İngilizce Meal — Noor International Center — Fussilat 41:1 – Al-Qalam 68:52

(1) Ḥā, Meem.[1381] ——— [1381]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) [This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful -

(3) A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur’ān[1382] for a people who know, ——— [1382]- i.e., revealed in the Arabic language.

(4) As a giver of good tidings and a warner; but most of them turn away, so they do not hear.

(5) And they say, "Our hearts are within coverings [i.e., screened] from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a partition, so work;[1383] indeed, we are working." ——— [1383]- For your own religion or work against us.

(6) Say, [O Muḥammad], "I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." And woe to those who associate others with Allāh –

(7) Those who do not give zakāh, and in the Hereafter they are disbelievers.

(8) Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds - for them is a reward uninterrupted.

(9) Say, "Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds."

(10) And He placed on it [i.e., the earth] firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures'] sustenance in four days without distinction[1384] - for [the information of] those who ask. ——— [1384]- Also "four equal days" or "four days of completion."

(11) Then He directed Himself[1385] to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, "Come [into being],[1386] willingly or by compulsion." They said, "We have come willingly." ——— [1385]- See footnote to 2:19. [1386]- Literally, "become" or "do [as commanded]."

(12) And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired [i.e., made known] in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps [i.e., stars, for beauty] and as protection.[1387] That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing. ——— [1387]- From the devils who attempt to steal information from the angels.

(13) But if they turn away, then say, "I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt [that struck] ʿAad and Thamūd.

(14) [That occurred] when the messengers had come to them before them and after them, [saying], "Worship not except Allāh." They said, "If our Lord had willed,[1388] He would have sent down the angels, so indeed we, in that with which you have been sent, are disbelievers." ——— [1388]- To send messengers.

(15) As for ʿAad, they were arrogant upon the earth without right and said, "Who is greater than us in strength?" Did they not consider that Allāh who created them was greater than them in strength? But they were rejecting Our signs.

(16) So We sent upon them a screaming wind during days of misfortune to make them taste the punishment of disgrace in the worldly life; but the punishment of the Hereafter is more disgracing, and they will not be helped.

(17) And as for Thamūd, We guided them, but they preferred blindness over guidance, so the thunderbolt of humiliating punishment seized them for what they used to earn.

(18) And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allāh.

(19) And [mention, O Muḥammad], the Day when the enemies of Allāh will be gathered to the Fire while they are [driven], assembled in rows,

(20) Until, when they reach it, their hearing and their eyes and their skins will testify against them of what they used to do.

(21) And they will say to their skins, "Why have you testified against us?" They will say, "We were made to speak by Allāh, who has made everything speak; and He created you the first time, and to Him you are returned.

(22) And you were not covering [i.e., protecting] yourselves,[1389] lest your hearing testify against you or your sight or your skins, but you assumed that Allāh does not know much of what you do. ——— [1389]- With righteousness or by fearing Allāh.

(23) And that was your assumption which you assumed about your Lord. It has brought you to ruin, and you have become among the losers."

(24) So [even] if they are patient, the Fire is a residence for them; and if they ask to appease [Allāh], they will not be of those who are allowed to appease.

(25) And We appointed for them companions[1390] who made attractive to them what was before them and what was behind them [of sin], and the word [i.e., decree] has come into effect upon them among nations which had passed on before them of jinn and men. Indeed, they [all] were losers. ——— [1390]- In this world among the evil jinn and men.

(26) And those who disbelieve say, "Do not listen to this Qur’ān and speak noisily[1391] during [the recitation of] it that perhaps you will overcome." ——— [1391]- Other meanings include "speak improperly" and/or "make a clamor." The purpose of this was to prevent the hearing or understanding of the Qur’ān.

(27) But We will surely cause those who disbelieve to taste a severe punishment, and We will surely recompense them for the worst of what they had been doing.

(28) That is the recompense of the enemies of Allāh - the Fire. For them therein is the home of eternity as recompense for what they, of Our verses, were rejecting.

(29) And those who disbelieved will [then] say, "Our Lord, show us those who misled us of the jinn and men [so] we may put them under our feet[1392] that they will be among the lowest." ——— [1392]- In the lowest depths of Hell. Or "that we may step on them" in revenge.

(30) Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allāh" and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.

(31) We [angels] were your allies in worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter. And you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish]

(32) As accommodation from a [Lord who is] Forgiving and Merciful."

(33) And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allāh and does righteousness and says, "Indeed, I am of the Muslims."

(34) And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon, the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

(35) But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good].

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

(37) And of His signs are the night and day and the sun and moon. Do not prostrate to the sun or to the moon, but prostrate to Allāh, who created them, if it should be Him that you worship.[1393] ——— [1393]- i.e., Do not worship Allāh through His creations but worship Him directly and exclusively.

(38) But if they are arrogant - then those who are near your Lord [i.e., the angels] exalt Him by night and by day, and they do not become weary.

(39) And of His signs is that you see the earth stilled, but when We send down upon it rain, it quivers and grows. Indeed, He who has given it life is the Giver of Life to the dead. Indeed, He is over all things competent.

(40) Indeed, those who inject deviation into Our verses[1394] are not concealed from Us. So, is he who is cast into the Fire better or he who comes secure on the Day of Resurrection? Do whatever you will; indeed, He is Seeing of what you do. ——— [1394]- Through deviant recitations or interpretations.

(41) Indeed, those who disbelieve in the message [i.e., the Qur’ān][1395] after it has come to them...[1396] And indeed, it is a mighty[1397] Book. ——— [1395]- i.e., reject it or prefer deviant interpretation. [1396]- The conclusion is understood to be "...will have earned an indescribable punishment." [1397]- Inimitable, resistant to attack, protected by Allāh.

(42) Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from a [Lord who is] Wise and Praiseworthy.

(43) Nothing is said to you, [O Muḥammad], except what was already said to the messengers before you. Indeed, your Lord is a possessor of forgiveness and a possessor of painful penalty.

(44) And if We had made it a foreign [i.e., non-Arabic] Qur’ān, they would have said, "Why are its verses not explained in detail [in our language]? Is it a foreign [recitation] and an Arab [messenger]?" Say, "It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure." And those who do not believe - in their ears is deafness, and it is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant place.[1398] ——— [1398]- For all practical purposes, since they neither hear nor understand.

(45) And We had already given Moses the Scripture, but it came under disagreement.[1399] And if not for a word [i.e., decree][1400] that preceded from your Lord, it would have been concluded between them. And indeed they are, concerning it [i.e., the Qur’ān], in disquieting doubt. ——— [1399]- An alternative meaning is "he was opposed over it." [1400]- See footnote to 10:19.

(46) Whoever does righteousness - it is for his [own] soul; and whoever does evil [does so] against it. And your Lord is not ever unjust to [His] servants.

(47) To Him [alone] is attributed knowledge of the Hour. And fruits emerge not from their coverings nor does a female conceive or give birth except with His knowledge. And the Day He will call to them, "Where are My 'partners'?" they will say, "We announce to You that there is [no longer] among us any witness [to that]."

(48) And lost from them will be those they were invoking before, and they will be certain that they have no place of escape.

(49) Man is not weary of supplication for good [things], but if evil touches him, he is hopeless and despairing.

(50) And if We let him taste mercy from Us after an adversity which has touched him, he will surely say, "This is [due] to me,[1401] and I do not think the Hour will occur; and [even] if I should be returned to my Lord, indeed, for me there will be with Him the best." But We will surely inform those who disbelieved about what they did, and We will surely make them taste a massive punishment. ——— [1401]- Because of my effort, knowledge, excellence, etc.

(51) And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and distances himself; but when evil touches him, then he is full of extensive supplication.

(52) Say, "Have you considered: if it [i.e., the Qur’ān] is from Allāh and you disbelieved in it, who would be more astray than one who is in extreme dissension?"

(53) We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth.[1402] But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?[1403] ——— [1402]- Or "that He (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) is the Truth." [1403]- See footnote of 4:79.

(54) Unquestionably, they are in doubt about the meeting with their Lord. Unquestionably He is, of all things, encompassing.

(1) Ḥā, Meem.

(2) ʿAyn, Seen, Qāf.[1405] ——— [1405]- See footnote to 2:1.

(3) Thus has He revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], and to those before you - Allāh, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

(4) To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great.[1406] ——— [1406]- See footnote to 2:255.

(5) The heavens almost break from above them,[1407] and the angels exalt [Allāh] with praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on earth. Unquestionably, it is Allāh who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. ——— [1407]- i.e., from the grandeur of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) above them.

(6) And those who take as allies other than Him - Allāh is [yet] Guardian over them; and you, [O Muḥammad], are not over them a manager -

(7) And thus We have revealed to you an Arabic Qur’ān that you may warn the Mother of Cities [i.e., Makkah] and those around it[1408] and warn of the Day of Assembly, about which there is no doubt. A party will be in Paradise and a party in the Blaze. ——— [1408]- i.e., all other peoples.

(8) And if Allāh willed, He could have made them [of] one religion, but He admits whom He wills[1409] into His mercy. And the wrongdoers have not any protector or helper. ——— [1409]- i.e., those who desire His guidance and His acceptance of them.

(9) Or have they taken protectors [or allies] besides Him? But Allāh - He is the Protector, and He gives life to the dead, and He is over all things competent.

(10) And in anything over which you disagree - its ruling is [to be referred] to Allāh. [Say], "That is Allāh, my Lord; upon Him I have relied, and to Him I turn back."[1410] ——— [1410]- In remembrance and repentance.

(11) [He is] Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you from yourselves, mates, and among the cattle, mates; He multiplies you thereby. There is nothing like unto Him,[1411] and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.[1412] ——— [1411]- There is no similarity whatsoever between the Creator and His creation in essence, in attributes or in deed. [1412]- See footnotes to 17:1.

(12) To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth. He extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. Indeed He is, of all things, Knowing.

(13) He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus - to establish the religion and not be divided therein. Difficult for those who associate others with Allāh is that to which you invite them. Allāh chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back [to Him].

(14) And they did not become divided until after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And if not for a word[1413] that preceded from your Lord [postponing the penalty] until a specified time, it would have been concluded between them. And indeed, those who were granted inheritance of the Scripture after them are, concerning it, in disquieting doubt. ——— [1413]- Decree. See footnote to 10:19.

(15) So to that [religion of Allāh] invite, [O Muḥammad],[1414] and remain on a right course as you are commanded and do not follow their inclinations but say, "I have believed in what Allāh has revealed of scripture [i.e., the Qur’ān], and I have been commanded to do justice among you. Allāh is our Lord and your Lord. For us are our deeds, and for you your deeds.[1415] There is no [need for] argument between us and you.[1416] Allāh will bring us together, and to Him is the [final] destination." ——— [1414]- Another meaning understood from the Arabic is "So because of that [division and separation into sects], invite [them back to Allāh]..." [1415]- i.e., the consequences thereof. [1416]- Since the truth has been made clear and since those who refuse it do so only out of stubbornness or worldly interests.

(16) And those who argue concerning Allāh after He has been responded to[1417] - their argument is invalid with their Lord, and upon them is [His] wrath, and for them is a severe punishment. ——— [1417]- i.e., after people have accepted the truth from Allāh, in an attempt to turn the believers away from His religion of Islām.

(17) It is Allāh who has sent down the Book in truth and [also] the balance [i.e., justice]. And what will make you perceive? Perhaps the Hour is near.

(18) Those who do not believe in it are impatient for it,[1418] but those who believe are fearful of it and know that it is the truth. Unquestionably, those who dispute concerning the Hour are in extreme error. ——— [1418]- They had challenged the Prophet (ﷺ) to bring it on immediately.

(19) Allāh is Subtle[1419] with His servants; He gives provision to whom He wills. And He is the Powerful, the Exalted in Might. ——— [1419]- See footnote in 12:100.

(20) Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter - We increase for him in his harvest [i.e., reward]. And whoever desires the harvest [i.e., benefits] of this world - We give him thereof, but there is not for him in the Hereafter any share.

(21) Or have they partners [i.e., other deities] who have ordained for them a religion to which Allāh has not consented? But if not for the decisive word,[1420] it would have been concluded between them. And indeed, the wrongdoers will have a painful punishment. ——— [1420]- Decree. See footnote to 10:19.

(22) You will see the wrongdoers fearful of what they have earned, and it will [certainly] befall them. And those who have believed and done righteous deeds will be in lush regions of the gardens [in Paradise] having whatever they will in the presence of their Lord. That is what is the great bounty.

(23) It is that of which Allāh gives good tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, [O Muḥammad], "I do not ask you for it [i.e., this message] any payment [but] only good will through [i.e., due to] kinship." And whoever commits a good deed - We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Appreciative.[1421] ——— [1421]- See footnote in 35:30.

(24) Or do they say, "He has invented about Allāh a lie"? But if Allāh willed, He could seal over your heart.[1422] And Allāh eliminates falsehood and establishes the truth by His words. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts. ——— [1422]- i.e., He could make you forget the Qur’ān and deprive you of it.

(25) And it is He who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons misdeeds, and He knows what you do.

(26) And He answers [the supplication of] those who have believed and done righteous deeds and increases [for] them from His bounty. But the disbelievers will have a severe punishment.

(27) And if Allāh had extended [excessively] provision for His servants, they would have committed tyranny throughout the earth. But He sends [it] down in an amount which He wills. Indeed He is, of His servants, Aware and Seeing.

(28) And it is He who sends down the rain after they had despaired and spreads His mercy. And He is the Protector, the Praiseworthy.

(29) And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and earth and what He has dispersed throughout them of creatures. And He, for gathering them when He wills, is competent.

(30) And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your hands have earned; but He pardons much.

(31) And you will not cause failure [to Allāh][1423] upon the earth. And you have not besides Allāh any protector or helper. ——— [1423]- i.e., escape from Him.

(32) And of His signs are the ships in the sea, like mountains.

(33) If He willed, He could still the wind, and they would remain motionless on its surface. Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.

(34) Or He could destroy them[1424] for what they earned; but He pardons much. ——— [1424]- Meaning that Allāh could sink the ships by means of violent winds.

(35) And [that is so] those who dispute concerning Our signs may know that for them there is no place of escape.

(36) So whatever thing you have been given - it is but [for] enjoyment of the worldly life. But what is with Allāh is better and more lasting for those who have believed and upon their Lord rely

(37) And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive,

(38) And those who have responded to their Lord and established prayer and whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves, and from what We have provided them, they spend,

(39) And those who, when tyranny strikes them, they retaliate [in a just manner].[1425] ——— [1425]- Restoring their rights and not allowing aggressors to take advantage of them out of weakness.

(40) And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allāh. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.

(41) And whoever retaliates after having been wronged - those have not upon them any cause [for blame].

(42) The cause is only against the ones who wrong the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right. Those will have a painful punishment.

(43) And whoever is patient and forgives - indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of resolve.[1426] ——— [1426]- On the part of those seeking the reward of Allāh.

(44) And he whom Allāh sends astray - for him there is no protector beyond Him. And you will see the wrongdoers, when they see the punishment, saying, "Is there for return [to the former world] any way?"

(45) And you will see them being exposed to it [i.e., the Fire], humbled from humiliation, looking from [behind] a covert glance. And those who had believed will say, "Indeed, the [true] losers are the ones who lost themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection. Unquestionably, the wrongdoers are in an enduring punishment."

(46) And there will not be for them any allies to aid them other than Allāh. And whoever Allāh sends astray - for him there is no way.

(47) Respond to your Lord before a Day comes from Allāh of which there is no repelling. No refuge will you have that Day, nor for you will there be any denial.[1427] ——— [1427]- Of your sins or "disapproval" of your punishment.

(48) But if they turn away - then We have not sent you, [O Muḥammad], over them as a guardian; upon you is only [the duty of] notification. And indeed, when We let man taste mercy from Us, he rejoices in it; but if evil afflicts him for what his hands have put forth, then indeed, man is ungrateful.

(49) To Allāh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth; He creates what He wills. He gives to whom He wills female [children], and He gives to whom He wills males.

(50) Or He makes them [both] males and females, and He renders whom He wills barren. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.

(51) And it is not for any human being that Allāh should speak to him except by revelation or from behind a partition or that He sends a messenger [i.e., angel] to reveal, by His permission, what He wills. Indeed, He is Most High and Wise.

(52) And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command [i.e., the Qur’ān]. You did not know what is the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants. And indeed, [O Muḥammad], you guide to a straight path -

(53) The path of Allāh, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Unquestionably, to Allāh do [all] matters evolve [i.e., return].

(1) Ḥā, Meem.[1429] ——— [1429]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) By the clear Book,

(3) Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur’ān that you might understand.

(4) And indeed it is, in the Mother of the Book[1430] with Us, exalted and full of wisdom.[1431] ——— [1430]- i.e., the Preserved Slate (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ). [1431]- Also, "precise" or "specific."

(5) Then should We turn the message away, disregarding you, because you are a transgressing people?

(6) And how many a prophet We sent among the former peoples,

(7) But there would not come to them a prophet except that they used to ridicule him.

(8) And We destroyed greater than them[1432] in [striking] power, and the example of the former peoples has preceded. ——— [1432]- The disbelievers of the Quraysh, who denied Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(9) And if you should ask them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" they would surely say, "They were created by the Exalted in Might, the Knowing,"

(10) [The one] who has made for you the earth a bed and made for you upon it roads that you might be guided

(11) And who sends down rain from the sky in measured amounts, and We revive thereby a dead land - thus will you be brought forth -

(12) And who created the species, all of them, and has made for you of ships and animals those which you mount

(13) That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favor of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say, "Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it.[1433] ——— [1433]- Literally, "made it a companion" or "made it compatible."

(14) And indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return."

(15) But they have attributed to Him from His servants a portion.[1434] Indeed, man is clearly ungrateful. ——— [1434]- By claiming that He (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) has a son or daughters, as it is said that a child is part of his parent. This concept is totally incompatible with Allāh's unity and exclusiveness.

(16) Or has He taken, out of what He has created, daughters and chosen you for [having] sons?

(17) And when one of them is given good tidings of that which he attributes to the Most Merciful in comparison [i.e., a daughter], his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.

(18) So is one brought up in ornaments while being during conflict unevident[1435] [attributed to Allāh]? ——— [1435]- Not "obvious" or "distinct" in an argument. Or not "seen," i.e., absent from battles. The reference is to a daughter.

(19) And they described the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, as females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned.

(20) And they said, "If the Most Merciful had willed, we would not have worshipped them." They have of that no knowledge. They are not but misjudging.

(21) Or have We given them a book before it [i.e., the Qur’ān] to which they are adhering?

(22) Rather, they say, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided."

(23) And similarly, We did not send before you any warner into a city except that its affluent said, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are, in their footsteps, following."

(24) [Each warner] said, "Even if I brought you better guidance than that [religion] upon which you found your fathers?" They said, "Indeed we, in that with which you were sent, are disbelievers."

(25) So We took retribution from them; then see how was the end of the deniers.

(26) And [mention, O Muḥammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship

(27) Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me."

(28) And he made it[1436] a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it]. ——— [1436]- i.e., his testimony that none is worthy of worship except Allāh.

(29) However, I gave enjoyment to these [people of Makkah] and their fathers[1437] until there came to them the truth and a clear Messenger.[1438] ——— [1437]- The descendants of Abraham. [1438]- i.e., one who is obvious with a clear message, meaning Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(30) But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers."

(31) And they said, "Why was this Qur’ān not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?"[1439] ——— [1439]- Referring to Makkah and aṭ-Ṭā’if.

(32) Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may make use of one another for service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate.

(33) And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers],[1440] We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful - for their houses - ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to mount. ——— [1440]- Who assumed that Allāh's generosity to them was a sign of His approval or who would hasten to disbelief in order to obtain wealth.

(34) And for their houses - doors and couches [of silver] upon which to recline

(35) And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous.

(36) And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion.

(37) And indeed, they [i.e., the devils] avert them from the way [of guidance] while they think that they are [rightly] guided

(38) Until, when he comes to Us [at Judgement], he says [to his companion], "How I wish there was between me and you the distance between the east and west; and what a wretched companion."

(39) And never will it benefit you that Day, when you have wronged, that you are [all] sharing in the punishment.

(40) Then will you make the deaf hear, [O Muḥammad], or guide the blind or he who is in clear error?

(41) And whether [or not] We take you away [in death], indeed, We will take retribution upon them.

(42) Or whether [or not] We show you that which We have promised them, indeed, We are Perfect in Ability.

(43) So adhere to that which is revealed to you. Indeed, you are on a straight path.

(44) And indeed, it is a remembrance[1441] for you and your people, and you [all] are going to be questioned. ——— [1441]- i.e., an honor. Or "a reminder."

(45) And ask those We sent before you of Our messengers; have We made besides the Most Merciful deities to be worshipped?

(46) And certainly did We send Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, and he said, "Indeed, I am the messenger of the Lord of the worlds."

(47) But when he brought them Our signs, at once they laughed at them.

(48) And We showed them not a sign except that it was greater than its sister, and We seized them with affliction that perhaps they might return [to faith].

(49) And they said [to Moses], "O magician, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. Indeed, we will be guided."

(50) But when We removed from them the affliction, at once they broke their word.

(51) And Pharaoh called out among his people; he said, "O my people, does not the kingdom of Egypt belong to me, and these rivers flowing beneath me; then do you not see?

(52) Or am I [not] better than this one [i.e., Moses] who is insignificant and hardly makes himself clear?[1442] ——— [1442]- That was true previous to his appointment as a prophet, at which time Allāh corrected his speech impediment.

(53) Then why have there not been placed upon him bracelets of gold or come with him the angels in conjunction?"

(54) So he bluffed his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were [themselves] a people defiantly disobedient [of Allāh].

(55) And when they angered Us, We took retribution from them and drowned them all.

(56) And We made them a precedent and an example for the later peoples.

(57) And when the son of Mary was presented as an example,[1443] immediately your people laughed aloud. ——— [1443]- Of a creation of Allāh which is being worshipped along with Him.

(58) And they said, "Are our gods better, or is he?"[1444] They did not present it [i.e., the comparison] except for [mere] argument. But, [in fact], they are a people prone to dispute. ——— [1444]- Implying that they must all be the same.

(59) He [i.e., Jesus] was not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel.

(60) And if We willed, We could have made [instead] of you angels succeeding [one another][1445] on the earth. ——— [1445]- Or "succeeding [you]."

(61) And indeed, he [i.e., Jesus] will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me.[1446] This is a straight path. ——— [1446]- i.e., follow the guidance and instruction of Allāh.

(62) And never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

(63) And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, "I have come to you with wisdom [i.e., prophethood] and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allāh and obey me.

(64) Indeed, Allāh is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path."

(65) But the denominations from among them differed [and separated], so woe to those who have wronged from the punishment of a painful Day.

(66) Are they waiting except for the Hour to come upon them suddenly while they perceive not?

(67) Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous

(68) [To whom Allāh will say], "O My servants, no fear will there be concerning you this Day, nor will you grieve,

(69) [You] who believed in Our verses and were Muslims.

(70) Enter Paradise, you and your kinds,[1447] delighted." ——— [1447]- i.e., those like you. Another meaning may be "your spouses," i.e., the righteous among them.

(71) Circulated among them will be plates and vessels of gold. And therein is whatever the souls desire and [what] delights the eyes, and you will abide therein eternally.

(72) And that is Paradise which you are made to inherit for what you used to do.

(73) For you therein is much fruit[1448] from which you will eat. ——— [1448]- Meaning everything delicious.

(74) Indeed, the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally.

(75) It will not be allowed to subside for them, and they, therein, are in despair.

(76) And We did not wrong them, but it was they who were the wrongdoers.

(77) And they will call, "O Mālik,[1449] let your Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Indeed, you will remain." ——— [1449]- Addressing the keeper of Hell.

(78) We had certainly brought you the truth, but most of you, to the truth, were averse.

(79) Or have they devised [some] affair?[1450] But indeed, We are devising [a plan]. ——— [1450]- Conspiracy against the Prophet (ﷺ). The reference here is to the disbelievers of Makkah.

(80) Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private conversations? Yes, [We do], and Our messengers [i.e., angels] are with them recording.

(81) Say, [O Muḥammad], "If the Most Merciful had a son, then I would be the first of [his] worshippers."[1451] ——— [1451]- Only supposing it were so, which it is not.

(82) Exalted is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.

(83) So leave them to converse vainly and amuse themselves until they meet their Day which they are promised.

(84) And it is He [i.e., Allāh] who is [the only] deity in the heaven, and on the earth [the only] deity. And He is the Wise, the Knowing.

(85) And blessed is He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them and with whom is knowledge of the Hour and to whom you will be returned.

(86) And those they invoke[1452] besides Him do not possess [power of] intercession; but only those who testify to the truth [can benefit], and they know.[1453] ——— [1452]- i.e., worship. [1453]- That intercession is granted exclusively by permission of Allāh to those He wills.

(87) And if you asked them[1454] who created them, they would surely say, "Allāh." So how are they deluded? ——— [1454]- Those who associate others with Allāh.

(88) And [Allāh acknowledges] his saying,[1455] "O my Lord, indeed these are a people who do not believe." ——— [1455]- i.e., the complaint of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) about his people.

(89) So turn aside from them and say, "Peace."[1456] But they are going to know. ——— [1456]- Meaning safety or security, i.e., "I will not harm you." This was before permission was granted for armed struggle.

(1) Ḥā, Meem.[1458] ——— [1458]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) By the clear Book,

(3) Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night.[1459] Indeed, We were to warn [mankind]. ——— [1459]- The Night of Decree (Qadr). See Sūrah al-Qadr.

(4) Therein [i.e., on that night] is made distinct[1460] every precise matter - ——— [1460]- Or "is separated" or "apportioned," from what is inscribed in the Preserved Slate. The angels record and descend with whatever Allāh has decreed for the coming year.

(5) [Every] matter [proceeding] from Us. Indeed, We were to send [a messenger]

(6) As mercy from your Lord. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing,

(7) Lord of the heavens and the earth and that between them, if you would be certain.

(8) There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death. [He is] your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers.

(9) But they are in doubt, amusing themselves.

(10) Then watch for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke

(11) Covering the people; this is a painful torment.

(12) [They will say], "Our Lord, remove from us the torment; indeed, we are believers."

(13) How will there be for them a reminder [at that time]? And there had come to them a clear Messenger.

(14) Then they turned away from him and said, "[He was] taught [and is] a madman."

(15) Indeed, We will remove the torment for a little. Indeed, you [disbelievers] will return [to disbelief].

(16) The Day We will strike with the greatest assault, indeed, We will take retribution.

(17) And We had already tried before them the people of Pharaoh, and there came to them a noble messenger [i.e., Moses],

(18) [Saying], "Render to me the servants of Allāh.[1461] Indeed, I am to you a trustworthy messenger," ——— [1461]- i.e., the Children of Israel.

(19) And [saying], "Be not haughty with Allāh. Indeed, I have come to you with clear evidence.

(20) And indeed, I have sought refuge in my Lord and your Lord, lest you stone me.[1462] ——— [1462]- To death. Or "lest you assault me [with your tongues or harm me otherwise]."

(21) But if you do not believe me, then leave me alone."

(22) And [finally] he called to his Lord that these were a criminal people.

(23) [Allāh said], "Then set out with My servants by night. Indeed, you are to be pursued.

(24) And leave the sea in stillness.[1463] Indeed, they are an army to be drowned." ——— [1463]- After it has parted, in order that the soldiers of Pharaoh would follow the Children of Israel and be drowned.

(25) How much they left behind of gardens and springs

(26) And crops and noble sites

(27) And comfort wherein they were amused.

(28) Thus. And We caused to inherit it another people.

(29) And the heaven and earth wept not for them, nor were they reprieved.

(30) And We certainly saved the Children of Israel from the humiliating torment -

(31) From Pharaoh. Indeed, he was a haughty one among the transgressors.

(32) And We certainly chose them by knowledge over [all] the worlds.

(33) And We gave them of signs that in which there was a clear trial.

(34) Indeed, these [disbelievers] are saying,

(35) "There is not but our first death, and we will not be resurrected.

(36) Then bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful."

(37) Are they better or the people of Tubbaʿ[1464] and those before them? We destroyed them, [for] indeed, they were criminals. ——— [1464]- The tribe of Saba’.

(38) And We did not create the heavens and earth and that between them in play.

(39) We did not create them except in truth, but most of them do not know.

(40) Indeed, the Day of Judgement is the appointed time for them all -

(41) The Day when no relation[1465] will avail a relation at all, nor will they be helped - ——— [1465]- i.e., patron, protector or close associate.

(42) Except those [believers] on whom Allāh has mercy. Indeed, He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.

(43) Indeed, the tree of zaqqūm

(44) Is food for the sinful.

(45) Like murky oil, it boils within bellies

(46) Like the boiling of scalding water.

(47) [It will be commanded], "Seize him and drag him into the midst of the Hellfire,

(48) Then pour over his head from the torment of scalding water."

(49) [It will be said], "Taste! Indeed, you are the honored, the noble![1466] ——— [1466]- As he had claimed upon the earth. He is taunted with these words in Hell as a reminder and additional torment.

(50) Indeed, this is what you used to dispute."

(51) Indeed, the righteous will be in a secure place:

(52) Within gardens and springs,

(53) Wearing [garments of] fine silk and brocade, facing each other.

(54) Thus. And We will marry them to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes.

(55) They will call therein for every [kind of] fruit - safe and secure.

(56) They will not taste death therein except the first death, and He will have protected them from the punishment of Hellfire

(57) As bounty from your Lord. That is what is the great attainment.

(58) And indeed, We have eased it [i.e., the Qur’ān] in your tongue that they might be reminded.

(59) So watch, [O Muḥammad]; indeed, they are watching [for your end].

(1) Ḥā, Meem.[1468] ——— [1468]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) The revelation of the Book is from Allāh, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

(3) Indeed, within the heavens and earth are signs for the believers.

(4) And in the creation of yourselves and what He disperses of moving creatures are signs for people who are certain [in faith].

(5) And [in] the alternation of night and day and [in] what Allāh sends down from the sky of provision [i.e., rain] and gives life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and [in His] directing of the winds are signs for a people who reason.

(6) These are the verses of Allāh which We recite to you in truth. Then in what statement after Allāh and His verses will they believe?

(7) Woe to every sinful liar

(8) Who hears the verses of Allāh recited to him, then persists arrogantly as if he had not heard them. So give him tidings of a painful punishment.

(9) And when he knows anything of Our verses, he takes them in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment.

(10) Before them[1469] is Hell, and what they had earned will not avail them at all nor what they had taken besides Allāh as allies. And they will have a great punishment. ——— [1469]- See footnote to 14:16.

(11) This [Qur’ān] is guidance. And those who have disbelieved in the verses of their Lord will have a painful punishment of foul nature.

(12) It is Allāh who subjected to you the sea so that ships may sail upon it by His command and that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.

(13) And He has subjected to you whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth - all from Him. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.

(14) Say, [O Muḥammad], to those who have believed that they [should] forgive those who expect not the days of Allāh [i.e., of His retribution] so that He may recompense a people[1470] for what they used to earn. ——— [1470]- In the Hereafter, where those who forgive will be rewarded and those who earned evil will be punished. This was at the outset of daʿwah (invitation to Allāh) before permission for jihād.

(15) Whoever does a good deed - it is for himself; and whoever does evil - it is against it [i.e., the self or soul]. Then to your Lord you will be returned.

(16) And We did certainly give the Children of Israel the Scripture and judgement[1471] and prophethood, and We provided them with good things and preferred them over the worlds. ——— [1471]- Understanding of the law.

(17) And We gave them clear proofs of the matter [of religion]. And they did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. Indeed, your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning that over which they used to differ.

(18) Then We put you, [O Muḥammad], on an ordained way concerning the matter [of religion]; so follow it and do not follow the inclinations of those who do not know.

(19) Indeed, they will never avail you against Allāh at all. And indeed, the wrongdoers are allies of one another; but Allāh is the protector of the righteous.

(20) This [Qur’ān] is enlightenment for mankind and guidance and mercy for a people who are certain [in faith].

(21) Or do those who commit evils think We will make them like those who have believed and done righteous deeds - [make them] equal in their life and their death?[1472] Evil is that which they judge [i.e., assume]. ——— [1472]- Another meaning is "...[the evildoers being] equal in their life and their death," i.e., unresponsive to guidance.

(22) And Allāh created the heavens and earth in truth and so that every soul may be recompensed for what it has earned, and they will not be wronged.

(23) Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allāh has sent him astray due to knowledge[1473] and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allāh? Then will you not be reminded? ——— [1473]- This can refer to Allāh's knowledge of that person and of his preference for his own inclinations or to that person's knowledge of the truth while he refuses it.

(24) And they say, "There is not but our worldly life; we die and live,[1474] and nothing destroys us except time." And they have of that no knowledge; they are only assuming. ——— [1474]- i.e., some people die and others live, replacing them.

(25) And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, their argument is only that they say, "Bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful."

(26) Say, "Allāh causes you to live, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt, but most of the people do not know."

(27) And to Allāh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. And the Day the Hour appears - that Day the falsifiers will lose.

(28) And you will see every nation kneeling [from fear]. Every nation will be called to its record [and told], "Today you will be recompensed for what you used to do.

(29) This, Our record, speaks about you in truth. Indeed, We were having transcribed[1475] whatever you used to do." ——— [1475]- By recording angels.

(30) So as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them into His mercy. That is what is the clear attainment.

(31) But as for those who disbelieved, [it will be said], "Were not Our verses recited to you, but you were arrogant and became a criminal people?

(32) And when it was said, 'Indeed, the promise of Allāh is truth and the Hour [is coming] - no doubt about it,' you said, 'We know not what is the Hour. We assume only assumption, and we are not convinced.'"

(33) And the evil consequences of what they did will appear to them, and they will be enveloped by what they used to ridicule.

(34) And it will be said, "Today We will forget you as you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours, and your refuge is the Fire, and for you there are no helpers.

(35) That is because you took the verses of Allāh in ridicule, and worldly life deluded you." So that Day they will not be removed from it, nor will they be asked to appease [Allāh].

(36) Then, to Allāh belongs [all] praise - Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, Lord of the worlds.

(37) And to Him belongs [all] grandeur within the heavens and the earth, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

(1) Ḥā, Meem.[1477] ——— [1477]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) The revelation of the Book is from Allāh, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

(3) We did not create the heavens and earth and what is between them except in truth and [for] a specified term. But those who disbelieve, from that of which they are warned, are turning away.

(4) Say, [O Muḥammad], "Have you considered that which you invoke besides Allāh? Show me what they have created of the earth; or did they have partnership in [creation of] the heavens? Bring me a scripture [revealed] before this or a [remaining] trace of knowledge, if you should be truthful."

(5) And who is more astray than he who invokes besides Allāh those who will not respond to him until the Day of Resurrection [i.e., never], and they, of their invocation, are unaware.

(6) And when the people are gathered [that Day], they [who were invoked] will be enemies to them, and they will be deniers of their worship.

(7) And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who disbelieve say of the truth when it has come to them, "This is obvious magic."

(8) Or do they say, "He has invented it"? Say, "If I have invented it, you will not possess for me [the power of protection] from Allāh at all. He is most knowing of that in which you are involved.[1478] Sufficient is He as Witness between me and you, and He is the Forgiving, the Merciful." ——— [1478]- Of false implications and suggestions.

(9) Say, "I am not something new among the messengers,[1479] nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner." ——— [1479]- i.e., I am neither the first messenger to be sent, nor do I bring something different from the other messengers.

(10) Say, "Have you considered: if it [i.e., the Qur’ān] was from Allāh, and you disbelieved in it while a witness from the Children of Israel has testified to something similar[1480] and believed while you were arrogant...?"[1481] Indeed, Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people. ——— [1480]- Based upon information from the Torah. [1481]- The conclusion is estimated to be "...would you not then be the most unjust of people?" or "...in what condition would you then be?"

(11) And those who disbelieve say of those who believe, "If it had [truly] been good, they would not have preceded us to it." And when they are not guided by it, they will say, "This is an ancient falsehood."

(12) And before it was the scripture of Moses to lead and as a mercy. And this is a confirming Book in an Arabic tongue to warn those who have wronged and as good tidings to the doers of good.

(13) Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allāh," and then remained on a right course - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

(14) Those are the companions of Paradise, abiding eternally therein as reward for what they used to do.

(15) And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, "My Lord, enable me[1482] to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims." ——— [1482]- Literally, "gather within me the utmost strength and ability."

(16) Those are the ones from whom We will accept the best of what they did and overlook their misdeeds, [their being] among the companions of Paradise. [That is] the promise of truth which they had been promised.

(17) But one who says to his parents, "Uff[1483] to you; do you promise me that I will be brought forth [from the earth] when generations before me have already passed on [into oblivion]?" while they call to Allāh for help [and to their son], "Woe to you! Believe! Indeed, the promise of Allāh is truth." But he says, "This is not but legends of the former peoples" - ——— [1483]- An expression of distaste and irritation.

(18) Those are the ones upon whom the word [i.e., decree] has come into effect, [who will be] among nations which had passed on before them of jinn and men. Indeed, they [all] were losers.

(19) And for all there are degrees [of reward and punishment] for what they have done, and [it is] so that He may fully compensate them for their deeds, and they will not be wronged.

(20) And the Day those who disbelieved are exposed to the Fire [it will be said], "You exhausted your pleasures during your worldly life and enjoyed them, so this Day you will be awarded the punishment of [extreme] humiliation because you were arrogant upon the earth without right and because you were defiantly disobedient."

(21) And mention, [O Muḥammad], the brother of ʿAad,[1484] when he warned his people in [the region of] al-Aḥqāf - and warners had already passed on before him and after him - [saying], "Do not worship except Allāh. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a terrible day."[1485] ——— [1484]- i.e., the prophet Hūd. [1485]- Upon the earth. It could also refer to "a tremendous Day," i.e., that of resurrection.

(22) They said, "Have you come to delude us away from our gods? Then bring us what you promise us, if you should be of the truthful."

(23) He said, "Knowledge [of its time] is only with Allāh, and I convey to you that with which I was sent; but I see you [to be] a people behaving ignorantly."

(24) And when they saw it as a cloud approaching their valleys, they said, "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Rather, it is that for which you were impatient:[1486] a wind, within it a painful punishment, ——— [1486]- When you challenged your prophet. See verse 22 of this sūrah.

(25) Destroying everything by command of its Lord. And they became so that nothing was seen [of them] except their dwellings. Thus do We recompense the criminal people.

(26) And We had certainly established them in such as We have not established you, and We made for them hearing and vision and hearts [i.e., intellect]. But their hearing and vision and hearts availed them not from anything [of the punishment] when they were [continually] rejecting the signs of Allāh; and they were enveloped by what they used to ridicule.

(27) And We have already destroyed what surrounds you of [those] cities, and We have diversified the signs [or verses] that perhaps they might return [from disbelief].

(28) Then why did those they took besides Allāh as deities by which to approach [Him][1487] not aid them? But they had strayed [i.e., departed] from them. And that was their falsehood and what they were inventing. ——— [1487]- According to their claim.

(29) And [mention, O Muḥammad], when We directed to you a few of the jinn, listening to the Qur’ān. And when they attended it, they said, "Listen attentively." And when it was concluded, they went back to their people as warners.

(30) They said, "O our people, indeed we have heard a [recited] Book revealed after Moses confirming what was before it which guides to the truth and to a straight path.

(31) O our people, respond to the Caller [i.e., Messenger] of Allāh[1488] and believe in him; He [i.e., Allāh] will forgive for you your sins and protect you from a painful punishment. ——— [1488]- Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(32) But he who does not respond to the Caller of Allāh will not cause failure [to Him] upon earth, and he will not have besides Him any protectors. Those are in manifest error."

(33) Do they not see that Allāh, who created the heavens and earth and did not fail in their creation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes. Indeed, He is over all things competent.

(34) And the Day those who disbelieved are exposed to the Fire [it will be said], "Is this not the truth?" They will say, "Yes, by our Lord." He will say, "Then taste the punishment for what you used to deny."[1489] ——— [1489]- Or "because you used to disbelieve."

(35) So be patient, [O Muḥammad], as were those of determination among the messengers and do not be impatient for them.[1490] It will be - on the Day they see that which they are promised - as though they had not remained [in the world] except an hour of a day. [This is] notification. And will [any] be destroyed except the defiantly disobedient people? ——— [1490]- i.e., for Allāh's punishment of the disbelievers.

(1) Those who disbelieve and avert [people] from the way of Allāh - He will waste their deeds.[1492] ——— [1492]- i.e., cause them to be lost or make them worthless, earning no reward.

(2) And those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down upon Muḥammad - and it is the truth from their Lord - He will remove from them their misdeeds and amend their condition.

(3) That is because those who disbelieve follow falsehood, and those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. Thus does Allāh present to the people their comparisons.[1493] ——— [1493]- So that they may know the results of their choice.

(4) So when you meet those who disbelieve [in battle], strike [their] necks until, when you have inflicted slaughter upon them, then secure [their] bonds,[1494] and either [confer] favor[1495] afterwards or ransom [them] until the war lays down its burdens.[1496] That [is the command]. And if Allāh had willed, He could have taken vengeance upon them [Himself], but [He ordered armed struggle] to test some of you by means of others. And those who are killed in the cause of Allāh - never will He waste their deeds. ——— [1494]- i.e., take those remaining as captives. [1495]- i.e., release them without ransom. [1496]- i.e., its armor, machinery, etc., meaning "until the war is over."

(5) He will guide them and amend their condition

(6) And admit them to Paradise, which He has made known to them.

(7) O you who have believed, if you support Allāh, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.

(8) But those who disbelieve - for them is misery, and He will waste their deeds.

(9) That is because they disliked what Allāh revealed, so He rendered worthless their deeds.

(10) Have they not traveled through the land and seen how was the end of those before them? Allāh destroyed [everything] over them,[1497] and for the disbelievers is something comparable. ——— [1497]- i.e., destroyed them and all they owned.

(11) That is because Allāh is the protector of those who have believed and because the disbelievers have no protector.

(12) Indeed, Allāh will admit those who have believed and done righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, but those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as grazing livestock eat, and the Fire will be a residence for them.

(13) And how many a city was stronger than your city [i.e., Makkah] which drove you out? We destroyed them; and there was no helper for them.

(14) So is he who is on clear evidence from his Lord like him to whom the evil of his work has been made attractive and they follow their [own] desires?

(15) Is the description of Paradise, which the righteous are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered,[1498] rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord... [Are its inhabitants] like those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines? ——— [1498]- In taste or smell, neither stagnant nor polluted.

(16) And among them, [O Muḥammad], are those who listen to you, until when they depart from you, they say to those who were given knowledge,[1499] "What has he said just now?" Those are the ones of whom Allāh has sealed over their hearts and who have followed their [own] desires. ——— [1499]- From among the Prophet's companions.

(17) And those who are guided - He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness.[1500] ——— [1500]- Taqwā, meaning piety, consciousness and fear of Allāh, and care to avoid His displeasure.

(18) Then do they await except that the Hour should come upon them unexpectedly? But already there have come [some of] its indications. Then how [i.e., what good] to them, when it has come, will be their remembrance?

(19) So know, [O Muḥammad], that there is no deity except Allāh and ask forgiveness for your sin[1501] and for the believing men and believing women. And Allāh knows of your movement and your resting place. ——— [1501]- See footnote to 40:55.

(20) Those who believe say, "Why has a sūrah[1502] not been sent down?" But when a precise sūrah is revealed and battle is mentioned therein, you see those in whose hearts is disease [i.e., hypocrisy] looking at you with a look of one overcome by death. And more appropriate for them[1503] [would have been] ——— [1502]- i.e., one in which permission is given the believers to fight their enemies. [1503]- The words "awlā lahum" can also be interpreted as "woe to them!" In that case, the following verse would begin, "[Better for them would have been] obedience and good words."

(21) Obedience and good words. And when the matter [of fighting] was determined, if they had been true to Allāh, it would have been better for them.

(22) So would you perhaps, if you turned away,[1504] cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship? ——— [1504]- From Islām or from jihād (struggling in the cause of Allāh).

(23) Those [who do so] are the ones that Allāh has cursed, so He deafened them and blinded their vision.

(24) Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’ān, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?

(25) Indeed, those who reverted back [to disbelief] after guidance had become clear to them - Satan enticed them and prolonged hope for them.

(26) That is because they said to those who disliked what Allāh sent down,[1505] "We will obey you in part of the matter." And Allāh knows what they conceal. ——— [1505]- i.e., the Jews of Madīnah.

(27) Then how [will it be] when the angels take them in death, striking their faces and their backs?

(28) That is because they followed what angered Allāh and disliked [what earns] His pleasure, so He rendered worthless their deeds.

(29) Or do those in whose hearts is disease think that Allāh would never expose their [feelings of] hatred?

(30) And if We willed, We could show them to you, and you would know them by their mark; but you will surely know them by the tone of [their] speech. And Allāh knows your deeds.

(31) And We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you [for the cause of Allāh] and the patient, and We will test your affairs.

(32) Indeed, those who disbelieved and averted [people] from the path of Allāh and opposed the Messenger after guidance had become clear to them - never will they harm Allāh at all, and He will render worthless their deeds.

(33) O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deeds.

(34) Indeed, those who disbelieved and averted [people] from the path of Allāh and then died while they were disbelievers - never will Allāh forgive them.

(35) So do not weaken and call for peace while you are superior; and Allāh is with you and will never deprive you of [the reward of] your deeds.

(36) [This] worldly life is only amusement and diversion. And if you believe and fear Allāh, He will give you your rewards and not ask you for your properties.

(37) If He should ask you for them and press you, you would withhold, and He would expose your hatred [i.e., unwillingness].

(38) Here you are - those invited to spend in the cause of Allāh - but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allāh is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away [i.e., refuse], He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you.

(1) Indeed, We have given you, [O Muḥammad], a clear conquest[1507] ——— [1507]- Ibn Masʿūd said, "You [people] consider the conquest to be that of Makkah, but we consider it to be the Treaty of al-Ḥudaybiyyah." Al-Bukhārī reported a similar quotation from al-Barā’ bin ʿĀzib. Although initially regarded by the companions as a setback, the treaty, in effect, served to promote the spread of Islām, which led to the conquest of Makkah two years later.

(2) That Allāh may forgive for you what preceded of your sin [i.e., errors] and what will follow and complete His favor upon you and guide you to a straight path

(3) And [that] Allāh may aid you with a mighty victory.

(4) It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers that they would increase in faith along with their [present] faith. And to Allāh belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth, and ever is Allāh Knowing and Wise.

(5) [And] that He may admit the believing men and the believing women to gardens beneath which rivers flow to abide therein eternally and remove from them their misdeeds - and ever is that, in the sight of Allāh, a great attainment –

(6) And [that] He may punish the hypocrite men and hypocrite women, and the polytheist men and polytheist women - those who assume about Allāh an assumption of evil nature. Upon them is a misfortune of evil nature; and Allāh has become angry with them and has cursed them and prepared for them Hell, and evil it is as a destination.

(7) And to Allāh belong the soldiers of the heavens and the earth. And ever is Allāh Exalted in Might and Wise.

(8) Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner

(9) That you [people] may believe in Allāh and His Messenger and honor him and respect him [i.e., the Prophet (ﷺ)] and exalt Him [i.e., Allāh] morning and afternoon.

(10) Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, [O Muḥammad] - they are actually pledging allegiance to Allāh. The hand[1508] of Allāh is over their hands.[1509] So he who breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself. And he who fulfills that which he has promised Allāh - He will give him a great reward. ——— [1508]- See footnote to 2:19. [1509]- Meaning that He (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) accepted their pledge.

(11) Those who remained behind[1510] of the bedouins will say to you, "Our properties and our families occupied us, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not within their hearts. Say, "Then who could prevent Allāh at all if He intended for you harm or intended for you benefit? Rather, ever is Allāh, of what you do, Aware. ——— [1510]- See footnote to 9:81.

(12) But you thought that the Messenger and the believers would never return to their families, ever, and that was made pleasing in your hearts. And you assumed an assumption of evil and became a people ruined."

(13) And whoever has not believed in Allāh and His Messenger - then indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers a Blaze.

(14) And to Allāh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And ever is Allāh Forgiving and Merciful.

(15) Those who remained[1511] behind will say when you set out toward the war booty to take it, "Let us follow you." They wish to change the words of Allāh. Say, "Never will you follow us. Thus did Allāh say before." So they will say, "Rather, you envy us." But [in fact] they were not understanding except a little.[1512] ——— [1511]- See footnote to 9:81. [1512]- i.e., they only understood the material aspects of life.

(16) Say to those who remained behind of the bedouins, "You will be called to [face] a people of great military might; you may fight them, or they will submit.[1513] So if you obey, Allāh will give you a good reward; but if you turn away as you turned away before, He will punish you with a painful punishment." ——— [1513]- To Allāh in Islām.

(17) There is not upon the blind any guilt or upon the lame any guilt or upon the ill any guilt [for remaining behind]. And whoever obeys Allāh and His Messenger - He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow; but whoever turns away - He will punish him with a painful punishment.

(18) Certainly was Allāh pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, [O Muḥammad], under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquility upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest[1514] ——— [1514]- That of Khaybar, which preceded the conquest of Makkah.

(19) And much war booty which they will take. And ever is Allāh Exalted in Might and Wise.

(20) Allāh has promised you much booty that you will take [in the future] and has hastened for you this [victory] and withheld the hands of people from you - that it may be a sign for the believers and [that] He may guide you to a straight path.

(21) And [He promises] other [victories] that you were [so far] unable to [realize] which Allāh has already encompassed.[1515] And ever is Allāh, over all things, competent. ——— [1515]- i.e., prepared for you or decreed.

(22) And if those [Makkans] who disbelieve had fought you, they would have turned their backs [in flight]. Then they would not find a protector or a helper.

(23) [This is] the established way of Allāh which has occurred before. And never will you find in the way of Allāh any change.

(24) And it is He who withheld their hands from you and your hands from them within [the area of] Makkah after He caused you to overcome them. And ever is Allāh, of what you do, Seeing.

(25) They are the ones who disbelieved and obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Ḥarām while the offering[1516] was prevented from reaching its place of sacrifice. And if not for believing men and believing women whom you did not know - that you might trample [i.e., kill] them and there would befall you because of them dishonor without [your] knowledge - [you would have been permitted to enter Makkah]. [This was so] that Allāh might admit to His mercy whom He willed. If they had been apart [from them], We would have punished those who disbelieved among them with painful punishment ——— [1516]- i.e., seventy camels intended for sacrifice and feeding of the poor.

(26) When those who disbelieved had put into their hearts chauvinism - the chauvinism of the time of ignorance. But Allāh sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers and imposed upon them the word of righteousness, and they were more deserving of it and worthy of it. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.

(27) Certainly has Allāh showed to His Messenger the vision [i.e., dream] in truth. You will surely enter al-Masjid al-Ḥarām, if Allāh wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and [hair] shortened,[1517] not fearing [anyone]. He knew what you did not know and has arranged before that a conquest near [at hand]. ——— [1517]- i.e., having completed the rites of ʿumrah.

(28) It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion. And sufficient is Allāh as Witness.

(29) Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allāh and [His] pleasure. Their sign is in their faces from the effect of prostration [i.e., prayer]. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that He [i.e., Allāh] may enrage by them[1518] the disbelievers. Allāh has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward. ——— [1518]- The given examples depict the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions.

(1) O you who have believed, do not put [yourselves] before Allāh and His Messenger[1520] but fear Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Knowing. ——— [1520]- Rather, wait for instruction and follow the way of the Prophet (ﷺ).

(2) O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet or be loud to him in speech like the loudness of some of you to others, lest your deeds become worthless while you perceive not.

(3) Indeed, those who lower their voices before the Messenger of Allāh - they are the ones whose hearts Allāh has tested for righteousness. For them is forgiveness and great reward.

(4) Indeed, those who call you, [O Muḥammad], from behind the chambers - most of them do not use reason.

(5) And if they had been patient until you [could] come out to them, it would have been better for them. But Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(6) O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.

(7) And know that among you is the Messenger of Allāh. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allāh has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.

(8) [It is] as bounty from Allāh and favor. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise.

(9) And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allāh. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.

(10) The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allāh that you may receive mercy.

(11) O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name [i.e., mention] of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

(12) O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allāh; indeed, Allāh is Accepting of Repentance and Merciful.

(13) O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allāh is the most righteous[1521] of you. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Aware. ——— [1521]- Literally, "he who has the most taqwā," i.e., consciousness and fear of Allāh, piety and righteousness.

(14) The bedouins say, "We have believed." Say, "You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allāh and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds[1522] of anything. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful." ——— [1522]- i.e., the reward thereof.

(15) The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allāh and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allāh. It is those who are the truthful.

(16) Say, "Would you acquaint Allāh with your religion while Allāh knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and Allāh is Knowing of all things?"

(17) They consider it a favor to you that they have accepted Islām. Say, "Do not consider your Islām a favor to me. Rather, Allāh has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful."

(18) Indeed, Allāh knows the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth. And Allāh is Seeing of what you do.

(1) Qāf.[1524] By the honored Qur’ān...[1525] ——— [1524]- See footnote to 2:1. [1525]- See footnote to 38:1.

(2) But they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves, and the disbelievers say, "This is an amazing thing.

(3) When we have died and have become dust, [we will return to life]? That is a distant [i.e., unlikely] return."

(4) We know what the earth diminishes [i.e., consumes] of them, and with Us is a retaining record.

(5) But they denied the truth when it came to them, so they are in a confused condition.

(6) Have they not looked at the heaven above them - how We structured it and adorned it and [how] it has no rifts?

(7) And the earth - We spread it out and cast therein firmly set mountains and made grow therein [something] of every beautiful kind,

(8) Giving insight and a reminder for every servant who turns [to Allāh].

(9) And We have sent down blessed rain from the sky and made grow thereby gardens and grain from the harvest

(10) And lofty palm trees having fruit arranged in layers -

(11) As provision for the servants, and We have given life thereby to a dead land. Thus is the emergence [i.e., resurrection].

(12) The people of Noah denied before them,[1526] and the companions of the well[1527] and Thamūd ——— [1526]- i.e., before the disbelievers of Makkah. [1527]- See footnote to 25:38.

(13) And ʿAad and Pharaoh and the brothers [i.e., people] of Lot

(14) And the companions of the thicket and the people of Tubbaʿ. All denied the messengers, so My threat was justly fulfilled.

(15) Did We fail in the first creation? But they are in confusion over a new creation.

(16) And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer[1528] to him than [his] jugular vein. ——— [1528]- In absolute knowledge of everything about him. "We" has also been interpreted to mean the angels who are mentioned in the following verse.

(17) When the two receivers [i.e., recording angels] receive,[1529] seated on the right and on the left. ——— [1529]- And record each word and deed.

(18) He [i.e., man] utters no word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].

(19) And the intoxication of death will bring the truth; that is what you were trying to avoid.

(20) And the Horn will be blown. That is the Day of [carrying out] the threat.

(21) And every soul will come, with it a driver and a witness.[1530] ——— [1530]- i.e., one angel driving the soul to the Judgement and one to testify as to its deeds.

(22) [It will be said], "You were certainly in unmindfulness of this, and We have removed from you your cover,[1531] so your sight, this Day, is sharp." ——— [1531]- Of heedlessness, or that which had sealed your hearing, your vision and your heart from guidance.

(23) And his companion, [the angel], will say, "This [record] is what is with me, prepared."

(24) [Allāh will say], "Throw into Hell every obstinate disbeliever,

(25) Preventer of good, aggressor, and doubter,

(26) Who made [as equal] with Allāh another deity; then throw him into the severe punishment."

(27) His [devil] companion will say, "Our Lord, I did not make him transgress, but he [himself] was in extreme error."

(28) [Allāh] will say, "Do not dispute before Me, while I had already presented to you the threat [i.e., warning].

(29) The word [i.e., decree] will not be changed with Me, and never will I be unjust to the servants."

(30) On the Day We will say to Hell, "Have you been filled?" and it will say, "Are there some more,"

(31) And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far,

(32) [It will be said], "This is what you were promised - for every returner [to Allāh] and keeper [of His covenant].

(33) Who feared the Most Merciful in the unseen and came with a heart returning [in repentance].

(34) Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity."

(35) They will have whatever they wish therein, and with Us is more.

(36) And how many a generation before them did We destroy who were greater than them in [striking] power and had explored throughout the lands. Is there any place of escape?

(37) Indeed in that is a reminder for whoever has a heart or who listens while he is present [in mind].

(38) And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days, and there touched Us no weariness.

(39) So be patient, [O Muḥammad], over what they say and exalt [Allāh] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting,

(40) And [in part] of the night exalt Him and after prostration [i.e., prayer].

(41) And listen on the Day when the Caller[1532] will call out from a place that is near - ——— [1532]- An angel who will call out Allāh's command for the Resurrection.

(42) The Day they will hear the blast [of the Horn] in truth. That is the Day of Emergence [from the graves].

(43) Indeed, it is We who give life and cause death, and to Us is the destination

(44) On the Day the earth breaks away from them [and they emerge] rapidly; that is a gathering easy for Us.

(45) We are most knowing of what they say, and you are not over them a tyrant.[1533] But remind by the Qur’ān whoever fears My threat. ——— [1533]- Forcing people to belief or submission.

(1) By the [winds] scattering [dust], dispersing [it]

(2) And the [clouds] carrying a load [of water]

(3) And the ships sailing with ease

(4) And the [angels] apportioning [each] matter,

(5) Indeed, what you are promised is true.

(6) And indeed, the recompense is to occur.

(7) By the heaven containing pathways,[1535] ——— [1535]- Explained as tracks, layers or orbits.

(8) Indeed, you are in differing speech.[1536] ——— [1536]- About Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) and the Qur’ān.

(9) Deluded away from it [i.e., the Qur’ān] is he who is deluded.

(10) Destroyed are the misinformers[1537] ——— [1537]- Or "May they be destroyed" or "cursed."

(11) Who are within a flood [of confusion] and heedless.

(12) They ask, "When is the Day of Recompense?"

(13) [It is] the Day they will be tormented over the Fire

(14) [And will be told], "Taste your torment. This is that for which you were impatient."

(15) Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs,

(16) Accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good.

(17) They used to sleep but little of the night,[1538] ——— [1538]- i.e., spending a portion of the night in prayer and supplication.

(18) And in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness,

(19) And from their properties was [given] the right of the [needy] petitioner and the deprived.

(20) And on the earth are signs for the certain [in faith]

(21) And in yourselves. Then will you not see?

(22) And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are promised.

(23) Then by the Lord of the heaven and earth, indeed, it is truth - just as [sure as] it is that you are speaking.

(24) Has there reached you the story of the honored guests of Abraham?[1539] - ——— [1539]- Who were angels given honored positions by Allāh.

(25) When they entered upon him and said, "[We greet you with] peace." He answered, "[And upon you] peace; [you are] a people unknown."

(26) Then he went to his family and came with a fat [roasted] calf.

(27) And placed it near them; he said, "Will you not eat?"

(28) And he felt from them apprehension.[1540] They said, "Fear not," and gave him good tidings of a learned boy. ——— [1540]- See footnote to 11:70.

(29) And his wife approached with a cry [of alarm] and struck her face and said, "[I am] a barren old woman!"

(30) They said, "Thus has said your Lord; indeed, He is the Wise, the Knowing."

(31) [Abraham] said, "Then what is your business [here], O messengers?"

(32) They said, "Indeed, we have been sent to a people of criminals[1541] ——— [1541]- i.e., those who defied Lot (upon him be peace).

(33) To send down upon them stones of clay,

(34) Marked in the presence of your Lord for the transgressors."

(35) So We brought out whoever was in them [i.e., the cities] of the believers.

(36) And We found not within them other than a [single] house of Muslims.[1542] ——— [1542]- i.e., Lot and his family, excepting his wife.

(37) And We left therein a sign for those who fear the painful punishment.

(38) And in Moses [was a sign], when We sent him to Pharaoh with clear authority.[1543] ——— [1543]- i.e., evidences.

(39) But he turned away with his supporters and said, "A magician or a madman."

(40) So We took him and his soldiers and cast them into the sea, and he was blameworthy.

(41) And in ʿAad [was a sign], when We sent against them the barren wind.[1544] ——— [1544]- Barren of any benefit, i.e., evil.

(42) It left nothing of what it came upon but that it made it like disintegrated ruins.

(43) And in Thamūd, when it was said to them, "Enjoy yourselves for a time."

(44) But they were insolent toward the command of their Lord, so the thunderbolt seized them while they were looking on.

(45) And they were unable to arise, nor could they defend themselves.

(46) And [We destroyed] the people of Noah before; indeed, they were a people defiantly disobedient.

(47) And the heaven We constructed with strength,[1545] and indeed, We are [its] expander. ——— [1545]- Literally, "hands."

(48) And the earth We have spread out, and excellent is the preparer.

(49) And of all things We created two mates [i.e., counterparts]; perhaps you will remember.

(50) So flee to Allāh.[1546] Indeed, I am to you from Him a clear warner. ——— [1546]- i.e., turn to Allāh and take refuge in Him from disbelief and sin, thereby escaping His punishment.

(51) And do not make [as equal] with Allāh another deity. Indeed, I am to you from Him a clear warner.

(52) Similarly, there came not to those before them any messenger except that they said, "A magician or a madman."

(53) Did they suggest it to them?[1547] Rather, they [themselves] are a transgressing people. ——— [1547]- i.e., Did the former disbelievers pass on these words to the Makkans so that they repeat the same expressions?

(54) So leave them, [O Muḥammad], for you are not to be blamed.

(55) And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.

(56) And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.

(57) I do not want from them any provision, nor do I want them to feed Me.

(58) Indeed, it is Allāh who is the [continual] Provider,[1548] the firm possessor of strength. ——— [1548]- Providing everything required by His creations during their decreed existence. His provision includes guidance.

(59) And indeed, for those who have wronged is a portion [of punishment] like the portion of their companions [i.e., predecessors], so let them not impatiently urge Me.

(60) And woe to those who have disbelieved from their Day which they are promised.

(1) By the mount

(2) And [by] a Book inscribed[1550] ——— [1550]- Interpreted as the Preserved Slate or possibly the Qur’ān.

(3) In parchment spread open

(4) And [by] the frequented House[1551] ——— [1551]- The house of worship for the angels in the seventh heaven, comparable to the Kaʿbah on earth.

(5) And [by] the ceiling [i.e., heaven] raised high

(6) And [by] the sea set on fire,[1552] ——— [1552]- On the Day of Resurrection. Or "the sea which has overflowed."

(7) Indeed, the punishment of your Lord will occur.

(8) Of it there is no preventer.

(9) On the Day the heaven will sway with circular motion

(10) And the mountains will pass on, departing[1553] - ——— [1553]- Becoming dust and moving as clouds.

(11) Then woe, that Day, to the deniers,

(12) Who are in [empty] discourse amusing themselves.

(13) The Day they are thrust toward the fire of Hell with a [violent] thrust, [its angels will say],

(14) "This is the Fire which you used to deny.

(15) Then is this magic, or do you not see?

(16) [Enter to] burn therein; then be patient or impatient - it is all the same for you. You are only being recompensed [for] what you used to do."

(17) Indeed, the righteous will be in gardens and pleasure,

(18) Enjoying what their Lord has given them, and their Lord protected them from the punishment of Hellfire.

(19) [They will be told], "Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you used to do."

(20) They will be reclining on thrones lined up, and We will marry them to fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes.

(21) And those who believed and whose descendants followed them in faith - We will join with them their descendants, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds.[1554] Every person, for what he earned, is retained.[1555] ——— [1554]- i.e., the reward thereof. [1555]- i.e., subject or held responsible. Literally, "a hostage."

(22) And We will provide them with fruit and meat from whatever they desire.

(23) They will exchange with one another a cup [of wine] wherein [results] no ill speech or commission of sin.

(24) There will circulate among them [servant] boys [especially] for them, as if they were pearls well-protected.

(25) And they will approach one another, inquiring of each other.

(26) They will say, "Indeed, we were previously among our people fearful [of displeasing Allāh].

(27) So Allāh conferred favor upon us and protected us from the punishment of the Scorching Fire.

(28) Indeed, we used to supplicate[1556] Him before. Indeed, it is He who is the Beneficent, the Merciful." ——— [1556]- i.e., worship.

(29) So remind, [O Muḥammad], for you are not, by the favor of your Lord, a soothsayer or a madman.

(30) Or do they say [of you], "A poet for whom we await a misfortune of time"?[1557] ——— [1557]- i.e., some accident or inevitable death.

(31) Say, "Wait, for indeed I am, with you, among the waiters."

(32) Or do their minds[1558] command them to [say] this, or are they a transgressing people? ——— [1558]- In this expression is also a subtle allusion to the leaders of the Quraysh, who considered themselves to be great minds.

(33) Or do they say, "He has made it up"? Rather, they do not believe.

(34) Then let them produce a statement like it, if they should be truthful.

(35) Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]?

(36) Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Rather, they are not certain.

(37) Or have they the depositories [containing the provision] of your Lord? Or are they the controllers [of them]?

(38) Or have they a stairway [into the heaven] upon which they listen? Then let their listener produce a clear authority [i.e., proof].

(39) Or has He daughters while you have sons?

(40) Or do you, [O Muḥammad], ask of them a payment, so they are by debt burdened down?

(41) Or have they [knowledge of] the unseen, so they write [it] down?

(42) Or do they intend a plan? But those who disbelieve - they are the object of a plan.

(43) Or have they a deity other than Allāh? Exalted is Allāh above whatever they associate with Him.

(44) And if they were to see a fragment from the sky falling,[1559] they would say, "[It is merely] clouds heaped up." ——— [1559]- Marking the onset of Allāh's punishment, as they had requested.

(45) So leave them until they meet their Day in which they will be struck insensible -

(46) The Day their plan will not avail them at all, nor will they be helped.

(47) And indeed, for those who have wronged is a punishment[1560] before that, but most of them do not know. ——— [1560]- If not in this world, in the grave.

(48) And be patient, [O Muḥammad], for the decision of your Lord, for indeed, you are in Our eyes [i.e., sight]. And exalt [Allāh] with praise of your Lord when you arise

(49) And in a part of the night exalt Him and after [the setting of] the stars.

(1) By the star when it descends,

(2) Your companion [i.e., Muḥammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred,

(3) Nor does he speak from [his own] inclination.

(4) It is not but a revelation revealed,

(5) Taught to him by one intense in strength [i.e., Gabriel] -

(6) One of soundness.[1562] And he rose to [his] true form[1563] ——— [1562]- i.e., strength of body and of mind. [1563]- Gabriel appeared to Muḥammad (ﷺ) at the outset of his prophethood in the angelic form in which Allāh originally created him.

(7) While he was in the higher [part of the] horizon.[1564] ——— [1564]- i.e., in the sky, above the eastern horizon.

(8) Then he approached and descended

(9) And was at a distance of two bow lengths or nearer.

(10) And he revealed to His Servant[1565] what he revealed [i.e., conveyed]. ——— [1565]- i.e., to the Servant of Allāh, Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(11) The heart[1566] did not lie [about] what it saw. ——— [1566]- i.e., mind or perception (of the Prophet [ﷺ]).

(12) So will you dispute with him over what he saw?

(13) And he certainly saw him in another descent[1567] ——— [1567]- i.e., on another occasion. During his ascent into the heavens (al-Miʿrāj), the Prophet (ﷺ) also saw Gabriel in his true form.

(14) At the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary -

(15) Near it is the Garden of Refuge [i.e., Paradise] -

(16) When there covered the Lote Tree that which covered [it].[1568] ——— [1568]- Then and there he (ﷺ) saw Gabriel in angelic form.

(17) The sight [of the Prophet (ﷺ)] did not swerve, nor did it transgress [its limit].

(18) He certainly saw of the greatest signs of his Lord.

(19) So have you considered al-Lāt and al-ʿUzzā?

(20) And Manāt, the third - the other one?[1569] ——— [1569]- The three names given in this and the previous verse are those of well-known "goddesses" which were worshipped by the pagan Arabs before the spread of Islām.

(21) Is the male for you and for Him the female?

(22) That, then, is an unjust division.[1570] ——— [1570]- According to their own standards.

(23) They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allāh has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance.

(24) Or is there for man whatever he wishes?

(25) Rather, to Allāh belongs the Hereafter and the first [life].

(26) And how many angels there are in the heavens whose intercession will not avail at all except [only] after Allāh has permitted [it] to whom He wills and approves.

(27) Indeed, those who do not believe in the Hereafter name the angels female names,

(28) And they have thereof no knowledge. They follow not except assumption, and indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all.

(29) So turn away from whoever turns his back on Our message and desires not except the worldly life.

(30) That is their sum of knowledge. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who strays from His way, and He is most knowing of who is guided.

(31) And to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth - that He may recompense those who do evil with [the penalty of] what they have done and recompense those who do good with the best [reward] -

(32) Those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, only [committing] slight ones. Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness. He was most knowing of you when He produced you from the earth and when you were fetuses in the wombs of your mothers. So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.

(33) Have you seen the one who turned away

(34) And gave a little and [then] refrained?

(35) Does he have knowledge of the unseen, so he sees?[1571] ——— [1571]- Knows that his provision will be exhausted if he spends on the poor, while Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) has promised otherwise.

(36) Or has he not been informed of what was in the scriptures of Moses

(37) And [of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations] -

(38) That no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another

(39) And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives

(40) And that his effort is going to be seen -

(41) Then he will be recompensed for it with the fullest recompense -

(42) And that to your Lord is the finality

(43) And that it is He who makes [one] laugh and weep

(44) And that it is He who causes death and gives life

(45) And that He creates the two mates - the male and female -

(46) From a sperm-drop when it is emitted

(47) And that [incumbent] upon Him is the other [i.e., next] creation.

(48) And that it is He who enriches and suffices

(49) And that it is He who is the Lord of Sirius[1572] ——— [1572]- A star worshipped by some of the pagan Arabs.

(50) And that He destroyed the first [people of] ʿAad

(51) And Thamūd - and He did not spare [them] -

(52) And the people of Noah before. Indeed, it was they who were [even] more unjust and oppressing.

(53) And the overturned towns[1573] He hurled down ——— [1573]- Whose inhabitants defied Prophet Lot.

(54) And covered them by that which He covered.[1574] ——— [1574]- i.e., a rain of stones.

(55) Then which of the favors of your Lord do you doubt?

(56) This [Prophet (ﷺ)] is a warner from [i.e., like] the former warners.

(57) The Approaching Day has approached.

(58) Of it, [from those] besides Allāh, there is no remover.

(59) Then at this statement do you wonder?

(60) And you laugh and do not weep

(61) While you are proudly sporting?[1575] ——— [1575]- Additional meanings are "singing [with expanded chest]," "heedless," or "lost in vain amusements."

(62) So prostrate to Allāh and worship [Him].

(1) The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].[1577] ——— [1577]- This was a sign given by Allāh to Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) when the Quraysh challenged him to show them a miracle.

(2) And if they see a sign [i.e., miracle], they turn away and say, "Passing magic."[1578] ——— [1578]- Or "Continuing magic."

(3) And they denied and followed their inclinations. But for every matter is a [time of] settlement.

(4) And there has already come to them of information that in which there is deterrence.

(5) Extensive wisdom - but warning does not avail [them].

(6) So leave them, [O Muḥammad]. The Day the Caller[1579] calls to something forbidding, ——— [1579]- Said to be an angel announcing the account and judgement.

(7) Their eyes humbled, they will emerge from the graves as if they were locusts spreading,

(8) Racing ahead toward the Caller. The disbelievers will say, "This is a difficult Day."

(9) The people of Noah denied before them, and they denied Our servant and said, "A madman," and he was repelled.

(10) So he invoked his Lord, "Indeed, I am overpowered, so help."

(11) Then We opened the gates of the heaven with rain pouring down

(12) And caused the earth to burst with springs, and the waters met for a matter already predestined.

(13) And We carried him on a [construction of] planks and nails,

(14) Sailing under Our observation as reward for he who had been denied.

(15) And We left it as a sign, so is there any who will remember?

(16) And how [severe] were My punishment and warning.[1580] ——— [1580]- To those after them, who were expected to derive a lesson from previous occurrences.

(17) And We have certainly made the Qur’ān easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

(18) ʿAad denied; and how [severe] were My punishment and warning.

(19) Indeed, We sent upon them a screaming wind on a day of continuous misfortune,

(20) Extracting the people[1581] as if they were trunks of palm trees uprooted. ——— [1581]- From their hiding places.

(21) And how [severe] were My punishment and warning.

(22) And We have certainly made the Qur’ān easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

(23) Thamūd denied the warning.

(24) And said, "Is it one human being[1582] among us that we should follow? Indeed, we would then be in error and madness. ——— [1582]- i.e., the prophet Ṣāliḥ.

(25) Has the message been sent down upon him from among us? Rather, he is an insolent liar."

(26) They will know tomorrow who is the insolent liar.

(27) Indeed, We are sending the she-camel as trial for them, so watch them and be patient.[1583] ——— [1583]- This and the following verse are an address to Ṣāliḥ (upon him be peace).

(28) And inform them that the water is shared between them,[1584] each [day of] drink attended [by turn]. ——— [1584]- i.e., between the tribe of Thamūd and the she-camel - a day for each to drink.

(29) But they called their companion,[1585] and he dared[1586] and hamstrung [her]. ——— [1585]- i.e., the worst and most despicable among them. [1586]- Or "he took," referring to his sword or to the she-camel.

(30) And how [severe] were My punishment and warning.

(31) Indeed, We sent upon them one shriek [i.e., blast from the sky], and they became like the dry twig fragments of an [animal] pen.

(32) And We have certainly made the Qur’ān easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

(33) The people of Lot denied the warning.

(34) Indeed, We sent upon them a storm of stones, except the family of Lot - We saved them before dawn.

(35) As favor from Us. Thus do We reward he who is grateful.

(36) And he had already warned them of Our assault, but they disputed the warning.

(37) And they had demanded from him his guests, but We obliterated their eyes, [saying], "Taste My punishment and warning."

(38) And there came upon them by morning an abiding punishment.

(39) So taste My punishment and warning.

(40) And We have certainly made the Qur’ān easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?

(41) And there certainly came to the people of Pharaoh warning.

(42) They denied Our signs, all of them, so We seized them with a seizure of one Exalted in Might and Perfect in Ability.

(43) Are your disbelievers better than those [former ones], or have you immunity in the scriptures?

(44) Or do they say, "We are an assembly supporting [each other]"?

(45) [Their] assembly will be defeated, and they will turn their backs [in retreat].[1587] ——— [1587]- This foretold event took place on the day of Badr.

(46) But the Hour is their appointment [for due punishment], and the Hour is more disastrous and more bitter.

(47) Indeed, the criminals are in error and madness.[1588]. ——— [1588]- Or "in blazing fires."

(48) The Day they are dragged into the Fire on their faces [it will be said], "Taste the touch of Saqar."[1589] ——— [1589]- One of the proper names of Hell.

(49) Indeed, all things We created with predestination.

(50) And Our command is but one, like a glance of the eye.

(51) And We have already destroyed your kinds,[1590] so is there any who will remember? ——— [1590]- i.e., those similar to you in attitude and behavior when they rejected Allāh's messengers.

(52) And everything they did is in written records.

(53) And every small and great [thing] is inscribed.

(54) Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and rivers,

(55) In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.[1591] ——— [1591]- Who accomplishes whatever He wills whenever He wills.

(1) The Most Merciful

(2) Taught the Qur’ān,

(3) Created man,

(4) [And] taught him eloquence.

(5) The sun and the moon [move] by precise calculation,

(6) And the stars and trees prostrate.[1593] ——— [1593]- They submit obediently to the laws of Allāh. See 22:18. An additional meaning of "najm" is vegetation of a kind without a trunk, stalk or stem.

(7) And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance

(8) That you not transgress within the balance.

(9) And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.

(10) And the earth He laid [out] for the creatures.

(11) Therein is fruit and palm trees having sheaths [of dates]

(12) And grain having husks and scented plants.

(13) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?[1594] ——— [1594]- Literally, "you two," addressing the species of mankind and jinn.

(14) He created man from clay like [that of] pottery.

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

(16) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(17) [He is] Lord of the two sunrises and Lord of the two sunsets.[1595] ——— [1595]- i.e., the points of sunrise in the east and sunset in the west in both summer and winter.

(18) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(19) He released the two seas,[1596] meeting [one another]; ——— [1596]- Two bodies of water or two sea waters of distinct characteristics.

(20) Between them is a barrier so neither of them transgresses.

(21) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(22) From both of them emerge pearl and coral.

(23) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(24) And to Him belong the ships [with sails] elevated in the sea like mountains.

(25) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(26) Everyone upon it [i.e., the earth] will perish,

(27) And there will remain the Face[1597] of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor. ——— [1597]- See footnote to 2:19.

(28) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(29) Whoever is within the heavens and earth asks Him; every day He is in [i.e., bringing about] a matter.[1598] ——— [1598]- For each of His creatures.

(30) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(31) We will attend to you, O prominent beings.[1599] ——— [1599]- Specifically two: mankind and jinn.

(32) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(33) O company of jinn and mankind, if you are able to pass beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then pass. You will not pass except by authority [from Allāh].

(34) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(35) There will be sent upon you a flame of fire and smoke,[1600] and you will not defend yourselves. ——— [1600]- Another possible meaning is liquefied brass or copper.

(36) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(37) And when the heaven is split open and becomes rose-colored like oil[1601] - ——— [1601]- Or "like a tanned skin."

(38) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -

(39) Then on that Day none will be asked about his sin among men or jinn.[1602] ——— [1602]- Once they have been condemned to the Fire.

(40) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(41) The criminals will be known by their marks, and they will be seized by the forelocks and the feet.

(42) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(43) This is Hell, which the criminals deny.

(44) They will circulate between it and scalding water, heated [to the utmost degree].

(45) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(46) But for he who has feared the position of his Lord[1603] are two gardens - ——— [1603]- An alternative meaning is "the standing [for account] before his Lord."

(47) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -

(48) Having [spreading] branches.

(49) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(50) In both of them are two springs, flowing.

(51) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(52) In both of them are of every fruit, two kinds.

(53) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(54) [They are] reclining on beds whose linings are of silk brocade, and the fruit of the two gardens is hanging low.

(55) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(56) In them are women limiting [their] glances,[1604] untouched[1605] before them by man or jinnī - ——— [1604]- To their own mates, i.e., being chaste and modest. [1605]- Literally, they have not been caused to bleed by loss of virginity.

(57) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -

(58) As if they were rubies and coral.[1606] ——— [1606]- In purity, color and beauty.

(59) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(60) Is the reward for good [anything] but good?

(61) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(62) And below them both [in excellence] are two [other] gardens -

(63) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -

(64) Dark green [in color].

(65) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(66) In both of them are two springs, spouting.

(67) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(68) In both of them are fruit and palm trees and pomegranates.

(69) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(70) In them are good and beautiful women -

(71) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -

(72) Fair ones reserved in pavilions -

(73) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -

(74) Untouched before them by man or jinnī -

(75) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? -

(76) Reclining on green cushions and beautiful fine carpets.

(77) So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

(78) Blessed is the name of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.

(1) When the Occurrence occurs,

(2) There is, at its occurrence, no denial.

(3) It will bring down [some] and raise up [others].[1608] ——— [1608]- According to their deeds rather than wealth and social position, as is the case in this world.

(4) When the earth is shaken with convulsion

(5) And the mountains are broken down, crumbling

(6) And become dust dispersing,

(7) And you become [of] three kinds:

(8) Then the companions of the right - what are the companions of the right?[1609] ——— [1609]- i.e., those given their records in their right hand and who are destined for Paradise.

(9) And the companions of the left - what are companions of the left?[1610] ——— [1610]- i.e., those given their records in their left hand and who are destined for Hell.

(10) And the forerunners, the forerunners[1611] - ——— [1611]- The words can also be understood as a complete sentence, i.e., "The forerunners [in good deeds] are the forerunners [in entering Paradise]."

(11) Those are the ones brought near [to Allāh]

(12) In the Gardens of Pleasure,

(13) A [large] company of the former peoples

(14) And a few of the later peoples,

(15) On thrones woven [with ornament],

(16) Reclining on them, facing each other.

(17) There will circulate among them young boys made eternal

(18) With vessels, pitchers and a cup [of wine] from a flowing spring -

(19) No headache will they have therefrom, nor will they be intoxicated -

(20) And fruit of what they select

(21) And the meat of fowl, from whatever they desire.

(22) And [for them are] fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes,

(23) The likenesses of pearls well-protected,

(24) As reward for what they used to do.

(25) They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin -

(26) Only a saying [of] peace, peace.

(27) The companions of the right - what are the companions of the right?

(28) [They will be] among lote trees with thorns removed

(29) And [banana] trees layered [with fruit]

(30) And shade extended

(31) And water poured out

(32) And fruit, abundant [and varied],

(33) Neither limited [to season] nor forbidden,

(34) And [upon] beds raised high.

(35) Indeed, We have produced them [i.e., the women of Paradise] in a [new] creation

(36) And made them virgins,

(37) Devoted [to their husbands] and of equal age,

(38) For the companions of the right [who are]

(39) A company of the former peoples

(40) And a company of the later peoples.

(41) And the companions of the left - what are the companions of the left?

(42) [They will be] in scorching fire and scalding water

(43) And a shade of black smoke,

(44) Neither cool nor beneficial.

(45) Indeed they were, before that, indulging in affluence,

(46) And they used to persist in the great violation,[1612] ——— [1612]- i.e., shirk (association with Allāh) or disbelief.

(47) And they used to say, "When we die and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected?

(48) And our forefathers [as well]?"

(49) Say, [O Muḥammad], "Indeed, the former and later peoples

(50) Are to be gathered together for the appointment of a known Day."

(51) Then indeed you, O those astray [who are] deniers,

(52) Will be eating from trees of zaqqūm

(53) And filling with it your bellies

(54) And drinking on top of it from scalding water

(55) And will drink as the drinking of thirsty camels.

(56) That is their accommodation on the Day of Recompense.

(57) We have created you, so why do you not believe?

(58) Have you seen that which you emit?[1613] ——— [1613]- i.e., semen, which contains the potential for human life.

(59) Is it you who creates it, or are We the Creator?

(60) We have decreed death among you, and We are not to be outdone

(61) In that We will change your likenesses and produce you in that [form] which you do not know.[1614] ——— [1614]- An alternative meaning has also been given: "...in that We will replace the likes of you [with others upon the earth] and create you [in the Hereafter] in that which you do not know."

(62) And you have already known the first creation, so will you not remember?

(63) And have you seen that [seed] which you sow?

(64) Is it you who makes it grow, or are We the grower?

(65) If We willed, We could make it [dry] debris, and you would remain in wonder,[1615] ——— [1615]- At what had happened or remain in a state of shock. Another meaning is "in regret."

(66) [Saying], "Indeed, we are [now] in debt;

(67) Rather, we have been deprived."

(68) And have you seen the water that you drink?

(69) Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down?

(70) If We willed, We could make it bitter, so why are you not grateful?

(71) And have you seen the fire that you ignite?

(72) Is it you who produced its tree, or are We the producer?

(73) We have made it a reminder[1616] and provision for the travelers,[1617] ——— [1616]- Of the great fire of Hell. [1617]- In the form of flints or other means by which to ignite fire. Travelers are mentioned because of the special convenience to them, although it is a provision for all people in general.

(74) So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great.

(75) Then I swear by the setting of the stars,[1618] ——— [1618]- Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) confirms absolutely by oath.

(76) And indeed, it is an oath - if you could know - [most] great.

(77) Indeed, it is a noble Qur’ān.

(78) In a Register well-protected;[1619]. ——— [1619]- The Preserved Slate (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ), which is with Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā).

(79) None touch it except the purified [i.e., the angels].

(80) [It is] a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.

(81) Then is it to this statement that you are indifferent

(82) And make [the thanks for] your provision that you deny [the Provider]?

(83) Then why, when it [i.e., the soul at death] reaches the throat

(84) And you are at that time looking on -

(85) And We [i.e., Our angels] are nearer to him than you, but you do not see -

(86) Then why do you not, if you are not to be recompensed,

(87) Bring it back,[1620] if you should be truthful? ——— [1620]- i.e., return the soul to the body, meaning that just as you cannot prevent death when it is decreed, you will not escape the recompense when it is decreed.

(88) And if he [i.e., the deceased] was of those brought near [to Allāh],

(89) Then [for him is] rest and bounty and a garden of pleasure.

(90) And if he was of the companions of the right,

(91) Then [the angels will say], "Peace for you; [you are] from the companions of the right."

(92) But if he was of the deniers [who were] astray,

(93) Then [for him is] accommodation of scalding water

(94) And burning in Hellfire.

(95) Indeed, this is the true certainty,

(96) So exalt the name of your Lord, the Most Great.

(1) Whatever is in the heavens and earth exalts Allāh,[1622] and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. ——— [1622]- By praising Him and declaring Him far above and beyond any failure or imperfection.

(2) His is the dominion of the heavens and earth. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things competent.

(3) He is the First[1623] and the Last,[1624] the Ascendant[1625] and the Intimate,[1626] and He is, of all things, Knowing. ——— [1623]- Before whom nothing existed. Also, He who is supreme, foremost or uppermost. [1624]- Enduring eternally when nothing else remains. [1625]- Nothing being above Him. Another meaning is "the Apparent," i.e., evident through His creation and revelation. [1626]- Nothing being nearer than Him by way of His knowledge. Another meaning is "the Unapparent," i.e., concealed from man's physical senses.

(4) It is He who created the heavens and earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne.[1627] He knows what penetrates into the earth and what emerges from it and what descends from the heaven and what ascends therein; and He is with you[1628] wherever you are. And Allāh, of what you do, is Seeing. ——— [1627]- See footnotes to 2:19 and 7:54. [1628]- In knowledge - observing and witnessing.

(5) His is the dominion of the heavens and earth. And to Allāh are returned [all] matters.

(6) He causes the night to enter the day and causes the day to enter the night, and He is Knowing of that within the breasts.

(7) Believe in Allāh and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successive inheritors. For those who have believed among you and spent,[1629] there will be a great reward. ——— [1629]- In ways pleasing to Allāh.

(8) And why do you not believe in Allāh while the Messenger invites you to believe in your Lord and He has taken your covenant, if you should [truly] be believers?

(9) It is He who sends down upon His Servant [Muḥammad (ﷺ)] verses of clear evidence that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And indeed, Allāh is to you Kind and Merciful.

(10) And why do you not spend in the cause of Allāh while to Allāh belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth? Not equal among you are those who spent before the conquest [of Makkah] and fought [and those who did so after it]. Those are greater in degree than they who spent afterwards and fought. But to all Allāh has promised the best [reward]. And Allāh, of what you do, is Aware.

(11) Who is it that would loan Allāh a goodly loan so He will multiply it for him and he will have a noble reward?

(12) On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], "Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally." That is what is the great attainment.

(13) On the [same] Day the hypocrite men and hypocrite women will say to those who believed, "Wait for us that we may acquire some of your light." It will be said, "Go back behind you[1630] and seek light." And a wall will be placed between them with a door, its interior containing mercy, but on the outside of it is torment. ——— [1630]- To where light was acquired, i.e., in the worldly life.

(14) They [i.e., the hypocrites] will call to them [i.e., the believers], "Were we not with you?" They will say, "Yes, but you afflicted yourselves[1631] and awaited [misfortune for us] and doubted, and wishful thinking deluded you until there came the command of Allāh. And the Deceiver [i.e., Satan] deceived you concerning Allāh. ——— [1631]- By hypocrisy or by falling into temptations.

(15) So today no ransom will be taken from you or from those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the Fire. It is most worthy of you, and wretched is the destination."

(16) Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allāh and what has come down of the truth? And let them not be like those who were given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly disobedient.

(17) Know that Allāh gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. We have made clear to you the signs; perhaps you will understand.[1632] ——— [1632]- That similarly, Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) can soften a heart after its hardness and guide one who had previously been astray.

(18) Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allāh a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

(19) And those who have believed in Allāh and His messengers - those are [in the ranks of] the supporters of truth and the martyrs, with their Lord. For them is their reward and their light.[1633] But those who have disbelieved and denied Our verses - those are the companions of Hellfire. ——— [1633]- Another accepted meaning is "And those who have believed in Allāh and His messengers - they are the supporters of truth. And the martyrs, with their Lord, will have their reward and their light."

(20) Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allāh and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

(21) Race [i.e., compete] toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allāh and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allāh which He gives to whom He wills, and Allāh is the possessor of great bounty.

(22) No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register[1634] before We bring it into being - indeed that, for Allāh, is easy - ——— [1634]- i.e., the Preserved Slate (al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ).

(23) In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allāh does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful -

(24) [Those] who are stingy and enjoin upon people stinginess. And whoever turns away[1635] - then indeed, Allāh is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy. ——— [1635]- Refusing to spend for Allāh's cause or refusing obedience to Him.

(25) We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is great military might and benefits for the people, and so that Allāh may make evident those who support Him and His messengers unseen. Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and Exalted in Might.

(26) And We have already sent Noah and Abraham and placed in their descendants prophethood and scripture; and among them is he who is guided, but many of them are defiantly disobedient.

(27) Then We sent following their footsteps [i.e., traditions] Our messengers and followed [them] with Jesus, the son of Mary, and gave him the Gospel. And We placed in the hearts of those who followed him compassion and mercy and monasticism, which they innovated; We did not prescribe it for them except [that they did so] seeking the approval of Allāh. But they did not observe it with due observance. So We gave the ones who believed among them their reward, but many of them are defiantly disobedient.

(28) O you who have believed, fear Allāh and believe in His Messenger; He will [then] give you a double portion of His mercy and make for you a light by which you will walk and forgive you; and Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(29) [This is] so that the People of the Scripture may know that they are not able [to obtain] anything from the bounty of Allāh[1636] and that [all] bounty is in the hand[1637] of Allāh; He gives it to whom He wills. And Allāh is the possessor of great bounty. ——— [1636]- As long as they refuse to believe in the message of Allāh which was conveyed through Muḥammad (ﷺ). [1637]- See footnote to 2:19.

(1) Certainly has Allāh heard the speech of the one who argues [i.e., pleads] with you, [O Muḥammad], concerning her husband and directs her complaint to Allāh. And Allāh hears your dialogue; indeed, Allāh is Hearing and Seeing.

(2) Those who pronounce ẓihār[1639] among you [to separate] from their wives - they are not [consequently] their mothers. Their mothers are none but those who gave birth to them. And indeed, they are saying an objectionable statement and a falsehood. But indeed, Allāh is Pardoning and Forgiving. ——— [1639]- The saying by a husband to his wife, "You are to me like the back of my mother," meaning unlawful to approach. This was a type of divorce practiced by the Arabs before the prophethood of Muḥammad (ﷺ).

(3) And those who pronounce ẓihār from their wives and then [wish to] go back on what they said - then [there must be] the freeing of a slave before they touch one another. That is what you are admonished thereby; and Allāh is Aware of what you do.

(4) And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively[1640] before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allāh and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allāh. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment. ——— [1640]- See footnote to 4:92.

(5) Indeed, those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger are abased as those before them were abased. And We have certainly sent down verses of clear evidence. And for the disbelievers is a humiliating punishment

(6) On the Day when Allāh will resurrect them all and inform them of what they did. Allāh had enumerated it, while they forgot it; and Allāh is, over all things, Witness.[1641] ——— [1641]- See footnote to 4:79.

(7) Have you not considered that Allāh knows what is in the heavens and what is on the earth? There are not three in a private conversation but that He is the fourth of them,[1642] nor are there five but that He is the sixth of them - and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are. Then He will inform them of what they did on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed Allāh is, of all things, Knowing. ——— [1642]- Through His knowledge of them and their secrets.

(8) Have you not considered those who were forbidden from private conversation [i.e., ridicule and conspiracy] and then return to that which they were forbidden and converse among themselves about sin and aggression and disobedience to the Messenger? And when they come to you, they greet you with that [word] by which Allāh does not greet you[1643] and say among themselves, "Why does Allāh not punish us for what we say?" Sufficient for them is Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the destination. ——— [1643]- This is in reference to the Jews who would greet the Muslims with the words "Death be upon you," rather than "Peace."

(9) O you who have believed, when you converse privately, do not converse about sin and aggression and disobedience to the Messenger but converse about righteousness and piety. And fear Allāh, to whom you will be gathered.

(10) Private conversation is only from Satan that he may grieve those who have believed,[1644] but he will not harm them at all except by permission of Allāh. And upon Allāh let the believers rely. ——— [1644]- The reference may be to the sinful type of conversation, as mentioned in the previous verses, or to the practice of two persons speaking in confidence in the presence of a third, which might lead him to assume that he is the subject of their conversation. Such behavior was prohibited by the Prophet (ﷺ) in narrations of al-Bukhārī and Muslim.

(11) O you who have believed, when you are told, "Space yourselves" in assemblies, then make space; Allāh will make space for you.[1645] And when you are told, "Arise,"[1646] then arise; Allāh will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allāh is Aware of what you do. ——— [1645]- In His mercy, in Paradise, or in everything good. [1646]- To prayer, to battle, or to good deeds.

(12) O you who have believed, when you [wish to] privately consult the Messenger, present before your consultation a charity. That is better for you and purer. But if you find not [the means] - then indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(13) Have you feared to present before your consultation charities? Then when you do not and Allāh has forgiven you, then [at least] establish prayer and give zakāh and obey Allāh and His Messenger. And Allāh is Aware of what you do.

(14) Have you not considered those who make allies of a people with whom Allāh has become angry? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear to untruth while they know [they are lying].

(15) Allāh has prepared for them a severe punishment. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.

(16) They took their [false] oaths as a cover, so they averted [people] from the way of Allāh, and for them is a humiliating punishment.

(17) Never will their wealth or their children avail them against Allāh at all. Those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally

(18) On the Day Allāh will resurrect them all, and they will swear to Him as they swear to you and think that they are [standing] on something.[1647] Unquestionably, it is they who are the liars. ——— [1647]- They assume that their lies will be believed and that they will escape detection as they did in worldly life.

(19) Satan has overcome them and made them forget the remembrance of Allāh. Those are the party of Satan. Unquestionably, the party of Satan - they will be the losers.

(20) Indeed, the ones who oppose Allāh and His Messenger - those will be among the most humbled.

(21) Allāh has written [i.e., decreed], "I will surely overcome, I and My messengers." Indeed, Allāh is Powerful and Exalted in Might.

(22) You will not find a people who believe in Allāh and the Last Day having affection for those who oppose Allāh and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred. Those - He has decreed within their hearts faith and supported them with spirit[1648] from Him. And We will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally. Allāh is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him - those are the party of Allāh. Unquestionably, the party of Allāh - they are the successful. ——— [1648]- i.e., "that which gives life," explained as the guidance of the Qur’ān or victory over their opponents.

(1) Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth exalts Allāh,[1650] and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. ——— [1650]- See footnote to 57:1.

(2) It is He who expelled the ones who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture[1651] from their homes at the first gathering.[1652] You did not think they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would protect them from Allāh; but [the decree of] Allāh came upon them from where they had not expected, and He cast terror into their hearts [so] they destroyed their houses by their [own] hands and the hands of the believers. So take warning, O people of vision. ——— [1651]- Referring to the Jews of Banun-Naḍeer, who broke their pact with the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ). [1652]- This was the first tme they had ever been gathered and expelled.

(3) And if not that Allāh had decreed for them evacuation, He would have punished them in [this] world, and for them in the Hereafter is the punishment of the Fire.

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

(5) Whatever you have cut down of [their] palm trees or left standing on their trunks - it was by permission of Allāh and so He would disgrace the defiantly disobedient.

(6) And what Allāh restored [of property] to His Messenger from them - you did not spur for it [in an expedition] any horses or camels,[1653] but Allāh gives His messengers power over whom He wills, and Allāh is over all things competent. ——— [1653]- Meaning that they went through no hardship (i.e., war) to obtain it.

(7) And what Allāh restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allāh and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives[1654] and orphans and the needy and the [stranded] traveler[1655] - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allāh; indeed, Allāh is severe in penalty. ——— [1654]- Those of Banū Hāshim and Banū Muṭṭalib, whom he (ﷺ) had prohibited from accepting zakāh. [1655]- This ruling concerning properties abandoned by an enemy without a war effort differs from that in Sūrah al-Anfāl, verse 41, which refers to spoils of war in which four fifths is distributed among those who fought in Allāh's cause.

(8) For the poor emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking bounty from Allāh and [His] approval and supporting [the cause of] Allāh and His Messenger, [there is also a share]. Those are the truthful.

(9) And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e.,al-Madīnah] and [adopted] the faith before them.[1656] They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what they [i.e., the emigrants] were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful. ——— [1656]- Before the settlement of the emigrants (Muhājireen) among the Anṣār, for whom a share is delegated as well.

(10) And [there is a share for] those who come after them, saying, "Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful."

(11) Have you not considered those who practice hypocrisy, saying to their brothers [i.e., associates] who have disbelieved among the People of the Scripture, "If you are expelled, we will surely leave with you, and we will not obey, in regard to you, anyone - ever; and if you are fought, we will surely aid you." But Allāh testifies that they are liars.

(12) If they are expelled, they will not leave with them, and if they are fought, they will not aid them. And [even] if they should aid them, they will surely turn their backs; then [thereafter] they will not be aided.

(13) You [believers] are more fearful within their breasts than Allāh. That is because they are a people who do not understand.

(14) They will not fight you all except within fortified cities or from behind walls. Their violence [i.e., enmity] among themselves is severe. You think they are together, but their hearts are diverse. That is because they are a people who do not reason.

(15) [Theirs is] like the example of those shortly before them: they tasted the bad consequence of their affair, and they will have a painful punishment.

(16) [The hypocrites are] like the example of Satan when he says to man, "Disbelieve." But when he disbelieves, he says, "Indeed, I am disassociated from you. Indeed, I fear Allāh, Lord of the worlds."

(17) So the outcome for both of them is that they will be in the Fire, abiding eternally therein. And that is the recompense of the wrongdoers.

(18) O you who have believed, fear Allāh. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Aware of what you do.

(19) And be not like those who forgot Allāh, so He made them forget themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient.

(20) Not equal are the companions of the Fire and the companions of Paradise. The companions of Paradise - they are the attainers [of success].

(21) If We had sent down this Qur’ān upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and splitting from fear of Allāh. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.

(22) He is Allāh, other than whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the witnessed.[1657] He is the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. ——— [1657]- See footnotes to 6:73.

(23) He is Allāh, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign,[1658] the Pure,[1659] the Perfection,[1660] the Grantor of Security,[1661] the Overseer,[1662] the Exalted in Might,[1663] the Compeller,[1664] the Superior.[1665] Exalted is Allāh above whatever they associate with Him. ——— [1658]- And owner of everything in existence. [1659]- i.e., transcendent above any aspect belonging to His creation. Also, the possessor and grantor of blessings. [1660]- Literally, "Free" from any imperfection. Also, "Peace" or "Soundness." [1661]- And safety, i.e., reassurance that His promise is always fulfilled. Also, He who bestows faith. [1662]- i.e., who observes, guards and protects. Also, "the Criterion." [1663]- Refer to footnote in 2:129. [1664]- Whose irresistible force is without limitation; the one above all things who compels the creation to be as He wills it. Also, "the Amender" or "the Rectifier" who repairs, restores, completes or sets something right once again, out of His mercy. [1665]- Supreme, complete and perfect in His essence, attributes and actions.

(24) He is Allāh, the Creator,[1666] the Producer,[1667] the Fashioner;[1668] to Him belong the best names.[1669] Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.[1670] ——— [1666]- i.e., He who destined existence for His creation. [1667]- i.e., He who brings His creation into existence. [1668]- i.e., He who gives every creation its particular form. [1669]- Refer to the final paragraphs of the "Introduction" for a brief discussion of these attributes. [1670]- Refer to footnote in 6:18.

(1) O you who have believed, do not take My enemies and your enemies as allies,[1672] extending to them affection while they have disbelieved in what came to you of the truth, having driven out the Prophet and yourselves [only] because you believe in Allāh, your Lord. If you have come out for jihād [i.e., fighting or striving] in My cause and seeking means to My approval, [take them not as friends]. You confide to them affection [i.e., instruction], but I am most knowing of what you have concealed and what you have declared. And whoever does it among you has certainly strayed from the soundness of the way. ——— [1672]- i.e., close associates and friends.

(2) If they gain dominance over you, they would be [i.e., behave] to you as enemies and extend against you their hands and their tongues with evil, and they wish you would disbelieve.

(3) Never will your relatives or your children benefit you; the Day of Resurrection He will judge between you. And Allāh, of what you do, is Seeing.

(4) There has already been for you an excellent pattern[1673] in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, "Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allāh. We have denied you, and there has appeared between us and you animosity and hatred forever until you believe in Allāh alone" - except for the saying of Abraham to his father, "I will surely ask forgiveness for you, but I have not [power to do] for you anything against Allāh. Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination. ——— [1673]- An example to be followed.

(5) Our Lord, make us not [objects of] torment for the disbelievers and forgive us, our Lord. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

(6) There has certainly been for you in them an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allāh and the Last Day. And whoever turns away - then indeed, Allāh is the Free of need, the Praiseworthy.

(7) Perhaps Allāh will put, between you and those to whom you have been enemies among them, affection. And Allāh is competent,[1674] and Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful. ——— [1674]- To accomplish this or whatever He should will.

(8) Allāh does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly.

(9) Allāh only forbids you from those who fight you because of religion and expel you from your homes and aid in your expulsion - [forbids] that you make allies[1675] of them. And whoever makes allies of them, then it is those who are the wrongdoers. ——— [1675]- See footnote to verse 1 of this sūrah.

(10) O you who have believed, when the believing women come to you as emigrants, examine [i.e., test] them. Allāh is most knowing as to their faith. And if you know them to be believers, then do not return them to the disbelievers; they are not lawful [wives] for them, nor are they lawful [husbands] for them. But give them [i.e., the disbelievers] what they have spent.[1676] And there is no blame upon you if you marry them when you have given them their due compensation [i.e., mahr]. And hold not to marriage bonds with disbelieving women, but ask for what you have spent and let them [i.e., the disbelievers] ask for what they have spent.[1677] That is the judgement of Allāh; He judges between you. And Allāh is Knowing and Wise. ——— [1676]- For marriage, i.e., compensate their loss. [1677]- When a disbelieving wife chose to join the disbelievers, a Muslim husband could demand in return the equivalent of her mahr. Likewise, the disbelievers had a similar right when a believing woman joined the Muslims. This and the following verses were revealed subsequent to the Treaty of al-Ḥudaybiyyah.

(11) And if you have lost any of your wives to the disbelievers and you subsequently obtain [something],[1678] then give those whose wives have gone the equivalent of what they had spent. And fear Allāh, in whom you are believers. ——— [1678]- From the side of the disbelievers, i.e., war booty or a believing woman seeking refuge with the Muslims.

(12) O Prophet, when the believing women come to you pledging to you that they will not associate anything with Allāh, nor will they steal, nor will they commit unlawful sexual intercourse, nor will they kill their children, nor will they bring forth a slander they have invented between their arms and legs,[1679] nor will they disobey you in what is right - then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for them of Allāh. Indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful. ——— [1679]- This is an allusion to pregnancy and childbirth, i.e., to falsely attribute a child (whether adopted or born of adultery) to a woman's husband.

(13) O you who have believed, do not make allies of a people with whom Allāh has become angry. They have despaired of [reward in] the Hereafter just as the disbelievers have despaired of [meeting] the companions [i.e., inhabitants] of the graves.

(1) Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth exalts Allāh,[1681] and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. ——— [1681]- See footnote to 57:1.

(2) O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do?

(3) Greatly hateful in the sight of Allāh is that you say what you do not do.

(4) Indeed, Allāh loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly.

(5) And [mention, O Muḥammad], when Moses said to his people, "O my people, why do you harm me while you certainly know that I am the messenger of Allāh to you?" And when they deviated, Allāh caused their hearts to deviate. And Allāh does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

(6) And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Aḥmad."[1682] But when he came to them with clear evidences, they said, "This is obvious magic."[1683] ——— [1682]- Another name of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ). [1683]- i.e., fraud or deception.

(7) And who is more unjust than one who invents about Allāh untruth while he is being invited to Islām. And Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people.

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

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

(10) O you who have believed, shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment?

(11) [It is that] you believe in Allāh and His Messenger and strive in the cause of Allāh with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you only knew.

(12) He will forgive for you your sins and admit you to gardens beneath which rivers flow and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence. That is the great attainment.

(13) And [you will obtain] another [favor] that you love - victory from Allāh and an imminent conquest; and give good tidings to the believers.

(14) O you who have believed, be supporters of Allāh, as when Jesus, the son of Mary, said to the disciples, "Who are my supporters for Allāh?" The disciples said, "We are supporters of Allāh." And a faction of the Children of Israel believed and a faction disbelieved. So We supported those who believed against their enemy, and they became dominant.

(1) Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allāh,[1685] the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.[1686] ——— [1685]- See footnote to 57:1. [1686]- Refer to footnote in 6:18.

(2) It is He who has sent among the unlettered [Arabs] a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] and wisdom [i.e., the sunnah] - although they were before in clear error -

(3) And [to] others of them who have not yet joined them. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

(4) That is the bounty of Allāh, which He gives to whom He wills, and Allāh is the possessor of great bounty.

(5) The example of those who were entrusted with the Torah and then did not take it on[1687] is like that of a donkey who carries volumes [of books].[1688] Wretched is the example of the people who deny the signs of Allāh. And Allāh does not guide the wrongdoing people. ——— [1687]- i.e., neglected their responsibility towards it by not putting its teachings into practice. [1688]- But does not benefit from their contents.

(6) Say, "O you who are Jews, if you claim that you are allies of Allāh, excluding the [other] people, then wish for death, if you should be truthful."

(7) But they will not wish for it, ever, because of what their hands have put forth. And Allāh is Knowing of the wrongdoers.

(8) Say, "Indeed, the death from which you flee - indeed, it will meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you used to do."

(9) O you who have believed, when [the adhān] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumuʿah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allāh and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew.

(10) And when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allāh, and remember Allāh often that you may succeed.

(11) But [on one occasion] when they saw a transaction or a diversion, [O Muḥammad], they rushed to it and left you standing. Say, "What is with Allāh is better than diversion and than a transaction, and Allāh is the best of providers."

(1) When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muḥammad], they say, "We testify that you are the Messenger of Allāh." And Allāh knows that you are His Messenger, and Allāh testifies that the hypocrites are liars.

(2) They have taken their oaths as a cover, so they averted [people] from the way of Allāh. Indeed, it was evil that they were doing.

(3) That is because they believed, and then they disbelieved; so their hearts were sealed over, and they do not understand.

(4) And when you see them, their forms please you, and if they speak, you listen to their speech. [They are] as if they were pieces of wood propped up[1690] - they think that every shout is against them. They are the enemy, so beware of them. May Allāh destroy them; how are they deluded? ——— [1690]- i.e., bodies with empty minds and empty hearts.

(5) And when it is said to them, "Come, the Messenger of Allāh will ask forgiveness for you," they turn their heads aside and you see them evading while they are arrogant.

(6) It is all the same for them whether you ask forgiveness for them or do not ask forgiveness for them; never will Allāh forgive them. Indeed, Allāh does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.

(7) They are the ones who say, "Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allāh until they disband." And to Allāh belong the depositories of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.

(8) They say, "If we return to al-Madīnah, the more honored [for power] will surely expel therefrom the more humble." And to Allāh belongs [all] honor, and to His Messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.

(9) O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allāh. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

(10) And spend [in the way of Allāh] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, "My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be of the righteous."

(11) But never will Allāh delay a soul when its time has come. And Allāh is Aware of what you do.

(1) Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allāh.[1692] To Him belongs dominion, and to Him belongs [all] praise, and He is over all things competent. ——— [1692]- See footnote to 57:1.

(2) It is He who created you, and among you is the disbeliever, and among you is the believer. And Allāh, of what you do, is Seeing.

(3) He created the heavens and earth in truth and formed you and perfected your forms; and to Him is the [final] destination.

(4) He knows what is within the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And Allāh is Knowing of that within the breasts.

(5) Has there not come to you the news of those who disbelieved before? So they tasted the bad consequence of their affair, and they will have a painful punishment.

(6) That is because their messengers used to come to them with clear evidences, but they said, "Shall human beings guide us?" and disbelieved and turned away. And Allāh dispensed [with them]; and Allāh is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

(7) Those who disbelieve have claimed that they will never be resurrected. Say, "Yes, by my Lord, you will surely be resurrected; then you will surely be informed of what you did. And that, for Allāh, is easy."

(8) So believe in Allāh and His Messenger and the light [i.e., the Qur’ān] which We have sent down. And Allāh is Aware of what you do.

(9) The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly - that is the Day of Deprivation.[1693] And whoever believes in Allāh and does righteousness - He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment. ——— [1693]- "At-Taghābun" suggests having been outdone by others in the acquisition of something valued. That Day, the disbelievers will suffer the loss of Paradise to the believers.

(10) But the ones who disbelieved and denied Our verses - those are the companions of the Fire, abiding eternally therein; and wretched is the destination.

(11) No disaster strikes except by permission of Allāh. And whoever believes in Allāh - He will guide his heart. And Allāh is Knowing of all things.

(12) And obey Allāh and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away - then upon Our Messenger is only [the duty of] clear notification.

(13) Allāh - there is no deity except Him. And upon Allāh let the believers rely.

(14) O you who have believed, indeed, among your spouses and your children are enemies to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook and forgive - then indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(15) Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allāh has with Him a great reward.

(16) So fear Allāh as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allāh]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

(17) If you loan Allāh a goodly loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you. And Allāh is [most] Appreciative[1694] and Forbearing,[1695] ——— [1694]- Who gives much in return for little. [1695]- Refer to footnote in 2:225.

(18) Knower of the unseen and the witnessed, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

(1) O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period and keep count of the waiting period,[1697] and fear Allāh, your Lord. Do not turn them out of their [husbands'] houses, nor should they [themselves] leave [during that period] unless they are committing a clear immorality. And those are the limits [set by] Allāh. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allāh has certainly wronged himself. You know not; perhaps Allāh will bring about after that a [different] matter.[1698] ——— [1697]- See rulings in 2:228-233. A wife should not be divorced except after the completion of her menstrual period but before sexual intercourse has occurred, or else during a confirmed pregnancy. The pronouncement of divorce begins her waiting period (ʿiddah). [1698]- Such as regret or renewed desire for the wife.

(2) And when they have [nearly] fulfilled their term, either retain them according to acceptable terms or part with them according to acceptable terms. And bring to witness two just men from among you and establish the testimony for [the acceptance of] Allāh. That is instructed to whoever should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. And whoever fears Allāh - He will make for him a way out[1699] ——— [1699]- i.e., relief from distress.

(3) And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allāh - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allāh will accomplish His purpose. Allāh has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

(4) And those who no longer expect menstruation among your women - if you doubt, then their period is three months, and [also for] those who have not menstruated. And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they give birth.[1700] And whoever fears Allāh - He will make for him of his matter ease. ——— [1700]- The ruling concerning pregnancy applies also in the case of the husband's death.

(5) That is the command of Allāh, which He has sent down to you; and whoever fears Allāh - He will remove for him his misdeeds and make great for him his reward.

(6) Lodge them[1701] [in a section] of where you dwell out of your means and do not harm them in order to oppress them.[1702] And if they should be pregnant, then spend on them until they give birth. And if they breastfeed for you, then give them their payment and confer among yourselves in the acceptable way; but if you are in discord, then there may breastfeed for him [i.e., the father] another woman.[1703] ——— [1701]- During their waiting period (referring to wives whose divorce has been pronounced). [1702]- So that they would be forced to leave or to ransom themselves. [1703]- See 2:233.

(7) Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted - let him spend from what Allāh has given him. Allāh does not charge a soul except [according to] what He has given it. Allāh will bring about, after hardship, ease [i.e., relief].

(8) And how many a city was insolent toward the command of its Lord and His messengers, so We took it to severe account and punished it with a terrible punishment.

(9) And it tasted the bad consequence of its affair [i.e., rebellion], and the outcome of its affair was loss.

(10) Allāh has prepared for them a severe punishment; so fear Allāh, O you of understanding who have believed. Allāh has sent down to you a message [i.e., the Qur’ān].[1704] ——— [1704]- Some scholars have interpreted "dhikr" here as "a reminder," meaning the Messenger (ﷺ), since he is mentioned in the following verse.

(11) [He sent] a Messenger [i.e., Muḥammad (ﷺ)] reciting to you the distinct verses of Allāh that He may bring out those who believe and do righteous deeds from darknesses into the light. And whoever believes in Allāh and does righteousness - He will admit him into gardens beneath which rivers flow to abide therein forever. Allāh will have perfected for him a provision.

(12) It is Allāh who has created seven heavens and of the earth, the like of them.[1705] [His] command descends among them so you may know that Allāh is over all things competent and that Allāh has encompassed all things in knowledge. ——— [1705]- i.e., a similar number: seven.

(1) O Prophet, why do you prohibit [yourself from] what Allāh has made lawful for you, seeking the approval of your wives? And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.

(2) Allāh has already ordained for you [Muslims] the dissolution of your oaths.[1707] And Allāh is your protector, and He is the Knowing, the Wise. ——— [1707]- By means of a kaffārah (expiation). This is required when one is unable to fulfill an oath or when one has taken an oath which would not be pleasing to Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā). See 5:89.

(3) And [remember] when the Prophet confided to one of his wives a statement; and when she informed [another] of it and Allāh showed it to him, he made known part of it and ignored a part. And when he informed her about it, she said, "Who told you this?" He said, "I was informed by the Knowing, the Aware."

(4) If you two [wives] repent to Allāh, [it is best], for your hearts have deviated. But if you cooperate against him - then indeed Allāh is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous of the believers and the angels, moreover, are [his] assistants.

(5) Perhaps his Lord, if he divorced you [all], would substitute for him wives better than you - submitting [to Allāh], believing, devoutly obedient, repentant, worshipping, and traveling[1708] - [ones] previously married and virgins. ——— [1708]- Emigrating for the cause of Allāh. Another meaning is "given to fasting."

(6) O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allāh in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.

(7) O you who have disbelieved, make no excuses that Day. You will only be recompensed for what you used to do.

(8) O you who have believed, repent to Allāh with sincere repentance. Perhaps[1709] your Lord will remove from you your misdeeds and admit you into gardens beneath which rivers flow [on] the Day when Allāh will not disgrace the Prophet and those who believed with him. Their light will proceed before them and on their right; they will say, "Our Lord, perfect for us our light and forgive us. Indeed, You are over all things competent." ——— [1709]- i.e., it is expected or promised.

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

(10) Allāh presents an example of those who disbelieved: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them,[1710] so they [i.e., those prophets] did not avail them from Allāh at all, and it was said, "Enter the Fire with those who enter." ——— [1710]- In the matter of religion.

(11) And Allāh presents an example of those who believed: the wife of Pharaoh, when she said, "My Lord, build for me near You a house in Paradise and save me from Pharaoh and his deeds and save me from the wrongdoing people."

(12) And [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ʿImrān, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel [i.e., Gabriel], and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.

(1) Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent -

(2) [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving -

(3) [And] who created seven heavens in layers.[1712] You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks? ——— [1712]- i.e., one covering or fitting over the other.

(4) Then return [your] vision twice again.[1713] [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued. ——— [1713]- i.e., repeatedly.

(5) And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with lamps [i.e., stars] and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils[1714] and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze. ——— [1714]- Thereby driving them from the heavens and preventing them from eavesdropping. See 72:8-9.

(6) And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination.

(7) When they are thrown into it, they hear from it a [dreadful] inhaling while it boils up.

(8) It almost bursts with rage. Every time a company is thrown into it, its keepers ask them, "Did there not come to you a warner?"

(9) They will say, "Yes, a warner had come to us, but we denied and said, 'Allāh has not sent down anything. You are not but in great error.'"

(10) And they will say, "If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze."

(11) And they will admit their sin, so [it is] alienation[1715] for the companions of the Blaze. ——— [1715]- From all good and from Allāh's mercy.

(12) Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and great reward.

(13) And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.

(14) Does He who created not know,[1716] while He is the Subtle, the Aware? ——— [1716]- Another accepted meaning is "Does He not know those whom He created...?"

(15) It is He who made the earth tame[1717] for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection. ——— [1717]- i.e., stable and subservient.

(16) Do you feel secure that He who is above[1718] would not cause the earth to swallow you and suddenly it would sway?[1719] ——— [1718]- Literally, "in ascendancy" or "over the heaven." [1719]- In a circular motion, as in an earthquake.

(17) Or do you feel secure that He who is above would not send against you a storm of stones? Then you would know how [severe] was My warning.

(18) And already had those before them denied, and how [terrible] was My reproach.

(19) Do they not see the birds above them with wings outspread and [sometimes] folded in? None holds them [aloft] except the Most Merciful. Indeed He is, of all things, Seeing.

(20) Or who is it that could be an army for you to aid you other than the Most Merciful? The disbelievers are not but in delusion.

(21) Or who is it that could provide for you if He withheld His provision? But they have persisted in insolence and aversion.

(22) Then is one who walks fallen on his face better guided or one who walks erect on a straight path?

(23) Say, "It is He who has produced you and made for you hearing and vision and hearts [i.e., intellect]; little are you grateful."

(24) Say, "It is He who has multiplied you throughout the earth, and to Him you will be gathered."

(25) And they say, "When is this promise, if you should be truthful?"

(26) Say, "The knowledge is only with Allāh, and I am only a clear warner."

(27) But when they see it[1720] approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, "This is that for which you used to call."[1721] ——— [1720]- The punishment of which they were warned. [1721]- When they challenged their prophets, saying, "Bring on the punishment, if you are truthful."

(28) Say, [O Muḥammad], "Have you considered:[1722] whether Allāh should cause my death and those with me or have mercy upon us, who can protect the disbelievers from a painful punishment?" ——— [1722]- i.e., inform me.

(29) Say, "He is the Most Merciful; we have believed in Him, and upon Him we have relied. And you will [come to] know who it is that is in clear error."

(30) Say, "Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?"

(1) Nūn.[1724] By the pen and what they inscribe, ——— [1724]- See footnote to 2:1.

(2) You are not, [O Muḥammad], by the favor of your Lord, a madman.

(3) And indeed, for you is a reward uninterrupted.

(4) And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

(5) So you will see and they will see

(6) Which of you is the afflicted [by a devil].

(7) Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has gone astray from His way, and He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

(8) Then do not obey the deniers.

(9) They wish that you would soften [in your position], so they would soften [toward you].

(10) And do not obey every worthless habitual swearer

(11) [And] scorner, going about with malicious gossip -

(12) A preventer of good, transgressing and sinful,

(13) Cruel, moreover, and an illegitimate pretender.[1725] ——— [1725]- i.e., claiming a particular lineage falsely. The description given in these verses is of al-Waleed bin al-Mugheerah (see also 74:11-25) or possibly, as asserted by Ibn Katheer, al-Akhnas bin Shurayq.

(14) Because he is a possessor of wealth and children,

(15) When Our verses are recited to him, he says, "Legends of the former peoples."

(16) We will brand him upon the snout.[1726] ——— [1726]- Literally, "trunk," meaning the nose of an elephant or pig.

(17) Indeed, We have tried them as We tried the companions of the garden, when they swore to cut its fruit in the [early] morning

(18) Without making exception.[1727] ——— [1727]- i.e., without conceding that nothing can be accomplished unless Allāh wills, saying, "...if Allāh wills" ("in-shā’-Allāh"). See 18:23-24.

(19) So there came upon it [i.e., the garden] an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep.

(20) And it became as though reaped.

(21) And they called one another at morning,

(22) [Saying], "Go early to your crop if you would cut the fruit."

(23) So they set out, while lowering their voices,

(24) [Saying], "There will surely not enter it today upon you [any] poor person."

(25) And they went early in determination, [assuming themselves] able.[1728] ——— [1728]- To carry out their plan, confident of their ability.

(26) But when they saw it, they said, "Indeed, we are lost;

(27) Rather, we have been deprived."

(28) The most moderate of them said, "Did I not say to you, 'Why do you not exalt [Allāh]?'"[1729] ——— [1729]- i.e., remember or mention Him by saying, "...if Allāh wills." An additional meaning is "praise" or "thank" Him for His bounty.

(29) They said, "Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, we were wrongdoers."

(30) Then they approached one another, blaming each other.

(31) They said, "O woe to us; indeed we were transgressors.

(32) Perhaps our Lord will substitute for us [one] better than it. Indeed, we are toward our Lord desirous."[1730] ——— [1730]- Of His mercy, forgiveness and bounty.

(33) Such is the punishment [of this world]. And the punishment of the Hereafter is greater, if they only knew.

(34) Indeed, for the righteous with their Lord are the Gardens of Pleasure.

(35) Then will We treat the Muslims like the criminals?

(36) What is [the matter] with you? How do you judge?

(37) Or do you have a scripture in which you learn

(38) That indeed for you is whatever you choose?

(39) Or do you have oaths [binding] upon Us, extending until the Day of Resurrection, that indeed for you is whatever you judge?

(40) Ask them which of them, for that [claim], is responsible.

(41) Or do they have partners?[1731] Then let them bring their partners, if they should be truthful. ——— [1731]- i.e., those to whom they attribute divinity other than Allāh or partners from among themselves.

(42) The Day the shin will be uncovered[1732] and they are invited to prostration but they [i.e., the disbelievers] will not be able, ——— [1732]- i.e., when everyone will find before him great difficulty. In accordance with authentic ḥadīths, "the shin" might also refer to that of Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā), before which every believer will prostrate on the Day of Judgement. See footnote to 2:19.

(43) Their eyes humbled, humiliation will cover them. And they used to be invited to prostration while they were sound.[1733] ——— [1733]- During worldly life.

(44) So leave Me, [O Muḥammad], with [the matter of] whoever denies this statement [i.e., the Qur’ān]. We will progressively lead them [to punishment] from where they do not know.[1734] ——— [1734]- Allāh will increase His favors to them in this world by way of trial, whereby they will sink deeper into sin and thus into destruction.

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

(46) Or do you ask of them a payment, so they are by debt burdened down?

(47) Or have they [knowledge of] the unseen, so they write [it] down?

(48) Then be patient for the decision of your Lord, [O Muḥammad], and be not like the companion of the fish [i.e., Jonah] when he called out while he was distressed.

(49) If not that a favor [i.e., mercy] from his Lord overtook him, he would have been thrown onto the naked shore while he was censured.[1735] ——— [1735]- But instead, Allāh accepted his repentance and provided means for his recovery. See 37:139-148.

(50) And his Lord chose him and made him of the righteous.

(51) And indeed, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes [i.e., looks] when they hear the message, and they say, "Indeed, he is mad."

(52) But it is not except a reminder to the worlds.