İngilizce Meal — Noor International Center — Al-A'raf 7:1 – An-Nahl 16:128

(1) Alif, Lām, Meem, Ṣād.[363] ——— [363]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) [This is] a Book revealed to you, [O Muḥammad] - so let there not be in your breast distress therefrom - that you may warn thereby and as a reminder to the believers.

(3) Follow, [O mankind], what has been revealed to you from your Lord and do not follow other than Him any allies. Little do you remember.

(4) And how many cities have We destroyed, and Our punishment came to them at night or while they were sleeping at noon.

(5) And their declaration when Our punishment came to them was only that they said, "Indeed, we were wrongdoers!"

(6) Then We will surely question those to whom [a message] was sent, and We will surely question the messengers.

(7) Then We will surely relate [their deeds] to them with knowledge, and We were not [at all] absent.

(8) And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy - it is they who will be the successful.

(9) And those whose scales are light - they are the ones who will lose themselves for what injustice they were doing toward Our verses.

(10) And We have certainly established you upon the earth and made for you therein ways of livelihood. Little are you grateful.

(11) And We have certainly created you, [O mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We said to the angels, "Prostrate to Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees.[364] He was not of those who prostrated. ——— [364]- Satan. See footnote to 2:34.

(12) [Allāh] said, "What prevented you from prostrating when I commanded you?" [Satan] said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay [i.e., earth]."

(13) [Allāh] said, "Descend from it [i.e., Paradise], for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased."

(14) [Satan] said, "Reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected."

(15) [Allāh] said, "Indeed, you are of those reprieved."

(16) [Satan] said, "Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them [i.e., mankind] on Your straight path.

(17) Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You]."

(18) [Allāh] said, "Depart from it [i.e., Paradise], reproached and expelled. Whoever follows you among them - I will surely fill Hell with you, all together."

(19) And "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat from wherever you will but do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers."

(20) But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said, "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree except that you become angels or become of the immortal."

(21) And he swore [by Allāh] to them, "Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors."

(22) So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them, "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?"

(23) They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers."

(24) [Allāh] said, "Descend, being to one another enemies. And for you on the earth is a place of settlement and enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time."

(25) He said, "Therein you will live, and therein you will die, and from it you will be brought forth."

(26) O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allāh that perhaps they will remember.

(27) O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing[365] to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe. ——— [365]- The garments of Paradise.

(28) And when they commit an immorality, they say, "We found our fathers doing it, and Allāh has ordered us to do it." Say, "Indeed, Allāh does not order immorality. Do you say about Allāh that which you do not know?"

(29) Say, [O Muḥammad], "My Lord has ordered justice and that you direct yourselves [to the Qiblah] at every place [or time] of prostration, and invoke Him, sincere to Him in religion." Just as He originated you, you will return [to life] -

(30) A group [of you] He guided, and a group deserved [to be in] error. Indeed, they [i.e., the latter] had taken the devils as allies instead of Allāh while they thought that they were guided.

(31) O children of Adam, take your adornment [i.e., wear your clothing] at every masjid,[366] and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess. ——— [366]- Literally, "place of prostration," meaning any place that a Muslim prays upon the earth. The term may also refer specifically to a mosque.

(32) Say, "Who has forbidden the adornment of [i.e., from] Allāh which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?" Say, "They are for those who believed during the life of this world, exclusively [for them] on the Day of Resurrection." Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.

(33) Say, "My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin,[367] and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allāh that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allāh that which you do not know." ——— [367]- Any unlawful deed.

(34) And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].

(35) O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My verses [i.e., scriptures and laws], then whoever fears Allāh and reforms - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

(36) But the ones who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them - those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.

(37) And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allāh a lie or denies His verses? Those will attain their portion of the decree[368] until, when Our messengers [i.e., angels] come to them to take them in death, they will say, "Where are those you used to invoke besides Allāh?" They will say, "They have departed from us," and will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers. ——— [368]- What is decreed for them.

(38) [Allāh] will say, "Enter among nations which had passed on before you of jinn and mankind into the Fire." Every time a nation enters, it will curse its sister[369] until, when they have all overtaken one another therein, the last of them[370] will say about the first of them,[371] "Our Lord, these had misled us, so give them a double punishment of the Fire." He will say, "For each is double, but you do not know." ——— [369]- The nation preceding it. [370]- The followers of evil leaders. [371]- Their leaders.

(39) And the first of them will say to the last of them, "Then you had not any favor over us, so taste the punishment for what you used to earn."

(40) Indeed, those who deny Our verses and are arrogant toward them - the gates of Heaven will not be opened for them, nor will they enter Paradise until a camel enters into the eye of a needle [i.e., never]. And thus do We recompense the criminals.

(41) They will have from Hell a bed and over them coverings [of fire]. And thus do We recompense the wrongdoers.

(42) But those who believed and did righteous deeds - We charge no soul except [within] its capacity. Those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.

(43) And We will have removed whatever is within their breasts of resentment,[372] [while] flowing beneath them are rivers. And they will say, "Praise to Allāh, who has guided us to this; and we would never have been guided if Allāh had not guided us. Certainly the messengers of our Lord had come with the truth." And they will be called, "This is Paradise, which you have been made to inherit for what you used to do." ——— [372]- i.e., ill will or sense of injury for what was inflicted upon them during worldly life.

(44) And the companions of Paradise will call out to the companions of the Fire, "We have already found what our Lord promised us to be true. Have you found what your Lord promised to be true?" They will say, "Yes." Then an announcer will announce among them, "The curse of Allāh shall be upon the wrongdoers

(45) Who averted [people] from the way of Allāh and sought to make it [seem] deviant while they were, concerning the Hereafter, disbelievers."

(46) And between them will be a partition [i.e., wall], and on [its] elevations are men[373] who recognize all[374] by their mark. And they call out to the companions of Paradise, "Peace be upon you." They have not [yet] entered it, but they long intensely. ——— [373]- Those whose scales are balanced between good and evil deeds. [374]- Both the inhabitants of Paradise and those of Hell.

(47) And when their eyes are turned toward the companions of the Fire, they say, "Our Lord, do not place us with the wrongdoing people."

(48) And the companions of the Elevations will call to men [within Hell] whom they recognize by their mark, saying, "Of no avail to you was your gathering[375] and [the fact] that you were arrogant." ——— [375]- i.e., great numbers or gathering of wealth.

(49) [Allāh will say], "Are these[376] the ones whom you [inhabitants of Hell] swore that Allāh would never offer them mercy? Enter Paradise, [O people of the Elevations]. No fear will there be concerning you, nor will you grieve." ——— [376]- The humble believers who are now in Paradise. Another interpretation regards them as the people on the elevated partition.

(50) And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise, "Pour upon us some water or from whatever Allāh has provided you." They will say, "Indeed, Allāh has forbidden them both to the disbelievers

(51) Who took their religion as distraction and amusement and whom the worldly life deluded." So today We will forget them just as they forgot the meeting of this Day of theirs and for having rejected Our verses.

(52) And We had certainly brought them a Book which We detailed by knowledge - as guidance and mercy to a people who believe.

(53) Do they await except its result?[377] The Day its result comes, those who had ignored it before will say, "The messengers of our Lord had come with the truth, so are there [now] any intercessors to intercede for us or could we be sent back to do other than what we used to do?" They will have lost themselves, and lost from them is what they used to invent. ——— [377]- The fulfillment of what is promised in the Qur’ān.

(54) Indeed, your Lord is Allāh, who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne.[378] He covers the night with the day, [another night] chasing it rapidly; and [He created] the sun, the moon, and the stars, subjected by His command. Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allāh, Lord of the worlds. ——— [378]- There are several linguistic meanings of the words "istawā ʿalā," among them: to settle upon, to assume ascendancy above, and to assert authority over. However, it is known that all the attributes of Allāh are eternal, i.e., they have always existed and were present before He created. Thus, it cannot be said that He "rose" above the Throne, as Allāh has always been ascendant. Because the Creator may not be compared to His creation, the Prophet's companions and early scholars refused speculation as to how His actions could be interpreted, considering any such attempt unlawful. Similarly, the true nature of the Throne is known only to Allāh, the Exalted.

(55) Call upon your Lord in humility and privately; indeed, He does not like transgressors.[379] ——— [379]- In supplication or otherwise.

(56) And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allāh is near to the doers of good.

(57) And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy [i.e., rainfall] until, when they have carried heavy rainclouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down rain therein and bring forth thereby [some] of all the fruits. Thus will We bring forth the dead; perhaps you may be reminded.

(58) And the good land - its vegetation emerges by permission of its Lord; but that which is bad - nothing emerges except sparsely, with difficulty. Thus do We diversify the signs for a people who are grateful.

(59) We had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day."

(60) Said the eminent among his people, "Indeed, we see you in clear error."

(61) [Noah] said, "O my people, there is not error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.

(62) I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you; and I know from Allāh what you do not know.

(63) Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you and that you may fear Allāh so you might receive mercy?"

(64) But they denied him, so We saved him and those who were with him in the ship. And We drowned those who denied Our signs. Indeed, they were a blind people.[380] ——— [380]- For a more detailed account, see 11:25-48.

(65) And to the ʿAad [We sent] their brother Hūd. He said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him. Then will you not fear Him?"

(66) Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, "Indeed, we see you in foolishness, and indeed, we think you are of the liars."

(67) [Hūd] said, "O my people, there is not foolishness in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds.

(68) I convey to you the messages of my Lord, and I am to you a trustworthy adviser.

(69) Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you? And remember when He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you in stature extensively. So remember the favors of Allāh that you might succeed."

(70) They said, "Have you come to us that we should worship Allāh alone and leave what our fathers have worshipped? Then bring us what you promise us,[381] if you should be of the truthful." ——— [381]- i.e., Allāh's punishment.

(71) [Hūd] said, "Already have defilement and anger fallen upon you from your Lord. Do you dispute with me concerning [mere] names you have named them,[382] you and your fathers, for which Allāh has not sent down any authority? Then wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait." ——— [382]- The false objects of worship which you have called "gods."

(72) So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us. And We eliminated those who denied Our signs, and they were not [at all] believers.

(73) And to the Thamūd [We sent] their brother Ṣāliḥ. He said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. This is the she-camel of Allāh [sent] to you as a sign. So leave her to eat within Allāh's land and do not touch her with harm, lest there seize you a painful punishment.

(74) And remember when He made you successors after the ʿAad and settled you in the land, [and] you take for yourselves palaces from its plains and carve from the mountains, homes. Then remember the favors of Allāh and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption."

(75) Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people to those who were oppressed - to those who believed among them, "Do you [actually] know that Ṣāliḥ is sent from his Lord?" They said, "Indeed we, in that with which he was sent, are believers."

(76) Said those who were arrogant, "Indeed we, in that which you have believed, are disbelievers."

(77) So they hamstrung the she-camel and were insolent toward the command of their Lord and said, "O Ṣāliḥ, bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the messengers."

(78) So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.

(79) And he [i.e., Ṣāliḥ] turned away from them and said, "O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the message of my Lord and advised you, but you do not like advisors."

(80) And [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, "Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e., peoples]?

(81) Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people."

(82) But the answer of his people was only that they said, "Evict them from your city! Indeed, they are men who keep themselves pure."

(83) So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; she was of those who remained [with the evildoers].

(84) And We rained upon them a rain [of stones]. Then see how was the end of the criminals.

(85) And to [the people of] Madyan [We sent] their brother Shuʿayb. He said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him. There has come to you clear evidence from your Lord. So fulfill the measure and weight and do not deprive people of their due and cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. That is better for you, if you should be believers.

(86) And do not sit on every path, threatening and averting from the way of Allāh those who believe in Him, seeking to make it [seem] deviant. And remember when you were few and He increased you. And see how was the end of the corrupters.

(87) And if there should be a group among you who has believed in that with which I have been sent and a group that has not believed, then be patient until Allāh judges between us. And He is the best of judges."

(88) Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people, "We will surely evict you, O Shuʿayb, and those who have believed with you from our city, or you must return to our religion." He said, "Even if we were unwilling?

(89) We would have invented against Allāh a lie if we returned to your religion after Allāh had saved us from it. And it is not for us to return to it except that Allāh, our Lord, should will. Our Lord has encompassed all things in knowledge. Upon Allāh we have relied. Our Lord, decide between us and our people in truth, and You are the best of those who give decision."

(90) Said the eminent ones who disbelieved among his people, "If you should follow Shuʿayb, indeed, you would then be losers."

(91) So the earthquake seized them, and they became within their home [corpses] fallen prone.

(92) Those who denied Shuʿayb - it was as though they had never resided there. Those who denied Shuʿayb - it was they who were the losers.

(93) And he [i.e., Shuʿayb] turned away from them and said, "O my people, I had certainly conveyed to you the messages of my Lord and advised you, so how could I grieve for a disbelieving people?"

(94) And We sent to no city a prophet [who was denied] except that We seized its people with poverty and hardship that they might humble themselves [to Allāh].

(95) Then We exchanged in place of the bad [condition], good, until they increased [and prospered] and said, "Our fathers [also] were touched with hardship and ease."[383] So We seized them suddenly while they did not perceive.[384] ——— [383]- Instead of being grateful to Allāh for His blessings, they merely attributed them to the changing fortunes of time. [384]- That they had been tried and tested.

(96) And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allāh, We would have opened [i.e., bestowed] upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning.[385] ——— [385]- Of blame for their sin.

(97) Then, did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them at night while they were asleep?

(98) Or did the people of the cities feel secure from Our punishment coming to them in the morning while they were at play?[386] ——— [386]- i.e., occupied with such activities that have no benefit.

(99) Then, did they feel secure from the plan of Allāh? But no one feels secure from the plan of Allāh except the losing people.

(100) Has it not become clear to those who inherited the earth after its [previous] people that if We willed, We could afflict them for their sins? But We seal over their hearts so they do not hear.[387] ——— [387]- They do not benefit from what they hear.

(101) Those cities - We relate to you, [O Muḥammad], some of their news. And certainly did their messengers come to them with clear proofs, but they were not to believe in that which they had denied before.[388] Thus does Allāh seal over the hearts of the disbelievers. ——— [388]- i.e., they persistently denied every warning given them.

(102) And We did not find for most of them any covenant;[389] but indeed, We found most of them defiantly disobedient. ——— [389]- i.e., they were found to be unfaithful and negligent of Allāh's covenant.

(103) Then We sent after them Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, but they were unjust toward them.[390] So see how was the end of the corrupters. ——— [390]- i.e., they rejected and opposed the signs.

(104) And Moses said, "O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds

(105) [Who is] obligated not to say about Allāh except the truth. I have come to you with clear evidence from your Lord, so send with me the Children of Israel."[391] ——— [391]- i.e., free them from oppression and allow them to emigrate.

(106) [Pharaoh] said, "If you have come with a sign, then bring it forth, if you should be of the truthful."

(107) So he [i.e., Moses] threw his staff, and suddenly it was a serpent, manifest.[392] ——— [392]- i.e., genuine and not imagined, as a miracle from Allāh.

(108) And he drew out his hand; thereupon it was white [with radiance] for the observers.

(109) Said the eminent among the people of Pharaoh, "Indeed, this is a learned magician

(110) Who wants to expel you from your land [through magic], so what do you instruct?"

(111) They said,[393] "Postpone [the matter of] him and his brother and send among the cities gatherers ——— [393]- After mutual consultation and agreement.

(112) Who will bring you every learned magician."

(113) And the magicians came to Pharaoh. They said, "Indeed for us is a reward if we are the predominant."

(114) He said, "Yes, and, [moreover], you will be among those made near [to me]."

(115) They said, "O Moses, either you throw [your staff], or we will be the ones to throw [first]."

(116) He said, "Throw," and when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people and struck terror into them, and they presented a great [feat of] magic.[394] ——— [394]- Their staffs and ropes appeared as writhing snakes.

(117) And We inspired to Moses, "Throw your staff," and at once it devoured what they were falsifying.

(118) So the truth was established, and abolished was what they were doing.

(119) And they [i.e., Pharaoh and his people] were overcome right there and became debased.

(120) And the magicians fell down in prostration [to Allāh].

(121) They said, "We have believed in the Lord of the worlds,

(122) The Lord of Moses and Aaron."

(123) Said Pharaoh, "You believed in him[395] before I gave you permission. Indeed, this is a conspiracy which you conspired in the city to expel therefrom its people. But you are going to know. ——— [395]- i.e., in Moses, avoiding the mention of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā).

(124) I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides; then I will surely crucify you all."

(125) They said, "Indeed, to our Lord we will return.

(126) And you do not resent us except because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Our Lord, pour upon us patience[396] and let us die as Muslims [in submission to You]." ——— [396]- To endure the torture to which we will be subjected.

(127) And the eminent among the people of Pharaoh said, "Will you leave Moses and his people to cause corruption in the land and abandon you and your gods?" [Pharaoh] said, "We will kill their sons and keep their women alive; and indeed, we are subjugators over them."

(128) Said Moses to his people, "Seek help through Allāh and be patient. Indeed, the earth belongs to Allāh. He causes to inherit it whom He wills of His servants. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous."

(129) They said, "We have been harmed before you came to us and after you have come to us." He said, "Perhaps your Lord will destroy your enemy and grant you succession in the land and see how you will do."

(130) And We certainly seized[397] the people of Pharaoh with years of famine and a deficiency in fruits that perhaps they would be reminded. ——— [397]- Imposed on them by way of trial and warning.

(131) But when good [i.e., provision] came to them, they said, "This is ours [by right]." And if a bad [condition] struck them, they saw an evil omen in Moses and those with him. Unquestionably, their fortune is with Allāh, but most of them do not know.

(132) And they said, "No matter what sign you bring us with which to bewitch us, we will not be believers in you."

(133) So We sent upon them the flood and locusts and lice and frogs and blood as distinct signs, but they were arrogant and were a criminal people.

(134) And when the punishment descended upon them, they said, "O Moses, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. If you [can] remove the punishment from us, we will surely believe you, and we will send with you the Children of Israel."

(135) But when We removed the punishment from them until a term which they were to reach,[398] then at once they broke their word. ——— [398]- i.e., a specified term which would end with their reversion to disobedience and disbelief.

(136) So We took retribution from them, and We drowned them in the sea because they denied Our signs and were heedless of them.

(137) And We caused the people who had been oppressed to inherit the eastern regions of the land and the western ones, which We had blessed. And the good word [i.e., decree] of your Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel because of what they had patiently endured. And We destroyed [all] that Pharaoh and his people were producing and what they had been building.

(138) And We took the Children of Israel across the sea; then they came upon a people intent in devotion to [some] idols of theirs. They [the Children of Israel] said, "O Moses, make for us a god just as they have gods." He said, "Indeed, you are a people behaving ignorantly.

(139) Indeed, those [worshippers] - destroyed is that in which they are [engaged], and worthless is whatever they were doing."

(140) He said, "Is it other than Allāh I should desire for you as a god[399] while He has preferred you over the worlds?" ——— [399]- An object of worship.

(141) And [recall, O Children of Israel], when We saved you from the people of Pharaoh, [who were] afflicting you with the worst torment - killing your sons and keeping your women alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.

(142) And We made an appointment with Moses for thirty nights and perfected them by [the addition of] ten; so the term of his Lord was completed as forty nights. And Moses said to his brother Aaron, "Take my place among my people, do right [by them],[400] and do not follow the way of the corrupters." ——— [400]- i.e., keep their affairs in order.

(143) And when Moses arrived at Our appointed time and his Lord spoke to him, he said, "My Lord, show me [Yourself] that I may look at You." [Allāh] said, "You will not see Me,[401] but look at the mountain; if it should remain in place, then you will see Me." But when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He rendered it level,[402] and Moses fell unconscious. And when he awoke, he said, "Exalted are You! I have repented to You, and I am the first [among my people] of the believers."[403] ——— [401]- That no one can see Allāh during the life of this world. [402]- It crumbled to dust.

(144) [Allāh] said, "O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My words [to you]. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful."

(145) And We wrote for him on the tablets [something] of all things - instruction and explanation for all things, [saying], "Take them with determination and order your people to take the best of it. I will show you the home of the defiantly disobedient."[404] ——— [404]- This is a severe warning from Allāh against rebellion.

(146) I will turn away from My signs those who are arrogant upon the earth without right; and if they should see every sign, they will not believe in it. And if they see the way of consciousness,[405] they will not adopt it as a way; but if they see the way of error, they will adopt it as a way. That is because they have denied Our signs and they were heedless of them. ——— [405]- i.e., reason and integrity.

(147) Those who denied Our signs and the meeting of the Hereafter - their deeds have become worthless. Are they recompensed except for what they used to do?

(148) And the people of Moses made, after [his departure], from their ornaments a calf - an image having a lowing sound. Did they not see that it could neither speak to them nor guide them to a way? They took it [for worship], and they were wrongdoers.

(149) And when regret overcame them[406] and they saw that they had gone astray, they said, "If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and forgive us, we will surely be among the losers." ——— [406]- Literally, "When their hands had been descended upon," i.e., bitten by them out of severe regret.

(150) And when Moses returned to his people, angry and grieved, he said, "How wretched is that by which you have replaced me after [my departure]. Were you impatient over the matter of your Lord?" And he threw down the tablets and seized his brother by [the hair of] his head, pulling him toward him. [Aaron] said, "O son of my mother, indeed the people overpowered me and were about to kill me, so let not the enemies rejoice over me[407] and do not place me among the wrongdoing people." ——— [407]- i.e., over your humiliation of me.

(151) [Moses] said, "My Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us into Your mercy, for You are the most merciful of the merciful."

(152) Indeed, those who took the calf [for worship] will obtain anger from their Lord and humiliation in the life of this world, and thus do We recompense the inventors [of falsehood].

(153) But those who committed misdeeds and then repented after them and believed - indeed your Lord, thereafter, is Forgiving and Merciful.

(154) And when the anger subsided in Moses, he took up the tablets; and in their inscription was guidance and mercy for those who are fearful of their Lord.

(155) And Moses chose from his people seventy men for Our appointment.[408] And when the earthquake seized them,[409] he said, "My Lord, if You had willed, You could have destroyed them before and me [as well]. Would You destroy us for what the foolish among us have done? This is not but Your trial by which You send astray whom You will and guide whom You will. You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy upon us; and You are the best of forgivers. ——— [408]- Whereupon they were to apologize to Allāh for having worshipped the calf. [409]- Upon reaching the appointed place, they said to Moses, "We will not believe until we see Allāh outright." So the mountain convulsed, killing them.

(156) And decree for us in this world [that which is] good and [also] in the Hereafter; indeed, we have turned back to You." [Allāh] said, "My punishment - I afflict with it whom I will, but My mercy encompasses all things." So I will decree it [especially] for those who fear Me and give zakāh and those who believe in Our verses-

(157) Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written [i.e., described] in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and prohibits them from what is wrong and makes lawful for them what is good and forbids them from what is evil and relieves them of their burden[410] and the shackles which were upon them.[411] So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful. ——— [410]- Difficulties in religious practice. [411]- i.e., extreme measures previously required for repentance, and retribution without recourse to compensation.

(158) Say, [O Muḥammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allāh to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allāh and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allāh and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.

(159) And among the people of Moses is a community[412] which guides by truth and by it establishes justice. ——— [412]- Those of them who accepted and followed the final prophet, Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(160) And We divided them into twelve descendant tribes[413] [as distinct] nations. And We inspired to Moses when his people implored him for water, "Strike with your staff the stone," and there gushed forth from it twelve springs. Every people [i.e., tribe] knew its watering place. And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, [saying], "Eat from the good things with which We have provided you." And they wronged Us not, but they were [only] wronging themselves. ——— [413]- From the twelve sons of Jacob.

(161) And [mention, O Muḥammad], when it was said to them, "Dwell in this city [i.e., Jerusalem] and eat from it wherever you will and say, 'Relieve us of our burdens [i.e., sins],' and enter the gate bowing humbly; We will [then] forgive you your sins. We will increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward]."

(162) But those who wronged among them changed [the words] to a statement other than that which had been said to them. So We sent upon them a punishment from the sky for the wrong that they were doing.

(163) And ask them about the town that was by the sea - when they transgressed in [the matter of] the sabbath - when their fish came to them openly on their sabbath day, and the day they had no sabbath they did not come to them. Thus did We give them trial because they were defiantly disobedient.

(164) And when a community among them said, "Why do you advise [or warn] a people whom Allāh is [about] to destroy or to punish with a severe punishment?" they [the advisors] said, "To be absolved before your Lord and perhaps they may fear Him."

(165) And when they [i.e., those advised] forgot that by which they had been reminded, We saved those who had forbidden evil and seized those who wronged, with a wretched punishment, because they were defiantly disobeying.

(166) So when they were insolent about that which they had been forbidden, We said to them, "Be apes, despised."

(167) And [mention] when your Lord declared that He would surely [continue to] send upon them until the Day of Resurrection those who would afflict them with the worst torment. Indeed, your Lord is swift in penalty; but indeed, He is Forgiving and Merciful.

(168) And We divided them throughout the earth into nations. Of them some were righteous, and of them some were otherwise. And We tested them with good [times] and bad that perhaps they would return [to obedience].

(169) And there followed them successors who inherited the Scripture [while] taking the commodities[414] of this lower life and saying, "It will be forgiven for us." And if an offer like it[415] comes to them, they will [again] take it. Was not the covenant of the Scripture [i.e., the Torah] taken from them that they would not say about Allāh except the truth, and they studied what was in it? And the home of the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allāh, so will you not use reason? ——— [414]- i.e., unlawful gains and pleasures. [415]- i.e., a similar temptation.

(170) But those who hold fast to the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] and establish prayer - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of the reformers.

(171) And [mention] when We raised the mountain above them as if it was a dark cloud and they were certain that it would fall upon them,[416] [and Allāh said], "Take what We have given you with determination and remember what is in it that you might fear Allāh." ——— [416]- For their rebellion and disobedience.

(172) And [mention] when your Lord took from the children of Adam - from their loins - their descendants and made them testify of themselves, [saying to them], "Am I not your Lord?" They said, "Yes, we have testified." [This] - lest you should say on the Day of Resurrection, "Indeed, we were of this unaware."

(173) Or [lest] you say, "It was only that our fathers associated [others in worship] with Allāh before, and we were but descendants after them. Then would You destroy us for what the falsifiers have done?"

(174) And thus do We [explain in] detail the verses, and perhaps they will return.[417] ——— [417]- To the way of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā), from their diversions and deviations.

(175) And recite to them, [O Muḥammad], the news of him[418] to whom We gave [knowledge of] Our signs, but he detached himself from them; so Satan pursued him, and he became of the deviators.[419] ——— [418]- A man from the Children of Israel at the time of Moses. [419]- Those who deliberately persist in error to the point of destruction.

(176) And if We had willed, We could have elevated him thereby,[420] but he adhered [instead] to the earth[421] and followed his own desire. So his example is like that of the dog: if you chase him, he pants, or if you leave him, he [still] pants. That is the example of the people who denied Our signs.[422] So relate the stories that perhaps they will give thought. ——— [420]- i.e., through the revelations, signs or evidences of which he had been given knowledge. [421]- i.e., its worldly pleasures. [422]- Whether or not they have been exposed to Allāh's signs or warnings, it is all the same: they will not believe.

(177) How evil an example [is that of] the people who denied Our signs and used to wrong themselves.

(178) Whoever Allāh guides - he is the [rightly] guided; and whoever He sends astray[423] - it is those who are the losers. ——— [423]- As a result of persistence in evil and rejection of truth.

(179) And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray.[424] It is they who are the heedless. ——— [424]- The reference is to their inability (i.e., refusal) to think and reason, while blindly following (as they are accustomed).

(180) And to Allāh belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. And leave [the company of] those who practice deviation concerning His names.[425] They will be recompensed for what they have been doing. ——— [425]- i.e., use them improperly or deny them.

(181) And among those We created is a community[426] which guides by truth and thereby establishes justice. ——— [426]- The followers of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(182) But those who deny Our signs - We will progressively lead them [to destruction][427] from where they do not know. ——— [427]- Allāh will test them with one favor after another in spite of their disobedience, which only increases them in arrogance and sin.

(183) And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.

(184) Then do they not give thought? There is in their companion [i.e., Muḥammad (ﷺ)] no madness. He is not but a clear warner.

(185) Do they not look into the realm of the heavens and the earth and everything that Allāh has created and [think] that perhaps their appointed time has come near? So in what statement [i.e., message] hereafter will they believe?

(186) Whoever Allāh sends astray - there is no guide for him. And He leaves them in their transgression, wandering blindly.

(187) They ask you, [O Muḥammad], about the Hour: when is its arrival?[428] Say, "Its knowledge is only with my Lord. None will reveal its time except Him. It lays heavily[429] upon the heavens and the earth. It will not come upon you except unexpectedly." They ask you as if you are familiar with it. Say, "Its knowledge is only with Allāh, but most of the people do not know." ——— [428]- Literally, "resting" or "establishment." [429]- i.e., it is a source of concern, worry or fear.

(188) Say, "I hold not for myself [the power of] benefit or harm, except what Allāh has willed. And if I knew the unseen, I could have acquired much wealth, and no harm would have touched me. I am not except a warner and a bringer of good tidings to a people who believe."

(189) It is He who created you from one soul and created from it its mate that he[430] might dwell in security with her. And when he [i.e., man] covers her,[431] she carries a light burden [i.e., a pregnancy] and continues therein. And when it becomes heavy, they both invoke Allāh, their Lord, "If You should give us a good[432] [child], we will surely be among the grateful." ——— [430]- i.e., man or every descendent of Adam. [431]- An allusion to sexual intercourse. [432]- Physically sound or righteous.

(190) But when He gives them a good [child], they[433] ascribe partners to Him concerning that which He has given them. Exalted is Allāh above what they associate with Him. ——— [433]- The ungrateful man and woman or the polytheistic man and woman.

(191) Do they associate with Him those who create nothing and they are [themselves] created?

(192) And they [i.e., the false deities] are unable to [give] them help, nor can they help themselves.

(193) And if you [believers] invite them to guidance, they will not follow you. It is all the same for you whether you invite them or you are silent.

(194) Indeed, those you [polytheists] call upon besides Allāh are servants [i.e., creations] like you. So call upon them and let them respond to you, if you should be truthful.

(195) Do they have feet by which they walk? Or do they have hands by which they strike? Or do they have eyes by which they see? Or do they have ears by which they hear? Say, [O Muḥammad], "Call your 'partners' and then conspire against me and give me no respite.

(196) Indeed, my protector is Allāh, who has sent down the Book; and He is an ally to the righteous.

(197) And those you call upon besides Him are unable to help you, nor can they help themselves."

(198) And if you invite them to guidance, they do not hear; and you see them looking at you while they do not see.

(199) Take what is given freely,[434] enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant. ——— [434]- From the dispositions of men or from their wealth. In other words, be easy in dealing with them and avoid causing them difficulty.

(200) And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Satan, then seek refuge in Allāh. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.

(201) Indeed, those who fear Allāh - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.

(202) But their brothers[435] - they [i.e., the devils] increase them in error; then they do not stop short. ——— [435]- Those among mankind who listen to the devils and obey their orders.

(203) And when you, [O Muḥammad], do not bring them a sign [i.e., miracle], they say, "Why have you not contrived it?" Say, "I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This [Qur’ān] is enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy for a people who believe."

(204) So when the Qur’ān is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.

(205) And remember your Lord within yourself in humility and in fear without being apparent in speech - in the mornings and the evenings. And do not be among the heedless.

(206) Indeed, those who are near your Lord [i.e., the angels] are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.

(1) They ask you, [O Muḥammad], about the bounties [of war]. Say, "The [decision concerning] bounties is for Allāh and the Messenger." So fear Allāh and amend that which is between you and obey Allāh and His Messenger, if you should be believers.

(2) The believers are only those who, when Allāh is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely -

(3) The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.

(4) Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.

(5) [It[437] is] just as when your Lord brought you out of your home [for the battle of Badr] in truth, while indeed, a party among the believers were unwilling, ——— [437]- Referring to a dispute which occurred among the Muslims over distribution of war booty.

(6) Arguing with you concerning the truth after it had become clear, as if they were being driven toward death while they were looking on.

(7) [Remember, O believers], when Allāh promised you one of the two groups[438] - that it would be yours - and you wished that the unarmed one would be yours. But Allāh intended to establish the truth by His words and to eliminate the disbelievers ——— [438]- i.e., either the caravan of Quraysh or their army.

(8) That He should establish the truth and abolish falsehood, even if the criminals disliked it.

(9) [Remember] when you were asking help of your Lord, and He answered you, "Indeed, I will reinforce you with a thousand from the angels, following one another."

(10) And Allāh made it not but good tidings and so that your hearts would be assured thereby. And victory is not but from Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.

(11) [Remember] when He overwhelmed you with drowsiness [giving] security from Him and sent down upon you from the sky, rain by which to purify you and remove from you the evil [suggestions] of Satan and to make steadfast your hearts and plant firmly thereby your feet.

(12) [Remember] when your Lord inspired to the angels, "I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike [them] upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip."[439] ——— [439]- By which they grasp and manipulate their weapons. Also interpreted as "all extremities," i.e., their hands and feet.

(13) That is because they opposed Allāh and His Messenger. And whoever opposes Allāh and His Messenger - indeed, Allāh is severe in penalty.

(14) "That [is yours], so taste it." And indeed for the disbelievers is the punishment of the Fire.

(15) O you who have believed, when you meet those who disbelieve advancing [in battle], do not turn to them your backs [in flight].

(16) And whoever turns his back to them on such a day, unless swerving [as a strategy] for war or joining [another] company, has certainly returned with anger [upon him] from Allāh, and his refuge is Hell - and wretched is the destination.

(17) And you did not kill them, but it was Allāh who killed them.[440] And you threw not, [O Muḥammad], when you threw, but it was Allāh who threw[441] that He might test the believers with a good test.[442] Indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing. ——— [440]- i.e., Your strength was insufficient to overcome them, but Allāh supported you and gave you victory. [441]- When the Prophet (ﷺ) threw a handful of dust into the faces of the disbelievers, Allāh caused it to fill the eyes and nose of every soldier, preventing their advance. [442]- So that they would appreciate Allāh's favor to them.

(18) That [is so], and [also] that Allāh will weaken the plot of the disbelievers.

(19) If you [disbelievers] seek the decision [i.e., victory] - the decision [i.e., defeat] has come to you. And if you desist [from hostilities], it is best for you; but if you return [to war], We will return, and never will you be availed by your [large] company at all, even if it should increase; and [that is] because Allāh is with the believers.

(20) O you who have believed, obey Allāh and His Messenger and do not turn from him while you hear [his order].

(21) And do not be like those who say, "We have heard," while they do not hear.

(22) Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allāh are the deaf and dumb who do not use reason [i.e., the disbelievers].

(23) Had Allāh known any good in them, He would have made them hear. And if He had made them hear, they would [still] have turned away, while they were refusing.

(24) O you who have believed, respond to Allāh and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allāh intervenes between a man and his heart and that to Him you will be gathered.

(25) And fear a trial[443] which will not strike those who have wronged among you exclusively, and know that Allāh is severe in penalty. ——— [443]- i.e., an affliction or punishment during life upon this earth. When corruption spreads among a people, its consequences will affect everyone.

(26) And remember when you were few and oppressed in the land, fearing that people might abduct you, but He sheltered you, supported you with His victory, and provided you with good things - that you might be grateful.

(27) O you who have believed, do not betray Allāh and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know [the consequence].

(28) And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allāh has with Him a great reward.

(29) O you who have believed, if you fear Allāh, He will grant you a criterion[444] and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allāh is the possessor of great bounty. ——— [444]- By which to judge between truth and falsehood. Also interpreted as a "way out" of difficulties.

(30) And [remember, O Muḥammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allāh plans. And Allāh is the best of planners.

(31) And when Our verses are recited to them, they say, "We have heard. If we willed, we could say [something] like this. This is not but legends of the former peoples."

(32) And [remember] when they said, "O Allāh, if this should be the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring us a painful punishment."

(33) But Allāh would not punish them while you, [O Muḥammad], are among them, and Allāh would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.

(34) But why should Allāh not punish them while they obstruct [people] from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām and they were not [fit to be] its guardians? Its [true] guardians are not but the righteous, but most of them do not know.

(35) And their prayer at the House [i.e., the Kaʿbah] was not except whistling and handclapping. So taste the punishment for what you disbelieved [i.e., practiced of deviations].

(36) Indeed, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to avert [people] from the way of Allāh. So they will spend it; then it will be for them a [source of] regret; then they will be overcome. And those who have disbelieved - unto Hell they will be gathered.

(37) [It is] so that Allāh may distinguish the wicked from the good and place the wicked some of them upon others and heap them all together and put them into Hell. It is those who are the losers.

(38) Say to those who have disbelieved [that] if they cease, what has previously occurred will be forgiven for them. But if they return [to hostility] - then the precedent of the former [rebellious] peoples has already taken place.[445] ——— [445]- This is a warning that punishment is always the result of rebellion against Allāh and His messengers.

(39) And fight against them until there is no fitnah[446] and [until] the religion [i.e., worship], all of it, is for Allāh.[447] And if they cease - then indeed, Allāh is Seeing of what they do. ——— [446]- Persecution. See footnote to 2:191. [447]- i.e., until polytheism is no longer dominant.

(40) But if they turn away - then know that Allāh is your protector. Excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.

(41) And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allāh is one fifth of it and for the Messenger[448] and for [his] near relatives[449] and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler,[450] if you have believed in Allāh and in that which We sent down to Our Servant[451] on the day of criterion [i.e., decisive encounter] - the day when the two armies met [at Badr]. And Allāh, over all things, is competent. ——— [448]- To be spent in Allāh's cause. [449]- The tribes of Banū Hāshim and Banū Muṭṭalib, who were not eligible for zakāh. [450]- The remaining four fifths are divided among the soldiers. [451]- Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(42) [Remember] when you were on the near side of the valley, and they were on the farther side, and the caravan was lower [in position] than you. If you had made an appointment [to meet], you would have missed the appointment. But [it was] so that Allāh might accomplish a matter already destined - that those who perished [through disbelief] would perish upon evidence and those who lived [in faith] would live upon evidence; and indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.

(43) [Remember, O Muḥammad], when Allāh showed them to you in your dream as few; and if He had shown them to you as many, you [believers] would have lost courage and would have disputed in the matter [of whether to fight], but Allāh saved [you from that]. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.

(44) And [remember] when He showed them to you, when you met, as few in your eyes, and He made you [appear] as few in their eyes so that Allāh might accomplish a matter already destined. And to Allāh are [all] matters returned.

(45) O you who have believed, when you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm and remember Allāh much that you may be successful.

(46) And obey Allāh and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allāh is with the patient.

(47) And do not be like those who came forth from their homes insolently and to be seen by people and avert [them] from the way of Allāh. And Allāh is encompassing[452] of what they do. ——— [452]- In knowledge. See footnote to 2:19.

(48) And [remember] when Satan made their deeds pleasing to them and said, "No one can overcome you today from among the people, and indeed, I am your protector." But when the two armies sighted each other, he turned on his heels and said, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I see what you do not see; indeed, I fear Allāh. And Allāh is severe in penalty."

(49) [Remember] when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts was disease [i.e., arrogance and disbelief] said, "Their religion has deluded those [Muslims]." But whoever relies upon Allāh - then indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.

(50) And if you could but see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved...[453] They are striking their faces and their backs and [saying], "Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire. ——— [453]- This sentence is left incomplete for additional effect. Its conclusion is left to the imagination of the reader or listener and estimated as "...you would see a dreadful sight."

(51) That is for what your hands have put forth [of evil] and because Allāh is not ever unjust to [His] servants."

(52) [Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them. They disbelieved in the signs of Allāh, so Allāh seized them for their sins. Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and severe in penalty.

(53) That is because Allāh would not change a favor which He had bestowed upon a people until they change what is within themselves. And indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.

(54) [Theirs is] like the custom of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them. They denied the signs of their Lord, so We destroyed them for their sins, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh. And all [of them] were wrongdoers.

(55) Indeed, the worst of living creatures in the sight of Allāh are those who have disbelieved, and they will not [ever] believe-

(56) The ones with whom you made a treaty but then they break their pledge every time, and they do not fear Allāh.

(57) So if you, [O Muḥammad], gain dominance over them in war, disperse by [means of] them those behind them that perhaps they will be reminded.[454] ——— [454]- i.e., kill them and make an example of them to discourage those who follow them.

(58) If you [have reason to] fear from a people betrayal, throw [their treaty] back to them, [putting you] on equal terms.[455] Indeed, Allāh does not like traitors. ——— [455]- When you see signs of treachery from those with whom you have made a treaty, announce to them its dissolution so they will know exactly where they stand.

(59) And let not those who disbelieve think they will escape. Indeed, they will not cause failure [to Allāh].

(60) And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war[456] by which you may terrify the enemy of Allāh and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allāh knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allāh will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. ——— [456]- Or equipment which serves the same purpose.

(61) And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allāh. Indeed, it is He who is the Hearing, the Knowing.

(62) But if they intend to deceive you - then sufficient for you is Allāh. It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers

(63) And brought together their hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have brought their hearts together; but Allāh brought them together. Indeed, He is Exalted in Might and Wise.

(64) O Prophet, sufficient for you is Allāh and for whoever follows you of the believers.

(65) O Prophet, urge the believers to battle. If there are among you twenty [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you one hundred [who are steadfast], they will overcome a thousand of those who have disbelieved because they are a people who do not understand.

(66) Now, Allāh has lightened [the hardship] for you, and He knows that among you is weakness. So if there are from you one hundred [who are] steadfast, they will overcome two hundred. And if there are among you a thousand, they will overcome two thousand by permission of Allāh. And Allāh is with the steadfast.

(67) It is not for a prophet to have captives [of war] until he inflicts a massacre [upon Allāh's enemies] in the land. You [i.e., some Muslims] desire the commodities of this world,[457] but Allāh desires [for you] the Hereafter. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise. ——— [457]- i.e., material benefit, such as the ransom paid for prisoners.

(68) If not for a decree from Allāh that preceded,[458] you would have been touched for what you took by a great punishment. ——— [458]- Three interpretations of the "decree" are given: that by which the companions of Badr were forgiven, that by which indeliberate errors in judgement by believers are not punished, and that which made lawful the spoils of war.

(69) So consume what you have taken of war booty [as being] lawful and good, and fear Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(70) O Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives, "If Allāh knows [any] good in your hearts, He will give you [something] better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you; and Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful."

(71) But if they intend to betray you - then they have already betrayed Allāh before, and He empowered [you] over them. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

(72) Indeed, those who have believed and emigrated and fought with their wealth and lives in the cause of Allāh and those who gave shelter and aided - they are allies of one another. But those who believed and did not emigrate - for you there is no support of them until they emigrate. And if they seek help of you for the religion, then you must help, except against a people between yourselves and whom is a treaty. And Allāh is Seeing of what you do.

(73) And those who disbelieved are allies of one another. If you do not do so [i.e., ally yourselves with other believers], there will be fitnah [i.e., disbelief and oppression] on earth and great corruption.

(74) But those who have believed and emigrated and fought in the cause of Allāh and those who gave shelter and aided - it is they who are the believers, truly. For them is forgiveness and noble provision.

(75) And those who believed after [the initial emigration] and emigrated and fought with you - they are of you. But those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allāh.[459] Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of all things. ——— [459]- This applies to Muslim relatives only. Others may be given by bequest. See 4:11.

(1) [This is a declaration of] disassociation, from Allāh and His Messenger, to those with whom you had made a treaty among the polytheists.[461] ——— [461]- But who had violated it.

(2) So travel freely, [O disbelievers], throughout the land [during] four months but know that you cannot cause failure to Allāh and that Allāh will disgrace the disbelievers.

(3) And [it is] an announcement from Allāh and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage[462] that Allāh is disassociated from the disbelievers, and [so is] His Messenger. So if you repent, that is best for you; but if you turn away - then know that you will not cause failure to Allāh.[463] And give tidings to those who disbelieve of a painful punishment. ——— [462]- Ḥajj. ʿUmrah is the lesser pilgrimage. [463]- i.e., you cannot escape His punishment.

(4) Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allāh loves the righteous [who fear Him].

(5) And when the inviolable months[464] have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them and capture them and besiege them and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they should repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, let them [go] on their way. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful. ——— [464]- The four months mentioned in verse 2, in which the disbelievers were allowed free movement within the land. Other scholars have interpreted them as "the sacred months," i.e., Muḥarram, Rajab, Dhul-Qaʿdah and Dhul-Ḥijjah.

(6) And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allāh [i.e., the Qur’ān]. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.

(7) How can there be for the polytheists a treaty in the sight of Allāh and with His Messenger, except for those with whom you made a treaty at al-Masjid al-Ḥarām? So as long as they are upright toward you,[465] be upright toward them. Indeed, Allāh loves the righteous [who fear Him]. ——— [465]- i.e., maintain the terms of the treaty.

(8) How [can there be a treaty] while, if they gain dominance over you, they do not observe concerning you any pact of kinship or covenant of protection? They satisfy you with their mouths, but their hearts refuse [compliance], and most of them are defiantly disobedient.

(9) They have exchanged the signs of Allāh for a small price and averted [people] from His way. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.

(10) They do not observe toward a believer any pact of kinship or covenant of protection. And it is they who are the transgressors.

(11) But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakāh, then they are your brothers in religion; and We detail the verses for a people who know.

(12) And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then combat the leaders of disbelief, for indeed, there are no oaths [sacred] to them; [fight them that] they might cease.

(13) Would you not fight against a people who broke their oaths and determined to expel the Messenger, and they had begun [the attack upon] you the first time? Do you fear them? But Allāh has more right that you should fear Him, if you are [truly] believers.

(14) Fight them; Allāh will punish them by your hands and will disgrace them and give you victory over them and satisfy the breasts [i.e., desires] of a believing people

(15) And remove the fury in their [i.e., the believers'] hearts. And Allāh turns in forgiveness to whom He wills; and Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

(16) Do you think that you will be left [as you are] while Allāh has not yet made evident those among you who strive [for His cause] and do not take other than Allāh, His Messenger and the believers as intimates? And Allāh is [fully] Aware of what you do.

(17) It is not for the polytheists to maintain the mosques of Allāh [while] witnessing against themselves with disbelief. [For] those, their deeds have become worthless, and in the Fire they will abide eternally.

(18) The mosques of Allāh are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakāh and do not fear except Allāh, for it is expected that those will be of the [rightly] guided.

(19) Have you made the providing of water for the pilgrim and the maintenance of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām equal to [the deeds of] one who believes in Allāh and the Last Day and strives in the cause of Allāh? They are not equal in the sight of Allāh. And Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people.

(20) The ones who have believed, emigrated and striven in the cause of Allāh with their wealth and their lives are greater in rank in the sight of Allāh. And it is those who are the attainers [of success].

(21) Their Lord gives them good tidings of mercy from Him and approval and of gardens for them wherein is enduring pleasure.

(22) [They will be] abiding therein forever. Indeed, Allāh has with Him a great reward.

(23) O you who have believed, do not take your fathers or your brothers as allies if they have preferred disbelief over belief. And whoever does so among you - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

(24) Say, [O Muḥammad], "If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, wealth which you have obtained, commerce wherein you fear decline, and dwellings with which you are pleased are more beloved to you than Allāh and His Messenger and jihād [i.e., striving] in His cause, then wait until Allāh executes His command. And Allāh does not guide the defiantly disobedient people."

(25) Allāh has already given you victory in many regions and [even] on the day of Ḥunayn, when your great number pleased you, but it did not avail you at all, and the earth was confining for you with [i.e., in spite of] its vastness; then you turned back, fleeing.

(26) Then Allāh sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers and sent down soldiers [i.e., angels] whom you did not see and punished those who disbelieved. And that is the recompense of the disbelievers.

(27) Then Allāh will accept repentance after that for whom He wills; and Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(28) O you who have believed, indeed the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach al-Masjid al-Ḥarām after this, their [final] year. And if you fear privation, Allāh will enrich you from His bounty if He wills. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

(29) Fight against those who do not believe in Allāh or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allāh and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth [i.e., Islām] from those who were given the Scripture - [fight] until they give the jizyah[466] willingly while they are humbled. ——— [466]- A tax required of non-Muslims exempting them from military service and entitling them to the protection of the Islāmic state. Concurrently, zakāh is not taken from them, being an obligation only upon Muslims.

(30) The Jews say, "Ezra is the son of Allāh"; and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of Allāh." That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before [them]. May Allāh destroy them; how are they deluded?

(31) They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allāh,[467] and [also] the Messiah, the son of Mary.[468] And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate with Him. ——— [467]- By their obedience to them rather than to what Allāh ordained. [468]- By their worship of him in conjunction with Allāh.

(32) They want to extinguish the light of Allāh with their mouths, but Allāh refuses except to perfect His light, although the disbelievers dislike it.

(33) It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allāh dislike it.

(34) O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly[469] and avert [them] from the way of Allāh. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allāh - give them tidings of a painful punishment. ——— [469]- i.e., through false pretense.

(35) The Day when it[470] will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], "This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard." ——— [470]- The gold and silver which was hoarded, i.e., whose zakāh was not paid.

(36) Indeed, the number of months with Allāh is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allāh [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.[471] That is the correct religion [i.e., way], so do not wrong yourselves during them.[472] And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allāh is with the righteous [who fear Him]. ——— [471]- See footnote to 9:5. [472]- i.e., do not violate the sacred months or commit aggression therein.

(37) Indeed, the postponing [of restriction within sacred months] is an increase in disbelief by which those who have disbelieved are led [further] astray. They make it[473] lawful one year and unlawful another year to correspond to the number made unlawful by Allāh[474] and [thus] make lawful what Allāh has made unlawful. Made pleasing to them is the evil of their deeds; and Allāh does not guide the disbelieving people. ——— [473]- Fighting during a sacred month. [474]- If they found it advantageous to violate a sacred month, they would do so, designating another month in its place in which to observe the restrictions concerning fighting.

(38) O you who have believed, what is [the matter] with you that, when you are told to go forth in the cause of Allāh, you adhere heavily to the earth?[475] Are you satisfied with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But what is the enjoyment of worldly life compared to the Hereafter except a [very] little. ——— [475]- i.e., inclining toward the comforts of worldly life.

(39) If you do not go forth, He will punish you with a painful punishment and will replace you with another people, and you will not harm Him at all. And Allāh is over all things competent.

(40) If you do not aid him [i.e., the Prophet (ﷺ)] - Allāh has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two,[476] when they were in the cave and he [i.e., Muḥammad (ﷺ)] said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed Allāh is with us." And Allāh sent down His tranquility upon him and supported him with soldiers [i.e., angels] you did not see and made the word[477] of those who disbelieved the lowest,[478] while the word of Allāh[479] - that is the highest. And Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise. ——— [476]- The second was his companion, Abū Bakr. [477]- i.e., their claims and slogans. [478]- i.e., degraded and dishonored. [479]- "Lā ilāha ill-Allāh" ("There is no deity except Allāh").

(41) Go forth, whether light or heavy,[480] and strive with your wealth and your lives in the cause of Allāh. That is better for you, if you only knew. ——— [480]- i.e., young or old, riding or walking, in ease or in hardship - in all circumstances and conditions.

(42) Had it been a near [i.e., easy] gain and a moderate trip, they [i.e., the hypocrites] would have followed you, but distant to them was the journey. And they will swear by Allāh,[481] "If we were able, we would have gone forth with you," destroying themselves [through false oaths], and Allāh knows that indeed they are liars. ——— [481]- When you return from the Tabūk expedition.

(43) Allāh has pardoned you, [O Muḥammad, but] why did you give them permission [to remain behind]? [You should not have] until it was evident to you who were truthful and you knew [who were] the liars.

(44) Those who believe in Allāh and the Last Day would not ask permission of you to be excused from striving [i.e., fighting] with their wealth and their lives. And Allāh is Knowing of those who fear Him.

(45) Only those would ask permission of you who do not believe in Allāh and the Last Day and whose hearts have doubted, and they, in their doubt, are hesitating.

(46) And if they had intended to go forth, they would have prepared for it [some] preparation. But Allāh disliked their being sent, so He kept them back, and they were told, "Remain [behind] with those who remain."[482] ——— [482]- i.e., the women and children.

(47) Had they gone forth with you, they would not have increased you except in confusion, and they would have been active among you, seeking [to cause] you fitnah [i.e., chaos and dissension]. And among you are avid listeners to them. And Allāh is Knowing of the wrongdoers.

(48) They had already desired dissension before and had upset matters for you[483] until the truth came and the ordinance [i.e., victory] of Allāh appeared, while they were averse. ——— [483]- Or "turned matters related to you over [in their minds, considering how to cause you failure]."

(49) And among them is he who says, "Permit me [to remain at home] and do not put me to trial." Unquestionably, into trial they have fallen.[484] And indeed, Hell will encompass the disbelievers. ——— [484]- By avoiding their obligation, they fell into destruction.

(50) If good befalls you, it distresses them; but if disaster strikes you, they say, "We took our matter [in hand] before,"[485] and turn away while they are rejoicing. ——— [485]- The hypocrites claim to have protected themselves by remaining behind.

(51) Say, "Never will we be struck except by what Allāh has decreed for us; He is our protector." And upon Allāh let the believers rely.

(52) Say, "Do you await for us except one of the two best things [i.e., martyrdom or victory] while we await for you that Allāh will afflict you with punishment from Himself or at our hands? So wait; indeed we, along with you, are waiting."

(53) Say, "Spend willingly or unwillingly; never will it be accepted from you. Indeed, you have been a defiantly disobedient people."

(54) And what prevents their expenditures from being accepted from them but that they have disbelieved in Allāh and in His Messenger and that they come not to prayer except while they are lazy and that they do not spend except while they are unwilling.

(55) So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allāh only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.

(56) And they swear by Allāh that they are from among you while they are not from among you; but they are a people who are afraid.

(57) If they could find a refuge or some caves or any place to enter [and hide], they would turn to it while they run heedlessly.

(58) And among them are some who criticize you concerning the [distribution of] charities. If they are given from them, they approve; but if they are not given from them, at once they become angry.

(59) If only they had been satisfied with what Allāh and His Messenger gave them and said, "Sufficient for us is Allāh; Allāh will give us of His bounty, and [so will] His Messenger; indeed, we are desirous toward Allāh,"[486] [it would have been better for them]. ——— [486]- Meaning "We desire Allāh and His grace and acceptance," or "We desire whatever Allāh wills to give us of His bounty."

(60) Zakāh expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it[487] and for bringing hearts together [for Islām] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allāh and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allāh. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise. ——— [487]- By the state to collect, guard and distribute the zakāh.

(61) And among them are those who abuse the Prophet and say, "He is an ear."[488] Say, "[It is] an ear of goodness for you that believes in Allāh and believes the believers and [is] a mercy to those who believe among you." And those who abuse the Messenger of Allāh - for them is a painful punishment. ——— [488]- i.e., one who believes everything he hears.

(62) They swear by Allāh to you [Muslims] to satisfy you. But Allāh and His Messenger are more worthy for them to satisfy,[489] if they were to be believers. ——— [489]- Literally, "to satisfy Him," meaning that Allāh would be satisfied by obedience to the Messenger (ﷺ).

(63) Do they not know that whoever opposes Allāh and His Messenger - that for him is the fire of Hell, wherein he will abide eternally? That is the great disgrace.

(64) The hypocrites are apprehensive lest a sūrah be revealed about them, informing them of[490] what is in their hearts. Say, "Mock [as you wish]; indeed, Allāh will expose that which you fear." ——— [490]- i.e., exposing the truth about.

(65) And if you ask them, they will surely say, "We were only conversing and playing." Say, "Is it Allāh and His verses and His Messenger that you were mocking?"

(66) Make no excuse; you have disbelieved [i.e., rejected faith] after your belief. If We pardon one faction of you - We will punish another faction because they were criminals.

(67) The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another. They enjoin what is wrong and forbid what is right and close their hands.[491] They have forgotten Allāh, so He has forgotten them [accordingly]. Indeed, the hypocrites - it is they who are the defiantly disobedient. ——— [491]- i.e., refuse to spend in the way of Allāh.

(68) Allāh has promised the hypocrite men and hypocrite women and the disbelievers the fire of Hell, wherein they will abide eternally. It is sufficient for them. And Allāh has cursed them, and for them is an enduring punishment.

(69) [You disbelievers are] like those before you; they were stronger than you in power and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion [of worldly enjoyment], and you have enjoyed your portion as those before you enjoyed their portion, and you have engaged [in vanities] like that in which they engaged. [It is] those whose deeds have become worthless in this world and in the Hereafter, and it is they who are the losers.

(70) Has there not reached them the news of those before them - the people of Noah and [the tribes of] ʿAad and Thamūd and the people of Abraham and the companions [i.e., dwellers] of Madyan and the towns overturned?[492] Their messengers came to them with clear proofs. And Allāh would never have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves. ——— [492]- i.e., those to which Lot was sent and which earned for themselves Allāh's punishment. See 11:82-83.

(71) The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give zakāh and obey Allāh and His Messenger. Those - Allāh will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Wise.

(72) Allāh has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allāh is greater. It is that which is the great attainment.

(73) O Prophet, fight against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination.

(74) They swear by Allāh that they did not say [anything against the Prophet (ﷺ)] while they had said the word of disbelief and disbelieved after their [pretense of] Islām and planned that which they were not to attain.[493] And they were not resentful except [for the fact] that Allāh and His Messenger had enriched them of His bounty.[494] So if they repent, it is better for them; but if they turn away, Allāh will punish them with a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And there will not be for them on earth any protector or helper. ——— [493]- i.e., the murder of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ). [494]- i.e., for no reason. On the contrary, they should have been grateful.

(75) And among them are those who made a covenant with Allāh, [saying], "If He should give us from His bounty, we will surely spend in charity, and we will surely be among the righteous."

(76) But when He gave them from His bounty, they were stingy with it and turned away while they refused.

(77) So He penalized them with hypocrisy in their hearts until the Day they will meet Him - because they failed Allāh in what they promised Him and because they [habitually] used to lie.

(78) Did they not know that Allāh knows their secrets and their private conversations and that Allāh is the Knower of the unseen?

(79) Those who criticize the contributors among the believers concerning [their] charities and [criticize] the ones who find nothing [to spend] except their effort, so they ridicule them - Allāh will ridicule them, and they will have a painful punishment.

(80) Ask forgiveness for them, [O Muḥammad], or do not ask forgiveness for them. If you should ask forgiveness for them seventy times - never will Allāh forgive them. That is because they disbelieved in Allāh and His Messenger, and Allāh does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

(81) Those who remained behind[495] rejoiced in their staying [at home] after [the departure of] the Messenger of Allāh and disliked to strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allāh and said, "Do not go forth in the heat." Say, "The fire of Hell is more intense in heat" - if they would but understand. ——— [495]- Literally, "were left behind [as Allāh willed]" due to their false excuses having been accepted by the Prophet (ﷺ). While pleased with their assumed deception, in reality, Allāh had prevented their participation knowing of their hypocrisy and evil intent.

(82) So let them laugh a little and [then] weep much as recompense for what they used to earn.

(83) If Allāh should return you to a faction of them [after the expedition] and then they ask your permission to go out [to battle], say, "You will not go out with me, ever, and you will never fight with me an enemy. Indeed, you were satisfied with sitting [at home] the first time, so sit [now] with those who stay behind."

(84) And do not pray [the funeral prayer, O Muḥammad], over any of them who has died - ever - or stand at his grave. Indeed, they disbelieved in Allāh and His Messenger and died while they were defiantly disobedient.

(85) And let not their wealth and their children impress you. Allāh only intends to punish them through them in this world and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.

(86) And when a sūrah was revealed [enjoining them] to believe in Allāh and to fight with His Messenger, those of wealth among them asked your permission [to stay back] and said, "Leave us to be with them who sit [at home]."

(87) They were satisfied to be with those who stay behind, and their hearts were sealed over, so they do not understand.

(88) But the Messenger and those who believed with him fought with their wealth and their lives. Those will have [all that is] good and it is those who are the successful.

(89) Allāh has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide eternally. That is the great attainment.

(90) And those with excuses among the bedouins came to be permitted [to remain], and they who had lied[496] to Allāh and His Messenger sat [at home]. There will strike those who disbelieved among them a painful punishment. ——— [496]- i.e., claimed faith.

(91) There is not upon the weak or upon the ill or upon those who do not find anything to spend any discomfort [i.e., guilt] when they are sincere to Allāh and His Messenger. There is not upon the doers of good any cause [for blame]. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(92) Nor [is there blame] upon those who, when they came to you for you to take them along, you said, "I can find nothing upon which to carry you."[497] They turned back while their eyes overflowed with tears out of grief that they could not find something to spend [for the cause of Allāh]. ——— [497]- No mounts or even shoes were available.

(93) The cause [for blame] is only upon those who ask permission of you while they are rich. They are satisfied to be with those who stay behind, and Allāh has sealed over their hearts, so they do not know.

(94) They will make excuses to you when you have returned to them. Say, "Make no excuse - never will we believe you. Allāh has already informed us of your news [i.e., affair]. And Allāh will observe your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger; then you will be taken back to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed,[498] and He will inform you of what you used to do." ——— [498]- See footnotes to 6:73.

(95) They will swear by Allāh to you when you return to them that you would leave them alone. So leave them alone; indeed they are evil; and their refuge is Hell as recompense for what they had been earning.

(96) They swear to you so that you might be satisfied with them. But if you should be satisfied with them - indeed, Allāh is not satisfied with a defiantly disobedient people.

(97) The bedouins are stronger in disbelief and hypocrisy and more likely not to know the limits of what [laws] Allāh has revealed to His Messenger. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

(98) And among the bedouins are some who consider what they spend as a loss[499] and await for you turns of misfortune. Upon them will be a misfortune of evil. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing. ——— [499]- i.e., a fine or penalty.

(99) But among the bedouins are some who believe in Allāh and the Last Day and consider what they spend as means of nearness to Allāh and of [obtaining] invocations of the Messenger. Unquestionably, it is a means of nearness for them. Allāh will admit them to His mercy. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(100) And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhājireen[500] and the Anṣār[501] and those who followed them with good conduct - Allāh is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment. ——— [500]- Those who emigrated from Makkah and settled in Madīnah for the cause of Islām. [501]- The inhabitants of Madīnah who had accepted Islām and assisted the Prophet (ﷺ) and other emigrants upon their arrival there.

(101) And among those around you of the bedouins are hypocrites, and [also] from the people of Madīnah. They have persisted in hypocrisy. You, [O Muḥammad], do not know them, [but] We know them. We will punish them twice [in this world]; then they will be returned to a great punishment.

(102) And [there are] others who have acknowledged their sins. They had mixed [i.e., polluted] a righteous deed with another that was bad.[502] Perhaps Allāh will turn to them in forgiveness. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful. ——— [502]- This refers to their having previously taken part in jihād but having abstained on the occasion of Tabūk.

(103) Take, [O Muḥammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allāh's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allāh is Hearing and Knowing.

(104) Do they not know that it is Allāh who accepts repentance from His servants and receives charities and that it is Allāh who is the Accepting of Repentance,[503] the Merciful? ——— [503]- Refer to footnote in 2:37.

(105) And say, "Do [as you will], for Allāh will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers. And you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you of what you used to do."

(106) And [there are] others deferred until the command of Allāh - whether He will punish them or whether He will forgive them. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

(107) And [there are] those [hypocrites] who took for themselves a mosque for causing harm and disbelief and division among the believers and as a station for whoever had warred against Allāh and His Messenger before. And they will surely swear, "We intended only the best." And Allāh testifies that indeed they are liars.

(108) Do not stand [for prayer] within it - ever. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day[504] is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allāh loves those who purify themselves. ——— [504]- This description is of the Qubā’ mosque.

(109) Then is one who laid the foundation of his building on righteousness [with fear] from Allāh and [seeking] His approval better or one who laid the foundation of his building on the edge of a bank about to collapse, so it collapsed with him into the fire of Hell? And Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people.

(110) Their building which they built will not cease to be a [cause of] skepticism in their hearts until their hearts are cut [i.e., stopped]. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

(111) Indeed, Allāh has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allāh, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur’ān. And who is truer to his covenant than Allāh? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.

(112) [Such believers are] the repentant, the worshippers, the praisers [of Allāh], the travelers [for His cause], those who bow and prostrate [in prayer], those who enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, and those who observe the limits [set by] Allāh. And give good tidings to the believers.

(113) It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire.

(114) And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to him [i.e., Abraham] that he [i.e., the father] was an enemy to Allāh, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient.

(115) And Allāh would not let a people stray after He has guided them until He makes clear to them what they should avoid. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of all things.

(116) Indeed, to Allāh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He gives life and causes death. And you have not besides Allāh any protector or any helper.

(117) Allāh has already forgiven the Prophet and the Muhājireen and the Anṣār who followed him in the hour of difficulty after the hearts of a party of them had almost inclined [to doubt], and then He forgave them. Indeed, He was to them Kind and Merciful.

(118) And [He also forgave] the three who were left alone [i.e., boycotted, regretting their error] to the point that the earth closed in on them in spite of its vastness[505] and their souls confined [i.e., anguished] them and they were certain that there is no refuge from Allāh except in Him. Then He turned to them so they could repent. Indeed, Allāh is the Accepting of Repentance,[506] the Merciful. ——— [505]- Thus it seemed to them in their extreme distress. [506]- Refer to footnote in 2:37.

(119) O you who have believed, fear Allāh and be with those who are true.

(120) It was not [proper] for the people of Madīnah and those surrounding them of the bedouins that they remain behind after [the departure of] the Messenger of Allāh or that they prefer themselves over his self.[507] That is because they are not afflicted by thirst or fatigue or hunger in the cause of Allāh, nor do they tread on any ground that enrages the disbelievers, nor do they inflict upon an enemy any infliction but that it is registered for them as a righteous deed. Indeed, Allāh does not allow to be lost the reward of the doers of good. ——— [507]- In times of hardship. Rather, they should have been willing to endure with the Prophet (ﷺ) whatever was necessary for Islām.

(121) Nor do they spend an expenditure, small or large, or cross a valley but that it is registered for them that Allāh may reward them for the best of what they were doing.

(122) And it is not for the believers to go forth [to battle] all at once. For there should separate from every division of them a group [remaining] to obtain understanding in the religion and warn [i.e., advise] their people when they return to them that they might be cautious.

(123) O you who have believed, fight against those adjacent to you of the disbelievers and let them find in you harshness. And know that Allāh is with the righteous.

(124) And whenever a sūrah is revealed, there are among them [i.e., the hypocrites] those who say, "Which of you has this increased in faith?" As for those who believed, it has increased them in faith, while they are rejoicing.

(125) But as for those in whose hearts is disease, it has [only] increased them in evil [in addition] to their evil.[508] And they will have died while they are disbelievers. ——— [508]- Literally, "filth," i.e., disbelief and hypocrisy.

(126) Do they not see that they are tried every year once or twice but then they do not repent nor do they remember?

(127) And whenever a sūrah is revealed, they look at each other, [as if saying], "Does anyone see you?" and then they dismiss themselves. Allāh has dismissed their hearts because they are a people who do not understand.

(128) There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you [i.e., your guidance] and to the believers is kind and merciful.

(129) But if they turn away, [O Muḥammad], say, "Sufficient for me is Allāh; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne."

(1) Alif, Lām, Rā.[510] These are the verses of the wise[511] Book. ——— [510]- See footnote to 2:1. [511]- The adjective "wise" expresses the qualities of will, purpose, discrimination and precision.

(2) Have the people been amazed that We revealed [revelation] to a man from among them, [saying], "Warn mankind and give good tidings to those who believe that they will have a [firm] precedence of honor[512] with their Lord"? [But] the disbelievers say, "Indeed, this is an obvious magician." ——— [512]- i.e., a sure position due to their righteous deeds.

(3) Indeed, your Lord is Allāh, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne,[513] arranging the matter [of His creation]. There is no intercessor except after His permission. That is Allāh, your Lord, so worship Him. Then will you not remember? ——— [513]- See footnotes to 2:19 and 7:54.

(4) To Him is your return all together. [It is] the promise of Allāh [which is] truth. Indeed, He begins the [process of] creation and then repeats it that He may reward those who have believed and done righteous deeds, in justice. But those who disbelieved will have a drink of scalding water and a painful punishment for what they used to deny.

(5) It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases - that you may know the number of years and account [of time]. Allāh has not created this except in truth. He details the signs for a people who know.

(6) Indeed, in the alternation of the night and the day and [in] what Allāh has created in the heavens and the earth are signs for a people who fear Allāh.

(7) Indeed, those who do not expect the meeting with Us and are satisfied with the life of this world and feel secure therein and those who are heedless of Our signs -

(8) For those their refuge will be the Fire because of what they used to earn.

(9) Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - their Lord will guide them because of their faith. Beneath them rivers will flow in the Gardens of Pleasure.

(10) Their call therein will be, "Exalted are You, O Allāh," and their greeting therein will be, "Peace." And the last of their call will be, "Praise to Allāh, Lord of the worlds!"

(11) And if Allāh was to hasten for the people the evil [they invoke][514] as He hastens for them the good, their term would have been ended for them.[515] But We leave the ones who do not expect the meeting with Us, in their transgression, wandering blindly. ——— [514]- In anger or in heedlessness. [515]- i.e., Allāh would have destroyed them on account of that.

(12) And when affliction touches man, he calls upon Us, whether lying on his side or sitting or standing; but when We remove from him his affliction, he continues [in disobedience] as if he had never called upon Us to [remove] an affliction that touched him. Thus is made pleasing to the transgressors that which they have been doing.

(13) And We had already destroyed generations before you when they wronged, and their messengers had come to them with clear proofs, but they were not to believe. Thus do We recompense the criminal people.

(14) Then We made you successors in the land after them so that We may observe how you will do.

(15) And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the meeting with Us say, "Bring us a Qur’ān other than this or change it." Say, [O Muḥammad], "It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day."

(16) Say, "If Allāh had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you, for I had remained among you a lifetime before it.[516] Then will you not reason?" ——— [516]- The Prophet (ﷺ) lived among his people forty years before receiving any revelation.

(17) So who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about Allāh or denies His signs? Indeed, the criminals will not succeed.

(18) And they worship other than Allāh that which neither harms them nor benefits them, and they say, "These are our intercessors with Allāh." Say, "Do you inform Allāh of something He does not know in the heavens or on the earth?" Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.

(19) And mankind was not but one community [united in religion], but [then] they differed. And if not for a word[517] that preceded from your Lord, it would have been judged between them [immediately] concerning that over which they differ. ——— [517]- Allāh's decree to allow time on earth for His creation or not to punish anyone before evidence has come to him.

(20) And they say, "Why is a sign not sent down to him from his Lord?" So say, "The unseen is only for Allāh [to administer], so wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."

(21) And when We give the people a taste of mercy after adversity has touched them, at once they conspire against Our verses. Say, "Allāh is swifter in strategy." Indeed, Our messengers [i.e., angels] record that which you conspire.

(22) It is He who enables you to travel on land and sea until, when you are in ships and they sail with them[518] by a good wind and they rejoice therein, there comes a storm wind and the waves come upon them from every place and they expect to be engulfed, they supplicate Allāh, sincere to Him in religion, "If You should save us from this, we will surely be among the thankful." ——— [518]- The change in pronoun from the second to third person shows that the following description applies specifically to the disbelievers.

(23) But when He saves them, at once they commit injustice[519] upon the earth without right. O mankind, your injustice is only against yourselves, [being merely] the enjoyment of worldly life. Then to Us is your return, and We will inform you of what you used to do. ——— [519]- By oppression and disobedience or by invoking others besides Allāh.

(24) The example of [this] worldly life is but like rain which We have sent down from the sky that the plants of the earth absorb - [those] from which men and livestock eat - until, when the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified and its people suppose that they have capability over it, there comes to it Our command by night or by day, and We make it as a harvest,[520] as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We explain in detail the signs for a people who give thought. ——— [520]- Its vegetation having been cut down or uprooted, i.e., utterly destroyed.

(25) And Allāh invites to the Home of Peace [i.e., Paradise] and guides whom He wills to a straight path.

(26) For them who have done good is the best [reward] - and extra.[521] No darkness will cover their faces, nor humiliation. Those are companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally. ——— [521]- In addition to the pleasures of Paradise, they will be able to see Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā), as reported in an authentic ḥadīth narrated by Muslim.

(27) But they who have earned [blame for] evil doings - the recompense of an evil deed is its equivalent, and humiliation will cover them. They will have from Allāh no protector. It will be as if their faces are covered with pieces of the night - so dark [are they]. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally.

(28) And [mention, O Muḥammad], the Day We will gather them all together - then We will say to those who associated others with Allāh, "[Remain in] your place, you and your 'partners.'"[522] Then We will separate them,[523] and their "partners" will say, "You did not used to worship us,[524] ——— [522]- Those they had associated with Allāh. [523]- From the believers. [524]- The inanimate objects, such as idols, will not have been aware of their worship of them. But those beings who consented to be worshipped will lie and deny it on the Day of Judgement.

(29) And sufficient is Allāh as a witness between us and you that we were of your worship unaware."

(30) There, [on that Day], every soul will be put to trial for what it did previously, and they will be returned to Allāh, their master, the Truth, and lost from them is whatever they used to invent.

(31) Say, "Who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Or who controls hearing and sight and who brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and who arranges [every] matter?" They will say, "Allāh," so say, "Then will you not fear Him?"

(32) For that is Allāh, your Lord, the Truth. And what can be beyond truth except error? So how are you averted?

(33) Thus the word [i.e., decree] of your Lord has come into effect upon those who defiantly disobeyed - that they will not believe.

(34) Say, "Are there of your 'partners' any who begins creation and then repeats it?" Say, "Allāh begins creation and then repeats it, so how are you deluded?"

(35) Say, "Are there of your 'partners' any who guides to the truth?" Say, "Allāh guides to the truth. So is He who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed or he who guides not unless he is guided? Then what is [wrong] with you - how do you judge?"

(36) And most of them follow not except assumption. Indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of what they do.

(37) And it was not [possible] for this Qur’ān to be produced by other than Allāh, but [it is] a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of the [former] Scripture, about which there is no doubt,[525] from the Lord of the worlds. ——— [525]- This phrase refers back to the Qur’ān.

(38) Or do they say [about the Prophet (ﷺ)], "He invented it?" Say, "Then bring forth a sūrah like it and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allāh, if you should be truthful."

(39) Rather, they have denied that which they encompass not in knowledge and whose interpretation has not yet come to them. Thus did those before them deny. Then observe how was the end of the wrongdoers.

(40) And of them are those who believe in it, and of them are those who do not believe in it. And your Lord is most knowing of the corrupters.

(41) And if they deny you, [O Muḥammad], then say, "For me are my deeds, and for you are your deeds. You are disassociated from what I do, and I am disassociated from what you do."

(42) And among them are those who listen to you. But can you cause the deaf to hear [i.e., benefit from this hearing], although they will not use reason?

(43) And among them are those who look at you. But can you guide the blind although they will not [attempt to] see?

(44) Indeed, Allāh does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who are wronging themselves.

(45) And on the Day when He will gather them, [it will be] as if they had not remained [in the world] but an hour of the day, [and] they will know each other. Those will have lost who denied the meeting with Allāh and were not guided.

(46) And whether We show you some of what We promise them, [O Muḥammad], or We take you in death, to Us is their return; then, [either way], Allāh is a witness concerning what they are doing.

(47) And for every nation is a messenger. So when their messenger comes,[526] it will be judged between them in justice, and they will not be wronged. ——— [526]- To witness on the Day of Judgement. Another meaning is "Once a messenger has come [to them in this world]..."

(48) And they say, "When is [the fulfillment of] this promise, if you should be truthful?"

(49) Say, "I possess not for myself any harm or benefit except what Allāh should will. For every nation is a [specified] term. When their time has come, then they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it]."

(50) Say, "Have you considered: if His punishment should come to you by night or by day - for which [aspect] of it would the criminals be impatient?"[527] ——— [527]- "Impatience" refers to the disbelievers' ridicule of the Prophet (ﷺ) by telling him to produce Allāh's punishment as proof of his truthfulness.

(51) Then is it that when it has [actually] occurred you will believe in it? Now?[528] And you were [once] for it impatient.[529] ——— [528]- i.e., when it is too late to benefit from belief. [529]- Challenging those who warned of it to bring it on immediately.

(52) Then it will be said to those who had wronged, "Taste the punishment of eternity; are you being recompensed except for what you used to earn?"

(53) And they ask information of you, [O Muḥammad], "Is it true?" Say, "Yes, by my Lord. Indeed, it is truth; and you will not cause failure [to Allāh]."

(54) And if each soul that wronged had everything on earth, it would offer it in ransom. And they will confide regret when they see the punishment; and they will be judged in justice, and they will not be wronged.

(55) Unquestionably, to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. Unquestionably, the promise of Allāh is truth, but most of them do not know.

(56) He gives life and causes death, and to Him you will be returned.

(57) O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.

(58) Say, "In the bounty of Allāh and in His mercy - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate."

(59) Say, "Have you seen what Allāh has sent down to you of provision of which you have made [some] lawful and [some] unlawful?" Say, "Has Allāh permitted you [to do so], or do you invent [something] about Allāh?"

(60) And what will be the supposition of those who invent falsehood about Allāh on the Day of Resurrection?[530] Indeed, Allāh is the possessor of bounty for the people, but most of them are not grateful. ——— [530]- i.e., what do they think He will do with them.

(61) And, [O Muḥammad], you are not [engaged] in any matter and do not recite any of the Qur’ān and you [people] do not do any deed except that We are witness over you when you are involved in it. And not absent from your Lord is any [part] of an atom's weight[531] within the earth or within the heaven or [anything] smaller than that or greater but that it is in a clear register. ——— [531]- Or "the weight of a small ant."

(62) Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allāh there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve -

(63) Those who believed and were fearing Allāh.

(64) For them are good tidings in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. No change is there in the words [i.e., decrees] of Allāh. That is what is the great attainment.

(65) And let not their speech grieve you. Indeed, honor [due to power] belongs to Allāh entirely. He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

(66) Unquestionably, to Allāh belongs whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth. And those who invoke other than Allāh do not [actually] follow [His] "partners." They follow not except assumption, and they are not but misjudging.

(67) It is He who made for you the night to rest therein and the day, giving sight.[532] Indeed in that are signs for a people who listen. ——— [532]- i.e., making things visible.

(68) They[533] have said, "Allāh has taken a son." Exalted is He; He is the [one] Free of need. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. You have no authority[534] for this [claim]. Do you say about Allāh that which you do not know? ——— [533]- The Christians and others. [534]- Or "evidence."

(69) Say, "Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allāh will not succeed."

(70) [For them is brief] enjoyment in this world; then to Us is their return; then We will make them taste the severe punishment because they used to disbelieve.

(71) And recite to them the news of Noah, when he said to his people, "O my people, if my residence and my reminding of the signs of Allāh has become burdensome upon you - then I have relied upon Allāh. So resolve upon your plan and [call upon] your associates. Then let not your plan be obscure to you.[535] Then carry it out upon me and do not give me respite. ——— [535]- i.e., Do not let it be a source of doubt or anxiety to you but let it be clear, open and defined.

(72) And if you turn away [from my advice] - then no payment have I asked of you. My reward is only from Allāh, and I have been commanded to be of the Muslims [i.e., those who submit to Allāh]."

(73) And they denied him, so We saved him and those with him in the ship and made them successors, and We drowned those who denied Our signs. Then see how was the end of those who were warned.

(74) Then We sent after him messengers to their peoples, and they came to them with clear proofs. But they were not to believe in that which they had denied before.[536] Thus We seal over the hearts of the transgressors. ——— [536]- i.e., the succeeding generations were persistent in disbelief.

(75) Then We sent after them Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his establishment with Our signs, but they behaved arrogantly and were a criminal people.

(76) So when there came to them the truth from Us, they said, "Indeed, this is obvious magic."

(77) Moses said, "Do you say [thus] about the truth when it has come to you? Is this magic? But magicians will not succeed."

(78) They said, "Have you come to us to turn us away from that upon which we found our fathers and so that you two may have grandeur in the land? And we are not believers in you."

(79) And Pharaoh said, "Bring to me every learned magician."

(80) So when the magicians came, Moses said to them, "Throw down whatever you will throw."

(81) And when they had thrown, Moses said, "What you have brought is [only] magic. Indeed, Allāh will expose its worthlessness. Indeed, Allāh does not amend the work of corrupters.

(82) And Allāh will establish the truth by His words, even if the criminals dislike it."

(83) But no one believed Moses, except [some] offspring [i.e., youths] among his people, for fear of Pharaoh and his establishment that they would persecute them. And indeed, Pharaoh was haughty within the land, and indeed, he was of the transgressors.

(84) And Moses said, "O my people, if you have believed in Allāh, then rely upon Him, if you should be Muslims [i.e., submitting to Him]."

(85) So they said, "Upon Allāh do we rely. Our Lord, make us not [objects of] trial for the wrongdoing people

(86) And save us by Your mercy from the disbelieving people."

(87) And We inspired to Moses and his brother, "Settle your people in Egypt in houses and make your houses [facing the] qiblah[537] and establish prayer and give good tidings to the believers." ——— [537]- In order that they might pray therein unseen by their enemy.

(88) And Moses said, "Our Lord, indeed You have given Pharaoh and his establishment splendor and wealth in the worldly life, our Lord, that they may lead [men] astray from Your way. Our Lord, obliterate their wealth and harden their hearts so that they will not believe until they see the painful punishment."

(89) [Allāh] said, "Your supplication has been answered."[538] So remain on a right course and follow not the way of those who do not know." ——— [538]- Literally, "the supplication of both of you," i.e., that of Moses and of Aaron, who joined by saying, "Āmeen" ("O Allāh, respond").

(90) And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him, he said, "I believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of the Muslims."

(91) Now? And you had disobeyed [Him] before and were of the corrupters?

(92) So today We will save you in body[539] that you may be to those who succeed you a sign. And indeed, many among the people, of Our signs, are heedless. ——— [539]- i.e., his dead body will be preserved and not destroyed.

(93) And We had certainly settled the Children of Israel in an agreeable settlement and provided them with good things. And they did not differ until [after] knowledge had come to them. Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.

(94) So if you are in doubt, [O Muḥammad], about that which We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Scripture before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so never be among the doubters.

(95) And never be of those who deny the signs of Allāh and [thus] be among the losers.[540] ——— [540]- Among the interpretations of the last two verses is that they were meant to stir the Prophet (ﷺ) to declare and confirm his certainty, which he did. Another is that although the words are addressed to the Prophet (ﷺ), they are directed to all people.

(96) Indeed, those upon whom the word [i.e., decree] of your Lord has come into effect will not believe,

(97) Even if every sign should come to them, until they see the painful punishment.

(98) Then has there not been a [single] city that believed so its faith benefited it except the people of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the punishment of disgrace in worldly life and gave them enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time.

(99) And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed - all of them entirely. Then, [O Muḥammad], would you compel the people in order that they become believers?

(100) And it is not for a soul [i.e., anyone] to believe except by permission of Allāh, and He will place defilement[541] upon those who will not use reason. ——— [541]- Among its meanings are filth, wrath, punishment, disbelief, confusion and error.

(101) Say, "Observe what is in the heavens and the earth." But of no avail will be signs or warners to a people who do not believe.

(102) So do they wait except for like [what occurred in] the days of those who passed on before them? Say, "Then wait; indeed, I am with you among those who wait."

(103) Then We will save Our messengers and those who have believed. Thus, it is an obligation upon Us that We save the believers.[542] ——— [542]- From Allāh's punishment.

(104) Say, [O Muḥammad], "O people, if you are in doubt as to my religion - then I do not worship those which you worship besides Allāh; but I worship Allāh, who causes your death. And I have been commanded to be of the believers

(105) And [commanded], 'Direct your face [i.e., self] toward the religion, inclining to truth, and never be of those who associate others with Allāh;

(106) And do not invoke[543] besides Allāh that which neither benefits you nor harms you, for if you did, then indeed you would be of the wrongdoers.'"[544] ——— [543]- i.e., worship. [544]- See footnote to 10:95.

(107) And if Allāh should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.

(108) Say, "O mankind, the truth has come to you from your Lord, so whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever goes astray only goes astray [in violation] against it. And I am not over you a manager."

(109) And follow what is revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], and be patient until Allāh will judge. And He is the best of judges.

(1) Alif, Lām, Rā.[546] [This is] a Book whose verses are perfected and then presented in detail from [one who is] Wise and Aware[547] ——— [546]- See footnote to 2:1. [547]- Refer to footnotes of 6:18.

(2) [Through a messenger, saying], "Do not worship except Allāh. Indeed, I am to you from Him a warner and a bringer of good tidings,"

(3) And [saying], "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor [i.e., reward]. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day.

(4) To Allāh is your return, and He is over all things competent."

(5) Unquestionably, they [i.e., the disbelievers] turn away their breasts to hide themselves from him. Unquestionably, [even] when they cover themselves in their clothing, He [i.e., Allāh] knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.

(6) And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allāh is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage.[548] All is in a clear register. ——— [548]- Before birth and after death.

(7) And it is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days - and His Throne had been upon water - that He might test you as to which of you is best in deed. But if you say, "Indeed, you are resurrected after death," those who disbelieve will surely say, "This is not but obvious magic."

(8) And if We hold back from them the punishment for a limited time, they will surely say,[549] "What detains it?" Unquestionably, on the Day it comes to them, it will not be averted from them, and they will be enveloped by what they used to ridicule. ——— [549]- In ridicule and disbelief.

(9) And if We give man a taste of mercy from Us and then We withdraw it from him, indeed, he is despairing and ungrateful.

(10) But if We give him a taste of favor after hardship has touched him, he will surely say, "Bad times have left me." Indeed, he is exultant and boastful -

(11) Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward.

(12) Then would you possibly leave [out] some of what is revealed to you,[550] or is your breast constrained by it because they say, "Why has there not been sent down to him a treasure or come with him an angel?" But you are only a warner. And Allāh is Disposer of all things. ——— [550]- Knowing of the Prophet's difficulties, Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) urges him to patience, certain that he would not fail to convey the message in its entirety.

(13) Or do they say, "He invented it"? Say, "Then bring ten sūrahs like it that have been invented and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allāh, if you should be truthful."

(14) And if they do not respond to you - then know that it [i.e., the Qur’ān] was revealed with the knowledge of Allāh[551] and that there is no deity except Him. Then,[552] would you [not] be Muslims? ——— [551]- i.e., that knowledge which no one possesses except Him (subḥānahu wa taʿālā). [552]- After having been convinced by such evidence.

(15) Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments - We fully repay them for their deeds therein,[553] and they therein will not be deprived. ——— [553]- i.e., during worldly life.

(16) Those are the ones for whom there is not in the Hereafter but the Fire. And lost is what they did therein,[554] and worthless is what they used to do. ——— [554]- i.e., during worldly life.

(17) So is one who [stands] upon a clear evidence from his Lord [like the aforementioned]? And a witness[555] from Him follows it,[556] and before it was the Scripture of Moses to lead and as mercy. Those [believers in the former revelations] believe in it [i.e., the Qur’ān]. But whoever disbelieves in it from the [various] factions - the Fire is his promised destination. So be not in doubt about it. Indeed, it is the truth from your Lord, but most of the people do not believe. ——— [555]- Referring to Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) or to the angel Gabriel. [556]- Testifying to its truth. Additionally, it can mean "recites it," i.e., the Qur’ān.

(18) And who is more unjust than he who invents a lie about Allāh? Those will be presented before their Lord, and the witnesses will say, "These are the ones who lied against their Lord." Unquestionably, the curse of Allāh is upon the wrongdoers

(19) Who averted [people] from the way of Allāh and sought to make it [seem] deviant while they, concerning the Hereafter, were disbelievers.

(20) Those were not causing failure [to Allāh] on earth, nor did they have besides Allāh any protectors. For them the punishment will be multiplied. They were not able to hear, nor did they see.[557] ——— [557]- They refused to listen to the truth or to perceive it.

(21) Those are the ones who will have lost themselves, and lost from them is what they used to invent.

(22) Assuredly, it is they in the Hereafter who will be the greatest losers.

(23) Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds and humbled themselves to their Lord - those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide eternally therein.

(24) The example of the two parties is like the blind and deaf, and the seeing and hearing. Are they equal in comparison? Then, will you not remember?

(25) And We had certainly sent Noah to his people, [saying], "Indeed, I am to you a clear warner

(26) That you not worship except Allāh. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a painful day."

(27) So the eminent among those who disbelieved from his people said, "We do not see you but as a man like ourselves, and we do not see you followed except by those who are the lowest of us [and] at first suggestion.[558] And we do not see in you over us any merit; rather, we think you are liars." ——— [558]- i.e., without any thought or hesitation.

(28) He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I should be upon clear evidence from my Lord while He has given me mercy from Himself but it has been made unapparent to you, should we force it upon you while you are averse to it?

(29) And O my people, I ask not of you for it any wealth. My reward is not but from Allāh. And I am not one to drive away those who have believed. Indeed, they will meet their Lord, but I see that you are a people behaving ignorantly.

(30) And O my people, who would protect me from Allāh if I drove them away? Then will you not be reminded?

(31) And I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allāh or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel, nor do I say of those upon whom your eyes look down that Allāh will never grant them any good. Allāh is most knowing of what is within their souls. Indeed, I would then be among the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust]."

(32) They said, "O Noah, you have disputed [i.e., opposed] us and been frequent in dispute of us. So bring us what you threaten us, if you should be of the truthful."

(33) He said, "Allāh will only bring it to you if He wills, and you will not cause [Him] failure.

(34) And my advice will not benefit you - although I wished to advise you - if Allāh should intend to put you in error. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned."

(35) Or do they say [about Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ)], "He invented it"? Say, "If I have invented it, then upon me is [the consequence of] my crime; but I am innocent of what [crimes] you commit."

(36) And it was revealed to Noah that, "No one will believe from your people except those who have already believed, so do not be distressed by what they have been doing.

(37) And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned."

(38) And he constructed the ship, and whenever an assembly of the eminent of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said, "If you ridicule us, then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule.

(39) And you are going to know who will get a punishment that will disgrace him [on earth] and upon whom will descend an enduring punishment [in the Hereafter]."

(40) [So it was], until when Our command came and the oven overflowed,[559] We said, "Load upon it [i.e., the ship] of each [creature] two mates and your family, except those about whom the word [i.e., decree] has preceded, and [include] whoever has believed." But none had believed with him, except a few. ——— [559]- As a sign to Noah of the imminence of the flood. The tannūr is a large, rounded oven. The word can also mean the earth's lowlands.

(41) And [Noah] said, "Embark therein; in the name of Allāh [are] its course and its anchorage. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."

(42) And it sailed with them through waves like mountains, and Noah called to his son who was apart [from them], "O my son, come aboard with us and be not with the disbelievers."

(43) [But] he said, "I will take refuge on a mountain to protect me from the water." [Noah] said, "There is no protector today from the decree of Allāh, except for whom He gives mercy." And the waves came between them, and he was among the drowned.

(44) And it was said, "O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold [your rain]." And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and it [i.e., the ship] came to rest on the [mountain of] Jūdiyy. And it was said, "Away with the wrongdoing people."

(45) And Noah called to his Lord and said, "My Lord, indeed my son is of my family; and indeed, Your promise is true; and You are the most just of judges!"

(46) He said, "O Noah, indeed he is not of your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous, so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I advise you, lest you be among the ignorant."

(47) [Noah] said, "My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the losers."

(48) It was said, "O Noah, disembark in security from Us and blessings upon you and upon nations [descending] from those with you. But other nations [of them] We will grant enjoyment; then there will touch them from Us a painful punishment."

(49) That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muḥammad]. You knew it not, neither you nor your people, before this. So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome is for the righteous.

(50) And to ʿAad [We sent] their brother Hūd. He said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him. You are not but inventors [of falsehood].

(51) O my people, I do not ask you for it [i.e., my advice] any reward. My reward is only from the one who created me. Then will you not reason?

(52) And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals."

(53) They said, "O Hūd, you have not brought us clear evidence, and we are not ones to leave our gods on your say-so. Nor are we believers in you.

(54) We only say that some of our gods have possessed you with evil [i.e., insanity]." He said, "Indeed, I call Allāh to witness, and witness [yourselves] that I am free from whatever you associate with Allāh

(55) Other than Him. So plot against me all together; then do not give me respite.

(56) Indeed, I have relied upon Allāh, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that He holds it by its forelock [i.e., controls it]. Indeed, my Lord is on a path [that is] straight.

(57) But if you turn away, then I have already conveyed that with which I was sent to you. My Lord will give succession to a people other than you, and you will not harm Him at all. Indeed my Lord is, over all things, Guardian."[560] ——— [560]- Protecting and preserving the existence and attributes of His creations.

(58) And when Our command came, We saved Hūd and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us; and We saved them from a harsh punishment.

(59) And that was ʿAad, who rejected the signs of their Lord and disobeyed His messengers and followed the order of every obstinate tyrant.

(60) And they were [therefore] followed in this world with a curse and [as well] on the Day of Resurrection. Unquestionably, ʿAad denied their Lord; then away with ʿAad, the people of Hūd.

(61) And to Thamūd [We sent] their brother Ṣāliḥ. He said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him. He has produced you from the earth and settled you in it, so ask forgiveness of Him and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and responsive."

(62) They said, "O Ṣāliḥ, you were among us a man of promise before this. Do you forbid us to worship what our fathers worshipped? And indeed we are, about that to which you invite us, in disquieting doubt."

(63) He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I should be upon clear evidence from my Lord and He has given me mercy from Himself, who would protect me from Allāh if I disobeyed Him? So you would not increase me except in loss.

(64) And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allāh - [she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allāh's earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be taken by an impending punishment."

(65) But they hamstrung her, so he said, "Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. That is a promise not to be denied [i.e., unfailing]."

(66) So when Our command came, We saved Ṣāliḥ and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us, and [saved them] from the disgrace of that day.[561] Indeed, it is your Lord who is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might. ——— [561]- The day of Thamūd's destruction.

(67) And the shriek[562] seized those who had wronged, and they became within their homes [corpses] fallen prone ——— [562]- A piercing cry or blast from the sky.

(68) As if they had never prospered therein. Unquestionably, Thamūd denied their Lord; then, away with Thamūd.

(69) And certainly did Our messengers [i.e., angels] come to Abraham with good tidings; they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing [them] a roasted calf.

(70) But when he saw their hands not reaching for it, he distrusted them and felt from them apprehension.[563] They said, "Fear not. We have been sent to the people of Lot." ——— [563]- Traditionally, if a guest refused to eat, it meant that he harbored ill will toward the host or intended him harm.

(71) And his wife was standing, and she smiled.[564] Then We gave her good tidings of Isaac and after Isaac, Jacob. ——— [564]- In pleasure at the news of the forthcoming punishment of the evil people who denied Prophet Lot (upon him be peace).

(72) She said, "Woe to me![565] Shall I give birth while I am an old woman and this, my husband, is an old man? Indeed, this is an amazing thing!" ——— [565]- An expression of surprise and amazement.

(73) They said, "Are you amazed at the decree of Allāh? May the mercy of Allāh and His blessings be upon you, people of the house. Indeed, He is Praiseworthy and Honorable."

(74) And when the fright had left Abraham and the good tidings had reached him, he began to argue [i.e., plead] with Us[566] concerning the people of Lot. ——— [566]- i.e., with Our angels.

(75) Indeed, Abraham was forbearing, grieving[567] and [frequently] returning [to Allāh]. ——— [567]- i.e., sighing or moaning during supplication out of grief for people and fear of Allāh.

(76) [The angels said], "O Abraham, give up this [plea]. Indeed, the command of your Lord has come, and indeed, there will reach them a punishment that cannot be repelled."

(77) And when Our messengers, [the angels], came to Lot, he was anguished for them and felt for them great discomfort[568] and said, "This is a trying day." ——— [568]- Prophet Lot feared for the safety and honor of his guests.

(78) And his people came hastening to him, and before [this] they had been doing evil deeds.[569] He said, "O my people, these are my daughters;[570] they are purer for you. So fear Allāh and do not disgrace me concerning my guests. Is there not among you a man of reason?" ——— [569]- Referring to their practice of sodomy and homosexual rape of males. [570]- i.e., the women of his community who were available for marriage.

(79) They said, "You have already known that we have not concerning your daughters [i.e., women] any claim [i.e., desire], and indeed, you know what we want."

(80) He said, "If only I had against you some power or could take refuge in a strong support."

(81) They [the angels] said, "O Lot, indeed we are messengers of your Lord; [therefore], they will never reach you. So set out with your family during a portion of the night[571] and let not any among you look back - except your wife; indeed, she will be struck by that which strikes them. Indeed, their appointment is [for] the morning. Is not the morning near?" ——— [571]- i.e., sometime before dawn.

(82) So when Our command came, We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of layered hard clay, [which were]

(83) Marked from your Lord. And it [i.e., Allāh's punishment] is not from the wrongdoers [very] far.

(84) And to Madyan [We sent] their brother Shuʿayb. He said, "O my people, worship Allāh; you have no deity other than Him. And do not decrease from the measure and the scale. Indeed, I see you in prosperity, but indeed, I fear for you the punishment of an all-encompassing Day.

(85) And O my people, give full measure and weight in justice and do not deprive the people of their due and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.

(86) What remains [lawful] from Allāh is best for you, if you would be believers. But I am not a guardian over you."

(87) They said, "O Shuʿayb, does your prayer [i.e., religion] command you that we should leave what our fathers worship or not do with our wealth what we please? Indeed, you are the forbearing, the discerning!"[572] ——— [572]- This is a sarcastic description implying the opposite.

(88) He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I am upon clear evidence from my Lord and He has provided me with a good provision from Him...?[573] And I do not intend to differ from you in that which I have forbidden you; I only intend reform as much as I am able. And my success is not but through Allāh. Upon Him I have relied, and to Him I return.[574] ——— [573]- The conclusion of the sentence is estimated as "...would it not be my duty to warn you against corruption and disobedience?" [574]- i.e., I turn to Allāh frequently in supplication and repentance.

(89) And O my people, let not [your] dissension from me cause you to be struck by that similar to what struck the people of Noah or the people of Hūd or the people of Ṣāliḥ. And the people of Lot are not from you far away.

(90) And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Affectionate."

(91) They said, "O Shuʿayb, we do not understand much of what you say, and indeed, we consider you among us as weak. And if not for your family, we would have stoned you [to death]; and you are not to us one respected."

(92) He said, "O my people, is my family more respected for power by you than Allāh? But you put Him behind your backs [in neglect]. Indeed, my Lord is encompassing of what you do.

(93) And O my people, work according to your position; indeed, I am working. You are going to know to whom will come a punishment that will disgrace him and who is a liar. So watch; indeed, I am with you a watcher, [awaiting the outcome]."

(94) And when Our command came, We saved Shuʿayb and those who believed with him, by mercy from Us. And the shriek seized those who had wronged, and they became within their homes [corpses] fallen prone

(95) As if they had never prospered therein. Then, away with Madyan as Thamūd was taken away.

(96) And We did certainly send Moses with Our signs and a clear authority[575] ——— [575]- i.e., evidences from Allāh.

(97) To Pharaoh and his establishment, but they followed the command of Pharaoh, and the command of Pharaoh was not [at all] discerning.

(98) He will precede his people on the Day of Resurrection and lead them into the Fire; and wretched is the place to which they are led.

(99) And they were followed in this [world] with a curse and on the Day of Resurrection. And wretched is the gift[576] which is given. ——— [576]- i.e., the curse which follows them in both worlds.

(100) That is from the news of the cities, which We relate to you; of them, some are [still] standing and some are [as] a harvest [mowed down].[577] ——— [577]- Their structures have been completely destroyed.

(101) And We did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves. And they were not availed at all by their gods which they invoked other than Allāh when there came the command of your Lord. And they did not increase them in other than ruin.

(102) And thus is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.

(103) Indeed in that is a sign for those who fear the punishment of the Hereafter. That is a Day for which the people will be collected, and that is a Day [which will be] witnessed.

(104) And We do not delay it except for a limited term.

(105) The Day it comes no soul will speak except by His permission. And among them will be the wretched and the prosperous.

(106) As for those who were [destined to be] wretched, they will be in the Fire. For them therein is [violent] exhaling and inhaling.[578] ——— [578]- i.e., their sighs and sobs, resembling the bray of a donkey.

(107) [They will be] abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will. Indeed, your Lord is an effecter of what He intends.

(108) And as for those who were [destined to be] prosperous, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein as long as the heavens and the earth endure, except what your Lord should will - a bestowal uninterrupted.

(109) So do not be in doubt, [O Muḥammad], as to what these [polytheists] are worshipping. They worship not except as their fathers worshipped before. And indeed, We will give them their share undiminished.

(110) And We had certainly given Moses the Scripture, but it came under disagreement. And if not for a word[579] that preceded from your Lord, it would have been judged between them. And indeed they are, concerning it [i.e., the Qur’ān], in disquieting doubt. ——— [579]- See footnote to 10:19.

(111) And indeed, each [of the believers and disbelievers] - your Lord will fully compensate them for their deeds. Indeed, He is Aware of what they do.

(112) So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allāh], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do.

(113) And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have other than Allāh any protectors; then you would not be helped.

(114) And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember.

(115) And be patient, for indeed, Allāh does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.

(116) So why were there not[580] among the generations before you those of enduring discrimination forbidding corruption on earth - except a few of those We saved from among them? But those who wronged pursued what luxury they were given therein, and they were criminals. ——— [580]- Meaning "If only there had been..."

(117) And your Lord would not have destroyed the cities unjustly while their people were reformers.

(118) And if your Lord had willed, He could have made mankind one community; but they will not cease to differ,

(119) Except whom your Lord has given mercy, and for that He created them. But the word of your Lord is to be fulfilled that, "I will surely fill Hell with jinn and men all together."

(120) And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers.

(121) And say to those who do not believe, "Work according to your position; indeed, we are working.

(122) And wait; indeed, we are waiting."

(123) And to Allāh belong the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth and to Him will be returned the matter, all of it, so worship Him and rely upon Him. And your Lord is not unaware of that which you do.

(1) Alif, Lām, Rā.[582] These are the verses of the clear Book. ——— [582]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ān[583] that you might understand. ——— [583]- i.e., revealed in the Arabic language.

(3) We relate to you, [O Muḥammad], the best of stories in what We have revealed to you of this Qur’ān although you were, before it, among the unaware.

(4) [Of these stories mention] when Joseph said to his father,[584] "O my father, indeed I have seen [in a dream] eleven stars and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating to me." ——— [584]- The prophet Jacob (upon whom be peace).

(5) He said, "O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy.

(6) And thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of narratives [i.e., events or dreams] and complete His favor upon you and upon the family of Jacob, as He completed it upon your fathers before, Abraham and Isaac. Indeed, your Lord is Knowing and Wise."

(7) Certainly were there in Joseph and his brothers signs for those who ask, [such as]

(8) When they said, "Joseph and his brother[585] are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. Indeed, our father is in clear error. ——— [585]- Benjamin, who was born of the same mother as Joseph.

(9) Kill Joseph or cast him out to [another] land; the countenance [i.e., attention] of your father will [then] be only for you, and you will be after that a righteous people."[586] ——— [586]- i.e., You can repent thereafter.

(10) Said a speaker among them, "Do not kill Joseph but throw him into the bottom of the well; some travelers will pick him up - if you would do [something]."

(11) They said, "O our father, why do you not entrust us with Joseph while indeed, we are to him sincere counselors?

(12) Send him with us tomorrow that he may eat well and play. And indeed, we will be his guardians."

(13) [Jacob] said, "Indeed, it saddens me that you should take him, and I fear that a wolf would eat him while you are of him unaware."

(14) They said, "If a wolf should eat him while we are a [strong] clan, indeed, we would then be losers."

(15) So when they took him [out] and agreed to put him into the bottom of the well...[587] But We inspired to him, "You will surely inform them [someday] about this affair of theirs while they do not perceive [your identity]." ——— [587]- The conclusion of this sentence is estimated to be "...they tormented him."

(16) And they came to their father at night, weeping.

(17) They said, "O our father, indeed we went racing each other and left Joseph with our possessions, and a wolf ate him. But you would not believe us, even if we were truthful."

(18) And they brought upon his shirt false blood.[588] [Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. And Allāh is the one sought for help against that which you describe." ——— [588]- They had stained Joseph's shirt with the blood of a lamb but had forgotten to tear it, thereby arousing their father's suspicion.

(19) And there came a company of travelers; then they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket. He said, "Good news! Here is a boy." And they concealed him, [taking him] as merchandise;[589] and Allāh was Knowing of what they did. ——— [589]- To be sold as a slave.

(20) And they sold him for a reduced price - a few dirhams - and they were, concerning him, of those content with little.

(21) And the one from Egypt[590] who bought him said to his wife, "Make his residence comfortable. Perhaps he will benefit us, or we will adopt him as a son." And thus, We established Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpretation of events [i.e., dreams]. And Allāh is predominant over His affair, but most of the people do not know. ——— [590]- The minister in charge of supplies, whose title was al-ʿAzeez.

(22) And when he [i.e., Joseph] reached maturity, We gave him judgement and knowledge. And thus We reward the doers of good.

(23) And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, "Come, you." He said, "[I seek] the refuge of Allāh. Indeed, he[591] is my master, who has made good my residence. Indeed, wrongdoers will not succeed." ——— [591]- Her husband, al-ʿAzeez.

(24) And she certainly determined [to seduce] him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the proof [i.e., sign] of his Lord. And thus [it was] that We should avert from him evil and immorality. Indeed, he was of Our chosen servants.

(25) And they both raced to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back, and they found her husband at the door. She said, "What is the recompense of one who intended evil for your wife but that he be imprisoned or a painful punishment?"

(26) [Joseph] said, "It was she who sought to seduce me." And a witness from her family testified, "If his shirt is torn from the front, then she has told the truth, and he is of the liars.

(27) But if his shirt is torn from the back, then she has lied, and he is of the truthful."

(28) So when he [i.e., her husband] saw his shirt torn from the back, he said, "Indeed, it is of your [i.e., women's] plan. Indeed, your plan is great [i.e., vehement].

(29) Joseph, ignore this.[592] And, [my wife], ask forgiveness for your sin. Indeed, you were of the sinful." ——— [592]- i.e., conceal it and act as if it had not taken place.

(30) And women in the city said, "The wife of al-ʿAzeez is seeking to seduce her slave boy; he has impassioned her with love. Indeed, we see her [to be] in clear error."

(31) So when she heard of their scheming, she sent for them and prepared for them a banquet and gave each one of them a knife and said [to Joseph], "Come out before them." And when they saw him, they greatly admired him and cut their hands[593] and said, "Perfect is Allāh![594] This is not a man; this is none but a noble angel." ——— [593]- So distracted were they at the sight of him. [594]- In His ability to create such beauty.

(32) She said, "That is the one about whom you blamed me. And I certainly sought to seduce him, but he firmly refused; and if he will not do what I order him, he will surely be imprisoned and will be of those debased."

(33) He said, "My Lord, prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not avert from me their plan, I might incline toward them and [thus] be of the ignorant."

(34) So his Lord responded to him and averted from him their plan. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

(35) Then it appeared to them after they had seen the signs[595] that he [i.e., al-ʿAzeez] should surely imprison him for a time.[596] ——— [595]- Proofs of his innocence. [596]- Until the scandal be forgotten.

(36) And there entered the prison with him two young men. One of them said, "Indeed, I have seen myself [in a dream] pressing [grapes for] wine." The other said, "Indeed, I have seen myself carrying upon my head [some] bread, from which the birds were eating. Inform us of its interpretation; indeed, we see you to be of those who do good."

(37) He said, "You will not receive food that is provided to you except that I will inform you of its interpretation before it comes to you. That is from what my Lord has taught me. Indeed, I have left the religion of a people who do not believe in Allāh, and they, in the Hereafter, are disbelievers.

(38) And I have followed the religion of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And it was not for us to associate anything with Allāh. That is from the favor of Allāh upon us and upon the people, but most of the people are not grateful.

(39) O [my] two companions of prison, are separate lords better or Allāh, the One,[597] the Prevailing?[598] ——— [597]- Single, individual and unique in His attributes and His deeds. [598]- He who subdues doubts and false arguments with clear evidences and who subdues and imposes His will upon all creation.

(40) You worship not besides Him except [mere] names you have named them,[599] you and your fathers, for which Allāh has sent down no evidence. Legislation is not but for Allāh. He has commanded that you worship not except Him. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know. ——— [599]- The false objects of worship which you have called "gods."

(41) O two companions of prison, as for one of you, he will give drink to his master of wine; but as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat from his head. The matter has been decreed about which you both inquire."

(42) And he said to the one whom he knew would go free, "Mention me before your master." But Satan made him forget the mention [to] his master, and he [i.e., Joseph] remained in prison several years.

(43) And [subsequently] the king said, "Indeed, I have seen [in a dream] seven fat cows being eaten by seven [that were] lean, and seven green spikes [of grain] and others [that were] dry. O eminent ones, explain to me my vision, if you should interpret visions."

(44) They said, "[It is but] a mixture of false dreams, and we are not learned in the interpretation of dreams."

(45) But the one who was freed and remembered after a time said, "I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me forth."

(46) [He said], "Joseph, O man of truth, explain to us about seven fat cows eaten by seven [that were] lean, and seven green spikes [of grain] and others [that were] dry - that I may return to the people [i.e., the king and his court]; perhaps they will know [about you]."

(47) [Joseph] said, "You will plant for seven years consecutively; and what you harvest leave in its spikes, except a little from which you will eat.

(48) Then will come after that seven difficult [years] which will consume what you advanced [i.e., saved] for them, except a little from which you will store.

(49) Then will come after that a year in which the people will be given rain and in which they will press [olives and grapes]."

(50) And the king said, "Bring him to me." But when the messenger came to him, [Joseph] said, "Return to your master and ask him what is the case of the women who cut their hands. Indeed, my Lord is Knowing of their plan."

(51) Said [the king to the women], "What was your condition when you sought to seduce Joseph?" They said, "Perfect is Allāh![600] We know about him no evil." The wife of al-ʿAzeez said, "Now the truth has become evident. It was I who sought to seduce him, and indeed, he is of the truthful. ——— [600]- In His ability to create such purity of character.

(52) That is so he [i.e., al-ʿAzeez] will know that I did not betray him in [his] absence and that Allāh does not guide the plan of betrayers.

(53) And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."[601] ——— [601]- Although Ibn Katheer attributes the words of verses 52-53 to the wife of al-ʿAzeez, others have concluded that they were spoken by Joseph, thereby justifying his request for an inquiry and acknowledging Allāh's mercy to him.

(54) And the king said, "Bring him to me; I will appoint him exclusively for myself." And when he spoke to him, he said, "Indeed, you are today established [in position] and trusted."

(55) [Joseph] said, "Appoint me over the storehouses of the land. Indeed, I will be a knowing guardian."

(56) And thus We established Joseph in the land to settle therein wherever he willed. We touch with Our mercy whom We will, and We do not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.

(57) And the reward of the Hereafter is better for those who believed and were fearing Allāh.

(58) And the brothers of Joseph came [seeking food], and they entered upon him; and he recognized them, but he was to them unknown.[602] ——— [602]- Due to the change in his appearance over the years.

(59) And when he had furnished them with their supplies, he said, "Bring me a brother of yours from your father.[603] Do you not see that I give full measure and that I am the best of accommodators? ——— [603]- i.e., Benjamin, who had been kept at home by his father Jacob.

(60) But if you do not bring him to me, no measure will there be [hereafter] for you from me, nor will you approach me."

(61) They said, "We will attempt to dissuade his father from [keeping] him, and indeed, we will do [it]."

(62) And [Joseph] said to his servants, "Put their merchandise[604] into their saddlebags so they might recognize it when they have gone back to their people that perhaps they will [again] return." ——— [604]- The goods which they had brought to trade for food supplies.

(63) So when they returned to their father, they said, "O our father, [further] measure has been denied to us, so send with us our brother [that] we will be given measure. And indeed, we will be his guardians."

(64) He said, "Should I entrust you with him except [under coercion] as I entrusted you with his brother before? But Allāh is the best guardian, and He is the most merciful of the merciful."

(65) And when they opened their baggage, they found their merchandise returned to them. They said, "O our father, what [more] could we desire? This is our merchandise returned to us. And we will obtain supplies [i.e., food] for our family and protect our brother and obtain an increase of a camel's load; that is an easy measurement."[605] ——— [605]- For them. Or one obtained by us with ease.

(66) [Jacob] said, "Never will I send him with you until you give me a promise [i.e., oath] by Allāh that you will bring him [back] to me, unless you should be surrounded [i.e., overcome by enemies]." And when they had given their promise, he said, "Allāh, over what we say, is Entrusted."[606] ——— [606]- i.e., sufficient to witness and deal with the matter.

(67) And he said, "O my sons, do not enter from one gate but enter from different gates; and I cannot avail you against [the decree of] Allāh at all. The decision is only for Allāh; upon Him I have relied, and upon Him let those who would rely [indeed] rely."

(68) And when they entered from where their father had ordered them, it did not avail them against Allāh at all except [it was] a need [i.e., concern] within the soul of Jacob, which he satisfied. And indeed, he was a possessor of knowledge because of what We had taught him, but most of the people do not know.

(69) And when they entered upon Joseph, he took his brother to himself; he said, "Indeed, I am your brother, so do not despair over what they used to do [to me]."

(70) So when he had furnished them with their supplies, he put the [gold measuring] bowl into the bag of his brother. Then an announcer called out, "O caravan, indeed you are thieves."

(71) They said while approaching them, "What is it you are missing?"

(72) They said, "We are missing the measure of the king. And for he who produces it is [the reward of] a camel's load, and I am responsible for it."

(73) They said, "By Allāh, you have certainly known that we did not come to cause corruption in the land, and we have not been thieves."

(74) They [the accusers] said, "Then what would be its recompense[607] if you should be liars?" ——— [607]- The punishment for theft.

(75) [The brothers] said, "Its recompense is that he in whose bag it is found - he [himself] will be its recompense.[608] Thus do we recompense the wrongdoers." ——— [608]- According to their law, a convicted thief was made a slave of the one from whom he had stolen.

(76) So he began [the search] with their bags before the bag of his brother; then he extracted it from the bag of his brother. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not have taken his brother within the religion [i.e., law] of the king except that Allāh willed. We raise in degrees whom We will, but over every possessor of knowledge is one [more] knowing.[609] ——— [609]- Ending with the ultimate knowledge of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā).

(77) They said, "If he steals - a brother of his has stolen before." But Joseph kept it within himself and did not reveal it to them.[610] He said, "You are worse in position, and Allāh is most knowing of what you describe." ——— [610]- He did not answer that he himself had been stolen by them from his father.

(78) They said, "O ʿAzeez,[611] indeed he has a father [who is] an old man, so take one of us in place of him. Indeed, we see you as a doer of good." ——— [611]- Addressing Joseph, who now held the title of "al-ʿAzeez."

(79) He said, "[I seek] the refuge of Allāh [to prevent] that we take except him with whom we found our possession. Indeed, we would then be unjust."

(80) So when they had despaired of him, they secluded themselves in private consultation. The eldest of them said, "Do you not know that your father has taken upon you an oath by Allāh and [that] before you failed in [your duty to] Joseph? So I will never leave [this] land until my father permits me or Allāh decides for me,[612] and He is the best of judges. ——— [612]- i.e., in my favor by bringing about the release of Benjamin.

(81) Return to your father and say, 'O our father, indeed your son has stolen, and we did not testify except to what we knew. And we were not witnesses of the unseen.[613] ——— [613]- i.e., We could not have known when we gave you the oath that he would steal and be apprehended.

(82) And ask the city in which we were and the caravan in which we came - and indeed, we are truthful.'"

(83) [Jacob] said, "Rather, your souls have enticed you to something, so patience is most fitting. Perhaps Allāh will bring them to me all together. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise."

(84) And he turned away from them and said, "Oh, my sorrow over Joseph," and his eyes became white[614] from grief, for he was [of that] a suppressor.[615] ——— [614]- i.e., he lost his sight. [615]- He did not express the extent of his grief or his anger at what he suspected his sons had done but was patient, depending only upon Allāh for help.

(85) They said, "By Allāh, you will not cease remembering Joseph until you become fatally ill or become of those who perish."

(86) He said, "I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allāh, and I know from Allāh that which you do not know.

(87) O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allāh. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allāh except the disbelieving people."

(88) So when they entered upon him [i.e., Joseph], they said, "O ʿAzeez, adversity has touched us and our family, and we have come with goods poor in quality, but give us full measure and be charitable to us. Indeed, Allāh rewards the charitable."

(89) He said, "Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?"

(90) They said, "Are you indeed Joseph?" He said, "I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allāh has certainly favored us. Indeed, he who fears Allāh and is patient, then indeed, Allāh does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good."

(91) They said, "By Allāh, certainly has Allāh preferred you over us, and indeed, we have been sinners."

(92) He said, "No blame will there be upon you today. May Allāh forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.

(93) Take this, my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father; he will become seeing. And bring me your family, all together."

(94) And when the caravan departed [from Egypt], their father said,[616] "Indeed, I find the smell of Joseph [and would say that he was alive] if you did not think me weakened in mind." ——— [616]- To those present with him, either some of his sons or other relatives.

(95) They said, "By Allāh, indeed you are in your [same] old error."

(96) And when the bearer of good tidings[617] arrived, he cast it over his face, and he returned [once again] seeing. He said, "Did I not tell you that I know from Allāh that which you do not know?" ——— [617]- He who carried Joseph's shirt from among the brothers.

(97) They said, "O our father, ask for us forgiveness of our sins; indeed, we have been sinners."

(98) He said, "I will ask forgiveness for you from my Lord. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful."

(99) And when they entered upon Joseph, he took his parents to himself [i.e., embraced them] and said, "Enter Egypt, Allāh willing, safe [and secure]."

(100) And he raised his parents upon the throne, and they bowed to him in prostration.[618] And he said, "O my father, this is the explanation of my vision of before. My Lord has made it reality. And He was certainly good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you [here] from bedouin life after Satan had induced [estrangement] between me and my brothers. Indeed, my Lord is Subtle[619] in what He wills. Indeed, it is He who is the Knowing, the Wise. ——— [618]- That of greeting and respect, which was lawful until the time of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ). Prostration to any person or object other than Allāh was then prohibited conclusively. [619]- Perceptive of unapparent matters within which is benefit to His servants.

(101) My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me with the righteous."

(102) That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal, [O Muḥammad], to you. And you were not with them when they put together their plan while they conspired.

(103) And most of the people, although you strive [for it], are not believers.

(104) And you do not ask of them for it any payment. It is not except a reminder to the worlds.

(105) And how many a sign within the heavens and earth do they pass over while they, therefrom, are turning away.

(106) And most of them believe not in Allāh except while they associate others with Him.

(107) Then do they feel secure that there will not come to them an overwhelming [aspect] of the punishment of Allāh or that the Hour will not come upon them suddenly while they do not perceive?

(108) Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allāh with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allāh; and I am not of those who associate others with Him."

(109) And We sent not before you [as messengers] except men to whom We revealed from among the people of cities. So have they[620] not traveled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them? And the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allāh; then will you not reason? ——— [620]- Those who deny Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(110) [They continued] until, when the messengers despaired and were certain that they had been denied, there came to them Our victory, and whoever We willed was saved. And Our punishment cannot be repelled from the people who are criminals.

(111) There was certainly in their stories a lesson for those of understanding. Never was it [i.e., the Qur’ān] a narration invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who believe.

(1) Alif, Lām, Meem, Rā.[622] These are the verses of the Book; and what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, but most of the people do not believe. ——— [622]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) It is Allāh who erected the heavens without pillars that you [can] see; then He established Himself above the Throne[623] and made subject[624] the sun and the moon, each running [its course] for a specified term. He arranges [each] matter; He details the signs that you may, of the meeting with your Lord, be certain. ——— [623]- See footnotes to 2:19 and 7:54. [624]- For the benefit of mankind.

(3) And it is He who spread the earth and placed therein firmly set mountains and rivers; and from all of the fruits He made therein two mates; He causes the night to cover the day. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.

(4) And within the land are neighboring plots and gardens of grapevines and crops and palm trees, [growing] several from a root or otherwise,[625] watered with one water; but We make some of them exceed others in [quality of] fruit. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason. ——— [625]- i.e., only one from a root.

(5) And if you are astonished,[626] [O Muḥammad] - then astonishing is their saying, "When we are dust, will we indeed be [brought] into a new creation?" Those are the ones who have disbelieved in their Lord, and those will have shackles[627] upon their necks, and those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally. ——— [626]- At those who deny resurrection. [627]- Iron collars to which their hands are chained.

(6) They impatiently urge you to bring about evil before good,[628] while there has already occurred before them similar punishments [to what they demand]. And indeed, your Lord is the possessor of forgiveness for the people despite their wrongdoing, and indeed, your Lord is severe in penalty. ——— [628]- They said, challenging the Prophet (ﷺ) in ridicule, "Bring on the punishment, if you are truthful," rather than asking for mercy and forgiveness from Allāh.

(7) And those who disbelieved say, "Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?" You are only a warner, and for every people is a guide.

(8) Allāh knows what every female carries[629] and what the wombs lose [prematurely] or exceed.[630] And everything with Him is by due measure. ——— [629]- With absolute knowledge inclusive of every aspect of the fetus' existence. [630]- Beyond their normal period of pregnancy and/or the number of fetuses therein.

(9) [He is] Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Grand, the Exalted.

(10) It is the same [to Him] concerning you whether one conceals [his] speech or publicizes it and whether one is hidden by night or conspicuous [among others] by day.

(11) For him [i.e., each one] are successive [angels][631] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allāh.[632] Indeed, Allāh will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allāh intends for a people ill,[633] there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron. ——— [631]- Replacing each other by turn. [632]- The phrase may also be rendered "...who guard him from [everything except] the decree of Allāh." [633]- i.e., punishment or destruction because of their sins.

(12) It is He who shows you lightning, [causing] fear and aspiration, and generates the heavy clouds.

(13) And the thunder exalts [Allāh] with praise of Him - and the angels [as well] from fear of Him - and He sends thunderbolts and strikes therewith whom He wills while they dispute about Allāh; and He is severe in assault.

(14) To Him [alone] is the supplication of truth. And those they call upon besides Him do not respond to them with a thing, except as one who stretches his hands toward water [from afar, calling it] to reach his mouth, but it will not reach it [thus].[634] And the supplication of the disbelievers is not but in error [i.e., futility]. ——— [634]- The analogy indicates that false deities will never respond to them at all.

(15) And to Allāh prostrates whoever is within the heavens and the earth, willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows [as well] in the mornings and the afternoons.

(16) Say, "Who is Lord of the heavens and earth?" Say, "Allāh." Say, "Have you then taken besides Him allies not possessing [even] for themselves any benefit or any harm?" Say, "Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Or is darkness equivalent to light? Or have they attributed to Allāh partners who created like His creation so that the creation [of each] seemed similar to them?"[635] Say, "Allāh is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Prevailing."[636] ——— [635]- The obvious conclusion is that the claimed partners, having no ability to create, cannot be compared to Allāh in any way. [636]- Refer to footnotes in 12:39.

(17) He sends down from the sky, rain, and valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allāh presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allāh present examples.

(18) For those who have responded to their Lord is the best [reward], but those who did not respond to Him - if they had all that is in the earth entirely and the like of it with it, they would [attempt to] ransom themselves thereby. Those will have the worst account, and their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the resting place.

(19) Then is he who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth like one who is blind? They will only be reminded who are people of understanding -

(20) Those who fulfill the covenant of Allāh and do not break the contract,

(21) And those who join that which Allāh has ordered to be joined[637] and fear their Lord and are afraid of the evil of [their] account, ——— [637]- i.e., they uphold the ties of relationship.

(22) And those who are patient, seeking the face [i.e., acceptance] of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good - those will have the good consequence of [this] home[638] - ——— [638]- i.e., the world and its trials, its good consequence being Paradise.

(23) Gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their forefathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying],

(24) "Peace [i.e., security] be upon you for what you patiently endured." And excellent is the final home.

(25) But those who break the covenant of Allāh after contracting it and sever that which Allāh has ordered to be joined and spread corruption on earth - for them is the curse, and they will have the worst home.[639] ——— [639]- i.e., Hell. Another meaning is (in contrast to verse 22), "...and they will have the bad consequence of [this] home," also referring to Hell.

(26) Allāh extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. And they rejoice in the worldly life, while the worldly life is not, compared to the Hereafter, except [brief] enjoyment.

(27) And those who disbelieved say, "Why has a sign not been sent down to him from his Lord?" Say, [O Muḥammad], "Indeed, Allāh leaves astray whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back [to Him] -

(28) Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allāh. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allāh hearts are assured."

(29) Those who have believed and done righteous deeds - a good state is theirs and a good return.

(30) Thus have We sent you to a community before which [other] communities have passed on so you might recite to them that which We revealed to you, while they disbelieve in the Most Merciful. Say, "He is my Lord; there is no deity except Him. Upon Him I rely, and to Him is my return."

(31) And if there was any Qur’ān [i.e., recitation] by which the mountains would be removed or the earth would be broken apart or the dead would be made to speak,[640] [it would be this Qur’ān], but to Allāh belongs the affair entirely. Then have those who believed not accepted that had Allāh willed, He would have guided the people, all of them? And those who disbelieve do not cease to be struck, for what they have done, by calamity - or it will descend near their home - until there comes the promise of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh does not fail in [His] promise. ——— [640]- As suggested by the disbelievers.

(32) And already were [other] messengers ridiculed before you, and I extended the time of those who disbelieved; then I seized them, and how [terrible] was My penalty.

(33) Then is He who is a maintainer of every soul, [knowing] what it has earned, [like any other]? But to Allāh they have attributed partners. Say, "Name them. Or do you inform Him of that[641] which He knows not upon the earth or of what is apparent [i.e., alleged] of speech?"[642] Rather, their [own] plan has been made attractive to those who disbelieve, and they have been averted from the way. And whomever Allāh sends astray - there will be for him no guide. ——— [641]- i.e., other "deities." [642]- i.e., your attributing of divinity to other than Allāh.

(34) For them will be punishment in the life of [this] world, and the punishment of the Hereafter is more severe. And they will not have from Allāh any protector.

(35) The example [i.e., description] of Paradise, which the righteous have been promised, is [that] beneath it rivers flow. Its fruit is lasting, and its shade. That is the consequence for the righteous, and the consequence for the disbelievers is the Fire.

(36) And [the believers among] those to whom We have given the [previous] Scripture rejoice at what has been revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], but among the [opposing] factions are those who deny part of it [i.e., the Qur’ān]. Say, "I have only been commanded to worship Allāh and not associate [anything] with Him. To Him I invite, and to Him is my return."

(37) And thus We have revealed it as an Arabic legislation.[643] And if you should follow their inclinations after what has come to you of knowledge, you would not have against Allāh any ally or any protector. ——— [643]- i.e., revealed in the Arabic language.

(38) And We have already sent messengers before you and assigned to them wives and descendants. And it was not for a messenger to come with a sign except by permission of Allāh. For every term is a decree.

(39) Allāh eliminates what He wills or confirms, and with Him is the Mother of the Book.[644] ——— [644]- The Preserved Slate (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ), in which is inscribed the original of every scripture revealed by Allāh.

(40) And whether We show you part of what We promise them or take you in death, upon you is only the [duty of] notification, and upon Us is the account.

(41) Have they not seen that We set upon the land, reducing it from its borders?[645] And Allāh decides; there is no adjuster of His decision. And He is swift in account. ——— [645]- Referring to the spread of Islām through Allāh's Prophet (ﷺ) and the diminishing of those areas controlled by the polytheists.

(42) And those before them had plotted, but to Allāh belongs the plan entirely. He knows what every soul earns, and the disbelievers will know for whom is the final home.

(43) And those who have disbelieved say, "You are not a messenger." Say, [O Muḥammad], "Sufficient is Allāh as Witness between me and you, and [the witness of] whoever has knowledge of the Scripture."[646] ——— [646]- i.e., those who recognize the truth through their knowledge of previous scriptures.

(1) Alif, Lām, Rā.[648] [This is] a Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], that you might bring mankind out of darknesses into the light by permission of their Lord - to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy - ——— [648]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) Allāh, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And woe [i.e., destruction] to the disbelievers from a severe punishment -

(3) The ones who prefer the worldly life over the Hereafter and avert [people] from the way of Allāh, seeking to make it [seem] deviant. Those are in extreme error.

(4) And We did not send any messenger except [speaking] in the language of his people to state clearly for them, and Allāh sends astray [thereby] whom He wills[649] and guides whom He wills. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. ——— [649]- i.e., those who refuse His guidance.

(5) And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs, [saying], "Bring out your people from darknesses into the light and remind them of the days[650] of Allāh." Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful. ——— [650]- Days of blessings bestowed upon the Children of Israel. Also interpreted as days of punishment and destruction of the former nations.

(6) And [recall, O Children of Israel], when Moses said to his people, "Remember the favor of Allāh upon you when He saved you from the people of Pharaoh, who were afflicting you with the worst torment and were slaughtering your [newborn] sons and keeping your females alive. And in that was a great trial from your Lord.

(7) And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'"

(8) And Moses said, "If you should disbelieve, you and whoever is on the earth entirely - indeed, Allāh is Free of need and Praiseworthy."

(9) Has there not reached you the news of those before you - the people of Noah and ʿAad and Thamūd and those after them? No one knows them [i.e., their number] but Allāh. Their messengers brought them clear proofs, but they returned their hands to their mouths[651] and said, "Indeed, we disbelieve in that with which you have been sent, and indeed we are, about that to which you invite us, in disquieting doubt." ——— [651]- Several explanations have been given as to the meaning. Based upon the conclusion of the verse, Ibn Katheer preferred that this was a gesture of denial and rejection.

(10) Their messengers said, "Can there be doubt about Allāh, Creator of the heavens and earth? He invites you that He may forgive you of your sins, and He delays you [i.e., your death] for a specified term." They said, "You are not but men like us who wish to avert us from what our fathers were worshipping. So bring us a clear authority [i.e., evidence]."

(11) Their messengers said to them, "We are only men like you, but Allāh confers favor upon whom He wills of His servants. It has never been for us to bring you evidence except by permission of Allāh. And upon Allāh let the believers rely.

(12) And why should we not rely upon Allāh while He has guided us to our [good] ways. And we will surely be patient against whatever harm you should cause us. And upon Allāh let those who would rely [indeed] rely."

(13) And those who disbelieved said to their messengers, "We will surely drive you out of our land, or you must return to our religion." So their Lord inspired to them, "We will surely destroy the wrongdoers.

(14) And We will surely cause you to dwell in the land after them. That is for he who fears My position[652] and fears My threat." ——— [652]- An alternative meaning is "the standing [for account] before Me."

(15) And they requested decision [i.e., victory from Allāh], and disappointed, [therefore], was every obstinate tyrant.

(16) Before him[653] is Hell, and he will be given a drink of purulent water.[654] ——— [653]- Literally, "after him [in time]," meaning ahead of him. [654]- That which oozes from the skins of Hell's inhabitants.

(17) He will gulp it but will hardly [be able to] swallow it. And death will come to him from everywhere, but he is not to die. And before him is a massive punishment.

(18) The example of those who disbelieve in their Lord is [that] their deeds are like ashes which the wind blows forcefully on a stormy day; they are unable [to keep] from what they earned a [single] thing. That is what is extreme error.

(19) Have you not seen [i.e., considered] that Allāh created the heavens and the earth in truth? If He wills, He can do away with you and produce a new creation.

(20) And that is not difficult for Allāh.

(21) And they will come out [for judgement] before Allāh all together, and the weak will say to those who were arrogant, "Indeed, we were your followers, so can you avail us anything against the punishment of Allāh?" They will say, "If Allāh had guided us, we would have guided you. It is all the same for us whether we show intolerance or are patient: there is for us no place of escape."

(22) And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded, "Indeed, Allāh had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me [with Allāh] before.[655] Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment." ——— [655]- By your obedience to me instead of Him during life on earth.

(23) And those who believed and did righteous deeds will be admitted to gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein by permission of their Lord; and their greeting therein will be, "Peace!"

(24) Have you not considered how Allāh presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky?

(25) It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And Allāh presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded.

(26) And the example of a bad word is like a bad tree, uprooted from the surface of the earth, not having any stability.

(27) Allāh keeps firm those who believe, with the firm word,[656] in worldly life and in the Hereafter.[657] And Allāh sends astray the wrongdoers. And Allāh does what He wills. ——— [656]- The testimony that there is no deity except Allāh and that Muḥammad (ﷺ) is the messenger of Allāh. [657]- When questioned in their graves by the angels after death.

(28) Have you not considered those who exchanged the favor of Allāh for disbelief[658] and settled their people [in] the home of ruin? ——— [658]- They met Allāh's blessing with denial instead of gratitude.

(29) [It is] Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the settlement.

(30) And they have attributed to Allāh equals to mislead [people] from His way. Say, "Enjoy yourselves, for indeed, your destination is the Fire."

(31) [O Muḥammad], tell My servants who have believed to establish prayer and spend from what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, before a Day comes in which there will be no exchange [i.e., ransom], nor any friendships.

(32) It is Allāh who created the heavens and the earth and sent down rain from the sky and produced thereby some fruits as provision for you and subjected for you[659] the ships to sail through the sea by His command and subjected for you the rivers. ——— [659]- i.e., made serviceable to you.

(33) And He subjected for you the sun and the moon, continuous [in orbit], and subjected for you the night and the day.

(34) And He gave you from all you asked of Him.[660] And if you should count the favor [i.e., blessings] of Allāh, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.[661] ——— [660]- Something of what you asked and all of what you continually require, according to His wisdom. [661]- i.e., disbelieving and denying of Allāh's favor.

(35) And [mention, O Muḥammad], when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this city [i.e., Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.

(36) My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people. So whoever follows me - then he is of me;[662] and whoever disobeys me - indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful. ——— [662]- i.e., of my religion.

(37) Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.

(38) Our Lord, indeed You know what we conceal and what we declare, and nothing is hidden from Allāh on the earth or in the heaven.

(39) Praise to Allāh, who has granted to me in old age Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication.

(40) My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.

(41) Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established."

(42) And never think that Allāh is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them [i.e., their account] for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].

(43) Racing ahead, their heads raised up, their glance does not come back to them,[663] and their hearts are void. ——— [663]- This is their state at the time of resurrection from the graves. Their heads are upraised in fixed stares of terror, unable even to glance back.

(44) And, [O Muḥammad], warn the people of a Day when the punishment will come to them and those who did wrong will say, "Our Lord, delay us for a short term; we will answer Your call and follow the messengers." [But it will be said], "Had you not sworn, before, that for you there would be no cessation?[664] ——— [664]- Of the blessings which Allāh had bestowed upon you during life on earth.

(45) And you lived among the dwellings of those who wronged themselves, and it had become clear to you how We dealt with them. And We presented for you [many] examples."

(46) And they had planned their plan, but with Allāh is [recorded] their plan, even if their plan had been [sufficient] to do away with the mountains.[665] ——— [665]- An alternative meaning is "...and their plan was not [sufficient] to do away with the mountains," i.e., it had no effect against Allāh's will.

(47) So never think that Allāh will fail in His promise to His messengers. Indeed, Allāh is Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution.[666] ——— [666]- Refer to footnote for 3:5.

(48) [It will be] on the Day the earth will be replaced by another earth, and the heavens [as well], and they [i.e., all creatures] will come out before Allāh, the One, the Prevailing,

(49) And you will see the criminals that Day bound together in irons,

(50) Their garments of liquid pitch and their faces covered by the Fire

(51) So that Allāh will recompense every soul for what it earned. Indeed, Allāh is swift in account.

(52) This [Qur’ān] is notification for the people that they may be warned thereby and that they may know that He is but one God and that those of understanding will be reminded.

(1) Alif, Lām, Rā.[668] These are the verses of the Book and a clear Qur’ān [i.e., recitation]. ——— [668]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) Perhaps those who disbelieve will wish[669] that they had been Muslims. ——— [669]- On the Day of Judgement or at the time of death.

(3) Let them eat and enjoy themselves and be diverted by [false] hope, for they are going to know.

(4) And We did not destroy any city but that for it was a known decree.

(5) No nation will precede its term, nor will they remain thereafter.

(6) And they say, "O you upon whom the message has been sent down, indeed you are mad.[670] ——— [670]- Literally, "possessed by jinn."

(7) Why do you not bring us the angels, if you should be among the truthful?"

(8) We do not send down the angels except with truth;[671] and they [i.e., the disbelievers] would not then be reprieved. ——— [671]- i.e., with a message or, as the conclusion of the verse suggests, to carry out a promised punishment.

(9) Indeed, it is We who sent down the message [i.e., the Qur’ān], and indeed, We will be its guardian.

(10) And We had certainly sent [messengers] before you, [O Muḥammad], among the sects of the former peoples.

(11) And no messenger would come to them except that they ridiculed him.

(12) Thus do We insert it [i.e., denial] into the hearts of the criminals.

(13) They will not believe in it, while there has already occurred the precedent of the former peoples.

(14) And [even] if We opened to them a gate from the heaven and they continued therein to ascend,

(15) They would say, "Our eyes have only been dazzled. Rather, we are a people affected by magic."

(16) And We have placed within the heaven great stars and have beautified it for the observers.

(17) And We have protected it from every devil expelled [from the mercy of Allāh]

(18) Except one who steals a hearing and is pursued by a clear burning flame.

(19) And the earth - We have spread it and cast therein firmly set mountains and caused to grow therein [something] of every well-balanced thing.

(20) And We have made for you therein means of living and [for] those for whom you are not providers.[672] ——— [672]- Allāh has put at your service other men and animals for which He provides. An additional meaning is that Allāh provides means for your living and for all other creatures as well.

(21) And there is not a thing but that with Us are its depositories, and We do not send it down except according to a known [i.e., specified] measure.

(22) And We have sent the fertilizing winds[673] and sent down water from the sky and given you drink from it. And you are not its retainers. ——— [673]- Causing precipitation in rainclouds or carrying pollen. Another meaning is "pregnant winds," i.e., those carrying rainclouds.

(23) And indeed, it is We who give life and cause death, and We are the Inheritor.[674] ——— [674]- Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) remains after all creation has passed away.

(24) And We have already known the preceding [generations] among you, and We have already known the later [ones to come].

(25) And indeed, your Lord will gather them; indeed, He is Wise and Knowing.

(26) And We did certainly create man out of clay from an altered black mud.

(27) And the jinn We created before from scorching fire.

(28) And [mention, O Muḥammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "I will create a human being out of clay from an altered black mud.

(29) And when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul,[675] then fall down to him in prostration." ——— [675]- The element of life and soul which Allāh created for that body, not His own spirit or part of Himself (as some mistakenly believe).

(30) So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely,

(31) Except Iblees;[676] he refused to be with those who prostrated. ——— [676]- Who was of the jinn. See 18:50.

(32) [Allāh] said, "O Iblees, what is [the matter] with you that you are not with those who prostrate?"

(33) He said, "Never would I prostrate to a human whom You created out of clay from an altered black mud."

(34) [Allāh] said, "Then depart from it,[677] for indeed, you are expelled. ——— [677]- Your position in the heavens.

(35) And indeed, upon you is the curse until the Day of Recompense."

(36) He said, "My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected."

(37) [Allāh] said, "So indeed, you are of those reprieved

(38) Until the Day of the time well-known."

(39) [Iblees] said, "My Lord, because You have put me in error, I will surely make [disobedience] attractive to them [i.e., mankind] on earth, and I will mislead them all

(40) Except, among them, Your chosen servants."

(41) [Allāh] said, "This is a path [of return] to Me [that is] straight.

(42) Indeed, My servants - no authority will you have over them, except those who follow you of the deviators.

(43) And indeed, Hell is the promised place for them all.

(44) It has seven gates; for every gate is of them [i.e., Satan's followers] a portion designated."

(45) Indeed, the righteous will be within gardens and springs,

(46) [Having been told], "Enter it in peace, safe [and secure]."

(47) And We will remove whatever is in their breasts of resentment,[678] [so they will be] brothers, on thrones facing each other. ——— [678]- See footnote to 7:43.

(48) No fatigue will touch them therein, nor from it will they [ever] be removed.

(49) [O Muḥammad], inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful,

(50) And that it is My punishment which is the painful punishment.

(51) And inform them about the guests of Abraham,

(52) When they entered upon him and said, "Peace." [Abraham] said, "Indeed, we are fearful [i.e., apprehensive] of you."

(53) [The angels] said, "Fear not. Indeed, we give you good tidings of a learned boy."

(54) He said, "Have you given me good tidings although old age has come upon me? Then of what [wonder] do you inform?"

(55) They said, "We have given you good tidings in truth, so do not be of the despairing."

(56) He said, "And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except for those astray?"

(57) [Abraham] said, "Then what is your business [here], O messengers?"

(58) They said, "Indeed, we have been sent to a people of criminals,

(59) Except the family of Lot; indeed, we will save them all

(60) Except his wife." We [i.e., Allāh] decreed that she is of those who remain behind.[679] ——— [679]- For having collaborated with the evildoers.

(61) And when the messengers came to the family of Lot,

(62) He said, "Indeed, you are people unknown."

(63) They said, "But we have come to you with that about which they were disputing,

(64) And we have come to you with truth, and indeed, we are truthful.

(65) So set out with your family during a portion of the night and follow behind them and let not anyone among you look back and continue on to where you are commanded."

(66) And We conveyed to him [the decree] of that matter: that those [sinners] would be eliminated by early morning.

(67) And the people of the city came rejoicing.[680] ——— [680]- At the news of Lot's visitors.

(68) [Lot] said, "Indeed, these are my guests, so do not shame me.

(69) And fear Allāh and do not disgrace me."

(70) They said, "Have we not forbidden you from [protecting] people?"

(71) [Lot] said, "These are my daughters[681] - if you would be doers [of lawful marriage]." ——— [681]- i.e., the women of his community who were lawful for marriage.

(72) By your life, [O Muḥammad], indeed they were, in their intoxication, wandering blindly.

(73) So the shriek[682] seized them at sunrise. ——— [682]- See footnote to 11:67.

(74) And We made the highest part [of the city] its lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay.

(75) Indeed in that are signs for those who discern.

(76) And indeed, they [i.e., those cities] are [situated] on an established road.

(77) Indeed in that is a sign for the believers.

(78) And the companions of the thicket [i.e., the people of Madyan] were [also] wrongdoers,

(79) So We took retribution from them, and indeed, both [cities] are on a clear highway.

(80) And certainly did the companions of al-Ḥijr[683] [i.e., the Thamūd] deny the messengers. ——— [683]- The valley of stone.

(81) And We gave them Our signs, but from them they were turning away.

(82) And they used to carve from the mountains, houses, feeling secure.

(83) But the shriek seized them at early morning,

(84) So nothing availed them [from] what they used to earn.

(85) And We have not created the heavens and earth and that between them except in truth. And indeed, the Hour is coming; so forgive with gracious forgiveness.

(86) Indeed, your Lord - He is the Knowing Creator.

(87) And We have certainly given you, [O Muḥammad], seven of the often repeated [verses][684] and the great Qur’ān. ——— [684]- Referring to Sūrah al-Fātiḥah.

(88) Do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [certain] categories of them [i.e., the disbelievers], and do not grieve over them. And lower your wing [i.e., show kindness] to the believers.

(89) And say, "Indeed, I am the clear warner" -

(90) Just as We had revealed [scriptures] to the separators[685] ——— [685]- Those who separated from the teachings of their prophets. Another meaning is "As We sent down [punishment] on the sworn opponents [to Allāh's message]."

(91) Who have made the Qur’ān into portions.[686] ——— [686]- Accepting part and rejecting part according to their own inclinations.

(92) So by your Lord, We will surely question them all

(93) About what they used to do.

(94) Then declare what you are commanded[687] and turn away from the polytheists.[688] ——— [687]- The implication is "Thereby you will distinguish or separate the disbelievers from the believers." [688]- Any who persist in association of others with Allāh.

(95) Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers

(96) Who make [equal] with Allāh another deity. But they are going to know.

(97) And We already know that your breast is constrained by what they say.

(98) So exalt [Allāh] with praise of your Lord and be of those who prostrate [to Him].

(99) And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty [i.e., death].

(1) The command of Allāh is coming,[690] so be not impatient for it. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him. ——— [690]- Literally, "has come," indicating the certainty and nearness of the Last Hour.

(2) He sends down the angels, with the inspiration [i.e., revelation] of His command, upon whom He wills of His servants, [telling them], "Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me."

(3) He created the heavens and earth in truth. High is He above what they associate with Him.

(4) He created man from a sperm-drop; then at once[691] he is a clear adversary. ——— [691]- As soon as he becomes strong and independent.

(5) And the grazing livestock He has created for you; in them is warmth[692] and [numerous] benefits, and from them you eat. ——— [692]- i.e., in clothing, tents, furnishings, etc.

(6) And for you in them is [the enjoyment of] beauty when you bring them in [for the evening] and when you send them out [to pasture].

(7) And they carry your loads to a land you could not have reached except with difficulty to yourselves. Indeed, your Lord is Kind and Merciful.

(8) And [He created] the horses, mules and donkeys for you to ride and [as] adornment. And He creates that which you do not know.

(9) And upon Allāh[693] is the direction of the [right] way, and among them [i.e., the various paths] are those deviating. And if He willed, He could have guided you all. ——— [693]- Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) has taken it upon Himself to guide man to the right path. The meaning has also been interpreted as "To Allāh..."

(10) It is He who sends down rain from the sky; from it is drink and from it is foliage in which you pasture [animals].

(11) He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and of all the fruits. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought.

(12) And He has subjected for you the night and day and the sun and moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason.

(13) And [He has subjected] whatever He multiplied for you on the earth of varying colors. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who remember.

(14) And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.

(15) And He has cast into the earth firmly set mountains, lest it shift with you, and [made] rivers and roads, that you may be guided,

(16) And landmarks. And by the stars they are [also] guided.[694] ——— [694]- Through the desert or the sea at night.

(17) Then is He who creates like one who does not create? So will you not be reminded?

(18) And if you should count the favors of Allāh, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(19) And Allāh knows what you conceal and what you declare.

(20) And those they invoke other than Allāh create nothing, and they [themselves] are created.

(21) They are [in fact] dead,[695] not alive, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected. ——— [695]- i.e., inanimate or without understanding.

(22) Your god is one God. But those who do not believe in the Hereafter - their hearts are disapproving, and they are arrogant.

(23) Assuredly, Allāh knows what they conceal and what they declare. Indeed, He does not like the arrogant.

(24) And when it is said to them, "What has your Lord sent down?" they say, "Legends of the former peoples,"

(25) That they may bear their own burdens [i.e., sins] in full on the Day of Resurrection and some of the burdens of those whom they misguide without [i.e., by lack of] knowledge. Unquestionably, evil is that which they bear.

(26) Those before them had already plotted, but Allāh came at [i.e., uprooted] their building from the foundations, so the roof fell upon them from above them,[696] and the punishment came to them from where they did not perceive. ——— [696]- i.e., Allāh caused their plan to fail and exposed their plot.

(27) Then on the Day of Resurrection He will disgrace them and say, "Where are My 'partners' for whom you used to oppose [the believers]?" Those who were given knowledge will say, "Indeed disgrace, this Day, and evil are upon the disbelievers" -

(28) The ones whom the angels take in death [while] wronging themselves,[697] and [who] then offer submission, [saying], "We were not doing any evil." But, yes! Indeed, Allāh is Knowing of what you used to do. ——— [697]- i.e., having made punishment due to them for their numerous sins and crimes.

(29) So enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and how wretched is the residence of the arrogant.

(30) And it will be said to those who feared Allāh, "What did your Lord send down?" They will say, "[That which is] good." For those who do good in this world is good; and the home of the Hereafter is better. And how excellent is the home of the righteous -

(31) Gardens of perpetual residence, which they will enter, beneath which rivers flow. They will have therein whatever they wish. Thus does Allāh reward the righteous -

(32) The ones whom the angels take in death, [being] good and pure; [the angels] will say, "Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise for what you used to do."

(33) Do they [i.e., the disbelievers] await except that the angels should come to them or there comes the command of your Lord? Thus did those do before them. And Allāh wronged them not, but they had been wronging themselves.

(34) So they were struck by the evil consequences of what they did and were enveloped by what they used to ridicule.

(35) And those who associate others with Allāh say, "If Allāh had willed, we would not have worshipped anything other than Him, neither we nor our fathers, nor would we have forbidden anything through other than Him." Thus did those do before them. So is there upon the messengers except [the duty of] clear notification?

(36) And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], "Worship Allāh and avoid ṭāghūt."[698] And among them were those whom Allāh guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed [i.e., travel] through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers. ——— [698]- False objects of worship.

(37) [Even] if you should strive for their guidance, [O Muḥammad], indeed, Allāh does not guide those He sends astray,[699] and they will have no helpers. ——— [699]- As a result of their choice to reject guidance.

(38) And they swear by Allāh their strongest oaths [that] Allāh will not resurrect one who dies. But yes - [it is] a true promise [binding] upon Him, but most of the people do not know.

(39) [It is] so He will make clear to them [the truth of] that wherein they differ and so those who have disbelieved may know that they were liars.

(40) Indeed, Our word to a thing when We intend it is but that We say to it, "Be," and it is.

(41) And those who emigrated for [the cause of] Allāh after they had been wronged - We will surely settle them in this world in a good place; but the reward of the Hereafter is greater, if only they could know.

(42) [They are] those who endured patiently and upon their Lord relied.

(43) And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know.

(44) [We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message [i.e., the Qur’ān] that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.

(45) Then, do those who have planned evil deeds feel secure that Allāh will not cause the earth to swallow them or that the punishment will not come upon them from where they do not perceive?

(46) Or that He would not seize them during their [usual] activity, and they could not cause failure [i.e., escape from Him]?

(47) Or that He would not seize them gradually [in a state of dread]?[700] But indeed, your Lord is Kind and Merciful.[701] ——— [700]- i.e., being aware of what is about to strike them after having seen those near them succumb. [701]- Postponing deserved punishment and giving opportunities for repentance.

(48) Have they not considered what things Allāh has created? Their shadows incline to the right and to the left, prostrating to Allāh, while they [i.e., those creations] are humble.

(49) And to Allāh prostrates whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth of creatures, and the angels [as well], and they are not arrogant.

(50) They fear their Lord above them, and they do what they are commanded.

(51) And Allāh has said, "Do not take for yourselves two[702] deities. He [i.e., Allāh] is but one God, so fear only Me." ——— [702]- Meaning more than one.

(52) And to Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and to Him is [due] worship constantly. Then is it other than Allāh that you fear?

(53) And whatever you have of favor - it is from Allāh. Then when adversity touches you, to Him you cry for help.

(54) Then when He removes the adversity from you, at once a party of you associates others with their Lord

(55) So they will deny what We have given them. Then enjoy yourselves, for you are going to know.

(56) And they assign to what they do not know[703] [i.e., false deities] a portion of that which We have provided them. By Allāh, you will surely be questioned about what you used to invent. ——— [703]- i.e., that of which they have no knowledge; rather, they have mere assumption based upon tradition or the claims of misguided men.

(57) And they attribute to Allāh daughters[704] - exalted is He - and for them is what they desire [i.e., sons]. ——— [704]- By claiming that the angels are His daughters.

(58) And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.

(59) He hides himself from the people because of the ill of which he has been informed. Should he keep it in humiliation or bury it in the ground? Unquestionably, evil is what they decide.

(60) For those who do not believe in the Hereafter is the description [i.e., an attribute] of evil;[705] and for Allāh is the highest attribute. And He is Exalted in Might, the Wise. ——— [705]- Such as that described in the previous two verses.

(61) And if Allāh were to impose blame on the people for their wrongdoing, He would not have left upon it [i.e., the earth] any creature, but He defers them for a specified term. And when their term has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they precede [it].

(62) And they attribute to Allāh that which they dislike [i.e., daughters], and their tongues assert the lie that they will have the best [from Him]. Assuredly, they will have the Fire, and they will be [therein] neglected.[706] ——— [706]- Another meaning is "...and they will be made to precede [all others thereto]."

(63) By Allāh, We did certainly send [messengers] to nations before you, but Satan made their deeds attractive to them. And he is their [i.e., the disbelievers] ally today [as well], and they will have a painful punishment.

(64) And We have not revealed to you the Book, [O Muḥammad], except for you to make clear to them that wherein they have differed and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe.

(65) And Allāh has sent down rain from the sky and given life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who listen.

(66) And indeed, for you in grazing livestock is a lesson. We give you drink from what is in their bellies - between excretion and blood - pure milk, palatable to drinkers.

(67) And from the fruits of the palm trees and grapevines you take intoxicant and good provision.[707] Indeed in that is a sign for a people who reason. ——— [707]- This verse was revealed before the prohibition of intoxicants. It alludes to the fact that there are both evil and good possibilities in certain things.

(68) And your Lord inspired to the bee, "Take for yourself among the mountains, houses [i.e., hives], and among the trees and [in] that which they construct.

(69) Then eat from all the fruits[708] and follow the ways of your Lord laid down [for you]." There emerges from their bellies a drink, varying in colors, in which there is healing for people. Indeed in that is a sign for a people who give thought. ——— [708]- i.e., delicious substances found by the bee.

(70) And Allāh created you; then He will take you in death. And among you is he who is reversed to the most decrepit [old] age so that he will not know, after [having had] knowledge, a thing. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Competent.

(71) And Allāh has favored some of you over others in provision. But those who were favored [i.e., given more] would not hand over their provision to those whom their right hands possess [i.e., slaves] so they would be equal to them therein.[709] Then is it the favor of Allāh they reject? ——— [709]- The argument presented in this verse is that if they cannot consider their own possessions equal to themselves, then how can they consider Allāh's creations as being equal to Him?

(72) And Allāh has made for you from yourselves mates and has made for you from your mates sons and grandchildren and has provided for you from the good things. Then in falsehood do they believe and in the favor of Allāh they disbelieve?

(73) And they worship besides Allāh that which does not possess for them [the power of] provision from the heavens and the earth at all, and [in fact], they are unable.

(74) So do not assert similarities to Allāh.[710] Indeed, Allāh knows and you do not know. ——— [710]- As there is nothing comparable to Him.

(75) Allāh presents an example: a slave [who is] owned and unable to do a thing and he to whom We have provided from Us good provision, so he spends from it secretly and publicly. Can they be equal? Praise to Allāh! But most of them do not know.

(76) And Allāh presents an example of two men, one of them dumb and unable to do a thing, while he is a burden to his guardian. Wherever he directs him, he brings no good. Is he equal to one who commands justice, while he is on a straight path?

(77) And to Allāh belongs the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth. And the command for the Hour is not but as a glance of the eye or even nearer. Indeed, Allāh is over all things competent.

(78) And Allāh has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and hearts [i.e., intellect] that perhaps you would be grateful.

(79) Do they not see the birds controlled in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them up except Allāh. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

(80) And Allāh has made for you from your homes a place of rest and made for you from the hides of the animals tents which you find light on your day of travel and your day of encampment; and from their wool, fur and hair is furnishing and enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time.

(81) And Allāh has made for you, from that which He has created, shadows [i.e., shade] and has made for you from the mountains, shelters and has made for you garments which protect you from the heat and garments [i.e., coats of mail] which protect you from your [enemy in] battle. Thus does He complete His favor upon you that you might submit [to Him].

(82) But if they turn away, [O Muḥammad] - then only upon you is [responsibility for] clear notification.

(83) They recognize the favor of Allāh; then they deny it. And most of them are disbelievers.

(84) And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect from every nation a witness [i.e., their prophet]. Then it will not be permitted to the disbelievers [to apologize or make excuses], nor will they be asked to appease [Allāh].

(85) And when those who wronged see the punishment, it will not be lightened for them, nor will they be reprieved.

(86) And when those who associated others with Allāh see their "partners," they will say, "Our Lord, these are our partners [to You] whom we used to invoke [in worship] besides You." But they will throw at them the statement, "Indeed, you are liars."

(87) And they will impart to Allāh that Day [their] submission, and lost from them is what they used to invent.

(88) Those who disbelieved and averted [others] from the way of Allāh - We will increase them in punishment over [their] punishment for what corruption they were causing.

(89) And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect among every nation a witness over them from themselves [i.e., their prophet]. And We will bring you, [O Muḥammad], as a witness over these [i.e., your nation]. And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.[711] ——— [711]- Those who have submitted themselves to Allāh.

(90) Indeed, Allāh orders justice and good conduct and giving [help] to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.

(91) And fulfill the covenant of Allāh when you have taken it, [O believers], and do not break oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allāh, over you, a security [i.e., witness]. Indeed, Allāh knows what you do.

(92) And do not be like she who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong [by] taking your oaths as [means of] deceit between you because one community is more plentiful [in number or wealth] than another community.[712] Allāh only tries you thereby. And He will surely make clear to you on the Day of Resurrection that over which you used to differ. ——— [712]- i.e., do not swear falsely or break a treaty or contract merely for a worldly advantage.

(93) And if Allāh had willed, He could have made you [of] one religion, but He sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills.[713] And you will surely be questioned about what you used to do. ——— [713]- According to His knowledge of each soul's preference.

(94) And do not take your oaths as [means of] deceit between you, lest a foot slip after it was [once] firm, and you would taste evil [in this world] for what [people] you diverted from the way of Allāh,[714] and you would have [in the Hereafter] a great punishment. ——— [714]- Referring to those who would be dissuaded from Islām as a result of a Muslim's deceit and treachery.

(95) And do not exchange the covenant of Allāh for a small price. Indeed, what is with Allāh is best for you, if only you could know.

(96) Whatever you have will end, but what Allāh has is lasting. And We will surely give those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.

(97) Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

(98) So when you recite the Qur’ān, [first] seek refuge in Allāh from Satan, the expelled [from His mercy].

(99) Indeed, there is for him no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord.

(100) His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who through him associate others with Allāh.

(101) And when We substitute a verse in place of a verse - and Allāh is most knowing of what He sends down - they say, "You, [O Muḥammad], are but an inventor [of lies]." But most of them do not know.

(102) Say, [O Muḥammad], "The Pure Spirit [i.e., Gabriel] has brought it down from your Lord in truth to make firm those who believe and as guidance and good tidings to the Muslims."

(103) And We certainly know that they say, "It is only a human being who teaches him [i.e., the Prophet (ﷺ)]." The tongue of the one they refer to is foreign,[715] and this [recitation, i.e., Qur’ān] is [in] a clear Arabic language. ——— [715]- Having seen the Prophet (ﷺ) speaking with a foreign man on occasion, the Quraysh accused him of repeating the man's words.

(104) Indeed, those who do not believe in the verses of Allāh - Allāh will not guide them, and for them is a painful punishment.

(105) They only invent falsehood who do not believe in the verses of Allāh, and it is those who are the liars.

(106) Whoever disbelieves in [i.e., denies] Allāh after his belief...[716] except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allāh, and for them is a great punishment; ——— [716]- Based upon the conclusion of this verse, the omitted phrase concerning the apostate is understood to be "...has earned the wrath of Allāh..."

(107) That is because they preferred the worldly life over the Hereafter and that Allāh does not guide the disbelieving people.

(108) Those are the ones over whose hearts and hearing and vision Allāh has sealed, and it is those who are the heedless.

(109) Assuredly, it is they, in the Hereafter, who will be the losers.

(110) Then, indeed your Lord, to those who emigrated after they had been compelled [to say words of disbelief] and thereafter fought [for the cause of Allāh] and were patient - indeed, your Lord, after that, is Forgiving and Merciful

(111) On the Day when every soul will come disputing [i.e., pleading] for itself, and every soul will be fully compensated for what it did, and they will not be wronged [i.e., treated unjustly].

(112) And Allāh presents an example: a city [i.e., Makkah] which was safe and secure, its provision coming to it in abundance from every location, but it denied the favors of Allāh. So Allāh made it taste the envelopment of hunger and fear for what they had been doing.

(113) And there had certainly come to them a Messenger from among themselves, but they denied him; so punishment overtook them while they were wrongdoers.

(114) Then eat of what Allāh has provided for you [which is] lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allāh, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.

(115) He has only forbidden to you dead animals,[717] blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allāh. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit] - then indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful. ——— [717]- Those not slaughtered or hunted expressly for food.

(116) And do not say about what your tongues assert of untruth, "This is lawful and this is unlawful," to invent falsehood about Allāh. Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allāh will not succeed.

(117) [It is but] a brief enjoyment, and they will have a painful punishment.

(118) And to those who are Jews We have prohibited that which We related to you before.[718] And We did not wrong them [thereby], but they were wronging themselves. ——— [718]- See 6:146.

(119) Then, indeed your Lord, to those who have done wrong out of ignorance and then repent after that and correct themselves - indeed, your Lord, thereafter, is Forgiving and Merciful.

(120) Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader,[719] devoutly obedient to Allāh, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allāh. ——— [719]- i.e., embodying all the excellent qualities which make one an example to be followed.

(121) [He was] grateful for His favors. He [i.e., Allāh] chose him and guided him to a straight path.

(122) And We gave him good in this world, and indeed, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

(123) Then We revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], to follow the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth; and he was not of those who associate with Allāh.

(124) The sabbath was only appointed for those who differed over it. And indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.

(125) Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.

(126) And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed.[720] But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient. ——— [720]- Not exceeding it.

(127) And be patient, [O Muḥammad], and your patience is not but through Allāh. And do not grieve over them and do not be in distress over what they conspire.

(128) Indeed, Allāh is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.