Al Zukhruf

1 Hameem

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 Waalkitabi almubeeni

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

3 Inna jaAAalnahu quranan AAarabiyyan laAAallakum taAAqiloona

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

4 Wainnahu fee ommi alkitabi ladayna laAAaliyyun hakeemun

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 Afanadribu AAankumu alththikra safhan an kuntum qawman musrifeena

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

6 Wakam arsalna min nabiyyin fee alawwaleena

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

7 Wama yateehim min nabiyyin illa kanoo bihi yastahzioona

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

8 Faahlakna ashadda minhum batshan wamada mathalu alawwaleena

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

9 Walain saaltahum man khalaqa alssamawati waalarda layaqoolunna khalaqahunna alAAazeezu alAAaleemu

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 Allathee jaAAala lakumu alarda mahdan wajaAAala lakum feeha subulan laAAallakum tahtadoona

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 Waallathee nazzala mina alssamai maan biqadarin faansharna bihi baldatan maytan kathalika tukhrajoona

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 Waallathee khalaqa alazwaja kullaha wajaAAala lakum mina alfulki waalanAAami ma tarkaboona

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

13 Litastawoo AAala thuhoorihi thumma tathkuroo niAAmata rabbikum itha istawaytum AAalayhi wataqooloo subhana allathee sakhkhara lana hatha wama kunna lahu muqrineena

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 Wainna ila rabbina lamunqaliboona

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

15 WajaAAaloo lahu min AAibadihi juzan inna alinsana lakafoorun mubeenun

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 Ami ittakhatha mimma yakhluqu banatin waasfakum bialbaneena

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

17 Waitha bushshira ahaduhum bima daraba lilrrahmani mathalan thalla wajhuhu muswaddan wahuwa katheemun

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 Awaman yunashshao fee alhilyati wahuwa fee alkhisami ghayru mubeenin

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 WajaAAaloo almalaikata allatheena hum AAibadu alrrahmani inathan ashahidoo khalqahum satuktabu shahadatuhum wayusaloona

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 Waqaloo law shaa alrrahmanu ma AAabadnahum ma lahum bithalika min AAilmin in hum illa yakhrusoona

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 Am ataynahum kitaban min qablihi fahum bihi mustamsikoona

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

22 Bal qaloo inna wajadna abaana AAala ommatin wainna AAala atharihim muhtadoona

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

23 Wakathalika ma arsalna min qablika fee qaryatin min natheerin illa qala mutrafooha inna wajadna abaana AAala ommatin wainna AAala atharihim muqtadoona

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 Qala awalaw jitukum biahda mimma wajadtum AAalayhi abaakum qaloo inna bima orsiltum bihi kafiroona

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 Faintaqamna minhum faonthur kayfa kana AAaqibatu almukaththibeena

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

26 Waith qala ibraheemu liabeehi waqawmihi innanee baraon mimma taAAbudoona

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

27 Illa allathee fataranee fainnahu sayahdeeni

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

28 WajaAAalaha kalimatan baqiyatan fee AAaqibihi laAAallahum yarjiAAoona

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 Bal mattaAAtu haolai waabaahum hatta jaahumu alhaqqu warasoolun mubeenun

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 Walamma jaahumu alhaqqu qaloo hatha sihrun wainna bihi kafiroona

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 Waqaloo lawla nuzzila hatha alquranu AAala rajulin mina alqaryatayni AAatheemun

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 Ahum yaqsimoona rahmata rabbika nahnu qasamna baynahum maAAeeshatahum fee alhayati alddunya warafaAAna baAAdahum fawqa baAAdin darajatin liyattakhitha baAAduhum baAAdan sukhriyyan warahmatu rabbika khayrun mimma yajmaAAoona

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 Walawla an yakoona alnnasu ommatan wahidatan lajaAAalna liman yakfuru bialrrahmani libuyootihim suqufan min fiddatin wamaAAarija AAalayha yathharoona

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 Walibuyootihim abwaban wasururan AAalayha yattakioona

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

35 Wazukhrufan wain kullu thalika lamma mataAAu alhayati alddunya waalakhiratu AAinda rabbika lilmuttaqeena

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 Waman yaAAshu AAan thikri alrrahmani nuqayyid lahu shaytanan fahuwa lahu qareenun

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 Wainnahum layasuddoonahum AAani alssabeeli wayahsaboona annahum muhtadoona

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

38 Hatta itha jaana qala ya layta baynee wabaynaka buAAda almashriqayni fabisa alqareenu

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 Walan yanfaAAakumu alyawma ith thalamtum annakum fee alAAathabi mushtarikoona

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 Afaanta tusmiAAu alssumma aw tahdee alAAumya waman kana fee dalalin mubeenin

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 Faimma nathhabanna bika fainna minhum muntaqimoona

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

42 Aw nuriyannaka allathee waAAadnahum fainna AAalayhim muqtadiroona

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

43 Faistamsik biallathee oohiya ilayka innaka AAala siratin mustaqeemin

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 Wainnahu lathikrun laka waliqawmika wasawfa tusaloona

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 Waisal man arsalna min qablika min rusulina ajaAAalna min dooni alrrahmani alihatan yuAAbadoona

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 Walaqad arsalna moosa biayatina ila firAAawna wamalaihi faqala innee rasoolu rabbi alAAalameena

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 Falamma jaahum biayatina itha hum minha yadhakoona

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

48 Wama nureehim min ayatin illa hiya akbaru min okhtiha waakhathnahum bialAAathabi laAAallahum yarjiAAoona

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 Waqaloo ya ayyuha alsahiru odAAu lana rabbaka bima AAahida AAindaka innana lamuhtadoona

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 Falamma kashafna AAanhumu alAAathaba itha hum yankuthoona

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 Wanada firAAawnu fee qawmihi qala ya qawmi alaysa lee mulku misra wahathihi alanharu tajree min tahtee afala tubsiroona

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 Am ana khayrun min hatha allathee huwa maheenun wala yakadu yubeenu

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

53 Falawla olqiya AAalayhi aswiratun min thahabin aw jaa maAAahu almalaikatu muqtarineena

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

54 Faistakhaffa qawmahu faataAAoohu innahum kanoo qawman fasiqeena

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 Falamma asafoona intaqamna minhum faaghraqnahum ajmaAAeena

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

56 FajaAAalnahum salafan wamathalan lilakhireena

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

57 Walamma duriba ibnu maryama mathalan itha qawmuka minhu yasiddoona

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 Waqaloo aalihatuna khayrun am huwa ma daraboohu laka illa jadalan bal hum qawmun khasimoona

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 In huwa illa AAabdun anAAamna AAalayhi wajaAAalnahu mathalan libanee israeela

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 Walaw nashao lajaAAalna minkum malaikatan fee alardi yakhlufoona

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 Wainnahu laAAilmun lilssaAAati fala tamtarunna biha waittabiAAooni hatha siratun mustaqeemun

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 Wala yasuddannakumu alshshaytanu innahu lakum AAaduwwun mubeenun

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 Walamma jaa AAeesa bialbayyinati qala qad jitukum bialhikmati waliobayyina lakum baAAda allathee takhtalifoona feehi faittaqoo Allaha waateeAAooni

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 Inna Allaha huwa rabbee warabbukum faoAAbudoohu hatha siratun mustaqeemun

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 Faikhtalafa alahzabu min baynihim fawaylun lillatheena thalamoo min AAathabi yawmin aleemin

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 Hal yanthuroona illa alssaAAata an tatiyahum baghtatan wahum la yashAAuroona

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

67 Alakhillao yawmaithin baAAduhum libaAAdin AAaduwwun illa almuttaqeena

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

68 Ya AAibadi la khawfun AAalaykumu alyawma wala antum tahzanoona

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 Allatheena amanoo biayatina wakanoo muslimeena

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 Odkhuloo aljannata antum waazwajukum tuhbaroona

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

71 Yutafu AAalayhim bisihafin min thahabin waakwabin wafeeha ma tashtaheehi alanfusu watalaththu alaAAyunu waantum feeha khalidoona

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 Watilka aljannatu allatee oorithtumooha bima kuntum taAAmaloona

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 Lakum feeha fakihatun katheeratun minha takuloona

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

74 Inna almujrimeena fee AAathabi jahannama khalidoona

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

75 La yufattaru AAanhum wahum feehi mublisoona

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 Wama thalamnahum walakin kanoo humu alththalimeena

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

77 Wanadaw ya maliku liyaqdi AAalayna rabbuka qala innakum makithoona

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 Laqad jinakum bialhaqqi walakinna aktharakum lilhaqqi karihoona

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 Am abramoo amran fainna mubrimoona

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

80 Am yahsaboona anna la nasmaAAu sirrahum wanajwahum bala warusuluna ladayhim yaktuboona

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 Qul in kana lilrrahmani waladun faana awwalu alAAabideena

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 Subhana rabbi alssamawati waalardi rabbi alAAarshi AAamma yasifoona

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 Fatharhum yakhoodoo wayalAAaboo hatta yulaqoo yawmahumu allathee yooAAadoona

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

84 Wahuwa allathee fee alssamai ilahun wafee alardi ilahun wahuwa alhakeemu alAAaleemu

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 Watabaraka allathee lahu mulku alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma waAAindahu AAilmu alssaAAati wailayhi turjaAAoona

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 Wala yamliku allatheena yadAAoona min doonihi alshshafaAAata illa man shahida bialhaqqi wahum yaAAlamoona

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 Walain saaltahum man khalaqahum layaqoolunna Allahu faanna yufakoona

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 Waqeelihi yarabbi inna haolai qawmun la yuminoona

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

89 Faisfah AAanhum waqul salamun fasawfa yaAAlamoona

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