سبإ

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. His is all the praises and thanks in the Hereafter, and He is the All-Wise, the All-Aware.

1 Praise be to Allah, to Whom belong all things in the heavens and on earth: to Him be Praise in the Hereafter: and He is Full of Wisdom, acquainted with all things.

2 He knows that which goes into the earth and that which comes forth from it, and that which descends from the heaven and that which ascends to it. And He is the Most Merciful, the Oft-Forgiving.

2 He knows all that goes into the earth, and all that comes out thereof; all that comes down from the sky and all that ascends thereto and He is the Most Merciful, the Oft - Forgiving.

3 Those who disbelieve say: "The Hour will not come to us." Say: "Yes, by my Lord, the All-Knower of the Unseen, it will come to you; not even the weight of an atom (or a small ant) or less than that or greater escapes His Knowledge in the heavens or in the earth but it is in a Clear Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).

3 The Unbelievers say, "Never to us will come the Hour": Say, "Nay! but most surely, by my Lord, it will come upon you; - by Him Who knows the unseen, - from Whom is not hidden the least little atom in the heavens or on earth: Nor is there anything less than that, or greater, but is in the Record Perspicuous:

4 That He may recompense those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds. Those, theirs is forgiveness and Rizq Karim (generous provision, i.e. Paradise).

4 That He may reward those who believe and work deeds of righteousness: for such is Forgiveness and a Sustenance Most Generous."

5 But those who strive against Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to frustrate them - those, for them will be a severe painful torment.

5 But those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them, - for such will be a Penalty, - a Punishment most humiliating.

6 And those who have been given knowledge see that what is revealed to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from your Lord is the truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted in Might, Owner of all praise.

6 And those to whom knowledge has come see that the (Revelation) sent down to thee from thy Lord - that is the Truth, and that it guides to the Path of the Exalted (in might), Worthy of all praise.

7 Those who disbelieve say: "Shall we direct you to a man (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) who will tell you (that) when you have become fully disintegrated into dust with full dispersion, then you will be created (again) anew?"

7 The Unbelievers say (in ridicule): "Shall we point out to you a man that will tell you, when ye are all scattered to pieces in disintegration, that ye shall (then be raised) in a New Creation?

8 Has he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) invented a lie against Allah, or is there a madness in him? Nay, but those who disbelieve in the Hereafter are (themselves) in a torment, and in far error.

8 "Has he invented a falsehood against Allah, or has a spirit (seized) him?" - Nay, it is those who believe not in the Hereafter, that are in (real) Penalty, and in farthest error.

9 See they not what is before them and what is behind them, of the heaven and the earth? If We will, We shall sink the earth with them, or cause a piece of the heaven to fall upon them. Verily, in this is a sign for every slave who turns to Allah in repentance (i.e. the one who believes in the Oneness of Allah and performs deeds of His obedience and always begs His Pardon).

9 See they not what is before 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 sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every devotee that turns to Allah (in repentance).

10 And indeed We bestowed grace on Dawud (David) from Us (saying): "O you mountains. Glorify (Allah) with him! And you birds (also)! And We made the iron soft for him."

10 We bestowed Grace aforetime on David from ourselves: "O ye Mountains! Sing ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! And We made the iron soft for him; -

11 Saying: "Make you perfect coats of mail, and balance well the rings of chain armour, and work you (men) righteousness. Truly, I am All-Seer of what you do."

11 (Commanding), "Make thou coast of mail, balancing well the rings of chain armour, and work ye righteousness; for be sure I see (clearly) all that ye do."

12 And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind, its morning (stride from sunrise till midnoon) was a month's (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month's (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two months' (journey). And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinn that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord. And whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire.

12 And 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 Jinns that worked in front of him, by the leave of his Lord, and if any of them turned aside from our command, We made him taste of the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.

13 They worked for him as he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places). "Work you, O family of Dawud (David), with thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful.

13 They worked for him as he desired, (making) arches, images, basons as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places): "Work ye, sons of David, with thanks! but few of My servants are grateful!"

14 Then when We decreed death for him [Sulaiman (Solomon)], nothing informed them (jinn) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his stick. So when he fell down, the jinn saw clearly that if they had known the Unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment.

14 Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff: so when he fell down, the Jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating Penalty (of their Task).

15 Indeed there was for Saba' (Sheba) a sign in their dwelling-place - two gardens on the right hand and on the left; (and it was said to them:) "Eat of the provision of your Lord, and be grateful to Him." A fair land and an Oft-Forgiving Lord!

15 There was, for Saba, aforetime, a Sign in their home - land - two Gardens to the right and to the left. "Eat of the Sustenance (provided) by your Lord, and be grateful to Him: a territory fair and happy, and a Lord Oft - Forgiving!

16 But they turned away (from the obedience of Allah), so We sent against them Sail Al-'Arim (flood released from the dam), and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees.

16 But they turned away (from Allah), and We sent against them the Flood (released) from the dams, and We converted their two garden (rows) into "gardens" producing bitter fruit, and tamarisks, and some few (stunted) Lote - trees.

17 Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requite in such a way except those who are ungrateful (disbelievers).

17 That was the Requital We gave them because they ungratefully rejected Faith: and never do We give (such) requital except to such as are ungrateful rejecters.

18 And We placed, between them and the towns which We had blessed, towns easy to be seen, and We made the stages (of journey) between them easy (saying): "Travel in them safely both by night and day."

18 Between them and the Cities on which We had poured our blessings, We had placed Cities in prominent positions, and between them We had appointed stages of journey in due proportion: "Travel therein, secure, by night and by day."

19 But they said: "Our Lord! Make the stages between our journey longer," and they wronged themselves; so We made them as tales (in the land), and We dispersed them all totally. Verily, in this are indeed signs for every steadfast, grateful (person).

19 But they said: "Our Lord! Place longer distances between our journey - stages": but they wronged themselves (therein). At length We made them as a tale (that is told), and We dispersed them all in scattered fragments. Verily in this are Signs for every (soul that is) patiently constant and grateful.

20 And indeed Iblis (Satan) did prove true his thought about them: and they followed him, all except a group of true believers (in the Oneness of Allah).

20 And on them did Satan prove true his idea, and they followed him, all but a party that believed.

21 And he (Iblis - Satan) had no authority over them, - except that We might test him who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt about it. And your Lord is a Hafiz (Watchful) over everything. (All-Knower of everything i.e. He keeps record of every person as regards deeds, and then He will reward them accordingly).

21 But he had no authority over them, - except that We might test the man who believes in the Hereafter from him who is in doubt concerning it: and thy Lord doth watch over all things.

22 Say: (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to polytheists, pagans) "Call upon those whom you assert (to be associate gods) besides Allah, they possess not even an atom's (or a small ant's) weight either in the heavens or on the earth, nor have they any share in either, nor there is for Him any supporter from among them.

22 Say: "Call upon other (gods) whom ye fancy, besides Allah: They have no power, - not the weight of an atom, - in the heavens or on earth: No (sort of) share have they therein, nor is any of them a helper to Allah.

23 Intercession with Him profits not except for him whom He permits. So much so that when fear is banished from their (angels') hearts, they (angels) say: "What is it that your Lord has said?" They say: "The truth. And He is the Most High, the Most Great."

23 "No intercession can avail in His Presence, except for those for whom He has granted permission. So far (is this the case) that, when terror is removed from their hearts (at the Day of Judgment, then) will they say, 'what is it that your Lord commanded?' they will say, 'That which is true and just; and He is the Most High Most Great'."

24 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to polytheists, pagans) "Who gives you provision from the heavens and the earth?" Say: "Allah. And verily, (either) we or you are rightly guided or in plain error."

24 Say: "Who gives you sustenance, from the heavens and the earth?" Say: "It is Allah; and certain it is that either we or ye are on right guidance or in manifest error!"

25 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to polytheists, pagans) "You will not be asked about our sins, nor shall we be asked of what you do."

25 Say: "Ye shall not be questioned as to our sins, nor shall we be questioned as to what ye do."

26 Say: "Our Lord will assemble us all together (on the Day of Resurrection), then He will judge between us with truth. And He is the Just Judge, the All-Knower of the true state of affairs [Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

26 Say: "Our Lord will gather us together and will in the end decide the matter between us (and you) in truth and justice: and He is the one to decide, the One Who knows all."

27 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to polytheists and pagans): "Show me those whom you have joined with Him as partners. Nay (there are not at all any partners with Him)! But He is Allah (Alone), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise."

27 Say: "Show me those whom ye have joined with Him as partners: by no means (can ye). Nay, He is Allah, the Exalted in Power, the Wise."

28 And We have not sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not.

28 We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not.

29 And they say: "When is this promise (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) if you are truthful?"

29 They say: "When will this promise (come to pass) if ye are telling the truth?"

30 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "The appointment to you is for a Day, which you cannot put back for an hour (or a moment) nor put forward."

30 Say: "The appointment to you is for a Day, which ye cannot put back for an hour nor put forward."

31 And those who disbelieve say: "We believe not in this Qur'an nor in that which was before it." But if you could see when the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) will be made to stand before their Lord, how they will cast the (blaming) word one to another! Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: "Had it not been for you, we should certainly have been believers!"

31 The Unbelievers say: "We shall neither believe in this scripture nor in (any) that (came) before it." Couldst thou but see when the wrong - doers will be made to stand before their Lord, throwing back the word (of blame) on one another! Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones: "Had it not been for you, we should certainly have been believers!"

32 And those who were arrogant will say to those who were deemed weak: "Did we keep you back from guidance after it had come to you? Nay, but you were Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, disbelievers, criminals)."

32 The arrogant ones will say to those who had been despised: "Was it we who kept you back from Guidance after it reached you? Nay, rather, it was ye who transgressed.

33 Those who were deemed weak will say to those who were arrogant: "Nay, but it was your plotting by night and day: when you ordered us to disbelieve in Allah and set up rivals to Him!" And each of them (parties) will conceal their own regrets (for disobeying Allah during this worldly life), when they behold the torment. And We shall put iron collars round the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they requited aught except what they used to do?

33 Those who had been despised will say to the arrogant ones: "Nay! it was a plot (of yours) by day and by night: Behold! Ye (constantly) ordered us to be ungrateful to Allah and to attribute equals to Him!" They will declare (their) repentance when they see the Penalty: We shall put yokes on the necks of the Unbelievers: It would only be a requital for their (ill) Deeds.

34 And We did not send a warner to a township but those who were given the worldly wealth and luxuries among them said: "We believe not in the (Message) with which you have been sent."

34 Never did We send a warner to a population, but the wealthy ones among them said: "We believe not in the (Message) with which ye have been sent."

35 And they say: "We are more in wealth and in children, and we are not going to be punished."

35 They said: "We have more in wealth and in sons, and we cannot be punished."

36 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Verily, my Lord enlarges the provision to whom He wills and restricts, but most men know not."

36 Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Provision to whom He pleases, but most men understand not."

37 And it is not your wealth, nor your children that bring you nearer to Us (i.e. please Allah), but only he who believes (in the Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds (will please Us); as for such, there will be twofold reward for what they did, and they will reside in the high dwellings (Paradise) in peace and security.

37 It is not your wealth nor your sons, that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: but only those who believe and work righteousness - these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied Reward for their deeds, while secure they (reside) in the dwellings on high!

38 And those who strive against Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), to frustrate them, they will be brought to the torment.

38 Those who strive against Our Signs, to frustrate them, will be given over into Punishment.

39 Say: "Truly, my Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and (also) restricts (it) for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah's Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers."

39 Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Sustenance to such of his servants as He pleases: and nothing do ye spend in the least (in His cause) but He replaces it: for He is the Best of those who grant Sustenance.

40 And (remember) the Day when He will gather them all together, then He will say to the angels: "Was it you that these people used to worship?"

40 One Day He will gather them all together, and say to the angels, "Was it you that these men used to worship?"

41 They (the angels) will say: "Glorified be You! You are our Wali (Lord) instead of them. Nay, but they used to worship the jinn; most of them were believers in them."

41 They will say, "Glory to Thee! our (tie) is with Thee - as Protector - not with them. Nay, but they worshipped the Jinns: most of them believed in them."

42 So Today (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), none of you can profit or harm one another. And We shall say to those who did wrong [i.e. worshipped others (like the angels, jinn, prophets, saints, righteous persons) along with Allah]: "Taste the torment of the Fire which you used to belie.

42 So on that Day no power shall they have over each other, for profit or harm: and We shall say to the wrong - doers, "Taste ye the Penalty of the Fire, - the which ye were wont to deny!"

43 And when Our Clear Verses are recited to them, they say: "This (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is naught but a man who wishes to hinder you from that which your fathers used to worship." And they say: "This (the Qur'an) is nothing but an invented lie." And those who disbelieve say of the truth when it has come to them (i.e. Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم when Allah sent him as a Messenger with proofs, evidence, verses of this Qur'an, lessons, signs, etc.): "This is nothing but evident magic!"

43 When Our Clear Signs are rehearsed to them, they say, "This is only a man who wishes to hinder you from the (worship) which your fathers practised." And they say, "This is only a falsehood invented!" and the Unbelievers say of the Truth when it comes to them, "This is nothing but evident magic!"

44 And We had not given them Scriptures which they could study, nor sent to them before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) any warner (Messenger).

44 But We had not given them Books which they could study, nor sent messengers to them before thee as Warners.

45 And those before them belied; these have not received even a tenth of what We had granted to those (of old); yet they belied My Messengers. Then how (terrible) was My denial (punishment)!

45 And their predecessors rejected (the Truth); these have not received a tenth of what We had granted to those: yet when they rejected My messengers, how (terrible) was My rejection (of them)!

46 Say (to them O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I exhort you to one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allah's sake in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم): there is no madness in your companion (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). He is only a warner to you in face of a severe torment."

46 Say: "I do admonish you on one point: that ye do stand up before Allah, - (It may be) in pairs, or (it may be) singly, - and reflect (within yourselves): your Companion is not possessed: he is no less than a warner to you, in face of a terrible Penalty."

47 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Whatever wage I might have asked of you is yours. My wage is from Allah only, and He is a Witness over all things."

47 Say: "No reward do I ask of you: it is (all) in your interest: my reward is only due from Allah: And He is witness to all things."

48 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Verily my Lord sends down (Revelation and makes apparent) the truth (i.e. this Revelation that had come to me), the All-Knower of the Ghaib (Unseen).

48 Say: "Verily my Lord doth cast the (mantle of) Truth (over His servants), - He that has full knowledge of (all) that is hidden."

49 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Al-Haqq (the truth i.e. the Qur'an and Allah's Revelation) has come, and Al-Batil [falsehood - Iblis (Satan)] can neither create anything nor resurrect (anything)."

49 Say: "The Truth has arrived, and Falsehood neither creates anything new, nor restores anything."

50 Say: "If (even) I go astray, I shall stray only to my own loss. But if I remain guided, it is because of the Revelation of my Lord to me. Truly, He is All-Hearer, Ever Near (to all things)."

50 Say: "If I am astray, I only stray to the loss of my own soul: but if I receive guidance, it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me: it is He Who hears all things, and is (ever) near."

51 And if you could but see, when they will be terrified with no escape (for them), and they will be seized from a near place.

51 If thou couldst but see when they will quake with terror; but then there will be no escape (for them), and they will be seized from a position (quite) near.

52 And they will say (in the Hereafter): "We do believe (now):" but how could they receive (Faith and the acceptance of their repentance by Allah) from a place so far off (i.e. to return to the worldly life again).

52 And they will say, "We do believe (now) in the (Truth)"; but how could they receive (Faith) from a position (so far off, -

53 Indeed they did disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah, Islam, the Qur'an and Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) before (in this world), and they (used to) conjecture about the Unseen [i.e. the Hereafter, Hell, Paradise, Resurrection and the Promise of Allah (by saying) all that is untrue], from a far place.

53 Seeing that they did reject Faith (entirely) before, and that they (continually) cast (slanders) on the unseen from a position far off?

54 And a barrier will be set between them and that which they desire [i.e. At-Taubah (turning to Allah in repentance) and the accepting of Faith], as was done in the past with the people of their kind. Verily, they have been in grave doubt.

54 And between them and their desires, is placed a barrier, as was done in the past with their partisans: for they were indeed in suspicious (disquieting) doubt.