,

in an elevated garden,

wherein no idle talk will be heard[2]. ——— [2] Rather than an insult, falsehood, immorality, etc.

There will be a flowing spring;

and couches raised high,

and cups placed ready,

and cushions lined up,

and splendid carpets spread out.

Do they not reflect on the camel, how it is created;

and the sky, how it is raised high;

and the mountains, how they are firmly set up;

and the earth, how it is spread out?

So remind [O Prophet]; your duty is only to remind;

you are not assigned to compel them.

But whoever turns away and disbelieves,

Allah will inflict upon him the greatest punishment[3]. ——— [3] i.e., the greatest punishment is the Hellfire. The minor punishment includes disasters in worldly life and grave punishment.

Indeed, to Us is their return,

then it is for Us to call them to account.

By the dawn,

and the ten nights[1], ——— [1] i.e., the first ten nights of the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah.

and the even and the odd[2], ——— [2] Of the things.

and by the night when it comes,

are these oaths not sufficient for those who have sense?

Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with ‘Ād

of Iram[3], who were people of great stature, ——— [3] Iram: an ancient tribe; or a well-known tribe in Yemen; or the grandfather of the people of ‘Aad, etc. Prophet Hūd was sent to the people of ‘Aad.

the like of whom had never been created in the land;

and Thamūd, who carved out the rocks in the Valley;

and the mighty and powerful[4] Pharaoh? ——— [4] Or the owner of the stakes by which he used to torture people.

All of them transgressed in the land,

and spread therein much corruption,

so your Lord poured upon them a scourge of punishment.

Indeed, your Lord is ever vigilant.

As for man, when he is tested by his Lord by honoring him and bestowing blessings upon him, he says, “My Lord has [deservedly] honored me[5]!” ——— [5] Instead of being grateful, he is proud, attributing the favor to his own merit.

But when he is tested by restricting his provision, he says, “My Lord has [undeservedly] humiliated me!”

No indeed[6]! You are not kind to the orphan, ——— [6] It is not as you think. Allah puts people to test through prosperity and hardship and rewards their gratitude and patience in the Hereafter.

nor do you urge one another to feed the needy,

and you greedily consume the entire inheritance[7], ——— [7] Whether lawful or unlawful.

and love wealth immensely.

No indeed! When the earth is crushed over and over,

and your Lord comes[8] with the angels, rank after rank, ——— [8] To pass judgment between people.

and Hell is brought near on that Day – this is when man will understand, but what is the use of that understanding?

He will say, “Would that I had sent forth something for my [eternal] life!”

None can punish as He punishes on that Day,

and none can bind as He binds.

[It will be said to the believer,] “O the tranquil soul!

Return to your Lord, well pleased and pleasing [to Him].

Join My [righteous] slaves,

and enter My Paradise.”

I do swear by this city [of Makkah] –

and you are free of restriction [for a while] in this city[1] – ——— [1] To punish the enemies of Islam on the Conquest Day.

and by every parent[2] and his offspring, ——— [2] i.e., Adam.

We have created man in hardship.

Does he think that none can ever have power over him?

He says, “I have squandered enormous wealth!”

Does he think that no one sees him?

Have We not given him two eyes,

and a tongue and two lips,

and shown him the two ways [of right and wrong]?

Yet he did not make his way through the steep path[3], ——— [3] He did not spend for the sake of Allah but to show off.

and how do you know what the steep path is?

It is freeing a slave,

or giving food on a day of hunger,

to an orphan relative,

or to a needy person in misery,

then [most importantly] to be one of those who believe and exhort one another to patience and exhort one another to compassion.

Such are the people of the Right[4]. ——— [4] i.e., those who receive the records of their deeds in the right hand and proceed to Paradise.

As for those who reject Our signs, they are the people of the Left[5], ——— [5] i.e., those who receive the records of their deeds in the left hand and proceed to Hellfire.

who will be locked up in the Fire.

By the sun and its brightness,

and by the moon as it follows it[1], ——— [1] i.e., appears after the sun disappears.

and by the day as it displays it[2], ——— [2] i.e., the earth or the sun.

and by the night as it covers it[3], ——— [3] i.e., the earth or the sun.

and by the sky and how He made it,

and by the earth and how He spread it,

and by the soul and how He fashioned it[4], ——— [4] By sound natural disposition.

then inspired it [to know] its wickedness and righteousness,

Indeed, he who purifies his soul will attain success,

and he who corrupts it will be doomed.

Thamūd rejected [the messenger] because of their transgression,

when the most wretched among them rose[5]. ——— [5] To kill the camel that Allah sent as a miracle to them.

Although the messenger of Allah warned them, “Hands off the she-camel of Allah and her drink!”

Yet they rejected him and hamstrung her[6]. So their Lord destroyed them for their sin and leveled them to the ground. ——— [6] And then killed her.

And He has no fear of the consequences thereof[7]. ——— [7] Allah is not asked for what He does, but His slaves will be asked. See 21:23

By the night when it covers[1], ——— [1] Everything between sky and earth with its darkness.

and by the day when it appears,

and by His creation of male and female,

surely your efforts are divergent.

As for the one who gives in charity and fears Allah,

and truly believes in the best reward,

We will make easy for him the way of salvation.

But as for the one who is miserly and deems himself self-sufficient,

and denies the best reward,

We will make easy for him the way of perdition.

His wealth will be of no avail to him when he tumbles [into Hell].

Indeed, it is upon Us to show the right way,

and surely to Us belong the Hereafter and the present life.

So I warn you of a raging Fire,

none will enter it except the most wretched,

who denied and turned away.

But the most righteous will be saved from it,

who spends his wealth to purify himself,

not in return for someone’s favors[2], ——— [2] i.e., not as a repayment for a favor he received.

but to seek the pleasure of his Lord, the Most High.

He will surely be well pleased.

By the morning sunlight,

and by the night when it covers with darkness[1], ——— [1] And everything becomes still.

your Lord has neither forsaken you [O Prophet] nor hated you;

the Hereafter is better for you than the present life;

and your Lord will certainly give you so much that you will be well pleased.

Did He not find you an orphan then take good care of you?

Did He not find you unguided then guide you?

Did He not find you in need then enrich you?

So do not mistreat the orphan,

nor repulse the beggar[2]; ——— [2] i.e., anyone in need who seeks help.

and proclaim the favors of your Lord[3]. ——— [3] i.e., be grateful to Allah by proclaiming the favors He has given you.

Have We not reassured your heart for you [O Prophet][1], ——— [1] i.e., enlighten and gladden your heart for receiving the revelation.

and relieved you of your burden[2] ——— [2] forgave your previous or future errors, or relieved you of the anxiety you experienced at the beginning of your mission.

that weighed down your back,

and raised high your fame for you[3]? ——— [3] Allah raised the Prophet's name in numerous ways, such as his name is mentioned twice in the call to prayer five times a day, as well the second call to prayer; at the end of each of the five daily prayers; believers invoke Allah’s blessings upon him and his family; and upon reverting to Islam, his name is mentioned, etc.

For indeed, with hardship comes ease[4], ——— [4] In Arabic grammar, if a definite noun is repeated, it is referring to the same thing. However, if an indefinite noun is repeated, it is referring to two different things. So here in this and the coming verse they refer to one hardship (a definite noun) and two eases (an indefinite noun), which manifests Allah's favors upon His servants even in times of hardships.

indeed, with hardship comes ease.

So whenever you are free[5], strive in worship, ——— [5] Of your duties.

and turn to your Lord in devotion.

By the fig and the olive[1], ——— [1] Of Jerusalem.

and by Mount Sinai[2], ——— [2] Of Egypt.

and by this secure city [of Makkah][3], ——— [3] This passage refers to the land of the three great prophets of Allah: Jesus (ﷺ) lived in the land of figs and olives, Moses (ﷺ) communicated with Allah on Mount Sinai, and Muhammad's (ﷺ) birthplace was Makkah. There is a similar reference in Deuteronomy 33:1, [Moses said:] “The Lord came from Sinai. Rising from Seir upon us, and he shone forth from Mount Paran.” Seir is a mountain near Jerusalem, and Paran is a mountain near Makkah.

Surely We have created man in the best form[4], ——— [4] i.e., in upright and balanced form and nature.

then We will reduce him to the lowest of the low[5], ——— [5] i.e., to the depths of Hell due to deviation from uprightness; or to decrepit old age.

except those who believe and do righteous deeds; they will have a never-ending reward.

Then, what makes you deny the Judgment Day?

Is not Allah the Most Just of all judges?

Read in the name of your Lord Who created,

created man from a clinging clot.

Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous,

Who taught by the pen,

taught man what he did not know[1]. ——— [1] These five verses (1-5) are the first ever verses revealed of the Qur’an. The Prophet (ﷺ) was retreating at a cave in the outskirts of Makkah when the angel Gabriel appeared before him, and ordered him to read. Since the Prophet (ﷺ) was unlettered, he would respond, “I cannot read.” Gabriel would then squeeze him tightly and order him again to read. Ultimately, Gabriel said to him: “Read in the name of your Lord …”.

Indeed, man transgresses

when he deems himself to be self-sufficient.

Indeed, to your Lord is the return.

Have you seen the one who prevents[2] ——— [2] i.e., Abu Jahl was a pagan leader of the Makkah who was an arch-enemy of Islam.

a slave [of Allah] from praying[3]? ——— [3] Abu Jahl abused the Prophet (ﷺ) when he prayed in the Holy Mosque.

What if this [slave] is rightly guided,

and enjoins righteousness?

How about the one who denies and turns away[4]? ——— [4] From what the Prophet (ﷺ) has brought and does he not fear Allah?

Does he not know that Allah is watching all?

No indeed; if he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock[5] ——— [5] To the Hellfire.

a lying, sinful forelock[6]. ——— [6] It alludes to the frontal lobe of the brain, where reasoning is processed.

So let him call his associates;

We will call the wardens of Hellfire[7]. ——— [7] i.e., the coarse, rigorous, and harsh angels assigned for the Hellfire.

No indeed; do not obey him, but prostrate and draw near [to Allah].

Indeed, We sent this [Qur’an] down on the Night of Decree[1]. ——— [1] The Qur’an was first revealed completely to the lowest heaven on this night. Also, its revelation on the Prophet (ﷺ) started on this night.

How do you know what the Night of Decree is?

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.

On that night the angels and the Spirit [i.e., Gabriel] descend by their Lord’s permission with all decrees[2]. ——— [2] Bringing down the exact provisions, life, death, and other things destined for the creatures for the coming year by Allah's permission.

It is all peace[3] until the break of dawn. ——— [3] Upon the believers.

Those who disbelieve from the People of the Book and the polytheists were not going to desist [from disbelief][1] until there came to them clear proof, ——— [1] i.e., and from deviant ways.

a messenger from Allah, reciting pure pages[2] ——— [2] i.e., that contains no falsehood.

containing upright commandments.

Yet those who were given the Scripture did not disagree[3] except after the clear proof came to them, ——— [3] Into different sects and denominations.

although they were commanded only to worship Allah with sincere devotion to Him, being inclined to the true faith, and to establish prayer and give zakah; that is the true religion.

Those who disbelieve from the People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding therein forever. It is they who are the worst of creatures.

As for those who believe and do righteous deeds – it is they who are the best of creatures.

Their reward with their Lord is Gardens of Eternity under which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. This is for those who fear their Lord.

When the earth is shaken with a mighty quake,

and the earth throws out its burdens[1], ——— [1] i.e., its dead bodies and treasures.

and man says[2], “What is the matter with it?” ——— [2] In terror and astonishment.

On that Day it will recount all its news,

because your Lord has inspired it [to do so].

On that Day all people will come forward in separate groups to be shown their deeds[3]. ——— [3] From the place of Judgment to see the consequences of their deeds, whether to Paradise or to Hell.

So whoever does an atom’s weight[4] of good will see it, ——— [4] Or a small ant’s weight.

and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.

By the galloping, panting horses[1], ——— [1] i.e., those horses that fight for the cause of Allah as they race to attack the enemy.

striking sparks of fire [with their hooves][2], ——— [2] While galloping over rocky terrain.

launching raids at dawn[3], ——— [3] While the enemy is unaware of their raid.

stirring up thereby clouds of dust,

plunging thereby into the midst of the enemy[4], ——— [4] i.e., penetrating into the ranks of the enemy as a surprise attack.

indeed, man is very ungrateful to his Lord[5] – ——— [5] disobeying Him by not spending in the cause of Allah from what He has given him and commanded him to spend accordingly.

and he himself is a witness to that[6] – ——— [6] By his words and actions.

and he is truly extreme in his love of wealth.

Does he not know that when the contents of graves will be overturned,

and the secrets of the hearts will be brought to light[7]? ——— [7] i.e., when all secrets of the hearts and faiths are made known.

Indeed, their Lord is All-Aware of them on that Day[8]. ——— [8] Nothing of their affairs will be hidden from Him.

The Striking Calamity!

What is the Striking Calamity?

How do you know what the Striking Calamity is?

On that Day people will be like scattered moths[1], ——— [1] After having been thrown out of their graves.

and the mountains will be like carded wool[2]. ——— [2] As they disintegrate.

Then the one whose scales of good deeds are heavy,

will have a pleasant life[3]. ——— [3] In Paradise.

But the one whose scales of good deeds are light,

his abode will be the abyss[4]. ——— [4] Hāwiyah: the pit of Hellfire.

And how do you know what it is?

It is a Blazing Fire.

Competition for worldly gains distracts you [from Allah],

until you come to your graves.

No indeed! You will come to know.

Again no! You will come to know.

No indeed! If only you knew for certain[1]. ——— [1] The conclusion of this verse, "...you would not have been distracted from preparing for the Hereafter by wealth and children."

You will surely see the Blazing Fire,

Again, you will see it with absolute certainty.

Then on that Day you will surely be asked about your worldly pleasures[2]. ——— [2] i.e., of health and wealth and other comforts of the worldly life.

By the time,

man is in utter loss,

except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and exhort one another to the truth and exhort one another to patience.

Woe to every backbiter and slanderer,

who amasses wealth and counts it over and again[1], ——— [1] Instead of spending in the way of Allah.

thinking that his wealth will make him live forever.

No indeed! He will surely be cast into the Crushing Fire[2], ——— [2] i.e., Hellfire, as it crushes and destroys all that is thrown in it.

and how do you know what the Crushing Fire is?

It is the kindled Fire of Allah,

which reaches the hearts[3]. ——— [3] Penetrating through bodies and reaching the hearts.

It will be closed down upon them,

locked with towering columns[4]. ——— [4] i.e., columns of fire or columns of iron to which the inmates of Hell are chained.

Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the people of the Elephant[1]? ——— [1] The army of Abrahah al-Ashram was accompanied by a huge elephant who came with the intention of demolishing the Kaʿba.

Did He not turn their scheme into a total loss[2]? ——— [2] Leading them to perish.

He sent against them swarms of birds,

pelting them with stones of baked clay,

leaving them like chewed-up chaff.

For the accustomed security of the Quraysh[1], ——— [1] Allah had given Quraysh the honor of being guardians of the Holy Ka‘bah, which allowed them to travel in peace without fear of being harmed.

secure in their winter and summer journeys[2]. ——— [2] i.e., their trading caravans would travel south to Yemen in winter and north to the Levant in summer.

Let them worship the Lord of this [Sacred] House[3], ——— [3] i.e., the Ka‘bah.

Who fed them against hunger and made them secure against fear[4]. ——— [4] The people of Quraysh were blessed with provision and security probably because of the prayer of Abraham. See 14:35-37

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense?

Such is the one who repulses the orphan harshly,

and does not urge others to feed the needy.

So woe to those who pray,

but are heedless of their prayer[1]; ——— [1] i.e., the hypocrites who do not pray except to show off and others who are heedless to pray at their specified times.

those who only show off,

and withhold even the small kindnesses.

We have surely given you [O Prophet] al-Kauthar [i.e., abundance][1], ——— [1] i.e., abundance, of which is the river of al-Kauthar in Paradise.

so pray and offer sacrifice to your Lord alone.

Indeed, the one who hates you is truly cut off [from all goodness][2]. ——— [2] Both in this world and in the Hereafter.

Say, “O disbelievers,

I do not worship what you worship,

nor do you worship what I worship.

Never will I worship what you worship,

nor will you ever worship what I worship.

You have your religion and I have my religion."

When there comes Allah’s help and the conquest[1], ——— [1] i.e., the conquest of Makkah.

and you see people entering Allah’s religion in multitudes,

then glorify the praise of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness. Indeed, He is ever Accepting of Repentance.

May the hands of Abu Lahab[1] perish, and may he perish! ——— [1] i.e., the Prophet's uncle, who was one of the staunchest enemies of Islam.

Neither his wealth nor his worldly gains will avail him.

He will burn in a Flaming Fire,

and so will his wife[2], the carrier of firewood, ——— [2] i.e., ’Um Jamīl, who used to throw thorny branches in the Prophet's way and she used to slander him (ﷺ). The word hatab (firewood) was used by the Arabs to allude to slander and backbiting.

around her neck will be a rope of palm fiber[3]. ——— [3] This surah was one of the earliest surahs revealed in Makkah, yet Abu Lahab persisted in disbelief. For him to disprove the Qur’an, all he had to do was to accept Islam, for the Qur’an condemned him to Hell.

Say: “He is Allah, the One[1]; ——— [1] He is Alone, without a partner, indivisible and distinct from all else. The only true deity, unique in His essence, attributes, and actions.

Allah, the Eternal Refuge[2]. ——— [2] He is absolute, perfect, complete, self-sufficient; the one eternally and constantly required and sought; all existence depend upon Him; all matters ultimately return to Him.

He neither begets nor is He begotten,

and there is none comparable to Him.”[3] ——— [3] The Prophet (ﷺ) says that reading this surah (surat al-Ikhlās) equals reading one third of the Qur’an. [Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Say, “I seek refuge with the Lord of the daybreak,

from the harm of all what He has created;

from the harm of darkening [night] when it spreads around,

from the harm of the sorceresses[1] who blow on knots, ——— [1] i.e., magicians.

and from the harm of the envier when he envies."

Say, “I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind,

the Sovereign of mankind[1], ——— [1] i.e., the King of mankind.

the God of mankind,

from the harm of the lurking whisperer[2], ——— [2] Which disappears when one remembers Allah.

who whispers into the hearts of mankind,

from among jinn and mankind[3].” ——— [3] Evil prompters and whisperers can be from jinn or from men.