Al Zukhruf

1 Ha Mim.

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Ha-Mim. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings].

2 I swear by the Book that makes things clear:

2 By the manifest Book (i.e. this Qur'an that makes things clear).

3 Surely We have made it an Arabic Quran that you may understand.

3 Verily, We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic that you may be able to understand (its meanings and its admonitions).

4 And surely it is in the original of the Book with Us, truly elevated, full of wisdom.

4 And verily, it (this Qur'an) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), with Us, indeed exalted, full of wisdom.

5 What! shall We then turn away the reminder from you altogether because you are an extravagant people?

5 Shall We then (warn you not and) take away the Reminder (this Qur'an) from you, because you are a people Musrifun.

6 And how many a prophet have We sent among the ancients.

6 And how many a Prophet have We sent amongst the men of old.

7 And there came not to them a prophet but they mocked at him.

7 And never came there a Prophet to them but they used to mock at him.

8 Then We destroyed those who were stronger than these in prowess, and the case of the ancients has gone before,

8 Then We destroyed men stronger (in power) than these - and the example of the ancients has passed away (before them).

9 And if you should ask them, Who created the heavens and the earth? they would most certainly say: The Mighty, the Knowing One, has created them;

9 And indeed if you ask them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" They will surely say: "The All-Mighty, the All-Knower created them."

10 He Who made the earth a resting - place for you, and made in it ways for you that you may go aright;

10 Who has made for you the earth like a bed, and has made for you roads therein, in order that you may find your way.

11 And He Who sends down water from the cloud according to a measure, then We raise to life thereby a dead country, even thus shall you be brought forth;

11 And Who sends down water (rain) from the sky in due measure, then We revive a dead land therewith, and even so you will be brought forth (from the graves).

12 And He Who created pairs of all things, and made for you of the ships and the cattle what you ride on,

12 And Who has created all the pairs and has appointed for you ships and cattle on which you ride:

13 That you may firmly sit on their backs, then remember the favor of your Lord when you are firmly seated thereon, and say: Glory be to Him Who made this subservient to us and we were not able to do it

13 In order that you may mount on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, and say: "Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts).

14 And surely to our Lord we must return.

14 And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return!"

15 And they assign to Him a part of His servants; man, to be sure, is clearly ungrateful.

15 Yet, they assign to some of His slaves a share with Him (by pretending that He has children, and considering them as equals or co-partners in worship with Him). Verily, man is indeed a manifest ingrate!

16 What! has He taken daughters to Himself of what He Himself creates and chosen you to have sons?

16 Or has He taken daughters out of what He has created, and He has selected for you sons?

17 And when one of them is given news of that of which he sets up as a likeness for the Beneficent Allah, his face becomes black and he is full of rage.

17 And if one of them is informed of the news of (the birth of a girl) that which he sets forth as a parable to the Most Gracious (Allah), his face becomes dark, and he is filled with grief!

18 What! that which is made in ornaments and which in contention is unable to make plain speech!

18 (Like they then for Allah) a creature who is brought up in adornments (wearing silk and gold ornaments, i.e. women), and who in dispute cannot make herself clear?

19 And they make the angels - - them who are the servants of the Beneficent Allah - - female (divinities). What! did they witness their creation? Their evidence shall be written down and they shall be questioned.

19 And they make the angels who themselves are slaves of the Most Gracious (Allah) females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned!

20 And they say: If the Beneficent Allah had pleased, we should never have worshipped them. They have no knowledge of this; they only lie.

20 And they said: "If it had been the Will of the Most Gracious (Allah), we should not have worshipped them (false deities)." They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do nothing but lie!

21 Or have We given them a book before it so that they hold fast to it?

21 Or have We given them any Book before this (the Qur'an) to which they are holding fast?

22 Nay! they say: We found our fathers on a course, and surely we are guided by their footsteps.

22 Nay! They say: "We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we guide ourselves by their footsteps."

23 And thus, We did not send before you any warner in a town, but those who led easy lives in it said: Surely we found our fathers on a course, and surely we are followers of their footsteps.

23 And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps."

24 (The warner) said: What! even if I bring to you a better guide than that on which you found your fathers? They said: Surely we are unbelievers in that with which you are sent.

24 (The warner) said: "Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?" They said: "Verily, we disbelieve in that with which you have been sent."

25 So We inflicted retribution on them, then see how was the end of the rejecters.

25 So We took revenge on them, then see what was the end of those who denied (Islamic Monotheism).

26 And when Ibrahim said to his father and his people: Surely I am clear of what you worship,

26 And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship,

27 Save Him Who created me, for surely He will guide me.

27 "Except Him (i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone) Who did create me; and verily He will guide me."

28 And he made it a word to continue in his posterity that they may return.

28 And he made it [i.e. La ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone)] a Word lasting among his offspring, (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition).

29 Nay! I gave them and their fathers to enjoy until there came to them the truth and an Apostle making manifest (the truth).

29 Nay, but I gave (the good things of this life) to these (polytheists) and their fathers to enjoy, till there came to them the truth (the Qur'an), and a Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) making things clear.

30 And when there came to them the truth they said: This is magic, and surely we are disbelievers in it.

30 And when the truth (this Qur'an) came to them, they (the disbelievers in this Qur'an) said: "This is magic, and we disbelieve therein."

31 And they say: Why was not this Quran revealed to a man of importance in the two towns?

31 And they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta'if)?"

32 Will they distribute the mercy of your Lord? We distribute among them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We j have exalted some of them above others in degrees, that some of them may take others in subjection; and the mercy of your Lord is better than what they amass.

32 Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass.

33 And were it not that all people had been a single nation, We would certainly have assigned to those who disbelieve in the Beneficent Allah (to make) of silver the roofs of their houses and the stairs by which they ascend.

33 And were it not that mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Gracious (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators whereby they ascend,

34 And the doors of their houses and the couches on which they recline,

34 And for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline,

35 And (other) embellishments of gold; and all this is naught but provision of this world's life, and the hereafter is with your Lord only for those who guard (against evil).

35 And adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is (only) for the Muttaqun.

36 And whoever turns himself away from the remembrance of the Beneficent Allah, We appoint for him a Shaitan, so he becomes his associate.

36 And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of the Most Gracious (Allah) (i.e. this Qur'an and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan - devil) to be a Qarin (a companion) to him.

37 And most surely they turn them away from the path, and they think that they are guided aright:

37 And verily, they (Satans / devils) hinder them from the Path (of Allah), but they think that they are guided aright!

38 Until when he comes to Us, he says: O would that between me and you there were the distance of the East and the West; so evil is the associate!

38 Till, when (such a one) comes to Us, he says [to his Qarin (Satan / devil companion)] "Would that between me and you were the distance of the two easts (or the east and west)" - a worst (type of) companion (indeed)!

39 And since you were unjust, it will not profit you this day that you are sharers in the chastisement.

39 It will profit you not this Day (O you who turn away from Allah's remembrance and His worship) as you did wrong, (and) that you will be sharers (you and your Qarin ) in the punishment.

40 What! can you then make the deaf to hear or guide the blind and him who is in clear error?

40 Can you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) make the deaf to hear, or can you guide the blind or him who is in manifest error?

41 But if We should take you away, still We shall inflict retribution on them;

41 And even if We take you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) away, We shall indeed take vengeance on them.

42 Rather We will certainly show you that which We have promised them; for surely We are the possessors of full power over them.

42 Or (if) We show you that wherewith We threaten them: then verily We have perfect command over them.

43 Therefore hold fast to that which has been revealed to you; surely you are on the right path.

43 So hold you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) fast to that which is revealed to you. Verily you are on the Straight Path.

44 And most surely it is a reminder for you and your people, and you shall soon be questioned.

44 And verily this (the Qur'an) is indeed a Reminder for you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) and your people (Quraish people, or your followers), and you will be questioned (about it).

45 And ask those of Our apostles whom We sent before you: Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Beneficent Allah?

45 And ask (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: "Did We ever appoint alihah (gods) to be worshipped besides the Most Gracious (Allah)?"

46 And certainly We sent Musa with Our communications to Firon and his chiefs, so he said: Surely I am the apostle of the Lord of the worlds.

46 And indeed We did send Musa (Moses) with Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs (inviting them to Allah's religion of Islam) He said: "Verily, I am a Messenger of the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)."

47 But when he came to them with Our signs, lo! they laughed at them.

47 But when he came to them with Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations) behold, they laughed at them.

48 And We did not show them a sign but it was greater than its like, and We overtook them with chastisement that they may turn.

48 And not an Ayah (sign, etc.) We showed them but it was greater than its fellow , and We seized them with torment, in order that they might turn [from their polytheism to Allah's religion (Islamic Monotheism)].

49 And they said: O magician! call on your Lord for our sake, as He has made the covenant with you; we shall surely be the followers of the right way.

49 And they said [to Musa (Moses)]: "O you sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to what He has covenanted with you. Verily, We shall guide ourselves (aright)."

50 But when We removed from them the chastisement, lo! they broke the pledge.

50 But when We removed the torment from them, behold, they broke their covenant (that they will believe if We remove the torment from them).

51 And Firon proclaimed amongst his people: O my people! is not the kingdom of Egypt mine? And these rivers flow beneath me; do you not then see?

51 And Fir'aun (Pharaoh) proclaimed among his people (saying): "O my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me. See you not then?

52 Nay! I am better than this fellow, who is contemptible, and who can hardly speak distinctly:

52 "Am I not better than this one [Musa (Moses)] who is despicable and can scarcely express himself clearly?

53 But why have not bracelets of gold been put upon him, or why have there not come with him angels as companions?

53 "Why then are not golden bracelets bestowed on him, or angels sent along with him?"

54 So he incited his people to levity and they obeyed him: surely they were a transgressing people.

54 Thus he [Fir'aun (Pharaoh)] befooled (and misled) his people, and they obeyed him. Verily, they were ever a people who were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).

55 Then when they displeased Us, We inflicted a retribution on them, so We drowned them all together,

55 So when they angered Us, We punished them, and drowned them all.

56 And We made them a precedent and example to the later generations.

56 And We made them a precedent (as a lesson for those coming after them), and an example to later generations.

57 And when a description of the son of Marium is given, lo! your people raise a clamor thereat.

57 And when the son of Maryam (Mary) is quoted as an example [i.e. 'Îsa (Jesus) is worshipped like their idols], behold, your people cry aloud (laugh out at the example).

58 And they say: Are our gods better, or is he? They do not set it forth to you save by way of disputation; nay, they are a contentious people.

58 And say: "Are our alihah (gods) better or is he ['Îsa (Jesus)]?" They quoted not the above example except for argument. Nay! But they are a quarrelsome people. (See V. 21:98-101)

59 He was naught but a servant on whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the children of Israel.

59 He ['Îsa (Jesus)] was not more than a slave. We granted Our Favour to him, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a father).

60 And if We please, We could make among you angels to be successors in the land.

60 And if it were Our Will, We would have [destroyed you (mankind) all, and] made angels to replace you on the earth. [Tafsir At-Tabari].

61 And most surely it is a knowledge of the hour, therefore have no doubt about it and follow me: this is the right path.

61 And he ['Îsa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)] shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the Hour (Day of Resurrection) [i.e. 'Isa's (Jesus) descent on the earth]. Therefore have no doubt concerning it (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). And follow Me (Allah) (i.e. be obedient to Allah and do what He orders you to do, O mankind)! This is the Straight Path (of Islamic Monotheism, leading to Allah and to His Paradise).

62 And let not the Shaitan prevent you; surely he is your j open enemy.

62 And let not Shaitan (Satan) hinder you (from the right religion, i.e. Islamic Monotheism). Verily, he (Satan) to you is a plain enemy.

63 And when Isa came with clear arguments he said: I have come to you indeed with wisdom, and that I may make clear to you part of what you differ in; so be careful of (your duty to) Allah and obey me:

63 And when 'Îsa (Jesus) came with (Our) clear Proofs, he said: "I have come to you with Al-Hikmah (Prophethood), and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which you differ. Therefore fear Allah and obey me.

64 Surely Allah is my Lord and your Lord, therefore serve Him; this is the right path:

64 "Verily, Allah! He is my Lord (God) and your Lord (God). So worship Him (Alone). This is the (only) Straight Path (i.e. Allah's religion of true Islamic Monotheism)."

65 But parties from among them differed, so woe to those who were unjust because of the chastisement of a painful day.

65 But the sects from among themselves differed. So woe to those who do wrong [by ascribing things to 'Îsa (Jesus) that are not true] from the torment of a painful Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)!

66 Do they wait for aught but the hour, that it should come! upon them all of a sudden while they do not perceive?

66 Do they only wait for the Hour that it shall come upon them suddenly, while they perceive not?

67 The friends shall on that day be enemies one to another, except those who guard (against evil).

67 Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun (the pious. See V.2:2).

68 O My servants! there is no fear for you this day, nor shall you grieve.

68 (It will be said to the true believers of Islamic Monotheism): My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve,

69 Those who believed in Our communications and were submissive:

69 (You) who believed in Our Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and were Muslims (i.e. who submit totally to Allah's Will, and believe in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism).

70 Enter the garden, you and your wives; you shall be made happy.

70 Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness.

71 There shall be sent round to them golden bowls and drinking - cups and therein shall be what their souls yearn after and (wherein) the eyes shall delight, and you shall abide therein.

71 Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them; (there will be) therein all that inner-selves could desire, and all that eyes could delight in and you will abide therein forever.

72 And this is the garden which you are given as an inheritance on account of what you did.

72 This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do (in the life of the world).

73 For you therein are many fruits of which you shall eat.

73 Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (as you desire).

74 Surely the guilty shall abide in the chastisement of hell.

74 Verily, the Mujrimun (criminals, sinners, disbelievers) will be in the torment of Hell to abide therein forever.

75 It shall not be abated from them and they shall therein be despairing.

75 (The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair therein.

76 And We are not unjust to them, but they themselves were unjust.

76 We wronged them not, but they were the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers).

77 And they shall call out: O Malik! let your Lord make an end of us. He shall say: Surely you shall tarry.

77 And they will cry: "O Malik (Keeper of Hell)! Let your Lord make an end of us." He will say: "Verily, you shall abide forever."

78 Certainly We have brought you the truth, but most of you are averse to the truth.

78 Indeed We have brought the truth (Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم with the Qur'an) to you, but most of you have a hatred for the truth.

79 Or have they settled an affair? Then surely We are the settlers.

79 Or have they plotted some plan? Then We too are planning.

80 Or do they think that We do not hear what they conceal and their secret discourses? Aye! and Our apostles with them write down.

80 Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsel? (Yes We do) and Our messengers (appointed angels in charge of mankind) are by them, to record.

81 Say: If the Beneficent Allah has a son, I am the foremost of those who serve.

81 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): "If the Most Gracious (Allah) had a son (or children as you pretend), then I am the first of Allah's worshippers [who deny and refute this claim of yours (and the first to believe in Allah Alone and testify that He has no children)]." [Tafsir At-Tabari].

82 Glory to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of power, from what they describe.

82 Glorified be the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Throne! Exalted be He from all that they ascribe (to Him).

83 So leave them plunging into false discourses and sporting until they meet their day which they are threatened with.

83 So leave them (alone) to speak nonsense and play until they meet the Day of theirs which they have been promised.

84 And He it is Who is Allah in the heavens and Allah in the earth; and He is the Wise, the Knowing.

84 It is He (Allah) Who is the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) in the heaven and the only Ilah (God to be worshipped) on the earth. And He be the All-Wise, the All-Knower.

85 And blessed is He Whose is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, and with Him is the knowledge of the hour, and to Him shall you be brought back.

85 And Blessed be He to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, and with Whom is the knowledge of the Hour, and to Whom you (all) will be returned.

86 And those whom they call upon besides Him have no authority for intercession, but he who bears witness of the truth and they know (him).

86 And those whom they invoke instead of Him have no power of intercession - except for those who bear witness to the truth knowingly (i.e. believed in the Oneness of Allah, and obeyed His Orders), and they know (the facts about the Oneness of Allah).

87 And if you should ask them who created them, they would certainly say: Allah. Whence are they then turned back?

87 And if you ask them who created them, they will surely say: "Allah." How then are they turned away (from the worship of Allah, Who created them)?

88 Consider his cry: O my Lord! surely they are a people who do not believe.

88 (And Allah has the knowledge) of (Prophet Muhammad's) saying: "O my Lord! Verily, these are a people who believe not!"

89 So turn away from them and say, Peace, for they shall soon come to know.

89 So turn away from them (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم), and say: Salam (peace)! But they will come to know.