قَالَ أَلَمْ

75. He (al-Khidr) said: ‘Did I not tell you that you will not be able to be patient with me?’

76. He (Moses) said: ‘If I question you about anything after this, do not keep me in your company. You have already received sufficient excuse on my part.’

77. So they moved on until they came to the people of a town. They asked its people for food, but they refused to show them any hospitality. There, they found a wall which was about to collapse. So he (al-Khidr) erected it. He (Moses) said: ‘Had you wished, you could have taken a wage for it.’

78. He (al-Khidr) said: ‘This is the parting between you and me. Now, I shall inform you about the interpretation of what you could not bear patiently.

79. As for the boat, it belonged to some poor people working at sea. I wanted to make it defective, for ahead of them was a king, coming to seize every (serviceable) boat by force.

80. As for the young boy, his parents were believers, and we feared he would trouble them with rebellion and disbelief.

81. So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange one better than him in purity and closer in mercy.

82. As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town. And under it, there was a treasure belonging to them. And their father was a righteous man. So your Lord desired that they should reach their maturity and take out their treasure (themselves). (This was) your Lord’s kindness. And I did not do it of my own accord. This is the interpretation of what you could not bear patiently.’

83. And they ask you about Dhu al-Qarnayn. Say: ‘I shall relate to you something of his account.’

84. We had established his power in the land and granted him the resources to achieve everything (necessary for his role).

85. So he travelled on a particular route,

86. until he reached the place (towards the west) where he perceived the sun setting. He found it (seemingly) setting into a spring of murky hot water.* And he found some people (living) nearby. We said: ‘O Dhu al-Qarnayn, you may either punish them or treat them kindly.’

* This spring of murky hot water is possibly a reference to the black sea.

87. He said: ‘As for him who does wrong, we shall punish him. Then he shall be returned to his Lord. And He will punish him with a dreadful torment.

88. But as for the one who believes and acts righteously, he shall have a beautiful reward. And We shall speak to him a gentle word of our command.’

89. Then (after consolidating his conquests in the west) he travelled on another route,

90. until he reached the place (towards the east) where he perceived (the rising of) the sun. He found it (seemingly) rising over a people for whom We had not made any shelter from it.

91. So it was. And We comprehended whatever he possessed in (Our) knowledge,

92. then he followed another route,

93. until he reached (a place) between two barriers. He found beside them a people who could hardly understand a word.

94. They said: ‘O Dhu al-Qarnayn! Indeed, Gog and Magog are making trouble in the land. Should we pay you a tribute, provided you build a barrier between them and us?’

95. He said: ‘Whatever my Lord has established me with is better (than what you are offering). So, help me with some workforce. I will put up a fortified barricade between you and them.

96. Bring me blocks of iron.’ Then, when he had levelled up the space between the two top sides, he said: ‘Blow!’ When he had turned it into fire, he said: ‘Bring me some molten copper to pour over it.’

97. So they (Gog and Magog) could neither cross over it nor make a tunnel through it.

98. He (Dhu al-Qarnayn) said: ‘This is a mercy from my Lord (to hold back the terrors of Gog and Magog from the people). But when my Lord’s promise (of the Last Hour) comes, He will (demolish this barrier and) level it to the ground (or reduce it to dust particles). And my Lord’s promise always comes true.’

99. On that Day, We shall let them surge like waves over one another. Later, the Trumpet will be blown, and We will gather them all.

100. And on that Day, We shall present the Hellfire, fully exposed to the disbelievers,

101. those whose eyes were covered from My remembrance and could not hear.

102. Do the disbelievers suppose they may take My servants as (their) guardians besides Me? Indeed, We have prepared Hell as a reception for the disbelievers.

103. Say: ‘Shall We inform you about the biggest losers in (respect to their) deeds?

104. (They are) those whose efforts in this world are misguided while they think they are doing good work.’

105. They are the ones who disbelieve in the signs of their Lord and the meeting with Him. So their deeds have come to nothing. On the Day of Resurrection, We shall not give them any weight.

106. That is their recompense—Hell—for they disbelieved and took My revelations and My Messengers in mockery.

107. Indeed, those who believe and perform righteous deeds shall have the Gardens of Paradise as (their) reception (and hospitality),

108. abiding in them forever, from where they will never wish to move.

109. Say: ‘If the ocean were ink for the Words of my Lord, the ocean would surely run dry before the Words of my Lord are finished, even if we brought another like it to help.’

110. Say: ‘I am only a human being like you. It has been revealed to me that your God is (only) One God. So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord, let him perform righteous deeds and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.’

1. Kaf, Ha, Ya, ‘Ayn, Sad.

2. (This is) an account of the mercy of your Lord upon His servant Zakariyya (Zachariah),

3. when he called upon his Lord (secretly) in a low voice.

4. He said: ‘My Lord! Indeed, my bones have become feeble, and my head has turned white with age, yet in supplicating You, my Lord, I have never been disappointed (or unblessed).

5. Indeed, I fear (what) my relatives (will do) after me while my wife is barren. So grant me an heir from Your presence.

6. He should inherit from me and inherit from the House of Ya‘qub (Jacob), and make him, my Lord, well-pleasing (to You).’

7. (The angel said:) ‘O Zakariyya (Zachariah)! Indeed, We give you the good news of a son whose name is Yahya (John). We have not given such a name to anyone before.’

8. He said: ‘My Lord! How shall I have a son when my wife is barren and I have already become extremely old?’

9. He (the angel) said: ‘‘So shall it be. Your Lord says: ‘It is easy for Me, just as I created you before when you were nothing.’’’

10. He said: ‘My Lord! Grant me a sign.’ He said: ‘Your sign is that you will not (be able to) speak to people for three full (days and) nights (though in sound health).’

11. Then he came out to his people from his worshipping chamber and conveyed to them through signs that they should glorify (Allah) morning and evening.

12. (We later said:) ‘O Yahya (John)! Hold on to the Book (i.e. the Torah) firmly. And We granted him wisdom (and prophethood) while he was still a child,

13. and (We granted him) compassion and purity from Our presence; and he was God-conscious.

14. And he was kind to his parents, and he was neither arrogant nor disobedient.

15. Peace be upon him, the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised alive!

16. And mention Maryam (Mary) in the Book when she withdrew from her family to an eastern place.

17. So, she secluded herself from them. Then We sent Our Spirit (the Angel Gabriel) to her, who appeared before her as a perfect human.

18. She said: ‘I seek refuge from you in the Most-Compassionate (Lord) if you are conscious (of Allah).’

19. He (Gabriel) said: ‘I am only a messenger from your Lord so that I may bestow upon you a pure son.’

20. She said: ‘How shall I have a son when no man has ever touched me, nor have I been unchaste?’

21. He (Gabriel) said: ‘So shall it be. Your Lord says: ‘It is easy for Me. And so that We may make him a sign for humankind and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter (already) decided.’

22. So, she conceived him, then withdrew with him to a distant place.

23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said: ‘Oh, I wish I had died before this and become a thing completely forgotten from memory!’

24. Then he called her from below her (saying): ‘Do not worry. Surely, your Lord has made a spring to flow beneath you.

25. Shake towards you the trunk of the palm tree; it will deliver fresh ripe dates to you.

26. So eat and drink and cool (your) eyes. Then, if you see any human being, say (to him by gestures): ‘Indeed, I have vowed a fast (of silence) to the Most-Compassionate (Lord), so I shall not speak to any human being today.’

27. Then, she came to her people carrying him. They said: ‘O Maryam (Mary), you have certainly come up with a strange thing!

28. O sister of Harun (Aaron)*! Your father was not an indecent man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman.’

* She was not a biological sister of Prophet Aaron, the brother of Moses. The name of Aaron signified purity and righteousness among the Jews of that time. So the title ‘Sister of Aaron’ meant to indicate that Mary was like Aaron in righteousness, as she was his sibling in purity and virtue. It may also refer to being a pious daughter from the noble lineage of Prophet Aaron.

29. Then she pointed to him (i.e. Jesus). They said: ‘How can we speak to one who is yet a child in the cradle?’

30. He (the infant Jesus) said: ‘I am indeed a servant of Allah. He has given me the Book and made me a prophet.

31. And He has made me blessed, wherever I may be. And He has enjoined upon me prayer and almsgiving (i.e. charity) as long as I live,

32. and to be kind to my mother. And He has not made me domineering and graceless.

33. Peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I will die, and the day I will be raised to life again!’

34. That is ‘Isa, the son of Maryam (i.e. Jesus, the son of Mary). (This is) the saying of the truth, concerning which they doubt.

35. It is not for Allah to take a son. Glory be to Him! When He has decided a matter, He only says to it: ‘Be!’ and it is.

36. (‘Isa [Jesus] said:) ‘And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path.’

37. But the factions differed among themselves. So suffering will come to those who disbelieve when the witnessing of a tremendous Day (takes place).

38. How well they will hear and how well they will see on the Day when they come to Us, although the wrongdoers today are in clear error.

39. Warn them of the Day of Regret, when the matter will have been decided, while they are yet in a state of negligence and do not believe.

40. Indeed, We inherit the earth and whatever is upon it. And to Us, they shall be returned.

41. And mention Ibrahim (Abraham) in the Book (i.e. the Holy Qur’an). Indeed, he was a man of truth (and) a prophet.

42. When he said to his (foster) father: ‘O my father! Why do you worship what can neither hear nor see, nor can it avail you in any way?

43. O my father! Indeed knowledge has come to me which has not come to you. So follow me; I shall guide you to the right path.

44. O my father! Do not worship Satan. Indeed Satan is disobedient to the Most-Compassionate (Lord).

45. O my father! Indeed I fear that a punishment from the Most-Compassionate (Lord) will befall you, and you will become an ally of Satan.’

46. He (Azar) said: ‘Ibrahim (Abraham)! Are you renouncing my gods? If you do not stop, I shall surely stone you. So keep away from me for a long time.’

47. He (Abraham) said: ‘Peace be upon you! I will pray to my Lord to forgive you. Indeed, He is gracious to me.

48. I dissociate myself from you and whatever you worship besides Allah. I will pray to my Lord. Hopefully, I will never be disappointed in praying to my Lord.’

49. So when he (Abraham) detached himself from them and what they worship besides Allah, We gave him Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya‘qub (Jacob), and We made each of them a prophet.

50. And We bestowed upon them Our mercy and blessed them with a truthful (and) honourable mention.

51. And mention Musa (Moses) in the Book. Indeed, he was a purified and chosen devotee (of Allah) and was a messenger (and) a prophet.

52. And We called to him from the right side of the Mount and brought him close for intimate communication.

53. And We granted him, out of Our mercy, his brother Harun (Aaron), as a prophet (to assist him in his mission).

54. And mention Isma‘il (Ishmael) in the Book. Indeed, he was truthful to (his) promise and was a messenger (and) a prophet.

55. He used to enjoin the prayer and almsgiving upon his household, and he was pleasing to his Lord.

56. And mention Idris in the Book. Indeed, he was a most truthful person (and) a prophet.

57. And We raised him to an exalted station.

58. They are the ones whom Allah has blessed among the prophets from the progeny of Adam, and from (the progeny of) those (believers) whom We carried with Nuh ([Noah] on the Ark), and from the progeny of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isra’il (Jacob), and from (the progeny of) those whom We had guided and chosen. When the revelations of the Most-Compassionate (Lord) were recited to them, they would fall down, prostrating and weeping.

59. Then came after them an evil generation that neglected the prayer and followed (their) base desires. So they will soon encounter the perdition (in the Ghayy Valley of Hell),

60. except for those who repent, believe and act righteously. It is they who shall enter Paradise and shall not be wronged in the least.

61. (They will dwell in) the Gardens of Eternity, which the Most-Compassionate (Lord) has promised to His servants in the (realm of the) Unseen. Indeed, His promise shall come to pass.

62. They shall not hear in it any vain discourse, but only: ‘Peace!’ And they shall have in it their provision, morning and evening.

63. That is Paradise, which We will give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who are God-conscious.

64. And (Jibra’il [Gabriel] said): ‘We do not descend except by the command of your Lord. To Him belongs whatever is before us, whatever is behind us and everything in between. And your Lord is not forgetful.

65. (He is) the Lord of the heavens, the earth and whatever is between them. So worship Him (alone) and be steadfast in His worship. Do you know anyone who could be His namesake?’

66. Man says: ‘What? Once I am dead, shall I truly be brought out alive?’

67. Does human being not remember that We had created him before when he was nothing?

68. So, by your Lord, We shall surely gather them and the devils. Then, We shall surely cause them to be present around Hell (scrambling) on their knees.

69. Then, from every group, We shall surely drag out whichever of them was the most rebellious against the Most-Compassionate (Lord).

70. Again, surely, We know best those most deserving to be thrown into Hell.

71. And there is none of you but will pass over it*. (This is) a decree of your Lord, certainly determined.

* This refers to the bridge extended over Hell, known as ‘al-Sirat.’ Both the believers and the disbelievers will have to cross this bridge. The believers will cross it safely at a speed corresponding to the strength of their faith, whereas the disbelievers and the hypocrites will be unable to cross it and will consequently fall into Hell.

72. Then We will deliver those who are God-conscious and leave the wrongdoers in it, falling on their knees.

73. When Our clear revelations are recited to them, the disbelievers say to the believers: ‘Which of the two groups (i.e. yours or ours) is superior in station and better in company.’

74. And how many a generation have We destroyed before them who were superior in worldly riches and outward glitter!

75. Say: ‘Whoever remains upon misguidance, the Most-Compassionate (Lord) shall prolong his life until they see what they have been warned about—either punishment (in this life) or the Hour (of the judgement). Then they will come to know who was in a bad position and (who was) weaker as an army.

76. And Allah increases in guidance those who are rightly guided. And the lasting deeds of righteousness are better with your Lord in reward and better in return.

77. Have you seen the one who rejects Our revelations and says: ‘I shall certainly be granted (plenty of) wealth and children’?

78. Has he come to know the Unseen or received a pledge from the Most-Compassionate (Lord)?

79. No, indeed! We shall record what he says and keep prolonging his punishment (endlessly).

80. We shall take over from him what he claims, and he will come to Us alone (without wealth and children).

81. They have taken gods besides Allah so that they may be (a source of) strength and honour for them.

82. No, indeed! They (i.e. the false gods) shall soon disown their worship, and they will become their opponents.

83. Do you not realise that We sent the devils upon the disbelievers? They keep inciting them cunningly (to commit wrongs).

84. So be not in haste towards them (for their punishment). We are just counting down their days.

85. On the Day, We will gather the God-conscious towards the Most-Compassionate (Lord) as an honoured delegation.

86. And We will drive the guilty as a thirsty herd towards Hell.

87. (On that Day,) none will possess the (power of) intercession except the one who has (already) taken a promise from the Most-Compassionate (Lord).

88. They say: ‘The Most-Compassionate (Lord) has taken a child!’

89. You have indeed asserted a terrible thing!

90. The heavens can almost burst apart at it, the earth can split asunder, and the mountains can crumble to pieces,

91. (protesting) that they attribute a son to the Most-Compassionate (Lord)!

92. It is not befitting for (the Glory of) the Most-Compassionate (Lord) to take a child.

93. There is none in the heavens and the earth but will come to the Most-Compassionate (Lord) as a servant.

94. Indeed, He has (accurately) counted them (all) and numbered them precisely.

95. And each of them shall come to Him on the Day of Resurrection, all alone.

96. As for those who believe and perform righteous deeds, the Most-Compassionate (Lord) will endear them (to His creation).

97. Indeed, We have made this (Qur’an) easy in your tongue (i.e. in Arabic) so, with it, you may give glad tidings to the God-conscious and warn the contentious people through it.

98. And how many a generation We destroyed before them! Can you trace any of them or (even) hear the slightest murmuring sound from them?

1. Ta-Ha.

2. (Esteemed Prophet!) We have not revealed the Qur’an to you that you should be distressed.

3. (We revealed it) only as a reminder for the one who fears (his Lord).

4. (It is) a revelation from the One Who created the earth and the highest heavens.

5. The Most-Compassionate (Lord) established (His authority) over the Throne (befitting His Glory).

6. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, whatever is in between them and whatever is under the ground.

7. Whether you speak loudly (or quietly), He certainly knows what is secret and what is even more hidden.

8. Allah—there is no god except Him. To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.

9. And has the story of Musa (Moses) come to you (O Prophet)?

10. When he saw a fire (on his way back to Egypt from Madyan), he said to his family: ‘Stay here! Indeed, I have seen a fire. Perhaps I may bring you a flaming brand from it or find some guidance at the fire.’

11. So, when he approached it, he was called: ‘O Musa (Moses)!

12. Indeed, I am your Lord! So take off your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.

13. I have chosen you (as My messenger), so listen to what is revealed.

14. Indeed, I am Allah. There is no god but Me. So worship Me and establish the prayer for My remembrance.

15. Indeed, the Hour is coming. I would keep it hidden so that every soul may be recompensed for what it strives for.

16. So let not avert you from it, the one who does not believe in it, and follows his base desires, lest you should perish.

17. (Allah asked:) ‘What is that in your right hand, O Musa (Moses)?’

18. He said: ‘It is my staff. I lean upon it, and with it, I beat down leaves (making them fall) upon my sheep. And I have other uses for it.’

19. He said: ‘Throw it down Musa (Moses).’

20. So he threw it down. And behold, it was a snake moving fast.

21. He said: ‘Pick it up and do not fear. We shall restore it to its original state.

22. Now enclose your hand to your armpit. It will emerge (shining) white without any blemish. (This is yet) another sign.

23. (We are doing this) so that We can show you some of Our greater signs.

24. Go to Pharaoh. He has indeed transgressed all bounds.’

25. He said: ‘My Lord! Expand my breast for me.

26. And make my task easy for me.

27. And remove the hitch from my tongue (granting me clarity of speech),

28. so that people may understand my discourse (easily).

29. And appoint for me a minister from my family,

30. my brother Harun (Aaron).

31. Increase my strength through him,

32. and make him my associate in my task.

33. So that we may glorify You much,

34. and remember You much.

35. Indeed, You are always watching over us.’

36. He said: ‘Musa (Moses)! Your request has been granted.

37. And indeed, We had shown you favour before,

38. when We inspired to your mother that which was inspired, (saying:)

39. ‘Put him in the chest, then place it into the river. Then the river will throw him on the shore. An enemy of Mine and an enemy of his (i.e. Pharoah) shall pick him up (from there).’ And I blessed you with (an exceptional) love from Me that you might be brought up under My (caring) eyes.

40. When your sister walked up (to Pharaoh’s family) and said: ‘Shall I direct you to someone who can nurse him?’ Then We brought you back to your mother, that her eyes might be cooled, and she should not grieve. Later, you killed a man (unintentionally), but We saved you from sorrow. Then We tried you with various trials. Then, you stayed among the people of Madyan (Midian) for years. Then you came (here) as ordained, O Musa (Moses)!

41. I have chosen you for Myself (i.e. the task of Messengership).

42. Go ahead, you and your brother (Aaron), with My Signs and do not tire in remembering Me.

43. Go, both of you, to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has rebelled.

44. Speak to him a gentle word. Perhaps he may accept admonition or fear (My wrath).’

45. Both of them said: ‘Our Lord! Indeed, we fear that he will torture us or become (more) rebellious.’

46. He said: ‘Do not fear. Indeed, I am with you both; I hear and I see.

47. So both of you go to him and say: “Indeed we are two messengers of your Lord. Therefore, let the Children of Israel go with us. And do not persecute them (anymore). Indeed, We have brought you a sign from your Lord. Peace be upon him who follows guidance!

48. Indeed, it has been revealed to us that punishment will surely come upon him who rejects (the truth) and turns his back (on us).”’

49. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘Who is the Lord of you both? O Musa (Moses)!’

50. He (Moses) said: ‘Our Lord is He Who gave everything its distinctive form and then guided it (according to its potential).’

51. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘What about the previous generations?’

52. He (Moses) said: ‘Their knowledge is with My Lord in a Book. My Lord neither makes any error nor forgets.’

53. (He is) the One Who made the earth a habitable cradle for you and made therein ways and means (of livelihood) for you and sent down water from the sky. Then, through it, We have brought out various pairs of vegetation.

54. Eat and graze your cattle. There are indeed signs in this for those who possess intelligence.

55. From it (i.e. the soil of the earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out another time.

56. And indeed, We showed him (i.e. Pharaoh) all Our signs, but he rejected (them) and refused (to believe).

57. He said: ‘Have you come to us to expel us from our land with your magic, O Musa (Moses)?

58. So we shall confront you with magic like it. Therefore, set a time (for the contest) between us and you, which neither we shall break nor you, at a central location.’

59. He (Moses) said: ‘Your appointment will be on the Day of Adornment (i.e. the day of Annual Festival), and let the people be gathered at mid-morning.’

60. Then Pharaoh turned away (to consult his cabinet). He put together his strategy and arrived (at the arena).

61. Musa (Moses) said to them (i.e. the sorcerers): ‘Woe to you! Do not fabricate a lie against Allah, lest He should destroy you with a punishment. Whoever fabricates (lies) will lose surely.’

62. So they debated their plan among themselves and kept their confidential discourse secret.

63. They (the sorcerers) said: ‘These two are only magicians who want to expel you from your land with their magic and abolish your exemplary tradition.

64. So, gather your strategy and line up in rows (for the contest). Indeed, he will prosper today who gains the upper hand.’

65. They (the magicians) said: ‘O Musa (Moses)! Either you should throw (first), or we shall be the first to throw.’

66. He (Moses) said: ‘Rather you throw (first).’ Then, behold, their ropes and sticks appeared to him by their magic (as though) they were moving around fast.

67. So Musa (Moses) concealed the alarm he felt in his mind.

68. We said: ‘Do not worry. Indeed, you will have the upper hand.

69. Throw down what is in your right hand. It will swallow up whatever they have produced. What they have produced is only a magician’s trick. And the magician will not be successful wherever he may come.’

70. Then, the magicians were cast down in prostration. They said: ‘We believe in the Lord of Harun (Aaron) and Musa (Moses).’

71. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘Do you profess faith in him before I permit you? He is indeed your chief who has taught you magic! I shall surely cut off your hands and your feet from opposite sides. And I shall surely crucify you on the trunks of palm trees. So you shall surely know which of us is more severe and more lasting in punishing.’

72. They (the magicians) said: ‘We will never prefer you over the clear proofs that have come to us, nor over Him Who has created us. So decide whatever you (are determined to) decide. You can only decide about the life of this world.

73. Indeed, we have believed in our Lord so He may forgive us our sins and that magic you compelled us to perform. And Allah is the Best and the Everlasting.’

74. Whoever comes to his Lord as an evildoer will certainly have Hell, where he will neither die nor live.

75. But whoever comes to Him as a believer, having performed righteous deeds, for such shall be the highest ranks (in Paradise),

76. the Gardens of Eternity with rivers flowing beneath them. They will abide in them forever. And that is the reward of the one who purifies (himself).

77. And We indeed revealed to Musa (saying): ‘Set forth with My servants by night. Then, strike out for them a dry path through the sea. Do not be afraid of being overtaken and have no fear (of getting drowned).’

78. Then, Pharaoh pursued them with his troops. So the sea covered them with (the waves) that overwhelmed them.

79. Pharaoh misled his people and did not guide (them correctly).

80. O Children of Israel! We saved you from your enemy. And We made a covenant with you on the right side of the Mount (Tur). And We sent down to you the manna and the quails.

81. (We said to you:) ‘Eat from the good things We have provided you, but do not exceed the limits therein, lest My wrath should befall you. And anyone upon whom My wrath befalls is certainly destroyed.’

82. Indeed, I am Most-Forgiving for the one who repents, becomes (a true) believer, acts righteously and then keeps following guidance.

83. (Allah asked:) ‘What has caused you to come (to Mount Sinai for Our meeting) in such haste, ahead of your people, O Musa (Moses)?’

84. He said: ‘They are coming closely upon my tracks, and I have hurried to You, my Lord, that You may be pleased!’

85. He said: ‘Indeed, We have tested your people in your absence, and Samiri has led them astray.’

86. So, Musa (Moses) returned to his people, wrathful and saddened. He said: ‘O my people! Did your Lord not make a gracious promise to you? Did the time (of its fulfilment) seem too long for you? Or did you desire that the wrath of your Lord should descend upon you? So you broke your promise to me.’

87. They said: ‘We did not deliberately break (our) promise to you, but we were laden with the weight of people’s (golden) ornaments. So we threw them (into the fire), and Samiri also threw it.’

88. Then, he (Samiri) produced for them (from the molten jewellery) a statue of a calf, with a lowing sound (of a cow). Then they said: ‘This is your god and Musa’s god, but he forgot (to mention).’

89. Could they not see that it (i.e. the calf) would not respond to them with speech, and that it did not possess for them (any) harm or benefit?

90. And Harun (Aaron) had already told them: ‘O my people! You are only being tested by it. And surely your Lord is the Most-Compassionate. So follow me and obey my command.’

91. They said: ‘We shall not cease to be its devotees until Musa (Moses) returns to us.’

92. He (Musa [Moses]) said: ‘O Harun (Aaron)! What prevented you when you saw them going astray,

93. from coming after me (to inform me)? Did you disobey my command?’

94. He (Aaron) said: ‘O son of my mother! Do not hold my beard or my head. I was scared you would say: ‘You have caused division among the Children of Israel, and you did not wait for my word.’’

95. He (Musa [Moses]) said: ‘What was your purpose, O Samiri?’

96. He said: ‘I saw what they had not seen (i.e. the Archangel Gabriel). I took a handful (of dust) from the messenger’s footprints (from when he visited you), and then I threw it (in the gold casting for the calf). That is how my soul prompted me.’

97. He (Musa [Moses]) said (to Samiri): ‘Get away (from here). It shall be for you (a punishment) in this life to keep saying: ‘Don’t touch me!’ And there is yet another promise (of punishment), which you will never be allowed to escape. Now, look at your god, which you have kept on worshipping. We shall surely burn it down and then scatter it into the sea like dust.

98. (O my people!) Indeed, your God is only Allah. There is no god except Him. He comprehends everything in (His) knowledge.’

99. (Esteemed Prophet!) In this way, We relate to you the news of what happened before. Indeed, We have given you a Reminder (i.e. the Qur’an) from Our presence.

100. Whoever turns away from it shall bear a heavy burden on the Day of Resurrection,

101. remaining in it forever. What a terrible burden for them on the Day of Resurrection!

102. (It is) the Day when the Trumpet will be blown. And We shall gather the guilty on that Day (blind), with blued eyes.

103. They will whisper among themselves: ‘You have stayed only for ten (days in the world).’

104. We know best what they will say when the fairest of them in conduct will say: ‘You stayed (there) for no longer than a day.’

105. They ask you about the mountains. So tell (them): ‘My Lord will scatter them like dust.

106. Then He will leave it (i.e. the earth) as a flat, barren land.

107. In it, You will see neither curvature nor unevenness (i.e. any valley or hill).’

108. On that Day, they will follow the inviter. There will be no escape from following him. And all voices shall be humbled before the Most-Compassionate (Lord), and you will hear nothing but a murmur.

109. On that Day, intercession will not benefit (anyone) except the one to whom the Most-Compassionate (Lord) has granted permission and was pleased with his word.

110. He knows what is before them and what is behind them, but they do not encompass Him in knowledge.

111. All faces shall be humbled before the Ever-Living, the All-Sustaining. And surely, he who bears (the burden of) injustice will certainly fail.

112. And whoever performs righteous deeds and is a believer shall fear neither injustice nor deprivation.

113. Thus, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an. And We have distinctly explained the warning in it, so that they may be God-conscious, or it may induce remembrance for them.

114. So exalted is Allah, the Real Sovereign, the Ultimate Truth. And be not in haste with the Qur’an before its revelation to you is completed. And say: ‘My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.’

115. And indeed, We made a pact with Adam earlier, but he forgot. And We did not find any intention (of disobedience) in him.

116. When We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate yourselves before Adam.’ They prostrated, except Iblis. He refused.

117. Then We said: ‘O Adam! This is indeed an enemy of yours and your wife’s. Therefore, do not let him expel you both from Paradise; in that case, you may face hardship.

118. Indeed, you shall neither be hungry in it nor naked.

119. And indeed, you shall neither be thirsty in it nor suffer from the sun.’

120. Then Satan whispered to him and said: ‘O Adam! Shall I show you the Tree of Eternity and a kingdom that will never diminish?’

121. Then they both ate from it, and their private parts became exposed to them. So they began to stitch the leaves of Paradise over themselves. And (in this way) Adam failed to observe his Lord’s command. So, he missed the mark (and thus could not achieve eternal life).*

* Adam’s act of eating from the tree took place before he was blessed with prophethood. This incident took place in Paradise, whereas he was honoured with the blessing of prophethood after coming down from heaven and settling on the earth, as indicated in the next two verses: 122–123.

122. Then his Lord chose him (for His proximity), turned to him (with mercy) and guided (him to repentance).

123. He said: ‘Get down from here, all together, being enemies of one another! And if guidance should come to you from Me, then whoever follows My guidance will not go astray, nor will he be miserable.

124. And whoever turns away from My remembrance, there shall be indeed a depressing life for him. And We shall raise him blind on the Day of Resurrection.’

125. He will say: ‘My Lord! Why have You raised me blind, though I used to see (before)?’

126. He will say: ‘This is how it is. Our revelations came to you, but you forgot them. And thus, you are forgotten today.’

127. And thus, We recompense the one who exceeds the limits and does not believe in the revelations of his Lord. And indeed, the punishment of the Hereafter is more severe and more lasting.

128. Does it not guide them (to see) how many generations We have destroyed before them in whose dwellings they walk around? There are indeed signs in that for those who possess reason.

129. Had it not been for a previous word from your Lord and an appointed term (for their punishment), the inevitable (calamity) would have happened.

130. So be patient with what they say. And glorify the praise of your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. And glorify Him in the hours of the night and at the ends of the day, so that you may be pleased (with the reward).

131. Do not extend your glance towards what We have provided certain groups of them to enjoy as the splendour of this worldly life so that We may test them through it. And the provision of your Lord (in the Hereafter) is better and more lasting.

132. And command your family for prayer and be steadfast in observing it yourself. We do not ask you for any provision. It is We Who provide for you. And the Ultimate End belongs to God-consciousness.

133. And they say: ‘Why does he not bring us a (visible) sign from his Lord?’ Has there not come to them a clear proof (i.e. the Qur’an), which is (mentioned) in the earlier Scriptures?

134. Had We destroyed them with a punishment before this (revelation), they would certainly have said: ‘Our Lord! Why did You not send a messenger to us, for then we would have followed Your revelations before we became disgraced and humiliated?’

135. Say (to them): ‘Each (of us) is waiting. So keep waiting! For you will soon come to know who the people of the straight path are and who are rightly guided.’