قَالَ فَمَا خَطْبُكُمْ

31. He (i.e. Abraham) said: ‘What is your intent now, O messengers?’

32. They said: ‘We have (actually) been sent to a guilty people (the people of Lot),

33. to rain upon them stones of (baked) clay,

34. marked by your Lord for the transgressors.’

35. Then (before the punishment descended upon them), We evacuated (from the town) whoever among them were believers.

36. But We did not find there other than one house of the Muslims.*

* One house refers to Prophet Lut and his two daughters; they were saved from the punishment, but his wife was not, for she was among the disbelievers.

37. We have left a sign there (as a lesson) for those who fear the painful punishment.

38. And (there is another lesson) in (the story of) Musa (Moses), when We sent him to Pharaoh with a clear authority.

39. He turned away along with his cabinet and said: ‘(Here is) a magician or a crazy man!’

40. So We seized him and his forces, and We drowned them in the sea, for he was blameworthy.

41. And (there is another lesson) in (the story of) ‘Ad, when We sent upon them a destructive wind.

42. It left nothing that it came upon but reduced it to ashes.

43. And (there is another lesson) in (the story of) Thamud, when they were told: ‘Enjoy yourselves for a (short) while.’

44. Still, they revolted against the command of their Lord. So, a horrifying blast overtook them while they were looking on (helplessly).

45. So they were neither able to rise nor could they help one another.

46. And (We also destroyed) the people of Nuh (Noah) earlier. Indeed, they were a transgressing people.

47. And We built the whole universe with (great) energy. And indeed, We are continuously expanding it.

48. As for the earth, We have spread it out. So, how excellent spreaders We are!

49. We have created pairs of everything; perhaps you may be mindful of advice.

50. (Say:) ‘So flee to Allah. Indeed, I am a clear warner to you from Him.

51. Do not set up another god with Allah. Indeed, I am a clear warner to you from Him.’

52. Similarly, no messenger came to those before them, but they said: ‘(This is) a magician or a crazy man!’

53. Did they tell one another to do this? Instead, they were a rebellious people.

54. So turn away from them, for you will not be blamed (for their disbelief).

55. But (continue to) remind, for surely the Reminder benefits the believers.

56. I did not create the jinn and humans but to worship Me.

57. I desire no provision from them, nor do I want that they should feed Me.

58. Indeed, Allah is the One Who is the Supreme Sustainer, the Lord of Might, the All-Strong.

59. Indeed, those who commit wrong will have a share (of the torment) like the share of their (earlier) counterparts. So they need not ask Me to hasten on (their fate).

60. So, woe to the disbelievers for the Day they are promised.

1. By the Mount (Sinai [al-Tur], where Allah spoke to Musa [Moses]),

2. by the Book inscribed,

3. on an unrolled parchment;

4. by the (Sacred) House frequently visited (in the Heavens);

5. by the roof highly raised (in the Heavens);

6. by the ocean surging over,

7. indeed, the punishment of your Lord will come to pass.

8. None can avert it.

9. On the Day when the sky spins around violently,

10. and the mountains fly fast (and scatter like dust particles),

11. so terrible will be the suffering of the deniers on that Day,

12. those who amuse themselves with falsehood.

13. (It is) the Day they will be pushed forcibly towards the Fire of Hell.

14. (They will be told:) ‘This is the Fire which you used to deny.

15. Is this magic, or is it you who do not see?

16. Enter it (and burn): whether you are patient or impatient, it will be the same for you. You are only being rewarded for what you used to do.’

17. Indeed, the God-conscious will be in the Gardens and Bliss,

18. rejoicing in whatever their Lord has granted them. And their Lord has saved them from the punishment of Hell.

19. (They will be told:) ‘Enjoy your food and drink as a reward for what you used to do.’

20. They will be comfortably reclining on couches arranged in rows, and We will marry them to beautiful maidens with dazzling eyes.

21. The believers and their descendants who followed them in faith, We shall make their offspring join them (by elevating them to their rank). And We will not reduce anything from (the reward of) their deeds. Every person will be held in pledge for what he has earned.

22. We will provide them with fruit and meat, as they desire.

23. There, they will pass a cup (of pure wine) to each other, (and) there will be neither any foolish talk nor sinful speech.

24. And their (attendant) youths will go around them as if they were hidden pearls.

25. Some of them will advance towards others, questioning each other.

26. They will say: ‘Before this (blessing), we used to be apprehensive about our families.

27. But Allah showed us (His) favour and protected us from the punishment of the burning heat (of Hell).

28. Indeed, we used to supplicate Him before. Indeed, He is the Most-Gracious, the All-Merciful.’

29. So, (O Prophet!) continue to remind (them). By the grace of your Lord, you are neither a fortune-teller nor a madman.

30. Or do they say: ‘(He is) a poet, for whom we (eagerly) await a misfortune of time?”

31. Say: ‘Wait! For I am also waiting with you.’

32. Or do their minds prompt them to say this (foolish thing)? Or are they (just) rebellious people?

33. Or do they say: ‘He has forged it (i.e. the Qur’an)’? Instead, they do not believe (in the truth).

34. Let them bring a discourse like this (Qur’an) if they are truthful.

35. Or were they created from nothing? Or are they (their own) creators?

36. Did they create the heavens and the earth? Instead, they are not certain (about anything).

37. Or do they possess the treasures of your Lord? Or are they the controllers (of its distribution)?

38. Or do they have a ladder (leading up to heaven) whereby they can listen? Then, let their listener produce a manifest authority.

39. Or does He have daughters while you have sons?

40. Or do you ask them (O Prophet!) for a reward (for conveying the message) such that they are overburdened with debt?

41. Or do they have (knowledge of) the Unseen that they write down?

42. Or do they desire to scheme (against you, O Prophet)? Then, the disbelievers themselves shall be the victims of (their) schemes.

43. Or do they have any god besides Allah? Glory be to Allah from the partners they ascribe (to Him).

44. Even if they saw a fragment falling from the sky, they would say: ‘(This is just) a heap of layered clouds.’

45. So leave them until they encounter their Day, in which they will be thunderstruck,

46. the Day when their scheming will not avail them in any way, nor will they be helped.

47. Indeed, for the wrongdoers, there is a punishment besides that, but most of them do not know.

48. So submit patiently to the judgement of your Lord, for indeed you are before Our Eyes (all the time). And glorify the praise of your Lord when you rise (at dawn).

* So what if the evildoers have turned away their eyes! We do not shift Our Eyes from you and keep seeing you all the time.

49. And glorify Him during the night and at the setting of the stars.

1. By the star when it sets,*

* According to some scholars, the star also refers to Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him), when he ascended to the ends of the Heavens to meet Allah during the Night of Ascension and then descended back to the world. It is stated by Imam Ja‘far b. Muhammad al-Sadiq, al-Akhfash, al-Tustari, al-Sulami and others. See: al-Baghawi, al-Qurtubi, al-Khazin, Abu Hafs al-Hanbali, al-Tha‘labi, al-Shawkani, al-Alusi and others.

2. Your guide (i.e. Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) has never erred nor gone astray.

3. He does not speak out of (his own) desire.

4. It (i.e. his speech) is only a revelation sent down (to him).

5. The Lord of Mighty Power taught him,

6. the Lord of absolute perfection. Then He intended to unveil (Himself).

7. And he (Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) was upon the highest horizon (above the Heavens).

8. Then He (Allah) drew nearer (to Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) approaching so close,*

* Imam al-Bukhari has reported a hadith in al-Jami‘ al-Sahih supporting these meanings from the venerable Companion Anas b. Malik. Moreover, ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Abbas, Imam al-Hasan al-Basri, Imam Ja‘far b. Muhammad al-Sadiq, Muhammad b. Ka‘b al-Qurazi, al-Dahhak and many other leading exegetes hold the same view. See: al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, al-Baghawi, al-Razi, al-Khazin, Abu al-Sa‘ud, al-Qurtubi, al-Tha‘labi, Abu Hafs al-Hanbali, al-Suyuti, and others.

9. until he was only two bows’ length away or nearer.

10. Then He revealed whatever He revealed to His (beloved) servant.

11. The (Prophet’s) heart did not doubt what he saw.

12. Do you then dispute with him about what he saw?

13. And indeed, he saw Him another time,*

* These meanings are based on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, ‘Ikrima, al-Hasan al-Basri, Muhammad b. Ka‘b al-Qurazi, Abu al-‘Aliya al-Riyahi, ‘Ata’ b. Abi Rabah, Ka‘b al-Ahbar, Imam Ahmad b. Hanbal, Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash‘ari and many others.

14. at the Lote Tree of the Ultimate Boundary (above the seventh heaven),

15. by which is the Garden of the Abode,

16. while it covered the Lote Tree, whatever (of the Glorious Radiance) covered it.

* This interpretation also comes from Imam al-Hasan al-Basri and other leading scholars.

17. The (Prophet’s) eye did not turn aside, nor did it exceed the bounds.

18. Indeed, he saw the greatest of His Lord’s signs (on this night).

19. Have you considered (the idols) al-Lat and al-‘Uzza,

20. and Manat, the third one (as well)?

21. (O idolaters!) Are you to have males (i.e. sons) while He females (i.e. daughters)?

22. (If your estimation is correct,) then this is an unfair distribution!

23. These (idols) are only names you have made up—you and your fathers. Allah has not sent down any authority with them. They (the idolators) follow only conjectures and whatever their lower souls desire, although guidance from their Lord has already come to them.

24. Shall every human being have whatever he yearns for?

25. Yet to Allah belong the Hereafter and this world.

26. (Imagine) how many angels are in the heavens whose intercession will be of no benefit (to these idolaters). But (it will become beneficial only) after Allah grants permission to whomever He pleases and approves.

27. Indeed, those who do not believe in the Hereafter give female names to the angels.

28. And they do not have any knowledge (to substantiate this). They follow only (their) assumptions. And indeed, assumptions can in no way replace the truth.

29. So avoid those who turn away from Our remembrance and desire nothing but the life of this world.

30. That is the ultimate reach of their knowledge. Indeed, your Lord knows best those who stray from His way, and He knows best those who are (rightly) guided.

31. To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, so He may requite the evildoers for what they have done and reward the virtuous with the most beautiful goodness.

32. (They are) the ones who avoid major sins and shameful deeds, except minor mistakes (or the passing thoughts of sin). Surely, your Lord is liberal in forgiving. He knows you best since He originated your life from the earth and since you were embryos in the wombs of your mothers. So do not attribute purity to your souls. He knows best who is God-conscious.

33. Have you seen the one who turned away (from Islam),

34. and (initially) paid a little (for his salvation), and (then) withheld?

35. Does he possess the knowledge of the Unseen so that he sees (the Hereafter)?

36. Has he not been informed of what is in the scriptures of Musa (Moses),

37. and (in the scriptures of) Ibrahim (Abraham), who diligently fulfilled (Allah’s commandments)?

38. (They state) that no bearer shall bear the burden of another.

39. And that nothing belongs to human being (as his right) except what he strives for.*

As for Allah’s Grace, there are no limits. He can grant whatever He wills to whomever He pleases, as stated in Sura al-Nur, verse 38: “So that Allah may reward them for the best of what they have performed and give them more out of His grace. And Allah provides for whomever He pleases without any measure.”

40. And he will soon be shown his endeavours.

41. Then he will be rewarded for it with the fullest reward,

42. and that to your Lord is the ultimate return (of everything).

43. Moreover, He is the One Who makes (people) laugh (out of joy) and makes (them) weep (out of grief),

44. and that He is the One Who causes death and gives life,

45. and that He creates the two genders, male and female,

46. from a fertilised egg (i.e. a zygote*) when settled (into the mother’s womb).

* In Arabic, the word ‘al-nutfa’ is mentioned, and it refers to a zygote, which is a mixture of male and female gametes. It is the new single cell formed after the union of a sperm and ovum.

47. And it is upon Him to bring out the second genesis.

48. And that He is the One Who enriches and grants possessions.

49. And that He is the One Who is the Lord of Sirius (i.e. a star worshipped by some ancient pagans).

50. And that He is the One Who destroyed the first (people of) ‘Ad,

51. then (the people of) Thamud, sparing none (of them),

52. and the people of Nuh (Noah) before (all of them). Indeed, they were most unjust and rebellious.

53. And He smashed the towns (of Sodom and Gomorrah), turning (them) upside down.

54. So whatever fell on them covered them completely.

55. Then which of your Lord’s blessings will you dispute?

56. This (Esteemed Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) is a Warner (in the tradition) of the earlier warners.

57. The imminent (Hour) has drawn near.

58. None can disclose it besides Allah.

59. Do you then wonder at this (revealed) discourse,

60. and laugh (at it) and not weep (in fear),

61. and you remain heedless?

62. Instead, prostrate to Allah and worship (Him).

1. The Last Hour has drawn near, and the moon was split (in two).

2. If they (the disbelievers) see a (miraculous) sign, they turn away and say: ‘(This is) the same (old) magic.’

3. They reject (the truth) and follow their desires. So, every matter has an appropriate setting.

4. Indeed, the reports (of destroyed nations) that contain (sufficient) deterrents have already come to them.

5. (There is) far-reaching wisdom (in these reports), but warnings are of no benefit (to them).

6. So, turn away from them (and wait for) the Day when the caller (angel) calls them to something horrible.

7. With their eyes humbled, they will come out of their graves like scattered locusts,

8. rushing towards the caller. The disbelievers will say: ‘This is a difficult day.’

9. The people of Nuh (Noah) rejected (the truth) before them. So they denied Our servant and called (him): ‘crazy’, and he was intimidated.

10. Then he called upon his Lord, saying: ‘Indeed, I have been overcome (by the transgressors), so help (me).’

11. So We opened the gates of the sky with water pouring down.

12. And We caused the earth to burst out with springs, and the waters (from all sides) met for a determined matter.

13. And We carried him (i.e. Noah) upon a thing built with planks and nails (i.e. the Ark),

14. floating (over the flood waters) under Our eyes. (This was) retribution for the one who was rejected.

15. Indeed, We have left it as a sign. So is there anyone who will be mindful?

16. Then how (terrible) were My punishment and My warnings!

17. Certainly, We have made the Qur’an easy to remember (by simplifying its lessons). So, is there anyone who will be mindful?

18. (The people of) ‘Ad (also) rejected (their messenger). Then how (terrible) were My punishment and My warnings!

19. Indeed, We sent upon them a howling tornado on a day of (their) terrible misfortune,

20. knocking down people as if they were trunks of uprooted palm trees.

21. Then how (terrible) were My punishment and My warnings!

22. Certainly, We have made the Qur’an easy to remember (by simplifying its lessons). So, is there anyone who will be mindful?

23. (The people of) Thamud (also) rejected the warnings.

24. They said: ‘Are we to follow a single human being from among us? Then, we would certainly be in error and madness.

25. Has the revelation been sent to him (only) from among us? Instead, he is an insolent liar.’

26. By tomorrow, they will soon know who the insolent liar is.

27. We are sending the she-camel as a trial for them. So, watch them (O Salih) and remain patient.

28. Inform them that the water is to be shared between them. Every (share of the) drink will be attended (in equitable proportion).

29. But they roused a companion of theirs. So he took (a sword) in (his) hand and hamstrung (the camel).

30. Then how (terrible) were My punishment and My warnings!

31. Indeed, We sent upon them (only) one mighty blast, and they became like the dry sticks of the fence builder.

32. Certainly, We have made the Qur’an easy to remember (by simplifying its lessons). So, is there anyone who will be mindful?

33. (Then,) the people of Lut (Lot) rejected the warnings.

34. We sent a storm of stone upon them except the family of Lut (Lot). We saved them (from the torment) at dawn,*

* All members of Prophet Lot’s family were saved except his wife.

35. as a blessing from Us. Thus, We reward those who give thanks.

36. He had already warned them of Our strike, but they disputed the warnings.

37. They even tried to turn him away from his (angel) guests (to snatch them from him). So We blinded their eyes, (saying:) ‘Taste My punishment and My warnings.’

38. Indeed, an abiding punishment visited them early in the morning.

39. (Then it was said to them:) ‘Taste My punishment and My warnings.’

40. Certainly, We have made the Qur’an easy to remember (by simplifying its lessons). So, is there anyone who will be mindful?

41. Indeed, the warnings (also) came to the people of Pharaoh,

42. who denied all Our signs. So, We seized them with the crushing grip of the All-Mighty, the Most-Powerful.

43. Are your disbelievers better than those (before), or is there an exemption for you in the scriptures?

44. Or do they say: ‘We (all) are a victorious confederate (to be dominant over the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him)’?

45. Soon, their united front will be defeated (in the battle of Badr), and they will turn (their) backs, fleeing.

46. But the Hour is their appointed time. And the Hour will be most catastrophic and most bitter.

47. Indeed, the guilty are in error and madness.

48. The Day they are dragged into the Fire upon their faces (they will be told:) ‘Taste the touch of Hell.’

49. Indeed, We have created everything according to a (precisely) programmed measure.

50. And Our command is nothing but a single (word) like the twinkling of an eye.

51. Indeed, We have destroyed the likes of you. So, is there anyone who will be mindful?

52. Everything they have done is in the books (of deeds).

53. And every (thing), small or big, is noted (in their record).

54. Indeed, the God-conscious shall be (rejoicing) in gardens and rivers,

55. at the Seat of Honour (or in the Worthy Abode) in the presence of the Most-Powerful Sovereign.

1. The Most-Compassionate (Lord),

2. has taught the Qur󠄕’an.

* This Holy Verse was revealed in reply to the allegation fabricated by the disbelievers and the idolaters that (God forbid!) somebody used to teach the Qur’an secretly to the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him).
See: Tafsir al-Qushayri, al-Baghawi, al-Khazin, al-Bahr al-Muhit, al-Jumal, al-Lubab, al-Sawi, Fath al-Qadir, al-Mazhari, al-Siraj al-Munir, al-Maraghi, Adwa’ al-Bayan and Majma‘ al-Bayan, etc.

3. He created the human being,

4. (and) taught him to communicate.

5. The sun and the moon are (rotating) in calculated courses.

6. The stars (or the herbs spread over the earth) and the trees bow down (in submission).

7. As for the heavens, He raised them high (by expanding them from all sides). And He set up the balance (to maintain their existence and rotation).

8. So that you may not infringe the balance.

9. Maintain the weights with justice, and do not shorten the balance.

10. As for the earth, He has laid it down for living creatures.

11. There are fruits in it and date palms bearing clusters,

12. and grain with husks and aromatic herbs.

13. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

14. He created humans from dried clay sounding like pottery,

15. and He created the jinn from a smokeless flame of fire.

16. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

17. (He is) the Lord of the two easts and the Lord of the two wests.

18. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

19. He merged the two seas, meeting each other.

20. Between them is a barrier they do not transgress.

21. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

22. Out of both (waters) come out pearls and coral stones.

23. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

24. (Under) His (control) are the ships floating on the sea, (appearing) like mountains.

25. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

26. Every being on earth is bound to perish.

27. Your Lord (alone), full of Majesty and Honour, will remain forever.

28. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

29. Those in the heavens and the earth ask Him (only). Every day, He manifests (a new state of) Glory.

30. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

31. We will soon attend to you (for judgement), O two multitudes (of humans and jinn)!

32. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

33. O assembly of the jinn and the humans! If you can penetrate beyond the regions of the heavens and the earth, then penetrate through (them). But you cannot penetrate through (them) without (Our) authority.

34. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

35. Flames of fire and (a cloud of) smoke will be released upon you; then, you will not be able to defend yourselves.

36. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

37. (How terrible it will be) when the sky splits apart and turns rose-red like burnt oil (or tanned leather).

38. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

39. On that Day, neither humans nor the jinn will be questioned about their sins.

40. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

41. The guilty shall be recognised by their mark and seized by (their) forelocks and feet.

42. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

43. (They will be told:) ‘This is the Hell which the guilty deny.’

44. They shall go around between its flames and scalding water.

45. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

46. The one who fears standing before his Lord, there will be two Gardens for him.

47. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

48. Both will be full of lush green branches.

49. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

50. In both of them, there will be two flowing springs.

51. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

52. In both of them, there will be two kinds of every fruit.

53. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

54. (The residents of Paradise will be) reclining upon couches lined with silky green brocade, and the fruits of two Gardens will hang low (over them).

55. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

56. In them, there will be those (chaste maidens) with modest gazes whom no human has ever touched before, nor jinn.

57. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

58. Those (maidens) will be (beautiful and elegant) like rubies and corals.

59. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

60. Can the reward of goodness be anything but goodness?

61. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

62. Besides these two, there will be two (other) gardens.

63. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

64. Both (will be) dark green.

65. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

66. In both of them, there will be two gushing springs.

67. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

68. In both of them, there will be fruits, date palms and pomegranates.

69. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

70. In them (all), there will be good-natured and beautiful (chaste maidens).

71. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

72. Wide-eyed maidens, secluded in pavilions.

73. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

74. Whom no human has ever touched before, nor jinn.

75. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

76. Reclining upon green cushions and magnificent carpets.

77. Then which of your Lord’s blessings do you both deny?

78. Blessed is the Name of your Lord—the Possessor of Majesty and Honour.

1. When the Inevitable Event takes place,

2. none shall deny its occurrence.

3. (It will be) debasing (for the disbelievers), elevating (for the believers).

4. When the earth is shaken violently,

5. and the mountains are crushed to pieces,

6. and they become scattered (particles of) dust,

7. you will be (divided) into three groups:

8. The People of the Right Hand, how (happy) are the People of the Right Hand!

9. And the People of the Left Hand, how (miserable) are the People of the Left Hand!

10. And the Foremost (in faith) will be the Foremost (in Paradise).

11. Those are the ones brought near (to Allah),

12. (who will reside) in the Gardens of Bliss.

13. Many (of them are) from the earlier generations,

14. and a few from the later generations.

15. (They will be) upon couches brocaded with golden embroidery,

16. reclining on them facing one another.

17. Youths never altering in age will keep going around them,

18. with goblets, pitchers and cups (full of pure wine) from flowing springs,

19. which will neither cause them headaches nor will they get intoxicated.

20. (They will be served) any fruit they choose,

21. and the meat of any bird they desire.

22. And (they will have) maidens with beautiful wide eyes,

23. like pearls hidden in covers,

24. as a reward for what they used to do.

25. There, they will not hear any idle or sinful talk,

26. except the (virtuous) word: ‘Peace!’ ‘Peace!’

27. And the People of the Right Hand, how (blessed) are the People of the Right Hand!

28. (They will be) among thornless lote trees,

29. and banana trees clustered with fruits,

30. and widely extended shades,

31. and ever-flowing waters,

32. and abundant fruits,

33. never out of season nor forbidden.

34. And (they will be lodged) on raised floors (with noble spouses).

35. Indeed, We have created these (maidens) as a (unique) creation,

36. and We made them virgins,

37. loving, of matching age,

38. for the People of the Right Hand.

39. (There will be) a large group of them from the earlier generations,

40. and a large group from the later generations.

41. And the People of the Left Hand, how (miserable) are the People of the Left Hand!

42. (They will be) in the hot, scorching wind and the boiling water (of Hell),

43. and the shadow of dense black smoke.

44. (It is) neither cool nor refreshing.

45. Indeed, before that, they used to live in luxury,

46. and they would persist in great sin.

47. They used to say (mockingly): ‘When we are dead and become dust and bones, shall we be raised (alive again)?

48. And our forefathers of old (will also be given life)?’

49. Say: ‘Indeed, the former and later generations,

50. will (all) surely be gathered for the appointment of a known Day.

51. Then, indeed, you, O straying deniers,

52. shall eat from the (bitter thorny) tree of Zaqqum.

53. And you will fill (your) bellies with it,

54. and drink boiling water over it,

55. drinking (it) like thirsty camels.’

56. This shall be the welcome feast they receive on the Day of Resurrection.

57. It is We Who created you. Then why do you not acknowledge it?

58. Have you considered (the sperm) you ejaculate (into the womb)?

59. Are you creating (a child from) it, or are We the Creators?

60. We have decreed death among you, and We cannot be stopped,

61. from replacing you with your likes and recreating you in (a way) that you do not know.

62. You indeed know the first genesis. Then why are you not mindful (of guidance)?

63. Have you considered what you sow?

64. Are you causing it to grow, or are We the Growers?

65. Had We willed, We would have reduced this (harvest) to trash, and you would have been left astoundingly regretful,

66. (saying to yourself:) ‘Indeed, We have suffered a (great) loss.

67. Rather, we are deprived (of our livelihood).’

68. Have you considered the water you drink?

69. Do you bring it down from the clouds, or are We the Ones Who bring (it) down?

70. Had We willed, We would have made it bitter. Why do you not give thanks?

71. Have you considered the fire that you kindle?

72. Are you who brought its tree into being, or are We the Creator?

73. We have made it (i.e. the fire) a reminder (of the Hell) and (the trees) a (source of) provision for the desert dwellers.

74. So glorify the Name of your Lord, the All-Magnificent.

75. So I swear by the positions of the stars.*

* It also means: ‘I swear by the places where different portions of the Qur’an are descending.’ This translation is based on the exposition given by ‘Abd Allah b. ‘Abbas, ‘Ikrima, Mujahid, ‘Abd Allah b. Jubayr, al-Suddi, al-Farra’, al-Zujaj and others. The context also denotes the same meaning. In the preceding sura, Sura al-Najm, the Holy Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) was given the title: ‘al-Najm’ (the Star), and in this verse, different Qur’anic chapters (suras) are mentioned as ‘al-nujum’ (stars). See: Tafsir al-Tabari, Ibn Abi Hatim, al-Baghawi, Ibn Kathir, al-Baydawi, al-Lubab, Abu Sa‘ud, al-Khazin, al-Durr al-Manthur, Ruh al-Ma‘ani, al-Bahr al-Muhit, al-Jumal, Zad al-Masir, Fath al-Qadir, al-Mazhari and Majma‘ al-Bayan.

76. Indeed, it is a magnificent oath if you could know.

77. It is indeed a Noble Qur’an.

78. (Before this, it was written) in a Hidden, Guarded Book (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz).

79. None shall touch it except the purified ones.

80. (It is) a piecemeal revelation from the Lord of all worlds.

81. Do you then take this discourse lightly?

82. Do you make your means of subsistence through your (act of) rejecting (it)?

83. Why, then, when it (i.e. the soul of a dying person) reaches the throat (to pass out of his body),

84. you are looking on (miserably) at that moment?

85. And We are nearer to him (i.e. the dying person) than you are, but you cannot see (Us).

86. If you are not subject to (Our) command,

87. why do you not bring that (soul) back if you are truthful?

88. If that (dying person) is one among those brought near (to Us),

89. then (such a person will have) comfort, fragrance and a Garden of Bliss.

90. And if he is one among the people of the Right Hand,

91. then (he will be told:) ‘Peace be on you from the people of the Right Hand!’

92. But if he is one among the deniers, the misguided ones,

93. then (he will have) a hospitality of boiling water,

94. and burning in the Hellfire.

95. Indeed, this is the truth of absolute Certainty.

96. So glorify the Name of your Lord, the All-Magnificent.

1. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah, and He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

2. To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and causes death. And He is All-Capable of everything.

3. He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden. And He is All-Knowing of everything.

4. He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods, then established His authority on the Throne (i.e. He organised the universe under His Glorious Command). He knows whatever goes deep down into the earth and whatever emerges out of it, and whatever descends from the heaven and whatever ascends to it. He is with you wherever you are. And Allah is All-Seeing of whatever you do.

5. To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and to Allah, (all) matters are returned.

6. He merges the night into day and merges the day into night. And He is All-Knowing of whatever is (hidden) in the breasts.

7. Believe in Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him), and spend out of what He has made you the trustees. Those among you who believe and spend (in Allah’s way) shall have a great reward.

8. Why do you not believe in Allah while (His) Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) calls you to believe in your Lord? He has already taken a pledge from you if you are believers.

9. He is the One Who sends down clear revelations upon His servant that He may bring you out of utter darkness into light. Indeed, Allah is All-Kind, All-Merciful to you.

10. Why should you not spend in the way of Allah, while to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth? None of you is equal to those who spent (their wealth in the way of Allah) and fought before the victory (of Mecca). They are more exalted in rank than those who spent (their wealth) and fought afterwards. Yet Allah has promised a good reward to all. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.

11. Who is the one that will lend Allah a good loan so He may multiply it for him? And there will be a generous reward for him.

12. On that Day, you will see the believing men and the believing women with their light spreading swiftly ahead of them and on their right. (They will be told:) ‘Glad tidings to you this Day: Gardens with flowing rivers beneath them, to stay there forever. That is the magnificent success.’

13. On that Day, the male and female hypocrites will say to the believers: ‘Wait for us; let us have some of your light.’ They will be told: ‘Go back (to the world) and look for a light (there).’ Then, a (separating) wall with a gate will be raised between them. The inner side of it will contain mercy, and towards its outer side, there will be punishment.

14. They will call out to those (believers): ‘Did we not use to be with you (in the world)?’ They will say: ‘Yes indeed! But you caused yourselves to fall into temptation; you (eagerly) awaited (our destruction) and remained doubtful, and false hopes deceived you until the command of Allah arrived. Thus, the Deceiver tricked you about Allah.

15. So this Day, no ransom will be accepted from you (O hypocrites), nor from the disbelievers. The Fire is your abode. It is your ultimate refuge. What an evil destination.’

16. Has the time not yet come for the believers that their hearts become humbled to Allah’s remembrance and the truth that has come down and not be like those given the Book before, such that a long time passed upon them that their hearts became hardened? Many of them were transgressors.

17. Know that Allah revives the earth after its death. We have clarified the signs for you, so perhaps you may understand.

18. Indeed, those men who give in charity, those women who give in charity and those who lend Allah a good loan—it will be multiplied for them, and there is a generous reward for them.

19. And those who believe in Allah and His messengers, it is they who are truthful and are witnesses before their Lord. They shall have their reward and their light. But those who disbelieve and reject Our Signs—they shall be the inmates of the Hellfire.

20. Know that the life of this world is only play, diversion, glamour, mutual boasting and competition for increasing wealth and children. (It is) like the rain (that causes plants to grow), whose vegetation impresses the farmers. Then it withers, and you see it turning yellow, and then it becomes bits of trash. And in the Hereafter, there will be severe punishment or forgiveness from Allah and (His) great pleasure. And the life of this world is nothing but the enjoyment of delusion.

21. So race towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise, as vast as the heavens and the earth. (It is) prepared for those who believe in Allah and His messengers. That is Allah’s grace, which He grants to whomsoever He pleases. And Allah is the Possessor of the Tremendous Grace.

22. No calamity befalls the earth or yourselves, but it is (recorded) in a Book before We make it happen. Indeed, that is easy for Allah.

23. (It is) so that you may not grieve for what has escaped you nor boast for what has come to you. And Allah does not like whoever is arrogant (and) boastful.

24. (Such as) those who are miserly (themselves) and tell (other) people to be miserly. And whosoever turns away (from Allah’s injunctions should know that) Allah is indeed the All-Sufficient, the All-Praised.

25. Indeed, We sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and We sent down the Book and the Balance with them so that people could uphold justice. And We sent down iron, in which there is great might and benefits for humanity. So that Allah may make known those who help Him and His messengers without seeing (Him). Indeed, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

26. Indeed, We sent Nuh (Noah) and Ibrahim (Abraham) and established prophethood and the Book among their descendants. Some of them are rightly guided, yet many of them are transgressors.

27. Then We followed them up with Our messengers, and afterwards We sent ‘Isa, son of Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), and We gave him the Injil (the Gospel). And We instilled kindness and mercy into the hearts of those who followed him. As for monasticism, they innovated it (themselves). We did not ordain it for them, but (they invented it) only to seek Allah’s pleasure. Yet they did not observe it with proper observance. So We gave to the believers among them their (due) reward. But many of them are transgressors.

28. O believers! Be God-conscious and have faith in His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him). He will grant you a double share of His mercy, provide light to help you walk (in this world and the Hereafter) and forgive you. Allah is Most-Forgiving, All-Merciful.

29. So that the People of the Book may know that they have no power over anything of Allah’s grace and that (all) grace is in Allah’s Hand. He grants it to whomever He pleases. And Allah is the Possessor of Tremendous Grace.