QURANInterpretations of the Verses Revealed to

Muhammad the Prophet

Compiled by Members of the

Imam W. Deen Mohammed Community et al.

QURAN

3

2018 Muhammad and Company

ISBN: 1981858458

ISBN: 978-1981858453

4

QURAN

INTRODUCTION

Since no interpretation of any verse revealed to Muhammad the Prophet is perfect, we are always working to improve this book. Many of the interpre-tations in this book are based on classic works by A. Yusef Ali, Imam W. Deen Mohammed, Muhammad Asad, and M. M. Pickthall. Several verses are based on new interpretations found on sites like Isla-mAwakened.com, while others are based on selected entries we receive from around the world by stu-dents of the Quran. This is a collaborative effort open to all, so please send us your interpretations– you could see them reflected in our next edition.

- A.L. Bilal Muhammad, Editor (Atlanta 2018)

5

6

QURAN

Surah Page Surah Page Surah Page

1 2 40 288 79 3862 3 41 294 80 3883 28 42 298 81 3904 43 43 302 82 3915 59 44 307 83 3926 71 45 310 84 3947 84 46 313 85 3958 99 47 316 86 3969 105 48 319 87 39710 116 49 322 88 39811 124 50 324 89 39912 133 51 327 90 40013 141 52 330 91 40114 145 53 332 92 40215 149 54 335 93 40316 153 55 338 94 40417 162 56 341 95 40518 170 57 344 96 40619 178 58 347 97 40720 183 59 350 98 40821 190 60 352 99 40922 196 61 354 100 41023 202 62 355 101 41124 208 63 356 102 41225 214 64 357 103 41326 219 65 359 104 41427 227 66 361 105 41528 233 67 363 106 41629 240 68 365 107 41730 245 69 367 108 41831 249 70 369 109 41932 252 71 371 110 42033 254 72 373 111 42134 260 73 375 112 42235 264 74 376 113 42336 268 75 378 114 42437 272 76 380

7

Surah Page Surah Page Surah Page

38 278 77 382

39 282 78 384

8

QURAN

Part PagePart 1 2Part 2 13Part 3 23Part 4 34Part 5 45Part 6 55Part 7 66Part 8 79Part 9 90Part 10 101Part 11 112Part 12 124Part 13 136Part 14 149Part 15 162Part 16 175Part 17 190Part 18 202Part 19 215Part 20 230Part 21 242Part 22 256Part 23 269Part 24 284

9

Part 25 297Part 26 313Part 27 328Part 28 347Part 29 363Part 30 384

10

1

2

ONE

With God’s Name, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Re-

deemerThe praise belongs to God, the

Guardian Evolver of all sys-tems of knowledge.

The Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer,Sole Judge on the Day of

Judgement.We only worship You, and we

beg for your assistance.Guide us on the straight path.The way of those on whom You

bestow blessings, not those who incur your wrath, nor

those who go astray.

TWO

Alif, Laam, Meem. 1 This is the Book. In it is guidance, sure, without doubt, for all who are mindful. 2Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and give from what We have given them. 3And who believe in the rev-elation sent to you, and sent before your time, and those who have an assur-ance of the hereafter. 4They are guided by their Lord, and it is these who will flourish. 5As for those who reject faith, it is the same to them whether you warn them or do not warn them, they will not believe. 6God has placed a seal on their hearts and on their hearing, and over their eyes is a blindfold, terrible is the punishment they in-cur. 7And of the people there are some who say, “We believe in God and the Last Day,” but they do not really be-lieve. 8

They attempt to deceive God and those who believe, but they only deceive themselves, yet they real-ize it not. 9In their hearts is a disease, and God has increased their disease, and horrify-ing is the penalty they in-cur, because they are false to themselves. 10When it is said to them, “Do no harm on the earth,” they say, “We only want to make things right.” 11But indeed they do harm, though they realize it not. 12When it is said to them, “Believe as the others be-lieve,” they say, “Shall we believe as the fools be-lieve?” No, certainly, they are the fools, yet they real-ize it not. 13When they meet with those who believe they say, “We believe.” But when they are alone with their evil ones they say, “We are re-ally with you, we were only joking.” 14God will throw back their mockery on them, and give them rope in their tres-passes, so they will wander like blind ones. 15These have bartered guid-ance for error, their busi-ness is profitless, and they have lost their way. 16

3

Two

Their likeness is that of a man who kindled a fire. When it lights all around him, God took away his light and left them in dark-ness. 17Deaf, dumb, and blind, they will not return to the path. 18Or it is like that of a rain-laden cloud from the sky. In it are zones of darkness, thunder and lightning. They press their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap, while in fear of death, but God encompasses those who reject faith. 19The lightning nearly snatches away their sight. Every time the light flashes before them they walk in it. But when darkness cov-ers them they stand still. And if God willed, He could take away their ability to hear and see, for God has power over all things. 20O you people, adore your Guardian Lord, Who cre-ated you and those who came before you, that you may become righteous. 21Who has made the earth your couch, and the skies your canopy, and sent down rain from the skies, and grew with it fruits for your sustenance. So do not set up rivals with God

when you know the truth. 22And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant, then produce a Surah like it, and call your witnesses or helpers, be-sides God, if your doubts are true. 23But if you cannot, and surely you cannot, then be aware of the fire whose fuel is people and stones, which is prepared for those who reject faith. 24But give the good news to those who believe and work righteousness, that their reward is gardens with rivers flowing through them. Every time they are fed with fruits from it they say, “This is what we were fed with before.” They are given similar things, they have therein companions who are pure, and they will live there forever. 25God does not hesitate to use examples of the lowest of things as well as the highest. Those who believe know that this is the truth from their Lord, but those who do not believe say, “What does God mean by this parable?” By it He al-lows many to stray, and many He leads to the straight path, but He al-lows none to stray except

4

Two

those who leave the path. 26Those who break God's sa-cred agreement after it is confirmed, and who sepa-rate what God has ordered to be joined, and do wrong on earth, these cause harm to themselves. 27How can you lose faith in God, seeing that you were without life, and He gave you life? Then He will cause you to die, and will again bring you to life, and again to Him you will re-turn. 28It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth, then He turned to the heaven, and fash-ioned it into seven firma-ments, and He has perfect knowledge of all things. 29"Behold," your Lord said to the angels, “I will evolve a creation of free will on the earth.” They said, “Will You place one there who will do harm and shed blood, while we celebrate and praise You?” He said, “I know what you know not.” 30And He taught Adam the names of all things, then He placed them before the angels and said, “Tell me the names of these if you are right.” 31They said, “Glory be to You, we have no knowl-

edge, except what You have taught us. In truth it is You Who are perfect in knowl-edge and wisdom.” 32He said, “O Adam, tell them their names.” When he told them, God said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heaven and earth, and that I know what you reveal and what you conceal?” 33And behold, We said to the angels, “Bow down to Adam.” They bowed down, but Lucifer did not. He re-fused and was bigoted, and he was of those who do not believe. 34We said, “O Adam, dwell you and your mate in the paradise, and eat of the bountiful things therein, as you please, but do not approach this tree, or you will collide into harm and transgression.” 35Then Satan made them slip, and enticed them out of the state in which they had been. We said, “Get down, all of you, with en-mity between yourselves. On earth will be your home and your means of liveli-hood for a time.” 36Then Adam learned from his Lord words of inspira-tion, and his Lord turned to him, for He is Oft-Re-turning, Mercifully Re-deeming. 37

5

Two

We said, “Get down from here, and if, as is sure, there comes to you guid-ance from Me, whoever fol-lows My guidance, on them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 38“But those who do not be-lieve and ignore Our signs, they will be companions of the fire, they will live there forever.” 39O Children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I be-stowed upon you, and ful-fill your covenant with Me, as I fulfill My covenant with you, and fear none but Me. 40And believe in what I re-veal, reflecting the truth of the revelation that is with you, and be not the first to disbelieve in it, nor sell My signs for a miserable price, and fear Me, and Me alone. 41And do not dress truth with falsehood, nor con-ceal the truth when you know what it is. 42And be steadfast in prayer, give zakat, and bow your heads with those who bow. 43Do you encourage right conduct on people and for-get to practice it your-selves, though you study the Scripture? Will you not understand? 44

No, seek help with patient-perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard, except for those who bring a humble spirit, 45Who remember with cer-tainty that they are to meet their Lord, and that they will return to Him. 46O Children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I be-stowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all oth-ers. 47Guard against a day when one soul will not avail an-other, nor will intercession be accepted for her, nor will compensation be taken from her, nor will they be helped. 48And remember We deliv-ered you from the people of Pharaoh. They gave you hard work and punish-ment, slaughtered your males, and let your fe-males live, this was a tremendous trial from your Lord. 49And remember We divided the sea for you, We saved you and drowned Pharaoh’s people, and you saw it with your own eyes. 50And remember We ap-pointed forty nights for Moses, and in his absence, you took the calf, and you did a great wrong. 51

6

Two

Even then, We forgave you, and there was a chance for you to be grateful. 52And remember We gave Moses the Scripture and the Criterion. There was a chance for you to be guided aright. 53And remember Moses said to his people, “O my peo-ple, You have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf. So turn to your Maker, and slay yourselves, that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker.” Then He forgave you, for He is Oft-Forgiving, the Merciful Redeemer. 54And remember you said, “O Moses, we will never believe in you until we see God with our own eyes,” but you were dazed with thunder and lightning even as you looked on. 55Then when We raised you up after your death, you had the chance to be grateful. 56And We gave you shade from clouds, and sent down to you manna and quail. Eat of the good things We have provided for you. To Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own selves. 57And remember We said, “Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as

you wish, but enter the gate with humility, in pos-ture and in word, and We will remove your faults and increase those who do right.” 58But the transgressors changed a word from that which had been given them, so We sent on the transgressors a plague from heaven, because they ignored repeatedly. 59And remember Moses prayed for water for his people. We said, “Split the rock with your staff.” Then there gushed forth from it twelve springs. Each group knew its place for water. So eat and drink of the sustenance provided by God, and do no wrong on the earth. 60And remember you said, “O Moses, we cannot en-dure one kind of food, so ask your Lord for us to produce for us what the earth grows, its pot herbs and cucumbers, its garlic, lentils, and onions.” He said, “Will you exchange what is better for what is worse? Go down to any town and you will find what you want.” They were cov-ered with humiliation and misery. They brought on themselves the punish-ment of God. This is be-cause they went on reject-ing the signs of God and slaying His messengers

7

Two

without just cause. This is because they rebelled and went on transgressing. 61Those who believe, and those who are Jewish, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans, and any who be-lieve in God and the Last Day, and work righteous-ness, they will have their reward with their Lord, on them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 62And remember We took your covenant, and We raised above you the Mountain saying, “Hold firm to what We have given you and bring it to remem-brance so that perhaps you may be aware.” 63But you turned back there-after. Had it not been for the grace and mercy of God to you, you would have surely been among the lost. 64And you knew well those among you who trans-gressed in the matter of the Sabbath. We said to them, “Become apes, de-spised and rejected.” 65So We made it a lesson in their own time, and for their descendants, and a lesson to those who are aware of God. 66And remember Moses said to his people, “God com-mands that you sacrifice a heifer.” They said, “Are you

trying to make a fool of us?” He said, “I seek refuge with God from be-ing ignorant.” 67They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us what heifer it is.” He said, “He says the heifer should be neither too old nor too young, but of middle age, now do what you are asked.” 68They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make plain to us its color.” He said, “He says a fawn-col-ored heifer, natural and rich in tone, the admira-tion of all beholders.” 69They said, “Ask your Lord on our behalf to make clear to us which kind, to us all heifers are alike. We indeed wish for guidance, if God wills.” 70He said, “He says, a heifer not trained to till the soil or water the fields, healthy and without blemish.” They said, “Now you have brought the truth.” Then they offered it in sacrifice, but without good inten-tions. 71Remember you killed a person and argued among yourselves concerning the crime, but God would ex-pose what you hid. 72So We said, “Strike him with a part of it.” This is like the way God brings the

8

Two

dead to life. He shows you His signs that perhaps you may understand. 73Then your hearts were hardened, they became like a rock, or even worse in hardness, for even among rocks there are some from which rivers gush forth. Others when split open, send forth wa-ter. Yet others sink for fear of God, and God is not un-mindful of what you do. 74Can you entertain the hope that they will believe in you, seeing that a group of them heard the word of God, and corrupted it knowingly after they un-derstood it? 75Behold, when they meet the people of faith they say, “We believe.” But when they meet each other in private they say, “Shall you tell them what God has revealed to you, that they may engage you in argu-ment about it before your Lord?” Do you not under-stand? 76Do they not know that God knows what they conceal and what they reveal? 77There are among them il-literates who do not know the Book, but only their desires and they do noth-ing but speculate. 78Then woe to those who write the Book with their

own hands and then say, “This is from God,” to sell it for a miserable price. Woe to them for what their hands write, and for the gain they make with it. 79But they say, “The fire will not touch us, except for just a few number of days.” Say, “Have you taken a promise from God, for He never breaks His promise? Or is it that you say of God what you do not know?” 80No, those who wrongfully seek gain, and are sur-rounded by wrong, they are companions of the fire, and they will live there for-ever. 81But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the paradise, they will live there forever. 82And remember We took this covenant from the Children of Israel, “Wor-ship none but God, treat with kindness your parents and other family, and or-phans, and those in need, speak fair to people, be steadfast in prayer, and give zakat. Then you turned back, except a few among you, and you back-slide. 83And remember We took this covenant, “Shed no blood among you, nor ban-ish your own people from

9

Two

your homes.” And this you solemnly ratified, and to this, you can bear wit-ness. 84After this it is you, the same people who slay those among yourselves, and banish a group of you from their homes, assist others against them in wrong and transgression, and if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, though it was not permis-sible for you to banish them. So is it only parts of the Book that you believe in, and do you reject the rest? But what is the re-ward for those among you who behave like this, ex-cept disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Account-ability, they will be as-signed to the most terrible penalty, for God is not un-mindful of what you do. 85These are the people who buy the life of the present at the price of the here-after. Their penalty will not be lightened nor will they be helped. 86We gave Moses the Book, and followed him with a succession of prophets. We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, guidance and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that when-ever there comes to you a messenger with what you do not desire, you are puffed up with pride?

Some you called impostors, and others you slay. 87They say, “Our hearts are the wrappings which pre-serves God’s words. We need no more” No, God's curse is on them for their blasphemy. Little is it they believe. 88And when there comes to them a book from God re-flecting the truth of what is with them, although they prayed for victory against those without faith. When there comes to them that which they rec-ognized, they refused to believe in it, but the curse of God is on those without faith. 89Miserable is the price for which they have sold their souls, for they deny that which God has sent down, because in insolent envy they disapprove that God, of His grace, should send it to any of His servants He pleases. So they have drawn on themselves wrath upon wrath, and humiliat-ing is the punishment for those who reject faith. 90When it is said to them, “Believe in what God has sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us.” And they re-ject all else, even if it is truth reflecting what is with them. Say, “Why then have you slain the

10

Two

Prophets of God through-out history if you did in-deed believe?” 91Moses came to you with guidance, yet you wor-shipped the calf even after that, and you behaved wrongfully. 92And remember We took your sacred agreement, and We raised above you the Mountain saying, “Hold firmly to what We have given you and listen to it”. They said, “We hear but we do not follow.” So they had to drink into their hearts from the calf, be-cause of their faithless-ness. Say, “Evil is what en-courages you to do it, as well as your incorrect faith, if you are in fact be-lievers in that faith.” 93Say, “If the last home with God is for you alone, and not for anyone else, then seek death if you are sin-cere.” 94But they will never seek death, because of that which their hands have sent before them, and God is well acquainted with the wrongdoers. 95You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than the idolaters. Each one of them wishes that he could be given a life of a thou-sand years, but the grant-

ing of such life will not save him from punishment, because God sees well all that they do. 96Say, whoever is an enemy to Gabriel, though he brings down to your heart, by God's will, a reflection of the truth that went be-fore, guidance and good news for those who be-lieve, 97Whoever is an enemy to God, His angels and mes-sengers, and to Gabriel and Michael, God then is an enemy to those who do not believe. 98We have sent down to you clear signs, and none re-ject them except those who are perverse. 99Is it not that every time they make a covenant, some group among them throw it aside? Certainly, most of them are faith-less. 100And when there came to them a messenger from God, reflecting the truth of what was with them, a group of the people of the Book threw away the Book of God behind their backs, as if they did not know it. 101They followed what the devils recited against the power of Solomon. The blasphemer was not Solomon, but the devils,

11

Two

teaching human beings il-lusions, and such things as came down at Babylon to the angels Harut and Marut, but neither of these taught anyone without say-ing, “We are only a trial, so do not blaspheme.” They learned from them the means to sow discord be-tween husband and wife. But they could not harm anyone except by God's permission. And they learned what harmed them, not what profited them. And they knew that the buyers of wrong would have no share in the happi-ness of the hereafter, and awful was the price for which they sold their souls, if they but knew. 102But if they had kept their faith and guarded them-selves from harm, far bet-ter would have been the reward from their Lord, if they only knew. 103O you people of faith, say not words of ambiguity, but words of respect, and act urgently. And for those without faith is a terrible punishment. 104It is never the wish of those without faith among the people of the Book, nor of the pagans, that any-thing good should come down to you from your Lord. But God will choose for His special mercy whom He wills, for God is

Lord of grace abound-ing. 105None of Our revelations do We allow to be lost, but We substitute something bet-ter or similar. Do you not know that God has power over all things? 106Do you not know that to God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth? And besides Him, you have neither patron nor helper? 107Would you question your messenger as Moses was questioned previously? But whoever changes from be-lief to unbelief has strayed without doubt from the balanced way. 108Many of the people of the Book wish they could turn you back to infidelity after you have believed. To self-ish envy, after the truth has become manifest to them. But forgive and overlook until God accom-plishes His purpose. For God has power over all things. 109And be steadfast in prayer and give zakat, and what-ever good you send ahead for your souls before you, you will find it with God, for God sees well all that you do. 110And they say, “None will enter paradise unless he is Jewish or Christian.” Those

12

Two

are merely their desires. Say, “Produce your proof if you are right.” 111No, whoever submits his whole self to God and is a doer of good, he will re-ceive his reward with his Guardian Evolver. On them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 112Jews say, “The Christians have nothing to stand upon. And Christians say, “Jews have nothing to stand upon.” Yet they all read the Book. Their words are like those who know not. But God will judge be-tween them in their quar-rel on the Day of Account-ability.  113And who is more unjust than he who forbids in places for the worship of God, that God's name should be praised, and whose zeal is to ruin them? It was not fitting that they should enter them except in fear. For them there is nothing but disgrace in the present, and in the here-after, an exceeding tor-ment. 114To God belong the East and West. Wherever you turn, there is the Presence of God, for God is Ever Present, All Knowing. 115They say, “God has a son, glory be to him.” No, to God belongs all that is in

the heavens and on earth, and everything renders worship to Him, 116From Him is the origin of the heavens and the earth, when He decrees a matter He says to it: “Be”. And it is. 117Those without knowledge say, “Why does God not speak to us, or why does a sign not come to us?” As did the people say before them. Their words are sim-ilar, and their hearts are alike. We have indeed made clear the signs to any who hold firmly to faith. 118Indeed We have sent you, in truth, as a bearer of good news and a warner. But no question will be asked of you from the com-panions of the blazing fire. 119Never will Jews or Chris-tians be satisfied with you unless you follow their way. Say, “The way of God, that is the only way.” If you followed their desires after the knowledge has reached you, then you would find neither protector nor helper. 120Those to whom We have sent the Book, read it as it should be read, they are the ones who believe. Those who do not believe, the loss is their own. 121

13

Two

O Children of Israel, call to mind the favor which I be-stowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all oth-ers. 122So guard yourselves against a day when no soul will avail another, nor will compensation be accepted from her, nor will interces-sion profit her, nor will anyone be helped. 123And remember that Abra-ham was tried by his Lord with certain commands which he fulfilled. He said, “I will make you a leader of the nations.” He pleaded, “And also from my offspring.” He answered, “But My promise is not within reach of the wrong-doers.” 124Remember We made the House a place of assembly for humanity and a place of safety. And take the sta-tion of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We made a covenant with Abraham and Ishmael, that they should redeem My house for those who circle it, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate them-selves. 125And remember Abraham said, “My Lord, make this a city of peace, and feed its people with fruit, those of them who believe in God and the Last Day.” He said, “And those who do not be-

lieve, I will grant them their pleasure for a while, but will soon drive them to the torment of the fire, a miserable destination in-deed.” 126And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House with this prayer, “Our Lord, accept this from us. Indeed You alone are the All Hearing, the All Know-ing.” 127“Our Lord, make us people of peace, raise from our offspring people at peace, teach us ways to worship, and forgive us, indeed You are Most Forgiving, Merci-fully Redeeming.” 128“Our Lord, send among them a messenger of their own who will rehearse Your signs to them, instruct them in scripture and wis-dom, and sanctify them, for You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” 129And who would turn away from the way of Abraham, except to debase their souls? We chose him and rendered him refined in this life. And he will be in the hereafter among the righteous. 130Behold, his Lord said to him, “Bow down.” He said, “I do bow to the Lord of the universe.” 131

14

Two

And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons, as did Jacob. He said, “Oh my sons, God has cho-sen the way for you, so die not except as those at peace.” 132Were you witnesses when death appeared before Ja-cob? Behold, he said to his sons, “What will you wor-ship after me?” They said, “We will worship your God and the God of your fa-thers Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac, the one God, and to Him we bow.” 133That was a community who passed away. They will reap the fruit of what they sow, and you of what you sow. And you will not be asked about what they used to do. 134They say, “Become Jews or Christians if you are to be guided.” Say, “No, enough is the philosophy of Abra-ham the true, and he did not join gods with God.” 135Say, “We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ish-mael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to the other prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between them, and we are at peace with Him.” 136

So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path. But if they turn back, they are in dis-unity. But God will suffice for you against them, and He is the All Hearing, the All Knowing. 137The baptism of God, who can baptize better than God? And it is He Whom we worship. 138Say, “Will you dispute with us about God, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord? That we are respon-sible for our deeds, and you for yours? And that We are sincere before Him? 139“Or do you say that Abra-ham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say, “Do you know better than God? Who is more unjust than those who conceal the tes-timony they have from God, and God is not un-mindful of what you do.” 140They were a community who have passed away. They will reap the fruit of what they sow, and you of what you sow. And you will not be asked about what they used to do. 141 (End of Part 1)The foolish among the peo-ple will say, “What has turned them from the qibla

15

Two

to which they were accus-tomed?” Say, “To God be-long both East and West, He guides whom He wills to a straight way.” 142Thus we have made you a balanced community, that you might be witnesses over the nations, and the messenger a witness over you. And We appointed the qibla from that which you were used to, only to make evident he who followed the messenger and he who would turn on his heels. Indeed it was momentous, except for those guided by God. And never would God make your faith meaning-less, for God is to all peo-ple full of kindness, the Merciful Redeemer. 143We see you turning your face to the heavens. Now We will turn you to a qibla that will please you. So turn your face in the direc-tion of the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you are, turn your faces in that direc-tion. The people of the Book know well that it is the truth from their Lord, nor is God unmindful of what they do. 144Even if you were to bring to the people of the Book all the signs at once, they would not follow your qi-bla, nor are you going to follow their qibla, nor will they follow each other’s qi-bla. If you, after the knowl-

edge has reached you, fol-low their desires, you are then clearly in the wrong. 145The people of the Book know this as they know their own children. But some of them conceal the truth which they know. 146The truth is from your Lord, so do not be among those in doubt. 147To each is a goal to which God turns them. So strive together towards all that is good. Wherever you are, God will bring you to-gether, for God has power over all things. 148From wherever you are, turn your face in the direc-tion of the Sacred Masjid. That is indeed the truth from the Guardian Evolver. And God is not unmindful of what you do. 149And from wherever you start out, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Masjid. Wherever you are, turn your face in that di-rection. There is no grounds of dispute for you among the people, except those of them who are bent on corruption. So do not fear them, but fear Me, so that I may complete My fa-vor on you, and so that you may be guided. 150And We have sent among you a messenger of your

16

Two

own, rehearsing to you Our signs, and helping to refine you, and teaching you the book and the wisdom, and that which you did not know. 151Then remember Me, I will remember you. Be grateful to Me, and do not reject it. 152O you who believe, seek help with patient persever-ance and prayer. For God is with those who patiently persevere. 153And do not say of those who are slain in the way of God, “They are dead.” No, they are living, though you cannot see them. 154Know that We will chal-lenge you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives, or your fruits. But give good news to those who pa-tiently persevere. 155That say when afflicted with calamity, “To God we belong, and to Him is our reversion.” 156They are those on whom descend blessings from God— and mercy. And they are the ones who receive guidance. 157Behold, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of God. So whoever circles the House while perform-ing Hajj or Umra, there is

no wrong in that. And who-ever follows his own im-pulse to do good, be sure that God is He Who recog-nizes and knows it. 158Those who conceal the clear signs We have sent down, and the guidance, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, on them is God's curse, a curse for those de-serving curse. 159Except those who repent and make it right, and openly declare it. To them I turn, for I am Oft-Return-ing, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 160Those who do not believe and die rejecting, on them is God's curse, and the curse of the angels, and all humanity. 161They will live there. Their penalty will not be light-ened, nor will they be given respite. 162And your God is One God. There is no god but He, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Re-deemer. 163Indeed in the creation of the heavens and the earth. In the alternation of the night and the day. In the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of humanity. In the rain that God sends down from the skies. And the life

17

Two

which He gives to land that is dead. In the creatures of all kinds that He scatters through the earth. In the change of the winds, and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth. In-deed in these are signs for people who are wise. 164Yet there are people who take others besides God as equals. They love them as they should love God. But those of faith are overflow-ing in their love for God. If only those who are not right could see, behold, they would see the penalty. To God belongs all power, and God will strictly en-force the penalty. 165Then those who are fol-lowed will clear themselves of those who follow them. They will see the penalty, and all relations between them would be sev-ered. 166And those who followed would say, “If only We had one more chance, we would clear ourselves of them, as they have cleared themselves of us.” God will show them their deeds as regrets. And there will not be a way for them out of the fire. 167O you people, eat of what is on the earth, permissi-ble and healthy. And do not follow the footsteps of Sa-

tan, for he is to you a sworn enemy. 168He only commands you what is harmful and shameful. And to say about God that which you do not know. 169When it is said to them, “Follow what God has re-vealed,” they say, “No, we will follow the ways of our parents.” What, even though their parents were void of wisdom and guid-ance? 170The parable of those who do not believe is as if one were to shout like a goat-herd to things that listen to nothing, but calls and cries. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they are void of wis-dom. 171O you who believe, eat of the good things that We have provided for you, and be grateful to God, if it is Him you worship. 172He has only forbidden you animals found dead, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which any other name has been invoked besides that of God. But if one is forced by necessity, with-out willfully rejecting, nor transgressing due limits, then he is guiltless, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming. 173Those who conceal God's revelation in the Book, and

18

Two

purchase them for a miser-able profit, they swallow into themselves nothing but fire. God will not ad-dress them on the Day of Resurrection, nor redeem them, and terrible will be their penalty. 174They are the ones who buy error instead of guidance, and torment in place of forgiveness. What boldness they show for the fire. 175This is because God sent down the Book in truth. But those who seek causes of dispute in the Book are in disharmony. 176It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to-wards East or West. But it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, the Book, and the messengers. To give of your sustenance, out of love for Him, for your family, for orphans, for the needy, and for dis-placed persons, for those who ask, and for the free-ing of slaves. To be stead-fast in prayer, and give za-kat. To fulfill the contracts which you have made, and to be firm and patient in pain and suffering, and ad-versity, and through all pe-riods of crisis. Such are the people of truth, the re-alized. 177O you who believe, the law of equality is prescribed to

you in the case of homi-cide. The free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the woman for the woman. Also, if any pardon is made by the sibling of the slain, then grant any reasonable demand, and compensate them with gratitude. This is a concession and a mercy from your Lord. Af-ter this, whoever exceeds the limits will be in grave penalty. 178In the Law of Equality, there is good for you, O you people of understand-ing, that you may restrain yourselves. 179It is prescribed when death approaches any of you, if he leaves good, that he make a will for parents and next of kin, according to what is reasonable. This is a duty from those who are regardful. 180If anyone changes the will after hearing it, the guilt will be on those who make the change, for God hears and knows. 181But if anyone fears partial-ity or wrongdoing on the part of the testator, and makes peace between them, there is no sin on him, for God is Oft-Forgiv-ing, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 182O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it

19

Two

was prescribed to those be-fore you, that you might increase in consciousness and awareness. 183Abstain for a fixed number of days. But if any of you are ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number should be made up days later, for those who can do it, is an exchange of feeding one who needs food. But he who will give more of his own free will it is better for him. And it is better for you that you abstain, if you only knew. 184Ramadan is the month the Quran was revealed as a guide to humanity, as proof, and as the guidance and the criterion. So every one of you who are present during that month should spend it fasting, but if any-one is ill or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up days later. God intends good for you, He does not want to make it difficult for you, instead He wants for you to complete the prescribed period, and to praise Him, for He has guided you, so that you might be grate-ful. 185When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am in-deed near. I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me. Let them also, willingly, listen to My call, and believe in

Me, that they may walk in the right way. 186Encouraged for you on the night of the fast is sexual relations with your wives. They are garments for you and you are garments for them. God knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves, but He turned to you and forgave you. So associate with them now, and seek what God has or-dained for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread. Then continue to fast until night. But do not be intimate with your wives while you are in re-treat in the masjid. Those are limits set by God, do not come near it. God makes clear His signs to humanity, that they may become realized. 187And do not consume your property among yourselves in vanity, nor use it as bribes for the judges, with intent that you may con-sume wrongfully and knowingly, a little of other people’s property. 188They ask you concerning the new moons. Say, “They are signs to mark fixed pe-riods of time for humanity, including the Hajj.” It is not righteous to enter your houses from the back. But it is righteous to be one who is conscious of God,

20

Two

and to enter houses through there proper doors, and to be aware of God, that you may flour-ish. 189Fight in the cause of God, those who fight you, but do not transgress limits, for God does not love trans-gressors. 190And slay them wherever you catch them. And drive them out from where they have driven you out, for oppression is worse than slaughter. But do not fight them at the Sacred Masjid, unless they attack you there, and if they attack you, slay them. Such is the punishment of those who suppress faith. 191But if they cease, indeed God is Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming. 192And fight against them un-til there is no more oppres-sion, and justice prevails, as does faith in God. But if they cease, let there be no hostility to any except those who practice oppres-sion. 193The prohibited month for the prohibited month, and so for all things prohib-ited, there is the law of equality. But if anyone transgresses the prohibi-tion against you, respond likewise against him, but be aware of God, and know

that God is with those who show restraint. 194And give of your suste-nance in the cause of God, and do not make your hands contribute to your own destruction. But do good, for God loves those who do good. 195And complete the Hajj and ‘Umra in service of God. But if you are prevented, send something of value which is manageable. And do not shave your heads until the offering reaches the place of sacrifice. And if any of you are sick, or has an ailment in his scalp, he should in exchange ei-ther fast, feed the poor, or offer sacrifice. When ready, if anyone wishes to con-tinue the ‘Umra, on to the Hajj, he must make an of-fering, such as he can af-ford. But if he cannot af-ford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his re-turn, making ten days in all. This is for those whose household is not in the Sa-cred Masjid. And be aware of God, and know that God is strict in punish-ment. 196The Hajj months are knowledge based. If any-one undertakes that duty therein, let there be no ob-scenity, nor corruption, nor wrangling during the Hajj. And whatever good

21

Two

you do, God knows it. And take provisions with you for the journey. But the best of provisions is con-sciousness. So be con-scious of Me, O you who are wise. 197It is no sin on you if you seek of the bounty of your Lord. Then when you de-part from Arafat, praise God at the sacred land-mark, and praise Him as He has directed you, even though, before this, you went astray. 198Then continue at a quick pace from the place where it is usual for the crowd to do so, and ask for God's forgiveness, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 199So when you have com-pleted your rites, praise God, as you used to praise your ancestors. Yes, with even far more heart and soul. There are those who say, “Our Lord, give us Your bounties in the present.” But they will have no portion in the hereafter. 200Then there are those who say, “Our Lord, give us good in the present and good in the hereafter, and save us from the torment of the fire.” 201To these will be allotted what they have earned, and

God is quick in ac-count. 202Glorify God by praising Him during the numbered days. But if anyone hastens to leave in two days, there is no blame on him, and if anyone stays, there is no blame on him, if his aim is to do right. And be regard-ful of God, and know that you will surely be gathered to Him. 203There is the type of person whose speech about the present life may dazzle you. And he calls God to witness what is in his heart, yet he is the most contentious of ene-mies. 204When he turns his back, his aim is to instigate problems through the earth, and destroy crops and livestock. But God does not love wrongdo-ing. 205When it is said to him, “Be conscious of God”, he is led by arrogance to harm-ful deeds. Enough for him is hell, an agonizing place indeed. 206And there is the type of person who gives his life to earn the pleasure of God, and God is full of kindness to the devotees. 207O you who believe, enter into Al-Islam whole-heart-edly, and do not follow the

22

Two

footsteps of Satan, for he is to you a sworn en-emy. 208If you backslide, after guidance has come to you, know then that God is Ex-alted in Power, the Wise. 209Will they wait until God comes to them in canopies of clouds, and the question is settled? And to God do all questions go back. 210Ask the Children of Israel how many clear signs We have sent them. And if any-one, after God's favor has come to him, substitutes something in its place, God is strict in punish-ment. 211The life of the present is alluring to those who do not believe. And they ridiculed those who be-lieve. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection, for God bestows His abun-dance without measure on whom He wills. 212Humankind was once one nation. And God sent mes-sengers with good news and warnings, and with them He sent the Book in truth, to judge between the people in matters wherein they differed, but the peo-ple of the Book, after the clear signs came to them, did not differ among them-

selves, except through stubborn refusal. God, by His grace, guided the be-lievers to the truth con-cerning that wherein they differed, for God guides whom He wills to a path that is straight. 213Or do you think that you will enter paradise without such things coming to you as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffer-ing and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit, that even the messenger and those of faith who were with him cried, “When will come the help of God.” In-deed the help of God is near. 214They ask you what they should give. Say, “What-ever you give that is good, is for parents, family, or-phans, those in want, and for displaced persons.” And whatever you do that is good, God knows it well. 215Fighting is prescribed for you though you dislike it. But it is possible that you may dislike a thing that is good for you, and that you may love a thing that is harmful to you, but God knows and you know not. 216They ask you concerning fighting in the prohibited month. Say, “Fighting

23

Two

therein is a grave offense, but worse in the sight of God is to prevent access to the path of God, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Masjid, and to drive out its members.” Oppression is worse than slaughter. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith if they can. And if any of you turn back from their faith and die in unbelief, their works will bear no fruit in this life, and in the hereafter, they will be companions of the fire and will live therein forever. 217Those who believed, and those who suffered exile and fought in the path of God, they have the hope of the mercy of God, and God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 218They ask you concerning intoxicants and gambling. Say, “In both of them is great harm and benefit for humanity, but the harm outweighs the benefit.” They ask you how much they are to give. Say, “That which is beyond your needs.” Indeed God makes clear to you His signs in order that you may con-template- 219This life and the hereafter. They ask you concerning orphans. Say, “The best things to do is what is best

for them. If you mix their affairs with yours, then they are your brothers, but God knows the person who means harm from the per-son who means well, and if God had willed, He could have put you into difficul-ties. He is indeed the Ex-alted in Power.” 220Do not marry disbelieving women until they believe. A slave woman who be-lieves is better than a dis-believing woman is, though she is attractive to you. Nor marry disbeliev-ing men until they believe. A slave man who believes is better than a disbeliever is, even though he is at-tractive to you. Disbeliev-ers lead you to the fire, but God leads, by His grace, to the garden and forgive-ness, and makes His signs clear to humanity, that they may remember. 221They ask you concerning women’s menses. Say, “It is a renewal. Thus decline them during their menses, nor go unto them until they are renewed. But once renewed you may approach them in the manner or-dained for you by God. For God loves those who con-stantly turn to Him, and He loves those who refine themselves.” 222Your wives are tilth to you. So approach your tilth when and how you two de-

24

Two

cide. But do some good acts for yourselves before-hand, and be conscious of God, and know that you are to meet Him. And give good news to those who believe. 223And do not make God an excuse in your promises against doing good, or act-ing right, or making peace between people. For God is the One who hears and knows all things. 224God will not call you to ac-count for the thoughtless-ness in your promises, but for the intention in your hearts. And He is Oft-For-giving, Most Understand-ing. 225For those who take an oath of abstention from their wives, a waiting period for four months is ordained. If then they return, God is the Oft-Forgiving, the Mer-ciful Redeemer. 226But if their intention is firm for divorce, God hears and knows all things. 227Divorced women should wait concerning them-selves for three monthly periods. And it is not per-missible for them to hide what God has created in their wombs, if they have faith in God and the Last Day. And their husbands have the right to reunite in that period if they wish for

reconciliation. But women have rights the same as the rights on them accord-ing to what is equitable. But men should take a fi-nal position concerning them, and God is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 228Divorce no more than twice. After that, the par-ties should either hold to-gether on fair terms, or separate with kindness. It is not permissible for you to take back any of your gifts from your wives, ex-cept when both parties fear that they would be un-able to keep the limits or-dained by God. If you in-deed fear that they would be unable to keep the lim-its set down by God, there is no blame on either of them if she negotiates with it. These are the limits es-tablished by God, so do not transgress them. If any transgress the limits pre-scribed by God, they are doing wrong. 229So if a husband divorces his wife irrevocably, he cannot re-marry her after that, until after she has married a different hus-band and he has divorced her. In that case, there is no blame on either of them if they reunite, provided they feel that they can keep the limits ordained by God. Such are the limits established by God which

25

Two

He makes plain to those who understand. 230If you divorce women and they fulfill the terms of their ‘iddat, either take them back on fair terms or let them go on fair terms. But do not take them back to injure them or to take undue advantage of them. If anyone does that, he wrongs his own self. Do not treat God's signs with-out regard, but solemnly rehearse God's favors on you, and the fact that He sent down to you the Book and the Wisdom for your instruction. And be con-scious of God, and know that God is well acquainted with all things. 231If you divorce women and they fulfill the term of their ‘iddat, do not prevent them from marrying their husbands, if they mutually agree on fair terms. This instruction is for all among you who believe in God and the Last Day, the virtuous and refined. And God knows and you know not. 232And mothers wean their offspring in two complete years, for those who wish to complete the weaning. And he will bear the cost of their food and clothing on fair terms. No soul will have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother should be

treated unfairly because of her child, nor a father be-cause of his child. An heir should be treated the same. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent and after due con-sultation, there is no blame on them. If you de-cide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided you pay the mother what you offered on fair terms. But be conscious of God, and know that God sees well all that you do. 233If any of you die and leave widows behind, they should wait concerning themselves, four months and ten days. When they have fulfilled their term, there is no blame on you if they deal with themselves in a just and reasonable manner, and God is well acquainted with all that you do. 234There is no blame on you if you make an offer of be-trothal or hold it in your hearts. God knows that you cherish them in your hearts. But do not make secret promises to them except in honorable terms. Nor decide on marriage until the term prescribed is completed. And know that God knows what is in your hearts, and take heed of Him, and know that God

26

Two

is Oft-Forgiving, Most Un-derstanding. 235There is no blame on you if you divorce women before consummation or the fixa-tion of their dowry. But be-stow on them a suitable gift, the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means. A gift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do right. 236And if you divorce them before consummation but after the fixation of a dowry, then half of the dowry is due to them, un-less they decline it, or the one in whose hands is the marriage declines it. And the declining of the man’s half is nearest to right-eousness. And do not for-get generosity between yourselves, for God sees well all that you do. 237Remember prayers, espe-cially the middle prayer. And stand before God in a devout frame of mind. 238If you are concerned, pray on foot or when riding. But when you are secure, re-member God in the man-ner He has taught you which you knew not. 239Those of you who die and leave spouses, should leave for their spouse a year’s cost of living. But if they leave, there is no blame on

you for what they do with themselves, it is accept-able, and God is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 240For divorced women, main-tenance should be pro-vided on a reasonable scale. This is an obligation on the righteous. 241And God makes clear His signs to you, in order that you may understand. 242Did you not turn your vi-sion to those who aban-doned their homes, though they were thousands, for fear of death? God said to them, “Die.” Then He re-stored them to life, for God is full of bounty to human-ity. But most of them are ungrateful. 243Then strive in the cause of God, and know that God hears and knows all things. 244Who will loan to God a handsome loan which God will double to his credit and multiply many times? It is God Who gives you want or plenty. And to Him will be your reversion. 245Have you not turned your vision to the leaders of the Children of Israel after Moses? They said to a prophet among them, “Ap-point for us a king, so that we may fight in the cause of God.” He said, “Is it pos-sible that if you were asked

27

Two

to fight that you will not fight?” They said, “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of God, seeing that we were banished from our homes and from our families?” But when they were asked to fight, they turned back, except a small group among them, but God has full knowledge of those who do wrong. 246Their prophet said to them, “God has appointed Talut as king over you.” They said, “How can he have authority over us when we are better fitted than he to have authority, and when he has not been given great wealth?” He said, “God has chosen him above you and has given him great knowledge and substance. God grants His authority to whom He pleases. God cares for all and He knows all things.” 247And their prophet said to them, “A sign of his au-thority is that there will come to you the Ark of the Covenant with an assur-ance of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses, and the family of Aaron carried by angels. Indeed in this is a symbol for you if you are believers.” 248When Talut marched with the soldiers he said, “God

will challenge you at the stream. If any drinks of its water, he will not go with my army. Only those who do not drink it will go with me, a little sip from the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river, he and the faithful with him said, “This day We cannot cope with Go-liath and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet God said, “How often, by God's will, has a small force van-quished a large one? God is with those who stead-fastly persevere.” 249When they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they prayed, “Our Lord, pour out constancy on us and make our steps sure, and help us against those who do not be-lieve.” 250By God's will they defeated them, and David slew Go-liath. And God gave him power and wisdom, and taught him whatever he wished. And if God did not check one set of people by way of another, the earth would indeed be full of chaos. But God is full of bounty to all the worlds. 251These are the signs of God. We rehearse them to you in truth because indeed

28

Two

you are one of the messen-gers. 252 (End of Part 2)Some of the messengers We endowed with gifts above others. Among them is one to whom God spoke. Others He raised through levels. To Jesus the son of Mary We gave guidance and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. If God had willed, succeeding genera-tions would not have fought among themselves after guidance came to them. But they were di-vided, some believing and others rejecting. If God had willed they would not have fought each other, but God fulfills His plan. 253O you who believe, give from what We have given you before the day comes when there will be no bar-gaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And those who reject it, they are the wrongdoers. 254God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Sufficient, the Eternal. No exhaustion can overcome Him, nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there that can intercede in His pres-ence except as He permits? He knows what is before, after, and behind them. And they will not grasp any of His knowledge except as He wills. His throne ex-

tends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them, for He is the Most High, the Supreme. 255Let there be no compulsion in religion. Indeed right is clear, as is wrong. Whoever rejects wrong and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that never slips, and God hears and knows all things. 256God is the Protector of those who have faith. From the depths of darkness He will lead them out into the light. Of those who do not believe, their companions are the wrongdoers. From light, they will lead them down into the depths of darkness. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein forever. 257Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Abraham about his Lord because God had granted him power? Abra-ham said, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death.” He said, “I give life and death.” Abraham said, “And it is God Who causes the Sun to rise from the East, can you cause it to rise from the West?” Then he was angered, he who re-jected. And God does not give guidance to those

29

Two

people who are wrongdo-ers. 258Or it is like one who passed over a neighbor-hood in ruins up to its rooftops. He said, “How will God bring it to life af-ter its death?” So God caused him to die for a hundred years then raised him up. He said, “How long have you been here?” He said, “A day or part of a day.” He said, “No, you have been here a hundred years. But look at your food and drink, they show no sign of age, and look at your donkey. And We will make you a sign for hu-manity. Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh.” Once this be-came clear to him he said, “I know that God has power over all things.” 259Behold, Abraham said, “My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.” He said, “Do you not believe?” He said, “I do, but show me to satisfy my heart.” He said, “Take four birds, and train them to return to you. Put a part of them on every hill and call to them. They will come to you with speed. So know that God is Exalted in Power, the Wise.” 260The comparison of those who give their sustenance in the way of God is that of

a grain of corn. It grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred kernels. God gives abundant in-crease to whom He pleases, and God cares for all and He knows all things. 261Those who give their suste-nance in the cause of God, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with in-jury, for them, their reward is with their Lord. Upon them should be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 262Kind words and the cover-ing of faults are better than charity followed by injury. But God is free of all wants, and He is Endur-ing. 263O you who believe, do not cancel out your charity with reminders of your generosity or by insults, like one who gives their sustenance to be seen by people, but believe neither in God nor in the Last Day. His similitude is like a hard, barren rock, on which is a little soil. On it falls heavy rain which leaves it a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with what they have earned, and God does not guide those who do not be-lieve. 264And the likeness of those who give their sustenance

30

Two

seeking the pleasure of God and to strengthen themselves is as a garden high and fertile. Heavy rain falls on it, and makes it yield a double increase of harvest, and if it does not receive heavy rain, a drizzle suffices it. And God sees all that you do. 265Do any of you wish that he would have a garden with date palms, and vines, and streams flowing through, and all kinds of fruit, while he is stricken with old age and his children are not yet strong? That it would be caught in a whirlwind with fire and be burned up? In this way, God makes clear to you His signs so that you may consider. 266O you who believe, give of the good things that you have earned, and of the fruits of the earth that We have produced for you. And do not aim at getting anything in the wrong way, in order that out of it you may give away something when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that God is free of all wants and worthy of all praise. 267Satan threatens you with poverty and invites you to indecent conduct, while God promises you His for-giveness and bounties, and God cares for all and He knows all things. 268

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and he to whom wisdom is granted, indeed receives a benefit overflowing, but none will grasp the message except people of understand-ing. 269And whatever you give in charity or devotion, be sure God knows it all, but the wrongdoers have no helpers. 270If you disclose your char-ity, that is fine. But if you give anonymously to those in need, that is best for you. It will remove from you some of your guilt, and God is well acquainted with what you do. 271It is not required of you to guide them, but God guides whom He pleases. Whatever good you give, benefits your own souls, but you should only do so seeking the Face of God. Whatever good you give, will be repaid to you, and you will not be dealt with unjustly. 272It is for those in need, who in God's cause, are re-stricted and cannot move around in the land to seek opportunity. The ignorant person thinks because of their modesty, that they are free from want. You will know them by their mark, not by them con-stantly begging. And what-

31

Two

ever good you give, be as-sured God knows it well. 273Those who give of their re-sources by night and by day, in secret and in pub-lic, have their reward with their Lord. On them will be no fear nor shall they grieve. 274Those who devour usury will not stand except as one stands who Satan, by his touch, has driven to madness. Because they say, “Trade is like usury.” But God has permitted trade and forbidden usury. Those who cease after re-ceiving direction from their Lord will be forgiven for their past, and their case is for God. But those who continue are compan-ions of the fire, they will live therein forever. 275God will deprive usury of all blessings, but will give more for deeds of charity, for He does not love un-grateful wrong-doers. 276Those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, who establish prayer and give zakat, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 277O you who believe, be con-scious of God and give up what remains of your de-

mand for usury, if you are indeed believers. 278If you do not, then prepare for war from God and His messenger. But if you turn back, you will have your capital gains. So do not deal unjustly, because you will not be dealt with un-justly. 279If the debtor is in diffi-culty, grant him time until it is easy for him to repay. But if you forgive it as a charity, that is best for you if you only knew. 280And fear the day when you will be brought back to God. Then every soul will be paid what she earned, and none will be dealt with unjustly. 281O you who believe, when you deal with each other in transactions involving fu-ture obligations in a fixed period of time, put them in writing. Let a scribe write it down correctly for the parties involved, and the scribe should not refuse to write. God has taught him, so let him write. Let him who incurs the liability dictate, but let him fear his Lord and not omit any of what he owes. If the party liable is mentally de-ficient or weak, or unable to dictate, let his guardian dictate correctly. And get two witnesses from your men. If not two men, then

32

Two

a man and two women, of whom you agree to be wit-nesses, so that if one of the two errs, then one of the two can remind the other. And the witnesses should not refuse when they are called on. Do not refuse to reduce things to writing for a future period, whether it is small or large. This is more just in the sight of God, more suitable as evidence, and more convenient to pre-vent doubts among your-selves. But if it is a trans-action which you carry out on the spot among your-selves, there is no blame on you if you do not reduce it to writing, but take wit-nesses whenever you make a commercial contract, and let neither scribe nor witness suffer harm. If you do, it would be wrong on your part. So be regardful of God, for it is God who teaches you, and God is well acquainted with all things. 282If you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then pledge with your posses-sions. And if one of you de-posits a thing on trust with another, let the trustee discharge his trust and let him be regardful of his Lord. And do not conceal evidence, and whoever conceals it, his heart is then tainted with corrup-

tion. And God knows all that you do. 283To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. Whether you reveal what is in you or conceal it, God calls you to account for it. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, and God has power over all things. 284The messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the people of faith. Each one believes in God, His angels, His books, and His messengers. They say, “We make no distinction be-tween one and another of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear, and we fol-low. We seek Your forgive-ness Our Lord, and to You is the end of all jour-neys.” 285On no soul does God place a burden greater than she can bear. She gets every good that it earns and she suffers from every ill that she earns. Pray, “Our Lord, condemn us not if we for-get or fall into error. Our Lord, lay not on us a bur-den like that which You laid on those before us. Our Lord, lay not on us a burden greater than we have the strength to bear. Blot out our sins, grant us forgiveness, and have mercy on us. You are our

33

Two

Protector, and help us against those who reject it.”. 286

34

THREE

Alif, Laam, Miim. 1God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Self-Re-liant, Eternal. 2He sent down to you, in truth, the Book reflecting the truth of what went be-fore it. And He sent down the Torah, and the gospel. 3Then those who reject the signs of God will suffer the severest penalty, and God is Exalted in Might, Lord of Retribution. 4From God, indeed nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens. 5He is the One Who shapes you in the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 6"It is He who sent down to you the Book. In it are verses of obvious wisdom. These verses are the mother of the Book. Still there are other verses con-taining esoteric wisdom. Those in whose hearts is deviation, they only follow the esoteric verses, seek-ing disharmony and seek-ing its hidden meaning. But none has the under-

standing of their interpre-tations except God and those well-grounded in the knowledge. They say, 'We believe in it, all of it is from the presence of our Guardian Evolver." But none will remember this, except the possessors of insight and a penetrating mind." 7“Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate now after You have guided us, but grant us mercy from Your own presence, for You are the Grantor of Bounties without measure.” 8“Our Lord, You are He Who will gather humanity to-gether on a day which there can be no doubt, for God never fails in His promise.” 9Those who do not believe, neither their possessions nor their progeny will avail them against God, they are fuel for the fire. 10They are no better than the people of Pharaoh are, or their predecessors. They denied our signs, and God called them to account for their sins, for God is strict in punishment. 11Say to those who do not believe, “Soon you will be defeated and gathered to-gether to hell which is in-deed a miserable place to be. 12

35

Three

There was for you a sign in the two armies who met. One was fighting in the cause of God, the other re-sisting God. They saw with their own eyes twice their number, but God supports with His aid whom He pleases. In this is a warn-ing for such as have eyes to see. 13Beautiful in the eyes of men are the love of things they covet, women and sons, heaped-up hoards of gold and silver, horses, livestock and well-tilled land. Such are the posses-sions of the present life, but nearness to God is an excellent goal. 14Say, shall I tell you what is better than those are? For those who are regardful are gardens with their Lord, and rivers flowing beneath. That is their eter-nal home. With compan-ions refined, and the bless-ings of God. And in God's sight are all His ser-vants. 15Those who say, “Our Lord, we have indeed believed, forgive us our wrongs and save us from the agony of the fire.” 16These are those who show patience, firmness, and self-control, who are truth-ful, who worship devoutly, who spend, and who seek to forgive and to be for-

given in the early hours of the morning. 17There is no god but He, that is the testimony of God, His angels, and those endued with knowledge, standing firmly on justice. There is no god but He, the Exalted in Power, the Wise. 18Indeed, the way of life con-nected to God is Al-Islam. And the people of the Book did not dispute it except through envy of each other, until after knowl-edge had come to them. But if any deny the signs of God, God is swift in calling them to account. 19So if they dispute with you say, “I have submitted my whole self to God and so have those who follow me.” And say to the people of the Book and to those who are unlearned, “Do you also submit yourselves?” If they do, they are on right guidance. But if they turn back, your duty is only to convey the message. And in God's sight are His ser-vants. 20As for those who reject the signs of God in defiance of right, who slay the Prophets, and slay those who teach just dealing with humanity, announce to them a terrible penalty. 21

36

Three

They are those whose works will not bear fruit in the present, nor in the hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help. 22Have you not turned your vision to those who have been given a part of the Book? They are invited to the Book of God to settle their disputes, but a group of them turn back and de-cline. 23This is because they say, “The fire will not touch us but for a few number of days.” But their delusions deceive them as to the way. 24Then how will it be when We gather them together on a day which there is no doubt? And each soul will be paid out exactly what she has earned, without in-justice? 25Say, “O God, the Lord, the Powerful, You give power to whom You please, and You strip power from whom You please. You honor whom You please, and You bring down whom You please. In Your Hand is all that is good. Indeed, over all things You have power. 26“You cause the night to gain on the day, and you cause the day to gain on the night. You bring the living out of the dead, and

You bring the dead out of the living. And You give sustenance to whom You please, without mea-sure.” 27Let not the believers take for friends or helpers those who refuse to believe rather than believers. If any do that, they will never receive help from God, ex-cept by way of precaution, that you may guard your-selves from them, but God cautions you, for the final goal is to God. 28Say, “Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, God knows it all. He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth, and God has power over all things. 29“On the day when the soul will be shown all the good she has done, and all the wrong she has done, she will wish that there were a great distance between her and it. But God cautions you, and God is full of kindness to those who serve Him.” 30Say, “If you love God, fol-low me. God will love you and forgive you your wrongs, for God is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing.” 31Say, “Follow God and His messenger.” But if they turn back, God does not

37

Three

love those who do not be-lieve. 32God chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of ‘Imran above all people, 33Connected one to the other. And God hears and knows all things. 34Behold, a woman of ‘Imran said, “O my Lord, I dedi-cate to You what is in my womb for Your service. So accept this from me, for You hear and know all things.” 35Once she delivered she said, “O my Lord, behold, I have delivered a female child.” But God knew even more about what she deliv-ered. And the male is not the same as the female. “I have named her Mary, and I commit her and her off-spring to Your protection from Satan, the Re-jected.” 36Graciously, her Lord ac-cepted her. He made her grow in refinement and beauty. She was assigned to the care of Zachariah. Every time he entered her chamber to visit her, He found her supplied with sustenance. He said, “O Mary, were does this come to you from? “ She said, “From God. For God pro-vides sustenance to whom

He pleases without mea-sure.” 37There Zachariah prayed to his Lord, “O my Lord, grant to me from You, good offspring, for You are He Who hears prayer.” 38While he was standing in prayer in the room, the an-gels called to him, “God gives you good news of Yahya, witnessing the truth of a word from God, noble, chaste, a prophet of the company of the right-eous.” 39He said, “O my Lord, how will I have a son seeing I am very old and my wife is barren?” “Like so,” was the answer. God accomplishes what He wills. 40He said, “O my Lord, give me a sign.” “Your sign,” was the answer, “Shall be that you should not speak to the people for three days, except with signals. And remember your Lord again and again, and praise Him in the evening and in the morning.” 41Behold, the angels said, “O Mary, God has chosen you and purified you, and cho-sen you above all the women of all the na-tions. 42“O Mary, worship Your Lord devoutly, prostrate yourself, and bow down

38

Three

with those who bow down.” 43This is part of the knowl-edge of the things unseen which We reveal to you by inspiration. You were not with them when they drew pins, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary, nor were you with them when they dis-puted about it. 44Behold, the angels said, “O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, his name will be Christ Je-sus, the son of Mary, held in honor in the present and the hereafter, and of the company of those near-est to God. 45“He will speak to the peo-ple in childhood, and in maturity, and he will be of the righteous.” 46She said, “O my Lord, how will I have a son when no man has touched me?” He said, “Like this, God cre-ates what He wills, when He decrees a plan, He only says to it ‘Be,’ and it is. 47“And God will teach him the Book and the Wisdom, the Law and the gospel, 48“And appoint him as a mes-senger to the Children of Israel with this message, ‘I have come to you with this sign from your Lord, I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a

bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a living bird by God's permission. I heal those born blind, and the lepers. I quicken the dead, by God's permission. And I advise you what to eat, and what you should store in your houses. In-deed in this is a sign for you if you do believe. 49“ ‘I have come to you, to attest the Law which is be-fore me, and to make per-missible to you part of what was forbidden to you. I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so be regardful of God, and fol-low me. 50“It is God Who is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a way that is straight.” 51When Jesus found unbelief on their part he said, “Who will be my helpers for God.” The Disciples said, “We are God's helpers, we believe in God, so bear wit-ness that we are Mus-lims. 52“Our Lord, we believe in what You have revealed, and we follow the messen-ger, so record us among those who bear wit-ness.” 53And the unbelievers plot-ted and planned. God also planned. And God is the best of planners. 54

39

Three

Behold, God said, “O Jesus, I will take you and raise you to Myself, and clear you of those who do blas-pheme. I will make those who follow you superior to those who do not believe, to the Day of Resurrection. Then you will all return to Me, and I will judge be-tween you concerning the matters that you dis-pute. 55“As for those who do not believe, I will punish them with a severe punishment in the present and in the hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.” 56“As for those who believe and work righteousness, God will pay them their re-ward. But God does not love those who do wrong.” 57“This is what we rehearse to you of the signs and the message of wisdom.” 58The similitude of Jesus from God is as that of Adam, He created him from dust then said to him: “Be”. And he was. 59The truth comes from God alone, so do not be of those who doubt. 60If anyone disputes in this matter with you, now that knowledge has come to you say, “Come, let us gather together, our sons and your sons, our women

and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us earnestly pray, and invoke the curse of God on those who lie.” 61This is the true account, there is no god except God, and God, He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise. 62But if they turn back, God has full knowledge of those who do wrong. 63Say, “O people of the Book, come to an agreement with us, that we worship none but God, that we associate no partners with him, that we do not erect from among ourselves lords other than God.” If they then turn back say, “Bear witness that we are Mus-lims.” 64O people of the Book, why do you dispute about Abra-ham when the Torah and the gospel were not re-vealed until after him? Have you no understand-ing? 65You are those who fell into disputing about matters of which you had limited knowledge. But why do you argue about matters that you cannot know? It is God Who knows, and you who know not. 66Abraham was not a Jew, nor a Christian, but he was an honorary Muslim, and

40

Three

he did not join gods with God. 67Without doubt, among hu-manity, the nearest of fam-ily to Abraham are those who follow him, this mes-senger, and those who be-lieve. And God is the Pro-tector of those who have faith. 68It is the wish of a group from the people of the Book to lead you astray, but they will lead astray not you, but their own selves, but they do not see. 69O people of the Book, why do you reject the signs of God, of which you were witnesses? 70O you people of the Book, why do you clothe truth with falsehood, and con-ceal the truth while you have knowledge? 71A group of the people of the Book say, “Believe in the morning what is re-vealed to the believers, but reject it at the end of the day, so perhaps they may turn back. 72“And believe no one unless he follows your way.” Say, “True guidance is the guid-ance of God. Or will a reve-lation be sent to someone like that which was sent to you? Or should they en-gage you in argument be-fore your Lord?” Say, “All

bounties are in the Hand of God. He grants them to whom He pleases, and God cares for all, and He knows all things.” 73For His mercy, He specially chooses whom He pleases, for God is the Lord of bounties unbounded. 74Among the people of the Book are some who if en-trusted with a treasure of gold would return it, oth-ers who if entrusted with a single silver coin will not return it unless you stood constantly demanding, be-cause they said, “There is no obligation on us to keep faith with those who are unlettered.” But they tell a lie against God, and they know it. 75No, those who keep their faith and do right, indeed know that God loves those who do right. 76As for those who sell the faith they owe to God, and their own word for a miser-able price, they will not be gratified in the hereafter, nor will God speak to them or look at them on the Day of Accountability, nor will He redeem them. They will have a terrible penalty. 77There is among them some who distort the Book with their tongues. You would think it is a part of the Book, but it is not part of

41

Three

the Book. And they say, “It is from God.” But it is not from God, they are telling a lie against God, and they know it. 78It is not possible that a person to whom the Book is given, and the Wisdom, and the prophetic office, should say to people, “Be my worshippers rather than God's.” Instead he would say, “Be worshippers of He Who is truly the Guardian Evolver of all, for you have taught the Book and you have studied it earnestly.” 79Nor would he instruct you to take angels and prophets for lords. What, would he call you to unbe-lief after you have surren-dered your will? 80Behold, God took the covenant of the Prophets saying, “I give you a book and wisdom, then there comes to you a prophet re-flecting the truth of what is with you. Believe in him and give him help.” God said, “Do you agree and take My covenant as bind-ing on you?” They said, “We agree.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the wit-nesses.” 81If any turn back after this, they are transgressors. 82

Do they seek for other than the way of life from God, while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have willingly or unwill-ingly bowed to His will, and to Him will they all be brought back? 83Say, “We believe in God, and in what has been re-vealed to us, and what was revealed to Abraham, Ish-mael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in that given to Moses, Jesus, and all the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction be-tween one and another among them. And to God we surrender our will.” 84If anyone desires a way other than Al-Islam, never will it be accepted of him, and in the hereafter, he will be in the ranks of those who are lost. 85How will God guide those who do not believe after they accepted it, and bore witness that the messen-ger was true, and that clear signs had come to them? God does not guide wrongdoers. 86For them, their punish-ment is that on them is the curse of God, of His an-gels, and of all humanity. 87In that will they dwell, nor will their penalty be light-

42

Three

ened, nor will respite be their destiny. 88Except for those who re-pent after that, and make amends, for indeed God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 89But those who make ex-cuses and exceptions after they accepted it, and then go on adding to their defi-ance of faith, never will their repentance be ac-cepted, for they have gone astray. 90As for those who do not be-lieve, and die rejecting, never would be accepted from them even as much gold as the earth contains, if they could offer it for ransom, for them is a terri-ble penalty, and they will find no helpers. 91 (End of Part 3)Never will you attain right-eousness until you share that which you love. And whatever you give of a thing, indeed God knows it well. 92All food was permissible to the Children of Israel ex-cept what Israel made im-permissible for itself be-fore the Law was revealed. Say, “Bring the Law and study it, if you are people of truth.” 93If any, after this, invent a lie and attribute it to God, they are wrongdoers. 94

Say, “God has spoken the truth. Follow the way of Abraham, the intelligent in faith. He was not of the pa-gans.” 95The first house appointed for humanity was that at Bakkah, full of blessings and of guidance for all the worlds. 96In it are clear signs, such as the station of Abraham. Whoever enters it attains security. Pilgrimage is a duty humanity owes to God, that is, those who can afford the journey. But if any deny faith, God is not in need of any of His crea-tures. 97Say, “O people of the Book, why reject the signs of God when God is Himself wit-ness over what you do?” 98Say, “O you people of the Book, why obstruct those who believe from the path of God, seeking to make it crooked while you were yourselves witnesses? But God is not unmindful of that which you do.” 99O you who believe, if you follow a group among the people of the Book, they would lead you to unbelief after you have believed. 100And how could you deny faith while to you are re-hearsed the signs of God, and among you lives the

43

Three

messenger? Whoever holds firmly to God will be shown a straight way. 101O you who believe, be re-gardful of God as He should be regarded, and die not except as those who submit. 102And hold tightly, all to-gether, by the rope that God stretches out to you, and do not be divided among yourselves. And re-member with gratitude God's favor on you, be-cause you were enemies and He joined your hearts in friendship, so that by His grace, you became connected. And you were on the brink of the pit of fire and He saved you from it. God makes His signs clear to you, that you may be guided. 103Let there arise from you a community inviting to all that is good, advocating for what is right, and protesting against what is wrong, they are the ones who attain felicity. 104Be not like those who are divided among themselves and fall into disagree-ments after receiving clear signs, for them is a dread-ful penalty. 105That day some faces will be white, and some faces will be black. To those whose faces will be black

will be said, “Did you dis-believe in it after accept-ing it? Then taste the penalty for rejecting faith.” 106But those whose faces will be white, they will be in God's mercy. They will dwell therein forever. 107These are the signs of God. We rehearse them to you in truth, and God wills no injustice to any of His creatures. 108To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and to Him do all questions go back. 109You are the best of commu-nities evolved for human-ity, advocating for what is right, protesting against what is wrong, and believ-ing in God. If only the peo-ple of the Book had faith, it would be best for them. Among them are some who have faith, but many of them are transgres-sors. 110They will do you no harm, except mental anguish. And if they come out to fight you, they will show you their backs, and no help will they get. 111Shame is cast over them wherever they are found, except when under a covenant from God and the people. They draw on themselves punishment

44

Three

from God, and cast over them is destitution. This is because they rejected the signs of God, and killed the Prophets in defiance of right. This is because they rebelled and transgressed beyond bounds. 112But not all of them are alike. Of the people of the Book, are those who stand for right. They sing the verses of God all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adora-tion. 113They believe in God and the Last Day, they advance what is right, and oppose what is wrong, and they strive in all good works. They are in the ranks of the righteous. 114Of the good they do, noth-ing will be rejected, for God knows well those who do right. 115Those who do not believe, neither their possessions nor their progeny will avail them against God. They will be companions of the fire, dwelling therein for-ever. 116What they give in the life of the present may be likened to a wind which brings a chilling frost. It strikes and destroys the harvest of the people who have wronged their own souls. God has not

wronged them, but they wrong themselves. 117O you who believe, do not take as confidants those other than yourselves. They will not fail to cor-rupt you. They only desire your ruin. Hatred has al-ready appeared from their mouths, what their hearts conceal is far worse. We have made plain to you the signs, if you are wise. 118You are those who love them, but they do not love you, because you believe in the whole Book. When they meet you they say, “We be-lieve.” But when they are alone, they bite off the very tips of their fingers at you in their rage. Say, “Die in your rage, God knows well all the secrets of the heart.” 119If anything good happens to you, it grieves them. But if some misfortune over-takes you, they rejoice in it. But if you are constant and do right, not the least harm will their devious-ness do to you, for God compasses all that they do. 120The morning when you left your home to post the be-lievers at their stations for battle, while God hears and knows all things, 121Two of your troops then lost heart, but God was

45

Three

their protector, and in God the believers should put their trust. 122God helped you at Badr when you were weak, so be conscious of God, so that you may feel grateful. 123Remember you said to the faithful, “Is it not enough for you that God helps you with three thousand angels sent down? 124“Yes, if you remain firm, and do right, even if the enemy ambushes you, your Lord would help you with five thousand unrelenting angels.” 125God made it a message of hope for you, and an assur-ance to your hearts. There is no help except from God, the Exalted, the Wise. 126He might cut off a fringe of the unbelievers or ex-pose them to dishonor, and they will then be turned back, defeated. 127Not for you, but for God, is the decision. Whether He turns in mercy to them, or punishes them, for they are indeed wrongdo-ers. 128To God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. He forgives whom He pleases and punishes whom He pleases, but God

is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 129O you who believe, do not take usury, doubled and multiplied, but be con-scious of God that you may flourish. 130Be aware of the fire which is prepared for those who do not believe. 131And follow God and the messenger, that you may obtain mercy. 132Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord and for a garden whose width is that of the heav-ens and of the earth, pre-pared for the right-eous, 133Those who give, whether in prosperity or in adversity, who restrain anger, and pardon the people, God loves those who do right. 134And those who having done something to be ashamed of or wronged their own souls, earnestly bringing God to mind and ask for forgiveness for their sins, and who can forgive sins except God, and never re-peatedly do wrong know-ingly, for them the reward is forgiveness, 135And for them the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and gardens with rivers flowing beneath, an

46

Three

eternal dwelling place. And how excellent a reward for those who strive. 136Many were the ways of life that have passed away be-fore you. Travel through the earth and see what the end of those who rejected truth was. 137Here is a plain statement to humanity, a guidance, and instruction to those who are aware. 138So do not lose heart, nor fall into despair, for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith. 139If a wound has touched you, be sure a similar wound has touched the others. Such days do We alternate between people, that God may make evident those who believe, and that He may take to Himself, from your ranks, wit-nesses. And God does not love those who do wrong. 140God's objective is also to keep purified those who are true in faith, and to de-prive of blessings those who resist faith. 141Did you think that you would enter heaven with-out God testing those of you who fought hard and remained steadfast? 142You indeed wished for death before you met it.

Now you have seen it with your own eyes. 143Muhammad is no more than a messenger. Many were the messengers who passed away before him. If he died or is slain, would you then turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to God, but God will swiftly reward those who serve Him with gratitude. 144Nor can a soul die except by God's permission, the term being fixed as by writ-ing. If any desire a reward in this life, We will give it to them, and if any desire a reward in the hereafter, We will give it to them, and swiftly will We reward those who serve us with gratitude. 145How many of the Prophets fought and with them fought large groups of con-scious people? But they never lost heart if they were met with disaster in the way of God, nor did they weaken nor give in. And God loves those who are firm and steadfast. 146All that they said was, “Our Lord, forgive us our sins and anything We have done to transgress our duty, establish our feet firmly, and help us against those who do not be-lieve.” 147

47

Three

And God gave them a re-ward in the present, and a reward in the hereafter, for God loves those who do right. 148O you who believe, if you follow the unbelievers, they will drive you back on your heels, and will turn you back, to your own detriment. 149No, God is your protector, and He is the best of helpers. 150Soon will We cast fear into the hearts of the unbeliev-ers, because they joined partners with God for which He has sent no au-thority. Their abode will be the fire, and miserable is the home of the wrongdo-ers. 151God indeed fulfilled His promise to you when you, with His permission, were about to annihilate your enemy, until you flinched and began disputing about the orders and did not fol-low them after He brought you in sight of the spoils that you desired. Among you are some who pursue the present and some who pursue the hereafter. Then He diverted you from your enemies in order to chal-lenge you, but He forgave you, for God is full of grace to those who believe. 152

Behold, you were climbing up the high ground, with-out even casting a side-glance at anyone, and the messenger in your rear was calling you back. There, God gave you one distress after another, to teach you not to grieve over the spoils that missed you, and for the ill that had befallen you, for God is well aware of all that you do. 153After the distress, He sent down calm on a company of you overcome with slumber, while another company was stirred to anxiety by their feelings, moved by wrongful doubt of God, suspicions due to ignorance. They said, “What concern is this of ours?” Say, “Indeed, this concern is entirely God's.” They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to you. They say, “If we had anything to do with this affair, we would not have been in the slaughter here.” Say, “Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth to the place of their death.” But all this was for God to make evident what is in your chest and to re-deem what is in your hearts, for God knows well the secrets of your hearts. 154

48

Three

Those of you who turned back on the day the two armies met, Satan caused them to fail, because of some wrong they did, but God has deleted their faults, for God is Oft-For-giving, Most Understand-ing. 155O you who believe, do not be like the unbelievers who say of their brothers, when they are traveling through the earth or en-gaged in fighting, “If they had stayed with us, they would not have died, or been slain.” This is so that God may make it a cause of sighs and regrets in their hearts. And God gives life and death, and God sees well all that you do. 156And if you are slain or die in the way of God, forgive-ness and mercy from God are far better than all they could accumulate. 157And if you die or are slain, remember it is to God Who you will be gathered. 158It is part of the mercy of God that you deal gently with them, were you un-kind or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from you, so excuse them, and ask for God's forgiveness for them, and consult them in their af-fairs. Then, when you have made a decision, put your

trust in God, for God loves those who put their trust in Him. 159If God helps you, none can defeat you. If He abandons you, who is there after that, who can help you? In God then let believers put their trust. 160No prophet can shirk his trust. And whoever does this, they will on the Day of Accountability, restore what they misappropri-ated. Then every soul will receive their due, whatever it earned. And none will be dealt with unjustly. 161Is the person who follows the blessings of God like the person who brings on himself the punishment of God, and whose home is hell? This is a terrible des-tination indeed. 162They are on different levels in the sight of God, and God sees well all that they do. 163God bestowed a great favor on the believers when He sent them a messenger from among themselves, rehearsing to them the signs of God, refining them, and instructing them in scripture and wis-dom, while before that they had been in clear er-ror. 164What, when a single disas-ter strikes you, although

49

Three

you struck your enemies with one twice as great, do you say, “From whom did this come?” Say, “It is from yourselves, for God has power over all things.” 165What you suffered on the day the two armies met was by the permission of God, in order that He might challenge the believ-ers. 166And those whose integrity had been compromised were told, “Come, fight in the way of God, or drive them from your city.” They said, “Had we known how to fight, we would certainly have followed you.” They were that day nearer to un-belief than to belief, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts, but God has full knowledge of all they conceal. 167They are the ones who say, while they themselves sit, “If only they had listened to us, they would not have been slain.” Say, “Avert death from yourselves, if you speak the truth.” 168Do not think of those who are slain in God's way as dead, no they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Guardian Evolver. 169They rejoice in the bounty provided by God. And with regard to those left be-

hind, who have not yet joined them, they rest on the fact that on them is no fear, nor have they cause to grieve. 170They rejoice in the grace and the bounty from God, and in the fact that God does not cause the reward of the believers to be lost. 171Of those who answered the call of God and the mes-senger, even after being wounded, those who do right and refrain from wrong have a great reward, 172The people said to them, “A great army is gathering against you,” in order to frighten them, but it in-creased their faith. They said, “For us God suffices, and He is the best man-ager of affairs.” 173And they returned with grace and bounty from God. No harm ever touched them, for they fol-lowed the blessings of God, and God is the Lord of bounties unbounded. 174It is Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. Do not be afraid of them, but instead fear Me, if you have faith. 175Do not let those grieve you who rush into unbelief. Not the least harm will they do to God. God's plan is that

50

Three

He will give them no por-tion in the hereafter, ex-cept a severe punish-ment. 176Those who purchase unbe-lief at the price of faith, not the least harm will they do to God, but they will have a terrible punish-ment. 177Let not the unbelievers think that Our respite to them is good for them. We grant them respite so that they may increase their sins, but they will have a shameful punishment. 178God will not leave the be-lievers in the state in which you are in now, until He separates what is harm-ful from what is good, nor will He disclose to you the secrets of the unseen. And He chooses for His mes-senger the purpose that He pleases. So believe in God, and His messengers. And if you believe and do right, you will have a re-ward without measure. 179And let not those who greedily withhold the gifts which God has given them from His grace, think that it is good for them. No, it is bad for them. Soon the things which they withheld will be tied to their necks, on the Day of Accountabil-ity. To God belongs the ori-gin of the heavens and the earth, and God is well ac-

quainted with all that you do. 180God has heard the taunt of those who say, “Truly God is poor and we are rich.” We will certainly record their words and their act of slaying the Prophets in defiance of right, and We will say, “Taste the penalty of the scorching fire. 181“This is because of that which your hands sent on before you, for God never harms those who serve Him.” 182They said, “God took our promise not to believe in a prophet unless He showed us a sacrifice consumed by fire.” Say, “There came to you prophets before me, with clear signs and even with what you ask for, why then did you slay them if you speak the truth?” 183And if they reject you, so were the prophets before you, who came with clear signs, books of prophecies, and the Book of Enlighten-ment. 184Every soul will have a taste of death. And only on the Day of Accountability will you be paid your full re-ward. Only he who is saved from the fire and admitted to the garden will have at-tained the object of life, for the life of the present is but stuff of illusion. 185

51

Three

You will certainly be tried and tested by your posses-sions and by your own selves, and you will cer-tainly hear much that will hurt you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods, but if you persevere patiently, and remain conscious, that will be a determining fac-tor in all affairs. 186And remember God took a covenant from the people of the Book, to make it known and clear to human-ity, and not to hide it. But they threw it away behind their backs, and purchased with it some miserable gains, and terrible was the bargain they made. 187Do not think that those who brag about what they have done, and love to be praised for what they have not done, will escape the penalty, for them is a terri-ble penalty indeed. 188To God is the control of the heavens and the earth, and God has power over all things. 189Behold, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day, there are in-deed signs for people of understanding, 190The people who glorify God by praising Him, standing,

sitting, and lying on their sides, and contemplate the creation in the heavens and the earth, with the thought, “Our Lord, not without purpose have You created all this, glory be to You, and give us salvation from the penalty of the fire. 191“Our Lord, any whom You admit to the fire, truly You cover with shame, and never will wrongdoers find any helpers. 192“Our Lord, we have heard the call of one calling to faith saying, ‘Believe in the Lord,’ and we have be-lieved. Our Lord, forgive us our sins, and remove from us our sins, and take our souls to You and in the company of the right-eous. 193“Our Lord, grant us what You promised to us through Your messengers, and save us from shame on the Day of Accountability, for You never break Your promise.” 194And their Lord accepted this from them and an-swered, “Never will I cause to be lost the work of any of you, be they male or fe-male. You are connected, one to the other. Those who have left their homes, or have been banished from it, or suffered harm in My cause, or fought or

52

Three

have been slain, I will in-deed remove from them their sins, and admit them into gardens with rivers flowing beneath. A reward from the presence of God, and from His presence is the best of rewards.” 195Let not the strutting about of the unbelievers through the land deceive you, 196Little is their enjoyment. Their ultimate abode is hell– the torturous tomb of misery. 197But for those who are con-scious of their Lord are gardens with rivers flowing beneath, there they will dwell forever, a gift from the presence of God, and that which is in the pres-ence of God is best for the righteous. 198And there are certainly among the people of the Book, those who believe in God, in the revelation sent to you, and in the revela-tion sent to them, bowing in humility to God. They will not sell the signs of God for a miserable gain, for them is a reward with their Lord, and God is swift in account. 199O you who believe, perse-vere in patience and con-stancy, compete in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be con-

scious of God, so that you may flourish. 200.

53

FOURO humanity, reverence your Guardian Evolver, Who created you from one soul. Created, of like na-ture, her mate. And from them scattered many men and women. Reverence God, from Whom you ask of, and reverence the wombs that bore you, for God always watches over you. 1To orphans return their property, and do not sub-stitute worthless things for their valuable ones. And do not take their sustenance by mixing it up with your own, for this is a great sin indeed. 2If you fear you will be un-able to deal justly with the orphans, then marry women of your choice, two, three, or four. But if you fear that you will not be able to deal justly with them, then only one, or one whom your right hands possess. That would be better to prevent you from doing injustice. 3And give the women their dowry. But if they, of their own free will, return any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with grateful-ness. 4

And those weak in under-standing, do not put them in charge of your property which God has made a means of support for you. But feed and clothe them, and speak to them words of kindness and justice. 5Train and educate the or-phans until they reach the age of marriage. When you find that they have good judgment, release their property to them. Do not consume it wastefully, nor in haste before they grow up. If the guardian is well off, let them claim no com-pensation. But if they are poor, let them have for themselves what is just and reasonable. When you release their property to them, have witnesses in their presence, although sufficient is God in taking account. 6From what is left by par-ents and those nearest re-lated, there is a share for men and a share for women, whether the prop-erty be small or large, a determined share. 7But if at the time of divi-sion there are other rela-tives, or orphans, or other people in need present, then provide for them out of the property, and speak to them words of kindness and justice. 8

54

Four

Let those disposing of an estate have the same con-siderations in mind as they would if they had left their own dependents behind. Let them also consider God, and speak words that are appropriate. 9Those who unjustly take the property of orphans, also take a fire into their own bodies. They will soon be enduring a blazing fire. 10God directs you regarding your children’s inheri-tance. To the male, a por-tion equal to that of two females. If only daughters, two or more, their share is two-thirds of the inheri-tance. If only one, her share is a half. For par-ents, a sixth share of the inheritance to each, if the deceased left children. If no children and the par-ents are the only heirs, the mother has a third. If the deceased left brothers or sisters, the mother has a sixth. These distributions, in all cases, are after the payment of estate tax and debt. You do not know whether your parents or your children are nearer to you in benefit. These are settled portions ordained by God, and God is All Knowing, All Wise. 11In what your wives leave, your share is a half, if they leave no child, but if they

leave a child, you get a fourth, after payment of estate tax and debt. In what you leave, their share is a fourth, if you leave no child, but if you leave a child, they get an eighth, after payment of estate tax and debt. If the male or fe-male whose inheritance is in question has left neither ascendants nor descen-dants, but has left a brother or a sister, each one of the two gets a sixth, but if more than two, they share in a third, after pay-ment of estate tax and debt, so that no loss is caused to anyone. This is ordained by God, and God is All Knowing, Most Un-derstanding. 12Those are limits set by God. Those who follow God and His messenger will be admitted to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to live therein, and that will be their greatest achieve-ment. 13But those who ignore God and His messenger and transgress His limits, will be admitted to a fire to live therein, and they will have a crushing punishment. 14If any of your women are guilty of lewdness, take the evidence of four witnesses from among you against them. And if they testify, confine them to houses un-til death claims them or

55

Four

God ordains for them some other way. 15If two men among you are guilty of lewdness, punish them both. If they repent and change, leave them alone, for God is Oft-Re-turning, the Merciful Re-deemer. 16God accepts the repen-tance of those who do wrong in ignorance and re-pent soon afterward. To them God will turn in mercy, for God is full of knowledge and wisdom. 17Of no effect is the repen-tance of those who con-tinue to do wrong until death faces one of them and he says, “Now have I repented indeed. Nor of those who die rejecting faith. For them We have prepared a punishment most terrible. 18O you who believe, you are forbidden to marry women against their will, nor should you treat them with harshness by taking away part of the dowry you have given them, except when they have been guilty of open lewdness. Instead, live with them in kindness. If you take a disliking to them, it may be that you dislike something with which God brings a great deal of good. 19

But if you decide to place a spouse in the place of the other, even if you had given the latter a whole treasure as a dowry, do not take the least bit of it back. Would you take it by slander and manifest wrong? 20And how could you take it when you have bonded with each other, and they have taken from you a solemn covenant? 21Do not marry women whom your fathers married, ex-cept what has undoubtedly passed. It was immoral and detestable, an abominable custom indeed. 22Prohibited to you for mar-riage are your mothers, daughters, sisters, father’s sisters, mother’s sisters, brother’s daughters, sis-ter’s daughters, foster-mothers, foster-sisters, your wives’ mothers, your step-daughters under your guardianship born of your wives to whom you have been intimate, no prohibi-tion if you have not been intimate, those who have been wives of your sons proceeding from your loins, and two sisters in wedlock at the same time, except what has undoubt-edly passed, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 23 (End of Part 4)

56

Four

Also, women already mar-ried, except those whom your right hands possess. God has ordained this for you. And except for these, all others are permissible, provided you pursue them with gifts from your prop-erty, desiring chastity, not lust. Seeing that you are given blessings from them, give them their dowries as prescribed. But if after a dowry is prescribed you agree to modify it, there is no blame on you, and God is All Knowing, All Wise. 24If any of you do not have the means to wed mature believing women, you may wed less mature believing women from among those whom your right hand pos-sess. But God has full knowledge of your faith. Some of you are from the others. So wed them with the permission of their family, and give them their dowries according to what is reasonable. They should be chaste, not lustful, nor should they have illicit re-lationships. After they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into wrong, their pun-ishment is half of that for mature women. This is for those among you who fear doing wrong. And it is bet-ter for you to practice self-restraint, but God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 25

God wishes to make clear to you and to guide you to the ways of those before you, and to turn to you, for God is All Knowing, All Wise. 26God wishes to accept your repentance, but the wish of those who follow their pas-sions is that you should turn away, far away. 27God wills to lighten your difficulties, for the human being was created frag-ile. 28O you who believe, do not consume your property among yourselves with vanity, but let there be among you traffic and trade by mutual good will, nor kill yourselves, for in-deed God has been to you Mercifully Redeeming. 29If any do so with hatred and injustice, soon will We cast them into the fire, and that is easy for God. 30If you avoid the most heinous of things that you are forbidden to do, We will remove from you your desire to do wrong, and ad-mit you to a gate of great honor. 31And in no way covet those things that God bestowed on some more than others. To males belongs what they earn, and to females what they earn, but ask God for His bounty, for

57

Four

God has full knowledge of all things. 32For everyone, We have ap-pointed shares and heirs to property left by parents and relatives. And also to those whom your right hand possess. Give their due portion, for truly God is witness to all things. 33Men and women support one another, because God has given each of them more than the other, and because they spend from their wealth. So the right-eous women, being loyal, maintain in their absence what God would have them maintain. As for those who you suspect disloyalty, ad-vise them, refrain from sleeping with them, and separate from them. How-ever, if they return to loy-alty, do not try to harm them, for God is the Most High, the Great. 34If you fear a split between the two, appoint two ar-biters, one from his family, and the other from hers. And if they wish for peace, God will cause their recon-ciliation, for God has full knowledge and is ac-quainted with all things. 35Serve God, and do not join any partners with Him. And do good to parents and other family, orphans, those in need, neighbors

who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, displaced persons, and those whom your right hand possess, for God does not love the arrogant, the vainglorious, 36Nor those who are greedy or recommend greediness to others, or hide the bounties which God has bestowed on them. We have prepared for those who reject it, a crushing punishment. 37And for those who give of their sustenance to be seen by people, but have no faith in God and the Last Day. And if any take Satan for their intimate, then what a harmful inti-mate he is. 38And how will it harm them if they had faith in God and in the Last Day, and if they spent from what God has given them for suste-nance? And God has full knowledge of them. 39God is never unjust in the least degree. If there is any good, He doubles it, and gives from His own pres-ence a great reward. 40It is how We brought from each people a witness, and We brought you as a wit-ness against these peo-ple. 41

58

Four

On that day, those who do not believe and did not fol-low the messenger, will wish that the earth were made one with them, but never will they hide a sin-gle fact from God. 42O you who believe, do not approach prayer with a confused mind, until you can understand all that you say. Nor in a state of ceremonial impurity, until after washing your entire body. If you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you come from offices of na-ture, or you have been inti-mate with your woman, and you find no water, then take for yourselves earth, and rub your faces and hands with it, for God re-moves sins and forgives again and again. 43Have you not turned Your vision to those who were given a portion of the Book? They deal in wrong, and wish that you would lose the right path. 44But God has full knowl-edge of your enemies. God is enough for a protector, and God is enough for a helper. 45Of the Jews, there are some who displace words from their places and say, “We hear and we do not follow,” and “Hear what is not heard,” and “Ra’ina,” with a twist of their

tongues and a slander to faith. If only they had said, “We hear and we follow,” and “Do hear,” and “Do look at us,” it would have been better for them, and more proper. But God has cursed them for their un-belief, still few from those will believe. 46O you people of the Book, believe in what We have re-vealed, reflecting the truth of what was with you, be-fore We change the face of some beyond all recogni-tion, and turn them back-ward, or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath break-ers, for the decision of God must be carried out. 47God does not forgive that partners be established with Him, but He forgives anything else, to whom He pleases. But to establish partners with God is to commit a sin most heinous indeed. 48Have you not turned your vision to those who claim purity for themselves? No, but God purifies who He wills. And never will they fail to receive justice in the least. 49See how they invent a lie against God? But that in of itself is clearly a sin. 50Have you not turned Your vision to those who were given a portion of the

59

Four

Book? They believe in illu-sions and wrongdoing, and say to the unbelievers that they are better guided to the way than the believ-ers. 51They are the people whom God has cursed, and those whom God has cursed, you will find that they have no one to help. 52Do they have a share in control or power? Behold, they give nothing to their society? 53Or do they envy people for what God has given them of His bounty? But We had already given the people of Abraham the Book, and the Wisdom, and conferred upon them a great king-dom. 54Some of them believed, and some of them turned their faces from him. And enough is hell for a burn-ing fire. 55Those who reject our signs, We will soon cast into the fire. As often as their skin is roasted through, We will change them for fresh skin, that they may taste the penalty. For God is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 56But those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness, We will soon admit to gar-dens with rivers flowing beneath, their eternal

home. There they will have companions refined. We will admit them to shade, ever-widening. 57God commands you to ren-der back your trusts to those to whom they are due. And that when you judge between people, you judge with justice. How ex-cellent indeed is the teach-ing which He gives you, for God is He Who hears and sees all things. 58O you who believe, follow God and follow the mes-senger, and those given authority among you. If you differ among your-selves, refer it to God and His messenger, if you do believe in God and the Last Day, that is best, and most suitable for the final deci-sion. 59Have you not turned your vision to those who declare that they believe in the revelations that have come to you and to those before you? Their wish is to come together for accountability in their disputes with Sa-tan, though they were told to reject him. But Satan’s wish is to lead them astray. 60When it is said to them, “Come to what God has re-vealed, and to the messen-ger,” you will see the hyp-ocrites turn their faces from you in disgust. 61

60

Four

O how they will be seized by misfortune because of the deeds which their hands have sent forth. Then they come to you swearing by God, “We meant no more than good-will and conciliation.” 62God knows what is in their hearts, so do not join them, but advise them, and speak to them a word to reach their very souls. 63We did not send a messen-ger except to be followed in accordance with the will of God. If they had only, when they were unjust to themselves, come to you and asked God's forgive-ness, and once the messen-ger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found God indeed Oft-Re-turning, the Merciful Re-deemer. 64But no, by the Guardian Evolver, they can have no faith, until they make you judge for all disputes among them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but instead accept them with the fullest conviction. 65If We ordered them to sac-rifice their lives or to leave their homes, very few of them would have done so. But if they had done what they were told, it would have been best for them, and would have gone fur-

thest to strengthen their faith. 66And We would then have given them, from our pres-ence, a great reward. 67And We would have shown them the straight way. 68All who follow God and the messenger, are in the com-pany of those on whom is the grace of God, the Prophets who teach, the sincere, the witnesses, and the righteous. What a beautiful fellowship. 69Such is the bounty from God, and sufficient is it that God knows all. 70O you who believe, take your precautions, and ei-ther go forward in groups or go forward all to-gether. 71There are certainly among you those who would stay behind. If a misfortune be-falls you they say, “God fa-vored us in that we were not present among them.” 72But if good fortune comes to you from God they would be sure to say, as if there had never been ties of affection between you and them, “Oh, I wish I had been with them, a great success would I have made of it.” 73Let those fight in the cause of God, who sell the life of

61

Four

the present for the here-after. To him who fights in the cause of God, whether he is slain or is victorious, soon We will give him a re-ward of immense value. 74And how could you refuse to fight in the cause of God and for those who lack power and are oppressed? Men, women, and children whose cry is, “Our Lord, rescue us from this place whose people are oppres-sors, and raise for us, from You, one who will protect, and raise for us, from You, one who will help.” 75Those who believe, fight in the cause of God. And those who do not believe, fight in the cause of wrong. So fight against the friends of Satan. Weak in-deed is the scheme of Sa-tan. 76Have you not turned your vision to those told to hold back their hands, but to in-stead establish prayer and pay their zakat? When the order for fighting was is-sued to them, behold, a section of them feared people as, or even more than, they should have feared God. They said, “Our Lord, why have you ordered us to fight? Will you not grant us respite to our natural term?” Say, “Short is the enjoyment of the present. The hereafter is best for those who do

right. And never will you be dealt with unjustly in the least. 77“Wherever you are, death will find you. Even if you are in towers built up strong and high.” If some good befalls them they say, “This is from God.” But if problems arise they say, “This is from you.” Say, “All things are from God.” But what comes to the peo-ple who fail to understand this fact? 78Whatever can naturally harm you comes to you from God. However, what-ever unnaturally harms you is from yourselves. We have sent you as a messen-ger to humanity, and enough is God for a wit-ness. 79He who obeys the messen-ger, has certainly obeyed God. However, if any turn away, We have not sent you to watch over them. 80They have obedience on their lips, but when they leave you, a group of them thinks all night about things very different from what you tell them. How-ever, God records their nightly plots. So keep clear of them and put your trust in God, and enough is God as a manager of affairs. 81Do they not consider the Quran? Had it been from

62

Four

other than God, they would surely have found in it much discrepancy. 82When there comes to them some matter concerning fear, they divulge it. If they had only referred it to the messenger, or to those given authority among them, the proper investiga-tors would have proven it for them. Were it not for the grace and mercy of God to you, all but a few of you would have fallen into the clutches of Satan. 83So fight in God's cause. You are responsible only for yourself. And rouse the believers. It may be that God will restrain the might of the unbelievers, for God is stronger in might and stronger in punishing. 84Whoever recommends and helps a good cause be-comes a partner in it. And whoever recommends and helps a harmful cause, shares in its burden. And God has power over all things. 85When a greeting is offered to you, meet it with a greeting more courteous, or of equal courtesy. And God takes careful account of all things. 86God, there is no god but Him. Indeed He will gather you together against the Day of Accountability,

about which there is no doubt, and whose word can be truer than God's? 87Why are you divided into two groups concerning the hypocrites? God has upset them for their deeds. Would you guide those whom God has thrown out of the way? For those whom God has thrown out of the way, never can you show him a way. 88They only wish that you would not believe, like them, so that you would be on the same level as them. But do not take friends from their ranks until they go the way of God. But if they turn renegades, seize them and slay them wher-ever you find them, and take no allies from their ranks. 89Except those who join a group with whom there is a treaty of peace, or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you and from fighting their own people. If God so pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. There-fore, if they withdraw from you, and do not fight you, and send you peace, then God has opened no way for you to war against them. 90

63

Four

Others you will find who wish to gain your confi-dence, as well as some from their people. But ev-ery time they are sent back to temptation, they suc-cumb to it. If they do not withdraw from you, nor give you guarantees of peace, nor restrain their hands, then seize them and slay them wherever you find them. In their case, We have provided you with a clear argument against them. 91Never should a believer kill a believer. But if it happens by mistake, com-pensation is due. If one kills a believer, it is or-dained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the family of the deceased, unless they refuse it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave is enough. If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual al-liance, compensation should be paid to his fam-ily, and a believing slave should be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, fast for two months straight, by way of repen-tance to God, for God has all knowledge, and all wis-dom. 92

Whoever kills a believer in-tentionally, his reward is hell, to live in forever. And the punishment and the curse of God are upon him. And a dreadful penalty is prepared for him. 93O you who believe, when you go abroad in the cause of God, observe carefully, and do not say to anyone who offers you a saluta-tion, “You are not a be-liever.” They covet the per-ishable goods of this life. But with God are profits and goods abundant. You were like them yourselves until God conferred on you His favors. Therefore, carefully observe, for God is well aware of all that you do. 94Not equal are those believ-ers who sit at home and re-ceive no hurt, and those who strive and fight in the cause of God with their goods and their persons. God has granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons, than to those who sit at home. To all has God promised good, but He favors those who strive and fight, above those who sit at home, with a special re-ward, 95Ranks specially bestowed by Him, and forgiveness and mercy. For God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 96

64

Four

When angels take the souls of those who die harming their souls, they say, “In what condition were you in?” They will re-ply, “Weak and oppressed were we in the earth.” They say, “Was not the earth of God spacious enough for you to move yourselves away from wrong?” Such people will find their abode in hell, what a terrible place. 97Except for those who are truly weak and oppressed. The men, women, and chil-dren who have neither means in their power, nor were they guided to the path. 98For these, there is hope that God will forgive, for God removes sins and for-give again and again. 99He who abandons his home in the cause of God, finds in the earth many places of refuge, wide and spacious. If he dies as a refugee from home, for God and His messenger, his reward becomes due and sure with God, and God is Oft-Forgiv-ing, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 100When you travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten your prayers, for fear the unbelievers may attack you. For the unbe-

lievers are to you open en-emies. 101When you, O messenger, are with them and stand to lead them in prayer, let one group of them stand up in prayer with you, tak-ing their arms with them. When they finish their prostrations, let them take their position in the rear, and let the other group come up which has not yet prayed. And let them pray with you, taking all pre-caution, and bearing arms. The unbelievers wish, if you were negligent of your arms and your gear, to as-sault you in a single am-bush. But there is no blame on you if you put away your arms, because of the inconvenience of rain or because you are ill, but take precaution for your-selves, for the unbelievers, God has prepared a crush-ing punishment. 102When you finish prayer, re-member God, standing, sit-ting down, or lying down on your sides. But when you are free from danger, establish prayer, for such prayers are recommended for believers at stated times. 103And do not slack in follow-ing up the enemy. If you are suffering hardship, they are suffering similar hardship, but you have hope from God, while they

65

Four

have none, and God is full of knowledge and wis-dom. 104We have sent down to you the Book in truth, that you might judge between the people, as guided by God. Thus do not be used as a warner by those who be-tray their trust, 105But seek the forgiveness of God, for God is Oft-Forgiv-ing, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 106Do not contend on behalf of those who betray their own souls, for God does not love one given to de-ceitfulness and sin. 107They may hide their crimes from people, but they can-not hide them from God, seeing that He is in their presence as they plot by night, in words that He does not approve, and God compasses round all that they do. 108These are the sort of peo-ple on whose behalf you may contend in the present, but who will con-tend with God on their be-half, on the Day of Ac-countability, and who will carry out their affairs? 109If anyone does wrong, or wrongs their own soul, but afterwards seeks God's for-giveness, they will find God Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 110

Still if anyone does that, he does it against his own soul, for God is full of knowledge and wis-dom. 111But if anyone does wrong, and blames it on one who is innocent, he carries on himself both his sin and their sin. 112But for the grace of God to you and His mercy, a group of them would certainly have led you astray. But in fact, they will only lead themselves astray, and to you they can do no harm in the least. Because God has sent down to you the Book and the Wisdom, and taught you what you knew not. And great is the grace of God to you. 113In most of their secret talks, there is no good. But if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice, or con-ciliation between people, secrecy is permissible. To him who does this, seeking the blessings of God, We will soon give a reward of the highest value. 114If anyone contends with the messenger, even after guidance has been plainly conveyed to him, and fol-lows a path other than that becoming to believers, We will leave him on the path he has chosen which will end in hell, what a terrible destination. 115

66

Four

God does not forgive the harmful deed of joining other gods with Him, but He forgives whom He pleases, sins other than this. One who joins other gods with God has strayed far away. 116The pagans, leaving Him, call upon female deities, and they call upon Satan, the persistent rebel. 117God cursed him but he said, “I will take of Your servants a designated group. 118“I will mislead them, and I will create in them false desires. I will order them to slit the ears of livestock, and to deface the fair na-ture created by God.” Who-ever forsakes God, takes Satan for a friend, and has surely suffered a loss which is clear. 119Satan makes them prom-ises, and creates in them false desires. But Satan’s promises are nothing but deception. 120His dupes will have their dwelling in hell, and from it, they will find no way of escape. 121But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We will soon admit them to gardens with rivers flowing beneath, to dwell therein forever. God's promise is the truth, and whose word

can be truer than God's? 122Neither your desires, nor those of the people of the Book, can prevail. Whoever does wrong, will be re-warded accordingly, nor will he find, besides God, any protector or helper. 123If any do deeds of right-eousness, whether male or female, and have faith, they will enter heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them. 124Who can be better in reli-gion than one who submits their whole self to God, does right, and follows the way of Abraham, the intel-ligent in faith? For God took Abraham for a friend. 125But to God belongs all things in the heavens and on earth, and He is the One Who encompasses all things. 126They ask your instruction concerning women. Say, “God instructs you about them, and what has been rehearsed to you in the Book concerning the or-phans of women to whom you do not give what is asked of you, and yet whom you desire to marry. And also concerning the children who are weak and oppressed. And that you

67

Four

stand firm for justice on behalf of the orphans. There is not a good deed that you can do, that God is not well acquainted with. 127If a wife fears mistreat-ment or neglect on her husband’s part, there is no blame on them if they ar-range an amicable settle-ment between themselves. And such settlement is best, even though men’s souls are swayed by greed. But if you do good and practice self-restraint, God is well acquainted with all that you do. 128You are never able to be fair and just between women, even if it is your ardent desire. But do not turn away from a woman altogether, as to leave her hanging in the air. If you come to a friendly under-standing and practice self-restraint, God is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 129But if they disagree and must part, God will provide abundance for all from His all-reaching bounty. For God is He Who cares for all and is wise. 130To God belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Indeed We have directed the people of the Book be-fore you, and you too, to be conscious of God. But if

you deny Him, then to God belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and God is free of all wants, worthy of all praise. 131And to God belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is God to carry out all af-fairs. 132If it were His will, He could eliminate you, and create another race, and He has power to do this. 133Some desire a reward in this life, but God rewards both in this life and in the hereafter, for God is He Who hears and sees all things. 134O you who believe, stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to God, even against yourselves, your parents, or your family. And whether it is against rich or poor, and God can best protect both. Do not follow the lusts of your hearts, or you may stray, and if you distort justice or decline to do justice, in-deed God is well ac-quainted with all that you do. 135O you who believe, believe in God and His messenger, and the Scripture which He has sent to His messen-ger, and the Scripture which He sent to those be-fore him. Any who denies

68

Four

God, His angels, His books, His messenger, and the Day of Accountability, has gone astray. 136Those who believe, then do not believe, then believe again, and again do not be-lieve, and thus increase in unbelief, God will not for-give them nor guide them on the path. 137To the hypocrites, give the news that there is for them a terrible penalty. 138Those who take for friends unbelievers rather than be-lievers, is it honor they seek among them? No, all honor is with God. 139He has already revealed to you in the Book, that when you hear the signs of God held in defiance and ridicule, you are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme. If you did, you would be like them, for God will gather the hypocrites and those who reject it, all in hell. 140These are the ones who wait and watch. If you gain a victory from God they say, “Were we not with you?” But if the unbeliev-ers gain a victory they say to them, “Did we not gain an advantage over you, and did we not guard you from the believers?” But God will judge between you on

the Day of Accountability, and never will God grant to the unbelievers a way to triumph over the believ-ers. 141The hypocrites think they are over-reaching God, but He will over-reach them. When they stand up for prayer, they stand without earnestness, only to be seen by people. And little do they hold God in re-membrance. 142They are distracted in mind, even in the middle of it, being committed to neither one group nor the other. God leaves them straying, and never will you find for him the way. 143O you who believe, take not for friends unbelievers rather than believers. Do you wish to offer God an open proof against you? 144The hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the fire, no helper will you find for them. 145Except for those who re-pent, mend their lives, hold fast to God, and re-deem their ways in God's sight. If so, they will be numbered with the believ-ers. And soon will God grant to the believers a re-ward of immense value. 146

69

Four

What can God gain by your punishment, if you are grateful and believe? No, it is God Who recognizes good, and knows all things. 147 (End of Part 5)God does not like that mis-fortune be broadcasted, except where wrong has occurred, for God is He who hears and knows all things. 148Whether you disclose a good deed or conceal it, or cover wrong with pardon, indeed God has the Power. 149Those who deny God and His messengers, and wish to separate God from His prophets by saying, “We believe in some, but reject others”, or are somewhere in the middle, 150They are in fact unbeliev-ers, and we have prepared for unbelievers a crushing punishment. 151To those who believe in God and His messengers, and make no distinction between any of them, we will soon give them their rewards. For God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 152The people of the Book ask you to cause a book to de-scend to them from heaven. Indeed, they asked Moses for an even greater miracle for they said,

“Show us God visibly.” But they were dazed for their presumption, with thunder and lightning. Still they worshipped the calf even after clear signs had come to them. Even then, we for-gave them, and gave Moses clear proofs of author-ity. 153And for their covenant, We raised over them the Mountain, and We said, “Enter the gate with hu-mility.” And We told them, “Do not transgress in the matter of the Sabbath.” And We took from them a solemn covenant. 154But they broke their covenant, and they re-jected the signs of God. And they slew the messen-gers in defiance of right. And they said, “Our hearts are the wrappings.” No, God has set a seal on their hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they be-lieve. 155And they rejected faith when they uttered against Mary a serious false charge, 156And they said, “We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of God. But they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was only made to appear as such. And those who differ therein are full of doubt, with no

70

Four

knowledge, and only spec-ulation to follow. For cer-tain, they did not kill him. 157No, God raised him up to Himself, and God is Ex-alted in Power, the Wise. 158And there are none of the people of the Book, but must believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Accountability, he will be a witness against them. 159And for the iniquity of those who were Jews, We made impermissible for them certain good and wholesome things which had been permissible for them. With this, they hin-dered many from God's way. 160And because they took usury, though they were forbidden, and because they wrongfully devoured the people’s sustenance. We have a terrible punish-ment prepared for those among them who do not believe. 161But those among them who are well-grounded in knowledge, and who be-lieve in what has been re-vealed to you and what was revealed before you, and those who establish prayer and give zakat, and believe in God and in the Last Day,

to them We will soon give a great reward. 162We have sent you inspira-tion, as We sent it to Noah and the messengers after him. We sent inspiration to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms. 163Of some prophets, We have already told you their story, of others We have not, and to Moses God spoke directly. 164They were messengers who gave good news as well as the warning that humanity, after the coming of the messengers, should have no plea against God, for God is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 165But God bears witness that what He has sent to you, He has sent from His own knowledge, and the angels bear witness, but enough is God for a witness. 166Those who do not believe and who keep people off the path of God, have in-deed strayed far, far from the path. 167Those who do not believe, and do wrong, God will not forgive them nor guide them to a path, 168

71

Four

Except a path to hell, to dwell therein forever, and this is easy for God. 169O humanity, the messenger has come to you in truth from God. Believe in him, it is best for you. But if you do not believe, to God be-long all things in the heav-ens and on earth, and God is All Knowing, All Wise. 170O people of the Book, com-mit no excesses in your way of life, nor say of God anything but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was a messenger of God and His word which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him. So believe in God and His messengers, and say not “Trinity.” Desist, it will be better for you, for only God is God, the One, and Glory be to Him. Far ex-alted is He above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and enough is God as a manager of af-fairs. 171Christ does not fail to serve and worship God, nor do the angels, those who are nearest. Those who fail to worship Him are arro-gant, He will gather them all to Himself. 172But to those who believe and do deeds of righteous-ness, He will give them

their reward and more, out of His bounty. But those who are disdainful and ar-rogant, He will punish them with a terrible penalty, and they will not find, besides God, any to protect them or help them. 173O humanity, indeed there has come to you a clear proof from your Lord, for We have sent to you a light manifest. 174Then those who believe in God hold fast to Him, and soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself, by a straight way. 175They ask you for a legal decision. Say, God teaches concerning those who leave no descendants or ascendants as heirs, that if a man dies leaving a sister but no child, she will have half the inheritance. If a woman leaves no child, her brother inherits her por-tion. If there are two sis-ters, they will have two-thirds of the inheritance. If there are brothers and sis-ters, they share, the male having twice the share of the female. God makes this clear to you, so that you will not err, and God has knowledge of all things. 176

72

FIVE

O you who believe, fulfill all obligations. Permissible to you are four-footed ani-mals, with the exceptions named. But hunting is for-bidden while you are in pil-grim garb, and God com-mands according to His will and plan. 1O you who believe, do not impose on the symbols of God, nor on the sacred month. Nor on the animals brought for sacrifice. Nor on the garlands that iden-tify such animals. Nor on the people visiting the Sa-cred House, seeking the bounty and blessings of their Lord. And when you come out of pilgrim garb, you may hunt. But do not let the hatred of some peo-ple who shut you out of the Sacred Masjid, lead you to transgression. Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in harmful deeds and hatred. And be conscious of God, Who is strict in punishment. 2Forbidden to you are the meat of animals found dead, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which has been invoked a name other than God, and that

which has been strangled to death, or fatally hit, or falls to its death, or is gored to death, and that which has been partly eaten by a wild animal, un-less you are able to slaugh-ter it in the correct way. And forbidden is that which is sacrificed on stone, and the division by raffling with arrows, for that is impiety. This day have those who reject it given up all hope of your way of life. Yet do not fear them, but fear Me. This day have I complemented your way of life for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Al-Islam as your way of life. But if any are forced by hunger, with no inclina-tion to transgress, God is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming. 3They ask you what is per-missible to them. Say, “Permissible to you are things good and pure, and that slaughtered by that which you have made to slaughter, in the manner God has taught you. Eat what they slaughter for you, pronounce the name of God over it, and be con-scious of God, for God is swift in taking account. 4This day all things good and pure are made permis-sible to you. The food of the people of the Book is

73

Five

permissible to you and yours is permissible to them, as are chaste women who are Believers, and chaste women among the people of the Book re-vealed before your time, if you give them their dowries, and desire chastity, not lewdness, nor secret rendezvous. If any-one rejects faith, fruitless is his work, and in the hereafter, he will be in the ranks of those who are lost. 5O you who believe, when you prepare for prayer, wash your faces, hands and arms to the elbows, wipe your heads and feet to the ankles. If you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe your whole body. But if you are ill, or on a jour-ney, or one of you comes from the offices of nature, or you have been intimate with women, and you find no water, then take for yourselves natural earth, and wash your faces and hands with it. God does not wish to make things diffi-cult, but to refine you, and to complete his favor to you, that you may experi-ence appreciation. 6And call to mind the favor of God to you, and His covenant which He ratified with you when you said, “We hear, and we follow.” And be conscious of God,

for God knows well the se-crets of your hearts. 7O you who believe, stand out firmly for God, as wit-nesses to fair dealings. And do not let the hatred of others towards you make you stray to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety, and be conscious of God, for God is well acquainted with all that you do. 8To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, God has promised forgive-ness and a great reward. 9Those who do not believe and deny Our signs will be companions of hellfire. 10O you who believe, call to mind the favor of God to you when certain people made a plan to stretch out their hands against you. But God held back their hands from you. So be con-scious of God, and on God let believers put their trust. 11God took a covenant from the Children of Israel, and We appointed twelve lead-ers among them and God said, “I am with you, if you establish worship, give za-kat, believe in my messen-gers, honor and assist them, and loan to God a handsome loan, and indeed I will remove your guilt, and admit you to gardens

74

Five

with rivers flowing be-neath. But if after this, any of you resists faith, he has certainly wandered from the path of righteous-ness.” 12But because of the breach of their covenant, We cursed them, and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their places and for-get a good part of the mes-sage that was sent to them. And you will not cease to find them, except a few, relying on lies. But forgive them, and overlook it, for God loves those who are kind. 13Also from those who said, "Certainly we are Chris-tians," We took a covenant. But they forgot a good part of the message that was sent to them. So we es-tranged them with enmity and hatred between one another, until the Day of Accountability. And soon God will show them what it is they have done. 14O people of the Book, there has come to you Our messenger revealing to you much of that which you used to hide in the Book, and passing over much. There has come to you from God, a light and a clear book, 15With which God guides all who seek His guidance, to

ways of peace and security, and leads them out of darkness, by His will, into the light, guiding them to a straight path. 16Indeed committing blas-phemy are those who say that God is Christ the son of Mary. Say, “Who then has the least bit of power against God, if His will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and everyone else on the earth? For to God belong the control of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between. He creates what He pleases, for God has power over all things.” 17Among Jews and Christians are some who say, “We are sons of God, and are his beloved.” Say, “Why then does He punish you for your sins? No, you are sons of human beings, of the human beings He has cre-ated. He forgives whom He pleases, and He punishes whom He pleases, and to God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between, and to Him is the final goal.” 18O people of the Book, now there has come to you, to make things clear to you, Our messenger, after a pause in the series of our messengers, so that you cannot say, “There came to

75

Five

us no bringer of good news and no warner.” But now there has come to you a bringer of good news and a warner, and God has power over all things. 19Remember Moses said to his people, “O my people, call to mind the favor of God to you, when He pro-duced prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to any other peo-ples. 20“O my people, enter the Holy Land which God has assigned to you, and do not turn back shamefully, for then you will be over-thrown, to your own ruin.” 21They said, “O Moses, in this land is a people of ex-ceeding strength. Never will we enter it until they leave it, but when they leave, then will we en-ter.” 22Among the conscious peo-ple were two on whom God had bestowed His grace. They said, “Assault them at the gate. Once you are in, victory will be yours, but on God put your trust if you have faith.” 23They said, “O Moses, while they remain there, never will we be able to enter, to the end of time. You go, with your Lord, and you

two can fight, while we stay here.” 24He said, “O my Lord, I have power only over my-self and my brother. So separate us from these re-bellious people.” 25God said, “Therefore the land will be out of their reach for forty years. They will wander in distraction through the land, but do not worry over these rebel-lious people. 26Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold, they each presented a sacrifice, it was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter, “Certainly I will slay you.” “Certainly,” said the former, “God only accepts the sacrifice of those who are right-eous.” 27“If you reach your hand against me to slay me, it is not for me to reach my hand against you to slay you, for I am conscious of God, Lord of the worlds. 28“For me, I intend to let you draw on yourself my sin, as well as yours, for you will be among the companions of the fire, and that is the reward for those who do wrong.” 29The soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother. As he murdered

76

Five

him, he became one of the lost. 30Then God sent a raven who scratched the ground to show him how to hide the shame of his brother, “Oh my God,” He said, “Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?” Then he became full of re-grets. 31On that account, We or-dained for the Children of Israel, that if anyone slew a person, unless it is for murder or for spreading devilry in the land, it would be as if he slew a whole people, and if any-one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of a whole people. Then, al-though there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, even after that, many of them continued to commit atrocities in the land. 32The punishment of those who wage war against God and His messenger, and commit crimes through the land, is execution, cru-cifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from op-posite sides, or exile from the land. That is their dis-grace in the present, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the hereafter. 33Except for those who re-pent before they fall to

your power. In that case, know that God is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 34O you who believe, do your duty to God, seek the way to Him, and strive in his cause, that you may flour-ish. 35As for those who do not be-lieve, if they had every-thing on earth, and twice repeated to ransom them-selves with it from the penalty on the Day of Ac-countability, it would never be accepted of them, for them is a terrible penalty. 36Their wish will be to es-cape from the fire, but they will never escape. Their penalty will be one that en-dures, 37As well as the male and fe-male thief. So cut off their hands. A punishment by way of example from God, for what they acquired, and God is exalted in power. 38But if the thief repents af-ter his crime, and amends his conduct, God turns to them in forgiveness, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming. 39Do you not know that to God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth? He punishes whom He pleases, He forgives whom

77

Five

He pleases, and God has power over all things. 40O messenger, do not let those grieve you who race each other to disbelief, whether it be among those who say, “We believe,” with their lips, but whose hearts have no faith, or it be among the Jews, some of who will listen to any lie, will listen even to oth-ers who have never so much as come to you. They take the words out of con-text. They say, “If you are given this, take it, but if not, beware.” If for anyone a trial is intended by God, you have no authority in the least for him against God. For them, it is not God's will to redeem their hearts. For them there is disgrace in the present, and in the hereafter a heavy punishment. 41They listen to falsehood, and devour things forbid-den. If they do come to you, either judge between them or decline to inter-fere. If you decline, they cannot harm you in the least. If you judge, judge with justice between them, for God loves those who judge with justice. 42But why do they come to you for decision, when they have the Torah before them? In it is the com-mand of God, yet even af-ter that they would turn

away, because they are not people of faith. 43It was We who revealed the Law containing guidance and light. By its standard, the Jews have been judged by the Prophets who bowed to God's will, by the rabbis and by the doctors of law, for to them was entrusted the protection of God's book, and they were wit-nesses to that. Therefore, do not fear others, but fear Me, and do not sell My signs for a miserable price. If any fail to judge by what God has revealed, they are unbelievers. 44We ordained in it for them, “Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal to the other.” But if anyone re-frains from retaliation by way of charity, it is an act of atonement for them, and if any fails to judge by what God has revealed, they are wrongdoers. 45And in their footsteps, We sent Jesus the son of Mary, reflecting the truth of the Law that had come before him. We sent him the gospel, containing guid-ance and light, a reflection of the truth of the Law that had come before him, guidance and advice to those who are conscious.  46

78

Five

Let the people of the gospel judge by what God has revealed in it. If any fail to make decisions us-ing what God has revealed, they are those who are not at peace. 47To you We sent the Scrip-ture in truth, reflecting the truth of the Scripture that came before it, and guard-ing it in safety. So judge between them by what God has revealed, and do not follow their vain desires, diverging from the truth that has come to you. To each one among you We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If God had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but His plan is to chal-lenge you with what He has given you. So strive as in a race to all virtues. The goal of you all is to God. It is He Who will show you the truth of that which you dispute, 48And judge between them by what God has revealed. And do not follow their selfish desires, but beware of them, so that they will not mislead you from that which God has sent down to you. And if they turn away, know that for some of their sins it is God's will to punish them. And in-deed most people are re-bellious. 49

Do they then seek a judg-ment of ignorance? But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better judgment than God. 50O you who believe, you cannot take all Jews, and all Christians for your friends and protectors, some are only friends and protectors to each other. Those among you who turn to them, are of them, and indeed God does not guide a people who are un-just. 51Those in whose hearts is a disease, you see how ea-gerly they run about among them saying, “We do fear, in case a change of fortune bring us disaster.” Perhaps God will give you victory, or a decision ac-cording to His will. Then they will repent of the thoughts which they se-cretly harbored in their hearts. 52And those who believe will say, “Are these the people who swore their strongest promises by God that they were with you?” All that they do will be in vain and they will fall into ruin. 53O you who believe, if any among you turn back from his faith, soon will God produce a people who He will love, as they will love Him. A people gentle with

79

Five

the believers, firm with the opposition, fighting in the way of God, and never afraid of the criticism of those who find undue fault. That is the grace of God which He will bestow on whom He pleases, God en-compasses all, and He knows all things. 54Your friends are God, His messenger, and the believ-ers, those who establish prayer and zakat, and who bow down humbly. 55As for those who turn to God, His messenger, and the believers, know that this fellowship from God must triumph. 56O you who believe, do not take for friends and pro-tectors those who take your way of life as ridicu-lous and amusing, whether they are among those who received the Scripture be-fore you, or among those who reject it, but be con-scious of God, if you have faith. 57When you proclaim your call to prayer, they take it as ridiculous and amusing. That is because they are a people without under-standing. 58Say, “O people of the Book, do you disapprove of us for no other reason than that we believe in God and the revelation that has come to

us, and that which came before? Most of you are re-bellious.” 59Say, “Shall I show you something far worse than this, as judged by the treatment it receives from God? Those who incurred the curse of God and His punishment, some of those whom He transformed into apes and swine, and those who worshipped wrong. These are worse in rank, and far more astray from the balanced way.” 60When they come to you they say, “We believe.” But in fact, they enter with a mind against faith, and they go out with the same, but God knows fully all that they hide. 61Many of them you see rac-ing each other in harmful deeds and hatred, and in-volved in things forbidden. Wrong indeed are the things that they do. 62Why do the rabbis and the doctors of law not discour-age them from their saying sinful words, and from in-volvement in things forbid-den? Wrong indeed are their deeds. 63Jews say, “God's hands are tied.” Their hands are tied, and they are cursed for what they utter. No, both His hands are wide open. He gives as He pleases, but

80

Five

the revelation that comes to you from God increases in most of them their ob-stinate rebellion and blas-phemy. Among them, we have placed enmity and ha-tred, until the Day of Ac-countability. Every time they kindle the fire of war, God extinguishes it, but they strive to do wrong on earth, and God does not love those who do wrong. 64If only the people of the Book had believed and been righteous, We would indeed have forgiven their immorality and admitted them to gardens of bliss. 65If only they had stood fast by the Law, the gospel, and all the revelation sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happi-ness from every direction. There are among them people on the right path, but many of them refuse to follow it. 66O messenger, proclaim the message which has been sent to you from your Lord. If you did not, you would not have fulfilled His mis-sion. God will defend you from the people, for God does not guide those who do not believe. 67Say, “O people of the Book, you have no grounds to stand upon unless you

stand fast by the Law, the gospel, and all the revela-tion that has come to you from your Lord.” It is the revelation that comes to you from your Lord which increases in most of them their obstinate rebellion and blaspheme. But do not worry about the people without faith. 68Those who believe, those who are Jews, Sabaeans, Christians, and any who believe in God and the Last Day and work righteous-ness, on them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 69We took the covenant of the Children of Israel and sent them messengers. Ev-ery time there came to them a messenger with what they did not desire, they called some of them impostors, and some they slay. 70They thought there would be no trial or punishment, so they became blind and deaf. Still God turned to them, but again, many of them became blind and deaf, but God sees well all that they do. 71They do blaspheme who say, “God is Christ the son of Mary.” But what Christ said was, “O Children of Is-rael, worship God, my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever joins other gods with God,

81

Five

He will forbid him the gar-den, and the fire will be his abode. For the wrongdoers there will be no one to help. 72They do blaspheme who say, “God is one of three in a trinity,” for there is no god except the one God. If they do not desist from these words, indeed a ter-rible penalty will befall the blasphemers among them. 73Why do they not turn to God and seek His forgive-ness? For God is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 74Christ the son of Mary was no more than a messenger. Many were the messengers who passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They both had to eat their food. See how God makes His signs clear to them, yet see in what ways they are de-luded away from the truth? 75Say, “Will you worship be-sides God something that has power neither to harm nor benefit you? But God, He hears and knows all things.” 76Say, “O people of the Book, do not go to extremes in your religions, other than in truth. Nor follow the vain desires of people who

went wrong in times gone by, who misled many and strayed from the balanced way.” 77Condemnation was pro-nounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected faith, by the tongue of David and of Je-sus the son of Mary, be-cause they did not follow them and persisted in ex-cesses. 78Nor did they discourage one another the immoral-ity which they committed. Wrong indeed were the things they did. 79You see many of them turning in friendship to the unbelievers. Wrong in-deed is that which their souls have sent forward be-fore them. God's punish-ment is on them, and they will live in torment. 80If only they had believed in God, in the messenger, and in what is revealed to him, never would they have taken them for friends and protectors, but many of them are rebellious wrong-doers. 81Strongest among people in opposition to the believers will you find among the Jews and pagans. And alongside those believers in devotion will you find those who say, “We are Christians,” because

82

Five

among these are those de-voted to learning and those who are in service to humanity, and they are not arrogant. 82 (End of Part 6)And when they listen to the revelation received by the messenger, you will see their eyes overflowing with tears, for they recognize the truth. They pray, “Our Lord, we believe, write us down among those who bear witness. 83“What cause do we have not to believe in God and the truth that has come to us, seeing that we long for our Lord to admit us to the company of the righteous?” 84And for this prayer has God rewarded them with gardens through which rivers flow. This is their eternal home. Such is the reward of those who do right. 85But those who do not be-lieve and deny Our signs, they will be companions of hellfire. 86O you who believe, do not make impermissible good things that God has made permissible for you. How-ever do not overindulge, for God does not love those who overindulge. 87Eat of the things which God has provided for you,

permissible and healthy, but be aware of God, in Whom you believe. 88God will not call you to ac-count for your casual promises, but He will call you to account for your contractual obligations. For atonement, feed ten in-digent people on a scale of the average for your fami-lies, or clothe them, or free a slave. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days, that redeems the promises you have made. But keep your promises. God makes clear to you His signs so that you may be grateful. 89O you who believe, intoxi-cants and gambling, dedi-cation of stones and div-ination by arrows is the harmful work of Satan. Avoid such harm that you may flourish. 90Satan’s plan is to incite en-mity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and to keep you from the remembrance of God and from prayer. Will you not then abstain? 91Follow God, follow the messenger, and be cau-tious. If you turn back, know that it is only Our messenger’s duty to pro-claim the message in the clearest manner. 92

83

Five

On those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, there is no blame for what they were fed, when they guard themselves from harm, believe and do deeds of righteousness. Again, guard themselves from harm and believe. Again, guard themselves from harm and do good deeds. For God loves those who do right. 93O you who believe, God challenges you concerning game well within reach of your hands and weaponry, that He may make evident those who fear Him, al-though He is Unseen. Any who transgress thereafter will have a terrible penalty. 94O you who believe, do not kill game while in pilgrim garb. If any of you does so intentionally, the compen-sation is an offering brought to the Kaaba of a domestic animal equiva-lent to the one he killed, as adjudged by two just peo-ple among you, or in ex-change, the feeding of the indigent, or its equivalent in fasts, that he may taste of the penalty of his deed. God forgives what has passed. For retribution God will exact from him the penalty, for God is Ex-alted, Lord of retribu-tion. 95

Permissible to you is the pursuit of water-game and its use for food for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel with you. But forbidden is the pur-suit of land-game as long as you are in pilgrim garb. And be conscious of God, to Whom you will be gath-ered back. 96God made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a sanctuary for people, and also the sa-cred months, the animals for offerings, and the gar-lands that identify them, that you may know that God has knowledge of what is in the heavens and on earth, and that God is well acquainted with all things. 97Know that God is strict in punishment and that God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 98The Messenger’s duty is only to proclaim the mes-sage, but God knows all that you reveal and con-ceal. 99Say, “Not equal are things that are harmful and things that are good, even though the abundance of the harmful may dazzle you. So be conscious of God, O you who under-stand, that you may flour-ish.” 100

84

Five

O you who believe, do not ask questions about things which if made plain to you, may cause you problems. But if you ask about things when the Quran is being revealed, they will be made plain to you, and God will forgive, because God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Under-standing. 101Some people before you asked such questions, and consequently lost their faith. 102It was not God who insti-tuted superstitions like a slit-ear she-camel, or a she-camel let loose for free pasture, or idol sacrifices for twin-births in animals, or stallion-camels freed from work. Blasphemers invent a lie against God, but most of them lack wis-dom. 103When it is said to them, “Come to what God has re-vealed, come to the mes-senger. They say, “Enough for us are the ways we found our fathers follow-ing.” What, even though their fathers were void of knowledge and guid-ance? 104O you who believe, guard your souls. If you follow guidance, no harm can come to you from those who stray. The goal of you all is to God. He will show

you the truth of all that you do. 105O you who believe, when death approaches any of you, take witnesses among yourselves when making wills, take two just people from your brothers, or two others from outside if you are journeying through the earth and the chance of death befalls you. If you doubt their words, keep them both after prayer, and let them both swear by God, “We do not want any worldly gain, even though the beneficiary is a near relative. We will not hide the proof before God, and if we do, then behold, the sin is on us.” 106But if it becomes known that these two were guilty of this sin, let two others stand forth in their place, those nearest in family from among those who claim a lawful right. Let them swear by God that, “We affirm that our wit-ness is truer than that of those two, and that we have not trespassed be-yond the truth. If we did, behold, the harm is on us.” 107That is most suitable, that they may give the evidence in its true form, or else they should fear that other testimonies would be taken over their testimony. So be conscious of God,

85

Five

and listen, for God does not guide a rebellious peo-ple. 108One day God will gather the messengers together and ask, “What was the re-sponse you received?” They will say, “We cannot know. It is You who fully know all that is hid-den.” 109Then God will say, “O Jesus the son of Mary, remember My favor to you and to your mother. Behold, I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity. Be-hold, I taught you the Book and the Wisdom, the Law and the gospel. And behold, you make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My permis-sion, and you breathe into it and it becomes a real bird, by My permission, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers, by My permission. And be-hold, you bring forth the dead by My permission. And behold, I kept the Children of Israel from you when you showed them the clear signs, and the unbe-lievers among them said, ‘This is nothing but obvi-ous deception.’ ” 110And behold, I inspired the Disciples to have faith in My messenger and Me. They said, “We have faith,

bear witness that we are Muslims.” 111Behold, the Disciples said, “O Jesus the son of Mary, can your Lord send down to us a table set from heaven?” Jesus said, “Be regardful of God, if you are believers.” 112They said, “We only wish to eat of it and satisfy our hearts, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth, and that we may be witnesses to a mira-cle.” 113Said Jesus the son of Mary, “O God, our Guardian Evolver, send us from heaven a table set, that there may be for us, for the first and the last of us, a solemn celebration and a sign from You, and provide for our sustenance, for you are the Best Sus-tainer.” 114God said, “I will send it down to you, but if any of you after that resists faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on anyone among all peoples.” 115And behold, God will say, “O Jesus the son of Mary, did you say to the people, worship me and my mother as gods?” He will say, “Glory to You, never could I say what I had no right to say. Had I said such a

86

Five

thing, you would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours, for You know all that is hidden.” 116“Never did I say to them anything except what You asked me to say, namely, ‘worship God, my Lord and your Lord’, and I was a wit-ness over them while I lived among them. When You raised me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things. 117“If You punish them, they are Your servants. If You forgive them, You are the Exalted in Power, the Wise.” 118God will say, “This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truthful-ness. Theirs are gardens with rivers flowing be-neath, their eternal home. God well pleased with them, and they with God. That is the great salva-tion. 119To God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth, and all that is in it, and it is He Who has power over all things. 120

87

SIX

Praise be to God, Who cre-ated the heavens and the earth, and made the dark-ness and the light. Yet, those who do not believe hold others as equal with their Guardian Evolver. 1He Who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term for you, and there is in His presence another determined term, yet you doubt it within yourselves. 2And He is God in the heav-ens and on earth. He knows what you hide, and what you reveal, and He knows that which you earn. 3But never did even one of the signs of their Lord reach them, except that they turned away from it. 4And now they reject the truth when it reaches them, but soon they will learn the reality of what they used to mock. 5Do they not see how many of those before them We destroyed? Generations have We established on the earth with the type of strength which We have not given to you. For whom

We poured out rain from the skies in abundance, and gave streams flowing beneath them. Yet for their sins, We caused them to perish, and produced in their wake new genera-tions. 6If We had sent to you writ-ing on parchment, so that they could touch it with their hands, the unbeliev-ers would have been sure to say, “This is nothing but obvious magic.” 7They say, “Why is an angel not sent down to him?” If We sent down an angel, the matter would have been settled at once, and no discovery would have been possible for them. 8And if We had sent an an-gel, We would have sent it in an image of a human be-ing. And We would have then further confused them in a matter which they were already con-fused. 9Mocked were messengers before you, but the very thing they mocked hemmed them in. 10Say, “Travel through the earth to see what the end of those who rejected truth was.” 11Say, “Who does all that is in the heaven and the earth belong to?” Say, “To

88

Six

God.” And He has decreed for Himself mercy. Indeed, He will gather you to-gether for the Day of Ac-countability, there is no doubt whatsoever. It is those who have lost them-selves that will not be-lieve. 12To Him belongs all that dwells in the night and the day, for He is the One Who hears and knows all things.” 13Say, “Shall I take for my protector any other than God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? It is He Who feeds, but is not fed.” Say, “No, I am asked to be the first of those who bow to God, so do not be people who join gods with God.” 14Say, “I would, if I did not follow my Guardian Evolver, indeed have fear of the penalty of a mighty day. 15“On that day, if the penalty is averted from any, it is due to God's mercy, and that would be salvation, and the fulfillment of all desire. 16“If God touches you with affliction, none can remove it but Him. If He touches you with happiness, He has power over all things. 17“He is the Irresistible, watching from above His

worshippers, and He is the Wise, acquainted with all things.” 18Say, “What thing is most weighty in evidence?” Say, “God is witness between you and me, that this Quran has been revealed to me by inspiration, that I may warn you and all whom it reaches. Can you bear witness that besides God there is another god?” Say, “No, I cannot bear wit-ness.” Say, “In truth He is the one God, and I cer-tainly am free of your join-ing others with Him.” 19Those to whom We have given the Book, know this as they know their own sons. Those who have lost their own souls, refuse therefore to believe. 20Who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against God or rejects His signs? Indeed the wrong-doers will never pros-per. 21One day We will gather them all together. We will say to those who ascribed partners to Us, “Where are the partners whom you spoke of?” 22There will then be no plea for them except to say, “By God Our Lord, we were not those who joined gods with God.” 23

89

Six

Behold, how they lie against their own souls. But that which they in-vented will leave them. 24Some listen to you, but We have thrown veils over their hearts, so they un-derstand it not, and deaf-ness is in their ears. If they saw each and every one of the signs, they would not believe in them, so much so, that when they come to you, they dispute with you. The unbelievers say, “These are nothing but tales of the ancient.” 25They keep others away from it, and themselves they keep away from it, but they only destroy them-selves, but they perceive it not. 26If you could only see when they are confronted with the fire, they will say, “If only we were sent back. Then we would not reject the signs of Our Lord, but would be among those who believe.” 27Yes, in them will become manifest, that which be-fore they concealed. But if they were returned, they would certainly relapse to the things they were for-bidden to do, for they are indeed liars. 28And they say, “There is nothing except our life on

this earth, and never will we be raised up again.” 29If you could only see when they are confronted by their Lord, He will say, “Is this not the truth?” They will say, “Yes, by our Lord.” He will say, “Taste then the penalty, because you re-jected faith.” 30Lost indeed are they who treat as falsehood, the fact that they must meet God, until all of a sudden, the Hour is on them and they say, “Woe to us, that we did not consider it.” For they bear their burdens on their backs, and miserable indeed are the burdens that they bear? 31What is the life of the present but play and enter-tainment? Best is the home in the hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will you not then under-stand? 32Indeed We know the grief that their words cause you. It is not you that they re-ject, it is the signs of God which the wicked con-demn. 33Rejected were the messen-gers before you. With pa-tience and constancy they bore their rejection and their wrongs, until Our aid reached them. None can alter the words of God. You have already received some

90

Six

account of those messen-gers. 34Their aversion is hard on your mind, yet if you were able to seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a sign, no good would it be. If it were God's will, He could gather them to true guidance. So do not be among those who are swayed by ignorance. 35Those who listen, surely will accept it, but the dead, God will raise them up, and then they will turn to Him. 36They say, “Why is a sign not sent down to him from his Guardian Evolver?” Say, “God certainly has power to send down a sign, but most of them do not use reason.” 37There is not an animal on the earth nor a being that flies on its wings, that does not form communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the Book, and they will be gathered to their Lord in the end. 38Those who reject our signs are deaf and dumb, in the middle of darkness. And whom God wills, He leaves to wander. And whom He wills, He places on the way that is straight. 39Say, “Do you think that if there came upon you the

punishment of God or the Hour, that you would then call upon other than God? Reply if you are truth-ful. 40“No, you would call on Him. And if it is His will, He would remove the dis-tress which caused your call to Him, and you would forget that which you join with Him.” 41Before you We sent much to many nations. And We afflicted the nations with suffering and adversity that they may experience virtue. 42When the suffering reached them from Us, why then did they not learn virtue? On the contrary, their hearts became hard-ened, and Satan made their acts seem alluring to them. 43But when they forgot the warning they received, We opened to them the gates of all things, until in the middle of their enjoyment of Our gifts, all of a sud-den, We called them to ac-count, and then, they were plunged into despair. 44Of the wrongdoers, the last remnant was cut off. Praise God, the Guardian Evolver of all the worlds. 45Say, “Do you think that if God took away your hear-ing and your sight, and

91

Six

sealed up your hearts, which god other than God, could restore them to you?” See how We explain the signs by various signs? And still they turn away. 46Say, “Do you think that if the punishment of God comes to you, whether sud-denly or openly, will any be caused to perish except those who do wrong? 47We send the messengers only to give good news and to warn. So those who be-lieve and mend their lives, upon them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 48But those who reject Our signs, them will punish-ment touch, because they ceased not from trans-gressing. 49Say, “I do not tell you that with me are the treasures of God, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me.” Say, “Can the blind be held equal to the seeing?” Will you not then con-sider? 50Give this warning to those who fear that they will be brought before their Guardian Evolver. Except for Him, they will have no protector or intercessor to guard them. 51Do not send away those who call on their Guardian

Evolver morning and evening, seeking His face. In no way are you account-able for them, and in no way are they accountable for you, but you should not turn them away and be-come one of the unjust. 52So We tried some of them by comparison with others so that they would say, “Is it these then who God has favored from among us?” Does God not know best those who are grateful? 53When those who believe come to you with Our signs say, “Peace be upon you.” And remember that your Lord has inscribed for Himself mercy. Indeed, if any of you did wrong in ig-norance, and thereafter re-pented, and amend their conduct, then He is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 54And the reason why We ex-plain the signs in detail is so the ways of the corrupt will be exposed. 55Say, “I am forbidden to worship those other than God that you call upon.” Say, “I will not follow your vain desires. If I did, I would stray from the path, and not be of the company of those who receive guid-ance.” 56Say, “For me, I follow guid-ance from my Lord, but

92

Six

you reject Him. What you would see hastened is not in my power. The command rests with none but God. He declares the truth, and He is the best of judges.” 57Say, “If what you would see hastened were in my power, the matter would be settled at once between you and me, but God knows best those who do wrong.” 58With Him are the keys of the unseen, the secrets that none know but He. He knows what there is on the earth and in the sea. Not a leaf falls except with His knowledge. There is not a seed in the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh nor dry, that is not in a clear record. 59It is He Who takes your souls by night, and has knowledge of all that you have done by day. And by day, He raises you up again, that a term ap-pointed is fulfilled. In the end, to Him will be your return, and then will He show you the truth of all that you did. 60He is the Irresistible, high above His worshippers, and He sets guardians over you. Then when death ap-proaches one of you, Our angels take her soul, and

they never fail in their duty. 61Then they are returned to God, their Protector, the Reality. Is not His the com-mand? And He is the swiftest in taking ac-count. 62Say, “Who is it that deliv-ers you from the dark re-cesses of land and sea, when you call upon Him in humility and with fear, ‘If He would only deliver us from this, then we will truly show our gratitude.’ ” 63Say, “It is God that delivers you from these and all other distresses, yet you worship false gods.” 64Say, “He has power to send calamities on you, from above and below. Or to cover you with confusion and strife, giving you a taste of mutual vengeance, each from the other.” See how We explain the signs, that they may under-stand. 65But your people reject this, though it is the truth. Say, “I do not have the respon-sibility for arranging your affairs. 66“For every message is a limit of time, and soon will you know it.” 67When you see people en-gaged in vain talk about

93

Six

Our signs, ignore them un-til they talk of something different. If Satan makes you forget, then after re-membering, do not sit in the company of those who do wrong. 68No responsibility falls on the righteous, except that they are to remind them, so that they may be re-gardful. 69Leave those alone who take their religion to be play and entertainment, and are deceived by the life of the present. But proclaim this, “That every soul delivers itself to ruin by its own deeds. It will find for itself no protector nor intercessor except God. If they offered any ransom, none will be ac-cepted. Such is the end of those who deliver them-selves to ruin by their own acts. They will have for drink boiling water, for a punishment most terrible, for they persisted in reject-ing God.” 70Say, "Shall we indeed call on others besides God, call on things that can do us neither good nor harm? And should we turn on our heels after receiving guid-ance from God, like one whom Satan has made into a fool, wandering lost through the earth, with his friends calling, ‘come to us’, vainly guiding him to

the path.” Say, “God's guidance is the guidance, and we have been directed to submit ourselves to the Guardian Evolver of the cosmos. 71“To establish prayer and to be conscious of God, for it is to Him Who we will be gathered together.” 72It is He who created the heavens and the earth in truth. The day He says “Be”, behold, it is. His word is the truth. His will is the control, the day the trumpet will be blown. He knows the unknown, as well as that which is appar-ent, for He is the Wise, well acquainted with all things. 73Abraham said to his father Azar, “Do you take idols for gods? Indeed I see that you and your people are clearly error.” 74We also showed Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, that he might have cer-tainty. 75When the night spread over him, He saw a star and said, “This is my Lord.” But when it set he said, “I love not those that set.” 76When he saw the Moon ris-ing in splendor he said, “This is my Lord.” But when the Moon set he said,

94

Six

“Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among those who are lost.” 77When he saw the Sun ris-ing in splendor he said, “This is my Lord, this is the greatest of all.” But when the Sun set he said, “O my people, I am indeed free from your giving part-ners to God. 78“For me, I have set my face firmly and truly towards He Who created the heav-ens and the earth, and never will I give partners to God.” 79His people argued with him and he said, “You ar-gue with me about God, when He has guided me? I do not fear that which you associate with God, unless my Lord wills. My Guardian Evolver compre-hends and delivers in His knowledge of all things. Will you then not be ad-vised? 80“How could I fear those you associate with God, when you do not fear giv-ing partners to God with-out permission having been given to you? Which of the two groups has more right to security? Tell me if you know. 81“It is those who believe and do not confuse their beliefs with wrong who are

truly secure, for they are rightly guided.” 82That was the reasoning about Us which We gave to Abraham for his people. We raise whom We will, de-gree after degree, for your Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge. 83We gave him Isaac and Ja-cob. All were guided. And before him, We guided Noah, and among his prog-eny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. We reward those who do right. 84And Zachariah and Yahya, and Jesus and Elias, are all in the ranks of the right-eous. 85And Ishmael and Elisha, Jonas and Lot, and to all We gave favor above the nations. 86And from their parents, progeny, and siblings, We chose them, and we guided them to a straight way. 87This is the guidance of God. He gives that guid-ance to whom He pleases among His worshippers. If they were to join other gods with Him, then all that they did would be in vain. 88These were those to whom We gave the Book, author-ity, and the prophetic of-fice. If they reject them,

95

Six

behold, We will entrust their charge to a new peo-ple who will not reject them. 89These received God's guid-ance. As for the guidance they received they say, “No reward do I ask of you for this. This is no less than a message to all the worlds.” 90No just estimate of God do they make when they say, “God reveals nothing to a human being.” Say, “Who then sent down the Book that Moses brought, a light and guidance to humanity which you made into scrolls for show, while you conceal much of what is in it, and that which you were taught which you knew not, neither you nor your ancestors?” Say, “God.” Then leave them to plunge in vain discourse and to be trifling. 91And this is a book that We have sent down, bringing blessings and reflecting the truth of what came be-fore it, so that you might warn the Mother of Cities, and all around it. Those who believe in the here-after, believe in this, and are constant in remember-ing their prayers. 92Who can do more wrong than one who invents a lie against God or says, “I have received inspiration,”

when he has received none, or who says, “I can reveal the like of what God has revealed.” If you could only see how the wrong-do-ers fare in the flood of con-fusion at death. The angels stretch out their hands saying, “Yield up your souls, this day will you re-ceive your reward, a penalty of shame, because you used to tell lies against God, and sarcasti-cally reject His signs.” 93“And behold, you come to us bare and alone, as We created you the first time. You have left behind you, all that We gave to you. We do not see with you your intercessors whom you thought to be partners in your affairs. So now, all re-lations between you have been cut off, and your de-sires have left you lost.” 94It is God Who causes the seed-grain and the date-stone to split and sprout. He causes the living to is-sue from the dead, and He causes the dead to issue from the living. That is God, so how are you de-luded from the truth? 95He cleaves the daybreak. He makes the night for rest and tranquility, and the Sun and Moon for telling time. Such is His judgment and ordering, the Exalted in Power, the Knower of all things. 96

96

Six

It is He Who has made the stars for you, that you may guide yourselves, with their help, through the dark spaces of land and sea. We detail Our signs for people who think. 97It is He Who has produced you from a single soul, in a place of sojourn and a place of departure. We de-tail Our signs for people who understand. 98It is He Who sends down rain from the skies. With it, We produce vegetation of all kinds. From some We produce green crops, out of which We produce grain heaped up. Out of the date palm and its sheaths, come clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each simi-lar yet different. When they begin to bear fruit, look at the fruit and the ripeness of it. Behold, in these are signs for people who believe. 99Yet they make the jinn equal with God, though God did create the jinn. And they falsely, having no knowledge, attribute to Him sons and daughters. Praise and glory be to Him, for He is above what they attribute to Him. 100He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have a son

without a female compan-ion? He created all things, and He has full knowledge of all things. 101That is God, your Guardian Evolver, there is no god but He, the Creator of all things. So worship Him, and He has power to man-age all affairs. 102No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vi-sion. He is above compre-hension, yet comprehends all things. 103“Now there has come to you, from your Lord, proof. If any choose to see, it will be for their own self, if any choose to be blind, it will be against their own self. I am not here to watch over your doings.” 104Thus we explain the signs that they may say, “You have taught us diligently,” and that We may make the matter clear to those who know. 105Follow what you are taught by inspiration from your Lord. There is no god but He. And turn away from those who join gods with God. 106If it had been in God's plan, they would not have taken false gods. But We did not make you one to watch over their doings, nor are you set over them

97

Six

to manage their affairs. 107Do not criticize those whom they call on besides God, or they will, out of spite, criticize God, out of ignorance. We have made pleasing to each people, their doings. In the end, they will return to their Lord, and We will then tell them the truth of all that they did. 108They swear their strongest promise by God, that if a sign came to them, they would believe. Say, “Cer-tainly the signs are in the power of God.” But what will make you realize that even if signs came, they would not believe? 109We will turn their hearts and their eyes, even though they refused to be-lieve in it the first time. We will leave them in their trespasses to wander in distraction. 110 (End of Part 7)Even if We sent to them angels, and the dead spoke to them, and We gathered all things before their very eyes, they are not ones to believe, unless it is in God's plan, but most of them ignore this. 111We made enemies for every messenger from wrong-do-ers among humans and jinn, inspiring each other

with flowery discourse by way of deception. If your Guardian Evolver had so willed, they would not have done it. So leave them and what they fabricate. 112Let their hearts incline to it, those who have no faith in the hereafter. Let them enjoy it, and let them earn from it what they will. 113Say, “Shall I look for a judge other than God, when it is He Who has sent to you the Book explained in detail?” They know full well to whom We have given the Book, and that it has been sent down from your Lord in truth. So never be of those who doubt. 114The word of your Lord finds its fulfillment in truth and in justice. None can change His words, for He is the One Who hears and knows them all. 115Were you to follow the common run of those on earth, they would lead you from the way of God. They follow nothing but specula-tion, they do nothing but lie. 116Your Lord knows best who strays from His way, and He knows best who re-ceives His guidance. 117So eat of that on which God's name has been pro-

98

Six

nounced, if you have faith in His verses. 118Why should you not eat of that on which God's name has been pronounced when He has explained to you in detail what is forbidden to you, except when forced by necessity? Indeed many stray by their appetites unchecked by knowledge. Your Lord knows best those who transgress. 119Avoid harmful deeds, open or secret. Those who earn sin will get due reward for their earnings. 120Do not eat of that on which God's name has not been pronounced. That would be impiety. But the devils in-spire their friends to con-tend with you. If you were to follow them, you would indeed be pagans. 121Can he who was dead, to whom We gave life and light, with which he can walk among people, be like him who is in the depths of darkness, from which he can never come out? So to those without faith, their deeds seem pleasing. 122And We have placed in ev-ery great city, those who are corrupt, to conspire therein. But they only con-spire against their own selves, though they realize it not. 123

When there comes to them a sign they say, “We will not believe until we receive one like those received by God's messengers.” God knows best where to carry out His mission. Soon the corrupt will be overtaken by humiliation before God, and a severe punishment for all their schemes. 124Those whom God wills to guide, He opens their heart to Al-Islam. Those whom He wills to leave straying, He makes their heart closed and con-stricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies. And God heaps punishment on those who refuse to be-lieve. 125This is the way of your Lord, leading straight. We have detailed the signs for those who take advice. 126For them will be a home of peace in the presence of their Lord. He will be their Friend, because they prac-ticed righteousness. 127One day He will gather them all together and say, “O you assembly of jinn, much did you take from humanity.” Their friends among humanity will say, “Our Guardian Evolver, we made profit from each other, but we reached our term which You appointed for us.” He will say, “The fire will be your dwelling-

99

Six

place, you will dwell there forever, except as God wills.” For your Lord is full of wisdom and knowl-edge. 128So we make the wrongdo-ers turn to each other be-cause of what they earn. 129“O you assembly of jinn and humans, did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating to you My signs, and warn-ing you of the meeting of this day of yours?” They will say, “We bear witness against ourselves.” The life of the present deceived them. So against them-selves will they bear wit-ness that they rejected faith. 130For this, your Lord would not destroy them for their wrongdoing, or the peo-ples’ houses, while their occupants were un-warned. 131To all are degrees accord-ing to their deeds, for your Guardian Evolver is not unmindful of anything they do. 132Your Lord is self-sufficient, full of mercy. If it were His will, He could destroy you, and in your place appoint whom He wills as your suc-cessors, as He raised you up as successors of oth-ers. 133

All that has been promised to you will happen, and you cannot stop it. 134Say, “O my people, do whatever you can, I will do what I can. Soon you will know who it is whose end will be in the hereafter. In-deed the wrong-doers will not succeed.” 135Out of what God has pro-duced in abundance in land and in livestock, they assigned Him a share. They say according to their desires, “This is for God, and this for our partners.” But the share of their part-ners does not reach God, while the share of God reaches their partners. Terrible is their assign-ment. 136And in the eyes of most of the pagans, their partners made alluring the slaugh-ter of their children, in or-der to lead them to their own destruction, and cause confusion in their religion. If God had willed, they would not have done so, but leave them alone, them and their fabrications. 137And they say that such and such livestock and crops are taboo, and none should eat of them except those whom, so they say, We wish. Further, there are livestock forbidden to bur-den, and livestock on which the name of God is

100

Six

not to be pronounced, all created against God's name. Soon He will repay them for their cre-ations. 138They say, “What is in the wombs of such and such livestock is specially re-served for our men, and forbidden for our women. But if it is still-born, then all may partake.” For their attributing superstitions to God, He will soon punish them, for He is full of wis-dom and knowledge. 139Lost are those who kill their children out of igno-rance, and forbid food that God has provided for them, inventing lies against God. They have indeed gone astray and took no guid-ance. 140It is He Who produces gar-dens with trellises and without, dates and land with produce of all kind, and olives and pomegranates, similar yet different. Eat of its fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered, and waste not by excess, for God loves not the wasters. 141Of the livestock, there are some for work and some for meat. Eat what God has provided for you, and do not follow the footsteps of

Satan, for he is to you a sworn enemy. 142Take eight head of live-stock in four pairs, of sheep a pair, and of goats a pair. Say, “Has He forbid-den the two males, or the two females, or that which the wombs of the two fe-males enclose? Tell me with certainty if you are truthful.” 143Of camels a pair, and oxen a pair. Say, “Has He forbid-den the two males, or the two females, or that which the wombs of the two fe-males enclose? Were you present when God com-manded such a thing? But who does more wrong than one who invents a lie against God, to lead astray people without knowledge? God does not guide the people who do wrong. 144Say, “I do not find in the message I received by in-spiration anything forbid-den to be eaten by one who wishes to eat it, unless it is animals found dead, or blood poured out, or the flesh of swine, for it is an abomination, or what is unclean, or that on which a name has been invoked other than God.” But if a person is forced by neces-sity, with neither outright rejecting, nor transgress-ing due limits, your Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 145

101

Six

For those who were Jewish, We made forbidden every animal with an undivided hoof. And We made forbid-den to them fat of the ox and the sheep, except what adheres to their backs or their entrails, or what is mixed up with bone. That is their reward for their outright rejection, for in-deed We are truthful. 146If they accuse you of false-hood say, “Your Lord is full of mercy All-Embracing. But from guilty people, never will His punishment be turned back.” 147Those who give partners to God will say, “If God had wished, we would not have given partners to Him, nor would our fathers, nor should we have had any taboos,” as did their fa-thers argue falsely, until they tasted Our punish-ment. Say, “Have you any proof? If so, bring it before us. You follow nothing but speculation. You do noth-ing but lie.” 148Say, “With God is the argu-ment that reaches home. If it had been His will, He could indeed have guided you all.” 149Say, “Bring forward your witnesses to prove that God did prohibit this.” If they bring such witnesses, be not among them, nor follow the vain desires of

those who treat our signs as falsehood, and those who do not believe in the hereafter, for they hold others as equal with their Guardian Evolver.” 150Say, “Come, I will rehearse what God has made sacred. Join not anything as equal with Him, be good to your parents, and do not kill your children for fear of want. We care for you and for them. Come not near shameful deeds, whether open or secret, do not take life that God has made sa-cred, except by way of jus-tice and law. This is what He commands you, that you may learn wisdom. 151And do not come near to the orphan's property, ex-cept to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength, and give measure and weight with justice. No burden do We place on any soul except that which it can bear. Whenever you speak, speak justly, even if a near relative is con-cerned, and fulfill the covenant of God. This He recommended to you, that you may remember. 152Indeed this is My path leading straight, so follow it. Do not follow other paths that will separate you from His way, this does He recommend to you, that you may be righteous. 153

102

Six

Moreover, We gave Moses the Book, completing Our favor to those who wish to do right, and explaining all things in detail, and a guide and a mercy, that they might believe in the meeting with their Lord. 154And this is a book which We have revealed as a blessing. So follow it and be righteous, that you may receive mercy. 155Lest you should say, “The book was sent down to two peoples before us, and for our part, we remained un-acquainted with all that they learned from their study.” 156Or lest you should say, “If the Book had only been sent down to us, we would have followed its guidance better than they.” Now there has come to you a clear book from your Lord, and a guide and a mercy. Then who could do more wrong than one who re-jects God's signs, and turns away from it? In good time, We will repay those who turn away from Our signs, with a dreadful penalty, for their turning away. 157Are they waiting to see if the angels will come to them, or your Lord Him-self, or some of the signs of your Lord? The day that

some of the signs of your Lord will come, no good will it do for one to believe in them then, if he be-lieved not before, nor earned righteousness through his faith. Say, “Wait, we too are wait-ing.” 158As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, you are not re-sponsible for any of their internal strife. Their affair is with God. In the end, He will tell them the truth of all that they did. 159Whoever does right will have ten times as much to his credit. Whoever does wrong will only be re-warded according to their wrong. No wrong will be done to them. 160Say, “Indeed, my Lord has guided me to a way that is straight, and a way that is right, the way of Abraham, the intelligent in faith, and he did not join gods with God.” 161Say, “Truly my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are for God, the Guardian Evolver of all the worlds. 162“He has no partner. This am I asked, and I am the first of those who bow to His will.” 163Say, “Shall I seek for my Lord other than God, when

103

Six

He is the Guardian Evolver of all things? Every soul draws the reward of its acts on none but itself. No bearer of burden can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is to God. He will tell you the truth of the things you dis-puted.” 164It is He Who has made you caretakers and inheritors of the earth. He has raised you in ranks, some above others, that He may try you in the gifts He has given you. And your Lord is quick in punishment, yet He is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 165

104

SEVEN

Alif, Laam, Miim, Saad. 1A book revealed to you, so let your heart be op-pressed no more by any difficulty from it, and with it, advise and teach. 2Follow the revelation given to you from your Guardian Evolver, and do not follow as friends or protectors others before Him. But lit-tle is it that you remem-ber. 3How many towns have We caused to perish? Our pun-ishment took them all of a sudden by night, or while they slept during their af-ternoon rest. 4When Our punishment took them, no cry did they utter but this, “Indeed we did wrong.” 5Then will we question those to whom Our mes-sage was sent and those by whom We sent it. 6And indeed, We will retell their whole story with cer-tainty, for We were never absent. 7The balance that day will be true. Those whose scale will be heavy will flour-ish. 8

Those whose scale will be light, their souls will be in perdition, because they treated Our signs wrong-fully. 9It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you with means for the fulfill-ment of your life. Little is the thanks that you give. 10It is We Who created you and gave you shape, then We asked the angels to bow down to Adam, and they bowed down, but not Lucifer. He refused to be of those who bowed down. 11God said, “What prevented you from bowing down when I asked you to?” He said, “I am better than he is. You created me from fire and him from mud.” 12God said, “Get down from this. It is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out. For you are most arrogant.” 13He said, “Give me respite until the day they are raised up.” 14God said, “Be among those who have respite.” 15He said, “Because you have thrown me out of the way, I will lie in wait for them on your straight way. 16

105

Seven

“Then I will assault them from in front and behind them, from their right and their left, nor will You find in most of them any grati-tude.” 17God said, “Get out from here, disgraced and ex-pelled. If any of them fol-low you, hell will I fill with you all. 18“O Adam, dwell you and your wife in the garden, and enjoy it as you wish, but approach not this tree or you will run into harm and transgression.” 19Then Satan began to whis-per suggestions to them, bringing openly before their minds all their shame which was hidden from them. He said, “Your Lord only made forbidden to you this tree, so that you will not become angels, or such beings that live for-ever.” 20And he swore to them both, that he was their sin-cere adviser. 21So by deceit, he brought about their fall. When they tasted from the tree, their shame became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves of the garden over their bod-ies, and their Lord called to them, “Did I not forbid you that tree, and tell you

that Satan was a sworn en-emy to you?” 22They said, “Our Lord, We have wronged our own souls. If you do not forgive us and do not bestow upon us Your mercy, we will cer-tainly be lost.” 23God said, “Get down, with enmity between your-selves. On earth will be your dwelling-place and your means of livelihood for a time.” 24He said, “There you will live, and there you will die, but from it will you be taken out.” 25O children of Adam, We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover your shame, as well as to be an adornment to you, but the raiment of righteousness, that is best. Such are among the signs of God, that they might receive ad-vice. 26O you children of Adam, let not Satan seduce you in the same manner as he se-duced your parents out of the garden, stripping them of their raiment, to expose their shame, for he and his party watch you from places where you cannot see them. We made the devils friends to those without faith. 27When they do anything that is shameful they say,

106

Seven

“We found our fathers do-ing so, and God asked us to do this.” Say, “No, God never asks what is shame-ful. Do you say things about God that you do not know?” 28Say, “My Lord has com-manded justice, and that you submit your whole selves to Him at every time and place of prayer, and call upon Him, making your devotion to Him sin-cere. As He created you in the beginning, so will you be again.” 29Some He has guided, oth-ers have deserved the loss of their way, in that they took the devils, in prefer-ence to God, for their friends and protectors, and think that they receive guidance. 30O children of Adam, take your zeenah with you to ev-ery place of prayer. Eat and drink, but waste not by ex-cess, for God does not love wasters. 31Say, “Who has forbidden the beautiful gifts of God which He has produced for His servants, and the things clean and pure for sustenance?” Say, “They are in the life of the present for those who be-lieve, and exclusively for them on the Day of Ac-countability.” Thus We ex-

plain the signs in detail for those who understand. 32Say, “The things that my Lord has indeed made for-bidden are shameful deeds whether open or secret, deeds and ideas against truth and reason, assign-ing partners to God for which He has revealed no authority, and saying things about God which you do not know.” 33To every people is a term appointed. When their term is reached not an hour can they delay or ad-vance it. 34O you children of Adam, there comes to you mes-sengers from among you, rehearsing My signs to you, those who are right-eous and mend their lives, on them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 35But those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance, they are com-panions of the fire, and will dwell in there forever. 36Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against God, or rejects His signs? For them, their ap-pointed portion must reach them from the Book. Until when our messengers arrive and take their souls and they say, “Where are the things that you used to invoke besides God?” They

107

Seven

will reply, “They have left us lost,” and they will bear witness against them-selves, because they re-jected it. 37He will say, “Join the com-pany of the peoples who passed away before you, enter into the fire, humans and jinn.” Every time a new people enter, it curses its sister people, until they follow each other, all into the fire. Says the last about the first, “Our Lord, these are the ones who misled us, so give them a double punishment in the fire.” He will say, “Doubled for all.” But this you do not understand. 38Then the first will say to the last, “See, you have no advantage over us, so taste the penalty for all that you did.”  39To those who reject Our signs and treat them with arrogance, no opening will there be of the gates of heaven, nor will they enter the garden, until the camel can pass through the eye of the needle. Such is Our reward for those in sin. 40For them there is hell, as a bed, and folds and folds of covering above. Such is Our punishment for those who do wrong. 41So believe and work right-eousness, for no burden do

We place on any soul, ex-cept that which she can bear. They will be compan-ions of the garden, to dwell therein forever. 42And We will remove from their hearts, any hatred. Beneath them will be rivers flowing and they will say, “Praise God, who has guided us to this. Never would we have found guid-ance, had it not been for the guidance of God, in-deed it was the truth that the messengers of our Lord brought to us.” And they will hear the call, “Be-hold, the garden before you. You have been made its inheritors, because of your deeds.” 43The companions of the garden will call out to the companions of the fire, “We have indeed found the promise of our Lord to us, true. Have you also found your Lord’s promise true?” They will say, “Yes.” But a caller will proclaim be-tween them, “The curse of God is on the wrongdo-ers. 44“Those who hinder others from the path of God, and seek in it something crooked, they were those who denied the here-after.” 45Between them will be a veil, and above will be those who would know ev-

108

Seven

eryone by their marks. They will call out to the companions of the garden, “Peace be upon you.” They would not have entered, but they will have an as-surance of it. 46When their eyes will be turned towards the com-panions of the fire, they will say, “Our Lord, send us not to the company of the wrongdoers.” 47Those above will call to those whom they will know from their marks saying, “Of what profit to you were your possessions, and those things about which you were arrogant? 48“Behold, are these not those whom you swore that God, even with His mercy, would never bless? Enter the garden, no fear will be on you, nor will you grieve.” 49The companions of the fire will call to the companions of the garden, “Pour down to us water or anything that God provides for your sustenance.” They will say, “Both these things have God forbidden to those who rejected Him.” 50“Those who took their reli-gion to be mere entertain-ment and play, and were deceived by the life of the world.” That day We will forget them as they forgot

the meeting of this day of theirs, and because they were accustomed to reject-ing Our signs. 51For We had certainly sent to them a book of knowl-edge which We explained in detail, a guide, and a mercy to all who be-lieve. 52Do they just wait for the fi-nal fulfillment of the event? On the day the event is finally fulfilled, those who disregarded it before will say, “The mes-sengers of our Lord indeed brought truth. Have we no intercessors now to inter-cede on our behalf? Or can we be sent back? Then we would behave differently from our behavior in the past.” In fact, they will have lost their souls, and the things they invented will leave them lost. 53Your Guardian Evolver is God, He Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly es-tablished on the throne. He draws the night over the day, each seeking the other in rapid succession. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars, all governed by laws under His command. Is it not His to create and to govern? Blessed is God, the Lord of all the worlds. 54

109

Seven

Call on your Guardian Evolver with humility and in private, and God does not love those who tres-pass beyond bounds. 55Create no chaos on the earth, after it has been set in order, but call on Him with awe and longing, for the mercy of God is near those who do right. 56It is He Who sends the winds like heralds of good news, going before His mercy. When they have carried the heavy-laden clouds, We drive them to a dead land, make rain to descend, and produce there every kind of har-vest. Thus will We raise the dead, so that you may re-member. 57From the land that is clean and good, by the will of its Guardian Evolver, springs up produce after its kind, but from the land that is corrupt, springs up noth-ing but that which is cor-rupt. We explain the signs by various signs to those who are grateful. 58We sent Noah to his peo-ple. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no other god but Him. I fear for you the punishment of a dreadful day. 59The leaders of his people said, “We see that you are obviously in error.” 60

He said, “O my people, I am not in error. In fact, I am a messenger from the Lord of all the worlds. 61“I fulfill towards you the duties of my Lord’s mis-sion. Sincere is my advice to you, and I learned from God, something that you know not. 62“Do you wonder how there has come to you a message from your Lord, through a person of your own people, to warn you, so that you may be conscious of God, and happily receive His mercy?” 63But they rejected him, and We delivered him and those with him, in the Ark. But We overwhelmed in the flood those who re-jected Our signs. They were indeed a blind peo-ple. 64To the ‘Ad people, We sent Hud, one of their brothers. He said, "O my people, worship God, you have no other god but Him. Will you not realize this?” 65The leaders of the unbe-lievers among his people said, “We see you are an imbecile,” and “We think you are a liar.” 66He said, “O my people, I am no imbecile, but I am a messenger from the Guardian Evolver of all the systems of knowledge. 67

110

Seven

“I fulfill towards you the duties of my Lord’s mis-sion. I am to you a sincere and trustworthy adviser. 68“Do you wonder how there has come to you a message from your Lord through a person of your own people, to warn you? Call to mind that He made you inheri-tors after the people of Noah, and gave you great stature among the nations. Call to mind the benefits from God, that you may flourish.” 69They said, “Do you come to us so that we may worship God alone, and give up the worship of our ancestors? Bring us what you threaten us with, if you tell the truth.” 70He said, “Punishment upon punishment has al-ready come upon you from your Lord. Do you dispute with me over names which you have devised, you and your ancestors, without au-thority from God. But wait, I am among you also wait-ing.” 71We saved him and those who adhered with him, by Our mercy, and We cut off the roots of those who re-jected Our signs and who did not believe. 72To the Thamud people We sent Salih, one of their own brothers. He said, “O

my people, worship God, you have no other god but Him. And now there has come to you guidance from your Lord. This she-camel of God is a sign to you. So leave it to graze in God's earth, and let no harm come to it, or you will be seized with a terrible pun-ishment. 73“And remember how He made you inheritors after the ‘Ad people, and gave you houses in the land. You build for yourselves palaces and castles in open plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So bring to remembrance the good from God, and re-frain from harm and crime on the earth.” 74The leaders of the arro-gant group among his peo-ple said to those who were considered powerless, them among those who be-lieved, “Are you sure that Salih is a messenger from his Lord?” They said, “We surely believe in the reve-lation that has been sent through him.” 75The arrogant party said, “For our part, we reject what you believe.” 76Then they hamstrung the she-camel, and insolently defied the order of their Lord saying, “O Salih, bring about your threats, if you are a messenger.” 77

111

Seven

So the earthquake took them unaware, and they lay prostrate in their homes. 78So Salih turned away from them saying, “O my people, I did indeed convey to you the message for which I was sent by my Lord. I gave you good counsel, but you love not good coun-selors.” 79We also sent Lot. He said to his people, “Do you commit lewdness such as no people in creation com-mitted before you? 80“For you practice your pas-sions on men in preference to women. You are indeed a people transgressing be-yond bounds.” 81And his people gave no an-swer but this, “Drive them out of your city. These are indeed people who want to be clean and refined.” 82But we saved him and his family, except his wife, she was of those who lagged behind. 83And we showered down on them rain. Then do you see what the end of those who indulged in harmful deeds and crime was? 84To the Madyan people We sent Shu’aib, one of their own brothers. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no other god but

Him. Now there has come to you guidance from your Lord, so give just measure and weight, and do not withhold from the people the things due to them. And create no chaos on the earth after it has been set in order. That will be best for you, if you have faith. 85“And squat not on every road, breathing threats, hindering from the path of God, those who believe in Him, and seeking on it something wrong. But re-member how you were small, and He gave you in-crease. And hold in your mind’s eye what the end of those who do wrong is. 86“And if there is a group among you who believes in the message with which I have been sent, and a group which does not be-lieve, hold yourselves in patience until God decides between us, for He is the best to decide. 87 (End of Part 8)The leaders of the arro-gant group among his peo-ple said, “O Shu’aib, we will certainly push you out of our city, you and those who believe with you, or else you and they will have to return to our way.” He said, “What, even though we detest it? 88

112

Seven

“We would indeed invent a lie against God if we re-turned to your way after God has rescued us from it. Nor could we, by any means, return to it unless it is by the will of God, Our Lord. Our Lord can reach out to the utmost recesses of things with His knowl-edge. In God we trust. Our Lord, decide between us and our people with truth, for You are the best to de-cide.” 89The unbelieving leaders among his people said, “If you follow Shu’aib, be sure that you will be ruined.” 90But the earthquake took them unaware, and they lay prostrate in their homes. 91The people who rejected Shu’aib were as if they had never been in the homes where they had prospered. The people who rejected Shu’aib were ruined. 92So Shu’aib left them say-ing, “O my people, I indeed conveyed to you the mes-sages for which I was sent by my Guardian Evolver. I gave you good advice, but how can I grieve over a people who refuse to be-lieve.” 93Whenever We sent a mes-senger to a place, We raised up its people in suf-fering and adversity, in or-

der that they might learn humility. 94Then We changed their suffering into prosperity, until they grew and multi-plied, and began to say, “Our parents too were touched by adversity and prosperity.” Behold, We called them to account all of a sudden, while they re-alized it not. 95If the people of the towns had only believed and had been conscious of God, We would indeed have opened up to them blessings from heaven and earth, but they rejected it, and We brought them to account for their misdeeds. 96Did the people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our punish-ment by night while they slept? 97Or did they feel secure against its coming in broad daylight while they played? 98Did they then feel immune concerning the plan of God? No one feels immune concerning the plan of God except those bound for failure. 99To those who inherit the earth in succession to its previous possessors, is it not a guiding lesson for them that if We so willed, We could punish them for

113

Seven

their sins, and seal up their hearts so that they could not hear? 100These were the towns whose story We relate to you. Indeed there came to them their messengers with guidance, but they would not believe what they had before rejected. This is how God seals up the hearts of those who do not believe. 101We did not find most of them true to their covenant, but most of them We found rebel-lious. 102Then after them We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his leaders, but they wrongfully re-jected them. So take notice of the end of those who do wrong. 103Moses said, “O Pharaoh, I am a messenger from the Lord of all the worlds. 104One who it is right to say nothing but truth concern-ing God. Now I have come to you from your Guardian Evolver with guidance. So let the Children of Israel exit along with me.” 105Pharaoh said, “If indeed you have come with a sign, show it if you tell the truth.” 106Then Moses threw his staff, and behold, it was a

serpent, plain for all to see. 107And he pulled out his hand, and behold, it looked white to all beholders. 108Said the nomarchs of the people of Pharaoh, “This is indeed an illusionist well-versed. 109“His plan is to get you out of your land. So what is it you advise?” 110They said, “Keep him and his brother in suspense, and send to the cities, peo-ple to collect, 111And bring up to you all il-lusionists well-versed.” 112So the illusionists came to Pharaoh. They said, “Of course we will have a re-ward if we win?” 113He said, “Yes, for you will, in that case, be nearest to me.” 114They said, “O Moses, will you throw first, or shall we throw?” 115Said Moses, “You throw.” When they threw, they tricked the eyes of people, and struck fear into them, for they showed great illu-sions. 116We put into Moses’ mind by inspiration, “Throw your staff.” And behold, it instantly made all the illu-

114

Seven

sions that they faked dis-appear. 117So truth was confirmed, and all that they did was made of no effect. 118So they were thoroughly defeated there and then, crushed. 119But the illusionists fell down prostrate in adora-tion. 120Saying, “We believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 121“The Lord of Moses and Aaron.” 122Pharaoh said, “Believe in Him before I give you per-mission? Surely this is a scheme plotted in the city to drive out its people, and soon will you come to know. 123“Be sure that I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross.” 124They said, “We will be sent back to our Guardian Evolver. 125“You wreak your vengeance on us simply because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they reached us”. “Our Lord, pour out on us pa-tience and constancy, and take our souls to you in peace.” 126

Said the nomarchs of Pharaoh’s people, “Will you leave Moses and his people to spread sedition in the land, and to aban-don you and your gods?” He said, “Their male chil-dren we will slay, and their females will we let live, and we have power over them, irresistible.” 127Moses said to his people, “Pray for help from God, and patiently persevere, for the earth is God's to give as an inheritance to those of His servants He pleases, and the end is for the righteous. 128They said, “We have had troubles, both before and after you came to us.” He said, “It may be that your Lord will destroy your en-emy and make you inheri-tors in the earth, so He may try you by your deeds.” 129We punished the people of Pharaoh with years of drought and shortness of crops, that they might take the advice. 130But when good times came they said, “This is due to us,” When gripped by calamity, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him. Behold, in truth, the omens of evil are theirs in God's sight, but most of

115

Seven

them do not under-stand. 131They said, “No matter the signs you bring along with that which you use to de-ceive us, we will never be-lieve in you. 132So We sent on them the flood, locusts, lice, frogs, and the blood. Signs openly self-explained, but they were steeped in arro-gance, a people given to harmful deeds. 133Every time the penalty fell on them they said, “O Moses, call on your Lord on our behalf, calling on his promise to you. If you will remove the penalty from us, we will truly be-lieve in you, and we will send away the Children of Israel with you.” 134But every time We re-moved the penalty from them according to a fixed term which they had to ful-fill, behold, they broke their promise. 135So We took retribution from them and We drowned them in the sea, because they rejected Our signs and failed to take warning from them. 136And We made a people considered weak, inheri-tors of lands in both East and West, lands where We sent down Our blessings. The promise of your Lord

was fulfilled for the Chil-dren of Israel, because they had patience and con-stancy. And We destroyed what they designed and what Pharaoh and his peo-ple constructed. 137We took the Children of Is-rael across the sea. They came upon a people de-voted entirely to the idols they had. They said, “O Moses, create for us a god like the gods they have.” He said, “Surely you are a people without knowl-edge. 138“As for these, the cult they are in is a piece of a ruin, and vain is that which they practice.” 139He said, “Should I seek for you a god other than God, when it is God Who has en-dowed you with gifts above the nations?” 140And remember We rescued you from Pharaoh’s people, who afflicted you with the worst of penalties, who slew your sons and kept alive your females. In that was a momentous trial from your Lord. 141We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and com-pleted the period with ten more. So was completed the term with his Lord, forty nights, and Moses had charged his brother Aaron, “Represent me

116

Seven

among my people, do right, and do not follow the way of those who do wrong.” 142When Moses came to the place appointed by Us, and his Guardian Evolver ad-dressed him, then he said, “O my Lord, show Yourself to me that I may look upon you.” God said, “By no means can you see Me, but look upon the mountain, if it remains in its place, then will you see Me.” When his Lord manifested His glory on the mountain, He made it as particles, and Moses fainted. When he returned to conscious-ness he said, “Glory be to You, to You do I turn, and I am the first to be-lieve.” 143God said, “O Moses, I have chosen you above others, by the mission I have given you and the words I have spoken to you. So take that which I give you, and be of those who give thanks.” 144And We ordained the Com-mandments for him in the Tablets concerning all mat-ters, both commanding and explaining all things, and he said, “Take and hold these with firmness, and encourage your people to hold fast by the best practices. Soon I will show you the homes of the wicked.” 145

Those who behave arro-gantly on the earth in defi-ance of right, I will turn them away from My signs. Even if they see all the signs, they will not believe in them, and if they see the right way of conduct, they will not accept it as the way, but if they see the way of error, that is the way they will accept, for they have rejected our signs, and failed to take warning from them. 146Those who reject Our signs and the meeting in the hereafter, in vain are their deeds. Can they expect to be punished for anything except for what they have done? 147The people of Moses made out of their ornaments, in his absence, the image of a calf. It was low. Did they not see that it could nei-ther speak to them, nor show them the way? They took it for worship and they did wrong. 148When they repented, and saw that they had erred, they said, “If our Lord does not have mercy upon us and does not forgive us, we will indeed be of those who perish.” 149When Moses came back to his people displeased and grieved he said, “You have done wrong in my absence. Did you want to induce the

117

Seven

judgment of your Lord?” He put down the tablets, seized his brother by his hair, and dragged him to himself. Aaron said, “Son of my mother, the people indeed saw me as nothing, and nearly murdered me. Do not allow the enemies to rejoice over my misfor-tune, nor count me among the people of sin.” 150Moses prayed, “O my Lord, forgive my brother and me, admit us to Your mercy, for You are more mercifully redeeming than all of those who show mercy.” 151Those who took the calf will indeed be over-whelmed with punishment from their Lord, and with shame in this life. This is how We reward those who deceive. 152But those who do wrong, but repent and believe, in-deed your Lord is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 153When the displeasure of Moses subsided, he picked up the tablets. In the writ-ing was guidance and mercy for those who are aware of their Guardian Evolver. 154And Moses chose seventy of his people for Our meet-ing place. When they were seized with violent quaking

he prayed, “O my Lord, if it had been Your will, You could have caused to per-ish, long before, both them and me. Would You destroy us all for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? This is no more than Your trial. By it, You cause whom You will to stray, and You lead whom You will onto the right path. You are our Protector, so for-give us and give us Your mercy, for You are the best of those who forgive. 155“And ordain for us that which is good, in this life and in the hereafter, for we have turned to You.” He said, “With My punishment I visit whom I will, but My mercy extends to all things, and I will ordain My mercy for those who do right, and give zakat, and those who believe in Our signs. 156“Those who follow the messenger, the prophet of mother wit, who they find mentioned in their own scriptures, in the Torah and the gospel. For he commands them what is just and forbids them what is unjust, he encourages for them as permissible that which is good, and prohibits them from what is harmful. He releases them from their heavy bur-dens and from the chains that are upon them. So it

118

Seven

is those who believe in him, honor him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down to him, it is these who will flour-ish.” 157Say, “O humanity, I am sent to you all as the mes-senger of God, to Whom belongs the control of the heavens and the earth. There is no god but He. It is He Who gives both life and death. So believe in God and His messenger, the prophet of mother wit, who believes in God and His words. Follow him that you may be guided.” 158Of the people of Moses, a group of them guides and does justice in the light of truth. 159We divided them into twelve peoples. We di-rected Moses by inspira-tion, when his people asked him for water We said, “Split the rock with your staff.” Out of it, gushed forth twelve springs. Each group knew its place for water. We gave them the shade of clouds, and sent down to them manna and quails saying, “Eat of the good things We have provided for you.” Then to Us they did no harm, but they harmed their own selves. 160And remember it was said to them, “Dwell in this

town and eat as you wish, but say a word of humility, and enter the gate in a posture of humility. We will forgive you your faults, and We will increase those who do right.” 161But the transgressors among them changed the words from that which had been given them, so we sent on them a plague from heaven, because they repeatedly trans-gressed. 162Ask them concerning the town standing close by the sea. Behold, they trans-gressed in the matter of the Sabbath, for on the day of their Sabbath, the fish came to them openly, hold-ing up their heads. But on the day they had no Sab-bath, they did not come. We made a trial of them, for they were given to transgression. 163When some of them said, “Why do you advise a peo-ple who God will destroy or visit with a terrible punish-ment?” The advisers said, “To be absolved, fulfill your duty to your Lord, that they may be con-scious.” 164When they disregarded the warnings that had been given them, We then res-cued those who made wrongdoing forbidden, but We visited the wrongdoers

119

Seven

with a terrible punish-ment, because they were given to transgression. 165When, in their insolence, they transgressed prohibi-tions We said to them, “Be apes, despised and re-jected.” 166Behold, your Lord declared that He would send against them, until the Day of Ac-countability, those who would afflict them with a terrible penalty. Your Lord is quick in retribution, but He is also Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 167We separated them into groups on this earth. There are among them some who are righteous, and some who are not. We have tried them with both prosperity and adversity, in order that they might change. 168After them succeeded an-other generation. They in-herited the Book, but they chose the vanities of the present saying, “For us, ev-erything will be forgiven.” If similar vanities came their way, they would again seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from those who would not ascribe to God anything but the truth? And they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in

the hereafter. Will you not then understand? 169As for those who hold fast by the Book and establish prayer, never will We cause the reward of the right-eous to perish. 170When We shook the Mount over them, as if it had been a canopy, and they thought it was going to fall on them We said, “Hold firmly to what We have given you, and bring to remembrance what is in there, so per-haps you may be con-scious.” 171When your Lord brought out from the children of Adam, from their loins, their descendants, and made them testify con-cerning themselves saying, “Am I not your Lord?” They said, “Yes, we do testify.” Lest you should say on the Day of Accountability, “Of this we were never mind-ful.” 172Or lest you should say, “Our parents before us may have taken false gods, but we are their descen-dants. Will You then de-stroy us because of the deeds of people who were irresponsible?” 173We explain the signs in de-tail that perhaps they may repent. 174Relate to them the story of the person to whom We

120

Seven

sent Our signs, but he passed them by, so Satan followed him up, and he went astray. 175If it had been Our will, We would have elevated him with Our signs, but he in-clined to the earth, and followed his own vain de-sires. His similitude is that of a dog. If you pet it, it lolls out its tongue, or if you ignore it, it still lolls out its tongue. That is the similitude of those who re-ject Our signs. So relate the story, perhaps they may reflect. 176Terrible for a similitude are the people who reject Our signs and wrong their own souls. 177Whom God guides, he is on the right path. Whom He rejects from His guidance, such people will per-ish. 178Many are the jinn and hu-mans We have made for hell. They have hearts with which they feel not, eyes with which they see not, and ears with which they hear not. They are like cows, no, more apathetic, and they are heedless. 179The most beautiful names belong to God, so call on Him by them, and caution people who use profanity in His names, and that for

what they do, they will soon be rewarded. 180Of those We have created, are those who direct with truth and dispense jus-tice. 181Those who reject Our signs, We will gradually visit with punishment, in ways they cannot imag-ine, 182Respite will I grant to them, for My plan is strong and unfailing. 183Do they not reflect? Their companion is not seized with madness, he is only a clear warner. 184Do they see nothing in the systems of the heavens and the earth, and all that God has created? Do they not see that it may well be that their term is near and end-ing? In what message after this will they then be-lieve? 185Those who God rejects from His guidance, there can be no guide. He will leave them in their tres-passes, wandering in dis-traction. 186They ask you about the Hour, when will be its ap-pointed time? Say, “The knowledge of it is with my Lord. None but He can re-veal as to when it will oc-cur. Heavy will be its bur-den through the heavens

121

Seven

and the earth. All of a sud-den it will come to you.” They ask you as if you were eager in search of it. Say, “The knowledge of it is with God." But most un-derstand not. 187Say, “I have no power over any good or harm to myself except as God wills. If I had knowledge of the un-known, I would have multi-plied all good, and no harm would have touched me. I am but a warner, and a bringer of good news to those who have faith.” 188It is He Who created you from a single person, and made her mate of like na-ture, in order that he might dwell with her in love. When they are united, she bears a light burden and carries it about. When she grows heavy, they both pray to God their Lord saying, “If You give us an excellent child, we promise to be grateful.” 189But when He gives them an excellent child, they as-cribe to others a share in the gift they have received, but God is exalted high above the partners they as-cribe to Him. 190Do they indeed ascribe to Him as partners, things that can create nothing but are themselves cre-ated? 191

No aid can they give them, nor can they aid them-selves. 192If you call them to guid-ance, they will not follow. For you it is the same whether you call them or you hold your peace. 193Indeed, those whom you call upon besides God are servants like you. Call upon them and let them respond to your prayer, if you are truthful. 194Have they feet with which to walk? Or hands with which to touch? Or eyes with which to see? Or ears with which to hear? Say, “Call your ‘god-partners’, scheme against me, and give me no respite. 195“For my protector is God, Who revealed the Book, and He will choose and be-friend the righteous. 196“But those you call upon besides Him, are unable to help you, and indeed un-able to help them-selves.” 197If you call them for guid-ance, they hear not. You will see them looking at you, but they see not. 198Hold to forgiveness, com-mand what is right, and turn away from the igno-rant. 199If a suggestion from Satan assails you, seek refuge

122

Seven

with God, for He hears and knows all things. 200Indeed those who are con-scious, when a thought of wrongdoing from Satan as-saults them they bring God to remembrance until they see. 201But their brothers, the wrong-doers, plunge them ever deeper into error, and never relax their ef-forts. 202If you do not bring them a revelation they say, “Why do you not have it all to-gether?” Say, “I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This is en-lightenment from your Lord, and guidance, and mercy, for any who have faith.” 203When the Quran is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace, that you may receive mercy. 204And do you, O reader, bring your Lord to remem-brance in your very soul, with humility and in rever-ence, without audible words, in the mornings and evenings, and be not of those who are unheed-ful. 205Those who are near to your Lord, do not dislike wor-shipping Him. They praise Him, and bow down before Him. 206

123

EIGHT

They ask you concerning spoils of war. Say, “Spoils are at the disposal of God and the messenger. So be conscious of God, and keep the relations between yourselves straight. And follow God and His mes-senger, if you do be-lieve.” 1The believers are those who, when God is men-tioned, feel a tremble in their hearts, and when they hear His signs re-hearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put all their trust in their Lord, 2They establish prayer and give out of the gifts We have given them for suste-nance. 3Such in truth are the be-lievers. They have degrees of dignity with their Lord, forgiveness and generous sustenance. 4Your Lord ordered you out of your house in truth, even though a group among the believers dis-liked it. 5They disputing with you concerning the truth after it was made clear, as if

they were being driven to death and they saw it. 6Behold, God promised that one of the two enemy groups would be yours. You wished that the one un-armed would be yours, but God willed to justify the truth according to His words, and to cut off the roots of the unbelievers, 7That He might justify truth and prove falsehood false, distasteful as it is to those guilty. 8Remember you implored the assistance of your Guardian Evolver and He answered you, “I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, ranks upon ranks.” 9God made it a message of hope, and an assurance to your hearts. There is no help except from God, and God is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 10Remember He covered you with a sort of drowsiness, to give you calm as from Him. And he caused rain to descend on you from heaven, to refine you, to remove from you the stain of Satan, to strengthen your hearts, and to plant your feet firmly. 11Remember your Lord in-spired the angels with the message, “I am with you,

124

Eight

give strength to the believ-ers, and I will instill fear into the hearts of the un-believers. Strike above their necks and strike ev-ery finger-tip from them.” 12This is because they con-tended against God and His messenger. If any con-tend against God and His messenger, God is strict in punishment. 13Then it will be said, “Taste the punishment. For those who resist God, is the penalty of the fire.” 14O you who believe, when you meet the unbelievers while advancing, never turn your backs to them. 15If any turn his back to them on such a day, unless it be in a strategy of war, or to retreat to join the other troops, he draws on himself the punishment of God, and his abode is hell, what a terrible place. 16It is not you who slew them, but it was God. When you threw a handful of dust, it was not your act, but God's, in order that He might challenge the believ-ers by a gracious trial from Himself, for God is He Who hears and knows all things. 17That, and because God is He Who makes weak the

plans and strategy of the unbelievers. 18If you prayed for victory and judgment, judgment has now come to you. If you stop, it will be best for you. If you return to the at-tack, so will We. Not the least good will your forces be to you even if they were multiplied, for indeed God is with those who be-lieve. 19O you who believe, follow God and His messenger, and do not turn away from him when you hear him speak. 20Nor be like those who say, “We hear, but do not lis-ten. 21For the worst of creatures in the sight of God are the deaf and the dumb, those who understand not. 22If God had found in them any good, He would indeed have made them listen. If He had made them listen, they would have turned back and rejected. 23O you who believe, respond to God and His messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life, and know that God hovers between a person and his heart, and to Him you all will be gathered. 24And be aware of trials which affects not only

125

Eight

those of you who do wrong, and know that God is strict in punishment. 25Call to mind when you were a small group, de-spised throughout the land, and afraid that the people might harm you. He provided a safe asylum for you, strengthened you with His aid, and gave you good things for sustenance, that you might be grateful. 26O you who believe, do not betray the trust of God and the messenger, nor misap-propriate knowingly, things entrusted to you. 27And know that your pos-sessions and your progeny are a trial, and that it is God with whom lays your highest reward. 28O you who believe, if you are conscious of God, He will grant you a criterion, remove from you your sins and forgive you, for God is the Lord of grace un-bounded. 29Remember how the unbe-lievers plotted against you, to keep you in bonds, or slay you, or get you out of your home. They plot and plan, and God too plans, but the best of planners is God. 30When Our signs are re-hearsed to them they say, “We have heard this be-fore. If we wished, we

could say words like these. These are nothing but tales of the ancient.” 31Remember how they said, “O God, if this is indeed the truth from You, rain down on us a shower of stones from the sky, or send us a terrible penalty.” 32But God was not going to send them a penalty while you were among them, nor was He going to send it while they could still ask for forgiveness. 33But what plea do they have that God should not punish them, when they keep out the people from the Sacred Masjid, though they are not its guardians? No peo-ple can be its guardians except the righteous, but most of them do not un-derstand. 34Their prayer at the House is nothing but whistling and clapping of hands, “Taste you the penalty be-cause you blasphemed.” 35The disbelievers give their wealth to hinder people from the path of God, and they will continue to give. But in the end, they will have regrets, then they will be overcome, and the dis-believers will be gathered together to hell. 36In order that God may sep-arate the corrupt from the

126

Eight

innocent. Putting the cor-rupt, one on another, heap-ing them together, and casting them into hell. They will be the ones who will lose. 37Say to those who disbe-lieve, that if they desist, their past will be forgiven, but if they persist, the punishment of those be-fore them should serve as a warning to them. 38And fight them until there is no more oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in God, altogether and everywhere. But if they cease, indeed God sees all that they do. 39If they refuse, be sure that God is your Protector, the best to protect and the best to help. 40 (End of Part 9)And know that out of all the spoils which you may acquire in war, a fifth be-longs to God and to the messenger, and to near relatives, orphans, the needy, and to displaced persons, if you do in fact believe in God and the rev-elation that We sent down to Our servant on the day of testing. The day of the meeting of the two forces, for God has power over all things. 41You were on the near side of the valley, and they on

the far side, and the cara-van was on lower ground than you. Even if you had made a mutual appoint-ment to meet, you would certainly have failed in that appointment. But you met, so that God might ac-complish a matter des-tined. And that those who died might die after guid-ance had been given. And that those who lived might live after guidance had been given. And indeed God is He Who hears and knows all things. 42Remember in your dream God showed them to you as few. If He had shown them to you as many, you would surely have been discour-aged, and you would surely have disputed in your deci-sion, but God saved you, for He knows well the se-crets of the chest. 43And remember when you met, He showed them to you as few in your eyes, and He made you appear as few in their eyes, so that God would accomplish a matter destined, for to God do all questions go back. 4O you who believe, when you meet a fighting-force, be strong and remember God much, that you can perhaps succeed. 45And follow God and His messenger, and do not fall into any disputes, lest you

127

Eight

lose heart and your power leaves you. And be patient and persevering, for God is with those who patiently persevere. 46And do not be like those who started from their homes arrogantly, to be seen of people, and to hin-der people from the path of God, for God encom-passes all that they do. 47Remember Satan made their acts seem alluring to them and said, “No one among humanity can over-come you this day, while I am near to you.” But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he turned on his heels and said, “Indeed, I am clear of you. Indeed, I see what you do not see. Indeed I fear God, for God is strict in punishment.” 48Then the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease said, “These peo-ple, their way has misled them.” But if any trust in God, behold, God is the Ex-alted in Might, the Wise. 49If you could see when the angels take the souls of the unbelievers, and they strike their faces and their backs saying, “Taste the penalty of the blazing fire, 50

“Because of what your hands sent forth, for God is never unjust to His ser-vants. 51“Like the way of the people of Pharaoh and of those before them. They rejected the signs of God, and God punished them for their wrong doing, for God is strong and exact in pun-ishment. 52“And God will never change the favor which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in themselves, and indeed God is He Who hears and knows all things.” 53The way of the people of Pharaoh and those before them, is that they treated the signs of their Lord as false. So We caused them to perish for their wrong-doing, and We drowned the people of Pharaoh, for they were all oppressors and wrongdoers. 54For the worst of creatures in the sight of God are those who reject Him and will not believe. 55They are those with whom you have made a covenant, but they break their covenant every time, be-cause they are not regard-ful. 56If you gain an advantage over them in war, then re-mind those who follow

128

Eight

them, so they may con-sider. 57If you fear treachery from any group, throw back their covenant to them, in order to be on equal terms, for God does not love the treacherous. 58Do not let the unbelievers think that they can get the better of you, they will never prevail. 59Against them, make your strength ready to the ut-most of your power, includ-ing steeds of war, to strike fear into the hearts of the enemies of God, who are also your enemies, and others besides you, whom you may not know, but whom God knows. What-ever you give in the cause of God will be repaid to you, and you will not be treated unjustly. 60But if the enemy reaches out for peace, you should reach out for peace, and trust in God, for He is One who hears and knows all things. 61If they intend to deceive you, indeed God suffices. He strengthened you with His aid and with the com-pany of the believers, 62And He has put affection between their hearts. Not even if you had offered all that is in the earth could you have produced that

affection. But God has done it, for He is Exalted in Might, the Wise. 63O messenger, enough for you is God, and for those who follow you among the believers. 64O messenger, rouse the be-lievers to the fight. If there are twenty among you, pa-tient and persevering, they will defeat two hundred. If a hundred, they will defeat a thousand of the unbeliev-ers, for these are people without understanding. 65For the time being, God has lightened your task, for He knows that there is a soft-spot in you, but if there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will defeat two hun-dred, and if a thousand, they will defeat two thou-sand, by the permission of God, for God is with those who patiently perse-vere. 66It is not fitting for a prophet to have prisoners of war until he has fought in the land. You look for the temporary goods of the present, but God looks to the hereafter, and God is Exalted in Might, the Wise. 67Had it not been for previ-ous ordainment from God, a severe penalty would

129

Eight

have reached you for that which you took. 68But enjoy what you took in war, permissible and good, but be conscious of God, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 69O messenger, say to those who are captives in your hands, “If God finds any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than that which has been taken from you, and He will forgive you, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming.” 70But if they have deceptive plans against you, they have already committed treason against God, so He has given you power over them, and God is He Who has knowledge and wis-dom. 71Those who believed, and accepted exile, and fought for the faith with their property and their persons in the cause of God, as well as those who gave them asylum and aid, these are friends and protectors of each other. As for those who believed but did not go into exile, you owe no duty of protection, until they go into exile. But if they seek your aid, it is your duty to help them. Ex-cept against a people with whom you have a treaty of

mutual alliance. And God sees all that you do. 72The unbelievers are pro-tectors, one of another. So unless you protect each other, there will be tumult and oppression on earth, and great crimes. 73Those who believe and go into exile, and fight for the faith in the cause of God, as well as those who give them asylum and aid, these are all, in truth, the believers. For them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most gener-ous. 74And those who then accept faith and go into exile, and fight for the faith in your company, they are of you. But family by blood has first rights over the others in the book of God, and in-deed God is well ac-quainted with all things. 75

130

NINEAnnounce a declaration of immunity from God and His messenger to the pa-gans with whom you have contracted a mutual al-liance. 1Go then for four months, backward and forward throughout the land, but know that you cannot stop God, but that God will cover with shame those who reject Him. 2And announce from God and His messenger, to the people on the day of the Great Hajj, that God and His messenger dissolves your obligations to the pa-gans. If you then repent, it is best for you. But if you turn away, know that you cannot stop God. And pro-claim a terrible penalty to those who do not believe. 3But the treaties are not dissolved with those pa-gans with whom you have entered into an alliance, and who have not since failed you concerning any-thing, nor aided anyone against you. So fulfill your responsibility to them to the end of their term, for God loves the righteous. 4But when the forbidden months have passed, fight and slay the pagans wher-ever you find them. And seize them, surround

them, and lie and wait for them with every strategy of war. But if they repent, es-tablish prayer, and give za-kat, then open the way for them, for God is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 5If anyone among the pa-gans asks you for asylum, grant it to him, so that he may hear the word of God. Then escort him to where he can be secure, because they are people without knowledge. 6How can there be an al-liance before God and His messenger with the pa-gans, except those with whom you made a treaty near the Sacred Masjid? As long as they stand true to you, stand true to them, for God loves the right-eous. 7And how can there be such an alliance, seeing that if they get an advantage over you, they will not respect the ties of family or covenant? With words from their mouths they entice you, but their hearts are averse to you, and most of them are rebellious and wicked. 8They have sold the signs of God for a miserable price, and many have they hin-dered from His way. Wrong

131

Nine

indeed are the deeds they have done. 9They do not respect believ-ers’ ties of family or covenant. They have trans-gressed all bounds. 10But if they repent, estab-lish prayer, and give zakat, then they are your broth-ers and sisters in faith. We explain the signs in detail, for those who under-stand. 11But if they violate their promises after their covenant, and taunt you for your faith, fight the leaders of disbelief, for their promises mean noth-ing to them. Do this so that they may be re-strained. 12Will you not fight the peo-ple who violated their promises, plotted to expel the messenger, and took the offensive by being the first to assault you? Do you fear them? No, it is God Whom you should fear, if you believe. 13Fight them, and God will punish them by your hands, cover them with shame, help you to victory over them, heal the chest of believers, 14And remove anger from their hearts, for God will turn to whom He wills, and God is All Knowing, All Wise. 15

Or do you think that you will be abandoned, as though God did not know those among you who strive? And take none for friends and protectors ex-cept God, His messenger, and the believers? But God is well acquainted with all that you do. 16It is not for those who join gods with God to visit or maintain the places of wor-ship of God, while witness-ing against their own selves to unbelief. The works of such people bear no fruit, and they will dwell in fire. 17The place of worship of God will be visited and maintained by those who believe in God and the Last Day, establish prayer, give zakat, and who fear none except God. They should expect to be on true guid-ance. 18Do you make the giving of drink to pilgrims, or the maintenance of the Sacred Masjid, equal to the deeds of those who believe in God and the Last Day, and strive in the cause of God? They are not comparable in the sight of God, and God does not guide those who do wrong. 19Those who believe, suffer exile, and strive in God's cause with their goods and their persons, have the

132

Nine

highest rank in the sight of God. They are the peo-ple who will achieve salva-tion. 20Their Lord gives them good news of mercy from Himself, of His blessings, and of gardens for them, wherein are pleasures that endure. 21They will dwell therein for-ever. Indeed in God's pres-ence is a great reward. 22O you who believe, do not take your parents and your siblings for protectors, if they love unbelief above faith. If any of you do so, they do wrong. 23Say, if your parents, your children, your siblings, your spouses, your ex-tended family, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, or the homes in which you love, are dearer to you than God or His messenger, or the striving in His cause, then wait until God brings about His decision. And God does not guide the re-bellious. 24Surely God helped you in many battlefields, and on the day of Hunain. Remem-ber, your great numbers elated you, but they availed you nothing. The land, as wide as it is, con-

strained you and you turned back in retreat. 25But God poured His calm on the messenger and on the believers, and sent down forces which you did not see. He punished the unbelievers. And that is the punishment for those without faith. 26Again, after this, God will turn to whom He wills. For God is Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming. 27O you who believe, truly the pagans are corrupt, so do not let them, after this year of theirs, approach the Sacred Masjid. And if you fear poverty, soon God will enrich you, if He wills, out of His bounty, for God is All Knowing, All Wise. 28Fight those who do not be-lieve in God, nor the Last Day, nor hold forbidden which has been forbidden by God and His messenger, nor acknowledge the way of truth, even if they are of the people of the Book, un-til they pay the jizyah with willingness, even though they are of modest means. 29The Jews call ‘Uzair a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is a saying from their mouth. They only imitate what the unbelievers in the

133

Nine

past used to say. God's curse is on them. Indeed they are deluded. 30They take their scholarly and religious to be their lords instead of God, as well as Christ the son of Mary, although they were asked to worship only One God. There is no god but He. Praise and Glory be to Him, and far is He from having the partners they associate with Him. 31They try to extinguish God's light with their mouths, but God will not allow that, but only that His light should be bright-ened, even though the un-believers hate it. 32It is He Who has sent His messenger with guidance and the natural way of life, to proclaim it over all ways of life, even though the pa-gans detest it. 33O you who believe, there are indeed many among the religious scholars and religious leaders, who un-justly take the sustenance of people and hinder them from the way of God, and there are those who bury gold and silver and do not give it in the way of God. Announce to them a most terrible penalty. 34On the day when heat will be produced out of that wealth in the fire of hell,

and with it their foreheads will be branded, their sides, and their backs, “This is the treasure which you buried for yourselves. Now taste of the treasures you buried.” 35The number of months in the sight of God is twelve, ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth. Of them four are sacred. That is the upright religion. Thus do not wrong yourselves, and fight the pagans together as they fight you together, but know that God is with those who restrain them-selves. 36Indeed postponing it is ad-ditional unbelief. The un-believers are led to wrong by it, for they make it per-missible one year and for-bidden another year, in or-der to change the number of months forbidden by God, and to make forbid-den ones permissible. Their wrong way seems right to them, but God does not guide those who do not believe. 37O you who believe, what is the matter with you, that when you are asked to go forward in the cause of God, you cling heavily to the earth? Do you prefer the life of the present to the hereafter? But little are the comforts of this

134

Nine

life, as compared with the hereafter. 38Unless you move forward, He will punish you with a terrible penalty and put others in your place, but you would not harm Him in the least, for God has power over all things. 39Since you would not help him, God indeed helped him when the unbelievers drove him out. He had no more than one companion, the two were in the cave, and he said to his compan-ion, “Have no fear, God is with us.” Then God sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which you did not see, and humbled the word of the unbelievers, but the word of God is exalted to the heights, for God is Ex-alted in Might, the Wise. 40Move forward, whether lightly equipped or heavily equipped, and strive and struggle with your goods and your persons, in the cause of God. That is best for you, if you only knew. 41If there had been immedi-ate gain, and the journey was easy, they would all, without doubt, have fol-lowed you, but the dis-tance was long. They in-deed swear by God, “If we could, we would certainly

have come out with you.” They ruin their own-selves, for God knows that they are certainly lying. 42God forgives you, but why did you not grant leave to them until it became evi-dent to you those who were truthful, and you knew in-deed who the liars were? 43Those who believe in God and the Last Day do not ask you for exemption from fighting with their goods and persons, and God knows well those who do their duty. 44The only ones who asks you for exemption are those who do not believe in God and the Last Day, or whose hearts are in doubt, so that they are tossed in their doubts, back and forth. 45If they had intended to come, they would certainly have prepared. But God was against their coming, so He made them lag be-hind, and they were told, “Sit among those who sit.” 46If they had come with you, they would not have con-tributed anything but dis-order, hurrying back and forth in your presence, and sowing sedition among you. And there would have been among you, some who

135

Nine

would have listened to them. But God knows well those who do wrong. 47Indeed they had plotted sedition before, and upset matters for you, until the truth arrived, and the de-cree of God became mani-fest, much to their disap-pointment. 48Among them are the peo-ple who say, “Grant me ex-emption, and draw me not into a trial.” Have they not fallen into a trial already? And indeed hell surrounds the unbelievers. 49If good befalls you, it grieves them, but if a mis-fortune befalls you they say, “We indeed took pre-cautions beforehand,” And they turn away rejoic-ing. 50Say, “Nothing will happen to us except what God has decreed. He is our protec-tor.” And on God let the believers put their trust. 51Say, “Can you expect for us any fate other than one of two glorious things? But we can expect that for you either that God will send His punishment from Him-self, or by our hands. So wait, we too will wait with you.” 52Say, “Give willingly or un-willingly, but it will not be accepted from you, for you

are indeed a people rebel-lious and wicked.” 53The reasons their contri-butions are not accepted are that they reject God and His messenger. They come to prayer without earnestness, and they offer contributions unwill-ingly. 54Let not their wealth nor their children dazzle you. In reality, God's plan is to punish them with these things in this life, and that their souls may perish in their denial of God. 55They swear by God that they are indeed with you, but they are not with you. So they are afraid. 56If they could find a place to flee to, a cave or some other place to hide, they would rush there. 57And among them are the people who criticize you concerning charity. If they are given part of it they are pleased, but if not be-hold, they are indignant. 58If only they had been con-tent with what God and His messenger gave them and said, “Sufficient for us is God. God and His messen-ger will soon give us of His bounty. To God we turn our hopes.” 59

136

Nine

Sadaqah is for the poor and the needy, those em-ployed to administer it, those whose hearts have been reconciled, those in bondage and in debt, and are in the cause of God, and for displaced persons. This is ordained by God, and God is full of knowl-edge and wisdom. 60Among them are the peo-ple who harass the Prophet and say, “He is all ears.” Say, “He listens to what is best for you. He believes in God, has faith in the be-lievers, and is a mercy to those of you who believe.” But those who harass the messenger will have a ter-rible penalty. 61To you they swear by God, in order to please you. But it is more fitting that they should please God and His messenger, if they are be-lievers. 62Do they not know that for those who oppose God and His messenger is the fire of hell where they will dwell forever? That is the terrible disgrace. 63The hypocrites are afraid that a Surah will be sent down about them, reveal-ing what is in their heart. Say, “You mock, but indeed God will bring to light all that you fear.” 64

If you question them they declare, “We were only talking, we were playing.” Say, “Was it God, His signs, and His messenger which you were mocking?” 65Make you no excuses. You have rejected faith after you had accepted it. If We pardon some of you, We will punish others among you, because they are wrongdoers. 66The hypocrites, men and women, are with each other. They encourage evil and forbid what is just, and close their hands. They have forgotten God, so He has forgotten them. Indeed the hypocrites are rebel-lious. 67God has promised the hyp-ocrites, men and women, and the rejecters of faith, the fire of hell. Therein will they dwell. Appropri-ate is it for them. For them is the curse of God and an enduring punishment, 68As in the case of those be-fore you. They were might-ier than you were, and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion, as you enjoy yours. As did those before you. And you indulge in idle talk as they did. Their work is fruitless in the present and in the here-after, and they lose much. 69

137

Nine

Has the story not reached them of those before them, like the people of Noah, ‘Ad, Thamud, the people of Abraham, the people of Midian, and the cities overthrown? To them came their messengers with clear signs. God did not wrong them, but they wrong their own souls. 70The believers, men and women, are protectors one of another. They encourage what is right and forbid what is wrong. They ob-serve prayer, give zakat, and follow God and His messenger. On them God will pour His mercy, for God is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 71God has promised to be-lievers, men and women, gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein. And beautiful mansions in gar-dens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the blessings of God, that is the ultimate accomplish-ment. 72O prophet, strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is hell, an evil refuge indeed. 73They swear by God that they said nothing, but in-deed they uttered blas-phemy, and they did it af-ter accepting Al-Islam. And

they devised a plot which they were unable to carry out. The revenge of theirs was the return for the bounty with which God and His messenger had en-riched them. If they re-pent, it will be best for them, but if they turn back, God will punish them with a terrible penalty in this life and in the next. They will have none on earth to protect or help them. 74Among them are the peo-ple who made a covenant with God, that if He be-stowed on them His bounty, they would give in charity, and be truly among those who are righteous. 75But when He bestowed His bounty, they became con-sumed with greed, and turned back aversely. 76So He has put hypocrisy into their hearts, until the day they will meet Him, be-cause they broke their covenant with God, and be-cause they lied. 77Do they not know that God knows their secret and their secret counsels, and that God knows well all things unknown? 78Those who slander those believers who give freely in charity, as well as those who can find nothing to

138

Nine

give except the fruits of their labor, and those who throw ridicule on them, God will throw back their ridicule, and they will have a terrible penalty, 79Whether you ask for their forgiveness or not. Even if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness, God will not forgive them, because they have rejected God and His messenger, and God does not guide those who are rebellious. 80Those who were left be-hind rejoiced in their inac-tion behind the back of the messenger of God, and they hated to strive and fight with their goods and their persons in the cause of God. They said, “Do not go forward in the heat.” Say, “The fire of hell is fiercer in heat.” If only they could understand. 81Let them laugh a little, much will they weep. A re-ward for what they do. 82If God then brings you back to any of them, and they ask your permission to go say, “Never will you come with me, nor fight an enemy with me, for you preferred to sit inactive the first time. So sit with those who lag behind.” 83Nor should you ever pray for any of them that die, nor stand at their grave,

for they rejected God and His messenger, and died rejecting. 84Nor let their wealth nor their children dazzle you. God's plan is to punish them with the things of the present, and for their souls to perish for their reject-ing it. 85When a Surah comes down, encouraging them to believe in God and to strive and fight along with His messenger, those with wealth and influence among them ask you for exemption. Say, “Leave us. We will be with those who sit.” 86They prefer to be with those who remain behind. Their hearts are sealed, so they do not understand. 87But the messenger, and those who believe with him, strive and fight with their wealth and their per-sons, for them are all good things, and they will flour-ish. 88God has prepared for them gardens with rivers flowing through them, to dwell therein forever. That is the ultimate accomplishment. 89And there were among the desert Arabs, those who made excuses and came to claim exemption. And those who lied to God and

139

Nine

His messenger sat inac-tive. Soon a terrible penalty will seize the unbe-lievers among them. 90There is no blame on those who are infirm or ill, or who find no resources to give. If they are sincere to God and His messenger, no ground of complaint can there be against those who do right, and God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 91Nor on those who came to you to be provided with mounts and when you said, “I can find no mounts for you,” they eventually left, their eyes streaming with tears of grief, because they could not find the re-sources. 92The grounds of complaint are against those who claim exemption while they are rich. They prefer to stay with those who remain behind. God sealed their hearts, but they knew not. 93 (End of Part 10)They will present their ex-cuses to you when you re-turn to them. Say, “Make no excuses, we will not be-lieve you. God has already informed us of the true state of affairs concerning you. God and His messen-ger will observe your ac-tions. In the end you will be brought back to He Who knows what is secret

and what is open. Then He will show you the truth of all that you did.” 94They will swear to you by God when you return to them so that you may leave them alone. So leave them alone, for they are a dis-grace, and hell is their dwelling-place, a fitting re-ward for what they did. 95They will swear to you so that you may be pleased with them, but even if you are pleased with them, God is not pleased with those who are defiant. 96The Arabs of the desert are more stark in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely than not, they know the limits concerning what God has sent down to His messenger, but God is All Knowing, All Wise. 97Some of the desert Arabs look at their payments as a fine, and watch for a disas-ter to reach you. On them will be the terrible disas-ter, for God is He Who hears and knows all things. 98But some of the desert Arabs believe in God and the Last Day, and look at their payment as a pious gift bringing them nearer to God and for obtaining the prayers of the messen-ger. Yes, indeed it brings them closer. Soon God will

140

Nine

admit them to His mercy, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 99The forerunners are the first of those who aban-doned their homes, those who gave them aid, and those who follow them in good deeds. Well-pleased is God with them, as are they with Him. He has pre-pared for them gardens through which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That is the greatest accom-plishment. 100Some of the desert Arabs around you are hypocrites, as well as those among the residents of Medina. They persist in hypocrisy. You do not know them, but We know them. Twice will We punish them, and they will be sent to a terrible penalty. 101Others have acknowledged their wrongdoing. They have mixed an act that was beneficial with another that was harmful. Perhaps God will turn to them, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming. 102Of their wealth, accept contributions from them, that you might refine them and cause them increase, and pray on their behalf. Indeed your prayers are a source of peace for them, and God is One Who hears and knows. 103

Do they not know that God accepts repentance from His devotees and receives their contributions, and that God is indeed the Oft-Returning, the Merciful Redeemer? 104And say, “Strive, and soon will God acknowledge your striving, as will His mes-senger and the believers. Soon you will be brought back to the Knower of what is hidden and what is open. Then He will show you the truth of all that you did.” 105There are others held in suspense by the command of God, whether He pun-ishes them, or turns to them in mercy, God is All Knowing, All Wise. 106And there are those who establish a masjid by way of wrong and rejection, to divide the believers, and for those who warred against God and His mes-senger. They will indeed declare that their inten-tions are nothing but good, but God declares that they are certainly liars. 107Never stand there. For cer-tainly there is a masjid whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety, it is more worthy of your standing. In it are people who love to be refined. And God loves those who refine themselves. 108

141

Nine

Which then is best? He who lays his foundation on piety to God and His bless-ings, or he who lays his foundation on an unstable sand-cliff waiting to col-lapse? And it will crumble to pieces with him into the fire of hell, and God does not guide people while they do wrong. 109The foundation of those who build it is never free from suspicion in their hearts until their hearts are cut into pieces. And God is All Knowing, All Wise. 110God has purchased from the believers, their persons and their goods, and for this, the garden is theirs. They fight in His cause, they slay and are slain. A promise binding on Him in reality, through the Law, the gospel, and the Quran. And who is more faithful to his covenant than God? So rejoice in the transaction which you have contracted. That is the ultimate achievement. 111Those who turn in repen-tance, who serve and praise Him, who move about in devotion in the cause of God, who bow down and prostrate them-selves in prayer, who en-courages good and forbids wrong, and observe the limit set by God, proclaim

the good news to these be-lievers. 112It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who be-lieve, that they should pray for forgiveness for pagans, even if they are family, af-ter it is clear to them that they are companions of the fire. 113And Abraham prayed for his father’s forgiveness, only because of a promise he made to him, but when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to God, he dissociated himself from him, though Abraham was most loving and loyal. 114And God will not mislead a people after He has guided them, in order that He may make clear to them what to be conscious of, for God has knowledge of all things. 115To God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and He takes it. Except for Him, you have neither protector nor helper. 116God turned with favor to the Prophet, the Muhajirs, and the Ansar who fol-lowed him in a time of dis-tress. After that, the hearts of some of them nearly strayed, but He turned to them, for He is to them

142

Nine

Most Kind, Mercifully Re-deeming. 117To the three who were left behind, they felt that the earth was constraining them, even in all its spa-ciousness. And their souls also seemed to be con-straining them. Then they understood that there was no refuge from God, only with Him. Then He turned to them, so that they could repent, for God is Oft-Re-turning, Mercifully Re-deeming. 118O you who believe, be aware of God, and be with those who are authen-tic. 119It was not fitting for the people of Medina and the Bedouin Arabs of the com-munity to refuse to follow God's messenger, or to prefer their own lives to his. Because nothing could they suffer or do that was not added to their credit as a deed of righteousness, whether they suffered thirst, or fatigue, or hunger, in the cause of God, or trod paths to anger the unbelievers, or re-ceived injury from an en-emy. God does not cause the reward to be lost, for those who do right. 120Nor could they give any-thing small or great, nor cut across a valley, but the deed is inscribed to their

credit, that God may repay their deeds with the best. 121Nor should the believers go forth all together. A contingent from every de-ployment should remain behind and devote them-selves to understanding the ways of life, that they may advise their people when they return to them, and so that they may stay current. 122O you who believe, fight the unbelievers who are close to you, and let them find resolve in you, and know that God is with those who are conscious of Him. 123Whenever a Surah comes down, some of them say, “Which of you has had his faith increased by it?” Yes, those who believe, their faith has increased and they rejoice. 124But those in whose hearts are a disease, it will add doubt to their doubt, and they will die in a state of unbelief. 125Do they not see that they are challenged every year once or twice? Yet they do not turn in repentance, and they do not review it. 126Whenever a Surah is re-vealed, they look at each other saying, “Does anyone

143

Nine

see you?” Then they turn away, so God has turned their hearts away, for they are a people who do not understand. 127Now there has come to you a messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you suffer. He is con-cerned about you. To the believers he is most kind and merciful. 128But if they turn away say, “God suffices me. There is no god but Him. With Him is my trust, He the Lord of the throne, Supreme.” 129

144

TEN

Alif, Laam, Raa. These are the signs of the Book of Wisdom. 1Is it a matter of wonder to humanity that We have sent Our inspiration to a person from among them? That he should advise hu-manity, and give the good news to the believers, that they have before their Lord the lofty rank of truth. The unbelievers say, “He is in-deed an obvious de-ceiver.” 2Indeed your Lord is God, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne, regulating and governing all things. No intercessor can plead with Him, except after He gives permission. This is God your Lord, therefore serve Him. Will you not re-member this? 3To Him will all of you re-turn. The promise of God is true and sure. It is He Who begins the process of creation and repeats it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work righteousness. But those who reject Him will have drinks of boiling

fluids, and a penalty terri-ble because they rejected Him. 4It is He Who made the Sun to be a shining light, and the Moon to be a reflected light, and measured out stages for it, that you might know the number of years by counting. God did not create this except in truth and righteousness. He explains His signs in detail, for those who un-derstand. 5Indeed in the alternation of the night and the day, and in all that God has cre-ated in the heavens and the earth, are signs for those who are conscious. 6Those who do not rest their hope on their meet-ing with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who do not heed Our signs, 7Their abode is the fire. This is the misery they earned. 8Those who believe, and work righteousness, their Lord will guide them be-cause of their faith. Be-neath them will flow rivers in gardens of bliss. 9Their cry will be, “Glory to You, O God.” And “Peace” will be their greeting, and the end of their prayer will

145

Ten

be, “Praise God, Lord of all the worlds.” 10If God were to hasten for humanity the wrong they have earned, as they would have hastened on the good, then would their respite be settled at once. But We leave in their trespasses those who refuse to rest their hope on their meet-ing with Us, wandering in distraction. 11When trouble touches a person, they pray to Us ly-ing down on their side, sit-ting, or standing. But when We have solved their problem, they go on as if they had never prayed to Us for the trouble that touched them. Thus the deeds of transgressors seem fair in their eyes. 12Generations before you We caused to perish when they did wrong. Their messen-gers came to them with clear signs, but they would not believe. This is how We repay those who do wrong. 13Then We made you heirs in the land after them, to see how you would behave. 14But when Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, those who do not rest their hope on their meeting with Us say, “Bring us a reading other than this, or change this.” Say, “It is not for me,

of my own volition, to change it. I follow nothing but what is revealed to me. If I were to ignore my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a great and dreadful day.” 15Say, “If God had so willed, I should not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you. A whole lifetime before this have I lived among you. Will you not then believe?” 16Who does more wrong than one who forges a lie against God, or deny His signs? But never will suc-ceed, those who are cor-rupt. 17They serve besides God, things that cannot hurt them nor profit them, and they say, “These are our in-tercessors with God.” Say, “Do you indeed inform God of something He does not know of, in the heavens or on earth? Glory be to Him, and far is He above the partners they ascribe.” 18Humanity was once one people, and then became diverse. Had it not been for a word that went forth before from your Lord, their differences would have been settled between them. 19They say, “Why is not a sign sent down to him

146

Ten

from his Lord?” Say, “The unknown is only for God. But wait, I too will wait with you.” 20When We make humanity taste mercy after adversity has touched them, behold, they take to planning against Our signs. Say, “Faster to plan is God.” In-deed Our messengers record all the plans that you make. 21He is the One Who enables you to traverse through land and sea. Then when you board ships, they sail with them with a favorable wind, and they rejoice. But then comes a stormy wind, and the waves come to them from all sides, and when they think they are being overwhelmed they cry to God sincerely, offer-ing their devotion to Him saying, “If you deliver us from this, we will truly show our gratitude.” 22But when He delivers them, behold, they trans-gress insolently through the earth in defiance of right. O humanity, your in-solence is against your own souls, and though you may enjoy the life of the present, in the end, you will return to Us and We will show you the truth of all that you did. 23The likeness of the life of the present is as the rain

which We send down from the skies. By its mingling, arises the produce of the earth which provides food for humanity and animals. It grows until the earth is clad with its golden orna-ments and is beautified. The people to whom it be-longs think they have power of disposal over it. Then it reaches Our com-mand by night or by day, and We make it like a har-vest clean-mown, as if it had not flourished only the day before. Thus do We ex-plain the signs in detail for those who reflect. 24But God calls to the home of peace. He guides whom He pleases to a way that is straight. 25To those who do right is good indeed, more and more. Neither darkness nor shame will cover their faces. They are compan-ions of the garden, and they will live therein for-ever. 26But those who have earned misery will have a reward of like misery. Disgrace will cover them. No de-fender will they have from God. Their faces will be covered, as with pieces from the depth of the dark-ness of night. They are companions of the fire. They will dwell therein for-ever. 27

147

Ten

One day We will gather them all together. Then We will say to those who joined gods with Us, “To your place. You and those you joined as partners.” We will separate them, and their partners will say, “It was not us that you wor-shipped. 28“Enough is God for a wit-ness between us and you. We certainly knew nothing of your worship of us.” 29There will every soul be put to trial for every deed they did. They will be brought back to God, their rightful Lord, and that which they made up will leave them. 30Say, “Who is it that sus-tains you from the sky and from the earth? And who is it that has power over hearing and sight? And who is it that brings the living from the dead, and the dead from the living? And who is it that rules and regulates all affairs?” They will soon say, “God.” Say, “Will you not then be regardful?” 31Such is God your true Lord. Apart from truth what remains but error? How then are you turned away? 32So the word of your Lord is proved true against those

who rebel, indeed they will not believe. 33Say, “Of your partners, can any originate creation and repeat it?” Say, “It is God Who originates creation and repeats it. So how are you deluded?” 34Say, “Of your partners, are there any that can give any guidance towards truth?” Say, “It is God Who gives guidance towards truth. Then is He Who gives guid-ance to truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds no guidance unless he is guided? What then is the matter with you, and oh how you judge?” 35But most of them follow nothing but their desire, and truly desire can be of no avail against truth. In-deed God is well aware of all that they do. 36This Quran could not be produced by any other than God. It is a reflection of the truth that came be-fore it, and an explanation of the Bible, it is no doubt from the Guardian Evolver of all the systems of knowl-edge. 37Or do they say, “He fabri-cated it?” Say, “Well, bring a Surah like it, and call anyone you can, besides God, if you speak the truth.” 38

148

Ten

No, they charge with false-hood him whose knowl-edge they cannot encom-pass, even before the un-derstanding of it has reached them. And those before them made similar charges of falsehood. Then consider what the end of those who did wrong was. 39Of them, there are some who believe in it, and some who do not, and your Lord knows best those who are out to do wrong. 40If they charge you with falsehood say, “My deeds to me, and yours to you. You are free from responsi-bility for what I do, and I for what you do.” 41Among them are some who hear you, but can you cause the deaf to hear when they are without un-derstanding? 42And among them are some who look at you, but can you guide the blind when they will not see? 43Indeed God will not deal unjustly with people. It is the people who wrong their own selves. 44One day He will gather them together as if they had stayed but an hour of a day. They will recognize each other. Surely those will be lost who denied the meeting with God, and re-

fused to receive true guid-ance. 45Whether We show you some part of what We promise them, or We take your soul beforehand, in any case, to Us is their re-turn. And God is witness to all that they do. 46For every people is a mes-senger, and when their messenger comes, the mat-ter will be judged between them with justice, and they will not be wronged. 47They say, “When will this promise come to pass, if you speak the truth?” 48Say, “I have no power over any harm or profit even to myself, except as God wills. To every people is a term appointed. When their term is reached, not an hour can they delay it or advance it.” 49Say, “Do you see that if His punishment should come to you by night or by day, what portion of it would those who are corrupt wish to hasten? 50“Would you then believe in it at last, when it actually comes to pass as you wanted to hasten it?” 51“Then it will be said to the wrongdoers, ‘Taste the en-during punishment. You get only the reward you earned.’ ” 52

149

Ten

They ask you, “Is that true?” Say, “Yes, by my Lord, it is true, and you cannot escape it.” 53Every soul that has sinned, if it could possess all that is on earth, could not give it in ransom. They would declare repentance when they see the penalty, but the judgment between them will be with justice, and no wrong will be done to them. 54Is it not that to God be-longs all that is in the heavens and on earth? Is it not that God's promise is surely true? Yet most of them do not under-stand. 55It is He Who gives life and takes it, and to Him will you all be brought back. 56O humanity, there has come to you direction from your Lord and healing for your hearts. And for those who believe, it is guidance and mercy. 57Say, “In the bounty of God, and in His mercy, in those let them rejoice.” That is better than what they hoard. 58Say, “See what God has sent down to you for suste-nance? Yet you hold forbid-den some of it and some things permissible.” Say, “Has God indeed permitted you to do this, or do you

create things to attribute to God.” 59And what do they think, those who invent lies against God, of the Day of Accountability? Indeed God is full of bounty to hu-manity, but most of them are ungrateful. 60In whatever activity you may be engaged, and what-ever portion you may be reciting from the Quran, and whatever deed you may be doing, We witness it, when you are deeply en-gaged in it. Nothing is hid-den from your Lord, not even something the weight of an atom on the earth or in heaven. The least and the greatest of these things are recorded in a clear record. 61Behold, on the friends of God there is no fear, nor will they grieve. 62Those who believe and guard against wrong, 63For them is good news, in the life of the present and in the hereafter. No change can there be in the words of God. This is in-deed the ultimate accom-plishment. 64Do not let their speech grieve you. All power and honor belong to God. It is He Who hears and knows all things. 65

150

Ten

Behold, to God belong all creatures in the heavens and on earth. What do they follow, those who worship as His partners things other than God? They fol-low nothing but their de-sires, and they do nothing but lie. 66He is the One Who has made for you the night that you may rest therein, and the day to make things visible, indeed in this are signs for those who lis-ten. 67They say, “God has taken a son, glory is to him.” No, He is Self-Sufficient. His are all things in the heav-ens and on earth. No per-mission do you have for this. Do you say about God what you know not? 68Say, “Those who create a lie against God will never prosper.” 69They will find enjoyment in the present, then to Us will be their return, and then will We make them taste the severest penalty for their blasphemy. 70Relate to them the story of Noah. Behold, he said to his people, “O my people, if it is hard on you that I should stay and commemo-rate the signs of God, and that I put my trust in God, then get an agreement about your plan from

among your partners. Your plan is dark and dubious, and pass your sentence on me, and give me no respite. 71“But if you turn away, no reward have I asked of you. My reward is only due from God, and I have been asked to be of those who submit to God's will.” 72They rejected Him, but We delivered him, and those with him in the Ark. And We made them inheritors, while We overwhelmed in the flood those who re-jected Our signs. Then see what the end of those who were warned was. 73Then after him, We sent messengers to their peo-ples. They brought them clear signs, but they would not believe in what they had already rejected be-forehand. Thus do We seal the hearts of the trans-gressors. 74Then after them, We sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his nomarchs with Our signs, but they were arrogant. They were a corrupt people. 75When the truth came to them from Us, they said, “These are indeed lies.” 76Said Moses, “Say this about the truth when it has reached you? Are lies

151

Ten

like this? And those who lie will not prosper.” 77They said, “Have you come to us to turn us away from the ways we found our par-ents following, in order that you and your brother may have greatness in the land? We will not believe you two.” 78Said Pharaoh, “Bring me every illusionist well-versed.” 79When the illusionists came, Moses said to them, “Throw you what you wish to throw.” 80Once they had thrown, Moses said, “What you have brought are illusions. God will surely make it of no effect, for God causes not to prosper the work of those who do wrong. 81“And God, by His words, does prove and establish His truth, however much those who are corrupt may hate it.” 82But none believed in Moses except offspring of his people, because of the fear of Pharaoh and his no-marchs, lest they should persecute them, and cer-tainly, Pharaoh was mighty on the earth, and one who transgressed all bounds. 83Moses said, “O my people, if you do believe in God,

then put your trust in Him, if you are Muslims.” 84They said, “In God we trust.” Our Lord, make us not a trial for those who oppress, 85“And remove us, by Your mercy, from those who re-ject You.” 86We inspired Moses and his brother with this message, “Provide houses for your people in Egypt, make your houses into places of wor-ship, and establish prayer, and give good news to those who believe.” 87Moses prayed, “Our Lord, You have indeed bestowed on Pharaoh and his no-marchs splendor and wealth in the life of the present, and Our Lord, they mislead the people from Your path. Deface, Our Lord, the features of their wealth, and send hardness to their hearts, so that they will not be-lieve until they see the ter-rible penalty.” 88God said, “Accepted is your prayer. So stand straight, and do not follow the path of those who know not.” 89We took the Children of Is-rael across the sea. Pharaoh and his legions followed them in insolence and spite. Then, when overwhelmed with the flood he said, “I believe

152

Ten

that there is no god except Him Whom the Children of Israel believe in. I am of the Muslims.” 90“Ah, but a little while ago you were in rebellion, and you did wrong. 91“This day will We preserve your body, that you may be a sign to those who come after you. But indeed many among humanity are heed-less of Our signs.” 92We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful dwelling-place, and pro-vided for them sustenance of the best. It was after knowledge had been granted to them that they fell into disagreements, in-deed God will judge be-tween them as to the dis-agreements among them, on the Day of Accountabil-ity. 93If you are in doubt as to what We have revealed to you, then ask those who have been reading the Book before you. The truth has indeed come to you from your Lord. So be in no way of those in doubt. 94Nor be among those who reject the signs of God, or you will become one of those who perish. 95Those whom the word of your Lord, predicted would refuse to believe, 96

Even if every sign was brought to them, until they see the terrible penalty. 97Why was there not a single township that believed? Its faith would have profited it. Except the people of Jonah, when they believed, We removed from them the penalty of disgrace in the life of the present, and permitted them much en-joyment. 98If it had been your Lord’s will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth. Will you then com-pel the people against their will to believe? 99No soul can believe, except by the will of God, and He will place doubt on those who do not wish to under-stand. 100Say, “Behold, all that is in the heavens and on earth,” but neither signs nor warners profit those who believe not. 101Do they then expect any-thing other than what hap-pened in the days of people who passed away before them? Say, “Then wait, I will wait with you.” 102In the end, We deliver Our messengers and those who believe. Thus, it is fitting on Our part that We should deliver those who be-lieve. 103

153

Ten

Say, “O you people, if you are in doubt as to my way, I worship not what you worship other than God. I worship God, Who will take your souls. I am asked to be of the believers. 104“And set your face towards the way with true piety, and never, in any way, be of the unbelievers, 105“Nor call on any other than God. Such will neither profit you nor harm you. If you do, behold, you will certainly be of those who do wrong.” 106If God inflicts you with pain, there are none that can remove it but Him. If He designs some benefit for you, there is none that can keep back His favor. He causes it to reach whomever of His servants He pleases, and He is the Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 107Say, “O you people, truth has reached you from your Lord. Those who receive guidance do so for the good of their own souls, those who stray, do so to their own detriment, and I am not put over you to ar-range your affairs.” 108Follow the inspiration sent to you, and be patient and constant until God decides, for He is the best to de-cide. 109

154

ELEVEN

Alif, Laam, Raa. A book with verses of wisdom, fur-ther explained in detail, from the One who is Most Wise and All Aware. 1Should you worship any other than God? Say, “In-deed I am sent to you from Him to warn and to bring good news. 2“Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, so that He may grant you good enjoy-ment for a term appointed, and bestow His abundant grace on all who have abundant merit. But if you turn away, then I fear for you the penalty of a mo-mentous day. 3“To God is your return, and He has power over all things.” 4Behold, they close up their hearts so that they may lie hidden from Him. Even when they cover them-selves with their garments, He knows what they con-ceal, and what they reveal, for He knows the heart well. 5 (End of Part 11)There is no moving crea-ture on earth whose suste-nance does not depend on

God. He knows the time and place of its activity and its place of rest. All is in a clear record. 6He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His throne was over the waters, so that He would make evi-dent which of you is best in conduct. But if you were to say to them, “You will indeed be raised up after death,” the unbelievers would be sure to say, “This is nothing but obvious delusion.” 7If We delay the penalty for them for a definite term, they are sure to say, “What keeps it back?” On the day it reaches them, nothing will keep it back, and they will be completely encir-cled by that which they used to mock. 8If We give a man a taste of mercy from Ourselves, and then withdraw it from him, behold, he is in despair and falls into blasphemy. 9But if We give him a taste of Our favors after adver-sity has touched him, he is sure to say, “All problems have left me.” Behold, he falls into exultation and pride. 10Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness,

155

Eleven

for them is forgiveness and a great reward. 11Perhaps you may want to give up a part of what is revealed to you, and your heart feels distressed when they say, “Why is a trea-sure not sent down to him, or why does an angel not come down with him?” But you are there only to warn, God manages every-thing. 12Or they may say, “He fabri-cated it.” Say, “Bring then ten Surahs fabricated like it, and call whoever you can, other than God, if you speak the truth. 13"If then they do not answer you, know that this revela-tion is sent down with the knowledge of God, and that there is no god but He. Will you then submit?” 14Those who desire the life of the present and its glit-ter, we will pay them for their deeds, without dimin-ishment. 15They are those for whom there is nothing in the hereafter but the fire. Vain are the designs which they drafted, and of no effect are the deeds that they do. 16Can they be like those who accept guidance from their Lord, and who a witness from Himself teaches, as

did the Book of Moses be-fore it? For it was a guide and a mercy. They believe in it. But those of the sects who reject it, the fire will be their promised meeting place. So do not be in doubt, for it is the truth from your Lord. Yet many among humanity do not believe. 17Who does more wrong than those who invent a lie against God? They will be turned back to the pres-ence of their Lord, and the witnesses will say, “These are the ones who lied about their Lord. Behold, the curse of God is on those who do wrong. 18“Those who would hinder people from the path of God and would seek in it something crooked, these were those who denied the hereafter.” 19They will in no way escape His design on earth, nor have they protectors be-sides God. Their penalty will be doubled. They lost the power to hear, and they could not see. 20They are the ones who have lost themselves, and the desires they invented have abandoned them. 21Without a doubt, these are the very ones who will lose most in the hereafter. 22

156

Eleven

But those who believe and work righteousness, and humble themselves before their Lord, they will be companions of Paradise, and will dwell therein for-ever. 23These two types of people can be compared to the blind and deaf, and those who can see and hear. Are they equal when com-pared? Will you not then take notice? 24We sent Noah to his peo-ple, “I have come to you with clear advice,” 25“That you should serve none but God, and indeed I fear for you the penalty of a terrible day.” 26But the leaders of the un-believers among his people said, “We see you as noth-ing but a human being like ourselves. And the only ones we see following you are the lowest among us, with immature judgment. Nor do we see in you any merit above us. In fact we think you are liars.” 27He said, “O my people, do you see that I have guid-ance from my Lord, and that He has sent mercy to me from His own presence, and that the mercy escapes you? Can we compel you to accept it when you have become averse to it? 28

“And O my people, I ask you for no wealth in re-turn. My reward is from none but God, but I will not drive away those who believe, for indeed they are to meet their Lord, and you, I see as the ignorant ones. 29“And O my people, who would help me against God if I drove them away? Will you not then take heed? 30“I do not tell you that with me are the treasures of God, nor do I know what is hidden, nor do I claim to be an angel, nor do I say of those whom your eyes de-spise that God will not grant them all that is good. God knows best what is in their souls. I would, if I did, indeed be a wrong-doer.” 31They said, “O Noah, you have disputed with us long enough. Now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you speak the truth.” 32He said, “Truly God will bring it on you if He wills, and then you will not be able to stop it. 33“Of no profit will my advice be to you, as much as I de-sire to give you advice, if God wills to leave you astray. It is He Who is your Lord, and to Him will you return.” 34

157

Eleven

Or do they say, “He has fabricated it”? Say, “If I had fabricated it, on me is my sin, and I am free of the sins of which you are guilty. 35It was revealed to Noah, “None of your people will believe except those who have already believed. So grieve no longer over their wrongful deeds. 36“But construct an ark un-der Our eyes and Our in-spiration, and address Me no further on behalf of those who do wrong, for they will soon be over-whelmed.” 37Immediately, he starts con-structing the Ark. Every time the leaders of his peo-ple passed by him, they threw ridicule on him. He said, “If you ridicule us now, we will likewise look down on you with ridicule. 38“But soon will you know on whom will descend a penalty that will cover them with shame, and on whom will be unleashed a lasting penalty.” 39Then behold, there came Our command, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth. We said, “Embark therein, two of each kind, male and fe-male, and your family, ex-cept those against whom

the word has already gone forth, and the believers.” But only a few believed with him. 40So he said, “Embark on the Ark with the name of God, whether it move or be at rest, for my Lord is surely Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming.” 41So the Ark floated with them on the waves, and Noah called out to his son who had separated himself from them, “O my son, em-bark with us, and be not with the unbelievers.” 42The son replied, “I will take myself to some moun-tain. It will save me from the water.” Noah said, “This day nothing can be saved from the command of God, none except those on whom He has mercy, “And the waves came be-tween them, and the son was among those over-whelmed in the flood. 43Then the word came forth, “O earth, swallow up your water, and O sky, withhold your water.” And the water subsided, and the event ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi, and the word came forth, “Away with those who do wrong.” 44And Noah called upon his Lord and said, “O my Lord, surely my son is of my fam-ily, and Your promise is

158

Eleven

true, and You are the Most Just of Judges.” 45He said, “O Noah, he is not of your family, for his con-duct is unrighteous. So ask not of Me that of which you cannot know. I give you counsel, lest you should act like the igno-rant.” 46Noah said, “O my Lord, I do seek refuge with You, lest I ask You for that of which I cannot under-stand, and unless You for-give me and have mercy on me, I will indeed be lost.” 47The word came, “O Noah, come down with peace and those with you, some to whom We will grant their desires, but in the end, a terrible penalty will reach them from Us.” 48Such are some of the sto-ries of the unknown which We have revealed to you. Before this, neither you nor your people knew them. So persevere pa-tiently, for the end is for those who are right-eous. 49To the ‘Ad people We sent Hud, one of their own brothers. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no other god but Him. You do nothing but create the others. 50

“O my people, I ask of you no reward for this. My re-ward is from none but He who created me. Will you not then understand? 51“And O my people, ask for-giveness of your Lord, and turn to Him. He will send you the skies pouring abundant rain, and add strength to your strength. So do not turn back to er-ror.” 52They said, “O Hud, no clear sign have you brought us, and we are not the ones to desert our gods on your word, nor will we believe in you. 53“We say nothing but that some of our gods may have seized you with imbecility.” He said, “I call God to wit-ness, and do you bear wit-ness, that I am free from the wrong of ascribing– 54“Partners to Him? So scheme against me, all of you, and give me no respite. 55“I put my trust in God, my Lord and your Lord. There is not a moving creature, but He has grasp of its sensitivities, indeed my Lord is on a straight path. 56“If you turn away, I have conveyed the message with which I was sent. My Lord will make another people to succeed you, and you

159

Eleven

will not harm Him in the least, for my Lord has care and watch over all things.” 57So when Our decree is-sued, We saved Hud and those who believed with him, by grace from Our-selves. We saved them from a severe penalty. 58Such were the ‘Ad people. They rejected the signs of their Lord, and did not fol-low His messengers, but followed the command of every powerful, obstinate transgressor. 59And they were pursued by a curse in this life, and on the Day of Accountability. Behold, because the ‘Ad re-jected their Lord behold, removed from sight were ‘Ad, the people of Hud. 60To the Thamud people We sent Salih, one of their own brothers. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no other god but Him. It is He Who has pro-duced you from the earth and settled you therein. Then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him, for my Lord is near, ready to answer.” 61They said, “O Salih, You have been for us the center of our hopes. Do you forbid us the worship of what our parents worshipped? But we are really in suspicious

doubt as to that which you invite us.” 62He said, “O my people, do you see that I have guid-ance from my Lord, and He has sent mercy to me from Himself, who then can help me against God if I were to ignore Him? What then would you add to my por-tion but perdition? 63“And O my people, this she-camel of God is a sym-bol to you. Leave it to feed on God's earth, and inflict no harm on it, or a swift penalty will seize you.” 64But they hamstrung it. So he said, “Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days. Behold, then will come a promise without fail.” 65When Our decree issued, We saved Salih and those who believed with him, by grace from Ourselves, and from the disgrace of that day. For your Lord, He is strong and able to enforce His will. 66The mighty blast overtook the wrongdoers, and they lay prostrate in their homes– 67As if they had never lived and flourished there. Be-hold, for the Thamud re-jected their Lord. Behold, removed were the Thamud. 68

160

Eleven

Our messengers came to Abraham with good news they said, “Peace.” He replied, “Peace.” And has-tened to entertain them with a roasted calf. 69But when he saw that their hands did not go towards the meal, he felt uncom-fortable towards them, and conceived a fear of them. They said, “Fear not, we have been sent against the people of Lot.” 70And his wife was standing there, and she laughed when we gave her good news of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob. 71She said, “Oh my, will I bear a child, being that I am an old woman, and my husband here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing.” 72They said, “Do you wonder at God's decree? The grace of God and His blessings are upon you, O you people of the House, for He is in-deed worthy of all praise, full of all glory.” 73When fear had left Abra-ham and the good news had reached him, he began to plead with Us for Lot’s people. 74For Abraham was, without doubt, forbearing, compas-sionate, and given to look to God. 75

O Abraham, do not seek this. The decree of your Lord has gone forth, for them there comes a penalty that cannot be turned back. 76When Our messengers came to Lot, he was grieved on their account, and felt himself powerless to protect them. He said, “This is a distressful day.” 77And his people came rush-ing towards him, and they had been long in the habit of practicing abomina-tions. He said, “O my peo-ple, here are my daugh-ters. They are more pure for you. Now be regardful of God, and cover me not with shame around my guests. Is there not among you a single, right-minded man?” 78They said, “You know well we have no need of your daughters. Indeed you know quite well what we want.” 79He said, “I wish that I had power to suppress you, or that I could go to some great refuge.” 80The messengers said, “O Lot, we are messengers from your Lord. By no means will they reach you, now travel with your family while a part of the night still remains, and let not

161

Eleven

any of you look back, but your wife will remain be-hind. What will happen to her is what happened to others. Morning is their time appointed, and is not the morning near?” 81When Our decree issued, We turned them upside down, and rained down on them brimstone hard as baked clay, spread layer on layer, 82Marked from your Lord, nor is this ever far from those who do wrong. 83To the Madyan people We sent Shu’aib, one of their own brothers. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no other god but Him, and give not short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the penalty of a day that will encompass all. 84“And O my people, give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things that are their due. And do not cause harm in the land with in-tent to do wrong. 85“That which has left you, by God, is best for you if you believe, but I am not put over you to keep watch.” 86They said, “O Shu’aib, does your prayer ask that we abandon the worship that

our parents practiced, or that we stop doing what we like with our property? Truly you are forbearing and right-minded.” 87He said, “O my people, do you see whether I have guidance from my Lord, and whether He has given me good provisions from Himself? I do not wish, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do. I only desire your bet-terment to the best of my ability, but my success can only come from God, in Him I trust, and I look to Him. 88“And O my people, do not let my dissent cause you to sin, lest you suffer a fate similar to that of the peo-ple of Noah, Hud, or Salih, nor are the people of Lot far off from you. 89“But ask forgiveness from your Lord, and turn to Him, for my Lord is indeed full of mercy and love.” 90They said, “O Shu’aib, much of what you say we do not understand, and compared to us we see that you have no strength. Were it not for your family, we would certainly have stoned you, for you have among us no great posi-tion.” 91He said, “O my people, is my family of more concern

162

Eleven

to you than God, for you cast Him away behind your backs, but indeed my Lord encompasses, on all sides, all that you do. 92“And O my people do what-ever you can. I will do my part. Soon you will know who it is on whom de-scends the penalty of dis-grace, and who is a liar, and watch, I too am watch-ing with you.” 93When Our decree issued, We saved Shu’aib and those who believed with him, with mercy from Our-selves, but the mighty blast seized the wrongdo-ers, and they lay prostrate in their homes, 94As if they had never lived and flourished there. Be-hold, how the Madyan were removed, as were removed the Thamud. 95And we sent Moses with guidance and an authority manifest, 96To Pharaoh and his no-marchs, but they followed the command of Pharaoh, and the command of Pharaoh was not the right guide. 97He will go before his peo-ple on the Day of Account-ability, and lead them into the fire, and terrible in-deed will be the place to which they are led. 98

And they are followed by a curse in this life and on the Day of Accountability, and terrible is the gift which will be given to them. 99These are some of the sto-ries about societies which We relate to you. Of them, some are standing, and some have fallen. 100It was not Us Who wronged them, they wronged their own souls, and the deities other than God whom they invoked profited them nothing when there issued the decree of your Lord, nor did they add anything but perdition. 101Such is the chastisement of your Lord. When He chastises societies in the middle of their wrong, ter-rible indeed and severe is His chastisement. 102In that is a sign for those who are aware of the penalty of the hereafter. That is a day for which hu-manity will be gathered to-gether. That will be a day of testimony. 103Nor will We delay it, except for a while. 104The day it arrives, no soul will speak except by His permission. Of those, some will feel agony and some will feel blessed. 105

163

Eleven

Those in agony will be in the fire. There will be for them therein the sound of moans and sobs. 106They will dwell therein for all the time that the heav-ens and the earth endure, except as your Lord wills, for your Lord accomplishes what He wills. 107And those who are blessed will be in the garden. They will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, ex-cept as your Lord wills, a gift without pause. 108So do not be in doubt as to what these people worship. They worship nothing but what their parents wor-shipped before them, but indeed We will pay them back their portion without reduction. 109We certainly gave the Book to Moses, but differences arose. Had it not been that a word had gone forth be-fore from your Lord, the matter would have been decided between them, but they are in suspicious doubt concerning it. 110And indeed your Lord will pay everyone back for all of their deeds, for He knows well all that they do. 111Therefore stand firm as you are asked, you and those with you who re-

spond, and do not trans-gress, for He sees well all that you do. 112And do not incline to those who do wrong, or the fire will seize you, and you have no protectors other than God, nor will you be helped. 113And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night, for those things that are good repel those that are harmful. That is a say-ing to remember for those who want to remem-ber. 114And be steadfast with pa-tience, for indeed God will not cause the reward of the righteous to per-ish. 115Why were there not among the generations before you, people of balance and good sense, prohibiting the people from doing wrong on the earth, except a few among them whom We saved? But the wrong-doers pursued the enjoy-ment of the good things in life which was given to them, and persisted in harmful deeds. 116Nor would your Lord be the One to destroy commu-nities for a single wrong-doing, if its members were likely to repent. 117

164

Eleven

If your Lord had so willed, He could have made hu-manity one people, but they will not cease to dis-pute. 118Except those on whom your Lord has bestowed His mercy, and for this He created them, and the word of your Lord will be fulfilled, “I will fill hell with jinn and humans all together.” 119All of what we relate to you of the stories of the mes-sengers is for Us to make your heart firm with it. In them, there comes to you the truth, as well as an ex-hortation and a message of remembrance to those who believe. 120Say to those who do not believe, “Do whatever you can. We will do our part, 121“And wait. We too will wait.” 122To God belongs the un-known of the heavens and the earth, and to Him ev-ery affair goes back. Then worship Him, and put your trust in Him, and your Lord is not unmindful of anything that you do. 123

165

TWELVE

Alif, Laam, Raa. These are the symbols of the Clear Book. 1We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran, in order that you may learn wisdom. 2We relate to you the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to you this Quran. Before this, you too were among those who knew it not. 3Behold, Joseph said to his father, “O my father, I saw eleven stars and the Sun and the Moon, I saw them prostrate themselves to me.” 4He said, “My son, do not share your vision with your brothers, lest they make a plan against you, for Satan is to humanity a sworn en-emy. 5“Thus will your Guardian Evolver choose you and teach you the interpreta-tion of stories and events, and perfect His favor on you and on the posterity of Jacob, even as He per-fected it to your fathers Abraham and Isaac, for God is full of knowledge and wisdom.” 6

Indeed in Joseph and his brothers are signs for seekers. 7They said, “Truly Joseph and his brother are loved more by our father than we are, though we are an ex-cellent group. Indeed our father is clearly in error. 8“Slay Joseph or cast him out to some unknown land, so the favor of your father may be given to you alone. There will be enough time for you to be righteous af-ter that.” 9One of them said, “Do not slay Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of the well. He will be picked up by some caravan of travelers.” 10They said, “O our father, why do you not trust us with Joseph, seeing we are indeed his sincere well-wishers? 11“Send him with us tomor-row to enjoy himself and play, and we will take care of him.” 12Jacob said, “Really it sad-dens me that you should take him away. I fear the wolf should devour him while you are not watching him.” 13They said, “If the wolf were to devour him while we are such a large group, then

166

Twelve

we would indeed have also perished.” 14So they took him away, and they all threw him down to the bottom of the well, and We put into his heart this message, “Indeed you will tell them the truth about this act of theirs, while they know you not.” 15Then they came to their fa-ther in the early part of the night, weeping. 16They said, “O our father, we went racing with one another, and left Joseph with our things, and the wolf devoured him, but you will never believe us even though we tell the truth.” 17They stained his shirt with fake blood. He said, “No, your minds have made up a tale that may pass with you, but for me patience is most fitting against that which you assert, it is only God Whose help can be sought.” 18Then there came a caravan of travelers. They sent their water-carrier to the well, and he let down his bucket. He said, “Look here, good news. Here is a young man.” So they hid him like merchandise, but God knows well all that they do. 19They sold him for a miser-able price, for a few coins

counted out. In such low estimation did they hold him. 20The man in Egypt who bought him said to his wife, “Make his stay honor-able. Maybe he will bring us much good, or we will take him as a son.” Thus did We establish Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpreta-tion of stories and events, and God has full power and control over His affairs, but most among humanity do not know. 21When Joseph reached ma-turity, We gave him power and knowledge. Thus do We reward those who do right. 22But she in whose house he stayed, sought to seduce him from himself. She locked the doors and said, “Come now.” He said, “God forbid, truly he is my lord. He made my sojourn com-fortable. Truly no good comes to those who do wrong.” 23And indeed she desired him, and he would have de-sired her, but he saw the evidence of his Lord, so that We might avert from him harm, and immorality, for he was one of Our ser-vants, sincere and inno-cent. 24

167

Twelve

So they both raced each other to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. The two found her lord near the door. She said, “What is the punish-ment for one who commit-ted a wrongful act against your wife, only prison or some other terrible chas-tisement?” 25He said, “It was she who sought to seduce me from myself.” Then one from her household saw this and bore witness, “If it be that his shirt is torn from the front, then her story is true, and he is a liar. 26“But if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then she is the liar, and he is telling the truth.” 27So when he saw that his shirt was torn from the back her husband said, “Indeed the seduction was yours, truly extreme is your deception. 28“O Joseph, pass this over. O wife, ask forgiveness for your wrong, for truly you have been at fault.” 29The ladies in the city said, “The wife of the great Aziz has sought to seduce her slave from himself. Truly he has inspired her with vi-olent love. We see she is evidently going astray.” 30When she heard of their gossip, she sent for them

and prepared a banquet for them. She gave each of them a knife and said, “Come out before them.” When they saw him, they applauded him, and cut their hands. They said, “God preserve us, no mor-tal is this, this is none other than a noble an-gel.” 31She said, “There before you is the man for whom you blamed me. I did seek to seduce him from him-self but he firmly saved himself guiltless, and now, if he does not as I wish, he will certainly be cast into prison, and be of the com-pany of the hardest.” 32He said, “O my Lord, the prison is more to my liking than that which they invite me. Unless You turn away their temptation from me, I should feel inclined to-wards them and join the ranks of the ignorant.” 33So his Lord responded to him, and turned away their temptation from him, in-deed He hears and knows all things. 34Then it occurred to the people, after they had seen the signs, to imprison him for a time. 35With him there came into the prison two young peo-ple. One of them said, “I see myself pressing wine.”

168

Twelve

Said the other, “I see my-self carrying bread on my head, and birds are eating from it. Tell us the true meaning of it, for we see you are one who does right.” 36He said, “Before any food comes to feed either of you, I will surely reveal to you the truth and meaning of this, and before it be-falls you. That is part of the duty which my Lord has taught me. I have abandoned the ways of a people who do not believe in God and who deny the hereafter. 37“And I follow the ways of my forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and never could we attribute any partners to God. That is from the grace of God to us and to humanity, yet most people are not grate-ful. 38“O my two companions of the prison. Are many lords differing among them-selves better, or One God, Supreme and Irre-sistible? 39“If not Him, you worship nothing but names which you have named, you and your parents, for which God has sent down no au-thority. The command is for none but God. He has asked that you worship none but Him. That is the

right way, but most people do not understand. 40“O my two companions of the prison. As for one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink. As for the other, he will hang from the cross, and the birds will eat from off his head. So is decreed the matter which you two in-quire.” 41And of the two, to the one who he considers about to be saved he said, “Mention me to your lord.” But Sa-tan made him forget to mention him to his lord, and Joseph lingered in prison a few more years. 42The king said, “I see seven fat cows which seven lean ones devour, and seven green ears of corn, and seven withered. O advisors, explain to me my vision if you can interpret vi-sions.” 43They said, “A confused medley of dreams, and we are not skilled in the inter-pretation of dreams.” 44But the person who had been released, one of the two, now remembered him after a period of time and said, “I will tell you the truth of its interpretation. Bring me. 45 “O Joseph, O person of truth, expound to us con-

169

Twelve

cerning the seven fat cows that the seven lean ones devour, and the seven green ears of corn and withered ones. That I may return to the people, and that they may under-stand.” 46Joseph said, “For seven years you will diligently sow as you will, and the harvests of what you reap, you will leave in the ear, except a little of which you will eat. 47“Then will come after that seven dreadful years which will devour what you will have saved in anticipation for them, all except a little which you will have stored. 48“Then will come after that, a year in which the people will have abundant water, and in which they will use to produce.” 49So the king said, “Bring him to me.” But when the messenger came to him Joseph said, “Go back to your lord, and ask him what state of mind the ladies who cut their hands is? For my Lord is certainly well aware with their temptation.” 50The king said to the ladies, “What was your state when you sought to seduce Joseph from himself?” The ladies said, “God preserve

us, we do not know any-thing bad about him.” Said the Aziz’s wife, “Now the truth is manifest. It was I who sought to seduce him from himself. He is indeed of those who are truth-ful. 51“That in order that he may know that I have never be-trayed him in his absence, and that God will never as-sist the plans of be-trayal. (End of Part 12) 52“Nor do I absolve myself, though the soul is cer-tainly prone to difficulty, unless my Lord bestows His mercy. But surely my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Mer-cifully Redeeming.” 53So the king said, “Bring him to me, I will appoint him to myself.” Therefore, when he spoke to him he said, “Be assured this day that you are in our pres-ence with ranks firmly es-tablished, and integrity fully proven. 54Joseph said, “Appoint me over the treasury of the land. I will indeed guard it as an expert.” 55Thus We gave power to Joseph in the land to take possession when or where he pleased. We bestow Our mercy on whom We please, and We cause not to be lost, the reward of those who do right. 56

170

Twelve

But indeed the reward of the hereafter is best for those who believe and are constant in righteous-ness. 57Then Joseph’s brothers came. They entered his presence and he knew them, but they knew him not. 58And once he supplied their provisions he said, “Bring to me a brother you have, of the same father as you. Do you not see that I give a good amount, and that I provide the best hospital-ity? 59“Now, if you do not bring him to me, you will no longer receive any amount from me, nor will you even come near me.” 60They said, “We will cer-tainly seek to get permis-sion concerning him from his father, indeed we will.” 61And Joseph told members of his staff to put their goods with which they had bartered into their saddle-bags so they would find it only when they returned to their people, in order that they might return. 62Now when they returned to their father they said, “O our father, no amount of grain will we get unless you send our brother with us, only then will we re-

ceive our measure. We will indeed take every care of him.” 63He said, “Shall I trust you with him to any end other than when I trusted you with his brother? But God is the best Caretaker, and He is a better redeemer than all who redeem.” 64Then when they opened their luggage they found their goods had been re-turned to them and they said, “O our father, what more can we ask for? These goods have been re-turned to us. We will get food for our family, we will take care of our brother, and add a full camel’s load. This is just a small quantity. 65Jacob said, “Never will I send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me, in the name of God, that you will indeed bring him back to me, unless you yourselves are captured. Once they swore their solemn oath he said, “Over all that we say, God is Wit-ness and Guardian.” 66Further he said, “O my sons, do not enter all through one gate. Enter through different gates. Not that I can help you over God. None can deter-mine anything except for God. On Him do I put my

171

Twelve

trust, and let all who trust, put their trust in Him.” 67And when they entered in the manner their father had advised, it did not profit them in the least against God. It was only helpful for Jacob’s soul which he carried out. For he was, by our instruction, full of knowledge. But most people do not under-stand. 68Then when they came into Joseph’s presence, he in-vited his brother to stay with him. He said to him, “Behold, I am your brother, so do not grieve about any of their do-ings.” 69Then when he had given them provisions, he put the drinking cup into his brother’s saddlebag. Then someone shouted, “You in that caravan! Indeed you are thieves!” 70They said turning towards them, “What is it you miss?” 71They said, “We miss the great goblet of the king. For him who produces it, is a camel’s load. I will be bound by it.” 72The brothers said, “By God, you know full well that we did not come to commit crimes in the land, and that we are not thieves.” 73

They said, “What then will be the penalty for this if you are proved to have lied?” 74They said, “The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found should be held to pay for the crime. This is how we punish criminals.” 75So he began to search their baggage, then he came to the baggage of his brother, and brought it out of his brother’s bag. We planned this for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king ex-cept that God willed it. We raise in degrees who We please. But over all, en-dued with knowledge is One, All Knowing. 76They said, “He steals. And there was a brother of his who stole before him.” But these things did Joseph keep locked in his heart, not revealing the secrets to them. He said, “You are worse situated, and God knows best the truth of what you assert.” 77They said, “O exalted one, behold, he has a father who is very old, so take one of us in his place, for we see that you graciously do good.” 78He said, “God forbids that we take other than him with whom we found our

172

Twelve

property. Indeed, we would be acting wrongfully. 79Now, when they saw no hope of him changing, they held a conference in pri-vate. The eldest among them said, “Do you not know that your father took a promise from you in God's name, and how, be-fore this, you failed in your duty with Joseph? There-fore, I will not leave this land until my father per-mits me, or God commands me, and He is the best to command. 80“Turn back to your father and say, ‘O our father, be-hold, your son committed theft. We bear witness only to what we know, and we cannot testify against the unknown. 81“Ask at the town where we have been, and the caravan in which we returned, and you will find that we are in-deed telling the truth.” 82Jacob said, “No, but you have contrived a story for you. Patience is most fit-ting. Maybe God will bring them to me together, for He is indeed full of knowl-edge and wisdom.” 83And he turned away from them and said, “How great is my grief for Joseph.” And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silence. 84

They said, “By God, will you not cease to remember Joseph until you reach the last extremity of illness, or until you die.” 85He said, “I only complain of my suffering and grief to God, and I learned from God that which you know not. 86“O my sons, go and inquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of God's mercy. Truly no one despairs of God's mercy, except those who have no faith.” 87Then when they came back into Joseph’s presence they said, “O exalted one, dis-tress has seized us and our family. We have come with goods of little value. So pay us full measure. Con-sider it as charity to us, for God rewards the charita-ble.” 88He said, “Do you know how you dealt with Joseph and his brother knowingly?” 89They said, “Are you indeed Joseph?” He said, “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. God has indeed been gracious to us all. Be-hold, he who is righteous and patient, never will God cause his reward to be lost on those who do right.” 90They said, “By God, God has indeed preferred you above us, and we certainly

173

Twelve

have been guilty of wrong.” 91He said, “This day let no blame be on you. God will forgive you, and He is the Most Redeeming of those who redeem. 92“Go with this, my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father. He will come to see. Then come to me to-gether with all your fam-ily.” 93As the caravan left, their father said, “I indeed smell the presence of Joseph. And do not think that I am weak of mind.” 94They said, “By God, truly you are in your old wan-dering mind.” 95Then when the bearer of the good news came, he cast the shirt over his face, and he immediately re-gained clear sight. He said, “Did I not say to you, ‘I know from God that which you know not?’ ” 96They said, “O our father, ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we are truly at fault.” 97He said, “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you, for he is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming.” 98Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his

parents with himself and said, “Enter Egypt in peace, if it is the will of God.” 99And he raised his parents high on the throne, and they all fell down in pros-tration before him. He said, “O my father, this is the fulfillment of my vision in the past. God has made it come true. He was in-deed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you out of the desert, even after Satan had sown enmity between my brothers and me. In-deed my Lord understands best, the mysteries of all that He plans, for indeed He is full of knowledge and wisdom. 100“O my Lord, You have in-deed bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpre-tation of dreams and events, O Creator of the heavens and the earth, You are my Protector in the present and in the here-after. Take my soul as one submitting to Your will, and unite me with the righteous.” 101Such is one of the stories unknown, which We reveal by inspiration to you, nor were you with them when they concerted their plans and while they plotted. 102

174

Twelve

But most of humanity will not believe, no matter how much you desire it. 103And no reward do you ask of them for this. It is no less than a message for all worlds. 104And how many signs in the heavens and the earth do they pass by? Yet they turn away from them. 105And most of them do not believe in God without as-sociating partners with Him. 106Do they then feel secure from the coming against them of the covering veil of punishment from God, or of the coming against them of the Hour all of a sudden, while they expect it not? 107Say, “This is my way. I in-vite to God, with evidence as clear as the seeing with one’s eyes, I and whoever follows me. Glory is to God, and never will I join gods with God.” 108Nor did We send before you any except human be-ings whom we inspired. People living in human so-cieties. Do they not travel through the earth and see what the end of those be-fore them was? But the home of the hereafter is best for those who do right. Then will you use reason? 109

Until the messengers give up hope and think that they are treated as liars, Our help will come to them, and those that We wish to be delivered into safety, will be delivered, but never will our punish-ment be warded off from those who are in sin. 110There is in their stories in-struction for people of un-derstanding. It is not a narrative made up, but a confirmation of that which came before it, a detailed explanation of all things, and a guide and a mercy to people who believe. 111

175

THIRTEEN

Alif, Laam, Miim, Raa. These are the signs of the Book that has been re-vealed to you from your Lord as the truth, but most people do not believe. 1God is He who has raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see, and is firmly established on the throne, and He has subjected the Sun and the Moon, each one orbits for a term appointed. He regu-lates all affairs, and ex-plains the signs in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord. 2And it is He Who has spread out the earth, and set mountains standing firm, and rivers. And fruit of every kind has He made in pairs, two and two. He draws the night as a veil over the day. Behold, in these things are signs for those who reflect. 3And in the earth are tracts neighboring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees growing out of a single root or otherwise, watered with the same water, yet some of them We make

better than others to eat. Behold, in this are signs for those who under-stand. 4You are astonished at their saying, “When we are dust, will we indeed be in a new creation?” They are those who deny their Lord. They are those around whose necks will be chains. They will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein for-ever. 5They ask you to hasten on the wrong in preference to the good, although there has occurred before them exemplary punishments, but indeed your Lord is full of forgiveness to humanity for their wrongdoing, but indeed your Lord is also strict in punishment. 6And the unbelievers say, “Why is a sign not sent down to him from his Lord?” But you are truly a warner, and to every peo-ple a guide. 7God knows what every pregnant female bears, and by how much the wombs fall short or ex-ceeds. Everything is before His sight in proportion. 8He knows the unknown and that which is open. He is the Great, the Most High. 9

176

Thirteen

It is the same whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he lie hidden by night or goes out freely by day. 10For each there are others in succession before and behind him. They guard him by command of God. Certainly God will never change the condition of a people until they change themselves. But when God wills a people’s punish-ment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find besides Him any to protect. 11It is He Who shows you the lightning by way of fear and of hope. It is He Who raises up the clouds, heavy with rain. 12And thunder repeats His praises, as do the angels with awe. He sends the thunderbolts, and with it He strikes whomever He wills. Yet there are people who dispute about God, even with the strength of His power. 13To Him belongs prayer in truth. Any others who they call upon besides Him hear them no more than if they were to stretch out their hands for water to reach their mouth but it reaches it not, for the prayer of those without faith is noth-ing but error. 14

Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth, prostrate them-selves to God with good will or in spite of them-selves. As do their shadows in the morning and evenings. 15Say, “Who is the Guardian Evolver of the heavens and the earth?” Say, “God”. And say, “Do you then take protectors other than Him, those who have no power themselves to either bene-fit or to do harm?” Say, “Are the blind equal to those who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with light?” Or do they as-sign to God partners who have created something like He has created, so that their creation seemed similar to them? Say, “God is the Creator of all things. He is the One, the Supreme, and Irre-sistible.” 16He sends down water from the skies. And the chan-nels flow, each according to its measure. But the tor-rent washes away foam that mounts up to the sur-face. Even so, from that which they heat in the fire to make ornaments or utensils, there is a scum likewise, similarly does God reveal truth and false-hood. For the scum disap-pears as froth cast out, while that which is for the

177

Thirteen

good of humanity remains on the earth. 17For those who respond to their Lord are all good things, but those who do not respond to Him, even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth, and that much more, in vain would they offer it for ran-som, for them will the reckoning be terrible. Their abode will be hell, what a place of agony. 18Is a person who knows that what has been revealed to you from your Lord is the truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are blessed with understand-ing who receive advice. 19Those who fulfill the covenant of God and fail not in their promise, 20Those who join those things which God has asked to be joined, hold their Lord in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning, 21Those who patiently perse-vere, seeking the Counte-nance of their Lord, estab-lish prayer, give out of the gifts We have bestowed for their sustenance secretly and openly, and repel evil with good, for such there is the final attainment of the Home. 22They will enter gardens of perpetual bliss, with the righteous among their par-

ents, their spouses, and their offspring, and angels will enter upon them from every gate. 23“Peace to you, because you persevered in patience. Now how excellent is the Final Home.” 24But those who break the covenant with God, after having given their word, and severed that which God has asked to be joined, and commit crimes in the land, on them is the curse, for them is the Ter-rible Home. 25God enlarges, or grants by measure, sustenance to whom He pleases. They re-joice in the life of the present, but the life of the present is but little com-fort in the future. 26The unbelievers say, “Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, “Truly God leaves to stray whomever He wills, but He guides to Himself those who turn to Him in repen-tance, 27“Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfac-tion in the remembrance of God, for without doubt in the remembrance of God do hearts find satis-faction. 28“For those who believe and work righteousness is

178

Thirteen

blessedness, and a beauti-ful place of return.” 29We have sent you to the people as We sent others to people who have passed away before them, in order that you might rehearse to them what We send down to you by inspiration, yet they reject Him, the Merci-ful Benefactor. Say, “He is my Lord, there is no god but He. Upon Him is my trust, and to Him do I turn.” 30If there were a Quran with which mountains could be moved, or the earth was split apart, or the dead were made to speak, this would be the one, but truly the command is with God in all things. Do the believ-ers not know that had God so willed, He could have guided all of humanity? But never will disaster cease to seize the unbe-lievers for their deeds or to settle close to their homes, until the promise of God comes to pass, for indeed God will not fail in His promise. 31Mocked were messengers before you, but I granted respite to the unbelievers, then finally I punished them. And how terrible was my punishment. 32Is then He who stands over every soul and knows all that it does like any oth-

ers? And yet they ascribe partners to God. Say, “So name them. And is it that you will inform Him of something He does not know on earth, or is it just words?” No, to those who do not believe, the unbe-lievers’ pretense seems pleasing, but they are kept back from the path, and those whom God leaves to stray, no one can guide. 33For them is a penalty in the life of the present, but truly more trying is the penalty of the future. They have no defender against God. 34In the description of the Paradise that the righteous are promised, is that be-neath it rivers flow, and perpetual is the enjoyment of it and the shade therein. Such is the end of the righteous, and the end of the unbelievers is the fire. 35Those to whom We have given the Book will rejoice at what has been revealed to you, but there are among the groups, those who reject a part of it. Say, “I am asked to worship God, and not to join part-ners with Him. To Him do I call, and to Him is my re-turn.” 36So We have revealed it to be a judgment of authority in Arabic. If you were to

179

Thirteen

follow their desires after the knowledge has reached you, then you would find neither protector nor de-fender against God. 37We sent messengers before you, and appointed for them spouses and chil-dren, and it was never the job of a messenger to bring a sign except as God permitted, for each era is a book. 38God excludes and keeps what He pleases. With Him is the Mother of the Book. 39Whether We will show you part of what we promised them or take your soul, your duty is to make the message reach them. It is Our job to call them to ac-count. 40Do they not see that We gradually reduce the land in their control from its borders? Where God com-mands, there is none to change His command, and He is swift in calling to ac-count. 41Those before them devised plans, but in all things, the Master Planner is God. He knows the doings of every soul, and soon will the un-believers know who gets home in the end. 42The unbelievers say, “You are no messenger.” Say, “Enough for a witness be-

tween you and me is God and those who have knowl-edge of the Book.”. 43

180

FOURTEEN

Alif, Laam, Raa. This is the Book that We have re-vealed to you, in order that you might lead humanity out of the depths of dark-ness into the light, by the permission of their Lord, to the way of Him, the Almighty, the Praisewor-thy. 1It is God to Whom belongs all things in the heavens and on earth, but unfortu-nately for the unbelievers, their disbelief will bring them a terrible penalty. 2Those who love the life of the present more than the future, who hinder others from the path of God, and who seek therein some-thing crooked. They are far astray. 3We did not send a messen-ger except to teach in the language of their people, in order to make things clear to them. And God leaves those to stray whom He pleases, and guides whom He pleases, and He is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. 4We sent Moses with Our signs, “Bring your people from the depths of dark-ness into light, and teach

them to remember the Days of God.” Indeed in this there are signs for those who are firmly pa-tient and constant, grate-ful and appreciative. 5Remember Moses said to his people, “Call to mind the favor of God to you, when He delivered you from the people of Pharaoh. They gave you hard work and punished you, slaughtered your sons, and let your females live. This was a tremen-dous trial from your Lord.” 6And remember, your Lord caused to be declared, “If you are grateful, I will give you more, but if you show ingratitude, truly My pun-ishment is terrible in-deed.” 7And Moses said, “Do not show ingratitude, you and all those on earth, but God is free of all wants, worthy of all praise. 8Has the story not reached you of those who went be-fore? Of the people of Noah, ‘Ad, Thamud, and of those after them? None knows of them but God. To them came messengers with clear signs, but they put their hands up to their mouths and said, “We deny the mission which you have been sent, and we are

181

Fourteen

really in suspicious doubt as to that which you invite us.” 9Their messengers said, “Is there any doubt about God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth? It is He Who invites you in order that He may forgive you your sins, and give you respite for a term ap-pointed.” They said, “You are no more than human, like us. If you wish to turn us away from the gods our parents used to worship, then bring us some clear authority.” 10Their messengers said to them, “True, we are human beings like you, but God grants His grace to which-ever of his servants He pleases. It is not for us to bring you an authority ex-cept as God permits, and on God let all people of faith put their trust. 11“No reasons do we have why we should not put our trust in God. Indeed He has guided us to the ways we follow. We will certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us, for those who are trusting should put their trust on God.” 12And the unbelievers said to their messengers, “We will certainly drive you out of our land, or you will return to our way.” But their Lord

inspired this message to them, “Indeed We will cause the wrongdoers to perish. 13“And indeed We will cause you to live in the land and succeed them. This is for those who fear the time when they will stand be-fore My tribunal, those who fear My punish-ment.” 14Although they sought vic-tory, disappointed was ev-ery powerful, obstinate dictator. 15In front of them is hell, and he is given for drink foul water. 16In gulps will he drink it, but never will he be near swallowing it. Death will come to him from every angle, yet he will not die, and in front of him will be an unrelenting chastise-ment. 17The parable of those who reject their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a tempestuous day. No power do they have over anything that they have earned, that is a straying far and away. 18Do you not see that God created the heavens and the earth? In truth, if He wills, He can remove you and put in your place a new creation? 19

182

Fourteen

Nor is that for God any great matter. 20They will all be brought before God together. Then the weak will say to those who were arrogant, “We followed you, can you then avail us against the pun-ishment of God?” They will reply, “If we had received the guidance of God, we would have given it to you. For us it makes no differ-ence whether we rage, or bear it with patience, for us there is no way to es-cape.” 21And Satan will say when the matter is decided, “It was God Who gave you a promise of truth. I too promised, but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you ex-cept to call you, but you listened to me. So do not blame me, but blame your own selves. I cannot listen to your cries, nor can you listen to mine. I reject your previous act of associating me with God, for wrongdo-ers there must be a terri-ble penalty.” 22But those who believe and work righteousness will be admitted to gardens with rivers flowing through them, to dwell therein for-ever by the permission of their Lord. Their greeting there will be “Peace.” 23

Do you not see how God sets forth a parable? An excellent word is like an excellent tree, whose roots are firmly fixed, and its branches reach to the heavens of its Lord. Thus God sets forth parables for humanity, in order that they may receive advice. 24It brings forth its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord. So God sets forth parables for humanity, in order that they may re-ceive advice. 25And the parable of an evil word is that of a harmful tree. It is torn up by the roots from the surface of the earth. It has no stabil-ity. 26God will establish in strength those who believe with the word that stands firm, in the present and in the hereafter, but God will leave to stray those who do wrong. God does what He wills. 27Have you not turned your vision to those who have changed the favor of God into blasphemy, and caused their people to de-scend to the House of Perdition? 28Into hell, they will burn therein, a miserable place to live. 29And they set up others as equal to God, to mislead

183

Fourteen

the people from the path. Say, “Enjoy, because in-deed you are heading to hell.” 30Say to my servants who have believed, that they should establish prayer, and give out of the suste-nance we have given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a day in which there will be neither bargaining nor befriend-ing. 31It is God Who has created the heavens and the earth, and sends down rain from the skies, and with it He brings out fruits with which to feed you. It is He Who has made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command, and the rivers has He made subject to you. 32And He has made subject to you the Sun and the Moon, both diligently pur-suing their courses, and the night and the day has he made subject to you. 33And He gives you all that you ask for, even if you count the blessings of God, never will you be able to number them, indeed hu-manity is given to injustice and ingratitude. 34Remember Abraham said, “O my Lord, make this city one of peace and security,

and save me and my sons from worshipping idols. 35“O my Lord, they have in-deed led astray many among humanity. Then he who follows my ways is like me, but he who did not fol-low me, well, You are in-deed Oft-Forgiving, Merci-fully Redeeming. 36“O our Lord, I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your sacred house, in order O Our Lord, that they may estab-lish prayer. So fill the hearts of some among hu-manity with love towards them, and feed them with fruits so that they may give thanks. 37“O Our Lord, truly You know what we conceal and what we reveal, for nothing is hidden from God, whether on earth or in heaven. 38“Praise God, Who has granted to me in old age Ishmael and Isaac, for truly my Lord is He, the Hearer of Prayer. 39“O my Lord, make me one who establishes prayer, and among my offspring, O Our Lord, and accept my prayer. 40“O our Lord, cover with Your forgiveness, me, my parents, and all believers

184

Fourteen

on the day that the reckon-ing will be established. 41Think not that God does not heed the deeds of those who do wrong. He only gives them respite for a day when the eyes will fixedly stare in horror, 42They run forward with necks outstretched, their heads uplifted, their gaze returning not towards them, and in their hearts, a void. 43So warn humanity of the day when the punishment will reach them. Then the wrongdoers will say, “Our Lord, respite us for a short-term. We will answer Your call, and follow the messengers.” “What, had you not sworn before, to no end? 44“And you lived in the dwellings of people who wronged their own souls. You were clearly shown how We dealt with them, and We put forth parables for you.” 45Mighty indeed were the plots which they hatched, but their plots were within the Sight of God, even though they were enough to shake the hills. 46Never think that God would fail His messengers in His promise, for God is Exalted in Power, the Lord of Retribution. 47

One day the earth will be changed to a different earth, and so will the heav-ens, and the people will be brought out before God, the One, the Irre-sistible. 48And you will see those who are corrupt that day, bound together in chains. 49Their garments of liquid pitch, and their faces cov-ered with fire, 50That God may repay each soul according to what it deserves, and indeed God is swift in calling to ac-count. 51Here is a message for hu-manity. Let them take warning from it, and let them know that He is One God. Let the people of un-derstanding take heed. 52

185

FIFTEEN

Alif, Laam, Raa. These are the verses of the Book and Quran that makes things clear. 1 (End of Part 13)Again and again will those who disbelieve wish that they had made peace. 2Leave them alone to con-sume and to enjoy them-selves. Let false hope amuse them. Soon will they come to know. 3Never did We destroy a population that did not have a term decreed that We did not assign before-hand. 4Neither can the people an-ticipate its term nor delay it. 5They say, “O you to whom the message is being re-vealed, you are certainly insane. 6“Why do you not bring an-gels to us if you have the truth?” 7We do not send the angels down except for just cause. If they had come, behold, no respite would those people have. 8We have, without doubt, sent down the message,

and We will certainly pro-tect it. 9We sent messengers before you among the ancient re-ligions. 10But there never came a messenger to them that they did not mock. 11And we let creep into the hearts of those who are wrong, 12That they should not be-lieve in it, as certain as those from the past have passed away. 13Even if We opened up to them a gate from heaven, and they were to continue ascending therein, 14They would only say, “Our eyes have been intoxicated. No, we have been pos-sessed by deception.” 15It is We Who have set out the constellations in the heavens, and made them attractive to all gazers, 16And We have guarded them from every rejected devil. 17But any who gains a hear-ing by stealth, is pursued by a bright burning flame. 18And We have spread out the earth, set stable moun-tains, and produced there all kinds of things bal-anced. 19

186

Fifteen

And We have provided means of subsistence there, for you and for those for whose suste-nance you do not sup-ply. 20And there is nothing that does not have its treasures with Us, but We only send it down in an amount known. 21And We send the pollinat-ing winds, and then cause the rain to descend from the sky, and it provides you with water, though you are not the guardians of its stores. 22And indeed, it is We who give life, and Who give death. It is We who remain inheritors. 23To Us are known those of you who hasten forward, and those who lag be-hind. 24Surely your Lord will gather them together, for He is perfect in wisdom and knowledge. 25We created the human from sounding clay, from mud molded into shape. 26And the jinn, We had cre-ated previously, from the scorching fire. 27Behold, your Lord said to the angels, “I am about to create a human being from sounding clay, from earth molded into shape. 28

“When I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down, prostrating to him.” 29So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them to-gether. 30But not Lucifer. He refused to be among those who prostrated themselves. 31God said, “O Lucifer, what is your reason for not be-ing among those who pros-trated themselves?” 32Lucifer said, “I am not one to prostrate myself to the human being whom You created from sounding clay, from earth molded into shape.” 33God said, “Then get out from here, for you are re-jected, accursed. 34“And the curse will be on you until the Day of Ac-countability.” 35Lucifer said, “O my Lord, then give me respite until the day they are raised.” 36God said, “Respite is granted to you- 37“Until the day of the time appointed.” 38Lucifer said, “O my Lord, because You have put me in the wrong, I will make wrong attractive to them

187

Fifteen

on the earth, and I will put them all in the wrong, 39“Except Your devotees among them, sincere and innocent.” 40God said, “This is indeed a way that leads straight to Me. 41“For over My servants, no authority will you have, ex-cept those who put them-selves in harm’s way by fol-lowing you.” 42And indeed hell is the promised abode for them all. 43For there are seven gates, for each of those gates is a group assigned. 44The righteous will be among gardens and foun-tains. 45“Enter here in peace and security.” 46And We will remove from their chests any hatred. They will be a community facing each other on thrones. 47There, no sense of fatigue will touch them, nor will they ever be asked to leave. 48Tell My servants that I am indeed the Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming, 49And that My penalty will indeed be the most terrible penalty. 50

Tell them about the guests of Abraham. 51When they entered his presence and said, “Peace.” He said, “We feel afraid of you.” 52They said, “Fear not, we give you good news of a son endowed with wis-dom.” 53He said, “Do you give me good news that old age has seized me? Then what is your good news about?” 54They said, “We give you good news in truth. So do not be in despair.” 55He said, “And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except those who stray?” 56Abraham said, “What then is the business on which you have come, O you mes-sengers?” 57They said, “We have been sent against a people in sin, 58“Not the adherents of Lot. Them we are certainly charged to save, all- 59“Except his wife, who We have learned will be among those who will lag be-hind.” 60Then when the messengers arrived among the adher-ents of Lot, 61

188

Fifteen

He said, “Certainly you are a people unknown.” 62They said, “Yes, we have come to you to accomplish that which they doubt. 63“We have brought to you that which is inevitably due, and surely we tell the truth. 64“So travel by night with your household, when a portion of the night yet re-mains, and bring up the rear. Let no one among you look back, but go to where you are ordered.” 65And We made known this decree to him, that the last remains of them will be cut off by the morning. 66The inhabitants of the city came gaily. 67Lot said, “These are my guests, do not disgrace me. 68“Be conscious of God, and do not embarrass me.” 69They said, “Did we not for-bid you from that world?” 70He said, “Here are my daughters, if you must do so.” 71Indeed, by your life, in their wild intoxication, they wander in distraction, going both ways. 72

But the mighty blast over-took them before morn-ing, 73And We turned them up-side down, and rained down on them brimstone hard as baked clay. 74Behold, in this are signs for those who under-stand. 75And they were on the high road. 76Behold, in this is a sign for those who believed. 77And the Companions of the Wood were wrongdoers, 78So We took retribution from them. They were both on an open highway, plain to see. 79The companions of the Rocky Tract also rejected the messengers. 80We sent them Our signs, but they persisted in turn-ing away from them. 81Out of the mountains, they carved secure edifices. 82But the mighty blast seized them one morning, 83And of no avail to them was all that they did. 84We did not create the heavens, the earth, and all between them, except for just ends, and the Hour is surely coming. So overlook

189

Fifteen

with gracious forgive-ness. 85For indeed it is your Lord who is the Master, the Cre-ator, the All Knowing. 86And We have bestowed upon you the seven oft-re-peated verses and the great Quran. 87Do not strain your eyes at what We have bestowed on certain classes of them, nor grieve over them, but lower your wing to the be-lievers. 88And say, “I am indeed he who warns openly and without ambiguity.” 89As We have sent down on those who divided it, 90And have made the Quran into shreds. 91Therefore, by the Lord, We indeed will call them to ac-count– 92For all their deeds. 93Therefore, answer openly what you are asked, and turn away from those who join false gods with God. 94For sufficient are We for you against those who ridicule, 95Those who take with God another god. But soon will they come to know. 96

We certainly know how your heart is distressed at what they say, 97But praise your Lord, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adora-tion. 98And serve your Lord until there comes to you the Hour that is certain. 99

190

SIXTEEN

Inevitably the command of God will come. So do not seek to hasten it. Glory be to Him, and far is He above having the partners they ascribe to Him. 1He sends down His angels with inspiration by His command, to those of His servants as He pleases say-ing, “Warn that there is no god but I, so do your duty to Me.” 2He has created the heav-ens and the earth. In truth He is far above having the partners they ascribe to Him. 3He has created the human being from a zygote, and behold, he becomes an open disputer. 4And livestock has He cre-ated for you. From them you derive warmth and nu-merous other benefits, and of them you eat. 5And you have a sense of pride in them, as you drive them home in the evening, and as you let them out to pasture in the morning. 6And they carry your heavy loads to lands that you could not otherwise reach, except with souls dis-

tressed, for your Lord is in-deed Most Kind, the Merci-ful Redeemer, 7And horses, mules, and donkeys are for you to ride and show, and He has cre-ated things of which you have no knowledge. 8And the way leads straight to God, but there are also ways which turn you away. If God had willed, He could have guided all of you. 9It is He who sends down rain from the sky. From it you drink, and out of it grows the vegetation from which you feed your live-stock. 10With it He produces for you corn, olives, date palms, grapes, and every kind of fruit. Indeed in this is a sign for those who give thought. 11He has made subject to you the night and the day, the Sun and the Moon, and the stars are subjected to His command, indeed in this are signs for people who are wise. 12Also the things on this earth which He has multi-plied in varying colors, in-deed in this is a sign for people who praise God. 13It is He Who has made the sea subject to you, that you may eat of its flesh which is fresh and tender, and

191

Sixteen

that you may extract from it ornaments to wear, and you see the ships in it that can plow the waves, that you may seek the bounty of God and that you may be grateful. 14And He has set up on the earth, mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you, also rivers and roads, that you may guide yourselves, 15And also landmarks. And by the stars you guide yourselves. 16Then is He Who creates like one who does not cre-ate? But will you not re-member? 17If you tried to count the blessings of God, you would never be able to count them, indeed God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 18And God knows what you conceal and what you re-veal. 19Those that they invoke be-sides God create nothing and are themselves cre-ated. 20They are dead, lifeless, and they do not know when they will be raised up. 21Your God is one God. As for those who do not believe in the hereafter, their hearts refuse, and they are arro-gant. 22

Undoubtedly, God knows what they conceal and what they reveal, indeed He does not love the arro-gant. 23When it is said to them, “What is it that your Lord has revealed?” They say, “Tales of the ancients.” 24They will bear, on the Day of Accountability, their burdens in full, as well as the burdens of those with-out knowledge, whom they misled. Oh, how terrible the burdens are that they will bear. 25Those before them also plotted, but God took their structures from their foun-dations, and the roof fell down on them from above, and the punishment seized them from directions they did not perceive. 26Then, on the Day of Ac-countability, He will cover them with shame and say, “Where are My partners that you used to confide?” Those endued with knowl-edge will say, “This day, the unbelievers are indeed covered with shame and misery. 27“Those whose lives the an-gels take in a state of do-ing wrong to their souls.” They will then offer sub-mission and they will say, “We meant no harm.” No,

192

Sixteen

but indeed God knows all that you did, 28“So enter the gates of hell, to dwell therein forever. Terrible indeed is the abode of the arrogant.” 29To the righteous it is said, “What is it that your Lord has revealed?” They will say, “All that is good.” To those who do right, there is good in the present, and the home of the hereafter, and that is better and more excellent indeed, the home of the righteous are- 30Gardens of eternity which they will enter. Beneath them rivers flow. They will have there all that they wish. This is how God re-wards the righteous. 31Those whose lives the an-gels take in a state of inno-cence saying, “Peace be on you. Enter the garden, be-cause of that which you did.” 32Do they wait until the an-gels come to them, or there comes the command of your Lord, as those who went before them did? But God wronged them not. No, they wronged their own selves. 33But the harmful results of their deeds overtook them, and the very punishment at which they mocked cap-tured them. 34

The worshippers of false gods say, “If God had so willed, we would not have worshipped anything but Him, neither we nor our parents, nor would we have created prohibitions other than His,” as did those who went before them say. But what is the mission of messengers except to con-vey the message clearly? 35For We surely sent among every people a messenger who said, “Serve God, and avoid harm.” Of the people were some whom God guided, and some on whom error became inevitable. So travel through the earth and see what the end of those who rejected the message was. 36You anticipate their guid-ance, but God does not guide those He leaves to stray, and there are none to help them. 37They swear their strongest oaths by God, that God will not raise up those who die. No, but it is a promise binding on Him in truth, but most among humanity realize it not. 38In order that He may show them the truth of that which they differ, and that the rejecters of truth may realize that they only have falsehood. 39

193

Sixteen

Because anything We wish, We need only say the word: “Be”. And it is. 40To those who leave their homes in the cause of God after suffering oppression, We will surely give an ex-cellent home in the present, but truly the re-ward of the hereafter will be greater, if they only knew. 41They are those who perse-vere in patience and put their trust in their Lord. 42And before you, the mes-sengers We sent were also merely human beings, but We granted them inspira-tion. If you do not under-stand this, ask those who have the message. 43We sent them with clear signs, and We have sent down to you the message, so that you may explain clearly to humanity what is sent to them, and that they may give it thought. 44Then do those who devise harmful plans feel secure that God will not cause the earth to swallow them, or that the punishment will not seize them from direc-tions they hardly expect? 45Or that He will not call them to account in the middle of their goings back and forth, without a

chance of them stopping Him? 46Or that He may not call them to account by a process of slow wastage? For your Lord is indeed full of kindness and mercy. 47Do they not look at God's creations, how their shad-ows move from the right and the left, prostrating themselves to God in the humblest manner? 48And to God submits all that is in the heavens and on earth, whether animate objects or the angels, for none are arrogant. 49They all revere their Lord high above themselves, and they do all that they are asked. 50God has said, “Take not two gods, for He is only one God, and be conscious of Me.” 51To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and on earth, and to Him is duty always due. Will you then fear other than God? 52And you have nothing good but what is from God, and when you are touched by distress, you cry to Him. 53Yet, when He removes the distress from you behold, some of you turn to other gods to join with their Lord, 54

194

Sixteen

Showing their ingratitude for the favors We have be-stowed on them. So enjoy, but soon will you come to know. 55And they assign to things they do not know, a portion out of that which We have bestowed for their suste-nance. By God, you will certainly be called to ac-count for your false claims. 56And they assign daughters to God. Glory belongs to Him, but their desires are selfish. 57When news is brought to one of them of a female, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief. 58With shame, he hides him-self from his people, be-cause of the news he has received. Shall he keep her despite all this, or bury her in the ground? What an evil decision they make. 59Those who do not believe in the hereafter are an ex-ample of wrong. But to God applies the highest ex-ample, for He is the Ex-alted in Power, Full of Wis-dom. 60And if God were to punish humanity for their wrong-doing, He would not leave a single living creature, but He gives them respite for a stated term. When their term expires, they

will not be able to delay it for a single hour or to an-ticipate it. 61They attribute to God what they hate, and their tongues assert the lie that all good is for them. With-out doubt for them is the fire, and they will be the first to be pushed into it. 62By God, We certainly sent Our messengers to peoples before you, but Satan made their acts seem fine. He is also their patron to-day, but they will have a most terrible penalty. 63And We sent down the Book to you for the express purpose that you should make clear to them those things in which they differ, and that it should be a guide and a mercy to those who believe. 64And God sends down rain from the skies, and gives with it life to the earth af-ter its death, indeed in this is a sign for those who lis-ten. 65And indeed in livestock will you find an instructive sign. From what is within their bodies between ex-cretions and blood, We produce for your drink, milk pure and agreeable to those who drink it. 66And from the fruit of the date palm and the vine,

195

Sixteen

you get out wholesome drink and food. Behold, in this also is a sign for those who are wise. 67And your Lord inspired the bee to build their homes in hills, on trees, and in hu-man habitations, 68Then to eat of all the pro-duce, and find, with skill, the spacious paths of it’s Lord. There issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is that which promotes health for humanity, in-deed in this is a sign for those who give thought. 69It is God who creates you and takes your souls at death. And of you, there are some who are sent back to a feeble age, so that they do not know after having known much, for God is All Knowing, All Powerful. 70God has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than on others. Those more fa-vored are not going to give their gifts to those whom their right hands possess, so as to be equal in that respect. Will they then deny the favors of God? 71And God has made for you mates of your own nature, and made for you, out of them, children and grand-children, and provided for

you sustenance of the best. Will they then believe in vain things, and be un-grateful for God's favors? 72And worship others with God, those who have no power of providing for them with sustenance, any-thing in the heavens or on the earth, and who cannot possibly have such power? 73Invent not a similitude for God, for God knows and you know not. 74God sets forth the parable of a servant under the con-trol of another, He has no power of any sort, and a person on whom We have bestowed excellent favors from Ourselves, and he gives of it, privately and publicly. Are the two equal? Praise God, but most of them do not un-derstand. 75God sets forth a parable of two people. One of them having no voice, with no power of any sort, a weari-some burden is he to his overseer. Whichever way he directs him, he brings no good. Is such a person equal with one who com-mands justice, and is on a straight way? 76To God belongs the mys-tery of the heavens and the earth, and His decision on

196

Sixteen

the Hour is as the twin-kling of an eye, or even quicker, for God has power over all things. 77It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when you knew nothing, and He gave you hearing, sight, intelli-gence, and affection. That you may give thanks. 78Do they not look at the birds held in the sky? Nothing holds them up but God, indeed in this are signs for those who be-lieve. 79It is God Who made your houses homes of rest and quiet for you, and made for you, out of the skin of ani-mals, dwellings which you find light on the day you travel and the day of en-campment, and out of their wool, and their soft-fibers, and their hair, com-forts and articles of conve-nience for a time. 80It is God Who made out of the things He created, things to give you shade, of the hills He made some for your shelter, He made you garments to protect you from heat, and armor to protect you from vio-lence. Thus, He completes His favors on you that you may bow to His will. 81

But if they turn away, your duty is only to proclaim the clear message. 82They recognize the favors of God. Then they ignore them, and most of them are ungrateful. 83One day We will raise from all peoples a witness. Then will no excuse be accepted from unbelievers, nor will they receive any favors. 84When the wrongdoers see the penalty, there will nei-ther be a way to mitigate, nor will they receive respite. 85When those who gave part-ners to God see their part-ners they will say, “Our Lord, these are our part-ners, those whom we used to invoke besides You.” But they will throw back their word at them and say, “In-deed you are liars.” 86That day will they show submission to God, and all their creations will leave them. 87Those who reject God and hinder people from the path of God, on them will We heap penalty upon penalty, because they used to spread corruption. 88One day We will raise from all peoples a witness against them from among themselves, and We will bring you as a witness

197

Sixteen

against them, and We have sent down to you the Book explaining all things, a guide, a mercy, and good news to the Muslims. 89God commands justice, the doing of good, and gen-erosity to friends and fam-ily, and He forbids shame-ful deeds, injustice, and re-bellion. He instructs you, that you may receive ad-vice. 90Fulfill the covenant of God when you have entered into it, and do not break your promises after you have confirmed them. In-deed you have made God your hope, for God knows all that you do. 91And be not like a woman who breaks into untwisted strands the yarn which she has spun, after it has be-come strong, nor take promises to practice de-ception between your-selves, lest one group should be more numerous than another, for God will challenge you by this, and on the Day of Accountabil-ity He will certainly make clear to you that which you disagree. 92If God had willed, He could make you all one people again, but He leaves stray-ing whom He pleases, and He guides whom He pleases, but you will cer-

tainly be called to account for all your actions. 93And do not make promises to practice deception be-tween yourselves with the result that someone’s foot may slip after it was firmly planted, or you will taste the wrong of having hin-dered the people from the path of God, and a mighty punishment will descend on you. 94Nor sell the covenant of God for a miserable price, for with God are goods far better for you, if you only knew. 95What is with you will van-ish. What is with God will endure, and We will cer-tainly bestow on those who patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions. 96Whoever works righteous-ness, male or female, and has faith, indeed to them will We give a new life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on them their reward accord-ing to the best of their ac-tions. 97When you read the Quran, seek God's protection from Satan the rejected en-emy. 98No authority has he over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. 99

198

Sixteen

His authority is only over those who take him as pa-tron and who join partners with God. 100When We substitute one revelation with another, and God knows best what He reveals, they say, “You are only a forger.” But most of them understand not. 101Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from your Lord in truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a guide and good news to Mus-lims. 102Indeed We know that they say, “It is a human being who teaches him.” The tongue of him they point to as notably foreign, while this is Arabic, refined and clear. 103Those who do not believe in the signs of God, God will not guide them, and theirs will be a terrible penalty. 104It is those who do not be-lieve in the signs of God that misrepresent and de-ceive. It is they who lie. 105Anyone who after accept-ing faith in God, speaks unbelief, except under compulsion while their heart remaining firm in faith, yes those who open their breast to unbelief, on

them is punishment from God, and theirs will be a dreadful penalty. 106This is because they love the life of the present bet-ter than the hereafter, and God will not guide those who do not believe. 107Those are they whose hearts, ears, and eyes God has sealed up, and they are heedless. 108Without doubt, they will perish in the here-after. 109But indeed your Lord, to those who leave their homes after trials and per-secutions, and who there-after strive and fight for the faith and patiently per-severe, to them your Lord after all this is Oft-Forgiv-ing, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 110One day every soul will come up struggling for it-self, every soul will be re-warded for all of its ac-tions, and none will be dealt with unjustly. 111God sets forth a parable, a city enjoying security and quiet, abundantly supplied with sustenance from ev-ery place. Yet it was un-grateful for the favors of God, so God made it taste the garb of hunger and fear, because of the wrong they did. 112

199

Sixteen

And there came to them a messenger from among themselves, but they re-jected him, so the punish-ment seized them in the middle of their wrongdo-ings. 113So eat of the sustenance which God has provided for you, permissible and good, and be grateful for the fa-vors of God, if it is He Whom you serve. 114He has only forbidden you animals found dead, blood, the flesh of swine, and that over which a name other than God has been in-voked, but if one is forced by necessity, with neither outright rejection, nor transgressing due limits, then God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 115But do not say, for it would be a lie that you would have your tongues assert, “This is permissible, and this is forbidden,” So as to ascribe false things to God. For those who ascribe false things to God, will never prosper. 116They would get a little profit, but a most terrible penalty. 117To the Jews We prohibited such things as We have mentioned to you before, We did them no harm, but they did harm to them-selves. 118

But indeed your Lord is to those who do wrong in ig-norance, but who there-after repent and make amends, your Lord is after all this, Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 119Abraham is indeed a model, devoutly obedient to God, intelligent in faith, and he did not join gods with God. 120He showed his gratitude for the favors of God, He chose him, and guided him to a straight way. 121And We gave him good in the present, and he will be in the hereafter, in the ranks of the righteous. 122We have taught you by in-spiration, “Follow the ways of Abraham, the intelligent in faith, and he did not join gods with God.” 123The Sabbath was only made for those who dis-agreed, but God will judge between them on the Day of Accountability as to their differences. 124Invite all to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful teaching, and converse with them in ways that are best and most gracious, for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His path, and who have received guid-ance. 125

200

Sixteen

And if you retaliate, then retaliate no worse than with what you were af-flicted, but if you show pa-tience, that is indeed best for those who are pa-tient. 126And be patient, for your patience is from God, nor grieve over them, and do not distress yourself be-cause of their plots. 127For God is with those who restrain themselves and who do right. 128 (End of Part 14)

201

SEVENTEEN

Glory be to God, Who took His servant on a night journey, from the Sacred Masjid, to the farthest masjid, whose surround-ings We blessed, in order that We might show him some of Our signs, while it is He Who hears and sees all things. 1We gave Moses the Book, and made it a guide to the Children of Israel and it read, “Take none other than Me as a manager of your affairs.” 2O you who descend from those who We carried with Noah, know that indeed he was a devotee most grate-ful. 3And We gave the warning to the Children of Israel in the Book, that twice they would do wrong on the earth and be awfully arro-gant. 4When the first of the warn-ings came, We sent against you Our servants given to terrible warfare. They en-tered the very in-most parts of your homes, and it was a warning fulfilled. 5Then We gave you victory over them. We gave you in-

crease in resources and children, and made you the more mighty in power. 6If you did good, you did good for yourselves. If you did wrong, you did it against yourselves. Then when the second of the warnings came, We permit-ted your enemies to disfig-ure your faces, to enter your temple as they had entered it before, and to visit with destruction all that fell into their power. 7It may be that your Lord may show mercy to you. But if you change, We will change, and We have made hell a prison for those who reject it. 8Indeed this Quran guides to that which is most right, and gives hope to the be-lievers who do deeds of righteousness, that they will have a magnificent re-ward, 9And to those who do not believe in the hereafter, it announces that We have prepared for them a terri-ble penalty. 10The prayer that their peo-ple should make for good, they make for evil, for peo-ple are given to haste. 11We have made the night and the day as two signs. The sign of the night We have obscured, while the

202

Seventeen

sign of the day We have made to enlighten you, that you may seek bounty from your Lord, and that you may count and know the number of years. All things have We explained in detail. 12Every person’s fate have We fastened to his own neck. On the Day of Ac-countability We will bring out for him a scroll which he will see spread open. 13Read your record. Suffi-cient is your soul this day to make an argument against you. 14He who receives guidance receives it for his own ben-efit. He who goes astray does so to his own loss. No bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another, and We would not come with Our punishment until We had sent a messenger. 15When We decide to destroy a population, We send a definite order to those among them who are given the good things of this life, and yet transgress, so that the word is proved true against them. Then We completely destroy them. 16How many generations have We caused to perish after Noah? And enough is your Lord to see and note the sins of His servants. 17

If any wish for the tempo-rary things, We readily grant such things as We will, to such people as We will. In the end, We have provided hell for them. They will burn therein, dis-graced and rejected. 18Those who wish for the hereafter, strive there with all necessary striving, and have faith, they are the ones whose striving is ac-cepted. 19Of the bounties of your Lord, We bestow them freely on all these as well as those. The bounties of your Lord are not closed to anyone. 20See how We have bestowed more on some than on oth-ers? But indeed the here-after is more lofty, and more excellent. 21Do not take with God an-other god, or you will sit disgraced and forsaken. 22Your Guardian Evolver has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents, whether one or both of them attain old age in your lifetime. Do not say to them a word of contempt, nor disrespect them, but address them in terms of honor. 23And out of kindness, lower the wing of humility to them and say, “My Lord,

203

Seventeen

bestow on them your mercy as they cherished me in childhood.” 24Your Lord knows best what is in your heart. If you do deeds of righteousness, in-deed He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him consistently. 25And give to family their due rights, and to those in want, and to displaced per-sons, and do not spend ex-travagantly. 26Indeed those who spend extravagantly are compan-ions of the devils, and Sa-tan is to his Lord ungrate-ful. 27And even if you have to turn away from them in pursuit of the mercy from your Lord which you ex-pect, still speak to them a word of kindness. 28Do not tie your hand to your neck, nor stretch it out to its farthest reach, so that you become blame-worthy and destitute. 29Indeed your Lord provides resources in abundance for whom He wills, and He provides it in just measure, for He knows and is re-gardful of all His ser-vants. 30Do not kill your children for fear of want. We care for them as well as for you.

Indeed killing them is a great sin. 31And do not put yourself in a situation that impermis-sible sex can easily occur, it is indeed an incorrect and harmful route. 32Nor kill the soul which God has made sacred, except for just cause, and if any-one is killed wrongfully, We have given his heir au-thority, but do not let him exceed bounds in the mat-ter of taking life, for he will be helped. 33Do not come near the or-phans’ property except to increase it, until they at-tain the age of full strength. And fulfill your covenant, for covenants will be inquired into. 34Give the full amount when you are to give, and weigh with a balance that is straight. That is the most fitting and the most advan-tageous in the final deter-mination. 35And do not pursue that which you cannot know, for every act of hearing, see-ing, or feeling in the heart will be inquired into. 36Nor walk on the earth with arrogance, for you cannot tear the earth apart, nor reach the mountains’ height. 37

204

Seventeen

Of all such things, these wrongs are most hateful in the sight of your Lord. 38These are among the say-ings of wisdom which your Lord has revealed to you. Do not appoint with God another god, or you will be thrown into hell, blame-worthy and rejected. 39Has your Lord then pre-ferred for you sons and taken for Himself daugh-ters among the angels? Truly you utter a senseless saying. 40We have explained things in various ways in this Quran, in order that they will remember, but it only increases their flight. 41Say, if there had been gods with Him, as they say, then certainly they would have sought out a way to the owner of the throne. 42Glory be to Him, He is high above all that they say, Ex-alted and Great. 43The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein declare His glory. There is not a thing that does not glorify and praise Him, and yet you do not understand how they de-clare His glory, indeed He is Understanding, Most Forgiving. 44When you recite the Quran, We put between

you and those who do not believe in the hereafter, an invisible veil. 45And We put coverings over their hearts, lest they should understand the Quran, and deafness into their ears. When you com-memorate your Lord and Him alone, with the Quran, they turn their backs—flee-ing. 46We know best why they lis-ten, when they listen to you, and when they meet in private. Behold the wicked say, “You follow none other than a man possessed.” 47See what comparisons they make for you, but they have gone astray, and never can they find a way. 48They say, “What, when we are reduced to bones and dust, shall we really be raised up as a new cre-ation?” 49Say, “Whether you are stones or iron, 50“Or created matter which, in your minds, is hardest.” Then they will say, “Who will cause us to return?” Say, “He who created you first.” Then they will shake their heads at you and say, “When will that be?” Say, “Perhaps it will be soon. 51“It will be on a day when He will call you, and you

205

Seventeen

will answer with His praise, and you will think that you stayed only a little while.” 52Say to My servants that they should say those things which are best, for Satan sows dissensions among them, for Satan is to humanity a sworn en-emy. 53It is your Lord Who knows you best. If He pleases, He grants you mercy, or if He pleases, punishment. We have not sent you to be a manager of their affairs for them. 54And it is your Lord Who knows best all beings that are in the heavens and on earth. We bestowed on some prophets more gifts than on others, and We gave to David the Psalms. 55Say, “Call on others be-sides Him if you desire. They have neither the power to remove your trou-bles from you nor to change them.” 56Those who they call on de-sire ways to access their Lord, even those who are nearest. They hope for His mercy and fear His punish-ment, for the punishment of your Lord is that which you should remain aware. 57

There is not a population that We will not cause to perish before the Day of Accountability, or punish with a dreadful penalty. That is written in the record. 58And We refrain from send-ing the signs only because the people of previous gen-erations treated them as false. We sent the she-camel to the Thamud to open their eyes, but they treated it wrongfully. We only send the signs as a warning. 59And when We told you that your Lord encompasses hu-manity, We granted the vi-sion which We showed you as a trial for humanity, and the Cursed Tree in the Quran. We put fear into them, but it only increases their transgression. 60Behold, We said to the an-gels, “Bow down to Adam.” They all bowed down, ex-cept Lucifer. He said, “Shall I bow down to one whom You created from mud?” 61He said, “See this one whom You have honored above me? If You give me respite until the Day of Ac-countability, I will surely bring his descendants un-der my sway, all but a few.” 62

206

Seventeen

God said, “Go your way, if any of them follow you, in-deed hell will be the re-ward of you all, a sufficient reward. 63“Lead to destruction with your voice, those among them whom you can, make assaults on them with your cavalry and your infantry, share with them in their wealth and children, and make promises to them.” But Satan promises them nothing but deceit. 64“As for My servants, no au-thority will you have over them.” Enough is your Lord for a manager of af-fairs. 65Your Lord is He Who makes the ship sail smoothly for you through the sea, in order that you may seek of His bounty, for He is to you the Merciful Redeemer. 66When distress seizes you at sea, those who you call upon besides Him leave you there, but when He brings you back safely to land, you turn away. Most ungrateful is the human being. 67Do you then feel secure that He will not cause you to be swallowed up be-neath the earth when you are on land, or that He will not send against you a vio-lent tornado so that you

can find no one to carry out your affairs for you? 68Or do you feel secure that He will not send you back to sea a second time, and send against you a storm to drown you because of your ingratitude, so that you find no helper therein against Us? 69We have honored the chil-dren of Adam, provided them with transport on land and sea, given them for sustenance things good and pure, and preferred them above a great part of Our creation. 70One day We will call to-gether all human beings with their leaders. Those who are given their record in their right hand will read it, and will not be dealt with unjustly in the least. 71And those who were blind in the present will be blind in the hereafter, and most astray from the path. 72And their purpose was to lure you away from that which We had revealed to you, to substitute in Our name something quite dif-ferent, and then they would certainly have made you their friend. 73And had We not given you strength, you would have inclined to them a little. 74

207

Seventeen

Then We would have made you taste an equal portion in this life, to the equal portion at death, and you would have found none to help you against Us. 75Their purpose was to scare you off the land, in order to expel you, and they would not have stayed af-ter you, except for a lit-tle. 76This was Our way with the messengers We sent before you. You will find no change in Our way. 77Establish prayer at the Sun’s decline until the darkness of night, and dur-ing the morning Quran recitation, for indeed the morning Quran recitation is a testimony. 78And in the night, arise from sleep. And do a little extra. Soon your Lord will raise you to a station of praise and glory. 79Say, “O my Lord, let my en-try be by the gate of truth and honor, and likewise, let my exit be by the gate of truth and honor, and grant me, from Your pres-ence, an authority to aid me.” 80And say, “Truth has arrived and falsehood has per-ished, for falsehood is bound to perish.” 81

We send down in the Quran, that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe. To the unjust, it causes nothing but loss. 82Yet when We bestow Our favors on human beings, they turn away, lying on their side, and when harm seizes them, they give themselves up to de-spair. 83Say, “Everyone acts ac-cording to their own dispo-sition, but your Lord knows best who it is who is best guided on the way.” 84They ask you concerning the Spirit. Say, “The Spirit comes by command of my Lord. Of knowledge, there is only a little that is com-municated to you.” 85If it were Our will, We could take away that which We have sent you by inspi-ration. Then you would find nothing to plead your affair in that matter against Us, 86It is only a mercy from your Lord. For His bounty to you is plentiful. 87Say, “If all of humanity and jinn were to gather to-gether to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like of it, even if they backed up

208

Seventeen

each other with help and support. 88And We have explained to humanity in this Quran ev-ery kind of lesson. Yet the greater part of them refuse it, except with ingrati-tude. 89They say, “We will not be-lieve in you, until you cause a spring to gush forth for us from the earth, 90“Or until you have a gar-den of date trees and vines, and cause rivers to gush forth in their pres-ence, carrying abundant water, 91“Or you cause the sky to fall into pieces on us as you say, or you bring God and the angels before us face to face. 92“Or you have a house adorned with gold, or you raise a ladder into the uni-verse. No, we will not even believe in your raising a ladder until you bring down to us a book that we can read.” Say, “Glory to my Lord. Am I not only a human being, a messen-ger?” 93What kept the people back from belief when guidance came to them was nothing but this, they said, “Has God sent a human to be His messenger?” 94

Say, “If there were settled on earth angels walking about in peace and quiet, We should certainly have sent down from the heav-ens an angel for a messen-ger.” 95Say, “Enough is God for a witness between you and me, for He is well ac-quainted with His servants, and He sees all things.” 96He who God guides is on true guidance, but he whom He leaves astray, never will you find for them a protector besides Him. On the Day of Ac-countability We will gather them together, lying on their faces, blind, dumb, and deaf. Their abode will be hell. Every time it sub-sides, We will increase for them the fierceness of the fire. 97That is their reward, be-cause they rejected Our signs and said, “When we are reduced to bones and dust, will we really be raised up as a new cre-ation?” 98Do they not see that God, Who created the heavens and the earth, has power to create the likes of them? He has decreed a term appointed, of which there is no doubt, but the unjust refuse to accept it, except with ingratitude. 99

209

Seventeen

Say, “If you had control of the treasures of the mercy of my Lord, then you would have kept them back, for fear of losing them, for hu-man beings are indeed greedy.” 100To Moses We gave nine clear signs, and to the Children of Israel. When he came to them Pharaoh said to him, “O Moses, I consider you indeed to have been worked upon by spells. 101Moses said, “You know full well that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the heav-ens and the earth, as eye-opening evidence, and I consider you indeed, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction.” 102So He chose to remove them from the face of the earth, so We drowned him and all who were with him. 103Then We said to the Chil-dren of Israel, “Live se-curely in the land.” But when the second of the warnings came to pass, We gathered you together in a crowd. 104We sent it down in truth, and in truth has it de-scended, and We sent you only to give hope and to warn. 105

It is a Quran which We have divided in order that you might recite it to peo-ple in intervals as We re-vealed it in stages. 106Say, “Whether you believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given the knowledge beforehand, when it is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration, 107“And they say, ‘glory to Our Lord, truly has the promise of our Lord been fulfilled.’ ” 108They bow on their faces in tears, and it increases their humility. 109Say, “Call upon God, or call upon the Merciful Bene-factor, or by whatever name you would like to call upon Him, because to Him belong the most beautiful names. Neither say your Salat loudly, nor say it in a low tone, but seek a way in between.” 110Say, “Praise God, who does not have a son, and has no partner in His control, nor does He need any to pro-tect Him out of weakness. Yes, exalt Him for His Greatness and Glory.” 111

210

EIGHTEEN

Praise God, Who has sent to His servant the Book, and has allowed therein no crookedness. 1No, only that which is straight. In order that He may warn of a terrible pun-ishment from Him, and that He may give hope to the believers who work righteous deeds, that they will have an excellent re-ward, 2Where they will remain forever. 3Further, that He may warn those who say, “God has a son.” 4They have no knowledge of such a thing, nor had their ancestors. It is a terrible thing that issues from their mouths as a saying which is nothing but false-hood. 5You would only worry your-self to death, following af-ter them in grief if they do not believe in this mes-sage. 6That which is on earth we have made only as a glit-tering show for the world, in order that We may make evident which of them are best in conduct. 7

Indeed that which is on earth We will make as only dust and dry earth. 8Do you reflect that the Companions of the Cave and of the Inscription were wonders among Our signs? 9Behold, the youths re-treated to the cave. They said, “Our Lord, bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and manage our affair for us in the right way.” 10Then We drew a veil over their ears for a number of years while in the cave. 11Then We woke them, in or-der to make evident which of the two groups were best at calculating the term of years they had stayed. 12We relate to you their story in truth. They were youths who believed in their Guardian Evolver, and We advanced them in guid-ance. 13We gave strength to their hearts. Behold, they stood up and said, “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth. Never will we call upon any god other than Him. If we did, indeed we would have spoken an enormity. 14“Our people have taken for worship gods other than Him. Why do they not

211

Eighteen

bring forward a clear au-thority for what they do? Who does more wrong than those who invent a lie against God? 15“When you turn away from them and the things they worship other than God, retreat to the cave. Your Lord will shower His mer-cies on you and manage your affair towards com-fort and ease.” 16You would have seen the Sun when it rose, setting to the right from their cave, and when it set, turn-ing away from them to the left, while they lay in the open space in the middle of the cave. Such are among the signs of God. He whom God guides is rightly guided, but he whom God leaves to stray, for him will you find no protector to lead him to the right way. 17You would have thought them awake, as they slept, and We turned them on their right and on their left sides. Their dog stretching out his two forelegs at the entrance. If you had come up on them, you would have certainly turned back from them in flight, and would certainly have been filled with fear of them. 18So we raised them up, that they might question each other. A voice said, “How

long have you stayed here?” They said, “We have stayed a day or part of a day.” They said, “God knows best how long you have stayed here. Now send one of you with this money of yours to the town. Let him find out which is the best food and bring some to you, that you may satisfy your hunger, and let him behave with care and courtesy, and let him not inform anyone about you. 19“Because if they find you, they would stone you or force you to return to their cult, then you will never succeed.” 20Then We made their story known, that they would un-derstand that the promise of God is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour of Account-ability. Behold, they dis-pute among themselves as to their story. They said, “Construct a building over them.” Their Lord knows best concerning them. Those who would dispute over their affair said, “Let us at least build a place of worship over them.” 21Some will say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them, others say they were five, the dog being the sixth, doubtfully guessing at the unknown, still others say they were

212

Eighteen

seven, the dog being the eighth. Say, “My Lord knows best their number, it is only a few others who know.” Therefore, do not enter into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about the Sleepers. 22Nor say of anything, “I will be sure to do so and so to-morrow, 23“Without adding, ‘God will-ing’. And call your Lord to mind when you forget and say, ‘I hope that my Lord will guide me even closer than this to the right way.’ ” 24So they stayed in their cave three hundred years, plus nine. 25Say, “God knows best how long they stayed. With Him are the secrets of the heav-ens and the earth. How clearly He sees, how well He hears. They have no protector other than Him, nor does He share His command with anyone.” 26And recite what has been revealed to you from the Book of your Lord. None can change His words, and none will you find as a refuge other than Him. 27And keep your soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face,

and do not let your eyes pass beyond them, seeking the glitter of this life, nor follow any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds. 28Say, “The truth is from your Lord.” Let them who want to believe, believe. And let them who want to reject it, reject it. For the wrongdoers, We have pre-pared a fire like the walls and roof of a tent, it will hem them in. If they ask for relief they will be granted water like melted brass which will scald their faces, how dreadful the drink, how miserable a destination. 29As for those who believe and work righteousness, indeed We will not cause to perish, the reward of any who does a righteous deed. 30For them will be gardens of eternity, beneath them rivers will flow, they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine silk and heavy bro-cade. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good the reward, how comfortable a destina-tion. 31

213

Eighteen

Set forth for them the parable of two people, for one of them We provided two gardens of grapevines, and surrounded them with date palms, in between the two We placed corn-fields. 32Each of those gardens brought out its produce, and did not fail in the least. In the middle of them We caused a river to flow. 33Abundant was the produce this man had. He said to his neighbor in the course of a discussion, “More wealth have I than you, and more honor, and pow-erful is my following.” 34He went into his garden in a state harmful to his soul. He said, “I think that this will never perish, 35“Nor do I think that the Hour will ever come. Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I will surely find something better in ex-change.” 36His neighbor said to him in the course of the discus-sion, “Do you deny Him Who created you out of dust, then out of a zygote, then fashioned you into a human being? 37“I think for my part that He is God, my Lord, and none will I associate with my Lord. 38

“Why did you not, as you went into your garden say by God, ‘There is no power but with God,’ if you see me with less than you in wealth and children, 39“It may be that my Lord will give me something better than your garden, and that He will send on your garden thunderbolts from the sky, making it as quick sand. 40“Or the water of the gar-den will run off under-ground so that you will never be able to find it.” 41Then his fruits were ru-ined, and he went on grab-bing and raking his hands through what he had spent on his property which had tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say, “Oh my God, I wish I had never as-cribed partners to my Lord.” 42Nor had he any to help him other than God, nor was he able to support himself. 43There, the protection comes from God, the True One. He is the Best to re-ward, and the Best to give success. 44Set forth to them the sim-ile of the life of the present. It is like the rain which we send down from the skies. The earth’s vege-tation absorbs it, but soon

214

Eighteen

it becomes dry stubble which the winds scatter. It is God who prevails over all things. 45Wealth and children are the adornments of the life of the present, but the things that endure are good deeds, and are best in the sight of your Lord as rewards, and best as hopes. 46One day We will remove the mountains, and you will see the earth flat-tened, and We will gather them all together, and We will not leave out any one of them. 47 And they will be marshaled before your Lord in ranks, “Now you come to Us as We created you initially. Yes, you thought We would not fulfill the appointment made to you to meet Us.” 48And the book will be placed before you, and you will see the sinful full of fear because of what is in it. They will say, “Woe to us, what a book this is. It leaves out nothing small or large, and explains it.” They will find all that they did placed before them, and not one will your Lord treat with injustice. 49Behold, We said to the an-gels, “Bow down to Adam,” They bowed down, except

Lucifer. He was one of the jinn, and he ignored the command of his Lord. Will you then take him and his dupes as protectors rather than Me? They are ene-mies to you. Miserable will be the reward for the wrongdoers. 50I did not call them to wit-ness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor their own creation, nor do I take helpers who lead the people astray. 51One day He will say, “Call on those whom you thought to be My part-ners,” And they will call on them, but they will not lis-ten to them, and We will make for them a place of common perdition. 52And the sinful will see the fire and realize that they must fall therein. No way will they find to get away from it. 53We have explained in detail in this Quran, for the bene-fit of humanity, every kind of example, but the human being is in most things contentious. 54And what is there to keep back the people from be-lieving, now that guidance has come to them, or from praying for forgiveness from their Lord, but they asked that the ways of those who came before be

215

Eighteen

repeated, or the punish-ment be brought to them face to face? 55We only send the messen-gers to give hope and to give warnings, but the un-believers dispute with vain argument in order to weaken the truth, and they treat My signs without re-gard, although they are warned. 56And who does more wrong than one who is reminded of the verses of his Lord, but turns away from them, forgetting that which his hands have sent forth? In-deed We have set veils over their hearts lest they should understand this, and over their ears is deaf-ness, if you call them to guidance, even then will they never accept guid-ance. 57But your Lord is most for-giving, full of mercy. If He was to call them to ac-count for what they have earned, then surely He would have hastened their punishment, but they have their appointed time, be-yond which they will find no refuge. 58These were the popula-tions we caused to perish when they committed in-justices, but we fixed an appointed time for their destruction. 59

Behold, Moses said to his attendant, “I will not give up until I reach the junc-tion of the two seas or un-til I spend years and years in travel.” 60But when they reached the junction, they forgot their fish which took its course through the sea as in a tunnel. 61When they had moved on, Moses said to his compan-ion, “Bring us our morning meal, truly we have suf-fered much fatigue at this stage of our journey.” 62He replied, “Do you re-member when we climbed the rock? At that time I in-deed forgot about the fish. None but Satan made me forget about it. It took its course through the sea in a mesmerizing way.” 63Moses said, “That was what we were seeking.” So they retraced their steps. 64Then they found one of Our servants on whom We had bestowed mercy from Ourselves, and whom We had taught. 65Moses said to him, “May I follow you, so that you may teach me something of the truth which you have been taught?” 66

216

Eighteen

The other said, “Indeed you will not be able to have patience with me.” 67“And how can you have pa-tience with things about which your understanding is not complete?” 68Moses said, “You will find me, if God so wills, patient, nor will I ignore your in-structions.” 69The other said, “But if you follow me, ask me no ques-tions about anything until I speak to you concerning it.” 70So the two proceeded, un-til they were on the boat, he scuttled it. Said Moses, “Have you scuttled it in or-der to drown those on it? Truly a strange thing have you done.” 71He answered, “Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?” 72Moses said, “Do not blame me for forgetting, nor be hard on me, thus making me feel worse.” 73Then they proceeded until they met a young man, he slew him. Moses said, “Have you slain an inno-cent soul who had killed no one? A truly disturbing thing have you done.”  74 (End of Part 15)He answered, “Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?” 75

Moses said, “If ever I ask you about anything after this, do not keep me in your company, for you would have received enough excuses from me.” 76Then they proceeded, until they came to the inhabi-tants of a town, they asked them for food, but they re-fused them hospitality. They found there a wall at the point of falling down, so he set it up straight. Moses said, “If you had wished, surely you could have received some com-pensation for it.” 77He answered, “This is the parting between you and me. Now I will tell you the reasons for that which you were unable to have pa-tience? 78“As for the boat, it be-longed to people in dire want. They plied on the water, so I wished to ren-der it unserviceable, for there was after them a king who had every boat seized by force. 79“As for the youth, his par-ents were people of faith, and we feared that he would grieve them by re-bellion and ingratitude. 80“So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange, one better in re-

217

Eighteen

finement and closer in af-fection. 81“As for the wall, it be-longed to two youths, or-phans in the town. There was beneath it a buried treasure to which they were entitled. Their father had been a righteous man, so your Lord desired that they should attain the age of maturity and retrieve their treasure, a mercy from your Lord. I did not do this of my own volition, but those are the reasons for that which you were unable to have pa-tience.” 82They ask you concerning Dhul-Qarnayn say, “I will rehearse to you something of his story.” 83Indeed We established his power on earth, and We gave him the ways and means to all ends. 84He went in one direc-tion, 85Until he reached the set-ting of the Sun, he found it set in a spring of murky water. Near it he found a people, and We said, “O Dhul-Qarnayn, either pun-ish them or treat them with kindness.” 86He said, “Whoever does wrong, we will punish him, then will he be sent back to his Lord, and He will

punish him with a punish-ment unheard-of. 87“But whoever believes and works righteousness, he will have an excellent re-ward, and easy will be his task as We order it by our command.” 88Then he went in another direction, 89Until he came to the rising of the Sun, he found it ris-ing on a people for whom We had provided no cover-ing protection against the Sun. 90He left them as they were. We completely understood what was before him. 91Then he went in another direction, 92Until he reached a valley between two mountains, he found between them a peo-ple who hardly understood a word. 93They said, “O Dhul-Qar-nayn, the Gog and Magog do wrong on earth. Shall we then pay you in order that you might erect a bar-rier between them and us? 94He said, “That which my Lord has given me is bet-ter. Just help me with strength. I will erect a strong barrier between you and them. 95

218

Eighteen

“Bring me blocks of iron.” Then, when he had filled up the space between the two steep mountainsides he said, “Blow!” Then, when he had made it as fire he said, “Bring me molten lead to pour over it.” 96From this they were made powerless to scale it, or to break through it. 97He said, “This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the promise of my Lord comes to pass, He will make it into dust, and the promise of my Lord is true.” 98On that day We will leave them to surge like waves on one another. The trum-pet will be blown, and We will gather them all to-gether. 99And We will present hell that day for unbelievers to see. 100Those whose eyes had been under a veil from remem-brance of Me, and who even had been unable to hear. 101Do the unbelievers think that they can take My ser-vants as protectors besides Me? Indeed We have pre-pared hell for the unbeliev-ers as a destination. 102

Say, “Shall we tell you of those who lose most in re-spect to their deeds? 103“Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life, while they thought that they were acquiring good by their works?” 104They are those who deny the signs of their Lord, and the fact of their having to meet Him. Vain will be their works, nor will We on the Day of Accountability, give them any considera-tion. 105Hell is their reward, be-cause they rejected faith, and took My signs and My messengers, and ridiculed them. 106As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, they have for their destina-tion the gardens of par-adise, 107Wherein they will dwell forever. No changes will they want. 108Say, “If the ocean were ink with which to write the words of my Lord, sooner would the ocean be ex-hausted than would the words of my Lord.” Even if We added another ocean like it to supplement it.” 109Say, “I am but a human be-ing like yourselves. The in-spiration has come to me

219

Eighteen

that your God is one God. Whoever expects to meet his Lord let him work righteousness, and in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner. 110

220

NINETEEN

Kaaf, Haa, Yaa, Ayn, Saud. 1This is a recital of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah. 2Behold, he prayed to his Lord in private, 3He said, “O my Lord, in-firm indeed are my bones, and the hair on my head glistens with grey, but never am I unblessed, O my Lord, in my prayer to You. 4“And I indeed fear what my people will do after me, but my wife is barren, so give me an heir as from You, 5“One who will represent me, and represent the pos-terity of Jacob, and make him, O my Lord, one with whom You are well-pleased.” 6“O Zechariah, We give you good news of a son. His name will be Yahya, to none by that name have We given before.” 7He said, “O my Lord, how will I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?” 8

He said, “So it will be. Your Lord says, ‘that is easy for Me. I indeed created you before, when you were nothing.’ ” 9Zechariah said, “O my Lord, give me a sign.” “Your sign,” he answered, “Shall be that you will not speak to any person for three nights, even though you are not mute.” 10So Zechariah came out to his people from his cham-ber, and he conveyed to them, “Praise God in the morning and in the evening”. 11“O Yahya, take hold of the Book with might.” And We gave him wisdom even as a youth, 12As well as piety as from Us, and refinement. He was de-vout, 13And kind to his parents, and he was not overbear-ing or rebellious. 14So peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life. 15Relate in the Book, Mary. When she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. 16She screened herself from them, then We sent her our angel, and he appeared

221

Nineteen

before her as a human be-ing. 17She said, “I seek refuge from you with the Merciful Benefactor if you are a conscious being.” 18He said, “I am a messen-ger from your Guardian Evolver, sent to announce to you the gift of an inno-cent son. 19She said, “How will I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?” 20He said, “Your Lord says, ‘that is easy for Me, and We wish to appoint him as a sign to humanity and a mercy from Us, it is a mat-ter decreed.’ ” 21So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. 22And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She cried, “O, I wish that I had died before this, I wish that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight.” 23But a voice cried to her from beneath the palm tree, “Grieve not, for your Guardian Evolver has pro-vided a rivulet beneath you, 24“And shake towards your-self the trunk of the palm tree. It will make fresh, ripe dates fall upon you. 25

“So eat and drink, and cool your eye, and if you see any person say, ‘I have vowed a fast to God, the Merciful Benefactor, and this day I will not enter into any conversation with any human being’ ” 26Then she brought him to her people carrying him. They said, “O Mary, truly a curious thing have you brought.” 27“O sister of Aaron, your fa-ther was not a man of wrong doing, nor your mother a woman un-chaste.” 28But she pointed to the baby and they said, “How can we talk to one who is a baby in the cradle?” 29He said, “I am indeed a servant of God, He has given me revelation and made me a prophet, 30“And He has made me blessed wherever I am, and has recommended to me prayer and the paying of zakat as long as I live. 31“He has made me kind to my mother, and not over-bearing or miserable. 32“So peace be upon me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I will be raised up to life again.” 33Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of

222

Nineteen

truth, about which they dispute. 34It is not befitting to God that He should have a son. Glory be to Him. When He determines a matter, He only says to it “Be” and it is. 35Indeed God is my Lord and your Lord. Therefore serve Him, this is a way that is straight. 36But the sects differ among themselves, and woe to the unbelievers because of the judgment of a momentous day. 37How plainly will they see and hear, the day that they will appear before Us, but the unjust, this day they are clearly in error. 38But warn them of the day of distress, when the mat-ter will be determined, for they are negligent and they do not believe. 39It is We Who will inherit the earth, and all beings. To Us they will all be re-turned. 40Abraham, he was a man of truth, a prophet. 41Behold, he said to his fa-ther, “O my father, why worship that which hears not and sees not, and can profit you nothing? 42“O my father, knowledge has come to me which has

not reached you. So follow me, I will guide you to a way that is balanced and straight. 43“O my father, serve not Sa-tan, for Satan is a rebel against God, the Merciful Benefactor. 44“O my father, I fear lest a penalty afflict you from God, the Merciful Benefac-tor, and that you will be-come a friend to Sa-tan.” 45He replied, “Do you hate my gods, O Abraham? If you do not cease, I will in-deed stone you. So get away from me now.” 46Abraham said, “Peace be on you. I will pray to my Lord for your forgiveness, for He is to me the Merci-ful Benefactor. 47“And I will turn away from you all, and from those whom you invoke besides God. I will call on my Lord, perhaps because of my prayer to my Lord, I will not be unblessed.” 48Once he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped be-sides God, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a prophet. 49And We bestowed Our mercy on them, and We

223

Nineteen

granted them honor on the tongues of truth. 50Also, mention in the Book, Moses, for he was specially chosen, and he was a mes-senger, a prophet. 51And We called him from the right side of the Moun-tain, and made him draw near to Us to converse. 52And out of Our mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, a prophet. 53Also mention in the Book, Ishmael. He was true to what he promised, and he was a messenger, a prophet. 54He would recommend to his people prayer and za-kat, and he was most ac-ceptable in the sight of his Lord. 55Also mention in the Book the story of Idris. He was a person of truth, a prophet. 56And We raised him to a lofty station. 57Those were some of the prophets on whom God be-stowed His grace, from the posterity of Adam, and of those who We carried with Noah, and from the poster-ity of Abraham and Israel, from those whom We guided and chose. When-ever the signs of God, the Merciful Benefactor, were rehearsed to them, they

would fall down in adora-tion and in tears. 58But after them followed a generation who neglected prayers and followed their lusts, soon will they face destruction, 59Except for those who re-pent and believe, and work righteousness, for these will enter the garden and they will not be wronged in the least. 60Gardens of eternity, those that God, the Merciful Benefactor, has promised to His servants, though un-seen, His promise must come to pass. 61They will not hear any vain discourse, but only saluta-tions of peace, and they will have therein their sus-tenance, morning and evening. 62Such is the garden which We give as an inheritance to those of Our servants who guard against wrong. 63“We do not descend, ex-cept by the command of your Guardian Evolver. To Him belongs what is before us and what is behind us, and what is in between, and your Guardian Evolver never forgets. 64“Evolver of the heavens and of the earth, and of all that is in between, so wor-

224

Nineteen

ship Him, and be constant and patient in His worship. Do you know any who are worthy of the same name as He?” 65Some people say, “What, when I am dead, will I then be raised up alive?” 66But do people not remem-ber that We created them before, out of nothing? 67So by your Lord, without doubt, We will gather them together, and the devils, then will We bring them forth on their knees around hell, 68Then We will certainly drag out from every sect, all those who were worse in obstinate rebellion against God, the Merciful Benefactor. 69And certainly We know best those who are most worthy of being burned in there forever. 70And none of you will avoid passing by it. This is a de-cree with your Lord which must be accomplished. 71But We will save those who guarded against wrong, and We will leave the wrongdoers in there, on their knees. 72When Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, the un-believers say to those who believe, “Which of the two sides is in a better posi-

tion? Which makes the best call?” 73And how many generations before them have we caused to perish, those who were even better off in possessions and appear-ance? 74Say, “If any people go astray, God the Merciful Benefactor, allows it until they see the warning of God, either during punish-ment or on the Hour, they will finally realize who is worse in position, and weakest in force. 75“And God advances in guid-ance, those who seek guid-ance, and the things that endure are good deeds, these are best in the sight of your Lord as a reward, and best for their re-turn.” 76Have you then seen the person who rejects Our signs and says, “I will cer-tainly be given wealth and sons?” 77Has he seen the unseen, or has he taken a contract with God, the Merciful Benefactor? 78No, We will record what he says, and We will add re-peatedly to his punish-ment. 79To Us will return all that he speaks of, and he will

225

Nineteen

appear before Us bare and alone. 80And they have taken gods other than God, to give them power and glory. 81Instead, they will reject their worship, and become enemies against them. 82Do you not see that We have sic Satan on the un-believers to incite them with fury? 83So do not rush them, for We count out for them a number. 84The day We will gather the righteous to God, the Mer-ciful Benefactor, as a de-pendent. 85And We will drive those who are corrupt to hell, like thirsty livestock driven down to water, 86None will have the power of intercession except those who received permis-sion from God, the Merci-ful Benefactor. 87They say, “God, the Merci-ful Benefactor, has a son.” 88Indeed you have put for-ward a thing most atro-cious. 89At this the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the moun-tains to fall down in utter ruin, 90

That they should invoke a son for God, the Merciful Benefactor. 91For it is not consistent with the majesty of God, the Merciful Benefactor, that He should have a son. 92Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth come to God, the Merciful Benefactor, except as a servant. 93He takes account of them all, and has numbered them all exactly. 94And every one of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Accountability. 95On those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, God the Merciful Benefac-tor, will bestow love. 96We have made it easy in your own tongue, that with it you may give hope to the righteous, and warnings to people given to hostil-ity. 97But how many generations before them have We caused to perish? Can you find a single one of them, or hear so much as a whis-per of them? 98

226

TWENTY

Taa, Haa. 1We have not sent down the Quran to cause you dis-tress, 2But only as a reminder to those who fear. 3A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high. 4God, the Merciful Benefac-tor, is firmly established on the throne. 5To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the ground. 6Whether you speak the word aloud or not, indeed He knows what is secret and what is even more hid-den. 7God, there is no god but He, to Him belong the most beautiful names. 8Has the story of Moses reached you? 9Behold, he saw a fire. So he said to his family, “Stay here, I perceive a fire, per-haps I can bring a torch from it, or find some guid-ance at the fire.” 10

But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard, “O Moses, 11“Indeed I am your Guardian Evolver, so re-move your shoes. You are in the sacred valley Tuwa. 12“I have chosen you. Listen then to the inspiration. 13“Indeed I am God. There is no god but Me. So serve Me, and establish prayer to remember me. 14“Indeed the Hour is com-ing. My design is to keep it hidden in order for every soul to receive its reward by the amount of its en-deavor. 15“Therefore do not let be-lievers follow their lusts, avoid them, or you will per-ish.” 16“And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?” 17He said, “It is my staff. On it I lean, and with it I beat down fodder for my flocks, and in it I find other uses.” 18God said, “Throw it O Moses,” 19He threw it, and behold, it was a snake active in mo-tion. 20God said, “Seize it and fear not. We will return it at

227

Twenty

once to its previous state.” 21“Now draw your hand close to your side. It will come out white, without harm, as another sign, 22“In order that We may re-veal to you our greater signs. 23“Go to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds.” 24Moses said, “O my Lord, expand my breast, 25“Ease my task for me, 26“And remove the impedi-ment from my speech, 27“So that they may under-stand what I say, 28“And give me a minister from my family, 29“Aaron, my brother, 30“Add to my strength through him, 31“And have him share my task, 32“That we may praise You much, 33“And remember You much, 34“For You are He Who is re-gardful of us.” 35God said, “Granted is your prayer, O Moses.” 36

“And indeed We conferred a favor on you another time. 37“Behold, We sent to your mother, by inspiration, this message, 38“ ‘Place him into the bas-ket, then place him into the river. The river will cast him up on the bank, and he will be taken up by one who is an enemy to Me and an enemy to him’. But I cast love over you from Me, in order that you may be reared under Mine eye. 39“Behold, your sister going forth and saying, ‘Can I show you one who can nurse and rear the child?’ So We brought you back to your mother that her eyes might be cooled and she would not grieve. Then you killed a man, but We saved you from trouble, and We tried you in various ways. Then you stayed a number of years with the people of Midian. Then you came near as ordained, O Moses, 40“And I have prepared you for Myself.” 41“Go you and your brother with My signs, and slacken not, either of you, in keep-ing Me in remem-brance. 42“Go both of you to Pharaoh, for he has indeed

228

Twenty

transgressed all bounds, 43“But speak to him gently. Perhaps he may take warn-ing because of his admira-tion.” 44They said, “Our Lord, We fear that he will hasten with contempt against us, or that he will transgress all bounds.” 45He said, “Fear not, for I am with you, and I hear and see everything. 46“So go both of you to him and say, ‘Indeed we are messengers sent by your Guardian Evolver. There-fore, allow the Children of Israel to exit with us, and do not stop them. Indeed with a sign we come from your Guardian Evolver, and peace to all who follow guidance. 47“Indeed it has been re-vealed to us that the penalty awaits those who reject and turn away.” 48He said, “Who then, O Moses, is the Lord of you two?” 49He said, “Our Lord is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, and fur-ther, gave it purpose.” 50He said, “What then hap-pened to previous genera-tions?” 51

He replied, “The knowl-edge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded. My Lord never errs, nor for-gets, 52“He Who has made for you the earth, like a carpet spread out, has enabled you to go about therein by roads and channels, and has sent down water from the sky.” With it We have produced diverse pairs of plants, each distinct from the others. 53Eat for yourselves, and pasture your livestock. In-deed in this are signs for people endued with under-standing. 54From the earth We created you, and into it We will re-turn you, and from it We will bring you out once again. 55And We showed Pharaoh all of Our signs, but he re-jected them. 56He said, “Have you come to drive us out of our land with your illusions, O Moses? 57“But we can surely pro-duce illusions to match yours. So set a meeting be-tween us and you which we will not fail to keep, nei-ther we nor you, in a place where both will have equal chances.” 58

229

Twenty

Moses said, “Your appoint-ment is at the day of the festival, and let the people be assembled in the morn-ing.” 59So Pharaoh left. He hatched his scheme, and then came back. 60Moses said to him, woe to you. Do not tell a lie against God, lest He de-stroy you by chastisement. A forger must suffer penalty.” 61So they disputed, one with another, over their affair, but they kept their talks secret. 62They said, “These two are certainly illusionists. Their object is to drive you out from your land with their illusions, and to do away with your most cherished institutions. 63“Therefore concoct your plan, and then assemble in ranks. He wins today who gains the upper hand.” 64They said, “O Moses, would you rather that you throw first, or that we be the first to throw?” 65He said, “No please, throw first.” Then behold, their ropes and their staffs. And it seemed to him on ac-count of their illusions that they began to move. 66

Then Moses sensed fear in himself. 67We said, “Fear not, for you have indeed the upper hand. 68“Present that which is in your right hand. Quickly it will swallow up that which they had faked. What they had faked is but an illu-sionist’s trick and the illu-sionist thrives not, no mat-ter where he goes.” 69So the illusionists were humbled. They said, “We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.” 70He said, “Believe in Him before I give you permis-sion? Surely this must be your leader, who has taught you illusions. In-deed I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified on trunks of palm trees. So you will know for certain which of us can give more severe and more lasting punishment.” 71They said, “Never will we consider you more than the clear signs that have come to us, or more than Him Who created us. So do whatever you want to do, for you can only influence in the life of the present. 72“For us, we have believed in our Lord. May He for-give us our faults, and the

230

Twenty

illusions to which you com-pelled us to do, for God is Best and Ever Lasting.” 73Indeed he who returns to his Lord as a wrong-doer, for him is hell. Therein will he neither die nor live. 74But those who come to Him as believers who have worked righteous deeds, for them are ranks ex-alted, 75Gardens of eternity, be-neath which rivers flow. They will dwell therein for-ever. Such is the reward of those who refine them-selves. 76We sent this inspiration to Moses, “Travel by night with My servants, and split a dry path for them through the sea, without fear of being overtaken and without any other fear.” 77Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but the waters completely overwhelmed them and covered them up. 78Pharaoh led his people astray instead of leading them aright. 79O you Children of Israel, We delivered you from your enemy, and We made a covenant with you on the right side of the mount, and We sent down to you manna and quail. 80

Saying, “Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest My punishment should justly descend on you, and those on whom My punish-ment descends, will indeed perish. 81“But without doubt, I am He Who forgives again and again, those who repent, believe, and do right, they receive guidance.” 82“What made you hasten in advance of your people, O Moses?” 83He replied, “Behold, they are close on my footsteps. I hastened to you, O my Lord, to please you.” 84God said, “We have tested your people in your ab-sence. Samiri has led them astray.” 85So Moses returned to his people frustrated and sor-rowful. He said, “O my people, did your Lord not make an attractive prom-ise to you? Did the promise seem to you too far off? Or did you desire that punish-ment should descend from your Lord on you, so you broke your promise to me?” 86They said, “We did not break the promise to you of our own volition, but we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of

231

Twenty

the people, and we threw them, because that was what Samiri suggested. 87“Then he brought out be-fore them the image of a calf. It seemed mysterious, so they said, ‘this is your god, and the god of Moses, but he has forgotten.’ ” 88Could they not see that it could not return a word to them, and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good? 89Aaron had already before this said to them, “O my people, you are being tested by this, for indeed your Lord is God, the Mer-ciful Benefactor, so follow me and follow my ad-vice.” 90They said, “We will not abandon this community, but we will devote our-selves to it until Moses re-turns to us.” 91Moses said, “O Aaron, what kept you back, when you saw them going wrong, 92“From following me? Why did you not follow my ad-vice?” 93Aaron replied, “O son of my mother, grab me not by my beard or by my hair. Truly I feared that you would say, ‘You have caused a division among the Children of Israel, and

you did not respect my word.’ ” 94Moses said, “What then is your story, O Samiri?” 95He replied, “I saw what they saw not. So I grabbed a handful from the foot-print of the messenger and threw it. This is what my soul suggested to me.” 96Moses said, “Go away, and your punishment in this life will be that you will say, ‘Untouchable’, and moreover you have a prom-ise that will not fail. Now look at your god, of whom you have become a devoted worshipper. We will cer-tainly melt it in a blazing fire and scatter it in the sea.” 97But the God of you all is the One God. There is no god but Him. Of all things He has knowledge. 98Thus We relate to you sto-ries of what happened be-fore, for We have sent you a message from Us. 99If any turn away from it, indeed they will bear a burden on the Day of Ac-countability, 100They will remain in this state, and terrible will be the burden on them that day. 101The day the trumpet will be sounded. That day, We

232

Twenty

will gather the sinful, blurry-eyed. 102In whispers will they con-sult each other, “Yet they will stay no longer than ten. 103We know best what they will say, when their leader best in conduct says, “You stayed not longer than a day.” 104They ask you concerning the mountains say, “My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust, 105“He will leave them flat, 106“Nothing crooked or curved will you see in their place.” 107On that day they will follow the caller. No crookedness concerning him either. All sounds will humble them-selves in the presence of God, the Merciful Benefac-tor. Nothing will you hear but the sound of their feet. 108On that day no interces-sion will help, except for those for whom permission has been granted by God, the Merciful Benefactor, and whose word is accept-able to Him. 109He knows what is before, after, and behind them, but they will not under-stand it with their knowl-edge. 110

All faces will be humbled before Him, the Living, the Self-Sufficient, Eternal. Hopeless indeed will be the person that carries an injustice. 111But he who does deeds of righteousness and has faith, will have no fear of harm or of being deprived of what he is due. 112So We have sent this down, an Arabic Quran, and ex-plained therein in detail some of the warnings, in order that they may be conscious of God, or that it may cause their remem-brance. 113High above all is God, the King, the Truth. Do not be impatient with the Quran before its communication to you is completed, but say, “O my Lord, advance me in knowledge.” 114We had already taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot, and We found on his part no resolve. 115When We said to the an-gels, “Prostrate to Adam,” they prostrated them-selves, but not Lucifer, he refused. 116Then We said, “O Adam, in-deed this is an enemy to you and your mate. So do not let him get both of you out of the garden, so that you land in misery. 117

233

Twenty

“There is enough there for you not to go hungry nor to go naked, 118“Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the Sun’s heat.” 119But Satan whispered wrong to him. He said, “O Adam, will I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that never de-cays?” 120So they both ate of the tree, and so their naked-ness appeared to them. They began to sew to-gether, for their clothes, leaves from the garden. Thus did Adam ignore his Lord, and allow himself to be seduced. 121But his Lord, the Caller, chose him. He turned to him and gave him guid-ance. 122He said, “Go down all to-gether from the garden, with enmity between your-selves, but if, as is sure, there comes to you guid-ance from Me, whoever fol-lows My guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery. 123“But whoever turns away from My message, indeed for him is a shallow life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Ac-countability.” 124

He will say, “O my Lord, why have You raised me up blind when I had sight?” 125God will say, “Because when Our signs came to you, you disregarded them. So you will, this day, be disregarded.” 126This is how We reward him who transgresses beyond bounds and believes not in the signs of his Lord, and the penalty of the here-after is far more terrible and more enduring. 127Is it not a warning to these people, the many genera-tions before them We caused to perish, in whose buildings they tour? In-deed, in this are signs for people endued with under-standing. 128Had it not been for a word that went forth before from your Lord, their pun-ishment would have come, but there is a term ap-pointed. 129Therefore be patient with what they say, and praise your Lord, before the ris-ing of the Sun, and before its setting. Yes, praise for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day. That you may have joy. 130Nor strain your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment

234

Twenty

to some of them. The splendor of the life of the present is how We chal-lenge them. But the provi-sion of your Lord is better and more enduring. 131Encourage prayer for your people, and be consistent in it. We do not ask you to provide sustenance. We provide it for you, and the result is for the con-scious. 132They say, “Why does he not bring us a sign from his Lord?” Has guidance not come to them from all that was in the previous books of scripture? 133And if We had inflicted on them a penalty before this they would have said, “Our Lord, if only You had sent us a messenger, we would certainly have followed Your signs before we were humbled and put to shame.” 134Say, “Each one is waiting. So wait also, and soon will you know who is on the straight and even path, and who it is who has re-ceived guidance.” 135 (End of Part 16)

235

TWENTY-ONE

Closer and closer to the human being comes their judgment. Yet they are heedless and they turn away. 1There has never come to them a renewed message from their Lord that they did not listen to without regard, 2While their hearts were distracted. The wrongdo-ers conceal their private meetings saying, “Is he more than a human like yourselves? Will you follow illusions with your eyes open?” 3Say, “My Lord knows each word in the heavens and on earth. He is the One Who hears and knows all things.” 4“No,” they say, "A medley of dreams." "No, he fabri-cated it". "No, he is a poet". "Let him bring us a sign like the ones that were sent to those in the past.” 5Before them, not one of the populations that We caused to perish believed. Will these believe? 6Before you, those We sent were also only men to

whom We granted inspira-tion. Ask those who have the message if you do not know. 7Nor did We give them bod-ies that consumed no food, nor were they exempt from death. 8In the end, We fulfilled Our promise to them, and We saved them and those whom We pleased, but We caused to perish those who transgressed beyond bounds. 9We have revealed for you a book in which is a message for you. Will you not use your intelligence? 10How many populations did We cause to perish be-cause of their immorality and lack of ethics, estab-lishing in their places other people? 11Yet, when they sensed Our punishment behold, they tried to run from it. 12Run not, but return to the good things of this life that were given to you, and re-turn home, in order that you may be called to ac-count. 13They said, “Woe to us, we were indeed wrongdo-ers.” 14And that cry of theirs ceased not, until We made

236

Twenty-One

them as a mown field, or as ashes silenced. 15We did not create the heavens and the earth for fun, nor all that is in be-tween. 16If it had been Our will to take a pastime, We could indeed have taken it from the things nearest to Us, if We would do such a thing. 17No, We hurl the truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brains, and behold, falsehood is bound to perish. Woe to you for the things you ascribe to Us. 18To Him belong all that is in the heavens and on earth. Even those who are in His presence are not too proud to serve Him, nor do they tire in doing so. 19They praise Him night and day, and they do not let up. 20Have they taken for wor-ship gods from the earth who can resurrect? 21If there were in the heav-ens and the earth other gods besides God, there would have been confusion in both. But glory be to God, the Lord of the throne. High is He above what they attribute to Him. 22

He cannot be questioned for His acts, but they will be questioned for theirs. 23Have they taken for wor-ship gods besides Him? Say, “Bring your proof. This is the message of those with me and the message of those before me.” But most of them do not know the truth, and therefore turn away. 24No messenger did We send before you without this in-spiration sent by Us to him, “There is no god but Me, therefore worship and serve Me.” 25And they say, “God, the Merciful Benefactor has a son, glory be to him.” No, they are servants raised to honor. 26They do not speak before He speaks, and they act by His command. 27He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and none can inter-cede except for those whom He approves, and they stand in awe and rev-erence before Him. 28If any of them should say, “I am a god besides Him,” We will reward them with hell. This is how We re-ward those who do wrong. 29

237

Twenty-One

Do the unbelievers fail to see that the heavens and the earth were joined to-gether, before We split them apart? We made ev-ery living thing from water. Will they not then be-lieve? 30And We have set on the earth mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with them, and We have made therein broad valleys between mountains for them to pass through, so that they may receive guid-ance. 31And We have made the heavens as a canopy well guarded. Yet they turn away from the signs. 32It is He Who created the night and the day, and the Sun and the Moon each float along in its orbit. 33We did not grant to any person before you eternal life. If you must die, should they then live for-ever? 34Every soul will have a taste of death, and We challenge you with bad and with good, and to Us you must return. 35When the unbelievers see you, they treat you with ridicule, “Is this,” they say, “The one who talks of your gods?” But they reject even the mention of God,

the Merciful Benefactor. 36The human being is a crea-ture of haste. Soon will I show you My signs, and then you will not ask Me to hasten them. 37They say, “When will this promise come to pass if you are telling the truth?” 38If only the unbelievers knew of the time when they will not be able to ward off the fire from their faces, nor from their backs, nor will they be helped. 39No, it may come to them all of a sudden and as a shock to them. Then no power will they have to avert it, nor will they have respite. 40Mocked were messengers before you, but those who mocked were done in by the thing which they mocked. 41Say, “Who can keep you safe by night and by day from God, the Merciful Benefactor?” Yet they turn away from the mention of their Guardian Evolver. 42Or have they gods that can guard them from Us? They have no power to aid them-selves, nor can they be de-fended from Us. 43

238

Twenty-One

No, We gave the good things of this life to these people and their fathers, until the period grew long for them. Do they not see that We gradually reduce the land in their control from its outlying borders? Is it then they who will win? 44Say, “I only warn you ac-cording to revelation.” But the deaf will not hear the call when they are warned. 45If even a gust of the pun-ishment of your Lord reaches them, they will then say, “Woe to us, we did wrong indeed.” 46We will set up scales of justice for the Day of Ac-countability, so no soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least. And if there be the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it to ac-count, and enough are We to take account. 47In the past, We granted to Moses and Aaron the Cri-terion, and a light, and a message for those who are conscious, 48Those who are conscious of their Guardian Evolver in their most private thoughts, and who hold the Hour in awe. 49And this is a blessed mes-sage that We have sent

down. Will you then reject it? 50We gave Abraham moral authority and We knew him well. 51Behold, he said to his fa-ther and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoted?” 52They said, “We found our fathers worshipping them.” 53He said, “Indeed you have been in manifest error, you and your fathers.” 54They said, “Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who mock?” 55He said, “No, and your Lord is the Guardian Evolver of the heavens and the earth, and He is the One Who created them, and I am a witness to this. 56“And by God, I have a plan for your idols after you go away and turn your backs.” 57Then he broke them to pieces, all but the biggest of them, so that they might turn to it. 58They said, “Who has done this to our gods? He must indeed be of the wrong-do-ers.” 59

239

Twenty-One

They said, “We heard a youth talk of them. His name is Abraham.” 60They said, “Then bring him before the eyes of the peo-ple, that they may bear witness.” 61They said, “Are you the one who did this to our gods, O Abraham?” 62He said, “No, this was done by that, the biggest one. Ask them, if they can speak.” 63So they turned to them-selves and said, “Indeed you are the ones in the wrong.” 64Then they were angered and embarrassed. They said, “You know full well that these do not speak.” 65Abraham said, “Do you then worship, besides God, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm? 66“Shame on you, and on the things that you worship besides God. Have you no sense?” 67They said, “Burn him and protect your gods, if you want to do something.” 68We said, “O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.” 69Then they sought a plot against him, but We made

them the ones who lost most. 70And We delivered him and Lot to the land which We have blessed for the na-tions. 71And We bestowed on him Isaac, and as an additional gift, Jacob, and We made righteous the people of each one of them. 72And We made them lead-ers, guiding the people by Our command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish prayer, and to give zakat, and they constantly served Us. 73And to Lot, We gave judg-ment and knowledge, and We saved him from the town which practiced abominations. Truly they were a people given to wrong, a rebellious peo-ple. 74And We admitted him to Our mercy, for he was one of the righteous. 75And Noah, when he cried, We listened to him, and de-livered him and his family from great distress. 76We helped him against the people who rejected Our signs. Truly they were a people given to wrong. So We drowned them all. 77And remember David and Solomon, when they gave

240

Twenty-One

judgment in the matter of the field, into which the sheep of certain people had strayed by night. We did witness their judg-ment. 78To Solomon We inspired the understanding of the matter. To each We gave judgment and knowledge, it was Our power that made the hills and the birds praise Us with David. It was We Who did it. 79It was We Who taught him the making of armor for your benefit, to guard you from violence. Will you then be grateful? 80The violent wind flowed for Solomon, by his order to the land which We had blessed, for We know all things. 81And of the devils were some who dived for him, and did other work besides that, and it was We Who guarded them. 82And Job, when He cried to his Lord, “Truly distress has seized me, but You are the Most Merciful of those who are merciful.” 83So We listened to him. We removed the distress that was on him, and We re-stored his people to him, and doubled their number, as a grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemo-

ration for all who serve Us. 84And Ishmael, Idris, and Zul-kifl, all were of con-stancy and patience. 85We admitted them to Our mercy, for they were of the righteous. 86And remember Zun-nun, when he departed in pun-ishment. He imagined that We had no power over him, but he cried through the depths of darkness, “There is no god but You, glory to You, I was indeed wrong.” 87So We listened to him, and delivered him from dis-tress, and thus do We de-liver those who have faith. 88And Zechariah, when he cried to his Lord, “O my Lord, leave me not without offspring, though you are the best of inheritors.” 89So We listened to him, and We granted him Yahya. We reversed his wife’s barren-ness for him. These were ever quick in doing good works, they used to call on Us with love and rever-ence, and humble them-selves before Us. 90And she who guarded her chastity, We breathed into her of Our spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for all people. 91

241

Twenty-One

Indeed the fellowship of yours is a single fellow-ship, and I am your Guardian Evolver, there-fore serve Me. 92But others severed their unity, one from another, still they will all return to Us. 93Whoever does any act of righteousness and has faith, his endeavor will not be rejected. We will record it in his favor. 94But there is a ban on any population which We have caused to perish, that they will not return, 95Until the Gog and Magog are let through, and they swiftly swarm from every hill. 96Then will the true promise draw near. Then behold, the eyes of the unbelievers will stare in horror, “Woe to us, we were indeed heedless of this. No, we truly did wrong.” 97Indeed you, and the gods that you worship besides God, are fuel for hell, and there you will go. 98If they had been gods, they would not have been sent there, but each one will live therein. 99For them will be sobbing, but they will not hear. 100

Those for whom the good from Us has come before will be removed far from it. 101Not the slightest sound will they hear of hell. What their souls desired, in that will they dwell. 102The great fear will bring them no grief, but the an-gels will meet them. This is your day that you were promised. 103The day that We roll up the heavens like rolling a scroll, as We produced the first creation, We will pro-duce a new one. This is a promise We have made and indeed We will fulfill it. 104Before this We wrote in the Psalms, after the Re-minder, “My servants the righteous will inherit the earth.” 105Indeed in this is a message for people who want to worship God. 106And We have not sent you except as a mercy for all the worlds. 107Say, “What has come to me by inspiration, is that your God is One God. Will you therefore submit to His will?” 108But if they turn back say, “I have proclaimed the message to you all alike and in truth, but I know

242

Twenty-One

not whether that which you are promised is near or far. 109“It is He Who knows what is open in speech and what you hide. 110“I know only that it will be a trial for you and enjoy-ment for a time.” 111Say, “O my Lord, judge with truth. Our Lord the Merciful Benefactor is the One Whose assistance should be sought against your blasphemies.” 112

243

TWENTY-TWO

O humanity, be regardful of your Guardian Evolver, for the commotion of the Hour will be a terrible thing. 1The day you will see it, ev-ery nursing mother will forget she was nursing, and every pregnant female will deliver. You will see humanity as in a drunken riot, yet not drunk, and dreadful will be the pun-ishment of God. 2And yet among humanity, there are some who dis-pute about God, without knowledge, and follow ev-ery wrong-doer, obstinate in rebellion. 3Concerning Satan, it is de-creed that whoever turns to him for friendship, he will lead them astray, and he will guide them to the penalty of the fire. 4O humanity, if you have doubt about the resurrec-tion, consider that We cre-ated you out of dust, then out of a zygote, then out of an embryo, then out of tis-sue, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may make it mani-fest to you, and We cause whom We will to rest in the

wombs for an appointed term, then We bring you out as babies, then raise you so you may reach your age of full strength, and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know not, after having known. And you see the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred to life, it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth. 5This is because God is the Reality. It is He Who gives life to the dead, and it is He Who has power over all things. 6And indeed the Hour will come. There can be no doubt about it, or about the fact that God will raise up all who are in the graves. 7Yet there are among hu-manity, those who dispute about God, without knowl-edge, without guidance, and without a book of en-lightenment, 8Bending his side, in order to lead the people astray from the path of God, for him there is disgrace in this life, and on the Day of Accountability, We will make him taste the penalty of burning. 9

244

Twenty-Two

“This is because of the deeds which your hands sent forth. For indeed God is not unjust to His ser-vants. 10There are among the peo-ple some who serve God on the verge. If good befalls them, they are content, but if a trial comes to them, they turn on their faces. They lose both the present and the hereafter. That is a loss for all to see. 11They call on such deities besides God, who can nei-ther hurt nor profit them. That is straying far in-deed. 12They call on one whose harm is nearer than his profit. Harmful indeed is the protector, and harmful the companion. 13Indeed God will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds to gardens beneath which rivers flow, for God carries out all that He plans. 14If any think that God will not help His messenger in the present and the here-after, let him stretch out a rope to the ceiling and cut himself off, then let him see whether his plan will remove that which enrages him. 15Thus We have sent down clear signs, and indeed

God guides whom He wills. 16Those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Sabaeans, Christians, Ma-gians, and Polytheists, God will judge between them on the Day of Accountabil-ity, for God is witness to all things. 17Do you not see that to God submits all things that are in the heavens and on earth? The Sun, the Moon, the stars, the hills, the trees, the animals, and a good number among hu-manity. But a good number are also fit for punishment, and those who God will disgrace, none can raise to honor, for God carries out all that He wills. 18These two opponents dis-pute with each other about their Guardian Evolver, but those who deny their Lord, for them will be cut out a garment of fire. Over their heads will be poured out boiling water. 19With it will scald what is within their bodies, as well as their skin. 20Also, there will be hooked rods of iron to punish them. 21Every time they wish to get away from it, and from an-guish, they will be forced back into it. Taste the penalty of burning.” 22

245

Twenty-Two

God will admit those who believe and work righteous deeds, to gardens with rivers flowing through them. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments will be of silk. 23For they have been guided to the most refined of speeches, they have been guided to the path of Him Who is worthy of praise. 24As for those who have re-jected God, and would keep back the people from the way of God, and from the Sacred Masjid which We have made for all peo-ple, must know that equal there is the resident and the visitor, and any whose purpose for being there is deviation or wrongdoing, We will cause them to taste a most terrible penalty. 25Behold, We assigned to Abraham the site of the house saying, “Do not as-sociate anything with Me, and keep My house clean for those who circle it, or stand up, bow, or prostrate themselves. 26“And inform humanity con-cerning Hajj. They will come like you on foot, and on every mode of trans-portation, coming from ev-ery distant land, 27“That they may experience that which will be of bene-

fits to them, and remember the Name of God on the days appointed, while over the livestock which He has provided for them. Then eat of it, and feed the des-titute in want. 28“So let them complete the rites prescribed for them, make their promises, and circle the Ancient House.” 29Whoever honors the sacred rites of God, for him is good in the sight of his Lord. Permissible to you are livestock, except those mentioned to you, but avoid the abomination of idols, and avoid a word that is false, 30Be true in faith to God, and never assign partners to Him. If anyone assigns partners to God, it is as if he had fallen from heaven, and had been snatched up by birds, or the wind had blown and thrown him into a distant place. 31Whoever holds in honor the symbols of God, it should truly come from piety of heart. 32In them you have benefits for a term appointed. In the end their place of sac-rifice is near the Ancient House. 33To every people We ap-pointed rites that they might mention the name of

246

Twenty-Two

God over the sustenance He gave them from ani-mals. And your God is One God, so submit your will to Him, and give the good news to those who humble themselves, 34They are those whose hearts, when God is men-tioned, are filled with awe. Who show patient perse-verance over their afflic-tions, establish prayer, and give out of what We have bestowed upon them. 35And the sacrificial animal, We have made it for you among the symbols from God. In them is good for you. So remember the name of God over it as they line up, and when they are down on their sides. Then eat of it, and feed the needy who do not ask, and those who do. Thus We have made animals subject to you, that you may be grateful. 36It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches God, it is your piety that reaches Him. He has made them subject to you, that you may praise God for His guidance to you, and pro-claim the good news to all who do right. 37Indeed God will defend those who believe, indeed God does not love any who is a traitor of faith or who shows ingratitude. 38

To those against whom war is made, permission is given to fight, because they were wronged, and in-deed God is most powerful for their aid. 39Those who have been ex-pelled from their homes in defiance of right, for no reason except that they say, “Our Guardian Evolver is God.” If God did not check one group of people by means of another, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries, churches, synagogues, and masjids, in which the name of God is commemorated in abundant measure. God will certainly aid those who aid Him, for indeed God is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might. 40Those who, if We establish them in the land, establish prayer and give zakat, en-courage right and forbid wrong, then with God rests the end of all their af-fairs. 41If they reject you, so did peoples before them, the people of Noah, of ‘Ad , and of the Thamud, 42Those of Abraham and Lot, 43The companions of the Madyan people, and Moses, they all were re-jected, but I granted respite to the unbelievers,

247

Twenty-Two

and after that I punished them. How terrible was my rejection of them. 44How many populations have We caused to perish which were given to wrongdoing which tumbled down on their roofs? And how many wells are lying idle and neglected, as well as castles lofty and well-built?  45Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts may learn wisdom, and their ears may learn to hear? Truly it is not their eyes that are blind, but the hearts in their breasts. 46And they ask you to hasten on the punishment, but God will not fail in His promise. Indeed a day in the sight of your Lord is like a thousand years of your count. 47And to how many popula-tions did I give respite, though they were given to wrongdoing. In the end I punished them. To me is the destination. 48Say, “O humanity, I am sent to you only to give a clear warning. 49“Those who believe and work righteousness, for them is forgiveness and sustenance most gener-ous. 50

“But those who strive against Our signs, seeking to stop them, they will be companions of the fire.” 51Never did We send a mes-senger or a prophet before you, that when he had a purpose, Satan threw something harmful in his purpose, but God will throw out anything that Satan throws in, and God will confirm His signs, for God is full of knowledge and wisdom. 52He does this, so that He may make the suggestions thrown in by Satan, a trial for those in whose hearts is a disease, and who has hardened their heart. In-deed the wrongdoers are in a disagreement far astray. 53So that those on whom knowledge has been be-stowed, may learn that it is the truth from your Lord, and that they may believe therein, and their hearts may be made humble and open to it. For God indeed guides those who believe to the straight way. 54Those who do not believe will not cease to be in doubt concerning revela-tion, until the Hour comes suddenly upon them, or there comes to them the penalty of a day of disas-ter. 55

248

Twenty-Two

On that day, the control will be that of God. He will judge between them. And those who believe and work righteous deeds will be in gardens of plea-sure. 56And for those who do not believe and deny our signs, there will be a crushing punishment. 57Those who leave their homes in the cause of God, and are slain or die, indeed will God bestow on them an excellent provision. Truly God is He Who be-stows the best provi-sion. 58Indeed He will admit them to a place with which they will be well pleased, for God is All Knowing, Most Understanding. 59Thus if one has retaliated to no greater extent than the injury he received, and is again attacked, God will help him, for God is One who blots out sins and for-gives again and again. 60Because God merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and indeed it is God Who hears and sees all. 61Because God, He is the Re-ality, and those besides Him whom they invoke, are as falsehood, but indeed God is He, Most High, Most Great. 62 

Do you not see that God sends down rain from the sky, and thereafter the earth becomes dressed with green? For God is He Who understands the finest mysteries, and is well acquainted with them. 63To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, for indeed God is free of all wants, worthy of all praise. 64Do you not see that God has made subject to you all that is on the earth, and the ships that sail through the waters by His com-mand? He withholds the sky’s rain from failing on the earth except by His permission, for God is Most Kind and the Merci-ful Redeemer to human-ity. 65It is He Who gave you life, will cause you to die, and will again give you life. Truly humanity is a most ungrateful creature. 66To every people We have appointed rites and cere-monies which they per-form. Then let them not dispute with you over the matter, but invite them to your Lord, for you are surely on the right way. 67If they argue with you say, “God knows best what it is you do.” 68

249

Twenty-Two

“God will judge between you on the Day of Account-ability, concerning the matters in which you dif-fer.” 69Do you not know that God knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it is all in a record, and that is easy for God. 70Yet they worship besides God, things for which no authority has been sent down to them, and of which they have no knowl-edge, for those who do wrong there is no helper. 71When Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, you will notice denial on the faces of the unbelievers. They nearly attack those who re-hearse Our signs to them. Say, “Shall I tell you of something far worse than these signs? It is the fire of hell. God has promised it to the unbelievers, and evil is that destination.” 72O humanity, here is a para-ble put forward, listen to it. Those on whom you call other than God, cannot even create a fly, even if they all met together for the purpose, and if the fly snatches away anything from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. Feeble are those who petition, as are

those whom they peti-tion. 73No just estimate have they made of God, for God is He Who is strong and able to carry out His will. 74God chooses messengers from angels and from hu-man beings, for God is He Who hears and sees all things. 75He knows what is before them and what is behind them and to God go back all questions. 76O you who believe, bow down, prostrate your-selves, adore your Lord, and do good, so that you may flourish. 77And strive in His cause, as you ought to strive. He has chosen you, and has im-posed no difficulties on you in this way, it is the way of your father Abra-ham. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this revela-tion, that the messenger may be a witness for you, and you are witnesses for humanity. So establish prayer, give zakat, and hold fast to God. He is your Protector, the best to pro-tect and the best to help. (End of Part 17) 78

250

TWENTY-THREE

Believers will certainly flourish. 1Those who humble them-selves in their prayers, 2Who avoid harmful talk, 3Who are active in deeds of charity, 4Who abstain from sex, 5Except with their mates, or those whom their right hands possess, for in their case they are free from blame, 6But those whose desires exceed these limits are transgressors. 7But those who faithfully observe their trusts and their promises, 8And who strictly remember their prayers, 9These will be the heirs- 10Who will inherit paradise. They will dwell therein for-ever. 11And indeed We created hu-manity from a quintes-sence of clay, 12Then We placed them as a zygote in a place of rest, firmly fixed, 13

Then We made the zygote into an embryo, then of that embryo We made a fe-tus, then we made the fe-tus into bones and clothed the bones with flesh, then we developed out of it an-other creature. So blessed is God, the best of cre-ators. 14After that, you will eventu-ally die. 15Then on the Day of Ac-countability, you will be raised up. 16And We have made above you seven paths, and We are never unmindful of Our creation. 17And We send down water from the sky by a certain measure, and We cause it to soak in the earth, and We certainly are able to make it disappear. 18With it We grow for you gardens of date palms and vines. In them you have abundant fruit, and from them you eat and enjoy. 19Also is a tree springing out of Mount Sinai which pro-duces oil and relish for those who use it for food. 20And in cattle too, you have an instructive similitude. From within their bodies We produce milk for you to drink. There are also in them numerous other ben-

251

Twenty-Three

efits for you, and of their meat you eat, 21And on them as well as on ships you are carried. 22Further, We sent a long line of prophets to instruct you. We sent Noah to his people. He said, “O my people, worship God, you have no other god but Him. Will you not fear Him?” 23The leaders of the unbe-lievers among his people said, “He is no more than a human like you. His wish is to assert his will over you. If God had wished to send messengers, He could have sent down angels, never did we hear of such a thing as he says, from even among our earliest ances-tors. 24“He is but a man pos-sessed. Wait and have pa-tience with him for a time.” 25Noah said, “O my Lord, help me, for they accuse me of lies.” 26So We inspired him with this message, “Construct the Ark within Our sight and under Our guidance. Then when Our command comes, and the fountains of the earth gush forth, take on-board pairs of ev-ery type, male and female, and your family, except those of them against

whom the word has already gone forward, and do not address Me in favor of the wrongdoers, for they will be drowned. 27And when you have em-barked on the Ark, you and those with you say, “Praise God, He Who has saved us from the people who do wrong.” 28And say, “O my Lord, en-able me to disembark with your blessing, for You are the best to enable us to disembark.” 29Indeed in this are signs, and with this do We test people. 30Then We produced after them another genera-tion. 31And We sent to them a messenger from among themselves saying, “Wor-ship God, you have no other god but Him. Will you not fear Him?” 32And the leaders of his peo-ple who disbelieved and denied the meeting in the hereafter, and he on whom We had bestowed the good things in the life of the present said, “He is no more than human like you. He eats of what you eat, and drinks of what you drink. 33“If you follow a human be-ing like yourselves behold,

252

Twenty-Three

it is certain you will be lost. 34“Does he promise that when you die and become dust and bones, you will be brought out? 35“Far, very far is that which you are promised. 36“There is nothing but our life in the present. We die and we live, but we will never be raised up again. 37“He is but one who invents a lie against God, but we are not ones to believe in him.” 38He said, “Lord help me, for they accuse me of ly-ing.” 39God said, “In but a little while, they are sure to be sorry.” 40Then the blast overtook them with justice, and We made them as remains of dead leaves. So away with the people who do wrong. 41Then We produced after them other generations. 42No people can hasten their term, nor can they delay it. 43Then We sent our messen-gers in succession. Every time there came to a peo-ple their messenger they accused him of falsehood.

So We made them follow each other in punishment. We made them as a tale that is told. So away with a people who will not be-lieve. 44Then We sent Moses and his brother Aaron with Our signs and with clear au-thority, 45And to Pharaoh and his no-marchs. But they behaved arrogantly. They were a people conceited. 46They said, “Shall we be-lieve in two people like ourselves while their peo-ple are subject to us?” 47So they accused them of falsehood, and they be-came of those that were caused to perish. 48And We gave Moses the Book, in order that they might receive guidance. 49And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a sign. We gave them both shelter on a high ground of tranquility, and springs. 50O you messengers, enjoy things good and refined, and work righteousness, for I am well acquainted with all that you do. 51And indeed this commu-nity of yours is a single community, and I am your Lord. Therefore fear Me and no other. 52

253

Twenty-Three

But the people cut off the events of unity between them into sects. Each group rejoices in that which is with it. 53But leave them in their confused ignorance for now. 54Do they think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth and sons, 55That We would funnel them all the good. No, they do not understand. 56Indeed those who live in awe for fear of their Lord, 57Those who believe in the signs of their Lord, 58Those who do not join in worship, partners with their Lord, 59And those who give their charity with their hearts full of awe, because they will return to their Lord, 60It is these who hasten in every good work, and these are foremost in them. 61On no soul do We place a burden greater than she can bear. Before Us is a record that clearly shows the truth. They will never be wronged. 62But their hearts are in confused ignorance of this,

and there are besides that, deeds of theirs that they will continue to do, 63Until We seize them in punishment. Those of them that received the good things of the present behold, they will cry in supplication. 64It will be said, “Cry not in supplication this day, for you will certainly not be helped by Us. 65“My signs used to be re-hearsed to you, but you used to turn back on your heels- 66“In arrogance. Speaking wrongfully about it by night.” 67Do they not ponder over the Word, or has anything new come to them that did not come to their ances-tors? 68Or do they not recognize their messenger, so they reject him? 69Or do they say, “He is pos-sessed?” No, he has brought them the truth, but most of them hate the truth. 70If the truth had been in ac-cord with their desires, truly the heavens and the earth, and all beings therein would have been in chaos. No, We have sent them advice, but they turn away from the advice. 71

254

Twenty-Three

Or is it that you ask them for some reward? But the reward of your Lord is best. He is the best of those who give suste-nance. 72But indeed you call them to the straight way, 73And indeed those who do not believe in the hereafter are deviating from that way. 74If We had mercy on them and removed the distress which is on them, they would obstinately persist in their transgression, wandering in distraction back and forth. 75We inflicted punishment on them, but they did not humble themselves to their Lord, nor do they submis-sively supplicate to Him, 76Until We open on them a gate leading to a severe punishment. Then they will be plunged in despair. 77It is He Who has created for you the faculties of hearing, sight, feeling, and understanding. Little thanks is it you give. 78And He has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him will you be gathered back. 79It is He Who gives life and death, and to Him is due the alternation of night

and day. Will you not then understand? 80Instead, they say things similar to what the people in the past said, 81They say, “What, when we die and become dust and bones, could we really be raised up again? 82“Such things have been promised to us and to our ancestors before. They are nothing but tales of the ancient.” 83Say, “To whom belongs the earth and all beings therein? Speak, if you know.” 84They will say, “To God.” Say, “Then will you not re-member?” 85Say, “Who is the Lord of the seven heavens, and the Lord of the throne of glory supreme?” 86They will say, “They belong to God.” Say, “Will you not then be filled with awe?” 87Say, “Who is it in whose hands is the governance of all things, who protects all, but is not protected by any? Speak, if you know.” 88They will say, “It belongs to God.” Say, “Then how are you deluded?” 89

255

Twenty-Three

We have sent them the truth, but they insist on practicing falsehood. 90No son did God have, nor is there any god joined with Him. If there were many gods, behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have lorded over others. Glory be to God. He is free from the sort of things they at-tribute to Him. 91He knows what is hidden and what is open. Exalted is He above the partners they attribute to Him. 92Say, “O my Lord, show me in my lifetime, that which they are warned against, 93“But, O my Lord do not put me among the people who do wrong.” 94And We are certainly able to show you that which they are warned against. 95Repel evil with that which is best. We are well ac-quainted with the things they say. 96And say, “O my Lord, I seek refuge with You from the suggestions of the dev-ils. 97“And I seek refuge with You, O my Lord, lest they should come near me.” 98

They will be in falsehood, but when death comes to one of them he says, “O my Lord, send me back to life, 99 “In order that I may do right by the things I ne-glected.” By no means, it is only words he says. Before them is a partition until the day they are raised up. 100Then when the trumpet is blown, there will be no more relationships be-tween them that day, nor will they ask about each other. 101Then those whose balance of good deeds is heavy, they will attain salva-tion. 102But those whose balance is light, they will have lost their souls, in hell will they live. 103The fire will burn their faces, and they will grin therein, with their lips dis-placed. 104“Were not My signs re-hearsed to you, and did you not treat them as false?” 105They will say, “Our Lord, our misfortune over-whelmed us, and we be-came a people astray. 106“Our Lord, bring us out of this. If ever we return to

256

Twenty-Three

evil, then will we be wrong-doers indeed.” 107He will say, “Remain in it disgraced, and speak not to Me. 108“Some of My servants used to pray ‘Our Lord, we be-lieve, forgive us and have mercy upon us, for You are the best of those who show mercy.” 109“But you treated them with ridicule, so much so, that your ridicule of them made you forget to remember Me, all because you were laughing at them. 110“I have rewarded them this day for their patience and constancy. They are indeed the ones who have achieved bliss.” 111He will say, “How long did you stay on earth? Has it been years?” 112They will say, “We stayed a day or part of a day, ask those who keep ac-count.” 113He will say, “You stayed not even close to that, if you only knew. 114“Did you then think that We had created you with-out purpose, and that you would not be brought back to Us for account?” 115Therefore exalted is God, the King, and the Reality. There is no god but Him,

the Lord of the throne of honor. 116Anyone who invokes be-sides God, any other god, he has no authority for that, and his reckoning will be exclusively with his Lord, and indeed the unbe-lievers will fail to suc-ceed. 117So say, “O my Lord, grant forgiveness and mercy, for You are the best of those who show mercy.” 118

257

TWENTY-FOUR

A Surah which We have sent down, and which We have ordained. In it We have sent down clear signs, in order that you may receive advice. 1The woman and the man guilty of impermissible sex, flog each of them with a hundred lashes. Let not compassion move you in their case, a matter pre-scribed by God, if you be-lieve in God and the Last Day, and let a group of the believers witness their punishment. 2Let no man guilty of im-permissible sex marry a woman, except one simi-larly guilty, or an unbe-liever. Nor let any but this kind of man or an unbe-liever, marry such a woman, to the believers this is forbidden. 3And those who accuse chaste women, and do not produce four witnesses to support their accusations, flog them with eighty lashes, and reject their evi-dence ever after, for such people are wicked trans-gressors. 4Unless they repent there-after and correct their con-

duct, for God is Oft-Forgiv-ing, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 5And for those who accuse their spouses, and have in support, no evidence but their own, their solitary ev-idence can be taken if they bear witness four times with a promise by God that they are solemnly telling the truth, 6And the fifth promise should be that they solemnly invoke the curse of God on themselves if they are lying. 7But it would avert the pun-ishment from the wife, if she bears witness four times with a promise by God, that her husband is telling a lie, 8And the fifth promise should be that she solemnly invokes the pun-ishment of God on herself if her accuser is telling the truth. 9If it were not for God's grace and mercy on you, and if God were not Oft-Returning, Full of Wisdom, you would be ruined in-deed. 10Those who brought for-ward the lie are a group among you. Do not think it is bad for you, in the con-trary, it is good for you. To every person among them

258

Twenty-Four

will come the punishment of the harmful deeds that he earned, and to him who took on himself the lead among them, will be a ter-rible penalty. 11Why did the believers, men and women, when you heard of the affair, not put the best light on it in their own minds and say, “This charge is an obvious lie”? 12Why did they not bring four witnesses to prove it? When they do not bring witnesses, such men in the sight of God, are guilty. 13Were it not for the grace and mercy of God on you, in the present and the hereafter, a terrible penalty would have seized you, because you rushed hastily into this affair. 14When you put it on your tongues, and said out of your mouths, things of which you had no knowl-edge, and you thought it to be a light matter, when it was most serious in the sight of God. 15And why did you not say when you heard it?– “It is not right of us to speak of this. Glory be to God, this is a most serious slan-der.” 16God advises you that you may never repeat such

conduct, if you are true be-lievers. 17And God makes the signs plain to you, for God is full of knowledge and wis-dom. 18Those who love to see scandal spread among the believers will have a terri-ble penalty in this life and in the hereafter. God knows, and you know not. 19Were it not for the grace and mercy of God on you and that God is full of kindness and mercy− 20O you who believe, follow not Satan’s footsteps. If any follow the footsteps of Satan, he will command what is shameful and wrong, and were it not for the grace and mercy of God on you, not one of you would have ever been puri-fied, but God purifies whom He pleases, and God is the One who hears and knows all things. 21Let not those among you who are endued with grace and means, resolve by promise against helping their relatives, those in want, and those who have left their homes in God's cause. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that God would for-give you? For God is Oft-

259

Twenty-Four

Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 22Those who slander chaste women, indiscreet but be-lieving, are cursed in this life and in the hereafter, for them is a terrible penalty, 23On the day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions. 24On that day, God will pay them back all that is due, and they will realize that God is the Truth, He Who makes all things mani-fest. 25Unethical women are for unethical men, and im-moral men are for immoral women. And refined women are for refined men, and refined men are for refined women. These are not affected by what people say, for them there is forgiveness and an hon-orable reward. 26O you who believe, enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them. That is best for you, and perhaps you will apply it. 27If you find no one in the house, still do not enter until permission is given to you. If you are asked to come back later, then

come back later. That makes for greater refine-ment for yourselves, and God knows well all that you do. 28It is no blame on your part to enter abandoned houses which are useful for you, and God has knowledge of what you reveal and what you conceal. 29Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. That will make for greater refinement for them, and God is well ac-quainted with all that they do. 30And say to the believing women, that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty, that they should not display their or-naments, except what seems appropriate to her, that they should draw their garments over their bo-soms and not display their adornment, except to their husbands, their parents, their husband’s parents, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers or their brothers’ sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their maids, or those whom their right hands possess, or male servants who do not desire them, or small chil-dren who are not aware of women’s need for privacy, and that they should not let their feet draw atten-

260

Twenty-Four

tion to what they conceal of their zeenah. O you be-lievers, turn all together towards God, that you may attain bliss. 31Marry those among you who are single, the virtu-ous ones among you, male and female. If they are poor, God will give them means out of His bounty, for God encompasses all, and He knows all things. 32Let those who do not find the means for marriage keep themselves chaste until God gives them means out of His grace, and if those whom your right hand possess ask for a deed in writing to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum, give them such a deed if you know any good in them. Yes, and give them some-thing out of the means which God has given to you. And do not force your female captives into prosti-tution when they desire chastity, in order that you may make a profit in the goods of this life, but if anyone compels them, then indeed because they were compelled, God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 33We have already sent down to you verses making things clear, an illustration from the story of people

who passed away before you, and advice for those who are conscious of God. 34God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His light is as if there were a niche and within it a lamp. The lamp enclosed in glass. The glass as it were a brilliant star lit from a blessed olive tree, neither from the East nor from the West, whose oil is luminous, though fire does not touch it, light upon light, and God guides whom He wills to His light. God puts forward parables for humanity, and God knows all things. 35Lit is such a light in houses which God has per-mitted to be raised to honor, for the celebration of His name in them. In them He is glorified in the mornings and in the evenings, again and again, 36By the people for whom neither a deal nor a sale can divert from the re-membrance of God, nor from prayer, nor from pay-ing zakat. Their anxiety is about the day when hearts and eyes will be trans-formed in a world com-pletely new. 37That God may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even

261

Twenty-Four

more for them out of His grace. For God provides for those whom He wills, with-out measure. 38But the unbelievers, their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts which the person parched with thirst mistakes for water, until when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing, but he finds God with him, and God will pay him his ac-count, and God is swift in taking account. 39Or the unbelievers’ state is like the depths of darkness in a vast deep ocean, over-whelmed with billow cov-ered by billow, covered by dark clouds. Depths of darkness, one above an-other. If a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it. For any to whom God does not give light, there is no light. 40Do you not see that it is God Whose praises all be-ings in the heavens and on earth, and the birds of the air with wings outspread? Each one knows its own mode of prayer and praise, and God knows well all that they do. 41Yes, to God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth, and to God is the final goal. 42Do you not see that God makes the clouds move

gently, then joins them to-gether, then make them into a heap? Then you will see rain come out from their center, and He sends down from the sky, moun-tain masses of clouds which holds hail. He strikes with it whom He pleases and He turns it away from whom He pleases. And the vivid flash of His lightning nearly blinds the sight. 43It is God Who alternates the night and the day, in-deed in these things are an instructive similitude for those who have vision. 44And God has created every animate creature from wa-ter. Of them there are some that crawl on their bellies, some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four. God creates what He wills, for indeed God has power over all things. 45We have indeed sent down signs that make things manifest, and God guides whom He wills to a way that is straight. 46They say, “We believe in God and in the messenger, and we follow them.” But even after that, some of them turn away. They are not really believers. 47When they are summoned to God and His messenger,

262

Twenty-Four

in order that He may judge between them, behold, some of them refuse to come. 48But if the truth is on their side, they come to him promptly. 49Is it that there is a disease in their hearts, or do they doubt it, or do they fear that God and His messen-ger will deal unjustly with them? No, they behave wrongfully. 50The answer of the believ-ers, when summoned to God and His messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no thing other than this, they say, “We hear, and we follow.” It is these who will attain felicity. 51It is those who follow God and His messenger, and are conscious of God and do right, who will win in the end. 52They swear their strongest promises by God, that if only you would command them, they would leave their homes. Say, “Do not make promises, action would be better, and in-deed God is well ac-quainted with all that you do.” 53Say, “Follow God, and fol-low the messenger, but if you turn away, he is only responsible for the duty

placed on him and you for that placed on you. If you follow him, you will be on right guidance. The mes-senger’s duty is only to preach the clear mes-sage. 54God has promised to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will indeed grant them in the land inheri-tance of power, as He granted it to those before them, that He will estab-lish in authority, their reli-gion, the one which He has chosen for them, and that He will change their state, after the fear in which they lived, to one of security and peace. ‘They will wor-ship Me and not associate anything with Me.’ If any do not believe after this, they are rebellious and wicked. 55So establish prayer and give zakat, and follow the messenger, that you may receive mercy. 56Never think that the unbe-lievers are going to stop God's plan on earth. Their abode is the fire, and it is indeed an evil refuge. 57O you who believe, let those whom your right hands possess, and the children among you who have not come of age, ask your permission before they come to your pres-

263

Twenty-Four

ence on three occasions. Before morning prayer, when you put aside your clothes in the afternoon, and after the night prayer. These are your three times of privacy. Outside of those times, it is not wrong for you or for them, to move about among each other. Thus God makes clear the signs to you, for God is full of knowledge and wis-dom. 58But when the children among you come of age, let them also ask for per-mission, as do those senior to them in age. Thus God makes clear His signs to you, for God is full of knowledge and wisdom. 59Post menopausal women, who do not desire mar-riage, there is no blame on them if they put away their garments, provided they do not flaunt their beauty, but it is best for them to be modest, and God is the One Who sees and knows all things. 60It is no blame on the blind, nor on those born dis-abled, nor on one afflicted with illness, nor on your-selves, if you all eat from your own houses, or those of your fathers, or your mothers, or your brothers, or your sisters, or your fa-ther’s brothers or your fa-ther’s sisters, or your mother’s brothers, or your

mother’s sisters, or in houses of which the keys are in your possession, or in the house of a sincere friend of yours. There is no blame on you, whether you eat together or separately, but if you enter houses, greet each other with a greeting blessed and good, as from God. Thus God makes clear the signs to you that you may under-stand. 61Believers are those who believe in God and His messenger. When they are with him on a matter re-quiring collective action, they do not depart until they have asked to be ex-cused, those who ask to be excused are those who be-lieve in God and His mes-senger. So when they ask to be excused, to attend to a matter, excuse those whom you will, and ask God for their forgiveness, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 62Do not call the messenger to you, like you call others to you. God knows those of you who slip away under the shelter of some excuse. So let those beware who oppose the messenger’s orders, lest some trial be-falls them, or a terrible penalty is inflicted on them. 63Undoubtedly, to God be-longs what is in the heav-

264

Twenty-Four

ens and on earth. Indeed He knows what you intend on doing, and one day they will be brought back to Him, and He will tell them the truth of what they did, for God knows all things. 64

265

TWENTY-FIVE

Blessed is He who sent down the Criterion to His servant, that it might be of use to all the systems of knowledge. 1He to Whom belongs the control of the heavens and the earth. He has no son, nor does He have a partner in His control. It is He who created all things, and or-dered them in due propor-tions. 2Yet they have taken be-sides him, gods that can create nothing but are themselves created, that have no control of hurt or good to them, and cannot control death or life, or resurrection. 3And the disbelievers say, “This is nothing but a lie which he has fabricated, and others have helped him at it.” In truth, they have put forward an injus-tice and a lie. 4And they say, “Tales of the ancients, has he written, and they are dictated be-fore him morning and evening.” 5Say, “The Quran was sent down by Him who knows the mystery that is in the

heavens and the earth, in-deed He is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming.” 6And they say, “What sort of a messenger is this, who eats food, and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down with him to warn us? 7“Or why has not a treasure been bestowed on him, or why does he not have a garden for enjoyment?” The wrongdoers say, “You follow none other than a mad man.” 8See what kinds of compar-isons they make for you, but they have gone astray, and never will they be able to find a way. 9Blessed is He Who, if that were His will, could give you better things than those. He could give you gardens with rivers flowing through them, and palaces. 10No, they deny the hour of the judgment to come, but We have prepared a blaz-ing fire for those who deny the Hour. 11When it sees them from a place far off, they will hear its fury and its ranging sigh. 12And when they are cast and bound together into a constricted place, they will

266

Twenty-Five

plead to perish then and there. 13“This day plead not for a single destruction. Plead to perish oft-repeat-edly.” 14Say, “Is that best, or the eternal garden promised to the righteous? For them, that is a reward as well as a goal of attainment. 15“For them there will be therein, all that they wish for. They will dwell there forever. A promise from your Lord which you re-quested.” 16The day He will gather them together, as well as those they worship besides God, He will ask, “Was it you who lead My servants astray, or did they stray from the path themselves?” 17They will say, “Glory to You, it is not proper for us to take for protectors oth-ers besides You, but You bestowed on them and their parents, good things in life, until they forgot the message, and became a lost people.” 18Now they have proved you liars concerning what you say, so you cannot avert your penalty nor get help.” And whoever among you does wrong, We will cause him to taste a terrible penalty. 19

And the messengers whom We sent before you, were all people who ate food and walked through the streets. We have made some of you as a trial for the others. Will you have patience? For God is One who sees all things. 20 (End of Part 18)Those who do not expect the meeting for judgment with Us say, “Why are the angels not sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?” Indeed they have an arrogant conceit of them-selves, and terrible is the insolence of their impi-ety. 21The day they see the an-gels, no joy will there be for those who are unethi-cal. And the angels will say, “There is a barrier for-bidden to you alto-gether.” 22And We will turn to what-ever deeds they did in this life, and We will make those deeds as blowing dust. 23The companions of the garden will be well that day in their abode, and have the best resting place. 24The day the heaven will be rent asunder with clouds, and angels will be sent down, descending in ranks. 25

267

Twenty-Five

That day, the control of right and truth will be en-tirely with God, the Merci-ful Redeemer. It will be a day of dire difficulty for the disbelievers. 26The day that the wrong-doer will bite at his hands and he will say, “Oh, I wish I had gone the way of the messenger. 27“Oh, I wish I had never taken that one for a friend. 28“He led me astray from the message after it had come to me. Satan is to the hu-man being a traitor.” Then the messenger will say, 29“O my Lord, truly my peo-ple took this Quran as vir-tually useless.” 30We made for every messen-ger an enemy among those who are corrupt, but enough is your Lord to guide and to help. 31Those who do not believe say, "Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once?" It is revealed this way so that We may strengthen your heart with it, and We have vocalized it to you in gradual, moder-ate, well-arranged stages. 32And no question do they bring to you about which We do not reveal to you the

truth and the best explana-tion. 33Those who will be gathered to hell while on their faces, they will be in a terrible situation, and as to the path, most astray. 34Before this, We sent Moses the Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister, 35And We directed them, “Go both of you to the people who have rejected our signs.” And those people We caused to perish by ut-ter destruction. 36And the people of Noah, when they rejected the messengers, We drowned them, and We made them a sign for humanity, and We have prepared for all wrongdoers a terrible penalty. 37And also ‘Ad and Thamud, and the companions of the Rass, and many genera-tions between them. 38To each We offer parables and similitudes, and to each We brought utter an-nihilation for their sins. 39And the unbelievers indeed must have passed by the town which rained a shower of harm. Did they not then see it with their own eyes? But they do not fear the resurrection. 40

268

Twenty-Five

When they see you, they do not deal with you, except with mockery, “Is this the one whom God has sent as a messenger?” 41“Indeed he would have nearly misled us from our gods, had we not been so devoted to them.” Soon they will know when they see the penalty who it is that is most misled. 42See the one who takes for his god his own desires? Could you be a manager of affairs for him? 43Or do you think that most of them listen or under-stand? They are only like livestock. No, they wander even more. 44Have you not turned your vision to your Guardian Evolver? See how He pro-longs the shadow? If He willed, He could make it stationary. But instead We make the Sun its guide, 45Then We draw it in towards Ourselves, and wind it down in gradual stages. 46And He is the One who makes the night as a blan-ket for you, makes sleep as peace and tranquility, and makes the day as it were a revival. 47And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of good news, going before His mercy, and We send down

pure water from the sky, 48So that with it, We may give life to a dead land, and quench the thirst of things We have created, livestock and human be-ings, in great numbers. 49And We have distributed the water among them, in order that they may praise Us, but most people are averse to everything but ingratitude. 50Had it been Our will, We could have sent a warner to the center of every pop-ulation. 51Therefore, do not listen to the unbelievers, but strive against them with the ut-most effort. 52It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water, one palatable and sweet, the other salty and bitter. Yet He has made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed. 53It is He Who has created human beings from water. Then He established rela-tionships of lineage and marriage, for your Lord has power over all things. 54Yet they worship besides God things that can nei-ther profit them nor harm them, and the disbeliever

269

Twenty-Five

is a helper against his own Guardian Evolver. 55But We only sent you to give good news and ad-vice. 56Say, “No reward do I ask of you for it but this, that each one who wills, take a straight path to his Lord.” 57And put your trust in Him Who lives and dies not, so praise Him, and enough is He to be acquainted with the faults of His ser-vants. 58He Who created the heav-ens and the earth, and all that is between, in six days, and is firmly estab-lished on the throne of au-thority, God the Merciful Benefactor. Then ask about Him, any who are ac-quainted with those things. 59When it is said to them, “Prostrate to the Merciful Benefactor”, they say, “And what is the Merciful Bene-factor? And why should we prostrate to that which you advise us?” It increases their flight from the truth. 60Blessed is He Who made the constellations in the skies, and placed therein a lamp and a moon casting light, 61

And it is He Who made the night and the day to follow each other, for those who have the will to praise Him and to show their grati-tude. 62And the servants of God, the Merciful Benefactor, are those who walk on the earth with humility, and when the ignorant address them they say, “Peace.” 63Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord, prostrating and stand-ing, 64Those who say, “Our Lord, avert from us the punish-ment of hell, for its pun-ishment is indeed a terri-ble affliction, 65“Terrible indeed is it as a home and as a place to stay.” 66Those who when they give, are neither irresponsible nor miserly, but are bal-anced between those ex-tremes, 67Those who do not invoke with God any other god, nor slay the soul that God has made sacred, except for just cause, and who do not engage in impermissi-ble sex. But any who does this, not only meets pun-ishment, 68But the penalty on the Day of Accountability will be doubled for him, and he

270

Twenty-Five

will dwell therein in dis-grace, 69Unless he repents, be-lieves, and does good, for God will change the wrong of such people into good, and God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming, 70And whoever repents and does right, has truly turned to God with an ac-ceptable conversion. 71And those who do not sup-port falsehood. And if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honorable avoid-ance, 72Those who, when they are advised with the signs of their Lord, do not fail to register them, as if they were deaf or blind, 73And those who pray, “Our Lord, grant to us spouses and offspring, who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of the righteous.” 74Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their determi-nation. There they will be met with greetings and peace, 75Dwelling therein, and how beautiful a home and place of rest. 76Say to the rejecters, “My Lord is not upset by you, if you do not call on Him, but

you have indeed rejected Him, so soon will come the inevitable punishment.” 77

271

TWENTY-SIX

Taa, Siin, Miim. 1These are verses of the Book that makes things clear. 2It may be that you stress your soul with grief that they do not become believ-ers. 3If it were Our will, We could send down to them from the sky, a sign to which they would bend their necks in humility. 4And there has not come to them a reminder from God the Merciful Benefactor, from which they do not turn away. 5They have indeed rejected the message. So they will know, soon enough, the truth of what they mocked. 6Do they not look at the earth, and how many noble things of all kinds We have produced therein? 7Indeed in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe. 8And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Redeemer. 9

Behold, your Lord called to Moses, “Go to the people of iniquity, 10“The People of Pharaoh. Will they not be con-scious?” 11He said, “O my Lord, I fear that they will charge me with falsehood. 12“My heart will be right, but my speech may not go smoothly, so send Aaron also. 13“And further, they have a warrant out for me, and I fear they may kill me.” 14God said, “Never, go both of you with Our signs, We are with you, and will lis-ten to your call. 15“So go forward, both of you, to Pharaoh and say, ‘We have been sent by the Lord of all the worlds, 16“ ‘Send with us the Chil-dren of Israel.’ ” 17Pharaoh said, “Did we not cherish you while you were a child among us, and did you not stay with us for many years of your life? 18“And you did the deed which you did, and you were of the rejecters.” 19Moses said, “I did it when I was of those who go astray. 20

272

Twenty-Six

“So I fled from you all when I feared you, but my Lord has since invested me with judgment and wis-dom, and appointed me as one of the messengers. 21“And this is the favor with which you blame me, that you have enslaved the Chil-dren of Israel.” 22Pharaoh said, “And what is the ‘Lord of all the worlds”? 23Moses said, “The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between, if you are to be convinced.” 24Pharaoh said to those around, “Did you not hear what he says?” 25Moses said, “Your Lord, and the Lord of your an-cestors from the begin-ning.” 26Pharaoh said, “Truly your messenger, who has been sent to you, is certainly crazy.” 27Moses said, “Lord of the East and the West, and all between, if you only had sense.” 28Pharaoh said, “If you put forward any god other than me, I will certainly throw you in prison.” 29Moses said, “Even if I showed you something convincing?” 30

Pharaoh said, “Show it then, if you tell the truth.” 31So Moses threw his staff, and behold, it was a ser-pent, plain for all to see. 32And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all beholders. 33Pharaoh said to the advi-sors around him, “This is indeed an illusionist well-versed. 34“His plan is to get you out of your land by his illu-sions, so what is it you ad-vise?” 35They said, “Keep him and his brother in suspense for a while, and dispatch to the cities, gatherers to col-lect– 36“And bring up to you, all of our illusionists well-versed.” 37So the illusionists were gathered together for the appointment of a day well-known, 38And the people were asked, “Are you assembled, 39“So that we may follow the illusionists’ way if they win?” 40So when the illusionists ar-rived they said to Pharaoh, “Will there be for us a suit-able reward if we win? 41

273

Twenty-Six

He said, “Yes, that and more, for you will in that case be raised to posts nearest to me.” 42Moses said to them, “Throw what you came to throw.” 43So they threw their ropes and their staffs and said, “By the power of Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win.” 44Then Moses threw his staff, and behold, it in-stantly swallowed up all the falsehood they faked. 45Then the illusionists fell down, prostrate in adora-tion, 46Saying, “We believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47“The Lord of Moses and Aaron.” 48Pharaoh said, “Believe in Him before I give you per-mission? Surely he is your leader, who has taught you illusions, but soon will you know. “Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will cause you all to die on the cross.” 49They said, “No matter, for us, we will but return to our Lord. 50“Our only desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, so that we may

become foremost among the believers.” 51By inspiration we told Moses, “Travel by night with my servants, for surely you will be pur-sued.” 52Then Pharaoh sent heralds to all the cities, 53Saying, “These Israelites are only a small group, 54“Though they are raging furiously against us, 55“We are still a multitude, amply fore-warned.” 56So We expelled them from gardens, springs, 57Treasures, and an honor-able position, 58And We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things. 59So they pursued them at sunrise. 60And when the two groups saw each other, the people of Moses said, “We will surely be overtaken.” 61Moses said, “By no means, for my Lord is with me, and soon He will guide me.” 62Then We told Moses by in-spiration, “Strike the sea with your staff.” So it di-vided, and each separate part became like a huge,

274

Twenty-Six

solid mass of a moun-tain. 63And We made the other group approach in the same direction. 64We delivered Moses and all who were with him, 65But We drowned the oth-ers. 66Indeed in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe. 67And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Redeemer. 68And rehearse to them something of Abraham’s story. 69Behold, he said to his fa-ther and his people, “What do you worship?” 70They said, “We worship idols, and we remain con-stantly in attendance to them.” 71He said, “Do they listen to you when you call on them, 72Or do you good or harm?” 73They said, “No, but we found our fathers doing what we do.” 74He said, “Do you then see what you have been wor-shipping, 75“You and your forefathers before you? 76

“Indeed they are enemies to me, but not the Lord of the all the systems knowl-edge, 77“He created me, and it is He Who guides me, 78“Who gives me food and drink, 79“And when I am sick, it is He Who makes me healthy. 80“He will cause me to die, and then bring me to life again, 81“And who I hope will for-give me my faults on the Day of Accountability. 82“O my Lord, bestow wis-dom on me, and join me with the righteous, 83“Grant me a mention of honor on the tongue of truth among the next gen-erations, 84“Make me one of the in-heritors of the garden of bliss. 85“Forgive my father, for he is among those astray, 86“And let me not be in dis-grace on the day they will be resurrected. 87“The day when neither wealth nor sons will be of benefit, 88“But only he will flourish who brings to God a heart at peace, 89

275

Twenty-Six

“To the righteous, the gar-den will be brought near, 90“And to those straying in evil, the fire will be placed in full view, 91“And it will be said to them, ‘where are the gods you worshipped- 92“ ‘Besides God? Can they help you or help them-selves?’ 93“Then they will be thrown headlong into the fire, they and those straying in evil, 94“Including the party of Lu-cifer all together. 95“They will say in their con-versation, 96“ ‘By God, we were truly in manifest error, 97“ ‘When we held you as equals with the Lord of the worlds, 98“ ‘And no one misguided us except the wrong-doers. 99“ ‘Now, we have none to in-tercede for us, 100“ ‘Nor a single friend to feel for us. 101“But now, if we only had the chance to return, we will truly be of those who believe.” 102Indeed in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe. 103

And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Re-deemer. 104The People of Noah re-jected the messengers. 105Behold, their brother Noah said to them, “Will you not be conscious? 106“I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 107“So be conscious of God, and follow me. 108“No reward do I ask of you for it, my reward is only from the Lord of the worlds. 109“So be conscious of God, and follow me.” 110They said, “Shall we be-lieve in you when it is the worst who follow you?” 111He said, “What do I know as to what they do? 112“Their judgment is only with my Lord, if you can understand. 113“I am not one to drive away those who be-lieve. 114“I am sent only to advise clearly.” 115They said, “If you do not desist, O Noah, You will be stoned to death.” 116He said, “O my Lord, truly my people have rejected me. 117

276

Twenty-Six

“Judge then, between them and me openly, and save me and the believers who are with me.” 118So We delivered him and those with him, in the Ark filled with all crea-tures. 119Thereafter We drowned those who stayed be-hind. 120Indeed in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe. 121And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Re-deemer. 122The ‘Ad rejected the mes-sengers. 123Behold, their brother Hud said to them, “Will you not be conscious of God? 124“I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 125“So be conscious of God and follow me. 126“No reward do I ask of you for it. My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds. 127“Do you build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves? 128“And do you build for your-selves great edifices, in the hope of living therein for-ever? 129

“And when you rule, you rule as dictators? 130“Now be conscious of God, and follow me. 131“Yes, fear Him Who has be-stowed on you freely all that you know. 132“He has bestowed on you livestock and children, 133“And gardens and springs. 134“Truly I fear for you the penalty of a great day.” 135They said, “It is the same to us whether you advise us or are not among our advisors. 136“This is no other than a custom of those who came before, 137“And we are not the ones to receive pains and penal-ties.” 138So they rejected him, and We caused them to perish, indeed in this is a sign, but most of them do not be-lieve. 139And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Re-deemer. 140The Thamud people re-jected the messengers. 141Behold, their brother Salih said to them, “Will you not be conscious? 142

277

Twenty-Six

“I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 143“So be conscious of God, and follow me. 144“No reward do I ask of you for it. My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds. 145“Will you be left secure, in the enjoyment of all that you have here? 146“Gardens and springs, 147“And corn-fields and date palms, with spathes near breaking from the weight of the fruit? 148“And you carve houses out of mountains, with great skill. 149“But be conscious of God and follow me, 150“And follow not the influ-ence of those who are ex-travagant, 151“Who do wrong in the land, and do not correct their ways.” 152They said, “You are only one of those pos-sessed. 153“You are no more than a human being like us. Or bring us a sign, if you tell the truth.” 154He said, “Here is a she-camel, who has a right to water, as you have a right

to water on a day ap-pointed. 155“Touch it not with harm, lest the penalty of a great day seize you.” 156Still they hamstrung it, but then they became full of regrets. 157And the penalty seized them, indeed in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe. 158And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Re-deemer. 159The people of Lot rejected the messengers. 160Behold, their brother Lot said to them, “Will you not be conscious? 161“I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 162“So be conscious of God and follow me. 163“No reward do I ask of you for it. My reward is only from the Lord of all the worlds. 164“Of all the creatures in the world, will you approach males, 165“And abandon those whom God has created for you to be your mates? No, you are a people transgressing all limits.” 166

278

Twenty-Six

They said, “If you do not pull back, O Lot, you will surely be driven out.” 167He said, “I detest your do-ings.” 168“O my Lord, save me and my family from the things they do.” 169So We delivered him and his family, all– 170Except an old woman who lingered behind. 171But the rest We caused to perish. 172We rained down on them a shower of brimstone, and terrible was the shower on those who were advised but did not listen. 173Indeed in this is a sign, but most of them do not believe. 174And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Re-deemer. 175The Companions of the Wood rejected the messen-gers. 176Behold, Shu’aib said to them, “Will you not be conscious? 177“I am to you a trustworthy messenger. 178“So be conscious of God and follow me. 179“No reward do I ask of you for it. My reward is only

from the Lord of all worlds. 180“Give just measure, and cause no loss to others by fraud. 181“And weigh with scales true and upright. 182“And do not withhold things justly due to people, nor do wrong in the land, spreading corruption. 183“And be conscious of Him Who created you and Who created the generations before you.” 184They said, “You are merely one of those pos-sessed. 185“You are no more than a human being like us, and indeed we think you are a liar. 186“Now cause a piece of the universe to fall on us if you are right.” 187He said, “My Lord knows best what you do.” 188But they rejected him. Then came the punishment of a day of the shadow, and that was the penalty of a great day. 189Indeed in that is a sign, but most of them do not believe. 190And indeed your Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Re-deemer. 191

279

Twenty-Six

Indeed this is a revelation from the Lord of all worlds. 192With it came down the spirit of faith and truth, 193To your heart and mind, that you may advise, 194In the clear Arabic tongue. 195Without doubt it is an-nounced in the scripture of former peoples. 196Is it not a sign to them, that the learned of the Children of Israel knew it as true? 197Had We revealed it to any of the non-Arabs, 198And had he recited it to them, they would not have believed in it. 199We caused it to enter the hearts of those who are corrupt. 200But they will not believe in it, until they see the terri-ble penalty, 201But the penalty will come to them all of a sudden, when they least expect it. 202Then they will say, “Shall we have respite?” 203Do they also ask for Our penalty to be hastened on? 204

Do you see that We let them enjoy this life for a few years? 205Yet eventually, there must come to them the punish-ment which they were promised. 206It will not profit them, that they enjoyed this life. 207Never did We destroy a population, except those who had been warned- 208By way of reminder, and We are never unjust. 209No devils have brought down this revelation. 210It would neither suit them nor would they be able to produce it. 211Indeed they have been re-moved far from even the chance of hearing it. 212So do not call on any other god with God, or you will be among those under the penalty. 213And advise your nearest relatives, 214And lower your wing to the believers who follow you. 215Then if they ignore you say, “I am free from re-sponsibility for what you do.” 216And put your trust in the Exalted in Might, the Mer-ciful Redeemer. 217

280

Twenty-Six

The One who sees you standing in prayer, 218And your movements among those who prostrate themselves, 219For it is He Who hears and knows all things. 220Shall I inform you, O peo-ple, on whom it is that the devils descend? 221They descend on every un-ethical, immoral de-ceiver, 222They repeat what they hear, though most of the deny it. 223And of the poets, it is the misguided who follow them. 224Do you not see that they roam in every lowland, 225And that they say what they do not do? 226Except those who believe, work righteousness, en-gage much in the remem-brance of God, and defend themselves after they are unjustly attacked, and soon the assailants will know at what misfortune they will arrive. 227

281

TWENTY-SEVEN

Taa, Siin. These are verses of the Quran, a book which makes things clear, 1A guide and good news for the believers. 2Those who establish prayer, pay their zakat, and have confidence in the hereafter. 3As for those who do not be-lieve in the hereafter, We have made their deeds ac-ceptable in their eyes, and so they wander about, lost. 4For them a terrible penalty is waiting, and in the here-after, theirs will be the greatest loss. 5As for you, the Quran is bestowed upon you from the presence of One Who is Wise and All Knowing. 6Behold, Moses said to his family, “I perceive a fire, soon I will bring you from there some knowledge, or I will bring you a burning brand to light our fuel, so that you may warn your-selves. 7But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard, “Blessed are those in the fire and those around it,

and glory be to God, Evolver of all the worlds. 8“O Moses, indeed I am God, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 9“Now throw your staff.” But when he saw it moving of its own accord, as if it had been a snake, he turned his back in retreat, and did not look back. “O Moses, do not fear, truly in My presence those called as messengers have no fear, 10“But if any have done wrong, but have thereafter replaced good in place of wrong, truly I am Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 11“Now put your hand into your chest and it will come out white, free of harm. These are among the nine signs you will take to Pharaoh and his people, for they are a people defi-ant.” 12But when Our signs came to them which should have opened their eyes they said, “These are illusions manifest.” 13And they rejected those signs unjustly and with ar-rogance, though their souls were convinced of it. So see what the end of those who acted wrongfully was. 14

282

Twenty-Seven

In the past, We gave knowledge to David and Solomon, and they both said, “Praise God, Who has favored us above many of His servants who be-lieve.” 15And Solomon was David’s heir. He said, “O you peo-ple, we have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed a lit-tle of all things. This is in-deed grace manifest from God.”16And before Solomon, marched a legion of the jinn, the humans, and the birds, and they were ar-ranged in ranks. 17Then, when they came to a valley of the ants, one of the ants said, “O you ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his le-gion crush you without knowing it.” 18So he smiled, amused at its speech, and he said, “O my Lord, order me that I may be grateful for Your favors which you have be-stowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous deeds that will please You, and admit me, by Your grace, to the ranks of Your righteous ser-vants.” 19And he looked over the birds and he said, “Why do I not see the hoopoe, or is

it among the absen-tees? 20“I will certainly punish it with a severe penalty, or cause it to be absent per-manently, unless it brings me a clear reason for its absence.” 21But the hoopoe had not gone far. It approached him and said, “I have com-passed territory which you have not compassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain find-ings. 22“I found there a woman ruling over them and gov-erning them, and she has been provided everything, and she has a magnificent throne. 23“I found her and her peo-ple worshipping the Sun instead of God. Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes which has averted them from the way, so that they can receive no guid-ance, 24“And so that they do not worship God, He Who brings to light what is hid-den in the heavens and the earth, and Who knows what you conceal and what you reveal. 25“God, there is no god but He, Lord of the Throne Supreme.” 26

283

Twenty-Seven

Solomon said, “Soon will we see whether you have told the truth or lied. 27“Go with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them. Then draw back from them, and wait to see what answer they re-turn.” 28The queen said, “O you ad-visors, here addressed to me is a letter worthy of re-spect. 29“It is from Solomon, and it reads as follows, 30“Be not arrogant towards me, but come to me as a Muslim.” 31She said, “O you advisors, advise me in this situation of mine, for no decision have I made, except in your presence.” 32They said, “We are endued with strength, and posses-sors of great might, but the command is with you, so consider what you will command.” 33She said, “Kings indeed, when they enter a country, ravish it, and make the most honorable of its peo-ple, its most humiliated, they do indeed. 34“But I am going to send him a gift, and wait to see with what answer my mes-senger returns.” 35

So when the messenger came Solomon said, “You give me riches? But that which God has given me is better than that which He has given you. No, it is you who rejoice in your gift. 36“Go back to them, and be sure we will come to them with such legions as they will never be able to resist. We will expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled.” 37He said to his own people, “O advisors which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me as Muslim?” 38Said a strong one of the jinn, “I will bring it to you before you stand from your place. Indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and can be trusted.” 39Said one who had knowl-edge of the Book, “I will bring it to you before your sight can return to you.” Then when Solomon saw it placed before him he said, “This is allowed by my Lord, to make evident whether or not I will reject it, but if any is grateful, in-deed his gratitude is for his own self. But if any re-jects it, still my Lord is rich and noble, and truly my Lord is free of all needs, supreme in honor.” 40

284

Twenty-Seven

He said, “Make her throne uncomfortable, we will see whether she is guided to the truth or is one of those who receive no guid-ance.” 41So when she arrived, she was asked, “Is this your throne?” She said, “It was just like this, but knowl-edge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we are Muslims.” 42And he diverted her from the worship of others be-sides God, for she was from a people who had re-jected it. 43She was asked to enter the lofty palace, but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool of water, and exposed her legs. He said, “This is only a palace paved smooth with glass.” She said, “My Lord, I have in-deed wronged my soul, and I submit with Solomon, to the Guardian Evolver of all systems of knowledge.” 44We sent to the Thamud their brother Salih saying, “Serve God.” But behold, they became two factions arguing with each other. 45He said, “O my people, why do you hasten on harm be-fore good? Why do you not ask God for forgiveness, that you may receive mercy? 46

They said, “A bad omen do we predict from you and those who are with you.” He said, “Your bad omen is with God. Yes, you are a people being tested.” 47There were in the city nine people of a family, who do wrong in the land, and would not reform. 48They said, “Swear a mutual promise by God that we will make a secret night at-tack on him and his peo-ple, and that we will then say to his heir when he seeks vengeance, ‘We were not present at the slaugh-ter of his people, and we are indeed telling the truth.’ ” 49They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not. 50So see what the end of their plot was, We caused them and their people to perish, all of them. 51Now their houses were in utter ruin, because they did wrong, indeed in this is a sign for people of knowl-edge. 52And We saved those who believed and practiced righteousness. 53We also sent Lot as a prophet. Behold, he said to his people, “Do you do

285

Twenty-Seven

what is shameful with you eyes wide open? 54"Are you really attracted to men more than, in addition to, or instead of women?" No, but you are un-aware. 55But his people gave no other answer but this, they said, “Drive out the follow-ers of Lot from your city, these are indeed men who want to be uncorrupted and refined.” 56But We saved him and his family, except his wife, We knew that she would be of those who lagged be-hind. 57And We rained down on them a shower of brim-stone, and harmful was the shower on those who were advised but did not lis-ten. 58Say, praise be to God, and peace on His servants whom He has chosen for His message. Who is bet-ter, God or the false gods they associate with Him? 59 (End of Part 19)Or Who has created the heavens and the earth? And Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yes, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty and pleasure. It is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. Can there

be another god besides God? No, still there are people who stray from jus-tice. 60And Who has made the earth comfortable to live on, made rivers in it, set mountains immovable, and made a separating parti-tion between the two bod-ies of flowing water? Can there be another god be-sides God? No, but most of them know not. 61And Who listens to the soul distressed when it calls on Him? And Who re-lieves its suffering, and makes you inheritors of the earth? Can there be another god besides God? But little it is that you re-member. 62And Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea? And Who sends the winds as heralds of good news, going before His mercy? Can there be another god besides God? High is God above what they associate with Him. 63And Who originates cre-ation, then repeats it, and Who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? Can there be another god besides God? Say, “Bring forward your argument if you are telling the truth.” 64

286

Twenty-Seven

Say, none in outer-space nor on earth, except God, knows what is hidden, nor can they know when they will be raised up. 65Nor can their knowledge comprehend the hereafter. No, they are in doubt. No, they are blind to it. 66The unbelievers say, “What, when we become dust, we and our ances-tors, will we really be raised from the dead? 67“Indeed we were promised this, as well as our ances-tors before us. But these are nothing but tales of the ancient.” 68Say, “Go through the earth and see what the end of those guilty of wrongdoing was.” 69But do not grieve over them, nor distress yourself because of their plans. 70They also say, “When will this promise come if you are truthful?” 71Say, “It may be that some of the events which you wish to hasten are close.” 72But indeed your Lord is full of grace to humanity, yet most of them are un-grateful. 73And indeed your Lord knows all that their hearts

hide as well as all that they reveal. 74Nor is anything hidden in heaven or on earth, except what is in a clear record. 75Indeed this Quran explains to the Children of Israel much of the matters which they disagree. 76And indeed it is a guide and a mercy to those who believe. 77Indeed your Lord will de-cide between them by His decree, and He is Exalted in Might, All Knowing. 78So put your trust in God, for you are on the path of manifest truth. 79Truly you cannot cause the dead to listen, nor can you cause the deaf to hear the call, as they turn back in retreat. 80Nor can you be a guide to the blind, to prevent them from straying. Only those will listen who believe in Our signs, and they should all be considered muslim. 81And when the word is proven against them, we will produce from the earth a creature to face them. He will speak to them because humanity did not believe with assur-ance in Our signs. 82

287

Twenty-Seven

One day We will gather to-gether from every people, a group of those who reject our signs, and they will be kept in ranks, 83Until they come, and it will be said to them, “Did you reject My signs, though you comprehended them not, or what was it you did?” 84And the word will be ful-filled against them, be-cause of their wrongdoing, and they will be unable to speak. 85Do they not see that We have made the night for them to rest in, and the day to give them energy? Indeed in this are signs for any people who believe. 86And the day that the trum-pet will be sounded, terri-fied will be those who are in the sky, and those who are on earth, except who God wills to save, and all will come to His presence as beings conscious of their vulnerabilities. 87You see the mountains and you think of them as im-movable, but they will pass away as the clouds pass away. Such is the work of God, He Who manages all things, for He is well ac-quainted with all that you do. 88Whoever comes with good, good will be waiting for

him, and he will be secure from terror that day. 89And if any does harm, their faces will be pushed down into the fire. Do you re-ceive a reward other than that which you have earned by your deeds?” 90For me, I have been asked to serve the Guardian Evolver of this city, He Who has purified it, and to Whom belong all things, and I am asked to be of those who bow as Muslims, 91And I recite the Quran. And if any accept guid-ance, they do it for the good of their own souls, and if any stray say, “I am only a warner.” 92And say, “Praise God, He Who will soon show you His signs, so that you will know them,” and your Lord is not unmindful of what you do. 93

288

TWENTY-EIGHT

Taa, Siin, Miim. 1These are verses of the Book that makes things clear. 2We rehearse to you some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in truth for peo-ple who believe. 3Truly Pharaoh exalted him-self in the land and broke its people into sects, op-pressing a small group among them. Their sons he killed, but he kept alive their females, and he has indeed committed crimes against humanity. 4And We wished to be gra-cious to those who were being oppressed in the land, to make them lead-ers, and to make them heirs, 5To establish them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Haman, and the followers at their hands, the very things against which they were taking precautions. 6So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses, “Suckle your child, but when you fear for him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor grieve, for We will return him to you, and We

will make him one of Our messengers.” 7Then the people of Pharaoh took him out of the river. It was intended that Moses should be to them an adversary, and a cause of sorrow for Pharaoh, Haman, and all their followers were people who did harmful deeds. 8The wife of Pharaoh said, “A comfort to the eye, for me and for you. Do not slay him, it may be that he will be useful to us, or we may take him as a son.” But they were unaware of what they were doing. 9But then came a void in the heart of the mother of Moses. She would have dis-closed his identity had We not strengthened her heart with faith, so that she would remain a be-liever. 10And she said to the sister of Moses, “Follow him.” So the sister watched him in the guise of a stranger, so they would not know. 11And We ordained that he would refuse to suckle at first, until his sister ap-proached them and said, “Shall I point out to you a people of a house that will nourish and raise him for you, and who will be caring to him?” 12

289

Twenty-Eight

So We returned him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, that she would not grieve, and that she would know that the promise of God is true, but most of them do not un-derstand. 13When he reached full age, and was firmly established, We bestowed on him wis-dom and knowledge, this is how We reward those who do right. 14And he entered the city at a time when its people were not watching, and he found there two people fighting, one from his sect, and the other from the sect of his enemy. Now the person of his sect appealed to him against his enemy, and Moses struck him with his fist and made an end to him. He said, “This is a work of the evil Satan, for he is an enemy that clearly misleads.” 15He prayed, “O my Lord, I have indeed wronged my soul. So forgive me, for my own sake.” So God forgave him, for He is the Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 16He said, “Lord, because You have bestowed Your grace on me, never will I be a help to those who do wrong.” 17

In the morning he was in the city looking around in a state of fear when be-hold, the person who had the day before sought his help called aloud for his help again. Moses said to him, “Indeed you are clearly a combative per-son.” 18Then when he decided to strike the person who was an enemy to both of them, that person said, “O Moses, is it your intention to slay me as you slew a person yesterday? Your in-tention is nothing other than to become a powerful, violent person in the land, and not to be one who sets things right.” 19Then there came a person running from the farthest end of the city. He said, “O Moses, the leaders are meeting concerning whether or not to slay you, so leave, I give you sincere advice.” 20He then left from there, looking around in a state of fear. He prayed, “O my Lord, save me from the people given to wrongdo-ing.” 21Then when he turned his face towards the land of Madyan he said, “I hope that my Lord will show me the smooth path.” 22

290

Twenty-Eight

And when he arrived at the watering-place in Madyan, he found there a group of men watering their flocks, and besides them he found two ladies who were keep-ing back their flocks. He said, “What is the prob-lem?” They said, “We can-not water our flocks until the shepherds move their flocks, for our father is a very old man.” 23So he watered their flocks for them, then he went back to the shade and said, "O my Lord, indeed I am in desperate need of any good that You can send me.” 24Afterward, one of the damsels came back to him walking shyly. She said, “My father invites you that he may reward you for hav-ing watered our flocks for us.” So when he came to him and told the story he said, “Fear not, you es-caped from people of wrongdoing.” 25Said one of them, “O my father, hire him, truly the best of people for you to employ is one of in-tegrity.” 26He said, “I intend to wed one of my daughters to you on condition that you work for me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be a favor from you, but I intend not to place you under any difficulty.

Indeed you will find me, God willing, one of the righteous.” 27He said, “Let there be an agreement between you and me, that whichever of the two terms I fulfill let there be no resentment to-ward me, and God is a wit-ness to what we say.” 28So when Moses had ful-filled the term, and was traveling with his family, he perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Tur. He said to his family, “Wait, I perceive a fire. I hope to bring you some knowledge from there, or a torch, that you may warm your-selves.” 29But when he came to the fire, a voice was heard from the right bank of the valley, from a tree in hal-lowed ground, “O Moses, indeed I am God, Lord of all the worlds. 30“Now throw your staff.” But when he saw it moving of its own accord, as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and would not immediately re-turn. “O Moses,” it was said, “Come close, and fear not, for you are of those who are secure. 31 “Put your hand in your chest and it will come out white without harm, and draw your hand close to

291

Twenty-Eight

your side to guard against fear. Those are two pieces of evidence from your Lord to Pharaoh and his advi-sors, for truly they are peo-ple rebellious and wicked.” 32He said, “O my Lord, I have slain a person among them, so I fear they will try to slay me. 33“And my brother Aaron, he is more eloquent in speech than I, so send him with me as a helper, to edify and strengthen me, for I fear that they may accuse me of falsehood.” 34He said, “We will certainly strengthen your arm through your brother, and invest you both with au-thority, so they will not be able to touch you. With Our sign you will triumph, you two as well as those who follow you.” 35When Moses came to them with Our clear signs they said, “This is nothing but creative illusions. But never did we hear of this among our ancestors.” 36Moses said, “My Lord knows best who it is that comes with guidance from Him, and whose end will be best in the hereafter. Certainly the wrongdoers will not prosper.” 37Pharaoh said, “O advisers, no god do I know for you

but myself. Therefore, O Haman, light me a kiln to bake bricks out of clay, and build me a lofty palace, that I may mount up to the God of Moses, but as far as I am concerned, I think Moses is a liar.” 38And he was arrogant and insolent in the land beyond reason, He and his army. They thought that they would not have to return to Us. 39So We seized him and his army, and We flung them into the sea. Now you see what the end of those who did wrong was. 40And we made them leaders inviting to the fire, and on the Day of Accountability no help will they find. 41In the present We made a curse to follow them, and on the Day of Accountabil-ity they will be among the despised. 42We revealed the Book to Moses, after We had caused the earlier genera-tions to perish, in order to give to humanity insight, and also guidance and mercy, that they might re-ceive advice. 43You were not on the west-ern side when We decreed the Commandments to Moses, nor were you a wit-ness to those events. 44

292

Twenty-Eight

But We raised up new gen-erations, and extended life for them, and you were not a dweller among the peo-ple of Madyan, rehearsing Our signs to them, but it is We Who send messengers with inspiration. 45Nor were you at the side of the Mountain of Tur when we called to Moses. But you are sent as a mercy from your Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no warner had come before you, in order that they may receive advice. 46If We had not sent you to them, and a calamity had struck them for what their hands have sent forth they might say, “Our Lord, why did You not send us a mes-senger? We would have then followed Your signs and been among those who believe.” 47But when the truth has come to them from Us they say, “Why are signs not sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?” Did they not re-ject the signs which were given to Moses? They say, “Two kinds of illusions, each assisting the other.” And they say, “As for us, we reject all such things.” 48Say, “Then bring a book from God which is a better guide than either of them,

that I may follow it. Do it, if you are right.” 49But if they do not come to you, know that they only follow their desires, and who is more astray than one who follows his de-sires, devoid of guidance from God, for God does not guide people given to wrongdoing. 50Now We have caused the word to reach them, in or-der that they may receive advice. 51Those to whom We sent the Bible before this, they believe in it. 52And when it is recited to them they say, “We believe in it, for it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were Muslims even before this. 53Twice they will be given their reward, because they have persevered, because they deflect harm with good, and because they give out of what We have given them. 54And when they hear vain talk, they turn away from it and say, “To us our deeds, and to you yours, peace be unto you. We do not seek ignorance.” 55It is true that you will not be able to guide every one you love, but God guides whom He wills and He

293

Twenty-Eight

knows best those who re-ceive guidance. 56They say, “If we were to follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land.” Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary to which are brought as trib-ute, fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves? But most of them do not understand. 57And how many populations have We caused to perish that exulted in their life of ease and plenty, now their dwellings after them are deserted, all but a few, and We are their heirs. 58Nor was your Lord the One to destroy a population un-til He had sent to its cen-ter a messenger rehears-ing to them Our signs, nor will We destroy a popula-tion, until its communities practice injustice. 59The things that you are given are but the conve-niences of this life and the glitter of it, but that which is with God is better and more enduring, will you not then be wise? 60Are these two alike? One to whom We have made an excellent promise, and who will reach his fulfillment, and one to whom We have given the good things of this life, but who on the

Day of Accountability is to be among those brought up for punishment? 61That day God will call to them and say, “Where are My partners that you imag-ined as such?” 62Those against whom the charge will be proven will say, “Our Lord, these are the ones whom we led astray. We led them astray as we were astray our-selves. We free ourselves from them in Your pres-ence. It was not us they worshipped.” 63It will be said to them, “Call upon your partners for help,” they will call upon them, but they will not listen to them, and they will see the penalty before them, they will wish, "If only they had been open to guidance.” 64That day God will call to them and say, “What was the answer you gave to the messengers?” 65Then the whole story that day will seem obscure to them, like light to the blind, and they will not even be able to question each other. 66But any who in this life had repented, believed, and worked righteousness, will have hopes to be among those who achieve salvation. 67

294

Twenty-Eight

Your Lord creates and chooses as He pleases. No choice do they have. Glory be to God, and far is He above the partners they as-cribe to Him. 68And your Lord knows all that their hearts conceal and all that they reveal, 69And He is God. There is no god but He. To Him is the praise, at the first and at the last, for Him is the command, and to Him will you all be brought back. 70Say, do you see that if God were to make the night perpetual over you until the Day of Accountability, what god is there, other than God, that can give you light? Will you not then listen? 71Say, do you see that if God were to make the day per-petual over you until the Day of Accountability, what god is there, other than God, that can give you a night in which you can rest? Will you not then see? 72It is out of His mercy that He has made for you night and day, that you may rest therein, and that you may seek his grace, in order that you may be grate-ful. 73The day that He will call on them, He will say, “Where are my partners

whom you imagined to be such?” 74And from each people will We draw a witness, and We will say, “Produce your proof.” Then they will know that the truth is for God, and the lies which they invented, will leave them in the lurch. 75Qarun was indeed of the people of Moses, but he acted insolently towards them. Such were the trea-sure We bestowed on him, and its keys would have been a burden even to a body of strong men. Be-hold, his people said to him, “Exult not, for God does not love those who ex-ult in riches. 76“But seek with the wealth which God has bestowed on you, the home of the hereafter, but do not for-get your share in the present, but do good, as God has been good to you, and do not seek opportuni-ties to do wrong in the land, for God does not love those who do wrong.” 77He said, “This has been given to me because of what I know.” Did he not know that God had caused to perish before him, en-tire generations which were superior to him in strength and greater in the riches they had accumu-lated? But the wrong-doers

295

Twenty-Eight

are not called immediately to account for their sins. 78So he went to his people with the pride of his worldly glitter. Said those whose goal is the life of the present, “Oh I wish we had the like of what Qarun has, he is truly a master of good fortune.” 79But those who had been granted true knowledge said, “Unfortunately for you, the reward of God in the hereafter is best for those who believe and work righteousness, but none will attain this, ex-cept those who persevere in good.” 80Then We caused the earth to swallow him up, and his house, and he had not the least little group to help him against God, nor could he defend himself. 81And those who had envied his position the day before began to say, “It is indeed God Who enlarges the pro-visions or restricts them for any of His servants He pleases. Had it not been that God was gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up. Indeed those who reject God will never prosper.” 82The home of the hereafter, We will give it to those who do not intend haughtiness

or wrong on earth, and the end is best for the right-eous. 83If any does right, the re-ward for him is better than his deed, but if any does wrong, the doers of wrong are only punished to the extent of what they do. 84Indeed He Who ordained the Quran for you, will bring you back to the place of return. Say, “My Lord knows best who it is who brings true guidance, and who is in manifest er-ror.” 85And you were not expect-ing that the Book would be sent to you, except as a mercy from your Lord. Thus do not be a support to the rejecters. 86And let nothing keep you back from the signs of God after they have been re-vealed to you, and invite the people to your Lord, and be not of the company of those who join gods with God. 87And call not on another god, besides God. There is no god but He. Everything that exists will perish, ex-cept His Face. To Him be-longs the command, and to Him will you all be brought back. 88

296

TWENTY NINE

Alif, Laam, Miim. 1Do the people think that they will be left alone by saying, “We believe,” and not be tested? 2We tested those before them, and God will cer-tainly make known those who are truthful from those who are liars. 3Do those who do wrong think that they will get the better of Us? Poor is their judgment. 4For those whose hopes are in the meeting with God in the hereafter, let them strive, for the term ap-pointed by God is surely coming and He hears and knows all things. 5And if any strive, they do so for their own souls, for God is free of all needs from all creation. 6Those who believe and do righteous deeds, from them We will remove all sin that may be in them, and We will reward them according to the best of their deeds. 7We have enjoined on hu-manity kindness to par-ents, but if either of them

tries to force you to join in worship anything with Me of which you do not know, do not follow them. You all have to return to me, and I will tell you the truth of all that you did. 8And those who believe and work righteous deeds, We will admit them to the company of the righteous. 9Then there are some peo-ple who say, “We believe in God.” But when they suffer affliction in the cause of God, they perceive the hu-man inflicted problem as if it were the punishment of God, and if help comes to you from your Lord, they are sure to say, “We were with you.” Does God not know best all that is in the heart of all creation? 10And God most certainly knows those who believe, and just as certainly, those who are hypocrites. 11And the unbelievers say to those who believe, “Follow our way, and we will bear the consequences of your faults.” Never in the least will they bear their conse-quences, in fact they are liars. 12They will however, bear their own burdens, and share the burdens of oth-ers, and on the Day of Ac-countability they will be

297

Twenty-Nine

called to account for their lies. 13Indeed We sent Noah to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty, but the flood overwhelmed them while they persisted in harmful deeds. 14But We saved him and the companions of the Ark, and We made the Ark a sign for all people. 15And We also saved Abra-ham. Behold, he said to his people, “Serve God, and be conscious of Him. That will be best for you, if you un-derstand. 16“For you worship idols be-sides God, and you create falsehood. The things that you worship besides God has no power to give you sustenance. So seek suste-nance from God, serve Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him will be your return. 17“And if you reject the mes-sage, so did generations before you, and the duty of the messenger is only to preach publicly and clearly.” 18Do they not see how God originates creation then repeats it? Truly that is easy for God. 19Say, “Travel through the earth and see how God

originated creation, as will God produce a later cre-ation, for God has power over all things. 20“He punishes whom He pleases, and He grants mercy to whom He pleases, and toward Him are you turned. 21“Neither on earth nor in heaven will you be able to flee from or sabotage his plan, nor have you besides God, any protector or helper.” 22Those who reject the signs of God and the meeting with Him in the hereafter, and those who despair of My mercy, they will suffer a most terrible penalty. 23So nothing was the answer of Abraham’s people ex-cept that they said, “Slay him, or burn him.” But God saved him from the fire. Indeed in this are signs for people who be-lieve. 24And he said, “You have taken for worship idols be-sides God, out of mutual love and regard between yourselves in this life, but on the Day of Accountabil-ity you will disown and curse each other, and your abode will be the fire, and you will have none to help you.” 25But Lot had faith in Him. He said, “I will leave home

298

Twenty-Nine

for the sake of my Lord, for He is Exalted in Might, and Wise.” 26And We gave him Abra-ham, Isaac, and Jacob, and ordained among his prog-eny the prophetic office and revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life, and he was in the hereafter of the company of the righteous. 27And Lot, when he said to his people, “You commit lewdness, such as no peo-ple in creation committed before you. 28“Do you indeed approach men, and cut off the lin-eage? And practice sin, even in your councils?” But his people gave no an-swer except this, “Bring us the punishment of God if you tell the truth.” 29He said, “O my Lord, help me against the people who do wrong.” 30When Our messengers came to Abraham with the good news they said, “We are indeed going to de-stroy the people of this township, for truly they are addicted to sin.” 31He said, “But Lot is there.” They said, “We know full well who is there. We will certainly save him and his following, except his wife, she is of those who lag be-hind.” 32

And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was grieved on their account, and felt powerless to pro-tect them, but they said, “Fear not, nor grieve, we are here to save you and your following, except your wife, she is of those who lag behind. 33“For we are going to bring down on the people of this township a punishment from heaven, because they have been totally rebel-lious.” 34And We have left of it an evident sign for any people who care to understand. 35To the Madyan people We sent their brother Shu’aib, then he said, “O my peo-ple, serve God, and antici-pate the Last Day, nor do wrong on the earth, as those do who are cor-rupt.” 36But they rejected him, then the mighty blast seized them, and they lay prostrate in their homes. 37Remember also the ‘Ad and the Thamud people. Clearly there, their fate will appear to you from the traces of their buildings. Satan made their deeds al-luring to them, and kept them back from the path, though they were gifted

299

Twenty-Nine

with intelligence and skill. 38Remember also Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman. There came to them Moses with clear signs, but they behaved with insolence on the earth, yet they could not overreach Us. 39Each one of them We seized for their sin. Against some of them, We sent a violent tornado with showers of stones, some were caught by a mighty blast, some We caused the earth to swallow up, and some We drowned in the waters. It was not God Who wronged them, they wronged their own souls. 40The parable of those who take protectors other than God, is that of the spider who builds for itself a house, but truly the flimsi-est of houses is the spi-der’s house, if they only knew. 41Indeed God knows of any-thing whatsoever they call upon besides Him, and He is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 42And these are the parables We set forth for humanity, but only those with knowl-edge understand them. 43God created the heavens and the earth in true pro-portions, indeed in that is

a sign for those who be-lieve. 44 (End of Part 20)Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to you, and establish prayer, for prayer restrains from shameful and harmful deeds, and remembering God is the greatest thing, and God knows the deeds that you do. 45And do not dispute with the people of the Book, ex-cept with what is best, un-less it is with those of them who inflict wrong. In-stead say, “We believe in the revelation which has come down to us, and in that which came down to you. Our God and your God is one, and it is to Him we bow.” 46And We have sent down the Book to you. And those we gave the Book believe in it, as do some of these, and none but unbelievers re-ject our signs. 47And you were not able to recite a book before this, nor are you able to tran-scribe it with your right hand. In that case indeed, they would have doubted. 48No, here are signs self-evi-dent in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge, and none but the unjust reject Our signs. 49

300

Twenty-Nine

And they say, “Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord?” Say, “The signs are indeed with God, and I am indeed a clear warner.” 50And is it not enough for them that we have sent down to you the Book that is rehearsed to them? In-deed, in it is a mercy and a reminder to those who be-lieve. 51Say, “Enough is God for a witness between you and me. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth, and it is those who believe in vanities and reject God who will perish. 52They ask you to hasten the punishment for them. Had it not been for a term of respite appointed, the pun-ishment would certainly have come to them, and it will certainly reach them all of a sudden, when they least expect it. 53They ask you to hasten on the punishment, but in-deed hell will encompass the rejecters of faith, 54On the day that the pun-ishment will cover them from above them and from below them, and a voice will say, “Taste the fruits of your deeds.” 55O My servants who believe, truly spacious is My earth, therefore serve Me. 56

Every soul will have a taste of death. In the end, to Us will you all be brought back. 57But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, to them We will give a home in heaven, lofty man-sions beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein for-ever. An excellent reward for the workers. 58Those who persevere in pa-tience, and put their trust in their Lord. 59How many are the crea-tures that do not carry their own sustenance? It is God who feeds them and you, for He hears and He knows. 60If indeed you ask them who has created the heav-ens and the earth, and or-dered the Sun and the Moon, they will certainly reply, “God.” How are they then deluded? 61God increases the suste-nance of whichever of His servants He pleases, and He saves for him, for God has full knowledge of all things. 62And if indeed you ask them who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life with it to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, “God.” Say, “Praise belongs to

301

Twenty-Nine

God.” But most of them do not understand. 63What is the life of the present but entertainment and play? But indeed the home in the hereafter, that is life indeed, if they only knew. 64Now, if they embark on a vessel, they call on God, making their devotion sin-cerely and exclusively to Him, but once He has de-livered them safely to land behold, they give a share of their worship to oth-ers, 65Denying what We have given them, but let them enjoy it, because soon they will know. 66Do they not then see that We have made a secure sanctuary, and that people are being snatched away from all around them? Then, do they believe in falsehood, and reject God. 67And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against God or rejects the truth when it reaches him? Is there not a home in hell for those who do not be-lieve? 68And those who strive in Our cause, We will cer-tainly guide them to our paths, for indeed God is with those who do right. 69

302

THIRTY

Alif, Laam, Miim. 1The Roman Empire has been defeated- 2In a land close by. But they, even after this defeat of theirs, will soon be vic-torious- 3Within a few years. With God is the decision, in the past and in the future. On that day will the believers rejoice- 4With the help of God. He helps whom He wills, and He is Exalted in Might, the Merciful Redeemer. 5It is the promise of God. Never does God depart from His promise, but most people do not under-stand. 6They know only the outer things in the life of the present, but of the end of things they are ignorant. 7Do they not reflect in their own minds? God has not created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, except for just ends, and for a term appointed. Yet there are truly many among people who deny the meeting with their Lord. 8

Do they not travel through the earth, and see what the end of those before them was? They were superior to them in strength. They tilled the soil and popu-lated it in greater numbers than these have. There came to them their mes-sengers with guidance which they rejected to their own peril. It was not God Who wronged them, but they wronged their own souls. 9In the end, for those who did harm, is harm, because they rejected the signs of God, and made mockery of them. 10It is God Who begins the process of creation then repeats it, then you will be brought back to Him. 11On the day that the Hour will be established, the guilty will be in despair. 12No intercessor will they have among their partners, and they will themselves reject their partners. 13On the day the hour will be established, that day all people will be sorted out. 14Then those who have be-lieved and did righteous deeds will be happy in a meadow of pleasure. 15And those who have re-jected faith and falsely de-

303

Thirty

nied our signs and the meeting of the hereafter, they will be brought forth to punishment. 16So glory be to God, when you reach evening, and when you rise in the morn-ing, 17Yes, to Him belongs the praise, in the heavens and on earth, and in the after-noon, and at night. 18It is He Who brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living, and Who gives life to the earth after it is dead, and you will be brought out from the dead. 19Among His signs is this, that He created you from dust, and then behold, you are human beings scat-tered far and wide. 20And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may live in tranquility with them, and He has put af-fection and mercy between your hearts, indeed in that are signs for those who re-flect. 21And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your lan-guages and your colors, in-deed in that are signs for those who know. 22

And among His signs is the sleep that you take by night and by day, and the quest that you make for livelihood out of His bounty, indeed in those are signs for those who lis-ten. 23And among His signs is that He shows you the lightning, both by way of fear and of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky, and with it gives life to the earth after it is dead, indeed in that are signs for those who are wise. 24And among His signs is this, that heaven and earth stand by His command. Then when He calls you by a single call from the earth, behold, you come forth immediately. 25To Him belongs every be-ing that is in the heavens and on earth. All are de-voutly obedient to Him. 26It is He Who begins the process of creation, and then repeats it, and for Him it is most easy. To Him belong the loftiest descrip-tions in the heavens and the earth, for He is Exalted in Might, Full of Wis-dom. 27He gives to you a simili-tude from your own experi-ence. Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess, to

304

Thirty

share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you? Do you fear them as you fear each other? This is how we explain the signs in detail to a people who understand. 28No, the wrongdoers merely follow their own lusts, be-ing devoid of knowledge, but who will guide those whom God leaves astray? To them there will be no helpers. 29So set your face steadily and truly to the upright, natural way. Establish what God has made according to the pattern on which He has made humanity. Let there be no change in that work done by God. That is the standard religion, but most among humanity do not understand. 30Turn back in repentance to Him, and be conscious of Him. Establish prayer, and be not among those who join gods with God, 31Or those who split up their religion, and become sects, each group rejoicing in that which they have. 32When trouble touches peo-ple, they cry to their Lord, turning back to Him in re-pentance, but when He gives them a taste of mercy from Himself be-hold, some of them pay

part-worship to other god’s besides their Lord, 33As if to show their ingrati-tude for the favors We have bestowed on them. Then enjoy your brief day, but soon will you know your foolishness. 34Or have We sent down au-thority to them that points out to them the things to which they pay part-wor-ship? 35When We give people a taste of mercy, they exult at it, and when some harm afflicts them because of what their own hands have sent forth behold, they are in despair. 36Do they not see that God enlarges provision and re-stricts it for whomever He pleases? Indeed in that are signs for those who be-lieve. 37So give what is due to fam-ily, the needy, and to dis-placed persons. That is best for those who seek the Countenance of God, and it is these who will flour-ish. 38That which you lay out for increase through the prop-erty of other people, will have no increase with God, but that which you lay out for charity, seeking the Countenance of God will increase. It is these who

305

Thirty

will get a reward multi-plied. 39It is God Who has created you. Further, He has pro-vided for your sustenance, then He will cause you to die, and again He will give you life. Are there any of your partners that can do any one of these things? Glory be to Him and high is He above the partners they attribute to Him.  40Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of that which the hands of humanity have earned, that God may give them a taste of some of their deeds, in order that they may turn back from evil. 41Say, “Travel through the earth and see what was the end of those before you. Most of them worshipped others besides God.” 42But set your face to the upright way of life, before there comes from God the day that there is no chance of averting. On that day humanity will be divided in two. 43Those who do not believe will suffer from that rejec-tion, and those who work righteousness, they are preparing, 44So that He may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds out

of His bounty, but He does not love those who do not believe. 45Among His signs is this, that He sends the winds as heralds of hope, giving you a taste of His grace and mercy, that the ships may sail majestically by His command, and that you may seek of His bounty, in order that you may be grateful. 46We did indeed send before you, messengers to their respective peoples, and they came to them with clear signs. Then, to those who transgressed, We paid out retribution, and it was due from Us to aid those who believed. 47It is God Who sends the winds, and they raise the clouds. Then He spreads them in the sky as He wills, and breaks them into fragments, until you see raindrops issue from the middle of it. Then when He has made them reach those of His servants that He wills behold, they re-joice, 48Even though before they received the rain, just be-fore this, they were in de-spair. 49Then contemplate the memorials of God's mercy, how He gives life to the earth after its death, in-

306

Thirty

deed the same One will give life to the human be-ings that are dead, for He has power over all things. 50And if We send a wind from which they see their land turn yellow behold, they become thereafter, ungrateful. 51So indeed you cannot make the dead to hear, nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away. 52Nor can you lead back the blind from their straying. Only those will you make to hear are those who be-lieve in Our signs and sub-mit. 53It is God Who created you in a state of fragility, then gave you strength after vulnerability, then after strength gave you frailty and a grey head. He cre-ates as He wills, and it is He Who has all knowledge and power. 54On the day that the Hour of reckoning will be estab-lished, the transgressors will swear that they stayed only an hour. So were they used to being deluded. 55But those endued with knowledge and faith will say, “Indeed you did stay, within God's decree, until the Day of Resurrection,

and this is the Day of Res-urrection, but you, you were not aware.” 56So on that day no excuse of theirs will avail the trans-gressors, nor will they be invited then to seek grace by repentance. 57Indeed We have given to humanity in this Quran, every kind of parable, but if you bring to them any sign, the unbelievers are sure to say, “You do noth-ing but speak lies.” 58Thus God places a seal upon the hearts of those who do not know. 59So patiently persevere, for indeed the promise of God is true, nor let those shake your firmness, who have themselves no certainty of faith. 60

307

THIRTY-ONE

Alif, Laam, Miim. 1These are verses of the Wise Book, 2A guide and a mercy to the doers of good, 3Those who establish prayer, give zakat, and have confidence in the hereafter. 4These are on guidance from their Lord, and it is these who will flourish. 5But there are among the people, those who pur-chase idle tales without knowledge or meaning, to mislead people from the path of God, and to throw ridicule on that path, for these there will be a crush-ing penalty. 6When Our signs are re-hearsed to this type of per-son, he turns away in arro-gance, as if he did not hear them, as if there were deafness in both his ears. Announce to him a terrible penalty. 7For those who believe and work righteous deeds, there will be gardens of bliss, 8

To dwell therein forever. The promise of God is true, and He is Exalted in Power, the Wise. 9He created the heavens without any pillars that you can see, He set on the earth, mountains standing firm, lest it should shake with you, and He scattered throughout it creatures of all kinds. We send down rain from the sky, and pro-duce on the earth every kind of noble creature, in pairs. 10Such is the creation of God. Now show Me what is there that others besides Him have created. No, but the transgressors are in manifest error. 11We bestowed in the past, this wisdom on Luqman, “Show your gratitude to God.” Any who is grateful, does so to the profit of his own soul, but if any is un-grateful, indeed God is free of all wants, worthy of all praise. 12Behold, Luqman said to his son by way of instruction, “O my son, do not join in worship others with God, for false worship is indeed the highest wrongdo-ing.” 13And We have instructed man to be good to his par-ents. With hardship upon hardship did his mother

308

bear him, and two years was his weaning. Hear the command, “Show gratitude to Me and to your parents, and to Me is your final goal. 14“But if they strive to make you join in worship with Me, things of which you do not know, follow them not, yet accompany them in this life with justice and consideration, and follow the way of those who turn to me in love. In the end, the return of you all is to Me, and I will tell you the truth and meaning of all that you did.” 15“O my son,” said Luqman, “If there were the weight of a mustard-seed, and it were hidden in a rock, or anywhere in the heavens or on earth, God will bring it out, for God understands the greatest mysteries, and is well acquainted with them. 16“O my son, establish prayer, encourage what is just, and discourage what is wrong, and bear with pa-tient constancy whatever may happen to you, for this is firmness of purpose in the conduct of affairs. 17“And do not turn your cheek to people, nor walk in insolence through the earth, for God loves not any arrogant boaster. 18

“And be moderate in your pace, and lower your voice, for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the bray-ing of the donkey.” 19Do you not see that God has subjected to your use, all things in the heavens and on earth, and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure, both seen and unseen? Yet there are among humanity those who dispute about God, without knowledge and without guidance, and without a book to en-lighten them. 20When they are told to fol-low the revelation that God has sent down they say, “No, we will follow the ways that we found our fa-thers following, “What, even if it is Satan beckon-ing them to the penalty of the blazing fire? 21Whoever submits his whole self to God, and is a doer of good, has indeed grasped the most trustwor-thy handhold, and with God rests the end and the decision of all affairs. 22But if any do not believe, do not let his rejection grieve you. To Us is their return, and We will tell them the truth of their deeds, for God knows well all that is in the heart. 23

309

We grant them their plea-sure for a little while. In the end, We will drive them to a chastisement unre-lenting. 24If you ask them who it is that created the heavens and the earth they will cer-tainly say, “God.” Say, “Praise God.” But most of them do not under-stand. 25To God belong all things in heaven and earth, indeed God is He Who is free of all wants, worthy of all praise. 26And if all the trees on earth were pens and the ocean were ink, with seven oceans behind it to add to its supply, still the words of God would not be ex-hausted, for God is Exalted in Power, Full of Wis-dom. 27And you are not created nor resurrected except as one soul, for God is He Who hears and sees all things. 28Do you not see that God merges night into day, and He merges day into night. He has subjected the Sun and the Moon to His Law, each running its course for a term appointed. And that God is well acquainted with all that you do? 29God is the Reality, and whatever else they invoke

besides Him is falsehood, and God, He is the High-est, the Greatest. 30Do you not see that the ships sail through the world ocean by the grace of God that He may show you His signs? Indeed in this are signs for all who persevere and give thanks. 31When a wave covers them like canopies, they call to God, offering Him sincere devotion, but when He has delivered them safely to land, there are among them those that halt be-tween right and wrong. But none reject Our signs except every ungrateful traitor. 32O humanity, do your duty to your Lord, and be aware of a day when neither a parent can do anything for their child, nor a child for their parent. Indeed the promise of God is true. So do not let this present life deceive you, nor let the chief deceiver delude you about God. 33Indeed the knowledge of the Hour is with God. It is He Who sends down rain, and He Who knows what is in the wombs, and no one knows what it is that they will earn on the morrow, nor does anyone know in what land they are to die, indeed with God is full

310

knowledge and He is ac-quainted with all things. 34

311

THIRTY-TWO

Alif, Laam, Miim. 1This is the revelation of the Book in which there is no doubt, from the Guardian Evolver of all the systems of knowledge. 2Or do they say, “He has fabricated it?” No, it is the truth from your Lord, so you can advise a people to whom no warner has come before you, in order that they may receive guid-ance. 3It is God who has created the heavens and the earth, and all between them, in six days, and is firmly es-tablished on the throne of authority. You have none besides Him to protect or intercede for you. Will you not then receive advice? 4He manages all affairs from the heavens to the earth. In the end will all affairs go up to Him, on a day the space whereof will be as a thousand years of your counting. 5Such is He, the Knower of all things hidden and open, the Exalted in Power, the Merciful Benefactor. 6He Who has improved ev-erything that He has cre-

ated. And He began the creation of humanity with nothing more than mud, 7And made his progeny from the quintessence of a fluid otherwise seemingly worthless. 8Then He formed him and breathed in him from His Spirit, and He gave you the faculties of hearing and sight, feeling and under-standing. Little thanks do you give. 9And they say, “What, when we lay buried in the earth, will we indeed be in a cre-ation renewed? No, they deny the meeting with their Lord. 10Say, “The Angel of Death that is put in charge of you will take your souls as promised. Then you will be brought back to your Lord.” 11If only you could see when the guilty ones will bend their heads low before their Lord saying, “Our Lord, We have seen and we have heard. So send us back to the world. We will work righteousness, be-cause we do indeed be-lieve.” 12If We had so willed, We could certainly have brought every soul its true guidance, but this word from Me will come true, “I

312

Surah Thirty-Two

will fill hell with jinn and humans all together.” 13“So taste this, because you forgot the meeting of this day of yours, indeed We will forget you. Taste the eternal penalty for your harmful deeds.” 14Only those believe in Our signs who when they are recited to them, fall down in adoration, and glorify their Lord by praising Him, and are not puffed up with pride. 15Their limbs forsake their beds of sleep, while they call on their Lord in fear and hope, and they give out of the sustenance which We have given them. 16And no soul knows what pleasure of the eye is kept hidden in reserve for them as a reward for their deeds. 17Is then the person who be-lieves no better than the person who is rebellious? No, they are not equal. 18For those who believe and do righteous deeds, they have gardens as hospitable homes, for those deeds. 19As for those who are rebel-lious, their abode will be the fire. Every time they wish to get away from it, they will be forced deeper into it, and it will be said

to them, “Taste the penalty of the fire that you used to deny.” 20And indeed We will make them taste of the penalty of this life, before the supreme penalty, in order that they may return. 21And who does more wrong than one to whom is re-cited the signs of his Lord, and who then turns away from it? Indeed from those who transgress, We will ex-act due retribution. 22We did indeed give the Book to Moses, so do not be in doubt of its reaching you, and We made it a guide to the Children of Is-rael. 23And We appointed, from among them, leaders giv-ing guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience, and continued to have faith in Our signs. 24Indeed your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Accountability, in the matters wherein they differ among themselves. 25Does it not teach them a lesson, how many genera-tions We caused to perish before them, in whose dwellings they walk in? In-deed in that are signs. Will they not then listen? 26

313

And do they not see that We send rain to parched soil bare of herbage, and produce with it crops, pro-viding food for their live-stock and themselves? Have they no vision? 27They say, “When will this decision be, if you are telling the truth?” 28Say, “On the day of deci-sion, no profit will it be to unbelievers if they then believe, nor will they be granted respite.” 29So turn away from them, and wait. They too are waiting. 30

314

THIRTY-THREE

O Prophet, be conscious of God and do not listen to the unbelievers nor the hypocrites, indeed God is full of Knowledge and Wis-dom. 1But follow that which comes to you by inspira-tion from your Lord, for God is well acquainted with all that you do. 2And put your trust in God, and enough is God as a manager of affairs. 3God has not made for any person two hearts in his one body, nor has He made your wives whom you di-vorce by Zihar your moth-ers, nor has He made those who you call sons, your sons. These are your say-ings, but God tells you the truth, and He shows the right way. 4Call them by the names of their fathers. That is more just in the sight of God, but if you do not know their father’s names, call them your brothers in faith, or your friends, but there is no blame on you if you make a mistake con-cerning this. What counts is the intention of your hearts, and God is Oft-Re-

turning, Mercifully Re-deeming. 5The prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers. But blood relatives among you have closer personal ties in the decree of God, than the community of believers and Muhajirs. But still do what is just to your closest friends. Such is the writing in the decree of God. 6And remember We took from the Prophets their covenant. As We did from you, from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary. We took from them a solemn covenant, 7That God may question the caretakers of truth, con-cerning the truth they were charged with, and He has prepared for the unbe-lievers a terrible penalty. 8O you who believe, remem-ber the grace of God be-stowed on you, when there came down on you an army to overwhelm you, but We sent against them a storm and forces that they could not see, but God sees clearly all that you do. 9Behold, they came upon you from above you and from below you, and be-hold, the eyes became dim, and the hearts gaped up to the throats, and you had

315

Thirty-Three

contradicting thoughts about God. 10In that situation were the believers tried. They were shaken as by a tremendous shaking. 11And behold, the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease say, “God and His messenger promised us nothing but delu-sion.” 12Behold, a group among them said, “You people of Yathrib, you cannot stand the attack, therefore go back.” And a group of them asks for leave of the Prophet saying, “Truly our houses are bare, and ex-posed,” though they were not exposed. They in-tended nothing but to run away. 13And if an entry had been made for them from the sides of the city, and they had been incited to sedi-tion, they would certainly have brought it to pass, with only a brief delay. 14Even though they had al-ready took a covenant with God not to turn their backs and a covenant with God must be answered for. 15Say, “Running away will not profit you if you are running away from death or slaughter, and even if you do escape, no more

than brief respite will you be allowed to enjoy.” 16Say, “Who is it that can screen you from God if it is His will to give you punish-ment or to give you mercy?” Nor will they find for themselves, besides God, any protector nor helper. 17Indeed God knows those among you who keep the people back, and those who say to their brothers, “Come along with us,” but they do not come to the fight, except for a few, 18Who rely on you. And when danger arises, you will see them looking to you, their eyes revolving, like one of those who death hovers over, but when the danger has passed, they will strike you with sharp tongues, covetous of the good. Such people have no faith, so God has made their deeds of no effect, and that is easy for God. 19They think that the confed-erates have not withdrawn, and if the confederates should come again, they would wish they were in the deserts wandering among the Bedouins, and seeking news about you from a safe distance, and if they were in your pres-ence, they would fight only a little while. 20

316

Thirty-Three

You indeed have in the messenger of God, an ex-cellent example of con-duct, for anyone whose hope is in God and the Last Day, and who engages much in the praise of God. 21When the believers saw the confederate army they said, “This is what God and his messenger promised us, and God and His mes-senger told us the truth.” And it only added to their faith and their zeal for obedience. 22Among the believers are people who have been true to their covenant with God. Of them some have com-pleted their vow to the ut-most, and some still wait, but they have never changed their determina-tion in the least. 23God rewards people of truth for their truth, and punishes the hypocrites if that is His will, or He turns to them in mercy, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 24And God turned back the unbelievers with all their fury. No advantage did they gain, and enough is God for the believers in their fight, and God is full of strength, able to enforce His will. 25

And the people of the Book who aided them, God took them down from their strongholds and cast fear into their hearts. So that some you slew, and some you made prisoners. 26And He made you heirs of their lands, their houses, their goods, and of a land which you had not visited before, and God has power over all things. 27O prophet, say to your wives, “If you want the life of the present and its glit-ter, then come, I will pro-vide for your enjoyment and will let you go in a handsome manner. 28But if you want God and His messenger, and the home of the hereafter, in-deed God has prepared for the good doers among you, a great reward. 29O wives of the Prophet, if any of you were proven guilty of unseemly con-duct, the punishment would be doubled for her, and that is easy for God. 30 (End of Part 21)But any of you who are de-vout in the service of God and His messenger, and works righteousness, twice will We grant a reward to her, and We have prepared for her generous suste-nance. 31

317

Thirty-Three

O wives of the Prophet, you are not like any of the other women. If you realize it, do not speak intuitively, lest one in whose heart is sickness should be moved with expectations, but speak as you should. 32And dwell in your homes without flaunting your-selves like those of the days of ignorance, and es-tablish prayer, and give za-kat, and follow God and His messenger. God wishes only to remove all charac-ter flaws from you, and the members of your family, in order to refine you. 33And recite what is re-hearsed to you in your homes from the signs of God and His wisdom, for God is Subtle and Aware. 34For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are pa-tient, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God's praise, for them God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. 35

It is not fitting for a be-liever, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by God and His messenger to differ con-cerning that decision. If anyone ignores God and His messenger, he is cer-tainly and clearly on a wrong path. 36Behold, you said to one who had received the grace of God and your favor, "Hold on to your wife, and be conscious of God.” But you hid in your heart that which God was about to make manifest. You feared the people, but it is more fitting that you fear God. Then when Zaid divorced her following the neces-sary procedures, We joined her in marriage to you, in order that there may be no difficulty on the believers concerning marriage with the wives of those who you call your sons, after they had divorced them follow-ing the necessary proce-dures, and God's command must be fulfilled. 37There can be no blame on the Prophet for what God has indicated to him as a duty. It was the Sunnah of God among those in the past who have passed away, and the command of God is a decree deter-mined. 38Those who preach the Mes-sages of God, and fear

318

Thirty-Three

Him, and fear none but God, enough is God to call them to account. 39Muhammad is not the fa-ther of any of your people, but he is the messenger of God, and the seal of the Prophets, and God has full knowledge of all things. 40O you who believe, glorify God by praising Him, and do this often, 41And praise Him morning and evening. 42He is the One Who sends blessings on you, as do His angels, that He may bring you out from the depths of darkness into light, and He is full of mercy to the be-lievers. 43Their salutation on the day they meet Him will be “Peace.” And He has pre-pared for them a generous reward. 44O Prophet, truly We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of hope, and a warner. 45And as one who invites to God's grace by His permis-sion, and as a lamp spread-ing light. 46So give hope to the believ-ers that they will have great bounty from God. 47And do not follow the un-believers and the hyp-ocrites, and ignore their

annoyances, and put your trust in God, for enough is God as a manager of af-fairs. 48O you who believe, when you marry believing women, and then divorce them before you have touched them, no period of ‘iddat have you to count concerning them. But give them a gift, and then let them go. 49O Prophet, We have made permissible to you, your wives to whom you have given their dowry, and those whom your right hand possess, out of those who God has assigned to you, and daughters of your paternal uncles and aunts, and daughters of your ma-ternal uncles and aunts who migrated with you, and any believing woman who dedicates herself to the Prophet, if the Prophet wishes to wed her. This is only for you, and not for the believers at large. We know what We have ap-pointed for them concern-ing their wives and those whom their right hands possess, in order that there will be no difficulty for you, and God is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 50You may defer the turn of any of them you please, and you may receive any you please, and there is no

319

Thirty-Three

blame on you if you invite one whose turn you had set aside. This is better for cooling their eyes, prevent-ing their grief, and provid-ing satisfaction from what you have given them, and God knows all that is in your hearts, and God is All Knowing, Most Under-standing. 51It is not permissible for you to marry women after this, nor to leave them for other wives, even though their beauty attracts you, except any your right hand possess, and God watches over all things. 52O you who believe, do not enter the Prophet’s houses until you are given permis-sion to come eat, and then not so early as to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, feel free to enter, but once you have finished your meal, leave without making conversa-tion. Such behavior annoys the Prophet. He is shy about asking you to leave, but God is not shy about telling you the truth, and when you ask them for something, ask them from behind a screen. That makes for greater purity for your hearts and for theirs, nor is it right for you to annoy God's mes-senger, nor should you marry his widows after him at any time. Truly such a

thing is in God's sight an enormity. 53Whether you reveal any-thing or conceal it, indeed God has full knowledge of all things. 54There is no blame on these women if they appear be-fore their parents or their sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sisters’ sons, or their maids, or those whom their right hands possess, but be conscious of God, for God is witness to all things. 55God and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings on him, and salute him with greet-ings. 56Indeed those who defy God and defy His messenger, God has cursed them in the present and in the fu-ture, and has prepared for them a crushing punish-ment. 57And those who distress be-lieving men and women undeservedly bear on themselves a glaring sin. 58"O prophet, tell your wives and daughters, and the be-lieving women, that they should draw their outer wear over themselves. That is more modest, that they may be acknowledged but not harassed, and God is

320

Thirty-Three

Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming." 59Truly if the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who stir up sedition in the city do not desist, We will cer-tainly stir you up against them. Then they will not be able to stay there as your neighbors for any length of time. 60They will have a curse on them, and whenever they are found, they will be seized and slain without mercy. 61Such was the Sunnah of God among those who lived. No change will you find in the Sunnah of God. 62People ask you concerning the Hour. Say, “The knowl-edge of it is with God.” But what will make you under-stand that perhaps the Hour is near? 63Indeed God has cursed the unbelievers and prepared for them a blazing fire, 64To dwell therein forever. No protector will they find, nor helper. 65The day that their faces will be turned upside down in the fire they will say, “Woe to us, we wish that we had obeyed God and obeyed the messenger.” 66

And they would say, “Our Lord, We followed our leaders and our great ones, but they misled us as to the right path. 67“Our Lord, double their punishment, and curse them with a great curse.” 68O you who believe, be not like those who upset and insulted Moses, but God cleared him of what they uttered, and he was honor-able in God's sight. 69O you who believe, be con-scious of God, and say a word directed to the right. 70That He may make your conduct whole and sound, and forgive you your sins. He who follows God and His messenger have al-ready attained the highest achievement. 71We indeed offered the trust to the heavens and the earth, and the moun-tains, but they refused to undertake it, being afraid of it, but the human being undertook it. Indeed he was uninformed and thus misjudged. 72With the result that God has to punish the hypocrit-ical men and women, and the unbelieving men and women, but God turns in mercy to the believers, men and women, for God is

321

Thirty-Three

Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 73

322

THIRTY-FOUR

Praise God, to Whom be-longs all things in the heavens and on earth. To Him belongs the praise in the hereafter, and He is full of wisdom, acquainted with all things. 1He knows all that goes into the earth, and all that comes out of it, all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends to it, and He is the Merciful Re-deemer, the Oft-Forgiv-ing. 2The unbelievers say, “The hour will never come for us.” Say, “No, but most surely, by my Lord, it will come for you. By Him Who knows the unknown, from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth, nor is there anything less than that, nor greater, that is not in the clear record. 3That He may reward those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, for them is forgiveness and suste-nance, most generous.” 4But those who strive against Our signs to stop them, for them will be a penalty, and a punishment most crushing. 5

And those to whom knowl-edge has come, see that the revelation sent down to you from your Lord is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the One exalted in might, worthy of all praise. 6The unbelievers say in ridicule, “Shall we point out to you a person who will tell you when you are disintegrated to total dis-integration, that you will then be raised in a new creation? 7“Has he invented a false-hood against God, or has a jinn seized him?” No, it is those who do not believe in the hereafter who will be punished, and who are in furthest error. 8Do they not see what is be-fore them and behind them, of the sky and the earth? If We wished, We could cause the earth to swallow them up, or cause a piece of the universe to fall on them. Indeed in this is a sign for every devotee that turns to God. 9We bestowed this grace on David from Ourselves, “O mountains, sing back the praises of God with him. And birds, you do the same. And We made the iron soft for him. 10Commanding, “Make coats of mail, balancing well the

323

Thirty-Four

rings of chained armor, and work righteousness, and know that I see clearly all that you do.” 11And to Solomon We made the wind obedient. Its early morning stride was a month’s journey, and its evening stride was a month’s journey, and We made a font of molten brass to flow for him, and there were jinn that worked in front of him, by the permission of his Lord, and if any of them deviated from our command, We made him taste the penalty of the blazing fire. 12They worked for him, as he desired, making arches, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and cooking cauldrons fixed in their places, “Work, sons of David, with thanks,” but few of My servants are ap-preciative. 13Then when We decreed Solomon’s death, nothing showed them his death ex-cept a little worm of the earth that kept slowly gnawing away at his staff. So when he fell over, the jinn saw plainly that if they had known the unknown, they would not have stayed in the crushing penalty of their task. 14There was for Sheba, a sign in their homeland, two gardens to the right

and to the left, “Eat of the sustenance provided by your Lord, and be grateful to Him. A territory good and a Lord Oft-Forgiv-ing. 15But they turned away from God, and We sent against them the flood released from the dams, and We converted their two garden rows into gardens produc-ing bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few stunted lotus-trees. 16That was the requital that We gave them because they ungratefully rejected faith, and never do We punish any except those who are ungrateful re-jecters. 17Between them and the cities on which We had poured our blessings, We placed cities in prominent positions, and between them We appointed stages of the journey in due pro-portion, “Travel therein, secure by night and by day.” 18But they said, “Our Lord, place longer distances be-tween our journey stages.” But they wronged them-selves with this. Then We made them as a tale that is told, and We dispersed them all in scattered frag-ments, indeed in this are signs for every soul who is patient and grateful. 19

324

Thirty-Four

And on them Satan proved his assumption true, and they followed him, all but a group who believed. 20But he had no authority over them, except that We might make evident the person who believes in the hereafter from him who is in doubt concerning it, and your Lord watches over all things. 21Say, “Call upon other gods whom you desire besides God. They have no power, not even the weight of an atom, in the heavens or on earth, they have no share in it, nor are any of them a helper to God. 22“No intercession can avail in His presence, except for those whom He has granted permission, until fear is removed from their hearts at the Day of Ac-countability, then they will say, ‘What is it that your Lord asked?’ They will say, ‘That which is true and just, and He is Most High, Most Great.’ ” 23Say, “Who gives you suste-nance from the heavens and the earth?” Say, “It is God, and certainly we and you are either on right guidance or in manifest er-ror.” 24Say, “You will not be ques-tioned as to our sins, nor

will we be questioned as to what you do.” 25Say, “Our Lord will gather us together and will, in the end, decide the matter be-tween us and you in truth and justice, and He is the one to decide, the All Knowing.” 26Say, “Show me those whom you have joined with Him as partners, but by no means can you do it. No, He is God, the Exalted in Power, the Wise.” 27We have not sent you ex-cept as a universal mes-senger to humanity, giving them good news, and warn-ing them against harmful deeds, but most people do not understand. 28They say, “When will this promise come to pass if you are telling the truth?” 29Say, “For you is the ap-pointment of a day for which you can neither push back for an hour nor push forward.” 30The unbelievers say, “We will neither believe in this scripture nor in any that came before it.” If only you could see when the wrong-doers will be made to stand before their Lord, throwing back the word of blame on each other. Those who had been de-spised will say to the arro-

325

Thirty-Four

gant ones, “Had it not been for you, we would certainly have been believ-ers.” 31The arrogant ones will say to those who had been op-pressed, “Was it we who kept you back from guid-ance after it reached you? No, rather it was you who transgressed.”  32Those who had been op-pressed will say to the ar-rogant ones, “No, it was a plot of yours by day and by night. Behold, you con-stantly ordered us to be ungrateful to God, and to attribute equals to Him.” They will declare repen-tance when they see the penalty. We will put chains on the necks of the unbe-lievers. It would only be punishment for their deeds. 33Never did We send a warner to a population but the elites among them said, “We do not believe in the message with which you have been sent.” 34They said, “We have more in wealth and in sons, and we cannot be pun-ished.” 35Say, “Indeed my Lord en-larges and restricts the provision to whom He pleases, but most people do not understand.” 36

It is neither your wealth nor your sons that will bring you nearer to Us in degree, but only those who believe and work right-eousness. These are the ones for whom there is a reward multiplied for their deeds, while they reside secure in the dwellings on high. 37Those who work against Our signs to cause failure, they will be brought to punishment. 38Say, “Indeed my Lord en-larges and restricts the sustenance to any of His servants He pleases, and nothing in the least do you give in His cause but He reimburses it, for He is the best of those who grant sustenance. 39One day He will gather them all together and say to the angels, “Was it you that these people used to worship?” 40They will say, “Glory to You, Our tie is with You as a Protector, not with them. No, but they worshipped the jinn. Most of them be-lieved in them.” 41So on that day, no power will they have over each other, for profit or harm, and We will say to the wrongdoers, “Taste the penalty of the fire which you used to deny.” 42

326

Thirty-Four

When Our clear signs are rehearsed to them they say, “This is only a person who wishes to hinder you from the worship which your parents practiced.” And they say, “This is only a lie invented.” And the unbelievers say of the truth when it comes to them, “This is nothing but obvious deception.” 43But We had not given them books which they could study, nor sent messengers to them before you as warners. 44And their predecessors re-jected the truth, these have not received a tenth of what We had granted to those. Yet when they re-jected My messengers, how terrible My rejection of them was. 45Say, “I advise you on one point. That you should stand up before God, whether it is in pairs, or it is individually, and reflect within yourselves. Your companion is not pos-sessed. He is no less than a warner to you, in face of a terrible penalty.” 46Say, “No reward do I ask of you. It is all in your inter-est. My reward is only due from God, and He is wit-ness to all things.” 47Say, “Indeed my Lord gives the truth, He Who has full

knowledge of all that is hidden.” 48Say, “The truth has ar-rived, and falsehood nei-ther creates anything new nor restores anything.” 49Say, “If I am astray I only stray to the loss of my own soul, but if I receive guid-ance, it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me. It is He Who hears all things, and is near.” 50If only you could see when they will shake with fear, but then there will be no escape for them, and they will be seized from a posi-tion near. 51And they will say, “We be-lieve in the truth, “But how could they receive faith from a position so far off, 52Seeing that before they did not entirely believe, and that they continually cast slanders on the unknown from a position far off? 53And between them and their desires, is placed a barrier, as was done in the past with those like them, for they too were indeed in suspicious doubt. 54

327

THIRTY-FIVE

Praise God, from Whom came the origins of the heavens and the earth. Who made the angels mes-sengers with wings, two, three, or four pairs. He adds to creation as He pleases, for God has power over all things. 1What God, out of his mercy, bestows on human-ity none can withhold. What He does withhold none can grant besides Him, and He is the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. 2O humanity, call to mind the grace of God to you, is there a creator other than God, to give you suste-nance from heaven or earth? There is no god but He. How then are you de-luded from the truth? 3And if they reject you, so were messengers rejected before you. All affairs go back to God for decision. 4O humanity, certainly the promise of God is true. So do not let this present life deceive you, nor let the chief deceiver delude you about God. 5Indeed Satan is an enemy to you. So treat him as an enemy. He only invites his

adherents so that they may become companions of the blazing fire. 6For those who reject God is a terrible penalty, but for those who believe and work righteous deeds is forgiveness, and a magnifi-cent reward. 7Then is he, to whom the evil of his conduct is made alluring, so that he looks upon it as good, is he equal to one who is rightly guided? For God leaves to stray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. So do not let your heart go out to them with regret, for God knows well all that they do. 8It is God Who sends the winds, so that they raise up the clouds, and We drive them to a land that is dead, and revive the earth with it after its death. Even then the resurrection will come. 9If any seek praise and power, to God belong all praise and power. To Him mounts up all words of pu-rity. It is He Who exalts each deed of righteous-ness. Those who hatch harmful plots, for them is a penalty terrible, and the plotting of such will be void of success. 10And God created you from dust, then from a zygote,

328

Thirty-Five

then He made you in pairs, and no female conceives nor delivers, except with His knowledge, nor is a person long-lived, granted length of days, nor is a part cut off from his life, except if it is in a decree ordained. All this is easy for God. 11Nor are the two bodies of flowing water alike, the one palatable, sweet, and pleasant to drink, and the other, salty and bitter. Yet from each kind of water do you eat meat fresh and tender, and you extract or-naments to wear, and you see the ships in it that plow the waves, so that you may seek the bounty of God, and that you may be grateful. 12He merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and He has sub-jected the Sun and the Moon to His law. Each one runs its course for a term appointed. Such is God your Lord. To Him belongs all control, and those whom you invoke besides Him have no power in the least. 13If you invoke them, they will not listen to your call, and if they were to listen, they could not answer you. On the Day of Accountabil-ity, they will reject your partnership, and none can inform you like the One

who is acquainted with all things. 14O you people, it is you who have need of God, but God is the One free of all wants, worthy of all praise. 15If He so pleased, He could remove you and bring about a new creation. 16Nor is that difficult for God. 17Nor can a bearer of bur-dens bear another’s bur-dens. If one heavily laden should call another to his load, not the least portion of it can be carried by the other, even if they are nearly related. You can only advise those who fear their Lord unseen, and es-tablish prayer. And who-ever purifies himself does so for the benefit of his own soul, and the destina-tion is to God. 18The blind and the seeing are not alike, 19Nor are the depths of dark-ness and the light, 20Nor are the shade and the heat of the sun. 21Nor are those alike that are living and those who are dead. God can make any hear whom He wills to hear, but you cannot make those to hear who are in graves. 22

329

Thirty-Five

You are no other than a warner. 23Indeed We have sent you in truth as a bearer of good news, and as a warner, and there never were a people without a warner having lived among them. 24And if they reject you, so did their predecessors, to whom came messengers with clear signs, books of prophecies, and the book of enlightenment. 25In the end, I punished those who rejected faith, and how terrible was My rejection of them. 26Do you not see that God sends down rain from the sky? With it We bring out produce of various colors. And in the mountains are tracts white and red, of various shades of color, and intensely black. 27And among human beings, and crawling creatures, and livestock, are those of various colors. Those who are indeed conscious of God among His servants have knowledge, for God is Exalted in Might, Oft-For-giving. 28Those who recite the Book of God, establish prayer, and give out of what We have provided for them, se-cretly and openly, hope for a deal that will never fail. 29

For He will pay them their due, no, He will give them more out of His bounty, for He is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate. 30That which We have re-vealed to you of the Book is the truth reflecting the truth of what was revealed before it, for God is surely, to His servants, well ac-quainted and fully obser-vant. 31And We have given the Book for inheritance, to those of Our servants as We chose, but there are among them, some who wrong their own souls, some who follow a middle course, and some who are, by God's permission, fore-most in good deeds, and that is the highest bless-ing. 32They will enter Gardens of eternity, therein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls, and their garments will be of silk. 33And they will say, “Praise God, Who has removed from us all sorrow, for our Lord is indeed oft-forgiv-ing, ready to appreci-ate. 34“He Who has, out of His bounty, settled us in a home that will last. Nei-ther fatigue nor sense of

330

Thirty-Five

weariness will touch us therein.” 35But those who reject God, for them will be the fire of hell. No term will be deter-mined for them, thus not allowing them to die, nor will its penalty be light-ened for them. This is how We reward every ungrate-ful one. 36Therein will they cry aloud, “Our Lord, let us out. We will work righteously, not the deeds we used to do.” “Did We not give you a long enough life so that all could take the advice? And the warner came to you. So taste this, for the wrongdo-ers there is no helper.” 37Indeed God knows all the hidden things of the heav-ens and the earth, and in-deed He has full knowl-edge of all that is in the heart. 38It is He Who has made you inheritors in the earth. If any then reject God, their rejection will work against them. Their rejection only adds to disbelief for the unbelievers in the sight of their Lord. Their rejection only adds to their undo-ing. 39Say, “Have you seen these partners of yours whom you call upon besides God? Show Me what it is they have created in the earth.

Or have they a share in the heavens? Or have We given them a book from which they can derive guidance? No, the wrongdoers prom-ise each other nothing but delusions. 40It is God Who sustains the heavens and the earth, lest they cease to function, and if they should fail, there is none, not one, who can sustain them thereafter. Indeed He is Most Under-standing, Oft-Forgiving. 41They swore their strongest oath by God that if a warner came to them, they would follow his guidance better than any other peo-ple, but when a warner came to them, it only in-creased their flight, 42On account of their arro-gance in the land, and their plotting of evil. But the plotting of evil will only hem in the authors of it. Now they are looking for the way the ancients were dealt with? But no change will you find in God's Sunnah, and no fi-nale will you find in God's Sunnah. 43Do they not travel through the earth, and see what the end of those before them was, though they were su-perior to them in strength? Nor is God to be escaped by anything in the heavens

331

Thirty-Five

or on earth, for He is All Knowing, All Powerful. 44If God were to punish peo-ple according to what they deserve, He would not leave on its back a single one of these creatures, but He gives them respite for a stated term. When their term expires, then indeed God has in His sight all His servants. 45

332

THIRTY-SIX

Yaa, Siin. 1By the Quran, full of wis-dom. 2You are indeed one of the messengers, 3On a straight way. 4It is a revelation sent down by Him, the Exalted in Might, the Merciful Re-deemer, 5That you may advise a peo-ple whose parents had re-ceived no advice, and who therefore remain heed-less. 6The word is proved true against the greater part of them, for they do not be-lieve. 7We have put chains around their necks, up to their chins, so that their heads are forced up. 8And We have put bars in front of them and bars be-hind them, and further, We have covered them up, so that they cannot see. 9It is the same to them whether you warn them or you do not warn them, they will not believe. 10You can only warn one who follows the message and

fears the Merciful Bene-factor, unseen. Give them good news of forgiveness, and of a reward most gen-erous. 11Indeed We will give life to the dead, and We record what they send forward and what they leave be-hind, and of all things We have taken account in a clear book. 12Give them by way of a parable the story of the companions of the city. Be-hold, there came messen-gers to it. 13When We sent to them two messengers they rejected them, so We reinforced them with a third. They said, “Truly we have been sent on a mission to you.” 14They said, “You are only human like us, and God, the Merciful Benefactor, sends no sort of revelation. You do nothing but lie.” 15They said, “Our Lord knows that we have been sent on a mission to you, 16“And our duty is only to proclaim the message clearly.” 17They said, “For us, we pre-dict an evil omen from you. If you desist not, we will certainly stone you, indeed a terrible punishment will

333

Thirty-Six

be inflicted on you by us.” 18They said, “Your evil omens are with you. Are you not then advised? No, but you are a people trans-gressing all bounds.” 19Then there came running from the farthest part of the city, a person announc-ing, “O my people, follow the messengers. 20“Follow those who ask no reward of you, and who have themselves received guidance.  21 (End of Part 22)“And what would happen to me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and He to Whom you will all be brought back. 22“Shall I take gods besides Him? If God, the Merciful Benefactor, should intend some adversity for me, of no use would be their in-tercession for me, nor can they save me. 23“I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest er-ror. 24“For me, I have faith in the Guardian Evolver of you all, so listen to me.” 25It was said, “Enter the gar-den.” He said, “I wish that my people knew- 26“That my Lord has granted me forgiveness, and has

enrolled me among those held in honor.” 27And We did not send down against his people after him any guest from heaven, nor was it neces-sary for Us to do so. 28It was no more than a sin-gle mighty blast, and be-hold, they were gone. 29Unfortunately for these slaves, there does not come a messenger to them that they did not mock. 30Do they not see how many generations before them We caused to perish? And they will not return to them. 31But each one of them will be brought before Us. 32A sign for them is the earth that is dead. We give it life, and produce grain from it, of which you eat. 33And We produce in it or-chards with date palms and vines, and We cause springs to gush forth therein, 34That they may enjoy the fruits of it. It was not their hands that made this. Will they not then give thanks? 35Glory be to God, Who cre-ated in pairs all things that the earth produces, all of

334

Thirty-Six

it, and things that they do not know of. 36And a sign for them is the night. We withdraw from it the day, and behold, they are plunged into dark-ness, 37And the Sun runs its course for a period deter-mined for it. That is His decree, the Exalted in Might, the All Knowing. 38And the Moon, We have or-dained for it phases, until it returns like the withered lower part of a date-stalk. 39It is not permitted for the Sun to catch the Moon, nor can the night outstrip the day. Each swims along in its own orbit. 40And a sign for them is that We carried their people through the flood in the loaded Ark, 41And We have created for them similar vessels on which they ride. 42If it were Our will, We could drown them. Then there would be no helper, nor could they be deliv-ered, 43Except by way of mercy from Us, and by way of convenience for a time. 44They are told, “Be con-scious of that which is be-fore you and that which is

after you, in order that you may receive mercy.” 45Not a sign comes to them from among the signs of their Lord, except those from which they turn away. 46And when they are told, “Give of that which God has provided you,” the un-believers say to those who believe, “Shall we feed those whom if God had so willed, He would have fed Himself? You are in noth-ing but manifest error.” 47Further they say, “When will this promise come to pass, if what you say is true?” 48They will not have to wait for anything but a single blast. It will seize them while they are still disput-ing among themselves. 49Then no chance will they have with their will to manage their affairs, nor to return to their peo-ple. 50The trumpet will be sounded, when behold, from their place of rest, people will rush forth to their Lord. 51They will say, “Woe to us, who has raised us up from our resting place?” This is what God, the Merciful Benefactor, promised. And

335

Thirty-Six

true was the word of the messengers.” 52It will be no more than a single blast, and then they will all be brought up be-fore Us. 53Then on that day, not a soul will be wronged in the least, and you will be re-paid for your past deeds. 54Indeed on that day the companions of the garden will have joy in all that they do. 55They and their mates will be in groves of shade, re-clining on thrones, 56Fruit will be there for them, they will have what-ever they call for, 57“Peace,” a word from the Lord, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 58“And O you in sin, get away this day. 59“Did I not enjoin on you, O you children of Adam, that you should not worship Sa-tan, and that he was to you a sworn enemy? 60“And that you should wor-ship Me, and that this is the straight way? 61“But he led astray a great multitude of you. Did you not then use reason? 62“This is the hell about which you were warned. 63

“Embrace the fire this day, because you rejected it.” 64That day will We put a seal on their mouths, but their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to all that they did. 65If it had been Our will, We could surely have removed their eyes, then they would have run about grabbing for the path, but how could they have seen? 66And if it had been Our will, We could have transformed them in their places, then they would have been un-able to proceed, and they could not have re-turned. 67If We grant long life to any, We cause them to be re-versed in creation. Will they not then under-stand? 68We have not instructed the messenger in poetry, nor is that like him. This is no less than a message and a Quran making things clear. 69That it may give advice to any that are alive, and that the charge may be proven against those who reject it. 70Do they not see that it is We who have created for them livestock, among the things that Our hands have

336

Thirty-Six

fashioned that are under their control? 71And that We have sub-jected them to their use? Of them, some carry them and some they eat. 72And they obtain other ben-efits from them, including drink. Will they not then be grateful? 73Yet they take for worship gods other than God, thinking that they might be helped. 74They do not have the power to help them, but they will be brought up all together. 75But do not let their speech grieve you. Indeed We know what they hide as well as what they dis-close. 76Do human beings not see that it is We Who created them from a zygote? Yet behold, he stands up as an open adversary. 77And he makes comparisons to Us, and forgets his own origin and creation. He says, “Who can give life to bones, and decomposed ones at that?” 78Say, “He will give them life Who created them the first time. For He is well-versed in every kind of creation. 79

“The same One who pro-duces for you fire out of the green tree, when be-hold, you kindle with it. 80“Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the likes of him?” Yes indeed, for He is the Ultimate Creator, the All Knowing. 81Indeed, when He intends a thing, His command is “Be”, and it is. 82So glory be to Him in Whose hands are the con-trol of all things, and to Him will you all be brought back. 83

337

THIRTY-SEVEN

By those who line them-selves in ranks, 1And so are strong in re-pelling harm, 2And so proclaim the mes-sage. 3Indeed your God is one. 4Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and all between them, and Lord of every point at the rising of the Sun. 5We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty in the stars, 6For beauty and to guard against all rebellious dev-ils, 7They should not strain their ears in the direction of the exalted assembly, but shall be cast away from every side, 8Repulsed, for they are un-der a perpetual penalty. 9Except those that snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness. 10Just ask their opinion. Are they more difficult to cre-ate, or the other beings We have created? We have cre-

ated them out of wet clay. 11Indeed you marvel while they ridicule, 12And though they are ad-vised, they pay no heed. 13And when they see a sign, they turn it into mock-ery, 14And say, “This is nothing but evident deception. 15“What, when we die and become dust and bones, will we be raised up, 16“And also our ancestors?” 17Say, “Yes, and you will then be humiliated.” 18Then there will be a single cry, and behold, they will begin to see. 19They will say, “Woe to us, this is the Day of Account-ability!” 20This is the day of sorting out, the truth you once de-nied. 21“Bring up,” it will be said, “The wrongdoers and their partners, and the things they worshipped- 22“Besides God, and lead them to the way of the fire. 23“But stop them, for they must be asked, 24

338

Thirty-Seven

“What is the matter with you that you did not help each other?” 25No, but that day they will submit, 26And they will turn to one another, and question each other. 27They will say, “It was you who used to come to us from the right.” 28They will reply, “No, you yourselves had no faith, 29“Nor had we any authority over you. No, it was you who were a people in obsti-nate rebellion. 30“So now has been proved true against us, the word of our Lord, so we will in-deed taste it. 31“We led you astray, for in-deed we were ourselves astray.” 32Indeed that day, they will all share in the penalty. 33Indeed that is how We will deal with the wrong-do-ers. 34For they, when they were told that there is no god except God, would puff themselves up with pride– 35And say, “What, will we give up our gods for the sake of a poet possessed?” 36

No, he has come with the truth, and he confirms the messengers. 37You will indeed taste the terrible penalty. 38But it will be no more than retribution for what you did. 39But the sincere servants of God, 40For them is sustenance de-termined. 41They will enjoy fruits, and honor and dignity, 42In gardens of felicity, 43Facing each other on thrones. 44Round will be passed to them a cup from a clear-flowing fountain, 45White, of a taste delicious to those who drink of it, 46Free from harm, nor will they suffer intoxication from it. 47And with them will be com-panions of modest gaze and beautiful eyes. 48Like delicate eggs closely guarded. 49Then they will turn to one another and question each other. 50One of them will start the conversation by saying, “I had a friend- 51

339

Thirty-Seven

“Who used to say, ‘What, are you among those who bear witness to the truth? 52“When we die and become dust and bones, will we in-deed receive rewards and punishments?” 53A voice said, “Would you like to look down?” 54He looked down and saw him in the middle of the fire. 55He said, “By God, you were just short of bringing me to perdition. 56“Had it not been for the grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those sent there. 57“Is it the case that we will not die? 58“Except our first death, and that we will not be punished?” 59Indeed this is the greatest achievement. 60For the like of this let all strive who wish to strive. 61Is that the better enter-tainment or the Tree of Za-qqum? 62For We have truly made it a trial for the wrongdo-ers. 63

For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of hell-fire. 64The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of devils. 65Truly they will eat of it and fill their stomachs. 66Then indeed on top of that they will be given a mix-ture made of boiling wa-ter. 67Then their return will be to the fire. 68Truly they found their par-ents on the wrong path, 69So they were rushed down on their footsteps. 70And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray. 71But We sent among them, people to advise them. 72Then see what was the end of those who were ad-vised? 73Except the sincere ser-vants of God. 74Noah called to Us, and We are the best to hear prayers. 75And We delivered him and his people from the Great Calamity, 76And made his progeny to endure, 77

340

Thirty-Seven

And We left for him gener-ations to come in later times. 78Peace and salutation to Noah among the na-tions. 79Indeed we reward those who do right. 80For he was one of our be-lieving servants. 81Then the rest we over-whelmed in the flood. 82Indeed among those who followed his way was Abra-ham. 83Behold, he approached his Lord with a pure heart. 84Behold, he said to his fa-ther and to his people, “What is it you wor-ship? 85“Is it false gods instead of God that you desire? 86“Then what is your idea about the Lord of the worlds?” 87Then he cast a glance at the stars. 88And he said, “I am indeed sick.” 89So they turned away from him, and departed. 90Then he turned to their gods and said, “Will you not eat? 91

“What is the matter with you that you do not speak?” 92Then did he turn to them, striking them with the right hand. 93Then they came with hur-ried steps, and faced him. 94He said, “You worship that which you have carved? 95“But God has created you and that which you make.” 96They said, “Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire.” 97They then sought another strategy against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated. 98He said, “I will go to my Lord, He will surely guide me. 99“O my Lord, grant me one from the righteous.” 100So We gave him the good news of a child ready to sacrifice and forbear. 101Then when he reached the age of work he said, “O my son, I see in a vision that I offer you in sacrifice. Now tell me what you see?” The son said, “O my father, do as you are asked. You will find me, God willing, one practicing patience and constancy.” 102

341

Thirty-Seven

So when they both submit-ted their wills, and he laid him prostrate on his fore-head, 103We called out to him “O Abraham,” 104“You have already fulfilled the vision.” Indeed We re-ward those who do right. 105For this was a challenge. 106And We ransomed him with a momentous sacri-fice. 107And We left this blessing for him among generations to come, 108“Peace and salutation to Abraham.” 109Indeed We reward those who do right. 110For he was one of our be-lieving servants. 111And We gave him the good news of Isaac, a prophet, one of the righteous. 112We blessed him and Isaac, but of their progeny are some who do right and some who do wrong, to their own souls. 113Again We bestowed Our fa-vor on Moses and Aaron, 114And We delivered them and their people from great calamity, 115

And We helped them, so they overcame, 116And We gave them the Clear Books, 117And We guided them to the straight way. 118And We left this blessing for them among genera-tions to come, 119“Peace and salutation to Moses and Aaron.” 120So indeed We reward those who do right. 121For they were two of our believing servants. 122Elias was also among those sent by Us. 123Behold, he said to his peo-ple, “Will you not be con-scious? 124“Will you call upon Baal and abandon the Best of Creators, 125“Your Lord and the Lord of your ancestors?” 126But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up, 127Except the sincere and de-voted servants of God. 128And We left this blessing for him among generations to come. 129“Peace be upon Elias.” 130Then indeed do We reward those who do right. 131

342

Thirty-Seven

For he was one of our be-lieving servants. 132Lot was also among those sent by Us. 133Behold, We delivered him and all his adherents, 134Except an old woman who was among those who lagged behind. 135Then We caused the rest to perish. 136Indeed you pass by their sites, by day– 137And by night. Then will you not use reason? 138Jonah was also among those sent by Us. 139When he ran away to the ship fully stocked, 140He cast lots, and he was condemned. 141Then the fish swallowed him. He had done things worthy of blame. 142Had it not been that he glorified God, 143He would certainly have remained inside the fish until the Day of Resurrec-tion. 144But We cast him up on the naked shore in a state of sickness, 145And We caused to grow over him a spreading plant of the gourd kind. 146

And We sent him to a hun-dred thousand people or more, 147And they believed. So We permitted them to enjoy their time. 148Then ask them, do the fe-males belong to God and the males to you? 149Or did you see Us create the angels female? 150Is it not that they say falsely, 151“God has children”? But they are liars. 152Did He choose daughters over sons? 153What is the matter with you? How judge you? 154Will you not then receive advice? 155Or have you an authority manifest? 156Then bring your book if you are truthful. 157And they have created a blood relationship between Him and the jinn. But the jinn know that they have indeed to appear. 158Glory be to God, He is free from the things they as-cribe to Him. 159Not so the servants of God, sincere and devoted. 160Indeed neither you nor those you worship- 161

343

Thirty-Seven

Can lead any into tempta-tion concerning God, 162Except those whom are themselves heading to the blazing fire. 163“Not us, only for him is a place known, 164“And indeed we are ar-ranged in ranks, 165“And we are indeed those who declare God's glory.” 166And there were those who said, 167“If only we had before us a message from those in the past, 168“We would certainly have been servants of God, sin-cere.” 169So they reject it, but soon will they know. 170Our word has already been passed on before to Our servants sent by Us, 171So that they would cer-tainly be assisted, 172And that Our forces surely must conquer. 173So turn away from them for a little while, 174And watch them, and they soon will see. 175Do they wish to rush our punishment? 176

But when it descends into the open space before them, terrible will be the morning for those who were warned. 177So turn away from them for a little while, 178And watch and they soon will see. 179Glory to your Lord, the Lord of Honor and Power, free from what they as-cribe to Him. 180And peace on the messen-gers. 181And praise God, the Guardian Evolver of all the worlds. 182

344

THIRTY-EIGHT

Saad. By the Quran, full of advice. 1But the unbelievers are steeped in self-glory and separatism. 2How many generations be-fore them did We destroy? In the end they cried, when there was no longer time for being saved. 3So they wonder how a warner has come to them from among themselves, and the unbelievers say, “This is a deceiver telling lies. 4“Has he made the gods all into one God? Truly this is a curious thing.” 5And the leader among them walks away saying, “Walk away, and remain constant to your gods, for this is truly a thing cre-ated. 6“We never heard the likes of this among the people of these latter days. This is nothing but a fabrica-tion.” 7“What, has the message been sent to him, of all people?” But they are in doubt concerning My mes-sage. No, they have not yet tasted My punishment. 8

Or have they the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Power, and the Grantor of bounties without measure? 9Or have they control of the heavens and the earth and all between? If so, let them ascend by means to reach that end. 10Soldiers there will be de-feated among the compa-nies. 11Before them the people re-jected Noah and ‘Ad. And Pharaoh the lord of stakes, 12And Thamud, the people of Lot, and the Companions of the Wood, these were the confederates. 13Not one of them failed to reject the messengers, so My punishment came justly and inevitably. 14They must only wait for a single mighty blast, and there will be no delay. 15They say, “Our Lord, has-ten to us our sentence be-fore the Day of Ac-count.” 16Have patience with what they say, and remember our servant David, the pos-sessor of strength, for he constantly turned to God. 17

345

Thirty-Eight

It was We Who made the hills declare in unison with him, Our praises in the evening and in the morn-ing, 18Then the birds gathered, and all turned with him to God. 19We strengthened his king-dom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision. 20Has the story of the liti-gants reached you? Be-hold, they climbed over the wall of the private cham-ber. 21Then they entered the presence of David, and he was terrified of them. They said, “Fear not, we are two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other. Now decide between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, but guide us to the balanced way. 22“This person is my brother. He has nine and ninety ewes, and I have one. Yet he says, ‘commit her to my care’, and is harsh to me in speech.” 23David said, “He has un-doubtedly wronged you in demanding your ewe to be added to his ewes. Truly many are the partners who wrong each other. Not so do those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, they are but a few.” Then

David realized that We had tried him. He asked for-giveness of his Lord, fell down bowing, and turned to God in repentance. 24So We forgave him. He in-deed approached Us, and this is a beautiful place of return. 25O David, We indeed made you a creation of free will on the earth. So judge be-tween people in truth, and do not follow your desires, for they will mislead you from the path of God. Those who wander astray from the path of God is a terrible penalty, because they forget the Day of Ac-count. 26Not without purpose did We create heaven and earth, and all between. That was the thought of the unbelievers, but woe to the unbelievers, because of the fire of hell. 27Shall We treat those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do wrong on the earth? Shall We treat those who guard against wrong, the same as those who turn away from right? 28Here is a book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may think on its signs, and that people of understanding may receive the advice. 29

346

Thirty-Eight

To David We gave Solomon, excellent in Our service, and he constantly turned to Us. 30Behold, there were brought before him, in the evening, excellently bred horses, 31And he said, “I truly love the love of excellence, with the remembrance of my Guardian Evolver.” Until they were hidden in the veil. 32“Bring them back to me.” Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks. 33And We tried Solomon. We placed on his throne a body, but he turned to Us. 34He said, “O my Lord, for-give me, and grant me a kingdom that will not suit another after me, for You are the Grantor of Boun-ties. 35Then We subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, wher-ever he willed, 36And the devils, every kind of builder and diver, 37And others bound in chains. 38“Such are Our bounties, whether you bestow them or withhold them, no ac-count will be asked.” 39

And he indeed enjoyed a near approach to Us, and a beautiful place of re-turn. 40Remember Our servant Job. Behold, he cried to his Lord, “Satan has afflicted me with distress and suf-fering.” 41“Strike here with your foot, here is water with which to wash, cool and re-freshing, and to drink.” 42And We gave him back to his people, and doubled their number, as a grace from Us, and a thing for commemoration, for all who have understand-ing. 43“And take in your hand a little grass, and bend it, but do not break it.” Truly We found him full of pa-tience and constancy, and how excellent he was in Our service, and he con-stantly turned to Us. 44And commemorate Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all were posses-sors of power and vi-sion. 45Indeed We choose them for a special purpose, pro-claiming the message of the hereafter. 46They were, in Our sight, truly of the company of the elect, the best. 47

347

Thirty-Eight

And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl. Each of them was of the com-pany of the best. 48This is indeed a reminder that indeed for the right-eous, there is a beautiful place of return, 49Gardens of eternity, whose doors will be open to them, 50They will recline therein. Therein they can call for fruit in abundance, and drink, 51And beside them will be chaste women restraining their glances, companions of equal age. 52Such is the promise made to you for the Day of Ac-count. 53Truly such will be Our bounty and it will never fail. 54Yes, but for the wrongdo-ers will be a terrible place of return. 55They will burn in hell, a miserable resting place in-deed. 56Yes, then will they taste a boiling fluid, and a fluid dark, murky, intensely cold. 57And other penalties of a similar kind to match them. 58

This is a company bursting in with you. No welcome is there for them. Certainly they will burn in the fire. 59They say, “No welcome for you. It is you who have brought this upon us. Mis-erable is this place to stay in.” 60They will say, “Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us, add to him a double penalty in the fire.” 61And they will say, “What has happened to us that we do not see the people who we used to number among the harmful? 62“Did we treat them with ridicule, or have we failed to perceive them?” 63Truly that is just and fit-ting, the talk of people of the fire. 64Say, “Truly I am a warner. No god is there but the one God, Supreme, and Ir-resistible, 65“The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all be-tween, Exalted in Might, able to enforce His will, forgiving again and again.” 66Say, “That is a message supreme, 67“From which you turn away. 68

348

Thirty-Eight

“I have no knowledge of the leaders on high, when they discuss matters among themselves. 69“Only this has been re-vealed to me, that I give warning plainly and pub-licly.” 70Behold, your Lord said to the angels, “I am about to create the human being from mud. 71“When I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall down to him in prostration.” 72So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them to-gether, 73Except Lucifer. He was ar-rogant, and became one of those who reject. 74God said, “O Lucifer, what prevents you from pros-trating yourself to one who I have created with my two hands? Are you arrogant? Or are you one of the high and mighty ones?” 75Lucifer said, “I am better than he. You created me from fire, and him you cre-ated from mud.” 76God said, “Get out of here then, for you are rejected, accursed. 77“And My curse will be on you until the Day of Ac-countability.” 78

Lucifer said, “O my Lord, then give me respite, until the day they are raised.” 79God said, “Respite is granted you, 80“Until the day of the time appointed.” 81Lucifer said, “Then by Your power, I will mislead them all, 82“Except Your servants among them, sincere and purified.” 83God said, “Then it is just and fitting, and I say only what is just and fitting, 84“That I will certainly fill hell with you and those who follow you, all of them.” 85Say, “No reward do I ask of you for this, nor am I a pretender. 86“This is no less than a message for all the sys-tems of knowledge. 87“And you will certainly know the truth of it all, in due time.” 88

349

THIRTY-NINE

The revelation of this Book is from God, the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. 1Indeed it is We Who have revealed the Book to you in truth. So serve God, of-fering Him sincere devo-tion. 2Is it not to God that sin-cere devotion is due? But those who take for protec-tors other than God say, “We only serve them in or-der that they may bring us nearer to God.” Truly God will judge between them in that which they differ, but God does not guide those who are false and ungrate-ful. 3Had God wished to take for Himself a son, He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He creates, but glory is to Him. He is God, the One, the Irresistible. 4He created the heavens and the earth in true pro-portion. He makes the night overlap the day, and the day overlap the night. He has subjected the Sun and the Moon, each one follows a course for a time appointed. Is He not the Exalted in Power? Does He

not forgive again and again? 5He created you all from a single soul. Then created of like nature her mate. And He sent down for you eight heads of livestock in pairs. He creates you in the wombs of your moth-ers, in stages one after an-other, in three veils of darkness. Such is God, your Lord. To Him belongs all control. There is no god but He. Then how are you turned away? 6If you reject God, truly God has no need of you, but He likes not ingratitude from His servants. If you are grateful, He is pleased with you. No bearer of bur-dens can bear the burden of another. In the end, to your Lord is your return, then He will tell you the truth of all that you did, for He knows well all that is in the heart. 7When some trouble touches the people, they cry to their Lord, turning to Him in repentance, but when He bestows a favor upon them as from Him-self, the people forget that they ever cried and prayed, and they set up rivals to God, misleading others from God's path. Say, “En-joy your blasphemy for a little while, indeed you are

350

Thirty-Nine

of the companions of the fire.” 8Is one who worships de-voutly during the hours of the night, prostrating him-self and standing, who is aware of the hereafter, and who places his hope in the mercy of his Lord like one who does not? Say, “Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understand-ing that remember.” Say, “O my servants who believe, be conscious of your Guardian Evolver, good is for those who do good in the present, and it will be as spacious as God's earth. Those who pa-tiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure.” 10Say, “Indeed I am asked to serve God with sincere de-votion, 11“And I am asked to be the first of those who bow to God in religion.” 12Say, “Indeed I fear, if I ig-nore my Guardian Evolver, the penalty of a mighty day.” 13Say, “It is God I serve with sincere devotion. 14“Serve what you will be-sides Him.” Say, “Those who are indeed lost, are those who lose their souls

and their people on the Day of Accountability. That is indeed an evident loss. 15They will have layers of fire above them, and layers of fire below them. With this does God warn his ser-vants, “O My servants, be conscious of Me.” 16Those who avoid wrong, and do not fall into its wor-ship, and turn to God, for them is good news. So an-nounce the good news to My servants, 17Those who listen to the word, and adhere to the best of it. Those are the ones who God has guided, and those are the ones en-dowed with understand-ing. 18Then is one against whom the decree of punishment is justly due, equal to one who avoids wrong? Can you then save one who is in the fire? 19But for those who are con-scious of their Lord are lofty mansions, one above another, built high. Be-neath them rivers flow. Such is the promise of God. Never does God fail in His promise. 20Do you not see that God sends down rain from the sky, and leads it through springs in the earth? Then He causes to grow there,

351

Thirty-Nine

produce of various colors. Then it withers. You will see it grow yellow. Then He makes it dry up and crum-ble away. Truly in this is a message of remembrance to people of understand-ing. 21Is one whose heart God has opened to Al-Islam, so that he has received en-lightenment from God, no better than one hard-hearted? Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against celebrating the praises of God. They are clearly in error. 22God has revealed the best hadith, a book consistent with itself, repeating. The skin of those who fear their Lord shivers from it. Then their skin and their hearts soften to the cele-bration of God's praises. Such is the guidance of God. He guides with it whom He pleases, but those who God leaves to stray, can have none to guide. 23Is then one who has to fear the brunt of the penalty on the Day of Accountability on his face, like one guarded from it? It will be said to the wrongdoers, “Taste of what you earned.” 24Those before them also re-jected it, and so the pun-ishment came to them

from directions they did not perceive. 25So God gave them a taste of humiliation in the present life, but greater is the punishment of the hereafter, if they only knew. 26We have put forth for hu-manity in this Quran, every kind of parable, in order that they may receive ad-vice. 27A Quran in Arabic, without anything out-of-place, in order that they may guard against wrong. 28God puts forth a parable of a person belonging to many partners at odds with each other, and a person belonging entirely to one man. Are those two equal in comparison? Praise God, but most of them do not understand. 29Truly you will die, and truly they will die. 30In the end will you all, on the Day of Accountability, settle your disputes in the presence of your Lord. 31 (End of Part 23)Who then does more wrong than one who tells a lie concerning God, and re-jects the truth when it comes to him. Should hell not be a home for blasphe-mers? 32

352

Thirty-Nine

But he who brings the truth and he who confirms it. Such are the people who do right. 33They will have all that they wish for in the presence of their Lord. Such is the re-ward for those who do right. 34So that God will turn away from them the worst of their deeds, and give them their reward according to the best of what they have done. 35Is God not enough for his servant? But they threaten you with others besides Him. For those who God leaves to stray, there can be no guide. 36And those who God guides, there can be none to lead astray. Is God not Exalted in Power, Lord of Retribu-tion? 37If you ask them who it is that created the heavens and the earth, they would be sure to say, “God.” Say, “Then do you see what you invoke besides God? Can they, if God wills some penalty for me, remove His penalty? Or if He wills some benefit for me, can they keep back His grace?” Say, “Sufficient is God for me. Those who are trust-ing, trust Him.” 38Say, “O my people, do whatever you can, I will do

my part, but soon will you know— 39“Who it is to whom comes a penalty of disgrace, and on whom descends a penalty that persists.” 40Indeed We have revealed the Book to you in truth for humanity. So he who receives guidance benefits his own soul, but he who strays, harms his own soul, nor are you set over them to manage their affairs. 41God removes the souls at the time of death. And those who did not die, He removes their soul while they sleep. He then keeps those who death has cho-sen, and He sends the oth-ers back for a time to be announced. Indeed in this are signs for those who re-flect. 42What, do they take for in-tercessors others besides God? Say, “Even if they have no power whatsoever and no intelligence?” 43Say, “To God exclusively belongs intercession. To Him belongs the control of the heavens and the earth. In the end, it is to Him Who you will be brought back.” 44When God, the One and Only, is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the hereafter sink with aversion, but

353

Thirty-Nine

when those other than He is mentioned, behold, they are filled with joy. 45Say, “O God, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Knower of all that is hid-den and open, it is You Who will judge between Your servants in those matters about which they have differed.” 46Even if the wrongdoers had all that there is on earth, and as much more, in vain would they offer it for ran-som from the pain of the penalty on the Day of Ac-countability, but some-thing will confront them from God which they could never have imagined. 47For the harm of their deeds will confront them, and they will be encircled by that which they used to mock. 48Now, when trouble touches the human being they cry to Us, but when We bestow a favor upon them from Ourselves they say, “This has been given to me be-cause of a certain knowl-edge I have.” No, this is but a trial. But most of them do not under-stand. 49Those before them said the same thing, but all that they did was of no profit to them. 50

No, the harmful results of their deeds overtook them and the wrongdoers of this generation. The harmful results of their deeds will soon overtake them, and they will never be able to stop Our plan. 51Do they not know that God can increase the provisions or restrict them for any He pleases? Indeed, in this are signs for those who be-lieve. 52Say, “O my servants who have transgressed against their souls, do not despair of the mercy of God, for God forgives all sins, for He is Oft-Forgiving, Merci-fully Redeeming.” 53“Turn to our Lord and bow to His will, before the penalty comes on you. Af-ter that, you will not be helped.” 54“And adhere to the best of what is revealed to you from your Guardian Evolver, before the penalty comes on you all of a sud-den, while you perceive it not. 55“Lest a soul should say, ‘Shame on me, that I ne-glected my duty towards God, and was indeed among those who mocked.’ 56“Or lest she should say, ‘If only God had guided me, I

354

Thirty-Nine

would certainly have been among the righteous.’ 57“Or lest she should say when she sees the penalty, ‘If only I had another chance, I would certainly be among those who do right.’ ” 58“No, but there came to you my signs, and you rejected them, you were arrogant, and became one of those who do not believe.” 59On the Day of Accountabil-ity you will see those who told lies against God, their faces will be turned black. Is there not in hell a home for the arrogant? 60But God will deliver the righteous to their place of salvation. No evil will touch them, nor will they grieve. 61God is the Creator of all things, and He is the Guardian and Manager of all affairs. 62To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth, and those who reject the signs of God, it is they who will be loss. 63Say, “Is it someone other than God that you order me to worship, O you igno-rant ones?” 64But it has already been re-vealed to you, as it was to those before you, “If you were to join gods with God,

truly fruitless will be your work, and you will surely be in the ranks of those who lose.” 65No, but worship God, and be of those who give thanks. 66No just estimate have they made of God, though it is due to Him. On the Day of Accountability, the whole world will be entirely in His Grip, and the heavens will be rolled up in His Right Hand. Glory be to Him. High is He above the partners they attribute to Him. 67The trumpet will be sounded when all that is in the heavens and on earth will swoon, except those God chooses to exempt. Then a second one will be sounded, when behold, they will be standing and looking on. 68And the earth will shine with the glory of its Lord. The record will be placed open, the Prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward, and a just deci-sion pronounced between them, and they will not be wronged. 69And every soul will be paid in full for her deeds, and God knows best all that they do. 70The unbelievers will be led to hell in a crowd. When

355

Thirty-Nine

they arrive, its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say, “Did messengers not come to you from among yourselves, rehears-ing to you the signs of your Lord, and warning you of the meeting of this day of yours?” The answer will be, “True.” But the decree of punishment has been proved true against the un-believers.” 71To them it will be said, “Enter the gates of hell, to dwell therein, and terrible is this home of the arro-gant.” 72And those who were con-scious of their Guardian Evolver will be led to the garden in crowds. Then be-hold, when they arrive there, its gates will be opened, and its keepers will say, “Peace be upon you, well done, enter and dwell therein forever.” 73They will say, “Praise God, Who has truly fulfilled His promise to us, and has made us inherit the earth. We can dwell in the gar-den, as we will. How excel-lent a reward for those who work righteous-ness.” 74And you will see the angels surrounding the throne on all sides, singing glory and praise to their Lord. The decision between them will be justified, and the cry

will be, “Praise God, the Lord of all the worlds.” 75

356

FORTY

Haa, Miim. 1The revelation of this Book is from God, Exalted in Power, Full of Knowl-edge, 2He Who forgives harmful deeds, accepts repentance, is strict in punishment, and has a long reach. There is no god but He. To Him is the final goal. 3None dispute about the signs of God except the un-believers. So do not let their strutting about through the land deceive you. 4There were people before them who denied the signs, like the people of Noah, and the confeder-ates who came after them. Every people plotted against their messenger, to seize him, and disputed by falsehood to condemn the truth with him. But it was I Who seized them, and how terrible was My penalty. 5So the decree of your Lord was proven true against the unbelievers, that they are companions of the fire. 6Those who sustain the throne, and those around

it sing glory and praise to their Lord. Believe in Him, and ask forgiveness for those who believe. “Our Lord, Your reach is over all things, in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who turn in repen-tance and follow Your path, and preserve them from the penalty of the blazing fire. 7“And grant them, Our Lord, entrance into the gardens of eternity which You have promised to them, and to the righteous among their parents, their spouses, and their descendants, for You are the Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom. 8“And preserve them from all harm, and any whom You preserve from harm that day, on them will You have bestowed mercy in-deed, and that will truly be the highest achieve-ment.” 9The unbelievers will be ad-dressed, “Greater was the aversion of God to you than is your aversion to yourselves, seeing that you were called to the faith and you refused.” 10They will say, “Our Lord, twice have You made us without life, and twice have You given us life. Now that we acknowledge our

357

Forty

sins, is there any way out?” 11This is because when God was invoked as One, you rejected faith, but when partners were joined to Him, you believed. The command is with God, Most High, Most Great. 12He is the One Who shows you His signs, and sends down sustenance for you from the universe, but only those receive advice who turn to God. 13

Then call upon God with sincere devotion to Him, even though the unbeliev-ers may detest it. 14Raised high above ranks is the Lord of the throne. By His command does He send the Spirit to any of His servants He pleases, that it may warn the peo-ple of the Day of the Meet-ing, 15The day they will all come forth. Not a single thing concerning them is hidden from God. For whom is the control that day? For God, the One, the Irre-sistible. 16That day will every soul be rewarded for what it earned, no injustice will there be that day, for God is swift in taking ac-count. 17

Warn them of the day that is drawing near, when the hearts will come right up to the throats to choke them. No close friend or intercessor will the wrong-doers have, and they can-not be obeyed. 18God knows of that which deceives the eyes, and all that the hearts conceal. 19And God will judge with truth. But those whom the people invoke besides Him, will not be in a position to judge at all, indeed it is God Who hears and sees all things. 20Do they not travel through the earth and see what the end of those before them was? They were superior to them in strength, and in the traces they have left in the land, but God called them to account for their wrongdoing, and they had none to defend them against God. 21That was because there came to them their mes-sengers with guidance, but they rejected them. So God called them to account, for He is Full of Strength, Strict in Punishment. 22Indeed We sent Moses with Our signs and a manifest authority, 23To Pharaoh, Haman, and Qarun, but they called him a deceiver telling lies. 24

358

Forty

Now when he came to them in truth from Us they said, “Slay the males of those who believe with him, but keep alive their females.” But the plots of unbelievers end in nothing but error. 25Pharaoh said, “Leave me to slay Moses, and let him call on his Lord. What I fear is that he should change your way of life, or that he will cause prob-lems to appear in the land.” 26Moses said, “I have indeed called upon my Lord and your Lord for protection from every arrogant one who does not believe in the Day of Account.” 27A believing person from among the people of Pharaoh, who had con-cealed his faith said, “Will you slay a person because he says, ‘My Lord is God?’ When he has indeed come to you with guidance from your Lord? And if he were a liar, on him is his lie, but if he is telling the truth, then there will fall on you, something of that which he warns you. Truly God does not guide one who trans-gresses and lies. 28“O my people, yours is the control this day. You have the upper hand in the land, but who will help us from the punishment of

God, should it befall us?” Pharaoh said, “I only point out to you that which I see, nor do I guide you, except to the path of right.” 29Then the person who be-lieved said, “O my people, truly I fear for you some-thing like the day of disas-ter of the Confederates. 30“Something like the fate of the people of Noah, the ‘Ad, and the Thamud, and those who came after them, but God never wishes injustice on His ser-vants. 31“And O my people, I fear for you, the Day of Call-ing, 32“A day when you will turn your backs and flee. No de-fender will you have against God. Any whom God leaves to stray, there is none to guide. 33“And to you, there came Joseph in times gone by, with clear signs, but you did not cease to doubt the mission for which he had come. Then when he died you said, ‘No messenger will God send after him.’ So God leaves to stray those who transgress and live in doubt, 34“Those who dispute about the signs of God, without any authority that has reached them, terrible is such conduct in the sight

359

Forty

of God and the believers. So God seals up every heart of arrogant and ob-stinate transgressors.” 35Pharaoh said, “O Haman, build me a lofty palace, that I may attain the des-tiny. 36“The destiny of the heav-ens, and that I may mount up to the God of Moses, but as far as I am con-cerned, I think Moses is a liar.” So it was made allur-ing in Pharaoh’s eyes, the harm from his deeds, and he was hindered from the path, and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but perdition. 37The person who believed said in addition, “O my people follow me. I will lead you to the right path. 38“O my people, this life of the present is nothing but temporary convenience. It is the hereafter that is the home that will last. 39“He who does wrong will not be rewarded except by the likes of it, and he who does a righteous deed, whether male or female, and is a believer, they will enter the garden. Therein they will have abundance without measure. 40“And O my people, how strange it is for me to call

you to salvation while you call me to the fire. 41“You call upon me to reject God, and to join with Him partners of whom I do not know, and I call you to the Exalted in Power, Who for-gives again and again.” 42“Without doubt, you call me to one that is not fit to be called on. Whether in the present, or in the here-after, our return will be to God, and the transgressors will be companions of the fire. 43“Soon will you remember what I say to you, my cause I commit to God, for God watches over His ser-vants.” 44Then God saved him from the harm that they plotted, and the pain of the penalty surrounded the people of Pharaoh on all sides. 45They will be brought in front of the fire, morning and evening, and the sen-tence will be on the day that Judgment will be es-tablished, “Go you people of Pharaoh into the sever-est penalty.” 46Behold, they will dispute with each other in the fire. The weak ones will say to those who had been arro-gant, “We were only follow-ing you. Can you then take from us some part of the fire? 47

360

Forty

Those who had been arro-gant will say, “We are all in this together.” Truly God will judge His servants. 48Those in the fire will say to the keepers of hell, “Pray to your Lord to lighten the penalty for us for a day.” 49They will say, “Did there not come to you your mes-sengers with clear signs?” They will say, “Yes.” They will reply, “Then pray.” But the prayer of those without faith is futile.” 50We will, without doubt, help Our messengers and those who believe, both in the present life and on the day when the witnesses will stand forth. 51The day when no profit will it be for wrongdoers to present their excuses, but they will have the curse and the worst of homes. 52We gave Moses the Guid-ance, and We gave the Book in inheritance to the Children of Israel, 53A guide and a message to people of understand-ing. 54Patiently persevere, for the promise of God is true, and ask forgiveness for your wrong, and glorify your Lord with praise, in the evening and in the morn-ing. 55

Those who dispute about the signs of God without any authority bestowed on them, there is nothing in their breasts but a quest of greatness which they will never attain. Seek refuge then in God. It is He Who hears and sees all things. 56Surely the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the creation of humankind. Yet most people do not under-stand. 57Not equal are the blind and those who see, nor those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and those who do wrong. Little do you learn by advice. 58The Hour will certainly come. There is no doubt about it. Yet most people do not believe. 59And your Lord says, “Call on Me, I will answer you, but those who are too arro-gant to serve Me, will surely find themselves in hell, and in humilia-tion.” 60It is God Who has made the night for you, that you may rest therein, and the days as that which helps you to see. Indeed God is Full of Grace and Bounty to humanity. Yet most peo-ple give no thanks. 61

361

Forty

Such is God, your Guardian Evolver, the Cre-ator of all things, there is no god but Him. Then how are you deluded away from the truth. 62Deluded are those who are accustomed to rejecting the signs of God. 63It is God Who has made for you the earth as a resting place, and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape, and made your shapes beautiful, and has provided for you suste-nance of things pure and good. Such is God your Lord. So glory be to God, the Lord of all worlds. 64He is the Living, there is no god but Him. Call upon Him, giving Him sincere devotion, praise God, Lord of all worlds. 65Say, “I have been forbid-den to invoke those whom you invoke besides God, seeing that the clear signs have come to me from my Lord, and I have been asked to bow to the Lord of all worlds.” 66It is He Who has created you from dust, then from a zygote, then from a fetus, and then He delivers you as an infant. Then causes you to reach your age of full strength, then causes you to become old, al-though there are some who

die before, and lets you reach a term appointed, in order that you may learn wisdom. 67It is He Who gives life and death, and when He de-cides upon an affair, He says to it: “Be”. And it is. 68Do you not see those who dispute concerning the signs of God? How are they turned away? 69Those who reject the Book and that with which We sent our messengers, but soon will they know. 70When the chains will be around their necks, and in the chains, they will be dragged along— 71In the boiling fluid, then in the fire, they will be burned. 72Then it will be said to them, “Where are those to which you gave part wor-ship, 73“To other than God?” They will reply, “They have left us lost. No, we invoked nothing from the past.” So God leaves the unbelievers to stray. 74“That is because you were accustomed to rejoicing on the earth in things other than the truth, and that you were accustomed to being insolent. 75

362

Forty

“Enter the gates of hell, to dwell therein, and terrible is the abode of the arro-gant.” 76So persevere in patience, for the promise of God is true, and whether We show you some part of what We promise them, or We take your soul before that, it is to Us that they will all re-turn. 77We sent messengers before you. Of them there are some whose story We have related to you, and some whose story We have not related to you. It was not possible for any messenger to bring a sign except by the permission of God, but when the command of God issued, the matter was de-cided in truth and justice, and they perished there, those who stood on false-hood. 78It is God Who made live-stock for you, that you might use some for riding and some for food. 79And there are other advan-tages in them for you, that you may attain through them any need in your chest, and on them, and on ships you are carried. 80And He shows you His signs. Then which of the signs of God will you deny? 81

Do they not travel through the earth and see what the end of those before them was? They were more nu-merous, and superior in strength, and in the traces they have left in the land. Yet all that they accom-plished was of no profit to them. 82For when their messengers came to them with clear signs, they reveled in the knowledge and skill they had. But the very thing, at which they were accus-tomed to ridicule, captured them. 83But when they saw Our punishment they said, “We believe in God, the one God, and we reject the partners we joined with Him.” 84But their professing the faith when they saw Our punishment was not going to profit them. Such has been God's way of dealing with His servants from the most ancient of times, and lost were the rejecters. 85

363

FORTY-ONE

Haa, Miim. 1A revelation from God, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer. 2A book of verses explained in detail. A Quran in Ara-bic, for people who know, 3Giving good news and ad-vice. Yet most of them turn away, so they do not hear. 4They say, “Our hearts are under veils, concealed from that which you invite us, and in our ears is deaf-ness, and between us and you is a screen. So do what you will, and for us, we will do what we will.” 5Say, “I am only a human being like you. It is re-vealed to me by inspiration that your God is one God. So stand true to Him, and ask for His forgiveness.” And woe to those who join gods with God, 6Those who do not give za-kat, and who deny the hereafter. 7For those who believe and do deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never fail. 8

Say, is it that you deny Him Who created the earth in two days? And do you join equals with Him? He is the Lord of all the worlds. 9He set on the earth moun-tains standing firm high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measure therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four days, in accordance with the needs of those who seek them. 10Moreover, He compre-hended in His design, the sky while it was dust. He said to it and to the earth, “Come together, willingly or unwillingly.” They said, “We come in willing obedi-ence.” 11So He completed them as seven firmaments in two days, and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights and with guards. This is His decree, the Ex-alted in Might, Full of Knowledge. 12But if they turn away say, “I have warned you of a stunning punishment like that which overtook the ‘Ad and the Thamud.” 13Behold, the messengers came to them, from before them and behind them say-ing, “Serve none but God.”

364

Forty-One

They said, “If our Lord had willed, He would certainly have sent down angels. So indeed we reject your mis-sion.” 14Now the ‘Ad behaved arro-gantly through the land, against all truth and rea-son and said, “Who is su-perior to us in strength?” What, did they not see that God, Who created them, was Superior to them in strength? But they contin-ued to reject Our signs. 15So We sent against them a furious wind through days of disaster, that We might give them a taste of a penalty of humiliation in this life, but the penalty of the hereafter will be more crushing, and they will find no help. 16As for the Thamud, We gave them guidance, but they preferred blindness to guidance. So the stunning punishment of humiliation seized them because of what they earned. 17But We delivered those who believed and practiced righteousness. 18On the day that the ene-mies of God will be gath-ered together to the fire, they will be marched in ranks. 19Then, when they reach the fire, their hearing, their sight, and their skin will

bear witness against them, as to all their deeds. 20They will say to their skin, “Why do you bear witness against us?” They will say, “God has given us speech, He Who gives speech to ev-erything. He created you for the first time, and to Him were you to return. 21“You did not seek to pro-tect yourselves, so that your hearing, your sight, and your skin would not bear witness against you. But you thought that God did not know many of the things you used to do. 22“But this thought of yours which you entertained con-cerning your Lord has brought you to destruc-tion, and you became of those utterly lost.” 23Even if then they have pa-tience, the fire will be a home for them, and if they beg for favor, favor they will not receive. 24And We have destined for them close companions, who made alluring to them that which was before them and behind them, and the accusation among the previous generations of jinn and humans who have passed away is proven against them, for they are utterly lost. 25The unbelievers say, “Do not listen to this Quran,

365

Forty-One

but talk at random in the middle of its reading, that you may gain the upper hand.” 26But We will certainly give the unbelievers a taste of a severe penalty, and We will charge them for the worst of their deeds. 27Such is the punishment for the enemies of God. In the fire will be their eternal home, repayment because they used to reject Our signs. 28And the unbelievers will say, “Our Lord, show us those among the jinn and humans who misled us. We will crush them beneath our feet, so that they be-come the lowest.” 29In the case of those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and who also stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them, “Fear not, nor grieve, but receive the hope of the garden that you were promised. 30“We are your protectors in this life and in the here-after. Therein you will have all that your soul desires. Therein you will have all that you ask for, 31“A hospitable gift from One Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming.” 32Who is better in speech than one who calls people

to God, works righteous-ness, and says, “I am of those who bow in Al-Is-lam”? 33And not equal are benefit and harm. Repel wrong with what is better. Then the two who hated each other will become close friends. 34And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise pa-tience and self-restraint, none but those of the greatest good fortune. 35And if a harmful sugges-tion is made to you by Sa-tan, seek refuge with God. He is the One Who hears and knows all things. 36Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not adore the sun and the moon, but adore God, Who created them, if it is Him you wish to worship. 37The unbelievers are arro-gant, but in the presence of your Lord are those who praise Him by night and by day, and they never cease. 38And among His signs is this, you see the earth bar-ren and desolate, but when We send down rain to it, it is stirred to life and yields increase. Truly, He Who gives life to the earth can surely give life to people

366

Forty-One

who are dead, for He has power over all things. 39Those who corrupt the truth in Our verses are not hidden from Us. Which is better, he who is cast into the fire or he who passes by safely, on the Day of Ac-countability? Do what you will, indeed He sees all that you do. 40They are those who reject the message when it comes to them. But indeed it is a book of exalted power. 41No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it. It is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of All Praise. 42Nothing is said to you that was not said to the mes-sengers before you. That your Lord has at His com-mand all forgiveness as well as a most terrible penalty. 43Had We sent this as a Quran in a language other than Arabic, they would have said, “Why are its verses not explained in de-tail? What, the message not in Arabic and the mes-senger an Arab?” Say, “It is a guide and a healing to those who believe, and for those who do not believe, there is deafness in their ears, and there is blind-ness in their eyes. They are

being called from a place far away.” 44We certainly gave Moses the Book, but disputes arose concerning it. Had it not been for a word that went forth before from your Lord, their differ-ences would have been set-tled between them, but they remained in disquiet-ing doubt. 45Whoever works righteous-ness, benefits their own soul, whoever does wrong, it is against their own soul, nor is your Lord ever un-just to His servants. 46 (End of Part 24)To Him is referred the knowledge of the Hour. No date-fruit comes out of its sheath, nor does a female conceive or deliver on the day that God will ask them, “Where are the partners you associated with Me?” They will say, “We assure you, not one of us can bear witness.” 47The deities they used to in-voke will leave them, but they will see that they have no way to escape. 48Human beings do not tire of asking for good, but if harm touches them, they give up all hope, lost in de-spair. 49When we give him a taste of some mercy from Our-selves, after some adver-

367

Forty-One

sity has touched him, he is sure to say, “This is due to me. I do not think the Hour will be established, but if I am brought back to my Lord, I have enough good stored in His sight.” But We will show the unbe-lievers the truth of all that they did, and We will give them the taste of a severe penalty. 50When We bestow favor on the human being, he turns away and distances him-self, and when harm seizes him, he comes full of pro-longed prayer. 51Say, “Do you see that it is truly from God, and yet you still reject it? Who is more astray than one who is in opposition, and far from the purpose?” 52Soon We will show them our signs in all regions of the farthest horizons, and in their own selves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord wit-nesses all things? 53Ah indeed, they are in doubt concerning the meeting with their Lord. Ah indeed, it is He Who en-compasses all things. 54

368

FORTY-TWO

Haa, Miim. 1Ayn, Siin, Qaaf. 2He sends inspiration to you, as He did to those be-fore you. He is God, Ex-alted in Power, Full of Wis-dom. 3To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth, and He is the Most High, the Greatest. 4The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them, and the angels glo-rify their Lord by praising Him, and pray for forgive-ness for all beings on earth. Behold, God is He, the Oft-Forgiving, Merci-fully Redeeming. 5And those who take as pro-tectors others besides Him, God watches over them, and you are not the manager of their affairs. 6So We have sent by inspi-ration to you an Arabic Quran. That you may warn the mother of the cities and all around her, and warn them of the Day of Assembly, of which there is no doubt, when some will be in the garden, and some in the blazing fire. 7

If God had willed, He could have made them a single people, but He admits whom He wills to His mercy, and the wrongdoers will have neither protector nor helper. 8What, have they taken for worship protectors besides Him? But it is God, He is the Protector, and it is He Who gives life to the dead. It is He Who has power over all things. 9Whatever it is in which you differ, the decision of it is with God. This is God my Lord, in Him I trust, and to Him I turn. 10The Creator of the heavens and the earth. He has made for you pairs from among yourselves, and pairs among livestock. By these means does He mul-tiply you. There is nothing like Him, and He is the One Who hears and sees all things. 11To Him belong the keys of the heavens and the earth. He enlarges and restricts the sustenance to whom He wills, for He knows well all things. 12The way He has estab-lished things for you, is the same way that He en-joined those things on Noah. Those things which We have sent by inspira-tion to you, and that which

369

Forty-Two

We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Namely, that you should remain steadfast, and make no di-visions therein. For those who worship things other than God, difficult is the way to which you call them. God chooses for Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn to Him. 13And they became divided only after knowledge reached them, because of selfish envy between them-selves. Had it not been for a word that went forth be-fore from your Lord, speci-fied for a term appointed, the matter would have been settled between them. But indeed, those who have inherited the Book after them, are in suspicious doubt concern-ing it. 14Now then, for that reason, call them and stand stead-fast as you are asked to, and do not follow their vain desires but say, “I be-lieve in the Book that God has sent down, and I am asked to judge justly be-tween you. God is our Lord and your Lord, for us is the responsibility for our deeds, and for you, your deeds. There is no con-tention between you and us. God will bring us to-

gether, and to Him is Our final goal. 15But those who dispute con-cerning God, after He has been accepted, futile is their dispute in the sight of their Lord. On them will be a terrible penalty. 16It is God Who has sent down the Book in truth, and the balance, but what will make you realize that the Hour is nearby? 17Only those wish to hasten it who do not believe in it. Those who believe, hold it in awe, and know that it is the truth. Behold, those who dispute concerning the Hour are far astray. 18Gracious is God to His ser-vants. He gives sustenance to whom He pleases, He has power, and can carry out His will. 19To any who desire the fields of the hereafter, We give increase in his fields, and to any who desires the fields of the present, We grant them some of it, but he has no share in the hereafter. 20What, have they partners who have established for them some way without the permission of God? Had it not been for the de-cree of judgment, the mat-ter would have been de-cided between them. But

370

Forty-Two

indeed the wrongdoers will have a terrible penalty. 21You will see the wrongdo-ers in fear because of what they have earned, and the burden of that must fall on them, but those who be-lieve and work righteous deeds, will be in the luxuri-ous meads of the gardens. They will have before their Lord all that they wish for. That will indeed be a mag-nificent bounty. 22That is the bounty by which God gives hope to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, “No reward do I ask of you for this, except the love of close family.” And if anyone earns any good, We will give him an increase of good in respect of it, for God is Oft-Forgiving, most ready to appreciate ser-vice. 23What, do they say, “He has fabricated a lie against God?” But if God willed, He could seal up your heart, and God blots out vanity, and proves the truth by His words, for He knows well the secrets of all hearts. 24He is the One Who accepts repentance from His ser-vants and forgives sins, and He knows all that you do. 25

And He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and gives them increase from His bounty, but for the unbe-lievers, theirs is a terrible penalty. 26If God were to enlarge pro-visions for His servants, they would indeed trans-gress beyond all bounds through the earth, but he sends it down in due mea-sure as He pleases, for He is with His servants, and is Well-Acquainted, and Watchful. 27He is the One Who sends down rain after people have given up hope, and scatters His mercy, and He is the Protector, Worthy of All Praise. 28And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the liv-ing creatures that He has scattered through them, and He has power to gather them together when He wills. 29Whatever misfortune hap-pens to you is because of the things your hands have done, and for many of them He grants forgive-ness. 30Nor can you stop His will in the earth, nor do you have besides God, anyone to protect or to help. 31

371

Forty-Two

And among His signs are the ships running smoothly through the ocean as mountains. 32If it were His will, He could stop the wind. Then they would become mo-tionless on the face of the ocean. Indeed in this are signs for all who patiently persevere and are grate-ful. 33Or He can cause them to perish because of the harm that they have earned, but much does He forgive. 34But let those know who dispute about Our signs, that there is for them no way of escape. 35Whatever you are given here is only a temporary enjoyment of this life, but that which is with God is better and longer lasting. It is for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. 36Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, and when they are angry, even then they forgive. 37Those who listen to their Lord, and establish prayer, who conducts their affairs by consultation, who gives out of what We bestow on them for sustenance, 38And those who when op-pression is inflicted on

them, defend them-selves. 39The reward for an injury is an injury equal to it, but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God, for God does not love those who do wrong. 40But indeed, if any help and defend themselves after a wrong is done to them, on them there is no cause for blame. 41The blame is only against those who oppress people, do wrong, and transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right. For them there will be a terri-ble penalty. 42But indeed if any show pa-tience and forgiveness, that would truly be a courageous resolution to their affairs. 43For any whom God leaves astray, there is no protec-tor after that, and you will see the wrongdoers when in sight of the penalty say, “Is there any way to re-turn?” 44And you will see them brought forward to the penalty, in a humble frame of mind, because of their disgrace, and looking with a stealthy glance, and the believers will say, “Those are indeed in loss, who has given to perdition their

372

Forty-Two

own souls, and those be-longing to them on the Day of Accountability. Behold, truly the wrongdoers are in a lasting penalty.” 45And they have no protec-tors to help them, other than God, and for any whom God leaves to stray, there is no way to guide them. 46Listen to your Lord, before there comes a day which there will be no averting it from God. That day there will be for you no place of refuge, nor will there be for you any room for de-nial. 47If then they run away, We have not sent you as a guardian over them. Your duty is only to convey the message, and truly, when We give people a taste of mercy from Ourselves, they rejoice in it, but when some harm comes to them on account of the deeds which their hands have sent forth, then indeed people are ungrateful. 48To God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He delivers male or female according to His will, 49Or He delivers both males and females, and He leaves unable to have children, whom He wills, for He is

full of knowledge and power. 50It is not possible for hu-man beings that God should speak to them ex-cept by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a messen-ger to reveal, with God's permission, what God wills, for He is Most High, Most Wise. 51And so We have, by Our permission, sent inspira-tion to you. Before, you did not know what revelation was, or what faith was, but We have made it a light with which We guide such of Our servants as We will, and indeed you guide peo-ple to the straight way, 52The way of God, to Whom belongs what is in the heavens and what is on earth. Behold, all affairs reach God. 53

373

FORTY-THREE

Haa, Miim. 1By the Book that makes things clear, 2We have made it a Quran in Arabic that you may be able to understand. 3And indeed, it is in the mother of the Book, in Our presence, high and full of wisdom. 4Shall We then take away the message from you and disregard you, because you are a people transgressing beyond bounds? 5But how many were the messengers We sent among peoples throughout history? 6And there never came a messenger to them that they did not mock. 7So We caused them to per-ish. They were stronger than these in power are. And it is passed on, the parable of past peoples. 8If you were to ask them, “Who created the heavens and the earth?” They would be sure to reply, “They were created by Him, the Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge.” 9

The same One Who has made for you the earth spread out, and has made for you roads and channels in it, in order that you may be guided. 10He Who sends down rain from the sky in due mea-sure, and We raise to life with it a land that is dead, as will you be raised. 11He Who has created every-thing in pairs, and has made for you ships and livestock on which you ride, 12In order that you may sit firmly on them, and glorify the favor of your Lord and say, “Praise to Him Who has subjected these to our use, for we could never have done this, 13“And to our Lord, indeed we must return.” 14Yet they attribute to some of His servants, a share with Him. Indeed human beings are clearly ungrate-ful. 15What, has He taken daugh-ters out of what He Him-self creates, and given sons to you? 16When news is brought to one of them of the birth of what he attributes to God, the Merciful Benefactor, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief. 17

374

Forty-Three

One who is to be reared to be a trophy, and finds themselves torn by inner conflict? 18And they created into fe-males, angels who them-selves serve God. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account. 19They say, “If it had been the will of God, the Merci-ful Benefactor, we would not have worshipped such deities.” They have no knowledge of that, they do nothing but lie. 20What, have We given them a book before this, to which they hold fast? 21No, they say, “We found our fathers following a cer-tain way, and we guide our-selves by their foot-steps.” 22In the same way that when We sent a warner before you to any people, the elite among them said, “We found our fathers follow-ing a certain way, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps.” 23He said, “What, even if I brought you better guid-ance than that which you found your fathers follow-ing?” They said, “For us, we deny that you are sent on a mission at all.” 24

So We took retribution from them. Now see what the end of those who re-jected it was. 25Behold, Abraham said to his father and his people, “I indeed clear myself of what you worship. 26“I worship only Him Who made me, and He will cer-tainly guide me.” 27And he left it as a word to endure among those who came after him, that they might return. 28Yes, I have given the good things of this life to these people and their parents, until the truth has come to them, and a messenger making things clear. 29But when the truth came to them they said, “This is deception, and we reject it.” 30They also say, “Why is this Quran not sent down to some great person in ei-ther of the two cities?” 31Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We Who distribute among them their livelihood in the life of the present, and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may benefit from the work of others, but the mercy of your Lord is better than that which they amass. 32

375

Forty-Three

And were it not that all people might become one community, We would pro-vide for everyone who re-jects the Merciful Benefac-tor, silver roofs for their houses and silver stairways on which to climb. 33And silver doors to their houses, and thrones of sil-ver on which they could re-cline, 34And adornments of gold. But all this is nothing but conveniences of the present life. The hereafter, in the sight of your Lord, is for the righteous. 35If anyone turns himself from remembrance of God, the Merciful Benefactor, We appoint for him a devil to be a close friend to him. 36They hinder them from the path, but they think that they are being guided aright. 37Then, when such a one comes to Us, he says to his friend, “I wish that be-tween you and me were the distance of East and West.” How terrible this friend is. 38When you have done wrong, it will not benefit you that day, you will be partners in punishment. 39Can you then make the deaf to hear, or give direc-

tion to the blind, or to those who wander in mani-fest error? 40Even if We take you away, We will be sure to exact retribution from them, 41Or We will show you that which We have promised them, for indeed We will prevail over them. 42So hold fast to the revela-tion sent down to you, in-deed you are on a straight way. 43The Quran is indeed the message for you and for your people, and soon will you be brought to ac-count. 44And question those to whom we sent our messen-gers before you, did We ap-point any deities other than God, the Merciful Benefactor, to be wor-shipped? 45We sent Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his advisors. He said, “I am a messenger of the Lord of all worlds.” 46But when he came to them with Our signs, behold, they ridiculed them. 47We showed them sign after sign, each greater than the other, and We seized them with punishment, in order that they might turn to Us. 48

376

Forty-Three

And they said, “O sorcerer, invoke your Lord for us ac-cording to His covenant with you, for we will truly accept guidance.” 49But when We removed the penalty from them behold, they broke their word. 50And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people saying, “O my people, does not the control of Egypt belong to me? See these streams flowing underneath me? What, do you not see? 51“Am I not better than this one who is seemingly in-significant and can hardly express himself clearly? 52“Then why are not gold bracelets bestowed on him, or why do there not come with him angels accompa-nying him?” 53So he made fools of his people, and they followed him. Truly were they a re-bellious people. 54So when they provoked Us, We took retribution from them, and We drowned them all. 55And We made them a peo-ple of history and an exam-ple in the hereafter. 56When the son of Mary is held up as an example be-hold, your people protested aloud about it. 57

And they said, “Are our gods best, or is he?” This was presented to you only for argument. Yes, they are a contentious people. 58He was no more than a slave. We granted Our fa-vor to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel. 59And if it were Our will, We could make angels from among you, succeeding each other on the earth. 60And this will be a sign of the Hour. Therefore have no doubt about it, but fol-low Me. This is a straight way. 61Do not let Satan hinder you, for he is to you a sworn enemy. 62When Jesus came with clear signs he said, “Now I come to you with wisdom, and to make clear to you some of that which you dispute. Therefore be aware of God and follow me. 63“For God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight way.” 64But sects from among them fell into disagree-ment. Then woe to the wrongdoers, for the penalty of a terrible day. 65

377

Forty-Three

Do they only wait for the Hour, that it should come on them all of a sudden while they perceive it not? 66Friends on that day will be foes, one to another, ex-cept for the righteous, 67My devotees. No fear will be on you that day, nor will you grieve. 68Those who believed in Our signs and were submis-sive, 69Enter the garden, all of you and your spouses, re-joicing. 70To them will be passed around, gold plates and goblets of gold. There will be all that the souls could desire, all that their eyes could enjoy, and you will live therein forever. 71Such will be the garden of which you are made heirs because of your deeds. 72You will have therein abun-dance of fruit, from which you will have satisfac-tion. 73The wrong-doers will be in the punishment of hell, to dwell therein. 74The punishment will not be lightened for them, and they will be there in de-spair, overwhelmed. 75

In no way will We be unjust to them, but they have been unjust to them-selves. 76They will cry, “O Malik, have your Lord put an end to us.” He will say, “No, you must remain.” 77Indeed We have brought the truth to you, but most of you have hatred for truth. 78What, have they settled some plan among them-selves? But it is We Who settle things. 79Or do they think that We do not hear their secrets and their private counsels? Indeed We do, and Our messengers are by them to record. 80Say, “If God, the Merciful Benefactor had a son, I would be the first to wor-ship him.” 81Glory to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the throne. He is free from the things they attribute to Him. 82So leave them to converse vainly and play, until they meet that day of theirs which they have been promised. 83It is He Who is God in heaven and God on earth, and He is full of wisdom and knowledge. 84

378

Forty-Three

And blessed is He to Whom belongs the control of the heavens and the earth, and all between them. With Him is the knowledge of the Hour, and to Him will you be brought back. 85And those whom they in-voke besides God have no power of intercession. Only he who bears witness to the truth, and know. 86If you ask them who cre-ated them, they will cer-tainly say God. How then are they deluded away from the truth? 87God has knowledge of the messenger’s cry, “O my Lord, truly these are peo-ple who will not be-lieve.” 88But turn away from them, and say “Peace.” But soon they will know. 89

379

FORTY-FOUR

Haa, Miim. 1By the Book that makes things clear. 2We sent it down during a blessed night, for We wish to warn. 3In the night is made clear every affair of wisdom, 4By command, from Our presence, for We send rev-elation, 5As mercy from your Lord, for He hears and knows all things. 6The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all be-tween them, if you have an assured faith. 7There is no god but He. It is He Who gives life and gives death, the Guardian Evolver to you and your earliest ancestors. 8Yet they play around in doubt. 9Then watch for the day that the sky will bring forth a kind of smoke, plainly visible, 10Smothering the people. This will be a terrible penalty. 11

“Our Lord, remove the penalty from us, for we re-ally do believe.” 12How can there be a re-minder for them, seeing that a messenger explain-ing things clearly has al-ready come to them? 13Yet they turn away from him and say, “Tutored by others, a person pos-sessed.” 14We will indeed remove the penalty for a while and truly you will return. 15One day We will seize you with a mighty onslaught. We will indeed exact retri-bution. 16We did, before them, try the people of Pharaoh. There came to them a mes-senger honorable 17Saying, “Restore to me the servants of God. I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust, 18“And do not be arrogant as against God, for I come to you with clear author-ity. 19“For me, I have sought safety with my Lord and your Lord, against your in-juring me. 20“If you do not believe, at least keep away from me.” 21

380

Then he cried to his Lord, “These are indeed people given to harmful deeds.” 22“March forth with My ser-vants by night, for you are sure to be pursued. 23“And leave the sea divided, for they are an army des-tined to be drowned.” 24How many were the gar-dens and springs they left behind, 25And corn-fields, and im-pressive buildings, 26And wealth which they had taken such pride. 27All this We made other people inherit. 28And neither heaven nor earth shed a tear over them, nor were they given respite. 29We did deliver the Children of Israel from a crushing punishment– 30Inflicted by Pharaoh, for he was arrogant and one of the transgressors. 31And We chose them above the nations knowingly, 32And granted them signs in which there were a mani-fest trial. 33As for these, they say hu-morously, 34

“There is nothing beyond our first death, and we will not be raised again. 35“Then bring back our an-cestors, if what you say is true.” 36What, are they better than the people of Touba, and those who were before them? We caused them to perish because they were guilty of harmful deeds. 37We did not create the heavens, the earth, and all between them, for mere play. 38We did not create them ex-cept for just ends, but most of them do not un-derstand. 39Indeed the day of sorting out is the time appointed for all of them, 40The day no protector can avail his client in anything, and no help can they re-ceive, 41Except those who receive God's mercy, for He is Ex-alted in Might, the Merci-ful Redeemer. 42Indeed the tree of Zaqqum— 43 Will be the food of the sin-ful, 44Like molten brass, it will boil in their insides, 45Like the boiling of scalding water. 46

381

“Seize him and drag him into the middle of the blaz-ing fire. 47“Then pour over his head the penalty of boiling wa-ter. 48“Taste this. Truly were you mighty, full of pride. 49“Indeed this is what you used to doubt.” 50As for the righteous, they will be in a position of se-curity, 51Among gardens and springs, 52Dressed in fine silk and in rich brocade, they will face each other. 53And We will join them to companions with beautiful eyes. 54There they can call for ev-ery kind of fruit in peace and security, 55Nor will they taste death there, only the first death, and He will preserve them from the penalty of the blazing fire, 56As a bounty from your Lord. That will be the ulti-mate achievement. 57Indeed, We have made this easy in your tongue, in or-der that they may take heed. 58So wait and watch, for they too are waiting. 59

382

FORTY-FIVE

Haa, Miim. 1The revelation of the Book is from God, the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. 2Indeed in the heavens and the earth are signs for those who believe. 3And in the creation of yourselves, and the fact that animals are scattered through the earth, are signs for those of assured faith. 4And in the alternation of night and day, and the fact that God sends down sus-tenance from the sky, and revives the earth with it af-ter its death. And in the change of the winds, are signs for those who are wise. 5Such are the signs of God which We rehearse to you in truth, and then in what hadith will they believe in after rejecting God and His signs? 6Woe to each harmful liar. 7He hears the signs of God rehearsed to him, yet is ob-stinate and arrogant, as if he had not heard them. Then announce to him a terrible penalty. 8

And when he learns some-thing of Our signs, he takes them without regard, for them there will be a crushing penalty. 9In front of them is hell, and of no profit to them is anything that they may have earned, nor is any protectors they may have taken for themselves be-sides God, for them is a tremendous penalty. 10This is guidance. And for those who reject the signs of their Lord, is a punish-ingly, painful penalty. 11It is God Who has sub-jected the sea to you, that ships may sail through it by His command, that you may seek of his bounty, and that you may be grate-ful. 12And He has subjected to you, from Himself, all that is in the heavens and on earth. Behold, indeed in that are signs for those who reflect. 13Tell those who believe, to forgive those who do not look forward to the days of God. It is for Him to re-ward each people accord-ing to what they have earned. 14If anyone does a righteous deed, it is surely to the benefit of their soul. If they does wrong, it works

383

Forty-Five

against their soul. In the end, you will all be brought back to your Lord. 15We granted to the Children of Israel the Book, and the Wisdom, and the prophetic office. We gave them for sustenance, things good and pure, and We favored them above the nations. 16And We granted them clear signs in all affairs. It was only after knowledge had been granted to them that they fell into disagree-ments through insolent envy among themselves. Indeed your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Accountability, as to those matters in which they had differences. 17Then We put you in the best way of life. So follow that way, and do not follow the desires of those who know not. 18They will be of no use to you in the sight of God, it is only wrongdoers who stand as protectors, one to another, but God is the Protector of the right-eous. 19This is clear evidences to humanity, and a guidance and mercy to those of as-sured faith. 20What, do those who seek corrupt ways think that We will hold them equal with those who believe and do

righteous deeds, equal will be their life and their death? Wrong is their judgment. 21God created the heavens and the earth for just ends, and in order that each soul may find the reward of what it has earned, and none of them will be wronged. 22Then do you see the one who takes as his god his own vain desire? God has, knowing him as such, left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a veil on his sight. Who then will guide him after God? Will you not then re-ceive advice? 23And they say, “What is there other than our life in the present? We will die and we live, and nothing but time can destroy us.” But of that, they do not know. They only theo-rize. 24And when Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, their argument is nothing but this, they say, “Bring back our ancestors, if what you say is true.” 25Say, “It is God Who gives you life, then gives you death, then He will gather you together for the Day of Accountability, about which there is no doubt.”

384

Forty-Five

But most people do not un-derstand. 26To God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth, and the day that the Hour of Judgment is estab-lished, that day will the liars perish. 27And you will see every community bowing on knee. Every community will be called to its record, “This day will you be re-warded for all that you did. 28“This, Our record, speaks about you with truth, for We put on record all that you did.” 29Then, as to those who be-lieved and did righteous deeds, their Lord will ad-mit them to His mercy, and that will be the achieve-ment for all to see. 30But as for those who re-jected God, to them it will be said, “Were not Our signs rehearsed to you? But you were arrogant, and were a people given to harmful deeds. 31“And when it was said that the promise of God was true, and that as for the Hour, there was no doubt about its coming, you used to say, ‘We do not know what the Hour is. We only think it is a theory, and we have no firm assurance.’ ” 32

Then will appear to them the harmfulness of what they did, and they will be completely encircled by that which they used to mock. 33It will also be said, “This day We will ignore you as you ignored the meeting of this day of yours, and your abode is the fire, and you have no helpers. 34“This is because you used to take the signs of God without regard, and the life of the world deceived you.” Therefore, on that day, they will not be taken out, nor will they be taken into grace. 35Then praise God, Lord of the heavens, and Lord of the earth, Lord of all the worlds. 36To Him is glory throughout the heavens and the earth, and He is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. 37 (End of Part 25)

385

FORTY-SIX

Haa, Miim. 1The revelation of the Book is from God, the Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom. 2We did not create the heavens and the earth, and all between them, except for just ends, and for a term appointed. But those who do not believe turn away from that which they are warned. 3Say, “Do you see what you invoke besides God? Show me what it is they have created on earth. Or have they a share in the heav-ens? Bring it to me in a book revealed before this or any shred of evidence that you may have, if you are telling the truth. 4And who is more astray than one who invokes be-sides God, one that will not answer him on the Day of Accountability, and who in fact is unaware of their call? 5And when humanity is gathered together, these will be hostile to them, and these will reject their wor-ship. 6When Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, the un-

believers say of the truth when it comes to them, “This is obviously decep-tion.” 7Or do they say, “He has fabricated it?” Say, “Had I fabricated it, then you could not obtain anything for me, from God. He knows best what you say. Enough is He for a witness between you and me, and He is Oft-Forgiving, Merci-fully Redeeming.” 8Say, “I do not depart from the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I fol-low only that which is re-vealed to me by inspira-tion. I am only a warner open and clear.” 9Say, “Look, if this is from God, and you reject it, and a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies to it as an example of scripture, and has believed while you are arrogant, then know that God does not guide people who are unjust.” 10The unbelievers say about those who believe, “If this message were a good thing, such people would not have gone to it first be-fore us.” And seeing that they do not guide them-selves by it they will say, “This is a fake.” 11

386

And before this, the Book of Moses was a guide and a mercy, and this Book con-firms it in the Arabic tongue, to advise the un-just, and as hope to those who do right. 12Indeed those who say, “Our Lord is God,” and remain firm, on them will be no fear, nor shall they grieve. 13These will be companions of the gardens, dwelling therein forever, a reward for their deeds. 14We have enjoined on the human being kindness to his parents. In pain did his mother carry him, and in pain did she give birth to him. Carrying the child and his weaning is a period of thirty months. Then, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years he says, “My Lord, bless me to be grate-ful for Your favors that You have bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and to do the righteous deeds that You approve of, and be gracious to me for my harmful deeds. Indeed I have turned to You, and indeed I do submit.” 15They are those from whom We will accept their better deeds and overlook their wrong. They will be among the companions of the gar-den. A promise of truth

which was made to them. 16But there is one who says to his parents a word of disrespect. “Do you prom-ise me that I will be raised up, as will the generations who have passed away be-fore me?” Then the par-ents seek God's help and say, “Woe to you. Believe, for the promise of God is true.” But he says, “This is nothing but tales of the ancient.” 17These are those against who is proved the sentence among the previous gener-ations of jinn and humans who have passed away, for they will be lost. 18And to all are assigned de-grees according to the deeds which they have done, and in order that God may reward their deeds, and no injustice is done to them. 19And on the day that the unbelievers will be placed before the fire, it will be said to them, “You received good things in the life of the world, and you took pleasure in them, but to-day you will be rewarded with a humiliating penalty, because you were arrogant on earth without just cause, and because you transgressed.” 20

387

Mention one of Ad’s broth-ers. Behold, he warned his people in the winding sand-tracts, although there have been warners before him and after him saying, “Worship none other than God. Truly I fear for you the penalty of a mighty day.” 21They said, “Have you come in order to turn us away from our gods? Then bring upon us that which you threaten us with, if you are telling the truth?” 22He said, “The knowledge of when it will come is only with God. I proclaim to you the mission on which I have been sent, but I see that you are a people in ig-norance.” 23Then when they saw a cloud traversing the sky, and approaching their val-leys, they said, “This cloud will give us rain.” “No, it is that which you were asking to be hastened, a wind car-rying a terrible penalty. 24“It will destroy everything by the command of its Lord.” Then by the morn-ing, nothing was seen but their houses. This is how We reward those given to wrongdoing. 25And We had firmly estab-lished them as We have es-tablished none other, and We had endowed them with

hearing, vision, and feel-ing, but of no profit to them was their hearing, vi-sion, and feeling when they went on rejecting the signs of God, and they were sur-rounded by that which they used to mock. 26We caused populations all around you to perish, and We have shown the signs in various ways, that they may turn to Us. 27Why then was no help forthcoming from those who they worshipped as gods besides God, as a means to access Him? No, they left them, because they were not real. 28Behold, We turned towards you a group of jinn listen-ing to the Quran. When they stood in the presence of it they said, “Listen in silence.” When the reading was finished, they returned to their people to warn them. 29They said, “O our people, we have heard a book re-vealed now, after Moses, reflecting the truth of what came before it. It guides people to the truth and to a straight path. 30“O our people, listen to the one who invites you to God, and believe in him. He will forgive you your faults, and deliver you

388

from a terrible punish-ment. 31“If any does not listen to the one who invites to God, he cannot stop God's plan on earth, and no protec-tors can he have besides God. Such people wander in manifest error.” 32Do they not see that God, Who created the heavens and the earth, and never wearied with their cre-ation, is able to give life to the dead? Yes indeed, He has power over all things. 33And on the day that the unbelievers will be placed before the fire they will be asked, “Is this not the truth?” They will say, “Yes, by our Lord.” Then taste the penalty, because you were accustomed to deny-ing truth. 34Therefore patiently perse-vere, as did all messengers with definite purpose, and be in no haste. On the day that they see the punish-ment that was promised them, it will be as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. Proclaim the message, and none will be caused to per-ish except those who trans-gress? 35

389

FORTY-SEVEN

Those who reject God and hinder people from the path of God, God will cause their deeds to be lost. 1But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, and believe in the revela-tion sent down to Muham-mad, because it is the truth from their Lord, He will remove from them their sins and improve their condition. 2Because those who reject God follow vanities, while those who believe follow the truth from their Lord. So God sets out for human-ity their lessons by simili-tude. 3Therefore, when you meet the unbelievers in war, strike at their necks, then when you have thoroughly subdued them, bind a bond firmly. Afterwards is the time for either generosity or ransom, but not until the war lays down its bur-dens, but if it had been God's will, He could cer-tainly have taken retribu-tion from them Himself. But He wills to challenge you with others, but those who are slain in the way of God, He will never let their deeds be lost. 4

Soon will He guide them and improve their condi-tion, 5And admit them to the gar-den which He has an-nounced for them. 6O you who believe, if you will aid God, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly. 7But those who reject God, for them is destruction, and God will render their deeds lost, 8Because they hate the rev-elation of God. So He has made their deeds fruit-less. 9Do they not travel through the earth and see what the end of those before them was? God brought utter de-struction on them, and a similar fate awaits those who reject God, 10Because God is the Protec-tor of those who believe, but those who reject God have no protector. 11Indeed God will admit those who believe and do righteous deeds to gardens with rivers flowing through them, while those who re-ject God will enjoy them-selves and eat as livestock eat, but the fire will be their abode. 12And how many cities, with more power than your city

390

Forty-Seven

which has driven you out, have We caused to perish? And there was none to aid them. 13Then is one who is clearly on a path from his Lord, no better than one to whom the harmfulness of his conduct seems pleasing, and those who follow their own lusts? 14Here is a parable of the garden which the right-eous are promised. In it are rivers of water incor-ruptible, rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink, and rivers of honey, pure and clear. In it there are all kinds of fruits for them, and grace from their Lord. Can those in such bliss be compared to those who will dwell forever in the fire, and who will be given boil-ing water to drink, so that it cuts up their insides? 15And among them are peo-ple who listen to you, but in the end, after they leave from you, they say to those who have received knowl-edge, “What is it he said just then?” These are peo-ple whose hearts God has sealed, and who follow their own lusts. 16But to those who receive guidance, He increases the guidance, and bestows on

them piety and re-straint. 17Do they then only wait for the Hour, that it should come on them all of a sud-den? But some signs of it have already come, and when it is on them, how then can they benefit by the advice? 18Therefore know that there is no god but God, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and for the men and women who believe. For God knows how you move about and how you dwell in your homes. 19Those who believe say, “Why is a Surah not sent down for us?” But when a precise Surah is revealed, and fighting is mentioned in it, you will see those in whose hearts is a disease, looking at you with a look of one about to faint at the prospect of death, but more fitting for them– 20Would be to follow and say what is just, and when a matter is settled, it was best for them if they were true to God. 21Then is it to be expected of you, that if you were put in authority, that you will commit crimes in the land, and break your ties with friends and family? 22These are people who God has cursed, for He has

391

Forty-Seven

made them deaf, and blinded their sight. 23Do they then not earnestly seek to understand the Quran, or are their hearts locked up by it? 24Those who turn back as traitors, after guidance was clearly shown to them, Satan has enticed them with false hopes. 25This is because they said to those who hate what God has revealed, “We will follow you in part of this matter,” but God knows their secrets. 26But how will it be when the angels take their souls at death, and strike their faces and their backs? 27This is because they fol-lowed that which deserved the punishment of God, and they hated God's blessings, so He made their deeds of no effect. 28Or do those in whose hearts is a disease think that God will not bring to light all their hatred? 29Had We so willed, We could have shown them to you, and you would have known them by their marks, but surely you will know them by the tone of their voice, and God knows all that you do. 30And We will try you until We make evident, those

among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience, and We will make your abilities evident. 31Those who reject God, hin-der people from the path of God, and resist the mes-senger after guidance has been clearly shown to them, will not hurt God in the least, but He will make their deeds of no effect. 32O you who believe, follow God, and follow the mes-senger, and do not do work in vain. 33Those who reject God, hin-der people from the path of God, then die rejecting God, God will not forgive them. 34Do not be weary and faint-hearted, crying for peace, when you should be as-sertive, for God is with you, and will never deprive you for your deeds. 35The life of the present is only play and entertain-ment, and if you believe and guard against harm, He will grant you your re-ward, and will not ask you to give up your posses-sions. 36If He was to ask you for all of them, and press you, you would withhold, and He would bring out all your ill feelings. 37

392

Forty-Seven

Behold, you are those in-vited to give in the way of God, but among you are some who are greedy, but any who are greedy are so at the expense of their own souls. God is free of all wants, but it is you who are needy. If you turn back, He will substitute in your place another people, and they would not be like you. 38

393

FORTY-EIGHT

Indeed We have granted you a manifest victory. 1That God may forgive you the faults of your past and those to follow, fulfill His favor on you, and guide you on the straight way, 2And that God may help you with powerful help. 3It is He Who sent down tranquility to the hearts of the believers, that they may add faith to their faith, because to God be-long the forces of the heavens and the earth, and God is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom. 4And that He may admit the men and women who be-lieve, into gardens with rivers flowing through them, to dwell therein for-ever, and remove their sins from them, and that is in the sight of God, the high-est achievement, 5And that He may punish the hypocrites, men and women, and the polythe-ist’s men and women, who have a terrible opinion of God. On them is a round of harm. The punishment of God is on them. He has cursed them and has hell

ready for them, and terri-ble is it for a destination. 6For to God belong the forces of the heavens and the earth, and God is Ex-alted in Power, Full of Wis-dom. 7We have truly sent you as a witness, as a bringer of hope, and as one who warns, 8In order that you may be-lieve in God and His mes-senger, that you may assist and honor Him, and praise Him morning and evening. 9Indeed those who pledge their allegiance to you, do no less than pledge their allegiance to God. The hand of God is over their hands. Then anyone who violates his pledge does so to the detriment of his own soul, and anyone who ful-fills what he has covenanted with God, God will soon grant him a great reward. 10The desert Arabs who lagged behind will say to you, “We were engaged in looking after our flocks and herds, and our fami-lies. Can you then ask for-giveness for us?” They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say, “Who then has any power to intervene on your behalf with God, if His will is to

394

give you some loss or to give you some profit? No, for God is well acquainted with all that you do. 11“No, you thought that the messenger and the believ-ers would never return to their families, this seemed pleasing in your hearts, and you had terrible thoughts, for you are a lost people.” 12And if any do not believe in God and His messenger, We have prepared for those who reject God, a blazing fire. 13To God belongs the control of the heavens and the earth. He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills, but God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 14Those who lagged behind will say when you are free to march and take spoils of war, “Permit us to follow you.” They wish to change God's decree. Say, “You cannot follow us, God has already declared this be-forehand.” Then they will say, “No, you are jealous of us.” No, but little do they understand. 15Say to the desert Arabs who lagged behind, “You will be summoned to fight against a people who pos-sess great military might. You will fight, or they will

submit. Then if you show obedience, God will grant you an excellent reward, but if you turn back as you did before, He will punish you with a terrible penalty.” 16No blame is there on the blind, nor is there blame on those with other dis-abilities, nor on one who is ill, if they do not join the war. But those who follow God and his messenger, God will admit him to gar-dens with rivers flowing through them, and he who turns back, God will pun-ish him with a terrible penalty. 17God's grace was on the be-lievers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down tranquility to them, and He rewarded them with a speedy victory. 18And many gains will they acquire, and God is Exalted in Power, Full of Wis-dom. 19God has promised that you will acquire many gains, much that He has given you beforehand, and He has restrained the hands of human beings from you, that it may be a sign for the believers, and that He may guide you to a straight path, 20

395

And other gains that were not within your power, but which God has compre-hended, and God has power over all things. 21If the unbelievers fought you, they would certainly turn their backs, and then they would find neither protector nor helper. 22Such was the Sunnah of God in the past, and no change will you find in the Sunnah of God. 23And it is He Who has re-strained their hands from you and your hands from them in Mecca, after He gave you the victory over them, and God sees well all that you do. 24They are the ones who de-nied revelation and hin-dered you from the Sacred Masjid and the sacrificial animals which they kept from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom you did not know you were trampling, and on whose account a crime would have come to you without your knowledge, God would have allowed you to force your way. But He held back your hands, so that He may admit to His mercy those whom He wills. If they had been apart, We would certainly have punished the unbe-

lievers among them with a terrible punishment. 25While the unbelievers had in their hearts distain, dis-tain of ignorance, God sent down His tranquility to His messenger and to the be-lievers, and made them ad-here to the command of self-restraint, and they were well entitled to it and worthy of it, and God has full knowledge of all things. 26Truly God fulfilled this vi-sion for His messenger, you will enter the Sacred Masjid, if God wills, with minds secure, heads shaved or cut, and without fear. And He knew what you did not, and He granted in addition to this, a speedy victory. 27It is He Who has sent His messenger with guidance and a true way of life, to proclaim over all other ways of life, and enough is God for a witness. 28Muhammad is the messen-ger of God, and those who are with him are strong against unbelievers and compassionate among each other. You will see them bow and prostrate themselves, seeking grace from God, and His favor. On their faces are their marks, and are the traces of their prostration. Their similitude in the Torah,

396

and their similitude in the gospel, is a seed that puts forth its shoot, then is made strong, then be-comes thick, then stands on its own, filling those who planted it with wonder and pleasure. Meanwhile, it fills the unbelievers with rage. But God has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds, forgive-ness and a great reward. 29

397

FORTY-NINE

O you who believe, do not put yourselves ahead of God and His messenger, but be conscious of God, for God is He Who hears and knows all things. 1O you who believe, do not raise your voices above the voice of the messenger, nor speak loudly to him in conversation, as you speak to one another, or your deeds will become vain, though you perceive it not. 2Those who lower their voices in the presence of God's messenger, their hearts has God made to contain piety. For them is forgiveness and a great re-ward. 3Of those who continued to shout out to you from out-side the inner apartments, most of them lack under-standing. 4If only they had patience until you could come out to them, it would be best for them, but God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 5O you who believe, if a questionable person comes to you with any informa-tion, investigate it, or you

may harm people unknow-ingly, and afterwards be-come full of guilt for what you have done. 6And know that among you is God's messenger. Were he, in many matters, to fol-low you, you would cer-tainly have fallen into mis-fortune, but God has en-deared the faith to you, and has made it beautiful in your hearts, and He has made hateful to you unbe-lief, corruption, and rebel-lion. Indeed, these are those who walk in right-eousness, 7A grace and favor from God, and God is full of Knowledge and Wisdom. 8If two groups among the believers fall into a quar-rel, make peace between them. But if one of them transgresses beyond bounds against the other, then all of you should ar-gue against the one who transgressed, until it com-plies with the command of God, but if it complies, then make peace between them with justice and be fair, for God loves those who are fair and just. 9The believers are brothers. So make peace and recon-ciliation between your brothers, and be conscious of God, that you may re-ceive mercy. 10

398

Surah Forty-Nine

O you who believe, do not let some people among you laugh at others, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor let some women laugh at oth-ers, it may be that the lat-ter are better than the for-mer. Do not defame, or be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by offensive nicknames. Terrible is a name of defamation to be used for one who has be-lieved, and those who do not desist are acting wrongfully. 11O you who believe, avoid suspicion as much as pos-sible, for suspicion in some cases is harmful. And do not spy on each other or backbite, would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? No, you would abhor it. So be con-scious of God, for God is Oft-Returning, the Merci-ful Redeemer. 12O humanity, We created you from a single male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Indeed the most honored of you in the sight of God, is the most conscious of you, and God has full knowledge and is well ac-quainted with all things. 13The desert Arabs say, “We believe.” Say, “You have no faith, just say, ‘We have be-

come Muslim,’ because faith has not yet entered your hearts, but if you fol-low God and His messen-ger, He will not deprive you of any of your deeds, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming.” 14Only those are believers who have believed in God and His messenger, and have never since doubted, but have striven with their belongings and their per-sons in the cause of God. These are the sincere ones. 15Say, “What, will you teach God about your way of life, when God knows all that is in the heavens and on earth? He has full knowl-edge of all things. 16They consider it a favor to you that they have em-braced Al-Islam. Say, “Count not your Islam as a favor upon me, no God has conferred a favor upon you, that He has guided you to the faith, if you were true and sincere. 17“Indeed God knows the se-crets of the heavens and the earth, and God sees well all that you do.” 18

399

FIFTYQaaf. By the Glorious Quran, you are God's mes-senger. 1But they wonder how there has come to them a warner from among themselves. So the unbelievers say, “This is a wonderful thing. 2“What, when we die and become dust? That is far-fetched.” 3We already know how many of them the earth takes away. With Us is a record guarding the full account. 4But they deny the truth when it comes to them. So they are in a confused state. 5Do they not look at the sky above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no flaws in it? 6And the earth, We have spread it out, and set mountains standing firm, and produced therein ev-ery kind of beautiful growth– 7To be observed and com-memorated by every devo-tee turning to God. 8And We send down from the sky, rain charged with

blessings, and We produce with it gardens and grain for harvest, 9And tall palm trees, with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one over another– 10

As sustenance for God's servants. And We give life with it to land that is dead, as will be the resurrec-tion. 11Before them, was denied the hereafter by the people of Noah, the companions of the Rass, the Thamud, 12The ‘Ad, Pharaoh, the brothers of Lot, 13The companions of the Wood, and the people of Touba. Each one rejected the messengers, and My warning was duly ful-filled. 14And did We tire during the first creation, so that they should be in confused doubt about a new cre-ation? 15It was We Who created the human being, and We know what suggestions their soul makes to them, for We are nearer to them than their jugular vein. 16Imagine two guardian an-gels appointed to observe, one sitting on the right and one on the left. 17

400

Fifty

Not a word do they utter, except that there is with him a ready observer. 18And the shock at death will bring truth, “This was the thing which you were try-ing to escape.” 19And the trumpet will be blown. That will be the day when warning will be given. 20And there will come for-ward every soul. With each will be an angel to drive, and an angel to bear wit-ness. 21It will be said, “You were heedless of this, now We have removed your veil, and sharp is your sight this day.” 22And his companion will say, “Here is his record ready with me.” 23“Throw into hell, every stubborn rejecter, 24“Who made forbidden what was good, transgressed all bounds, cast doubts and suspicions, 25“And who established an-other god beside God. Throw him into a severe penalty.” 26His companion will say, “Our Lord, I did not make him transgress, but he was himself far astray.” 27

He will say, “Do not dis-pute with each other in My presence. I had already in advance sent warning. 28“The word does not change before Me, and I do not the least injustice to My ser-vants.” 29One day We will ask hell, “Are you filled to capacity?” It will say, “Are there any more?” 30And the garden will be brought near to the right-eous, no more a thing dis-tant. 31This is what was promised to you. Everyone who turned in sincere repen-tance, and who are saved. 32“Who had been conscious of God, the Merciful Bene-factor, Unseen, and who brought a heart turned in devotion. 33“Enter there in peace and security, this is a day of eternal life.” 34There will be for them all that they wish, and even more in Our presence. 35But how many generations before them did We de-stroy who were stronger in power than they were? Then they wandered through the land. Was there any place of escape for them? 36

401

Indeed in this is a message for any who has a heart and understanding, or who gives ear and earnestly witnesses. 37We created the heavens and the earth, and all be-tween them in six days, and no sense of weariness touched Us. 38So bear with patience all that they say, praise your Lord, before the rising of the Sun and before its set-ting, 39And during part of the night, praise Him, and af-ter the positions of adora-tion. 40And listen for the day when the caller will call out from a near place. 41The day when they will hear a mighty blast. In fact, that will be the Day of Resurrection. 42Indeed it is We Who give life and death, and to Us is the final goal. 43The day when the earth will be split asunder from people hurrying out. That will be a gathering to-gether that is easy for Us. 44We know best what they say, and you are not one to overwhelm them by force. So advise with the Quran, those who fear My warn-ing. 45

402

FIFTY-ONE

By that which scatters by broadcast, 1And those who lift and bear heavy weights, 2And those who flow with ease and gentleness, 3And those who distribute influence. 4Indeed that which you are promised is true, 5And indeed judgment and justice must come to pass. 6By the universe with its numerous paths, 7Indeed you are in a doc-trine differing, 8Through which are de-luded those who would be deluded. 9Cursed are the liars. 10Those who flounder heed-lessly in a flood of confu-sion. 11They ask, “When is the Day of Accountability and Jus-tice?” 12A day when they will be tried over the fire. 13“Taste your trial. This is what you used to ask to be hastened.” 14

As for the righteous, they will be in the presence of gardens and springs. 15Taking joy in the things which their Lord gives them, because before then, they lived a good life. 16They were in the habit of sleeping only a little at night, 17And in the hours of early dawn, were found praying for forgiveness, 18And with their wealth and possessions, remembered the rights of those who asked, and those who were prevented from asking. 19On the earth are signs for those of assured faith, 20And in your own selves. Then will you not see? 21And in heaven is your sus-tenance, as you were promised. 22Then by the Lord of heaven and earth, this is the very truth, as much as the fact that you can communicate intelligible to each other. 23Has the story reached you of the honored guests of Abraham? 24Behold, they entered his presence and said, “Peace.” He said, “Peace.” And thought, “These seem unusual.” 25

403

Fifty-One

Then he turned quickly to his household, and brought out a fattened calf, 26And placed it before them. He said, “Will you not eat?” 27Then he conceived a fear of them. They said, “Fear not.” And they gave him good news of a son en-dowed with knowledge. 28But his wife came forward laughing aloud. She held her forehead and said, “A barren old woman.” 29They said, “Even so, your Lord has spoken, and He is Full of Wisdom and Knowl-edge.” 30 (End of Part 26)He said, “And what, O mes-sengers, is your mission?” 31They said, “We have been sent to a people in sin, 32“And to bring on stones of clay, 33“Marked by your Lord, for those who trespass beyond bounds.” 34Then We saved those be-lievers who were there, 35But We did not find there any just muslim, except in one house. 36And We left there a sign for those who fear the ter-rible penalty. 37

And in Moses was another sign. Behold, We sent him to Pharaoh with clear au-thority. 38But Pharaoh turned back with his advisors and said, “A liar, or one pos-sessed.” 39So We led him and his forces, and cast them into the sea, and the blame was his. 40And the ‘Ad was another sign. Behold, We sent against them the devastat-ing wind. 41It left nothing that it came up against. It reduced it to ruin. 42And the Thamud was an-other sign. Behold, they were told, “Enjoy your-selves for a little while.” 43But they rebelled against the command of their Lord. So the stunning noise seized them, even while they looked on. 44Then they could not stand, nor could they help them-selves. 45So were the people of Noah before them, for they wickedly transgressed. 46With power and skill did We construct the firma-ment, for it is We Who cre-ate the vastness of space. 47

404

Fifty-One

And We have spread out the earth. How excellently do We spread it out. 48And of everything We have created pairs, that you may receive instruction. 49Then hasten to God. I am from Him a warner to you, clear and open. 50And do not make an object of worship with God. I am from Him a warner to you, clear and open. 51Similarly, no messenger came to the peoples before them, except that they said of him in like manner, “A deceiver, or one pos-sessed.” 52Is this the legacy they have transmitted one to an-other? No, they are a peo-ple transgressing beyond bounds. 53So turn away from them. There will be no blame on you. 54But teach, for teaching benefits the believers. 55I only created jinn and hu-mans so that they may worship Me. 56No sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they feed Me. 57For God is He Who gives all sustenance. He is Lord, powerful, and steadfast forever. 58

For the wrongdoers, their portion is like the portion of their people of earlier generations. So do not let them ask Me to hasten that portion. 59Woe then to the unbeliev-ers on account of their day. The day promised to them. 60

405

FIFTY-TWO

By the mountain, 1By a decree inscribed- 2In parchment unfolded. 3By the much-frequented house, 4By the canopy raised high, 5And by the ocean that is filled. 6Indeed the doom from your Lord will indeed come to pass. 7There are none who can avert it, 8On the day that the firma-ment will be in dreadful commotion, 9And the mountains will fly near and far. 10Then woe that day to those who treat truth as false-hood. 11That play in shallow things. 12That day they will be thrust down to the fire of hell, irresistibly. 13“This,” it will be said, “Is the fire that you used to deny. 14“Is this then a fake, or is it you who do not see? 15

“Burn therein, for it is the same whether you bear it with patience or not. You will receive the reward of your deeds.” 16As for the righteous, they will be in gardens, and in happiness, 17Enjoying the bliss that their Lord has bestowed on them. And their Lord will deliver them from the penalty of the fire. 18Eat and drink for enjoy-ment and health, because of your deeds. 19They will recline on thrones arranged in ranks, and We will join them to companions with beautiful eyes. 20And those who believe and whose family follow them in faith, We will join them with their family, and We will not deprive them of any of their works, each person is responsible for their deeds. 21And We will give them all fruit and meat, anything they desire. 22There they will exchange, one with another, a cup free of nonsense, and free of harm. 23Around them will be youth-fulness, like pearls well guarded. 24

406

They will advance each other, engaging in mutual inquiry. 25They will say, “Before, we were not without fear, be-cause of our people. 26“But God has been good to us, and has delivered us from the penalty of the scorching wind. 27“Indeed we used to call on Him. Truly it is He, the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer.” 28Therefore proclaim His praises, for by the grace of your Lord, you are no ora-cle, nor are you one pos-sessed. 29Or do they call you a poet? We await them with calamity in due time.” 30Say, “Wait, I too will wait with you.” 31Is it that their mind leads them to this, or are they just a people transgressing beyond bounds? 32Or do they say, “He fabri-cated the message?” No, they have no faith. 33Let them produce a hadith like it, if they speak the truth. 34Were they created of noth-ing, or did they create themselves? 35Or did they create the heavens and the earth? No,

they have no firm be-liefs. 36Or are the treasures of your Lord with them, or are they the managers? 37Or have they a ladder, by which they can listen? Then let such a listener produce clear proof. 38Or has He only daughters and you have sons? 39Or is it that you ask for a reward, so that they are burdened with a load of debt? 40Or is the unknown in their hands, and they write it down? 41Or do they plot and scheme? But those who defy God are themselves the subject of a plan. 42Or do they have a god other than God. Exalted is God, far above the things they associate with Him. 43If they saw a piece of the sky falling, they would say, “Fog-clouds gathered in heaps.” 44So leave them alone until they encounter that day of theirs, when they will faint. 45The day when their plot-ting will not avail them, and no help will be given to them. 46

407

Fifty-Two

And indeed, for those who do wrong, there is another punishment besides this, but most of them do not understand. 47Now wait in patience, the command of your Lord, for indeed you are in Our Eyes, and glorify your Lord with praise while you stand forth, 48And for part of the night praise Him, and at the re-treat of the stars. 49

408

FIFTY-THREE

By the star when it goes down, 1Your companion is neither astray nor being misled. 2Nor does he say anything of his own volition. 3It is no less than inspira-tion sent down to him. 4He was taught by one mighty in power, 5Endued with wisdom, for he appeared, 6While he was in the high-est part of the horizon. 7Then he approached and came closer, 8And was at a distance of only two bow-lengths or nearer, 9So God conveyed the inspi-ration to His servant which He meant to convey. 10His heart in no way falsi-fied that which he saw. 11Will you then dispute with him concerning what he saw? 12For indeed he saw him at a second descent, 13Near the lotus-tree beyond which none may pass. 14

Near is the garden of abode. 15Behold, the lotus-tree was shrouded. 16His sight never deviated, nor did it go wrong. 17For truly he saw the signs of his Lord, the Great-est. 18Have you seen Lat and ‘Uzza, 19And another, the third, Manat? 20What, for you the male, and for Him, the fe-male? 21Behold, that would indeed be a division unfair. 22These are nothing but names which you have made up, you and your fa-thers, for which God has sent down no authority. They follow nothing but speculation, and what their own soul’s desire. Even though there has already come to them guidance from their Lord. 23No, will human beings have everything they pur-sue? 24But it is to God that the end and the beginning be-long. 25However many angels there are in the heavens, their intercession will avail

409

Fifty-Three

them nothing, except after God has given permission to whom He pleases, and that they are acceptable to Him. 26Those who do not believe in the hereafter, name the angels with female names. 27But they cannot know. They follow nothing but speculation, and specula-tion avails nothing against truth. 28Therefore turn away from those who turn away from Our message, and desire nothing but the life of the present. 29That is as far as their knowledge will take them, indeed your Lord knows best those who stray from His path, and He knows best those who receive guidance. 30Yes, to God belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth. He rewards those who do wrong, according to their deeds, and He re-wards those who do right, with what is best. 31Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only falling into small faults, in-deed your Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, and when you are hidden in your mothers’ wombs. There-

fore do not justify your-selves. He knows best who it is that guards against harm. 32See the one, who turns back, 33Gives a little, then hard-ens? 34What, have they knowledge of the unknown and can they see it? 35No, is he not acquainted with what is in the Books of Moses, 36And of Abraham, who ful-filled his engagements? 37Namely, that no bearer of burdens can bear the bur-den of another, 38That human beings can have nothing but what they strive for, 39That their striving will soon come into sight, 40Then they will be rewarded with a reward complete, 41That to your Lord is the fi-nal goal, 42That it is He Who grants laughter and tears, 43That it is He Who grants death and life, 44That He created in pairs, male and female, 45From a zygote when lodged in its place, 46

410

That He has promised a second creation, 47That it is He Who gives wealth and satisfaction, 48That He is the Lord of Sir-ius, 49And that it is He Who caused to perish, the an-cient ‘Ad people, 50And the Thamud, nor gave them a lease of perpetual life. 51And before them, the peo-ple of Noah, because they were all most unjust and most insolent transgres-sors. 52And He caused to perish the overthrown cities. 53And they have been cov-ered up. 54Then about which of the gifts of your Lord will you dispute? 55This is a warner, of the se-ries of warners ahead of him. 56The Ever Approaching draws near. 57None but God can remove it. 58Do you then wonder at this recital? 59And will you laugh and not weep, 60Wasting your time in vani-ties? 61

But fall down in prostra-tion to God, in worship to Him. 62

411

FIFTY-FOUR

The Hour is near, and the Moon is cleft asunder. 1But if they see a sign, they turn away and say, “This is a mysterious illusion.” 2They reject it and follow their lusts, but every issue has its appointed time. 3There have already come to them recitals with which there is enough to check them, 4Perfect wisdom, but warn-ers do not profit them. 5Therefore, turn away from them. The day that the caller will call them to a terrible affair, 6They will come forth, their eyes humbled from their graves, torpid like locusts scattered abroad, 7Hastening with eyes trans-fixed towards the caller. “This is a trying day,” the unbelievers will say. 8Before them the people of Noah rejected it. They re-jected Our servant and said, “This one is pos-sessed.” And he was driven out. 9

Then he called on his Lord, “I am one overcome, will You help me?” 10So We opened the gates of heaven, with water pouring out. 11And We caused the earth to gush forth with springs, so the waters met and rose to the extent decreed. 12But We bore him on an ark made of broad planks and caulked with palm-fiber. 13It floats under our eyes. A reward for one who had been rejected. 14And We have left it as a sign. Then is there any who will receive advice? 15But how was My penalty and My warning? 16And We have indeed made the Quran intuitive. Then are there any who will re-ceive advice? 17The ‘Ad also rejected it. Then how was My penalty and My warnings? 18For We sent against them a furious wind, on a day of violent disaster, 19Plucking out human be-ings, as if they were roots of palm trees torn up. 20Yes, how was My penalty and My warning? 21

412

Fifty-Four

And indeed We have made the Quran intuitive. Then will any experience it? 22The Thamud rejected their warners. 23For they said, “What, a hu-man being, one from among ourselves? Should we follow such a one? Truly we would then be in error, and in madness. 24“Is it that the message is sent to him of all people among us? No, he is a liar, an insolent one.” 25They will know on the mor-row, who is the liar, and the insolent one. 26For We will send the she-camel as a trial for them. So watch them, and be pa-tient. 27And tell them that the wa-ter is to be divided be-tween them. Each one’s right to drink being brought forward. 28But they called to their companion, and he took a sword in hand, and ham-strung her. 29How was My penalty and My warning? 30For We sent against them a single mighty blast, and they became like the dry stubble used by one who pens livestock. 31

And indeed We have made the Quran intuitive. Then will any experience it? 32The people of Lot rejected the warning. 33We sent against them a vi-olent tornado with showers of stones which caused them to perish, except Lot’s household. We deliv-ered them by early dawn, 34As a grace from Us. This is how We reward those who give thanks. 35And Lot warned them of Our punishment, but they disputed about the warn-ing. 36And they even sought to abduct his guests, but We blinded their eyes. Now taste My punishment and My warning. 37Early in the morning an abiding punishment in-deed seized them. 38“So taste My punishment and My warning.” 39And indeed We have made the Quran intuitive. Then will any experience it? 40Also to the people of Pharaoh came warners. 41The people rejected all of Our signs, but We seized them with a penalty from One Exalted in Power, able to carry out His will. 42

413

Fifty-Four

Are your unbelievers bet-ter than they are? Or have you immunity in the sacred books? 43Or do they say, “We, acting together, can defend our-selves”? 44Soon will their party be on the retreat, and they will show their backs. 45No, the Hour is the time promised them, and that Hour will be more terrible and most bitter. 46Truly those in sin are the ones straying in mind, and in madness. 47The day they will be dragged through the fire on their faces. Taste the touch of hell.” 48Indeed, We have created all things in due propor-tion and measure. 49And Our command is only a single act, like the blink of an eye. 50And in the past, We have caused groups like you to perish. Then is there any who will receive advice? 51All that they do is noted in books. 52Every matter, small and great, is on record. 53As for the righteous, they will be in the presence of gardens and rivers, 54

In an assembly of truth, in the presence of the Sover-eign, Omnipotent. 55

414

FIFTY-FIVE

God, the Merciful Benefac-tor. 1It is He Who has taught the Quran. 2He has created the human being. 3He has taught him speech. 4The Sun and the Moon fol-low courses computed, 5And the herbs and the trees both bow in adora-tion. 6And the firmament has He raised high, and He has es-tablished the balance, 7In order that you may not transgress the balance. 8So establish weight with justice, and do not fall short with balance. 9It is He Who has spread out the earth for His crea-tures. 10Therein is fruit and date palms producing spathes, 11Also corn with leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants. 12Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 13

He created the human be-ing from sounding clay like pottery, 14And He created jinn from fire free of smoke. 15Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 16Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests. 17Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 18He has let free the two bodies of flowing water meeting together. 19Between them is a barrier that they do not trans-gress. 20Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 21Out of them come pearls and coral. 22Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 23And His are the ships sail-ing smoothly through the seas lofty as mountains. 24Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 25All that is on earth will perish, 26But will live forever is the Face of your Lord, Full of

415

Fifty-Five

Majesty, Bounty, and Honor. 27Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 28Of Him seeks every crea-ture in the heavens and on earth. Every day in splen-dor does He shine. 29Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 30Soon will We settle your affairs, O both you worlds. 31Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 32O you assembly of jinns and humans. If you can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass. But not without power will you be able to pass. 33Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 34On you will be sent a flame of fire and smoke, no de-fense will you have. 35Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 36When the sky is rent asun-der, and it becomes red like ointment. 37

Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 38On that day no question will be asked of human or jinn as to his harmful deeds. 39Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 40The wrong-doers will be known by their marks, and they will be seized by their hair and their feet. 41Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 42This is the hell which those who are corrupt deny. 43In it and in boiling hot wa-ter which they will wander round. 44Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 45But for those who fear the time when they will stand before their Lord, there will be two gardens, 46Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 47Containing plants of all kind. 48Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 49

416

In them will be two flowing springs. 50Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 51In them will be fruits of ev-ery kind, two and two. 52Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 53They will recline on car-pets, whose inner linings will be of rich brocade. The fruit of the gardens will be near. 54Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 55In them will be those who are chaste, restraining their glances, whom nei-ther human nor jinn has touched before, 56Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 57Like unto rubies and coral. 58Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 59Is there any reward for good, other than good? 60Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 61

And besides these two, there are two other gar-dens, 62Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 63Dark-green in color. 64Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 65In them will be two springs pouring forth water in con-tinuous abundance. 66Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 67In them will be fruit, dates and pomegranates. 68Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 69In them will be those good, and beautiful. 70Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 71Companions subtle, in pavilions, 72Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 73Whom no human or jinn has touched before them, 74Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 75

417

Fifty-Five

Reclining on green cush-ions and rich carpets of beauty. 76Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? 77Blessed is the name of your Lord, Full of Majesty, Bounty, and Honor. 78

418

FIFTY-SIX

When the inevitable event comes to pass, 1Then will no soul entertain falsehood concerning its coming. 2Many will it bring low, many will it exalt, 3When the earth will be shaken to its depths, 4And the mountains will be crumbled to atoms, 5Becoming dust scattered abroad, 6And you will be sorted out into three classes. 7The companions of the right, what are the com-panions of the right? 8And the companions of the left, what are the compan-ions of the left? 9And those foremost, will be foremost. 10These will be those nearest to God, 11In gardens of bliss. 12A number of people from those of the past, 13And a few from those of later times. 14On thrones encrusted, 15

Reclining on them, facing each other. 16Around them will be youth of perpetual innocence, 17With goblets, bowls, and cups filled from clear-flow-ing fountains. 18No after-ache will they re-ceive from it, nor will they suffer intoxication. 19And fruits, any they may select. 20And the meat of fowl, any that they may desire. 21And companions with beautiful eyes, 22Like pearls well guarded. 23A reward for the deeds of their past. 24Neither frivolousness will they hear therein, nor any taint of harm,  25Only the saying, “Peace, peace.” 26The companions of the right hand, what are the companions of the right hand? 27They will be among lotus trees without thorns, 28Among Talh trees with flowers piled one above an-other, 29In shade long extended, 30

419

Fifty-Six

By water flowing con-stantly, 31And fruit in abundance, 32Whose season is not lim-ited, nor prevented, 33And on thrones, raised high. 34We have created their com-panions of a special cre-ation. 35And made them virgin - pure, 36Beloved, equal in age, 37For the companions of the right hand. 39A number from those in the past, 39And a number from those of later times. 40The companions of the left hand, who will be the com-panions of the left hand? 41They will be in the middle of a fierce blast of fire and in boiling water, 42And in the shades of black smoke. 43Nothing to refresh, or to please them, 44Because they were accus-tomed to indulging, before that, with their wealth, 45And insisted on great harm. 46

And they used to say, “What, when we die and become dust and bones, will we then indeed be raised up again, 47“And our ancestors?” 48Say, “Yes, those in the past and those of later times, 49“All will certainly be gath-ered together, for the meeting appointed for a day well-known. 50“Then will you truly, O you who go wrong by treating truth as falsehood, 51“You will surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum. 52“Then and there you will fill your insides, 53“And drink boiling water on top of it. 54“Indeed you will drink like thirsty camels.” 55Such will be their enter-tainment on the Day of Punishment. 56It is We Who have created you. Why will you not wit-ness the truth? 57Do you then see that which you throw out? 58Is it you who create it, or are We the Creators? 59We have decreed death for you, and We are not to be stopped– 60

420

Fifty-Six

From changing your forms, and creating you in forms that you know not. 61And you certainly already know the first form of cre-ation. Why then do you not praise Him? 62Do you see the seed that you sow in the ground? 63Is it you who cause it to grow, or are We the cause? 64Were it Our will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and you would be left in wonderment– 65Saying, “We are indeed left with debts. 66“Indeed we are shut out.” 67Do you see the water which you drink? 68Do you bring it down from the cloud or do We? 69If it were Our will, We could make it salty. So why do you not give thanks? 70Do you see the fire which you kindle? 71Is it you who causes the tree to grow which feeds the fire, or do We cause it to grow? 72We have made it a memo-rial, an article of comfort, and convenience for the denizens of deserts. 73

Then glorify with praises the name of your Lord, the Supreme. 74Furthermore, I call to wit-ness the setting of the stars, 75And that is indeed a mighty adjuration if you only knew, 76That this is indeed a Quran most honorable, 77In a book well guarded, 78Which none will touch but those who are clean. 79A revelation from the Guardian Evolver of all the systems of knowledge. 80Is it such a message that you would hold in light es-teem? 81And have you made it your life to declare it false? 82Then why do you not inter-vene when the soul reaches the throat, 83But you just stand there looking on, 84But We are nearer to him than you, but you see not. 85Then why do you not, if you are exempt from ac-count, 86Call back the soul, if you are truthful? 87Then if he is of those near-est to God, 88

421

Fifty-Six

There is for him rest and satisfaction, and a garden of pleasure. 89And if he is of the compan-ions of the right hand, 90Then for him is the saluta-tion, “Peace be unto you,” from the companions of the right hand. 91And if he is of those who treat truth as false, and who go wrong, 92For him is entertainment with boiling water, 93And burning in hellfire. 94Indeed, this is the truth with certainty. 95So glorify with praises the name of your Lord, the Supreme. 96

422

FIFTY-SEVEN

That which is in the heav-ens and on earth, let it de-clare the praises and glory of God, for He is the Ex-alted in Might, the Wise. 1To Him belongs the control of the heavens and the earth. It is He Who gives life and death, and He has power over all things. 2He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Hidden, and He has full knowledge of all things. 3He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and is firmly established on the throne. He knows what enters within the earth, and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven, and what mounts up to it, and He is with you wher-ever you are, and God sees well all that you do. 4To Him is the control of the heavens and the earth, and all affairs are referred back to God. 5He merges night into day, and He merges day into night, and He has full knowledge of the secrets of all hearts. 6

Believe in God and His messenger, and give out of that which He has made you inheritors. For those of you who believe and give, for them is a great re-ward. 7What cause do you have that you should not believe in God? The messenger in-vites you to believe in your Lord, and has indeed taken your covenant, if you are people of faith. 8He is the One Who sends to His servant clear signs, that He may lead you from the depths of darkness into the light. And indeed God is to you Most Kind and Merciful. 9And what cause do you have that you should not give in the cause of God, for to God belong the ori-gins of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who sacrificed and fought be-fore the victory, and those who did so later. They are higher in rank than those who sacrificed and fought afterwards, but to all has God promised the best re-ward, and God is well ac-quainted with all that you do. 10Who is he who will loan to God a handsome loan? For God will increase it abun-dantly to his credit, and he

423

Fifty-Seven

will have a gracious re-ward. 11One day you will see of the believing men and the be-lieving women, how their light runs forward before them and by their right hands. Good news for you this day, gardens beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. This is in-deed the highest achieve-ment.” 12One day the hypocrites, men and women, will say to the believers, “Wait for us. Let us borrow from your light.” It will be said, “Turn back behind you and seek a light.” So a wall will be put up between them, with a gate therein forever. Within it will be mercy in-side and outside, and all throughout will be punish-ment. 13Those without will call out, “Were we not with you?” The others will reply, “True, but you led your-selves into temptation, you looked forward but you doubted, and your desires deceived you, until there issued the command of God, and the Deceiver de-ceived you in respect to God. 14“This day will no ransom be accepted of you, from those who rejected God.” Your abode is the fire. That is the proper place to

claim you, and what a ter-rible place it is.” 15Has not the time arrived for the believers, that their hearts, with all humility, should engage in the re-membrance of God and of the truth which has been revealed, and that they should not become like those to whom was given revelation? But long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard. For many among them are re-bellious transgressors. 16Do you not know that God gives life to the earth after its death? We have already shown the signs plainly to you, that you may learn wisdom. 17For those who give in char-ity, men and women, and loan to God a handsome loan, it will be increased abundantly, and they will have a noble reward. 18And those who believe in God and His messengers, they are the sincere and the witnesses, in the eyes of their Lord. They will have their reward and their light. But those who reject God and deny Our signs, they are the com-panions of hellfire. 19Know that the life of the present is but play and en-tertainment, pomp and boasting, and increasing

424

for yourselves, wealth and children. Here is a simili-tude, the rain and the growth which it brings forth pleases the hearts of those who plant it, soon it withers, and you will see it grow yellow, then it be-comes dry and crumbles away, but in the hereafter is a penalty severe, and forgiveness from God and His grace, and what is the life of the present but stuff of illusion? 20And for those of you fore-most, is forgiveness from your Lord, and a garden the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in God and His messengers. That is the grace of God which He be-stows on whom He pleases, and God is the Lord of grace abounding. 21No misfortune can happen on earth or in yourselves, except that it is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence. That is truly easy for God. 22In order that you may not despair over opportunities that missed you, nor exult over favors bestowed upon you, for God does not love any vain boaster, 23Such people are greedy, and recommend greed to others. And if any turn back, indeed God is free of

all needs, worthy of all praise. 24We sent our messengers with clear signs, and sent down with them the Book and the balance, that hu-manity may stand up for justice. And We sent down iron, in which is great power, and many benefits for humanity, that God may make evident who it is who will help, even if unseen, Him and His messengers, for God is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might. 25And We sent Noah and Abraham, and established in their line the prophetic office and revelation, and some of them were on right guidance, but many of them became rebellious transgressors. 26 Then in their footsteps, We followed them up with more of Our messengers. We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and be-stowed on him the gospel, and We ordained in the hearts of those who fol-lowed him, compassion and mercy. But monasti-cism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them. We asked only the seeking for the grace of God, but that, they did not develop as they should have. Still We bestowed on those among them who believed, their reward, but many of them

425

Fifty-Seven

are rebellious transgres-sors. 27O you who believe, be con-scious of God, and believe in His messenger, and He will bestow on you a dou-ble portion of His mercy. He will provide for you a light, by which you will walk, and He will forgive you, for God is Oft-Forgiv-ing, Mercifully Redeeming, 28So the people of the Book may know that they have no power at all over the grace of God, that His grace is in His hand, to be-stow on whomever He wills, for God is the Lord of grace abounding. 29 (End of Part 27)

426

FIFTY-EIGHT

God has indeed heard the statement of the woman who pleads with you con-cerning her husband, di-recting her complaint to God, and God hears the ar-guments between both sides among you, for God hears and sees all things. 1Some men among you at-tempt to divorce their wives by Zihar, by prohibit-ing himself from relations with her as he would his mother, but they are not their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave birth to them, so in fact, they use words that are both hurtful and false, but truly God is the One who corrects and forgives you. 2But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the words they spoke, should free a slave before they touch each other. This you are advised to perform, and God is well acquainted with all that you do. 3And if any do not have the means, he should fast for two months consecutively, before they touch each other, but if any are unable to do so, he should feed

sixty indigent ones, in or-der that you may show your belief in God and His messenger. Those are lim-its set by God, and for those who reject Him, there is a terrible penalty. 4Those who resist God and His messenger will be humbled to dust, as were those before them, for We have already sent down clear signs, and the unbe-lievers will have a crushing penalty, 5On the day that God will raise them all and show them the truth of their conduct. God has decreed its value though they may have forgotten it, for God is witness to all things. 6Do you not see that God knows all that is in the heavens and on earth? There is not a secret meet-ing between three, that He does not make the fourth, nor between five that He does not make the sixth, nor between fewer nor more. He is in their pres-ence wherever they are. In the end He will tell them the truth of their conduct, on the Day of Accountabil-ity, for God has full knowl-edge of all things. 7Do you not turn your sight toward those who were for-bidden secret meetings,

427

but yet return to that which they were forbid-den? And they hold secret counsels among them-selves for immorality, hos-tility, and to ignore the messenger, and when they come to you, they greet you, but not as God greets you. And they say to them-selves, “Why does God not punish us for our words?” Enough for them is hell. In it they will burn, and terri-ble is that destination. 8O you who believe, when you hold secret meetings, do not do it for immorality, hostility, and to ignore the messenger, but do it for righteousness and self-re-straint, and be conscious of God, to Whom you will be brought back. 9Secret meetings are only inspired by Satan in order that he may cause grief to the believers, but he can-not harm them in the least, except as God per-mits, and on God let the believers put their trust. 10O you who believe, when you are asked to make room in the assembly, make room. Ample room will God provide for you. And when you are asked to rise up, rise up. God will raise up in ranks those of you who believe, and who have been granted knowl-edge. And God is well ac-

quainted with all you do. 11O you who believe, when you consult the messenger in private, give something in charity before your pri-vate consultation. That will be best for you, and most conducive to refinement. But if you cannot, God is Forgiving, Redeeming. 12Is it that you are afraid of giving in charity before your private consultation with him? If you do not do so, and God forgives you, then establish prayer, give zakat, and follow God and His messenger, and God is well acquainted with all that you do. 13Do you not turn your at-tention to those who turn to them who have the pun-ishment of God upon them? They are neither of you nor of them, and they swear on falsehood know-ingly. 14God has prepared for them a severe penalty. Harmful indeed are their deeds. 15They have made their promises a screen. So they obstruct the people from the path of God. Therefore they will have a crushing penalty. 16Of no profit to them against God will be their wealth or their sons. They will be companions of the

428

fire, to dwell therein for-ever. 17One day God will raise them all. Then they will promise to Him as they promise to you, and they think that they have some-thing on which to stand. No, indeed they are only liars. 18Satan has gotten the bet-ter of them. So he has made them lose the re-membrance of God. They are of the association of Satan. Truly, it is the asso-ciation of Satan that will perish. 19Those who resist God and His messenger will be among those most humili-ated. 20God has decreed, “It is I and My messengers who will prevail,” for God is One, full of strength, able to enforce His will. 21You will not find any of the people who believe in God and the Last Day, loving those who resist God and His messenger, even though they be their par-ents or their children, or their brothers, or other family members. For them He has written faith in their hearts, and strength-ened them with a spirit from Himself, and He will admit them to gardens with rivers flowing through

them, to dwell therein for-ever. God will be well pleased with them, and they with Him. They are of God. And truly it is the people of God who will achieve felicity. 22

429

FIFTY-NINEWhatever is in the heavens and on earth declares the praises and glory of God, for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 1It is He Who removed the unbelievers among the people of the Book from their homes at the first gathering. You hardly thought that they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would defend them from God, but God came to them from places they hardly ex-pected, and casted fear into their hearts, so that they caused to be de-stroyed, their dwellings by their own hands and the hands of the believers, take warning then, O you with eyes to see. 2And had it not been that God had decreed banish-ment for them, He would certainly have punished them in the present, and in the hereafter they will have the punishment of the fire, 3Because they oppose God and His messenger, and if anyone opposes God, in-deed God is severe in pun-ishment. 4Whether you cut down the tender palm trees, or you

left them standing on their roots, it was by permission of God. In order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgres-sors. 5What God has bestowed on His messenger from them, you made no expedition with neither horses nor camels, but God gives power to His messengers over any He pleases, and God has power over all things. 6What God has bestowed on His messenger from the people of the townships belongs to God, His mes-senger, to family and or-phans, the needy, and to displaced persons, in order that it may not circulate between the wealthy among you. So take what the messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And be con-scious of God, for God is strict in punishment. 7And some part is due to the indigent Muhajirs, those who were expelled from their homes and their property, while seeking grace and favor from God, and aiding God and His messenger. Such are in-deed the sincere ones. 8As well as those who be-fore them had homes and

430

had accepted the faith, showed their affection to those who came to them for refuge, and entertained no desire in their hearts for things given to the lat-ter, but gave them prefer-ence over themselves, even though poverty ensued. And those saved from the greed of their own selves, they are the ones who achieve prosperity. 9And those who came after them say, “Our Lord, for-give us, and our brothers who came before us into the faith, and do not leave in our hearts hatred against those who have be-lieved. Our Lord, You are indeed Full of Kindness, the Merciful Re-deemer.” 10Did you not observe the hypocrites that said to their misbelieving brothers among the people of the Book? “If you are expelled, we too will go out with you, and we will never listen to anyone concerning your situation, and if you are at-tacked we will help you.” But God is witness that they are indeed liars. 11If they are expelled, never will they go out with them, and if they are attacked, they will never help them, and if they do help them, they will turn their backs, so that they will receive no help. 12

Truthfully, you are stronger because of the fear in their hearts sent by God. This is because they are people void of under-standing. 13They will not even fight you together, except in a fortified town, or from be-hind walls. Strong is their fighting among them-selves. You would think they were united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are a people devoid of wisdom, 14Like those of late. They have tasted the harmful re-sult of their conduct, and for them is a terrible penalty. 15Like Satan, when he says to the human being, “Deny God.” But once he denies God he says, “I disassoci-ate myself from you. I fear God, the Guardian Evolver of all the systems of knowl-edge.” 16The end of both will be that they will go into the fire, dwelling therein. Such is the reward of the wrong-doers. 17O you who believe, be con-scious of God, and let ev-ery soul look to what he has sent forth for the mor-row. Yes, be conscious of God, for God is well ac-quainted with all that you do. 18

431

Fifty-Nine

And do not be like those who forgot God, and He made them forget their own souls. Such are the re-bellious transgressors. 19Not equal are the compan-ions of the fire and the companions of the garden. It is the companions of the garden who will achieve fe-licity. 20Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, in-deed you would have seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of God. Such is the similitude which We propound to hu-manity that they may re-flect. 21God is He. There is no other god, who knows all things both secret and open, He is the Merciful Benefactor, the Merciful Redeemer. 22God is He, there is no other god, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme. Glory be to God, High is He above the part-ners they attribute to Him. 23He is God, the Creator, the Guardian Evolver, the Be-stower of Forms. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Whatever is in the

heavens and on earth, de-clares His praises and glory, and He is the Ex-alted in Might, the Wise. 24

432

SIXTY

O you who believe, do not take my enemies and yours, as friends, offering them your love, because they have rejected the truth that has come to you, and have driven out the messenger and yourselves, because you believe in God, your Lord. And be-cause you have come out to strive in My way, and to seek My favor. Thus do not hold secret conversations, nor keep ties and friend-ships with them, for I know all that you conceal and all that you reveal. And any of you who does this has strayed from the straight path. 1If they were to gain domi-nance over you, they would behave as enemies to you, and lash out their hands and their tongues against you wrongfully, and they desire that you should re-ject the truth. 2Of no profit to you will be your relatives and your children on the Day of Ac-countability. He will judge between you, for God sees well all that you do. 3There is for you an excel-lent example in Abraham and those with him, when

they said to their people, “We are clear of you and of whatever you worship be-sides God. We have re-jected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred for-ever, unless you believe in God, and Him alone”. Ex-cept when Abraham said to his father, “I will pray for forgiveness for you, though I have no power on your behalf from God, “Our Lord, in You do we trust, and to You do we turn in repentance, to You is our final goal.” 4“Our Lord, do not make us a trial for the unbelievers, but forgive us Our Lord, for You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” 5Indeed there is in them an excellent example for you to follow, for those whose hope is in God and in the Last Day. But if any turn away, truly God is free of all want, worthy of all praise. 6It may be that God will grant love and friendship between you and those whom you hold as enemies, for God has power over all things, and God is Oft-For-giving, Mercifully Redeem-ing. 7God does not forbid you, with regard to those who do not fight you because of

433

Sixty

your faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them, for God loves those who are just. 8God only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for your faith, and drive you out of your homes, or help in driving you out, from turning to them. It is those who turn to them who do wrong. 9O you who believe, when there comes to you believ-ing women who are refugees, test them. God knows best as to their faith. If you think that they are believers, then do not send them back to the un-believers. They are not permissible wives for the unbelievers, nor are the unbelievers permissible husbands for them. But pay the unbelievers what they have given for dowries, and there will be no blame on you if you marry them on payment of their dowry to them. But do not hold on to ties to unbelieving women. Ask for what you have given as their dowries, and let the unbelievers ask for what they have given as dowries. Such is the command of God. He judges between you, and God is Full of Knowledge and Wis-dom. 10

And if any of your wives desert you, and go to the unbelievers, and your turn comes, then pay to those whose wives have left, the equivalent of what they had given as their dowry, and be conscious of God, in Whom you believe. 11O messenger, when believ-ing women come to you, and promise that they will not associate in worship any other thing with God, that they will not steal, that they will not have im-permissible sex, that they will not kill their children, that they will not commit slander to intentionally misrepresent and deceive, and that they will not ig-nore you in what they know to be right, then take their word, and pray to God for their forgiveness, for God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 12O you who believe, do not turn to the people on whom is the punishment of God. Of the hereafter they are already in despair, just as the unbelievers are in despair of the companions of the graves. 13

434

SIXTY-ONE

Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, declares the praises and glory of God, for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 1O you who believe, why do you say that which you do not do? 2It is wrong in the sight of God that you say that which you do not do. 3Truly God loves those that fight in His cause in ranks, as if they were a solid ce-mented structure. 4And remember Moses said to his people, “O my peo-ple, why do you anger and insult me, though you know that I am the mes-senger of God sent to you?” Then when they went wrong, God let their hearts go wrong, for God does not guide those who are rebellious transgres-sors. 5And remember Jesus, the son of Mary said, “O Chil-dren of Israel, I am the messenger of God sent to you, reflecting the truth of the Law before me, and giving hope of a messenger to come after me, whose name will be Ahmad.” But when he came to them

with clear signs they said, “This is evident decep-tion.” 6Who does greater wrong than one who creates lies against God, even as he is being invited to Al-Islam? And God does not guide those who do wrong. 7Their intention is to extin-guish God's light with their mouths. But God will brighten His light, even though the unbelievers de-test it. 8It is He Who has sent His messenger with guidance and this way of life, in truth. That he may pro-claim it over all ways of life, even though the pa-gans detest it. 9O you who believe, will I lead you to a transaction that will save you from a terrible penalty? 10Believe in God and His messenger, and strive in the cause of God, with your property and your persons. That will be best for you, if you only knew. 11He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to gar-dens with rivers flowing through them, and to beautiful mansions in gar-dens of eternity. That is in-deed the greatest achieve-ment. 12

435

Surah Fifty-Four

And another favor will He bestow which you will love, help from God and a speedy victory. So give hope to the believers. 13O you who believe, be helpers of God, as Jesus, the son of Mary, said to the Disciples, “Who will be my helpers for God?” The dis-ciples said, “We are God's helpers.” Then a group of the Children of Israel be-lieved, and a group disbe-lieved. But We gave power to those who believed to be used against their ene-mies, and they became the ones that prevailed. 14

436

SIXTY-TWO

Whatever is in the heavens and on earth declares the praises and glory of God, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 1It is He Who has sent among the unlettered, a messenger from among themselves, to rehearse to them His signs, to refine them, and to instruct them in scripture and wisdom, although they had been be-fore in obvious error. 2As well as to them who have not already joined them, and He is the Ex-alted in Might, the Wise. 3Such is the bounty of God that He bestows on whom He wills. And God is Lord of the greatest bounty. 4The similitude of those who were charged with the obligations of the Mosaic Law, but who failed in those obligations, is that of a donkey that carries huge tomes. Unenviable is the similitude of people who falsify the signs of God, and God does not guide people who do wrong. 5Say, “O you who stand on Judaism, if you think that

you are friends to God to the exclusion of others then express your desire for death, if you are truth-ful.” 6But never will they express that desire because of the deeds their hands have sent on before them, and God knows well those who do wrong. 7Say, “The death from which you flee will indeed overtake you. Then you will be sent back to the Knower of all things secret and open, and He will inform you concerning the things that you did.” 8O you who believe, when the call is made for prayer on Friday, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of God, and leave off busi-ness. That is best for you if you only knew. 9Then when the prayer is finished, disperse through the land, and seek of the bounty of God. And re-member God much, that you may flourish. 10But when they see some deal or some entertain-ment, they disperse head-long into it, and leave you standing there. Say, “That which is from the presence of God is better than any entertainment or deal, and God is the best to provide.” 11

437

SIXTY-THREE

When the hypocrites come to you they say, “We bear witness that you are in-deed the messenger of God.” Yes, God knows that you are indeed His mes-senger, and God bears wit-ness that the hypocrites are indeed liars. 1They have made their promises a screen, and they obstruct the people from the path of God. Truly harmful are their deeds. 2Because they believed, then they rejected faith, a seal was set on their hearts, therefore they do not understand. 3When you look at them, their appearance pleases you, and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as pieces of tim-ber propped up, unable to stand on their own. They think that every complaint is against them. They are enemies, so beware of them. The curse of God is on them, and indeed they are deluded. 4And when it is said to them, “Come, the messen-ger of God will pray for your forgiveness,” they turn their heads away, and

you will see them turning away their faces in arro-gance. 5It is the same for them whether you pray for their forgiveness or not, God will not forgive them. Truly God does not guide rebel-lious transgressors. 6They are the ones who say, “Give nothing to those who are with God's messenger until they disband.” But to God belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites understand not. 7They say, “If we return to Medina, surely the elites will expel the meek from there.” But honor belongs to God and His messenger, and to the believers, but the hypocrites know not. 8O you who believe, do not let your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of God. If any does so, the loss is their own. 9And give something in charity out of the suste-nance which We have be-stowed on you before death comes to any of you and he will say, “O my Lord, why did You not give me respite for a little while? I would then have given in charity, and I would have been one of the doers of good.” 10

438

Surah Fifty-Four

But to no soul will God grant respite when the time appointed has come, and God is well acquainted with all that you do. 11

439

SIXTY-FOUR

Whatever is in the heavens and on earth declares the praise and glory of God. To Him belongs control, and to Him belongs praise, and He has power over all things. 1It is He Who has created you, and of you are some who are unbelievers, and some who are believers, and God sees well all that you do. 2He has created the heav-ens and the earth in just proportions, and has given you shape, and made your shapes beautiful. And to Him is the final goal. 3He knows what is in the heavens and on earth, and He knows what you con-ceal and what you reveal. Yes, God knows well that which is in the heart. 4Has not the story reached you, of those who rejected faith? So they tasted the painful result of their con-duct, and they had a terri-ble penalty. 5Because there came to them messengers with clear signs, but they said, “Shall human beings direct us?” So they rejected the message and turned away,

but God can do without them, and God is free of all needs, worthy of all praise. 6The unbelievers think that they will not be raised up. Say, “Yes, by my Lord, you will surely be raised up. Then will you be told about all that you did, and that is easy for God.” 7Therefore, believe in God and His messenger, and in the Light which we have sent down. And God is well acquainted with all that you do. 8The day that He assembles you all for a Day of Assem-bly, that will be a day of mutual loss and gain, and those who believe in God and work righteousness, He will remove from them their sins, and He will ad-mit them to gardens with rivers flowing through them, to dwell therein for-ever. That will be their greatest achievement. 9But those who do not be-lieve and treat Our signs as falsehood, they will be companions of the fire, to dwell therein forever, and terrible is that destina-tion. 10No kind of calamity can oc-cur except by the permis-sion of God, and if anyone believes in God, God

440

Sixty-Four

guides their heart, for God knows all things. 11So follow God, and follow His messenger. But if you turn back, the duty of Our messenger is only to pro-claim the message clearly and openly. 12God, there is no god but He, therefore on God, let the believers put their trust. 13O you who believe, indeed among your spouses and your children are enemies to you, so beware of them. And whether you forgive, overlook, or cover up their faults, indeed God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Re-deeming. 14Your riches and your chil-dren may be only a trial, but in the presence of God is the highest reward. 15So be conscious of God as much as you can. Listen, follow, and give in charity for the benefit of your own soul. And those saved from the greed of their own selves, they are the ones who achieve prosperity. 16If you loan to God a hand-some loan, He will double it to your credit, and He will grant you forgiveness. For God is most ready to appreciate service, Most Understanding, 17

Knower of what is open, Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom. 18

441

SIXTY-FIVE

O messenger, when you di-vorce women, divorce them at their prescribed periods, and count accurately their prescribed periods, and be conscious of God, your Lord, and do not turn them out of their houses, nor should they leave, except in case they are guilty of some open lewdness, those are limits set by God, and any who transgress the limits of God, indeed wrongs his soul. You do not know if God will bring about thereafter some new situation. 1So when they fulfill their term appointed, either take them back on fair terms or part with them on fair terms, and take for witness two people from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence before God. Such is the advice given to him who believes in God and the Last Day, and for those who are conscious of God, He prepares a way out, 2And He provides for him from sources he never could imagine, and if any-one puts his trust in God, sufficient is God for him, for God will surely accom-plish His purpose indeed,

for all things has God ap-pointed a due propor-tion. 3Those of your women who have passed the age of monthly periods, for them the prescribed period, if you have any doubts, are three months. And for those who have no period, it is the same. For those pregnant, their time is un-til they deliver, and for those who are conscious of God, He will make their path easy. 4That is the command of God which He has sent down to you, and if anyone is conscious of God, He will remove his sins from him, and will enlarge his reward. 5Let the women live in ‘id-dat in the same manner as you live, according to your means. Do not annoy them, as to restrict them. And if they are pregnant, then provide for them until they deliver, and if they breast-feed your offspring, give them their due, and take mutual counsel together, according to what is just and reasonable, and if you find yourselves in difficul-ties, let another woman breastfeed the child on their behalf. 6Let the man of means give according to his means,

442

Fifty-Five

and the man whose re-sources are scarce, let him give according to what God has given him. God puts no burden on any person be-yond what He has given him. With difficulty, God grants relief. 7How many were the peo-ples who insolently op-posed the command of their Lord and of His mes-sengers? Did We not then call them to account, to se-vere account? And We im-posed on them an exem-plary punishment. 8Then they tasted the con-sequence of their conduct, and the end of their con-duct was perdition. 9God has prepared for them a severe punishment. Therefore be conscious of God, O you people of un-derstanding who have be-lieved, for God has indeed sent down to you a mes-sage, 10And a messenger, who re-hearses to you the signs of God containing clear ex-planations, that he may lead forth those who be-lieve and do righteous deeds, from the depths of darkness into light, and those who believe in God and work righteousness, He will admit to gardens with rivers flowing through them, to dwell therein for-ever. God has indeed

granted for them an excel-lent provision. 11God is He Who created seven firmaments, and of the earth a similar num-ber. Through them all, de-scends His command, that you may know that God has power over all things and that God comprehends all things in His knowl-edge. 12

443

SIXTY-SIX

O messenger, why do you prohibit that which God has made permissible, in order to please your wives? But God is Oft-Forgiving, Mercifully Redeeming. 1God has already ordained for you the dissolution of your promises in some cases, and God is your Pro-tector, and He is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom. 2When the messenger dis-closed a matter in confi-dence to one of his wives, and she then divulged it, and God made it known to him, he confirmed part of it and avoided a part. Then when he told her of it she said, “Who told you this?” He said, “He Who told me, knows all and is well ac-quainted with all things.” 3Turn you two, in repen-tance to Him, as your hearts are indeed inclined. But if you back up each other against him, truly God is his Protector, and Gabriel, and the righteous ones among those who be-lieve, and in addition the angels, will back him up. 4It may be that if he di-vorced you all, God will give him instead, wives

better than you, who are loyal, who believe, who are devout, who turn to God in repentance, who worship and fast, who have been previously married or vir-gins. 5O you who believe, save yourselves and your fami-lies from a fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are angels stern and severe, who do not hesitate when executing the com-mands they receive from God, but do what they are asked. 6O you unbelievers, make no excuses this day. You are only being rewarded for all that you did. 7O you who believe, turn to God with sincere repen-tance, in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your sins and admit you to gardens with rivers flowing through them, the day that God will not per-mit to be humiliated, the messenger and those who believe with him. Their light will run forward be-fore them and by their right hands while they say, “Our Lord, perfect our light for us, and grant us forgiveness, for You have power over all things.” 8O messenger, strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be

444

Sixty-Six

firm against them. Their abode is hell, a miserable refuge. 9God sets forth, for an ex-ample to the unbelievers, the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were un-der two of our righteous servants, but they were disloyal, and they profited nothing before God on their account, but were told, “Enter the fire along with the others who en-ter.” 10And God sets forth, as an example to those who be-lieve, the wife of Pharaoh. Behold she said, “O my Lord, build for me near You, a mansion in the gar-den, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those who do wrong.” 11And Mary the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her chastity, We breathed into her of Our spirit. And she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His revelation, and was one of the devout. 12 (End of Part 28)

445

SIXTY-SEVEN

Blessed is He in Whose Hands is the control, and He has power over all things. 1He Who created death and life, that He may make evi-dent which of you is best in conduct, and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-For-giving. 2He Who created the seven heavens, one above an-other. No lack of propor-tion will you see in the cre-ation of God, the Merciful Benefactor. So turn your vision again, do you see any flaw? 3Then turn your vision twice more. Your vision will come back to you humbled and fatigued. 4And We have equipped the lowest heaven with torches, and We have made them as weapons to drive away the devils, and have prepared for them the penalty of the blazing fire. 5For those who reject their Guardian Evolver is the penalty of hell, and miser-able is that destination. 6When they are cast therein, they will hear the

drawing in of its breath as it blazes forth, 7Almost bursting with fury. Every time a group is cast therein, its keepers will ask, “Did no warner come to you?” 8They will say, “Yes, indeed a warner did come to us, but we rejected him and said, ‘God never sent down anything. You are no doubt in great error.’ ” 9They will further say, “Had we only listened, or used our intelligence, we would not be among the compan-ions of the blazing fire.” 10They will then confess their sins, but forgiveness will be far from the com-panions of the blazing fire. 11As for those who fear their Guardian Evolver, though unseen, for them is for-giveness and a great re-ward. 12And whether you hide your word or publish it, He cer-tainly has knowledge of the secrets of all hearts. 13Should He not know, He Who created? And He is the One Who understands the finest mysteries, and is well acquainted with them. 14It is He Who has placed the earth at your disposal,

446

Sixty-Seven

so traverse through its tracts and enjoy the suste-nance which He provides, and to Him is the resurrec-tion. 15Do you feel secure that He Who is in heaven will not cause you to be swallowed up by the earth when it shakes? 16Or do you feel secure that He Who is in the sky will not send against you a vio-lent tornado, so that you will know how terrible My warning is? 17But indeed the people be-fore them rejected it. So terrible was My rejec-tion. 18Do they not observe the birds above them, spread-ing their wings and folding them in? None can hold them up except God, the Merciful Benefactor. Truly God the Merciful Benefac-tor is He Who watches over all things. 19Who is there that can help you? Not even an army, be-sides the Merciful Re-deemer's. In nothing but delusion are the unbeliev-ers. 20Or who is there that can provide you with suste-nance if He was to with-hold His provisions? No, they persist in impiety and in flight. 21

Is then one who walks headlong with his face groveling better guided or one who walks evenly on a straight path? 22Say, “It is He Who has cre-ated you and made for you the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling, and under-standing. Little thanks is it you give. 23Say, “It is He Who has mul-tiplied you through the earth, and to Him will you be gathered together.” 24They ask, when will this promise be fulfilled, if you are telling the truth? 25Say, “As for the knowledge of the time, it is with God alone. I am sent only to warn clearly and pub-licly.” 26Then when they see it nearby, grieved will be the faces of the unbelievers, and it will be said, “This is that which you were invit-ing.” 27Say, “Do you see that God can destroy me, and those with me, or He can bestow His mercy on us. Yet who can deliver the unbelievers from a terrible penalty?” 28Say, “He is God, the Merci-ful Benefactor, we believed in Him, and we put our trust in Him. So soon you will know which of us it is

447

that is in manifest er-ror.” 29Say, “Look, if your stream is lost one morning, who then can supply you with flowing water?” 30

448

SIXTY-EIGHT

Nuun. By the pen and what they write, 1You are not, by the grace of your Lord, insane or possessed. 2No, indeed for you is a re-ward unfailing. 3And you stand on an ex-alted standard of charac-ter. 4Soon will you see, and they will see, 5Which of you are afflicted with insanity. 6Indeed it is your Lord Who knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best those who receive guidance. 7So do not listen to those who reject it. 8Their desire is that you would let up, so that they might regroup. 9Do not compromise with this type of despicable per-son, ready with prom-ises, 10A slanderer going about with slander, 11Hindering all good, trans-gressing beyond bounds, deep in sin, 12

Violent and cruel, with all that– useless. 13Because he possesses wealth and sons. 14When Our signs are re-hearsed to him, “Tales of the ancients,” he says. 15Soon We will brand them on the nose. 16Indeed We have tried them as We tried the people of the farm-orchard, when they decided to gather the fruits in the morning, 17But without making a con-tingency plan. 18Then there came on them a visitation from your Lord, from all around while they slept. 19So it became, by the morn-ing, like a dark and deso-late spot. 20As the morning broke, they called out one to an-other, 21“Go to your land in the morning, if you will gather the fruits.” 22So they departed, convers-ing in secret low tones say-ing, 23“Let not a single, indigent person break in upon you this day.” 24And they started the morn-ing strong in resolve, 25

449

But when they saw it they said, “We have surely lost our way, 26“Indeed we are shut out.” 27One of them more just than the others said, “Did I not say to you, ‘Why not praise God?’ ” 28They said, “Glory to Our Lord, indeed we have done wrong.” 29Then they turned one against another in blame. 30They said, “Unfortunately for us, we have indeed transgressed. 31“It may be that our Lord will give us something bet-ter than this in exchange, for we turn to Him.” 32Such is this punishment, but greater is the punish-ment in the hereafter, if they only knew. 33Indeed for the righteous are gardens of pleasure in the presence of their Lord. 34Shall We then treat the people of faith like the people of sin? 35What is the matter with you, how do you judge? 36Or do you have a book through which you learn- 37

That you will have through it whatever you wish? 38Or do you have covenants with Us reaching to the Day of Accountability, that you will have whatever you demand? 39Ask them which of them will stand for that? 40Or have they partners? Then let them produce their partners, if they are truthful. 41The day that the leg will be laid bare, and they will be summoned to bow in ado-ration, though they will not be able. 42Their eyes will be cast down, disgrace will cover them, seeing that they had been asked to bow in ado-ration while they were whole. 43Then leave Me alone with those who reject this mes-sage. By degrees We will punish them from direc-tions they do not per-ceive. 44I will grant them respite. Truly powerful is My plan. 45Or is it that you ask them for a reward, so that they are burdened with a load of debt? 46Or that the unknown is in their hands, so that they can write it down? 47

450

Sixty-Eight

So wait with patience for the command of your Lord, and do not be like the com-panion of the fish when he cried out in agony. 48Had grace from his Lord not reached him he would indeed have been cast up on the naked shore in dis-grace. 49So his Lord chose him and made him of the company of the righteous. 50And the unbelievers would nearly trip you up with their eyes when they hear the message and they say, “Surely he is pos-sessed.” 51But it is nothing less than a message for all the sys-tems of knowledge. 52

451

SIXTY-NINE

The sure reality. 1What is the sure reality? 2And what will cause you to realize what the sure real-ity is? 3The Thamud and the ‘Ad people branded as false the stunning calamity. 4But the Thamud, they were caused to perish, by a ter-rible storm. 5And the ‘Ad, they were caused to perish by a furi-ous wind, extremely vio-lent. 6He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession. So that you could see the people lying prostrate in its path, as if they had been roots of hollow palm trees tumbled down. 7Do you see then any of them left surviving? 8And Pharaoh, and those before him, and the cities overthrown, committed ha-bitual, harmful deeds. 9And they did not follow the messenger of their Lord, so He punished them with a sufficient penalty. 10

We, when the water over-flowed beyond its limits, carried you in the Ark, 11That We might make it a message for you, and that ears which hear the tale retain it to memory, and bear its lessons in mind. 12Then when a single trum-pet is blown, 13And the earth and its mountains are moved, and they are crushed to powder with a single pound. 14On that day will the Event come to pass. 15And the universe will be rent asunder, for it will be flimsy that day, 16And the angels will be on its sides, and eight will that day, bear the throne of your Lord above them. 17That day you will be brought to Judgment. Not an act of yours that you hide will be hidden. 18Then he, who will be given his record in his right hand will say, “Ah here, read my record. 19“I indeed understood that my account would reach me.” 20And he will be in a life of bliss, 21

452

Sixty-Nine

In a garden on high, 22Fruits hanging low and near. 23“Eat and drink with full satisfaction, because of that which you sent before you, in days gone by.” 24And he who will be given his record in his left hand will say, “I wish that my record had not been given to me. 25“And that I had never real-ized how my account stood. 26“I wish that death had been the end of me. 27“Of no profit to me is my wealth. 28“My power has vanished from me.” 29Then it will be said, “Seize him and bind him, 30“And burn him in the blaz-ing fire. 31“Further, make him march in a chain-gang, with a length of seventy cu-bits. 32“This was he who would not believe in God, Most High. 33“And would not encourage the feeding of the indi-gent. 34“So no friend has he here this day. 35

“Nor has he any food, ex-cept of what remains from the washing of wounds, 36“Which none eat but the wrong-doers.” 37So I call to witness what you see, 38And what you see not, 39That this is indeed the word of an honored mes-senger, 40It is not the word of a poet. Little is it you believe. 41Nor is it the word of an or-acle. Little advice is it you receive. 42A message sent down from the Lord of all worlds. 43And if the messenger were to invent any sayings in Our name, 44We would certainly seize him by his right hand, 45Then We would certainly cut off the artery of his heart. 46Nor could any of you pro-tect him. 47But indeed this is a mes-sage for those who are conscious. 48And We certainly know that there are among you those who reject it. 49But truly it is a cause of sorrow for the unbeliev-ers. 50

453

But indeed it is certainly true. 51So glorify the name of your Lord, Most High. 52

454

SEVENTY

A questioner asked about a penalty to befall- 1The unbelievers which there is none to ward off, 2A penalty from God, Lord of the ways of ascent. 3The angels and the spirit ascend to him in a day the duration of fifty thousand years. 4Therefore be patient, beautifully patient. 5They see it as indeed dis-tant, 6But We see it as near. 7The day that the sky will be like molten brass, 8And the mountains will be like wool, 9And no friend will ask about a friend, 10Though they will be put in sight of each other. Those who are corrupt, their de-sire will be that he could redeem himself from the penalty of that day with his children, 11His wife, and his brother, 12His family who sheltered him, 13

And all who are on earth, so that it could save him. 14By no means, for it would be the fire of hell, 15Burning down to the skull. 16Inviting all those who turn their backs and turn away their faces, 17Collecting and hiding it. 18Truly the human being was created impatient. 19Depressed when harm touches him, 20And arrogant when good reaches him. 21Not so those who pray. 22Those who stay focused on their prayer, 23And those who recognize a right to their wealth, 24For those who ask, and those unable to ask, 25And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Ac-countability, 26And those who fear the dis-pleasure of their Lord. 27For their Lord’s displea-sure is unlike peace and tranquility. 28And those who guard their chastity, 29

455

Except with their spouses and those that their right hands possess, for they are not to be blamed, 30But those who trespass be-yond this are transgres-sors. 31And those who respect their trusts and covenants, 32And those who stand firm in their testimonies, 33And those who guard their worship. 34These will be the honored ones in the gardens. 35Now what is the matter with the unbelievers that they rush madly before you? 36From the right and from the left, in crowds? 37Does every person among them long to enter the gar-den of bliss? 38By no means, for We have created them from what they know. 39No, I call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West. That We can certainly- 40Substitute for them better people than them. And We will not be defeated. 41So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play, until they encounter that day of

theirs which they have been promised. 42The day when they will suddenly rise from their graves, as if they were rushing to a goal post. 43Their eyes lowered, dis-grace covering them. Such is the day which they are promised. 44

456

SEVENTY-ONE

We sent Noah to his peo-ple, “Warn your people be-fore there comes to them a terrible penalty.” 1He said, “O my people, I am to you a warner, clear and open. 2“You should worship God, be conscious of Him, and follow me. 3“So that He may forgive you your sins, and give you respite for a stated term, for when the term given by God is accomplished, it cannot be delayed, if you only knew.” 4He said, “O my Lord, I have called to my people night and day. 5“But my call only increases their flight from right. 6“And every time I have called to them, so that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, covered them-selves up with their gar-ments, grown obstinate, and given themselves up to arrogance. 7“Again, I have called to them publicly, 8

“Further I have delivered by speaking to them in pri-vate, 9“Saying, ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord, for He is Oft-Forgiving, 10“ ‘He will send rain to you in abundance, 11“ ‘Give you increase in wealth and children, be-stow on you gardens, and bestow on you rivers. 12“ ‘What is the matter with you that you do not at-tribute grandeur to God? 13“ ‘Seeing that it is He Who has created you in diverse stages? 14“ ‘Do you not see how God has created the seven heavens, one above an-other, 15“ ‘And made the Moon a light in the middle of them, and made the Sun as a lamp? 16“ ‘And God has produced you from the growing earth, 17“ ‘And in the end He will return you to it, and raise you out? 18“ ‘And God has made the earth a wide expanse for you, 19

457

“That you may go about therein, in spacious roads.” 20Noah said, “O my Lord, they did not follow me, but they follow the people whose wealth and children give them no increase, but only loss. 21“And they have devised a great plot. 22“And they said, ‘Do not abandon your gods. Aban-don neither Wadd nor Suwa, neither Yaguth nor Ya’uq, nor Nasr. 23“They have already misled many, and grant no in-crease to the wrong-doers, except in misguidance.” 24So because of their sins they were drowned, and were made to enter the fire, and they found, in lieu of God, none to help them. 25And Noah said, “O my Lord, do not leave from the unbelievers, a single one on earth. 26“For if You do leave them, they will only mislead Your devotees, and they will breed none but wicked un-grateful ones. 27“O my Lord, forgive me, my parents, and all who enter my house with belief, and all believing men and be-lieving women, and to the wrongdoers, grant no in-

crease except in perdi-tion.” 28

458

SEVENTY-TWO

Say, “It has been revealed to me that a company of jinn listened and they said, “ ‘We have indeed heard a wonderful recital. 1“ ‘It gives guidance to the right way, and we believe in it. We will not join any with our Lord, 2“ ‘And Exalted is the Majesty of our Lord. He has neither wife nor child. 3“ ‘There were some foolish ones among us who used to speak elaborate lies against God. 4“ ‘But we think that no hu-man nor jinn should say anything that is untrue about God. 5“ ‘True, there were men among the humans who sought refuge with men among the jinn, and they increased them in being unwise. 6“ ‘They think, as you thought, that God would not raise up anyone. 7“ ‘And we pried into the se-crets of heaven, but we found it filled with stern guards and flaming fires. 8

“ ‘We used to sit there in position to listen, but any who listen now will find a flaming fire watching them in ambush. 9“ ‘And we do not under-stand whether harm is in-tended to those on earth, or whether their Lord in-tends to guide them to right conduct. 10“ ‘There are among us some who are righteous, and some who are not. We follow different paths. 11“ ‘But we know that by no means can we stop God throughout the earth, nor can we stop Him by flight. 12“ ‘And as for us, since we have listened to the guid-ance, we have accepted it, and any who believes in his Lord has no fear, loss, nor burden. 13“ ‘Among us are some who submit their will, and some that stray from justice. Now those who submit their will, they have found the right path. 14“But those who stray, they are fuel for hellfire.” 15If they had remained on the path, We should cer-tainly have bestowed on them rain in abundance, 16

459

That We might try them. But if any turns away from the remembrance of his Lord, He will cause him to undergo a severe penalty. 17“And the places of worship are for God. So do not in-voke any one along with God. 18“Yet when the devotee of God stands forth to invoke Him, they make around him a dense crowd.” 19Say, “I do no more than in-voke my Lord, and I do not join any with Him.” 20Say, “It is not in my power to cause you harm, nor to bring you to right con-duct.” 21Say, “No one can save me from God, nor would I find refuge except with Him, 22“Unless I proclaim what I receive from God and His messages. For any who goes against God and His messenger, for them is hell. They will dwell therein forever.” 23Then, when they see that which they are promised, then will they know who it is that is weakest in sup-port and least in num-bers. 24Say, “I do not know whether that which you are promised is near, nor whether my Lord will ap-

point for it a distant term. 25“He knows the unknown, and He does not show any-one His unknown, 26“Except a messenger whom He has chosen, and then He makes a group of watchers march before him and behind him, 27“That He may know that they have brought and de-livered the Messages of their Lord, and He sur-rounds all that are with them, and takes account of every single thing.” 28

460

SEVENTY-THREEO you who are covered, 1Arise at night, but not all night, 2Half of it, or a little less,3 Or a little more, and sing the Quran in moderate, well-arranged tones. 4Soon We will place on you a weighty message. 5Truly the rising by night is most conducive and most suitable for the Word. 6Certainly there is for you, by day, prolonged occupa-tion. 7But keep in remembrance the name of your Lord, and devote yourself to Him whole-heartedly. 8Lord of the East and the West, there is no god but He, therefore take Him to manage your affairs. 9And have patience with what they say, and leave them with dignity. 10And leave Me with those in possession of the good things in life who deny the truth, and bear with them for a little while. 11With Us are shackles, a fire, 12

A food that chokes, and a terrible penalty. 13One day the earth and the mountains will be in vio-lent commotion, and the mountains will be as a heap of sand poured out and flowing down. 14Indeed we have sent to you a messenger to be a wit-ness for you, as We sent a messenger to Pharaoh. 15 But Pharaoh did not follow the messenger, so We seized him with a terrible punishment. 16Then how will you, if you deny God, guard your-selves on a day that will make children gray-headed? 17When the universe will be cleft asunder? His promise must be accomplished. 18Indeed this is a warning. Therefore, whosoever wills, let him take a path to his Lord. 19Your Lord knows that you rise nearly two-thirds of the night, or half the night, or a third of the night, and so does a group of those with you. But God appoints night and day in due measure, He knows that you are unable to keep count of it. So He has turned to you. Therefore read of the Quran as much as is easy for you. He

461

Surah Fifty-Four

knows that there may be some among you in ill-health, others traveling through the land, seeking God's bounty, and others fighting in God's cause. Therefore read as much of the Quran as is easy, and establish prayer and give zakat, and loan to God a handsome loan, and what-ever good you send forth for your souls, you will find it in God's presence. Yes, better and greater in re-ward. And seek the grace of God, for God is Oft-For-giving, Redeeming. 20

462

SEVENTY-FOUR

O you wrapped up, 1Arise and deliver your warning, 2And praise your Lord, 3And your garments, keep free from stain, 4And avoid all abomination, 5Nor expect from giving, any increase, 6But for your Lord’s sake, be patient and constant. 7Finally, when the trumpet is sounded, 8That day, will be a day of distress, 9Far from easy for those without faith. 10Leave Me alone with those that I created alone. 11To whom I granted re-sources in abundance, 12And children to be by his side. 13To whom I made life smooth and comfort-able. 14Yet he is greedy. Should I add even more? 15

By no mean, because to Our signs he has been re-bellious. 16Soon I will visit him with a mount of disasters, 17For he thought and he plotted, 18Oh, how he plotted. 19Yes, woe to him, how he plotted. 20Then he looked around, 21Then he frowned and he scowled, 22Then he turned back and was arrogant, 23Then said he, “This is nothing but deception, de-rived from those before, 24“This is nothing but the word of a mortal.” 25Soon I will cast him into hellfire. 26And what will explain to you what hellfire is? 27Nothing does it permit to endure, and nothing does it leave alone. 28Darkening and changing the color of human be-ings. 29Over it are nineteen. 30And We have set none other than angels as guardians of the fire. And We have fixed their num-ber only as a challenge for

463

Seventy-Four

unbelievers, in order that the people of the Book may arrive at certainty, and the believers may increase in faith, and that no doubts may be left for the people of the Book and the believ-ers, and that those in whose hearts is a disease, and the unbelievers may say, “What meaning does God intend by this?” So God leaves to stray whom He pleases, and guides whom He pleases, and none can know the forces of your Lord except Him. And this is no other than a warning to humanity. 31No, indeed by the Moon, 32And by the night as it re-treats, 33And by the dawn as it shines forth, 34Indeed it is one of the greatest, 35A warning to humanity, 36To any of you who chooses to press forward, or to fall behind. 37Every soul will be held re-sponsible for its deeds, 38Except the companions of the right hand. 39They will be in gardens. They will ask, 40Those who were cor-rupt, 41

“What led you into hell-fire?” 42They will say, “We were not of those who prayed, 43“Nor were we of those who fed the indigent, 44“But we used to speak vainly with vain people, 45“And we used to deny the Day of Accountability, 46“Until there came to us that which is certain.” 47Then will no intercession of intercessors profit them. 48Then what is the matter with them that they turn away from advice? 49As if they were affrighted animals, 50Fleeing from a lion. 51Still each one of them wants to be given scrolls spread out. 52By no means, but they are not conscious of the here-after, 53No, indeed it is a re-minder. 54Let any who wills keep it in remembrance. 55But none will keep it in re-membrance except as God wills. He is the Lord of righteousness, and the Lord of forgiveness. 56

464

SEVENTY-FIVE

I call to witness the day of resurrection, 1And I call to witness the self-accusing soul. 2Does the human being think that We cannot as-semble his bones? 3Indeed We are able to put together in perfect order, the very tips of their fin-gers. 4But the human being wishes to do wrong in the time in front of him. 5He questions, “When is the Day of Resurrection?” 6Then, when the sight is dazed, 7And the Moon is buried in darkness, 8And the Sun and Moon are synchronized, 9That day the human being will say, “Where is the refuge?” 10By no means is it a place of safety. 11Before your Lord that day will be the place of rest. 12That day the human being will be told all that he pushed forward, and all that he keep back. 13

No, the human being will be evidence against him-self, 14Even though he were to put forth his excuses. 15Move not your tongue to hasten it. 16It is for Us to collect it and to recite it. 17But when We have recited it, follow its recital. 18And indeed it is upon Us to explain it. 19No, but you love the fleet-ing life, 20And forget the here-after. 21Some faces that day will beam. 22Looking towards their Lord, 23And some faces that day will be sad and dismal, 24In the thought that some backbreaking calamity was about to be inflicted on them. 25Yes, when it reaches to the collarbone, 26And there will be a cry, “Is this an illusion?” 27And he will conclude that it was the time of part-ing, 28And one leg will be joined with another. 29

465

Seventy-Five

That day all will strive to your Lord. 30So he gave nothing in charity, nor did he pray. 31Instead he rejected truth and turned away. 32Then he went to his family conceited. 33Woe to you, yes woe. 34Again, woe to you, yes, woe. 35Does the human being think that he will be left uncontrollable? 36Were they not a zygote from sperm emitted? 37Then did they become a leech-like fetus, then God made and fashion them in due proportion. 38And of them He made two genders, male and fe-male. 39Then does He not have the power to give life to the dead? 40

466

SEVENTY-SIX

Has there ever been a pe-riod of time when the hu-man being was not some-thing to consider? 1Indeed We created the hu-man being from a zygote. In order to try them, We then gave him hearing and sight. 2We showed him the way, but whether they are grateful or ungrateful rests on their will. 3For the rejecters we have prepared chains and a blazing fire. 4As for the righteous, they will drink from a cup mixed with kafur, 5A fountain where the devo-tees of God drink, making it flow in abundance. 6They honor their promise, and they are conscious of a day whose harm flies far and wide. 7And they feed, for the love of God, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive, 8Saying, “We feed you for the sake of God alone. No reward do we desire from you, nor thanks. 9

“Indeed we fear a day of distressful punish-ment.” 10But God will deliver them from the harm of that day, and will shed over them a light of beauty and joy. 11And because they were pa-tient and constant, He will reward them with a garden and garments of silk. 12Reclining in the garden on raised thrones, they will find there, neither a sun nor extreme cold. 13And the shade of the gar-den will come low over them, and bunches of fruit there will hang low. 14And among them will be passed round bowls of sil-ver and goblets of crys-tal, 15Crystal and silver. They will determine its amount. 16And they will be given to drink there, from a cup mixed with zanjabil, 17A fountain there called Salsabil. 18And around them will be youth of perpetual inno-cence. If you see them, you would think they were scattered pearls. 19And when you look, it is there you will see bliss and a realm magnificent. 20

467

Seventy-Six

Upon them will be green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give to them a natural drink. 21“Indeed this is a reward for you, and your endeavor is accepted and recog-nized.” 22It is We Who have sent down the Quran to you in stages. 23Therefore, be patient with constancy to the command of your Lord, and do not listen to those who are un-ethical or the disbeliever among them. 24And glorify the name or your Lord morning and evening, 25And part of the night, prostrate yourself to Him, and praise Him throughout the night. 26As for these, they love the fleeting life, and put away behind them a trying day. 27It is We who created them, and We have made their forms strong, but when We will, We can substitute the like of them with a change. 28This is advice, whosoever wills, let him take a path to his Lord. 29

But you cannot, except as God wills, and God is full of Knowledge and Wis-dom. 30He will admit to His mercy whom He wills, but the wrongdoers, for them has He prepared a terrible penalty. 31

468

SEVENTY-SEVEN

By those sent forth one af-ter another, 1That blow violently in tem-pestuous gusts, 2And scatter far and wide, 3Then separate them, one from another, 4Then spread abroad a mes-sage, 5Whether of justification or of warning. 6Surely what you are promised must come to pass. 7Then when the stars be-come dim, 8When the heaven is cleft asunder, 9When the mountains are scattered as dust, 10And when the messengers are all appointed a time. 11For what day are these de-ferred? 12For the day of sorting out. 13And what will explain to you what the day of sorting out is? 14Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 15

Did We not destroy people in the past? 16So We will make those of late follow them. 17This is how We deal with the people of sin. 18Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 19Have We not created you from a fluid seemingly worthless? 20Which We placed in a place of rest, firmly fixed, 21For a period determined. 22And We decide, for We are the best to decide. 23Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 24Have We not made the earth to draw together– 25The living and the dead. 26And made therein moun-tains standing firm and lofty, and provided for you sweet water? 27Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 28It will be said “Go to that which you used to reject as false. 29“Depart to a shadow in three columns, 30“Which yields no shade of coolness, and is of no use

469

Seventy-Seven

against the fierce blaze.” 31“Indeed it throws about sparks as forts, 32“As if there were yellow camels.” 33Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 34That will be a day when they will be unable to speak. 35Nor will it be open to them to put forth pleas. 36Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 37That will be a day of sort-ing out. We will gather you together with those before you. 38Now, if you have a plot, use it against Me. 39Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 40As for the righteous, they will be amid shade and springs, 41And fruits, all they de-sire. 42“Eat and drink to your heart’s content, for all that you did. 43We certainly reward the doers of good. 44Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 45

Eat and enjoy yourselves a little while, because you are wrong-doers. 46Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 47And when it is said to them, “Prostrate your-selves,” they do not do so. 48Ah woe that day to the re-jecters of truth. 49Then in what message af-ter that will they be-lieve? 50 (End of Part 29)

470

SEVENTY-EIGHT

Concerning what they are disputing. 1Concerning the great an-nouncement, 2About which they cannot agree. 3Indeed they will soon come to know. 4Again, indeed they will soon come to know. 5Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse, 6And the mountains as pegs? 7And created you mates, 8And made your sleep for rest, 9And made the night as a covering, 10And made the day as a means of subsistence? 11And built over you the seven firmaments, 12And placed a light of splendor? 13And do We not send down from the clouds water in abundance, 14That We may produce with it grains and vegeta-bles, 15

And gardens of luxurious growth? 16Indeed the day of sorting out is a thing ap-pointed, 17The day the trumpet will be sounded, and you will come forth in crowds, 18And the heavens will be opened as if there were doors, 19And the mountains will vanish, as if they were a mirage. 20Truly hell is a place of am-bush, 21For the transgressors a place of destination. 22They will dwell therein for ages. 23Nothing cool will they taste therein, nor any drink, 24Except a boiling fluid, and a fluid dark, murky, in-tensely cold, 25A fitting reward, 26Because they feared not any account for their deeds, 27And they treated Our signs as false, 28All things have We pre-served on record. 29

471

Seventy-Eight

So taste this, for no in-crease will We grant you, except in punishment. 30Indeed for the righteous there will be a fulfillment of their desires, 31Gardens enclosed, and grapevines, 32Companions of equal age, 33And a cup, full. 34No vanity will they hear therein, nor lies, 35Reward from your Lord, a gift sufficient, 36From the Guardian Evolver of the heavens and the earth, and all between. God, the Merciful Benefac-tor, none will have power to argue with Him. 37The day the Spirit and the Angels will stand forth in ranks. None will speak ex-cept those permitted by God, the Merciful Benefac-tor, and he will say what is true. 38That day will be the true reality. Therefore, whoever wills, let him anticipate the return to his Lord. 39Indeed, We have warned you of a penalty near, the day when humanity will see that which their hands have sent forth, and the unbeliever will say, “Oh my

God, I wish that I were mere dust.” 40

472

SEVENTY-NINE

By those who tear it out with violence, 1By those who gently draw it out, 2And by those who glide along, 3Then press forward as in a race, 4And plan to do it. 5One day all that can be in commotion will be in vio-lent commotion, 6Followed by repeated com-motions. 7Hearts that day will be in agitation, 8Their eyes will be caste down. 9They say, “What, will we indeed be returned to our former state? 10“What, when we will have become decayed bones?” 11They say, “It would, in that case, be a return with loss.” 12But indeed, it will be but a single cry, 13When behold, they will be in the awakening. 14

Has the story of Moses reached you? 15Behold, your Lord called to him in the sacred valley of Tuwa. 16“Go to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds. 17“And say to him, ‘Do you want to be purified? 18“And that I guide you to your Lord, so you can fear Him?” 19Then Moses showed him the great sign. 20But he rejected it and did not follow. 21Further, he turned his back, striving hard. 22Then he gathered them and made a proclama-tion, 23Saying, “I am your Lord, Most High”. 24But God punished him, and made an example of him, in the hereafter, and in the present life. 25Indeed in this is an in-structive warning for who-ever is conscious of God. 26What, are you more diffi-cult to create or the heaven? God has con-structed it, 27

473

Seventy-Nine

And on high has He raised its canopy, and He has given it order and perfec-tion. 28Its night does He endow with darkness, and its splendor does He bring out. 29And the earth, moreover, has He extended. 30He draws out from there its moisture and its pas-ture, 31And the mountains has He firmly fixed, 32For use and convenience for you and your live-stock. 33Therefore, when there comes the great over-whelming event, 34The day when humanity will remember all that they strove for, 35And hellfire will be placed in full view, for all to see, 36Then for those who trans-gressed all bounds, 37And had preferred the life of the present, 38The abode will be hellfire, 39And for those who had en-tertained the fear of stand-ing before their Lord, and have restrained their soul from lower desires, 40

Their abode will be the garden. 41They ask you about the Hour, “When will its ap-pointed time be?” 42Are you concerned with the declaration of it? 43With your Lord is the fi-nale. 44You are only a warner for those who fear it. 45The day they see it, it will be as if they had stayed but a single evening, or until the following morn. 46

474

EIGHTY

He frowned and turned away, 1Because there came to him the blind man. 2But how could you know whether he might be puri-fied? 3Or that he might receive advice, and the teaching might profit him? 4As for one who regards Himself as self-sufficient, 5To him you attend, 6Though it is no blame on you if he grows not. 7But as to him who came to you striving earnestly, 8And with consciousness, 9Of him were you unmind-ful. 10By no means should this be so, for it is indeed a message of instruction. 11So whosoever wills, may ponder it, 12In books held in honor, 13Exalted and purified, 14By the hands of scribes, 15Honorable, pious and just. 16

Woe to humanity, what has made them reject God? 17From what has He created them? 18From a zygote, He has cre-ated him, and then molds them in due propor-tions, 19Then He makes his path smooth for him, 20Then He causes him to die, and puts him in his grave, 21Then, when it is His will, He will raise him up. 22By no means has he ful-filled what God has asked of him. 23Then let the human being look at his food, 24And that We pour out wa-ter in abundance, 25And We split the earth into pieces, 26And produce therein corn, 27Grapes and nutritious plants, 28Olives and dates, 29And enclosed gardens, dense with lofty trees, 30And fruits and fodder, 31For use and convenience for you and your livestock. 32

475

Eighty

Then when there comes the deafening noise, 33The day one will flee from his own brother, 34And from his mother and his father, 35And from his wife and chil-dren, 36Each one of them, that day, will have enough concern to make him indifferent to the others. 37Some faces that day will be beaming, 38Laughing, rejoicing. 39And other faces that day will be dust-stained. 40Darkness will cover them. 41Such will be the rejecters of God, the immoral. 42

476

EIGHTY-ONE

When the sun is folded up, 1When the stars fall, losing their luster, 2When the mountains van-ish, 3When the she-camels, ten months with young, are left untended, 4When the wild creatures are herded together, 5When the oceans are made to overflow, 6When the souls are sorted out, 7When the female infant buried alive is asked, 8For what crime she was killed, 9When the scrolls are laid open, 10When the world on high is unveiled, 11When the blazing fire is kindled to a fierce blaze, 12And when the garden is brought near, 13Then will each soul know what it has put forward. 14

So indeed I call to witness the planets that recede, 15Go straight or hide, 16And the night as it disap-pears, 17And the dawn as it breathes away the dark-ness. 18Indeed it is the word of an honorable messenger, 19Endued with power, with rank before the Lord of the throne, 20With authority there, and faithful to his trust. 21And your companion is not one possessed, 22And without doubt he saw him on the clear hori-zon. 23He neither grudgingly withholds knowledge of the unknown, 24Nor is it the word of Sa-tan. 25So where are you go-ing? 26Indeed it is no less than a message to all the worlds. 27For whomever among you wills to go straight. 28But you will not will, ex-cept as God wills, the Lord of all the worlds. 29

477

EIGHTY-TWO

When the universe is ripped apart, 1When the stars are scat-tered, 2When the oceans are made to gush forth, 3And when the graves are turned upside down. 4Then each soul will know what it has sent forward and what it has kept back. 5O human being, what has seduced you from your Guardian Evolver, the Most Honorable? 6He Who created you, fash-ioned you and balanced you. 7In whatever form He wills, He puts you together. 8No, you reject right and judgment. 9But indeed over you are appointed angels to pro-tect you, 10Kind and honorable, writ-ing. 11They know all that you do. 12As for the righteous, they will be in bliss, 13

And as for the wicked, they will be in the fire, 14Which they will enter on the Day of Accountabil-ity, 15And they will not be able to stay away from it. 16And what will explain to you what the Day of Ac-countability is? 17Again, what will explain to you what the Day of Ac-countability is? 18The day when no soul will have power to do anything for another, for the deci-sion, that day, will be with God. 19

478

EIGHTY-THREE

Shame on those who are unethical, 1Those who, when they have to receive an amount from others, demand the full amount, 2But when they have to give an amount to others, give less than owed. 3Do they not think that they will be called to account? 4On a mighty day, 5A day when all of humanity will stand before the Lord of all the worlds? 6No, surely the record of the corrupt is in sijjin. 7And what will explain to you what sijjin is? 8It is a register inscribed. 9Woe that day, to those who deny it. 10Those who deny the Day of Accountability. 11And none deny it but every transgressor beyond bounds, those who are cor-rupt. 12When Our signs are re-hearsed to him, he says, “Tales of the ancients.” 13

By no means, but on their hearts is the stain of that which they do. 14Indeed, from their Lord that day, they will be veiled. 15Further, they will enter the fire of hell. 16Further, it will be said to them, “This is that which you rejected as false. 17No, indeed the record of the righteous is in il-liyin. 18And what will explain to you what illiyin is? 19It is a register in-scribed, 20To which those nearest bear witness. 21Truly the righteous will be in bliss. 22From on thrones, they ob-serve. 23You will recognize in their faces the beaming bright-ness of bliss. 24Their thirst will be quenched with natural juice, sealed. 25The seal of it will be musk, and for this let those as-pire who have aspira-tions. 26With it will be a mixture of tasnim. 27

479

Eighty-Three

A spring, from which those nearest to God will drink. 28Those in sin used to laugh at those who believed, 29And whenever they passed by them, they used to wink at each other, 30And when they returned to their people, they would return joking, 31And whenever they saw them, they would say, “Be-hold, these are indeed peo-ple astray.” 32But they had not been sent as keepers over them. 33But on this day, the believ-ers will laugh at the unbe-lievers. 34On thrones they will ob-serve. 35Will the unbelievers not have been paid back for what they did? 36

480

EIGHTY-FOUR

When the universe is ripped apart, 1And it listens to its Guardian Evolver, as it must. 2And when the earth is flat-tened out, 3And casts up what is within it and becomes empty, 4And listens to its Lord, as it must. 5O human beings, indeed you are toiling on towards your Lord, ever toiling, but you will meet Him. 6Then he who is given his record in his right hand, 7Soon his account will be taken by an easy reckon-ing, 8And he will turn to his peo-ple rejoicing. 9But he who is given his record behind his back, 10Soon he will cry for perdi-tion, 11And he will enter a blazing fire. 12Indeed he went about among his people, rejoic-ing. 13

Indeed he thought that he would not have to return to Us. 14No, no, for his Lord was watchful of him. 15So I call to witness the ruddy glow of sunset, 16The night and its hom-ing, 17And the moon in its full-ness. 18You will surely travel from stage to stage. 19What then is the matter with them that they do not believe? 20And when the Quran is read to them, they do not fall prostrate, 21But instead the unbeliev-ers reject it. 22But God has full knowl-edge of what they hide, 23So announce to them a ter-rible penalty, 24Except to those who be-lieve and do righteous deeds, for them is a reward that will never fail. 25

481

EIGHT-FIVE

By the sky, displaying the constellations, 1By the promised day, 2By one who witnesses, and the subject of the wit-ness. 3Woe to the makers of the pit, 4The fire supplied with fuel. 5Behold, they sat over against the fire, 6And they witnessed all that they were doing against the believers. 7And they treated them wrongfully for no other reason than that they be-lieved in God, the All Mighty, the Praiseworthy. 8Him to Whom belongs the control of the heavens and the earth, and God is wit-ness to all things. 9Those who persecute or draw into temptation the believers, men and women, and do not turn in repen-tance, will have the penalty of hell. They will have the penalty of the burning fire. 10

For those who believe and do righteous deeds, will be gardens with rivers flowing through them. That is the great salvation, 11Truly strong is the Grip of your Lord. 12It is He Who originates and repeats. 13And He is the Oft-Forgiv-ing, Full of Loving-Kind-ness, 14Lord of the throne of glory, 15Doer of all that He in-tends. 16Has the story reached you, of the forces- 17Of Pharaoh and the Thamud? 18And yet the unbelievers persist in rejecting. 19But God encompasses them from behind. 20No, this is a glorious Quran, 21On material preserved. 22

482

EIGHTY-SIX

By the galaxy and the night visitant. 1And what will explain to you what the night-visitant is? 2It is the star of piercing brightness. 3There is no soul that does not have a protector over it. 4Now let the human being think about from what he is created. 5He is created from a drop emitted, 6Proceeding from between the backbone and the ribs. 7Surely God is able to bring him back. 8The day that all things se-cret will be tested, 9They will have no power and no helper. 10By the firmament which re-turns? 11And by the earth which cracks open, 12Behold this is the word that is decisive. 13It is not a thing for enter-tainment. 14

As for them, they are plot-ting a scheme, 15But I am devising a plan. 16Therefore grant respite to the unbelievers. Give respite to them for a while. 17

483

EIGHTY-SEVEN

Glory to the name of your Lord Most High, 1Who has created, and fur-ther gives order and pro-portion, 2Who has ordained laws, and granted guidance, 3And Who makes the pas-ture grow, 4And then makes it dark stubble. 5By degrees We will teach you to declare the mes-sage, so you will not for-get, 6Except what God wills, for He knows what is manifest and what is hidden. 7And We will ease you to what is easy. 8Therefore give advice, in case the advice profits. 9The advice will be received by those who are conscious of God. 10But it will be avoided by the most unfortunate ones, 11Who will enter the great fire, 12In which they will then nei-ther die nor live. 13

But those will flourish who refine themselves, 14And glorify the name of their Lord in prayer. 15No, you prefer the life of the present, 16But the hereafter is better and longer lasting. 17And this is in the Ancient Books, 18The Books of Abraham and Moses. 19

484

EIGHTY-EIGHT

Has the story reached you of the overwhelming event? 1Some faces that day will be humiliated, 2Laboring hard, 3While they are entering the blazing fire, 4While they are given drink, from a boiling hot spring. 5No food will there be for them but a bitter Dhari’ 6That will neither nourish nor satisfy hunger. 7Faces that day will be joy-ful, 8Pleased with their striv-ing, 9In a garden on high, 10Where they will hear no vanity. 11There will be a bubbling spring. 12There will be thrones raised on high, 13Goblets placed, 14And cushions set in rows, 15

And rich carpets spread out. 16Do they not look at the camels, how they are made? 17And at the sky, how it is raised high? 18And at the mountains, how they are firmly fixed? 19And at the earth, how it is spread out? 20Therefore give advice, for you are one to advise. 21You are not one to manage their affairs. 22But if any turn away and reject God, 23God will punish him with a mighty punishment, 24To Us will be their re-turn, 25Then it will be for Us to call them to account. 26

485

EIGHTY-NINE

By the dawn, 1By the ten nights, 2By the even and odd, 3And by the night when it passes away. 4Is there not in these an oath for those who under-stand? 5Do you not see how your Lord dealt with the ‘Ad? 6Of Iram, with lofty pil-lars, 7The like of which were not produced in all the land? 8And with the Thamud, who carved out rocks in the val-ley? 9And with Pharaoh, lord of stakes? 10All of these transgressed beyond bounds in the lands, 11And spread corruption therein. 12Therefore your Lord poured on them a scourge of diverse chastise-ments. 13For your Lord is on a watchtower. 14Now, as for humanity, when their Lord tries

them, giving them honor and gifts, they then say, “My Lord has honored me.” 15But when He tries them, restricting subsistence from them, he says then, “My Lord has humiliated me.” 16But no, you do not honor the orphans. 17Nor do you encourage one another to feed the poor. 18And you devour inheri-tance, all with greed, 19And you love wealth with inordinate love. 20No, when the earth is pounded to powder, 21And your Lord comes, and His angels, rank upon rank, 22And hell, that day, is brought forth, on that day will the human being re-member, but how will that remembrance profit him? 23He will say, “I wish that I had invested in my life.” 24For that day, their chas-tisement will be such as none else can inflict, 25And His bonds will be such as none other can bind. 26To the righteous soul it will be said, “O you soul in

486

Eighty-Nine

complete rest and satisfac-tion. 27“Come back to your Lord, well pleased, and well-pleasing. 28“Enter then among My devotees. 29“Yes, enter My paradise. 30

487

NINETY

I call to witness this city, 1And you are free in this city, 2As are the parent and child. 3Indeed We have created the human being into toil and struggle. 4Do they think that none has power over them? 5They may say, “Wealth have I accumulated in abundance. 6Does he think that no one sees him? 7Have We not made for him a pair of eyes? 8And a tongue, and a pair of lips? 9And shown him the two highways? 10But he has made no rush to the path that is steep. 11And what will explain to you the path that is steep? 12It is freeing the captive, 13Or giving food in a day of hunger, 14

To the orphan who claims relationship, 15Or to the indigent down in the dust. 16Then will he be of those who believe, and encour-age patience, and encour-age deeds of kindness and compassion. 17These are the companions of the right hand. 18But those who reject Our signs, they are the com-panions of the left hand. 19On them will be fire vaulted all around. 20

488

NINETY-ONE

By the sun and its splen-dor, 1

By the moon as it follows it, 2

By the day as it shows its glory, 3

By the night as it conceals it, 4

By the firmament and its structure, 5

By the earth and its ex-panse. 6

By the soul, and the pro-portion and order given to it, 7

And its enlightenment as to its difficulty and its con-sciousness. 8

Certainly she succeeds who purifies it, 9

And she fail who corrupts it. 10

The Thamud rejected through their inordinate wrongdoing, 11

Behold, their representa-tive was the most terrible person among them. 12

But the messenger of God said to them, “It is a she-camel of God, so let it have a drink.” 13

Then they rejected him, and they hamstrung it. So their Lord, on account of their crime, obliterated their traces and leveled them. 14

And for Him is no fear of its consequences. 15

489

NINETY-TWO

By the night as it con-ceals, 1By the day as it appears in glory, 2By the creation of male and female. 3Indeed, what you strive for is diverse. 4So he who gives and is conscious of God, 5And testifies to the best, 6We will indeed make smooth for him the path to bliss. 7But he who suffers from greed and thinks himself self-sufficient, 8And denies the best, 9We will indeed make smooth for him the path to misery, 10Nor will his wealth profit him when he falls head-long. 11Indeed We take upon Our-selves to guide, 12And indeed to Us belong the end and the begin-ning. 13Therefore I warn you of a fire blazing fiercely, 14

None will reach it but the most unfortunate ones, 15Who give the lie to truth and turn their backs. 16But those most devote will be removed far from it, 17Those who give their wealth for self-purifica-tion, 18And have in their minds no favor from anyone, for which a reward is expected in return, 19But only the desire to seek for the Countenance of their Lord Most High, 20And soon will they attain satisfaction. 21

490

NINETY-THREE

By the glorious morning light, 1

And by the night when it is still, 2

Your Lord has not aban-doned you, nor is He dis-pleased. 3

And indeed the future will be better for you than the present. 4

And soon your Lord will give you that with which you will be well pleased. 5

Did He not find you an or-phan and give you shel-ter? 6

And He found you wander-ing, and He gave you guid-ance. 7

And He found you in need, and made you indepen-dent. 8

Therefore, treat not the or-phan with harshness, 9

Nor refuse the peti-tioner, 10

But the bounty of your Lord, proclaim. 11

491

NINETY-FOUR

Have We not expanded your chest? 1

And removed from you your burden, 2

Which galled your back? 3

And raised high the es-teem you are held, 4

So indeed, with every diffi-culty there is relief. 5

Indeed, with every diffi-culty there is relief. 6

Therefore, when you are free, still labor hard, 7

And turn all of your atten-tion to your Lord. 8

492

NINETY-FIVE

By the fig and the olive, 1

And Mount Sinai, 2

And this city of security, 3

We have indeed created the human being in the best of forms, 4

Then We debase them to the lowest of the low, 5

Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward unfailing. 6

Then what can, after this, deceive you about the judgment? 7

Is not God the Wisest of Judges? 8

493

NINETY-SIX

Read, in the name of your Lord who created, 1Created the human being from a zygote. 2Proclaim, and your Lord is Most Bountiful, 3He Who taught the use of the pen, 4Taught the human being that which he knew not. 5No, but the human being transgresses all bounds, 6When he looks upon him-self as self-sufficient. 7Indeed, to your Lord is the return. 8Do you see one who for-bids- 9A worshipper when he turns to pray? 10Have you seen whether he has guidance, 11Or encourages righteous-ness? 12Do you see if he denies and turns away? 13Does he not know that God sees? 14Let him beware, that if he does not desist, We will

drag him by the hair of his head, 15His lying, sinful head. 16Then let him call to his ad-visers. 17We will call on the angels of punishment. 18No, do not follow, but bow down in adoration, and bring yourself ever closer. 19

494

NINETY-SEVEN

We have indeed revealed it in the Night of Power. 1

And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? 2

The Night of Power is as good as a thousand months. 3

There comes down the an-gels and the spirit by God's permission, for every will. 4

Peace, until the rise of morn. 5

495

NINETY-EIGHT

Those who reject it among the people of the Book and among the polytheists were not going to depart until there came to them clear evidence, 1

A messenger from God, re-hearsing scriptures kept pure. 2

In it are laws, right and straight. 3

Nor did the people of the Book form sects, until af-ter there came to them clear evidence. 4

And they have been asked no more than this— to wor-ship God, offer Him sin-cere devotion, be truthful, establish prayer, and give zakat, and that is the way of life which is right and straight. 5

Those who reject it among the people of the Book and among the polytheists, will

be in hellfire, to dwell therein forever. They are the worst of creatures. 6

Those who have faith and do righteous deeds, they are the best of creatures. 7

Their reward with God is gardens of eternity, be-neath which rivers flow, they will dwell therein for-ever, God well pleased with them, and they with Him. All this for those who are conscious of their Lord. 8

496

NINETY-NINE

When the earth is shaken to its utmost convulsion, 1

And the earth throws up its burden, 2

And the human being yells, “What is the matter with it?” 3

On that day it will declare its information, 4

Because your Lord would have given it inspiration. 5

On that day, humanity will proceed in groups sorted out, to be shown their deeds. 6

Then anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good see it. 7

And anyone who has done an atom’s weight of wrong will see it. 8

497

ONE HUNDREDBy those who race with panting breath, 1

And strike sparks of fire, 2

And push home the charge in the morning, 3

And raise the dust in clouds, 4

And move forward en masse. 5

Truly the human being is ungrateful to their Guardian Evolver, 6

And to that they bear wit-ness, 7

And violent is their love of wealth. 8 

Does he not know, when that which is in the graves is scattered abroad, 9

And that which is in the chest is made manifest, 10

That their Guardian Evolver had been well ac-quainted with them that day? 11

498

ONE HUNDRED AND ONE

The Disaster. 1

What is the Disaster? 2

And what will explain to you what the Disaster is? 3

It is a day when humanity will be like scattered moths, 4

And the mountains will be as wool. 5

Then he whose scales will be heavy, 6 

Will be in a life of bless-ings and satisfaction. 7

But he whose scale will be found light, 8

Will have his home in a pit. 9

And what will explain to you what this is? 10

It is a fire blazing fiercely. 11

499

ONE HUNDRED AND TWO

The competition for accu-mulating diverts you, 1

Until you all visit the graves. 2

But no, you will soon know. 3

Again, you will soon know. 4

No, were you to know with certainty of mind, 5

You will certainly see hell-fire. 6

Again, you will see it with certainty of sight. 7

Then, you will be ques-tioned that day about the pleasure you indulged in. 8

500

ONE HUNDRED AND THREE

By time, 1

Indeed the human being is lost, 2

Except those who have faith, work to make things right, and join together in the mutual teaching of truth, patience, and con-stancy. 3

501

ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR

Woe to every scandalous, backbiter, 1

Who accumulates wealth and counts it, 2

Thinking that his wealth will make him last for-ever. 3

By no means. He will surely be thrown into that which breaks into pieces, 4

And what will explain to you about that which breaks into pieces? 5

It is the fire of God kindled to a blaze, 6

That mounts right up to the hearts. 7 

It will be made into a vault over them, 8

In columns, extended. 9

502

ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE

Do you not see how your Lord dealt with the com-panions of the elephant? 1

Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray? 2

And He sent against them flocks of birds, 3

Striking them with stones of baked clay. 4

Then He made them like an empty field of stalks and straw which has been eaten. 5

503

ONE HUNDRED AND SIX

For the security enjoyed by the Quraysh, 1

Their security covering journeys by winter and summer, 2

Let them adore the Guardian Evolver of this house, 3

Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear of danger. 4

504

ONE HUNDRED

AND SEVEN

Do you see the one who de-nies the Judgment? 1

They are those who repulse the orphan, 2

And do not encourage the feeding of the indigent. 3

So woe to the worshippers, 4

Who are neglectful of their prayers, 5

Those who want to be seen, 6

But refuse to do even neighborly deeds. 7

505

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT

To you, We have granted the fountain of abun-dance. 1

Therefore turn in prayer and sacrifice to your Lord. 2

For he who hates you, he will be cut off. 3

506

ONE HUNDRED AND NINE

Say, O you who do not be-lieve. 1

I do not worship that which you worship, 2

Nor will you worship that which I worship. 3

And I will not worship that which you are accustomed to worshiping, 4

Nor will you worship that which I worship. 5

To you your way, and to me, my way. 6

507

ONE-HUNDRED AND TEN

When the help of God and victory comes, 1

And you see the people en-ter God's religion in crowds, 2

Glorify by Praising your Guardian Evolver, and pray for His forgiveness, for He is Oft-Forgiving. 3

508

ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN

May the hands of the fa-ther of the flame perish, and may he perish. 1

No profit will he have for all his wealth, and all his gains. 2

He will soon burn in a fire of a blazing flame. 3

His wife will carry the wood as fuel. 4

With a twisted rope of palm-leaf fiber around her neck. 5

509

ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE

Say, He is God, the One and Only, 1

God, the Eternal, Absolute. 2

He has no children, nor was He born, 3

And nothing is like Him. 4

510

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN

Say, I seek refuge with the Guardian Evolver of the dawn, 1

From the harm of created things, 2

From the harm of darkness as it overspreads, 3

From the harm of those who whisper into convic-tions, 4

And from the harm of the envious one as he prac-tices envy. 5

511

ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN

Say, I seek refuge with the Guardian Evolver of hu-manity, 1

The King of humanity, 2

The God of humanity, 3

From the harm of the whis-perer, who withdraws after he whispers, 4

And who whispers into the hearts of humanity, 5

Among jinn and humanity. 6

512