ص

1 Sad. By the Qur'an containing reminder...

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Sad. [These letters (Sad, etc.) are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. By the Qur'an full of reminding (explanations and honour for the one who believes in it).

2 But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension.

2 Nay, those who disbelieve are in false pride and opposition.

3 How many a generation have We destroyed before them, and they [then] called out; but it was not a time for escape.

3 How many a generation have We destroyed before them! And they cried out when there was no longer time for escape.

4 And they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. And the disbelievers say, "This is a magician and a liar.

4 And they (Arab pagans) wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has come to them from among themselves. And the disbelievers say: "This (Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is a sorcerer, a liar.

5 Has he made the gods [only] one God? Indeed, this is a curious thing."

5 "Has he made the alihah (gods) (all) into One Ilah (God - Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!"

6 And the eminent among them went forth, [saying], "Continue, and be patient over [the defense of] your gods. Indeed, this is a thing intended.

6 And the leaders among them went about (saying): "Go on, and remain constant to your alihah (gods)! Verily, this is a thing designed (against you)!

7 We have not heard of this in the latest religion. This is not but a fabrication.

7 "We have not heard (the like) of this in the religion of these later days (i.e. Christianity). This is nothing but an invention! [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]

8 Has the message been revealed to him out of [all of] us?" Rather, they are in doubt about My message. Rather, they have not yet tasted My punishment.

8 "Has the Reminder been sent down to him (alone) from among us?" Nay, but they are in doubt about My Reminder (this Qur'an)! Nay, but they have not tasted (My) Torment!

9 Or do they have the depositories of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?

9 Or have they the treasures of the Mercy of your Lord, the All-Mighty, the Real Bestower?

10 Or is theirs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend through [any] ways of access.

10 Or is it that the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them is theirs? If so, let them ascend up with means (to the heavens)!

11 [They are but] soldiers [who will be] defeated there among the companies [of disbelievers].

11 (As they denied Allah's Message) they will be a defeated host like the Confederates of the old times (who were defeated).

12 The people of Noah denied before them, and [the tribe of] 'Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes,

12 Before them (were many who) belied (Messengers) - the people of Nuh (Noah); and 'Ad; and Fir'aun (Pharaoh) the man of stakes (with which he used to punish the people),

13 And [the tribe of] Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the thicket. Those are the companies.

13 And Thamud, and the people of Lut (Lot), and the Dwellers of the Wood: such were the Confederates.

14 Each of them denied the messengers, so My penalty was justified.

14 Not one of them but belied the Messengers; therefore My Torment was justified,

15 And these [disbelievers] await not but one blast [of the Horn]; for it there will be no delay.

15 And these only wait for a single Saihah [shout (i.e. the blowing of the Trumpet by the angel Israfil -)] there will be no pause or ending thereto [till everything will perish except Allah (the only God full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour)].

16 And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account"

16 They say: "Our Lord! Hasten to us Qittana (i.e. our Record of good and bad deeds so that we may see it) before the Day of Reckoning!"

17 Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah].

17 Be patient (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) of what they say, and remember Our slave Dawud (David), endued with power. Verily, he was ever oft-returning in all matters and in repentance (toward Allah).

18 Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Allah] in the [late] afternoon and [after] sunrise.

18 Verily, We made the mountains to glorify Our Praises with him [Dawud (David)] in the 'Ashi (i.e. after the mid-day till sunset) and Ishraq (i.e. after the sunrise till mid-day).

19 And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises].

19 And (so did) the birds assembled: all obedient to him [Dawud (David)] [i.e. they came and glorified Allah's Praises along with him]. (Tafsir Al-Qurtubi ).

20 And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech.

20 We made his kingdom strong and gave him Al-Hikmah (Prophethood) and sound judgement in speech and decision.

21 And has there come to you the news of the adversaries, when they climbed over the wall of [his] prayer chamber -

21 And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrab (a praying place or a private room);

22 When they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them? They said, "Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path.

22 When they entered in upon Dawud (David), he was terrified of them. They said: "Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way.

23 Indeed this, my brother, has ninety - nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, 'Entrust her to me,' and he overpowered me in speech."

23 Verily, this my brother (in religion) has ninety-nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe, and he says: "Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech."

24 [David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they." And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allah].

24 [Dawud (David)] said (immediately without listening to the opponent): "He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few." And Dawud (David) guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to Allah) in repentance.

25 So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.

25 So We forgave him that, and verily, for him is a near access to Us, and a good place of (final) return (Paradise).

26 [We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.

26 O Dawud (David)! Verily! We have placed you as a successor on the earth; so judge you between men in truth (and justice) and follow not your desire - for it will mislead you from the Path of Allah. Verily, those who wander astray from the Path of Allah (shall) have a severe torment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning.

27 And We did not create the heaven and the earth and that between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve, so woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire.

27 And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve (in Islamic Monotheism) from the Fire!

28 Or should we treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like corrupters in the land? Or should We treat those who fear Allah like the wicked?

28 Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds as Mufsidun (those who associate partners in worship with Allah and commit crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqun (the pious - See V.2:2) as the Fujjar (criminals, disbelievers, the wicked)?

29 [This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.

29 (This is) a Book (the Qur'an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.

30 And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].

30 And to Dawud (David) We gave Sulaiman (Solomon). How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance (to Us)!

31 [Mention] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the poised [standing] racehorses.

31 When there were displayed before him, in the afternoon, well trained horses of the highest breed [for Jihad (holy fighting in Allah's Cause)].

32 And he said, "Indeed, I gave preference to the love of good [things] over the remembrance of my Lord until the sun disappeared into the curtain [of darkness]."

32 He said: "I did love the good (these horses) instead of remembering my Lord (in my 'Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and (the sun) had hidden in the veil (of night).

33 [He said], "Return them to me," and set about striking [their] legs and necks.

33 Then he said "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks (till the end of the display).

34 And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned.

34 And indeed, We did try Sulaiman (Solomon) and We placed on his throne Jasad (a devil, so he lost his kingdom for a while) and he did return (to Allah with obedience and in repentance, and to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allah).

35 He said, "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower."

35 He said: "My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me: Verily, You are the Bestower."

36 So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed,

36 So, We subjected to him the wind; it blew gently by his order whithersoever he willed,

37 And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver

37 And also the Shayatin (devils) from the jinn (including) every kind of builder and diver,

38 And others bound together in shackles.

38 And also others bound in fetters.

39 [We said], "This is Our gift, so grant or withhold without account."

39 [Allah said to Sulaiman (Solomon)]: "This is Our gift: so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked (of you)."

40 And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.

40 And verily, for him is a near access to Us, and a good (final) return (Paradise).

41 And remember Our servant Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, Satan has touched me with hardship and torment."

41 And remember Our slave Ayyub (Job), when he invoked his Lord (saying): "Verily Shaitan (Satan) has touched me with distress (by ruining my health) and torment (by ruining my wealth)!

42 [So he was told], "Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink."

42 (Allah said to him): "Strike the ground with your foot: This is (a spring of) water to wash in, cool and a (refreshing) drink."

43 And We granted him his family and a like [number] with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for those of understanding.

43 And We gave him (back) his family, and along with them the like thereof, as a Mercy from Us, and a Reminder for those who understand.

44 [We said], "And take in your hand a bunch [of grass] and strike with it and do not break your oath." Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].

44 "And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith (your wife), and break not your oath. Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily he was ever oft-returning in repentance (to Us)!

45 And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - those of strength and [religious] vision.

45 And remember Our slaves, Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaq (Isaac), and Ya'qub (Jacob), (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and (also) of religious understanding.

46 Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter].

46 Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing, - i.e.) the remembrance of the Home [in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and also they used to invite the people to obey Allah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter].

47 And indeed they are, to Us, among the chosen and outstanding.

47 And they are with Us, verily, of the chosen and the best!

48 And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul - Kifl, and all are among the outstanding.

48 And remember Isma'il (Ishmael), Alyasa' (Elisha), and Dhul-Kifl (Isaiah), all are among the best.

49 This is a reminder. And indeed, for the righteous is a good place of return

49 This is a Reminder. And verily, for the Muttaqun (the pious - See V.2:2) is a good final return (Paradise),

50 Gardens of perpetual residence, whose doors will be opened to them.

50 'Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), whose doors will be opened for them.

51 Reclining within them, they will call therein for abundant fruit and drink.

51 Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks;

52 And with them will be women limiting [their] glances and of equal age.

52 And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf [chaste females (wives) restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)], (and) of equal ages.

53 This is what you, [the righteous], are promised for the Day of Account.

53 This it is what you (Al-Muttaqun - the pious - see V.2:2) are promised for the Day of Reckoning!

54 Indeed, this is Our provision; for it there is no depletion.

54 (It will be said to them)! Verily, this is Our Provision which will never finish.

55 This [is so]. But indeed, for the transgressors is an evil place of return -

55 This is so! And for the Taghun (transgressors, the disobedient to Allah and His Messenger - disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, criminals) will be an evil final return (Fire).

56 Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the resting place.

56 Hell! Where they will burn, and worst (indeed) is that place to rest!

57 This - so let them taste it - is scalding water and [foul] purulence.

57 This is so! Then let them taste it - a boiling fluid and dirty wound discharges.

58 And other [punishments] of its type [in various] kinds.

58 And other (torments) of similar kind - all together!

59 [Its inhabitants will say], "This is a company bursting in with you. No welcome for them. Indeed, they will burn in the Fire."

59 This is a troop entering with you (in Hell), no welcome for them! Verily, they shall burn in the Fire!

60 They will say, "Nor you! No welcome for you. You, [our leaders], brought this upon us, and wretched is the settlement."

60 (The followers of the misleaders will say): "Nay, you (too)! No welcome for you! It is you (misleaders) who brought this upon us (because you misled us in the world), so evil is this place to stay in!"

61 They will say, "Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us - increase for him double punishment in the Fire."

61 They will say: "Our Lord! Whoever brought this upon us, add to him a double torment in the Fire!"

62 And they will say, "Why do we not see men whom we used to count among the worst?

62 And they will say: "What is the matter with us that we see not men whom we used to count among the bad ones?"

63 Is it [because] we took them in ridicule, or has [our] vision turned away from them?"

63 Did we take them as an object of mockery, or have (our) eyes failed to perceive them?"

64 Indeed, that is truth - the quarreling of the people of the Fire.

64 Verily, that is the very truth - the mutual dispute of the people of the Fire!

65 Say, [O Muhammad], "I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except Allah, the One, the Prevailing.

65 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "I am only a warner and there is no Ilah (God) except Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) the One, the Irresistible,

66 Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver."

66 "The Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving."

67 Say, "It is great news

67 Say: "That (this Qur'an) is a great news,

68 From which you turn away.

68 "From which you turn away!

69 I had no knowledge of the exalted assembly [of angels] when they were disputing [the creation of Adam].

69 "I had no knowledge of the chiefs (angels) on high when they were disputing and discussing (about the creation of Adam).

70 It has not been revealed to me except that I am a clear warner."

70 "Only this has been revealed to me, that I am a plain warner."

71 [So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay.

71 (Remember) when your Lord said to the angels: "Truly I am going to create man from clay".

72 So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration."

72 So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him."

73 So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely.

73 So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them:

74 Except Iblees; he was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.

74 Except Iblis (Satan): he was proud and was one of the disbelievers.

75 [Allah] said, "O Iblees, what prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My hands? Were you arrogant [then], or were you [already] among the haughty?"

75 (Allah) said: "O Iblis (Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands . Are you too proud (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high exalted?"

76 He said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay."

76 [Iblis (Satan)] said: "I am better than he. You created me from fire, and You created him from clay."

77 [Allah] said, "Then get out of Paradise, for indeed, you are expelled.

77 (Allah) said: "Then get out from here; for verily you are outcast.

78 And indeed, upon you is My curse until the Day of Recompense."

78 "And verily My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense."

79 He said, "My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected."

79 [Iblis (Satan)] said: "My Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are resurrected."

80 [Allah] said, "So indeed, you are of those reprieved

80 (Allah) said: "Verily! You are of those allowed respite."

81 Until the Day of the time well - known."

81 "Till the Day of the time appointed."

82 [Iblees] said, "By your might, I will surely mislead them all

82 [Iblis (Satan)] said: "By Your Might, then I will surely mislead them all,

83 Except, among them, Your chosen servants."

83 "Except Your chosen slaves amongst them (i.e. faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism)."

84 [Allah] said, "The truth [is My oath], and the truth I say -

84 (Allah) said: "The Truth is - and the Truth I say -

85 [That] I will surely fill Hell with you and those of them that follow you all together."

85 That I will fill Hell with you [Iblis (Satan)] and those of them (mankind) that follow you, together."

86 Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for the Qur'an any payment, and I am not of the pretentious

86 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "No wage do I ask of you for this (the Qur'an), nor am I one of the Mutakallifun (those who pretend and fabricate things which do not exist).

87 It is but a reminder to the worlds.

87 "It (this Qur'an) is only a Reminder for all the 'Alamin (mankind and jinn).

88 And you will surely know [the truth of] its information after a time."

88 "And you shall certainly know the truth of it after a while".