وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ

21. And those who do not hope for Our meeting say: ‘Why have not the angels been sent down upon us? Or why do we not see our Lord?’ Indeed, they are full of arrogance within themselves and have become highly defiant.

22. The Day they will see the angels, there will be no good news for the guilty that Day. And they (the angels) will say: ‘(Paradise is) totally prohibited (for you).’

23. And (then) We shall proceed to whatever work they have done, so We shall make it scattered dust.

24. On that Day, the inhabitants of Paradise will be in a better abode and an excellent resting place.

25. The Day when the sky will be split open with the clouds, and the angels will be sent down descending (in ranks),

26. the true kingdom on that Day shall belong to the Most-Compassionate (Lord), and it will be a hard day for the disbelievers.

27. The Day when every wrongdoer will bite his hands (in frustration), saying: ‘I wish I had followed the path (of truth) with the Messenger!

28. Oh, woe to me! I wish I had not taken so and so for a friend!

29. Indeed, he led me astray from the Reminder after it had reached me, and Satan has always been one to desert humankind.’

30. And the Messenger will say: ‘My Lord! Indeed, my people have taken this Qur’an as something to be abandoned.’

31. And that is how We make for every Prophet an enemy from among the evildoers. And your Lord is sufficient as a Guide and Helper.

32. And the disbelievers say: ‘Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?’ Thus (We have sent the Qur’an down in intervals) so that We may keep strengthening your heart with it. We have recited it (to you gradually) in a measured pace.

33. And they do not bring you a single example, but We bring you the truth and the best explanation (in reply to them).

34. Those who will be dragged upon their faces towards Hell will be in the worst place and are (now) farthest from the right way.

35. Indeed, We gave Musa (Moses) the Book, and We made his brother Harun (Aaron) accompany him as a minister (for his assistance).

36. Then We said: ‘Go, both of you, to the people who have rejected Our signs.’ Then, We destroyed them utterly.

37. And the people of Nuh (Noah), We drowned them when they denied the messengers and made them a sign for humankind. And We have prepared for the wrongdoers a painful punishment.

38. And (We also destroyed) ‘Ad and Thamud, the inhabitants of al-Rass (i.e. the water pit) and many (other) generations between them.

39. And to each (of them), We gave examples (as warnings), and each (of them) We eradicated with utter destruction.

40. Indeed, they must have passed by the town (of Sodom), which had been showered with a terrible rain (of stones). Have they not seen it? Yet they did not hope to be resurrected.

41. And when they see you, they do nothing but make fun of you, (saying): ‘Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a messenger?

42. Indeed, he was about to lead us astray from our gods if we had not stood firmly by them. And soon they will realise when they see the punishment who is further astray from the (right) path.

43. Have you seen him who takes his desire as his god? Is it your duty to become a guardian over him?

44. Do you think that most of them listen or understand? They are just like cattle. Instead, they are further astray from the (right) way.

45. Have you not considered how your Lord extends the shade (till noon)? Had He willed, He could have made it (remain) stationary. Then We made the sun an indicator over it.

46. Then, We withdraw it towards Ourselves, drawing little by little.

47. And He is the One Who made the night for you as a covering and sleep as a (means of) rest. And He made the day for rising again (so that you may earn a livelihood).

48. And He is the One Who sends the winds as good news heralding His mercy. And We send down from the sky purifying water,

49. so that We may revive a dead land with it and provide it as a drink to many of the cattle and humans We have created.

50. Indeed, We distribute it among them so they may be mindful of advice. But most people refuse (to be anything) but ungrateful.

51. Had We wished, We would have certainly raised a warner in every town.

52. So do not obey the disbelievers, but strive against them a great striving through this (Qur’an).

53. And He is the One Who has merged the two seas: this one sweet and fresh, and that one salty and bitter. And between the two, He has made a barrier and a forbidden hindrance.

54. He is the One Who created the human being from water, then made him kin with ties of blood and marriage. And your Lord is All-Capable.

55. Yet they worship (things) besides Allah, which can neither benefit them nor cause them harm. And the disbeliever is always a helper (of Satan) against his Lord(’s command).

56. We did not send you (O Prophet) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner.

57. Say: ‘I do not ask you any reward for this (message), but whoever wishes should take the path to his Lord.’

58. Put your trust in the Living One, Who never dies. And glorify (Him) with His praise. And He suffices as One All-Aware of His servants’ sins.

59. He (is the One) Who created the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them in six periods, then He established (His authority) on the Throne (as befitting His Majesty). The Most-Compassionate (Lord), so ask about Him, someone who is well aware (of Him).

* The expression used in the verse ‘sitta ayyam’ denotes six stages or periods of creation and not six days in general sense because here the subject is the creation of the earth and all the heavenly bodies, galaxies, stars, planets and space when night and day did not exist.

60. When they are told, ‘Prostrate yourselves before the Most-Compassionate (Lord),’ they say: ‘What is the Most-Compassionate (Lord)? Shall we prostrate ourselves before whatever you command us?’ So, it increases their aversion.

61. Blessed is He Who made vast mansions in the sky (in the form of galaxies) and made in it a (light-generating and heat-releasing) lamp (i.e. the sun) and a shining (light-reflecting) moon.

62. And He is the One Who made the night and the day in succession (of each other), for one who desires to be mindful or desires to be thankful.

63. And the servants of the Most-Compassionate (Lord) are the ones who walk humbly upon the earth, and when the ignorant address them (indecently), they only respond with words of peace and gentleness.

64. And (they are) those who spend the night for their Lord, prostrating and standing (in worship).

65. And those who say: ‘Our Lord! Turn away from us the punishment of the Hellfire. Indeed, its punishment is most terrible (and everlasting).

66. Indeed, it is an evil abode and a (terrible) place to stay.

67. And (they are) those who, when they spend, are neither wasteful nor miserly, and they maintain moderation between these (two extremes).

68. And (they are) those who do not worship another god besides Allah, do not kill the soul that Allah has made inviolable, except in the lawful way, and do not commit adultery. And whoever does that shall face retribution.

69. The punishment shall be multiplied for him on the Day of Resurrection. And he shall abide in it with humiliation forever,

70. except those who repent, believe and perform righteous deeds. For them, Allah will replace their evil deeds with good deeds. And Allah is Most Forgiving, All-Merciful.

71. And whoever repents and acts righteously has truly turned to Allah with due penitence.

72. As for those who do not give false testimony, and when they come across some idle talk, they pass by (it) with dignity.

73. (They are) those who, when reminded of the signs of their Lord, do not turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to them,

74. and those who say: ‘Our Lord! Grant us comfort in our spouses and our offspring, and make us a leading model for the God-conscious.’

75. These (noble servants) shall be rewarded with elevated mansions (in Paradise) for their patience. And they shall be received there with greetings and (salutations of) peace,

76. abiding there forever. What an excellent place to settle and reside!

77. Say (to the disbelievers): ‘My Lord would not care for you even if your worship does not exist. But you have indeed rejected (the truth), so this (rejection) will (forever) continue as a permanent torment (for you).’

1. Ta, Sin, Mim.

2. These are the Verses of the Manifest Book.

3. (Esteemed Prophet!) You will perhaps consume yourself with grief that they are not becoming believers.

4. If We had wished, We could have sent down upon them a sign from the heavens at which their necks would remain bowed in utter humility.

5. There did not come to them any new reminder from the Most-Compassionate (Lord), except that they turned away from it.

6. They have indeed denied (the truth). So, the news of what they have been ridiculing will soon come to them.

7. Have they not looked at the earth, how much of every splendid kind of vegetation We have caused to grow in it?

8. There is a sign in that, but most of them are not believers.

9. Indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

10. And (remember) when your Lord called out to Musa (Moses), (saying:) ‘Go to the wrongdoing people,

11. the people of Pharaoh. Will they not become God-conscious?’

12. He (Moses) said: ‘My Lord! I fear that they will reject me,

13. my breast will constrict (from the stress), and my tongue will not express (itself) fluently. Therefore, send (Your Messenger Gabriel) to Harun ([Aaron] to make him my helper).

14. They also have a charge against me, and I fear they may kill me.’

15. He (Allah) said: ‘No (they will not). Go, both of you, with Our signs. We shall be with you, listening (to everything).

16. So both of you approach Pharaoh and say: ‘We are indeed messengers of the Lord of the worlds.

17. (We are commanded to say:) ‘Send with us the Children of Israel.’’

18. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘Did we not raise you among us as a child, and did you not stay several years of your life in our care?

19. Then you did the act of yours which you did, and you are one of the ungrateful.’

20. He (Moses) said: ‘I did it, but I was unaware (that a single blow would take his life).

21. So, I fled from you, as I was afraid of you. Then, my Lord granted me divine wisdom and made me among the messengers.

22. And that blessing you are recounting to me, it was because you had enslaved the Children of Israel.’

23. Pharaoh said: ‘And what is the Lord of the worlds?’

24. He (Moses) said: ‘The Lord of all the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, if you have sure faith.’

25. He (Pharaoh) said to those around him: ‘Do you not hear?’

26. He (Moses) said: ‘Your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers!’

27. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘Indeed your messenger, who has been sent to you, is surely crazy.’

28. He (Moses) said: ‘The Lord of the east and the west and whatever is between them, if you can understand.’

29. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘If you take any other god besides me, I will most surely imprison you.’

30. He (Moses) said: ‘And what if I bring you something very clear?’

31. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘Bring it, then, if you are among the truthful.’

32. So he (Moses) threw down his staff; behold, it was a clear serpent.

33. Then he drew out his hand (after putting it under his armpit), and behold, it was radiant white to the viewers.

34. He (Pharaoh) said to the chiefs (who stood) around him: ‘This is indeed a very knowledgeable magician.

35. He wants to expel you from your land by his sorcery. So, what would you advise?’

36. They said: ‘Leave him and his brother for a while and send heralds to the cities.

37. They shall bring you every expert magician.’

38. So the magicians were brought together at the appointed time of a fixed day.

39. And the people were told: ‘Will you gather (for this occasion)?

40. Perhaps we may follow the magicians if they are the victors!’

41. So when the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh: ‘Shall we indeed receive a reward if we are the victors?’

42. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘Of course! Then indeed you shall be among those near (to me, by entering my inner court).’

43. Musa (Moses) said to them (the magicians): ‘Throw down what you are going to throw.’

44. So they threw down their ropes and sticks and said: ‘By the might of Pharaoh, we shall surely be the victors.’

45. Then, Musa (Moses) threw down his staff; behold, it was swallowing up what they had faked.

46. Then, the magicians were made to fall, prostrating.

47. They said: ‘We believe in the Lord of worlds,

48. the Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron).’

49. He (Pharaoh) said: ‘Do you believe in Him before I permit you? He (Moses) is indeed your chief who has taught you magic. So you shall soon know (about your end). I will surely cut off your hands and your feet from opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you all.’

50. They said: ‘No harm (in it). Indeed, we are to return to our Lord.

51. Indeed, we hope our Lord will forgive us our sins for being the first of the believers.’

52. Then We revealed to Musa (Moses), (saying:) ‘Leave with My servants by night, for you shall indeed be pursued.’

53. Then Pharaoh sent heralds to the cities.

54. (Announcing:) ‘These (Israelites) are indeed a small gang.

55. And indeed, they are enraging us.

56. And indeed, all of us are alert.’

57. So We expelled them (i.e. Pharaoh and his people) from gardens and springs,

58. and (from) treasures and noble dwellings.

59. Thus it is, and We made the Children of Israel inherit them.

60. Then they pursued them at sunrise.

61. So when the two parties saw each other, the companions of Musa (Moses) said: ‘Indeed we are overtaken.’

62. He (Moses) said: ‘Certainly not! Indeed, my Lord is with me. He will guide me (to the way out).’

63. Then We revealed to Musa (Moses): ‘Strike the sea with your staff.’ So, it split (into parts). And each part was as if it were a great mountain.

64. So We brought the others (i.e. Pharaoh and his people) closer.

65. We saved Musa (Moses) and all those with him.

66. Then We drowned the others (i.e. Pharaoh and his people).

67. There is indeed a sign in that, but most of them were not believers.

68. And indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

69. And recite to them the story of Ibrahim (Abraham).

70. When he told his (foster) father and his people: ‘What are you worshipping?’

* It was his uncle and not his real father who brought him up. In view of that he used to call him father. His name was Azar, whereas his real father’s name was Tarakh.

71. They said: ‘We worship idols, and We will always remain devoted to them.’

72. He (Abraham) said: ‘Do they hear you when you call (them)?

73. Or do they bring you any benefit or cause you any harm?’

74. They said: ‘Rather we found our fathers doing likewise.’

75. He (Abraham) said: ‘Have you (ever) realised what you have been worshipping,

76. you and your ancestors?’

77. They are indeed my enemies. But the Lord of all worlds,

78. Who created me—He guides me.

79. And He is the One Who gives me to eat and gives me to drink.

80. And when I get sick, He is the One Who cures me.

81. And Who will cause me to die, then He will bring me to life (again).

82. And Who, I hope, will forgive me my faults on the Day of Judgement.

83. My Lord! Grant me unerring judgement (and wisdom), and join me with the righteous.

84. And bless me with an honourable reputation among the later generations.

85. And place me among the heirs of the Garden of Bliss.

86. Forgive my (foster) father, for he is from those who have gone astray.

87. Do not disgrace me on the Day all will be resurrected,

88. the Day when neither wealth nor children will benefit (any person),

89. except for him who appears before Allah with a sound heart.’

90. And Paradise will be brought near the God-conscious,

91. and the Hellfire will be displayed to the deviant.

92. Then, they shall be told: ‘Where are those (idols) you used to worship,

93. besides Allah. Are they helping you or helping each other?’

94. Then they shall be toppled into it—they (the idols) and the deviant (people),

95. and the troops of Iblis altogether.

96. There, they will say, disputing (with their idols):

97. ‘By Allah, indeed we were in manifest error,

98. when we made you equal with the Lord of all worlds.

99. None caused us to go astray but the guilty.

100. So now we have no intercessors,

101. nor any sympathetic friend.

102. If we could return (to the world) once again, we would be among the believers.’

103. There is indeed a sign in that, but most of them were not believers.

104. And indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

105. The people of Nuh (Noah) rejected the messengers.

106. When their (kinship) brother Nuh (Noah) said to them: ‘Will you not be God-conscious?

107. Indeed, I am a trustworthy messenger (sent) to you.

108. So be God-conscious and obey me.

109. I do not ask you for any reward for this (message). My reward lies only with the Lord of all worlds.

110. So be God-conscious and obey me.’

111. They said: ‘Shall we believe in you while the lowest people (of our society) follow you?’

112. He said: ‘What knowledge do I have about what they used to do?

113. Their account is only with my Lord if you could perceive (what is true honour)!

114. And I am not going to drive the believers away.

115. I am just a manifest warner.’

116. They said: ‘If you do not stop (your preaching), O Nuh (Noah), you shall indeed be stoned (to death).’

117. He said: ‘My Lord! Indeed, my people have rejected me.

118. So judge between me and them, and deliver me and the believers who are with me!’

119. So We delivered him and those with him in the fully laden Ark.

120. Then We drowned the rest afterwards.

121. There is indeed a sign in that, but most of them are not believers.

122. And indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

123. (The people of) ‘Ad rejected the messengers,

124. when their (kinship) brother Hud said to them: ‘Will you not be God-conscious?

125. Indeed, I am a trustworthy messenger (sent) to you.

126. So be God-conscious and obey me.

127. And I do not ask you for any reward for this (message). My reward lies only with the Lord of all worlds.

128. Do you frivolously build on every prominent place a monument?

129. You construct castles as if you will live (in the world) forever.

130. And whenever you seize (someone for punishment), you seize like ruthless tyrants.

131. So be God-conscious and obey me.

132. And be conscious of Him, Who has provided you with (all the good things) that you know.

133. He has aided you with (an abundance of) cattle and children,

134. and gardens and springs.

135. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a grievous day.’

136. They said: ‘It is the same to us whether you warn us or be not among the warners.

137. This is nothing but the traditions of the ancients.

138. And we will never be punished.’

139. So they rejected him (i.e. Hud), and We destroyed them. There is indeed a sign in that, but most of them are not believers.

140. Indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

141. (The people of) Thamud rejected the messengers,

142. when their (kinship) brother Salih said to them: ‘Will you not be God-conscious?

143. Indeed, I am a trustworthy messenger (sent) to you.

144. So be God-conscious and obey me.

145. I do not ask you for any reward for this (message). My reward lies only with the Lord of all worlds.

146. (Do you think that) you will be left secure (forever) in whatever you have here:

147. In gardens and springs,

148. and farms and date palms, having stalks laden with ripe fruits?

149. And you skillfully hew houses in the mountains.

150. So be God-conscious and obey me.

151. And do not obey the dictates of the extravagant,

152. who cause corruption in the land and do not set matters aright.’

153. They said: ‘Indeed, you are one of the bewitched.

154. You are just a human being like us. So bring us some sign if you are among the truthful.’

155. He (Salih) said: ‘This is a she-camel. She shall have her turn to drink (water), and you shall have your turn to drink on known days.

156. And do not touch her with evil intention, lest the punishment of a terrible day overtakes you.’

157. But they hamstrung her, and then they became regretful (of killing her).

158. So the punishment overtook them. There is indeed a sign in that, but most of them are not believers.

159. Indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

160. The people of Lut (Lot) rejected the messengers,

161. when their (kinship) brother Lut (Lot) said to them: ‘Will you not be God-conscious?

162. Indeed, I am a trustworthy messenger (sent) to you.

163. So be God-conscious and obey me.

164. And I do not ask you for any reward for this (message). My reward lies only with the Lord of all worlds.

165. Do you come only to males, among all people (to satisfy your sexual desire),

166. abandoning your wives whom your Lord has created for you? Instead, you are a transgressing people.’

167. They said: ‘If you do not stop this, O Lut (Lot), you will surely be among the expelled.’

168. He said: ‘Indeed, I detest your conduct.

169. My Lord! Save me and my family from what they are doing.’

170. So We saved him and all his family,

171. except an old woman who remained behind.

172. Then We destroyed the others.

173. And We rained upon them a rain (of stones). So how devastating was the rain of the warned!

174. There is indeed a sign in that, but most of them are not believers.

175. Indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

176. The People of al-Ayka (the forest dwellers) rejected the messengers,

177. when Shu‘ayb said to them: ‘Will you not be God-conscious?

178. Indeed, I am a trustworthy messenger (sent) to you.

179. So be God-conscious and obey me.

180. And I do not ask you for any reward for this (message). My reward lies only with the Lord of all worlds.

181. Give full measure. And do not be among those who cause loss to others.

182. Weigh (things) with accurate scales.

183. And do not cheat the people in (weighing) their goods. And do not act corruptly upon the earth, causing mischief.

184. And be conscious of Him Who created you and the earlier generations.’

185. They said: ‘You are simply one of the bewitched.

186. You are nothing but a human being like us. And we indeed consider you to be among the liars.

187. So make pieces of the heaven fall upon us if you are among the truthful.’

188. He (Shu‘ayb) said: ‘My Lord knows best what you are doing.’

189. So they rejected him, and then the punishment of the day of the shady cloud overtook them. No doubt, that was the punishment of a terrible day.

190. There is indeed a sign in that, but most of them are not believers.

191. And indeed, your Lord is the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful.

192. Indeed, this (Qur’an) is a revelation of the Lord of all worlds.

193. The Trustworthy Spirit (Gabriel) has descended with it,

194. upon your heart so that you may be among the warners.

195. (It has been revealed) in a clear Arabic language.

196. Indeed, it is (foretold) in the scriptures of the ancients.

197. Is it not enough proof for them that the learned men of the Children of Israel (already) recognise it?

198. Had We revealed it to some non-Arab,

199. who would have recited it to them (in fluent Arabic), they would still not have believed in it.

200. This is how We cause (denial) to pass through the hearts of the guilty.

201. They will not believe in it until they see the painful punishment.

202. So, it will come upon them suddenly while they are unaware.

203. Then they will say: ‘Shall we be granted respite?’

204. Do they seek to hasten Our punishment?

205. Just think: if We let them enjoy (themselves) for some years,

206. then (the torment) which they have been promised comes upon them,

207. then that (respite) which they enjoyed would not avail them.

208. We have never destroyed any town without having (sent) warners to it,

209. as a reminder (from Us). And We were never unjust.

210. And the devils have not descended with it (i.e. the Qur’an).

211. Neither is it befitting for them, nor are they capable (of it).

212. Indeed, they are strictly barred from (even) hearing (it).

213. So do not invoke another god along with Allah, lest you should be among the punished.

214. And warn the nearest of your kinsfolk.

215. And lower your wing (of kindness) to the believers who follow you.

216. But if they disobey you, say: ‘I am absolved of what you do.’

217. And put your trust in the All-Mighty, the All-Merciful,

218. Who sees you when you stand (for prayer),

219. and your moving over and over among those who prostrate themselves (before Allah).

220. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.

221. Shall I inform you upon whom the devils descend?

222. They descend upon every sinful liar,

223. who readily lends an ear (to Satanic whispers), and most of them are liars (when passing on information to people).

224. As for the poets, only the deviants follow them.

225. Have you not seen that they wander in every valley (of imagination)?

226. And that they say what they do not do?

227. Except for those (poets) who believe, perform righteous deeds, remember Allah abundantly and defend themselves (by inspiring zeal and courage) after they were oppressed. And the wrongdoers will soon know to what evil end they will return.

1. Ta, Sin. These are the verses of the Qur’an, the manifest Book.

2. (It is) a guidance and glad tiding for the believers,

3. those who establish prayer, give alms due and firmly believe in the Hereafter.

4. As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have made their (evil) deeds fair-seeming to them. So they are wandering blindly.

5. It is they who shall have a terrible punishment and are the ones who will be the biggest losers in the Hereafter.

6. Indeed, you are receiving the Qur’an from the presence of One All-Wise, All-Knowing.

7. And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his family: ‘Indeed I have perceived a fire! I shall bring you some (good) news from it or bring you a flaming firebrand so that you may warm yourselves.’

8. When he came to it, he was called: ‘Blessed is He Who is (unveiling His Light) in the fire and Who is around it. And glory be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.

9. O Musa (Moses)! Indeed, it is I, Allah—the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

10. Throw down your staff!’ So when he saw it moving fast like a snake, he turned to retreat without looking back. (Allah said:) ‘O Musa (Moses), do not fear. Indeed, the messengers should have no fear in My presence,

11. except for someone who has done wrong. But if he later mends his evil way with goodness, then I am Most Forgiving, All-Merciful.

12. Put your hand inside your bosom. It will come out white without any harm. (These are) among the nine signs (that you will show) to Pharaoh and his people. Indeed, they are a transgressing lot.’

13. But when Our signs came to them as eye-openers, they said: ‘This is clear magic.’

14. So they denied these (signs), although their hearts were convinced by them. (But they still did it) wrongfully and arrogantly. So see how was the end of the corruptors!

15. Indeed, We gave knowledge to Dawud (David) and Sulayman (Solomon). And they said: ‘All praise belongs to Allah, Who has preferred us over many of His believing servants.’

16. Sulayman (Solomon) inherited from Dawud (David), and he said: ‘O people! We have been taught the language of the birds, and we have been given (an abundance) of everything. This is indeed the manifest grace (of Allah).’

17. (Once,) Sulayman’s (Solomon’s) troops were gathered for him, comprising jinn, humans and birds, and they were held (for his service) in ordered ranks.

18. When they came upon the valley of ants, an ant said: ‘O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulayman (Solomon) and his troops crush you while they are unaware.’

19. So he (Solomon) smiled, laughing at her words, and said: ‘My Lord! Inspire me to give thanks for Your blessing You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and that I may do righteous deeds which You are pleased with, and make me enter, by Your mercy, among Your righteous servants.’

20. (One day) he inspected the birds and said: ‘Why do I not see the hoopoe? Or is he (really) absent?

21. I will surely punish him with a terrible punishment, or I shall slaughter him unless he brings me an evident reason (for his absence).’

22. But he (the hoopoe) did not stay for long (before he turned up) and said: ‘I have found out something you did not know. And I have come to you with firm news from (the land of) Sheba.

23. I have found a woman (there) ruling over them, and she has been given a share of all things and has a magnificent throne.

24. I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. And Satan has made their (evil) deeds alluring to them. Thus, he has turned them from the path (of Allah), so they are not guided.

25. Will they not prostrate to Allah, Who brings out the hidden in the heavens and the earth, and He knows whatever you hide and whatever you disclose?

26. Allah—there is none worthy of worship except Him, the Lord of the Mighty Throne.’

27. He (Solomon) said: ‘We shall see if you have told the truth or if you are among the liars.

28. Go with this letter of mine and deliver it to them, then turn away from them and see what (answer) they send back.’

29. She (the Queen of Sheba) said: ‘O chiefs! Indeed, a noble letter has been delivered to me.

30. It is from Sulayman (Solomon), and it (begins) in the Name of Allah, the Most-Compassionate, the All-Merciful.

31. (It states:) ‘Do not (try to) rise against me and come to me fully submitting (to Allah).’

32. She said: ‘O chiefs! Advise me regarding my matter. I never decide any matter unless you are present.’

33. They said: ‘We are people of strength and possess great (military) power, but the command is yours. So think what you would command.’

34. She said: ‘Indeed when kings invade a town, they ruin it and reduce the most honourable of its people to the most disgraced. And that is how they will act.

35. So I shall send them a gift and observe what the envoys bring back.’

36. When he (i.e. the envoy) came to Sulayman (Solomon), he (Solomon) said: ‘Do you offer me wealth? What Allah has given me is far greater than what He has given you. Instead, you are rejoicing over your gift.

37. Go back to them (with your gifts). We shall come upon them with such troops which they can never face. And we shall expel them from that (land) disgracefully. Moreover, they will be dishonoured (by becoming prisoners).’

38. He said: ‘O Chief Counsellors! Which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in (full) submission?’

39. A giant among the jinn said: ‘I will bring it to you before you rise from your place. Indeed, I am strong enough (and) trustworthy for this (task).’

40. (Then) the one who had (special) knowledge of the Book said: ‘I will bring it to you before the blink of your eye.’ So, when he saw it (i.e. the throne) placed next to him, he said: ‘This is by the grace of my Lord, to test me whether I give thanks or be unthankful. And whoever is grateful shows gratitude only for his own sake. And whoever is ungrateful (should know that) my Lord is indeed All-Sufficient, All-Honoured.’

41. He (Solomon) said: ‘Change the appearance of her throne for her. We shall see whether she has the sense to recognise or she is among those who do not recognise.’

42. So when she came, it was said (to her): ‘Is your throne like this?’ She said: ‘It looks to be the same. We were (already) informed before this (miracle). And we had submitted.’

43. So whatever she used to worship besides Allah had prevented her (from the right path). Indeed, she belonged to a disbelieving people.

44. It was said to her: ‘Enter the compound of the palace.’ So when she saw it, she supposed it to be a pool of water and bared her lower legs. He said: ‘It is a compound of the palace paved with crystal slabs.’ She said: ‘My Lord! Indeed, I have wronged myself. (Now) I submit with Sulayman (Solomon) to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.’

45. And, indeed, We sent to (the people of) Thamud their (kinship) brother Salih, (saying:) ‘Worship Allah.’ Then, they became two groups quarrelling (with each other).

46. He said: ‘O my people! Why do you seek to hasten the evil before the good? Why do you not seek forgiveness from Allah so you may be shown mercy?’

47. They said: ‘We have met evil fortune because of you and those with you.’ He said: ‘Your evil fortune is with (the command of) Allah. Instead, you are (only) a people being tested.’

48. In the city, nine persons (leading their families or gangs) were causing corruption in the land and not letting matters be reformed.

49. They said: ‘Let us swear together by Allah that we shall attack him and his family by night. Then we will surely tell his heirs that we did not witness the murder of his family, and we are indeed truthful.’

50. So they devised a plot, and We (too) devised a (counter) plan, but they were not aware.

51. See then how was the end of their plotting, as We destroyed them and their people together.

52. So, their houses are there, lying ruined because of their wrongdoing. There is indeed a sign in that for people who know.

53. We saved those who believed and were God-conscious.

54. And (remember) Lut (Lot), when he said to his people: ‘Do you commit (this) indecency while you see (with your eyes open)?

55. Do you approach men with sexual desire instead of women? No! You are a senseless people.’

56. But the answer of his people was none other but to say: ‘Expel the family of Lut (Lot) from your town! They are trying to keep themselves pure (from our sexual practices).’

57. So We saved him and his family, except his wife. We ordained her to be among those who remained behind (for torment).

58. Then We rained upon them a rain (of stones), so evil was the rain of those who were warned!

59. Say: ‘All praise belongs to Allah. And peace be upon His servants whom He has chosen. Is Allah better, or the partners they associate (with Him)?’