Chapter 38, 88 verses
Sad waalqurani thee alththikri
Sad. By the Qur'an containing reminder...
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Sad. By the renowned Qur'an,
Bali allatheena kafaroo fee AAizzatin washiqaqin
But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension.
Nay, but those who disbelieve are in false pride and schism.
Kam ahlakna min qablihim min qarnin fanadaw walata heena manasin
How many a generation have We destroyed before them, and they [then] called out; but it was not a time for escape.
How many a generation We destroyed before them, and they cried out when it was no longer the time for escape!
WaAAajiboo an jaahum munthirun minhum waqala alkafiroona hatha sahirun kaththabun
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.
And they marvel that a warner from among themselves hath come unto them, and the disbelievers say: This is a wizard, a charlatan.
AjaAAala alalihata ilahan wahidan inna hatha lashayon AAujabun
Has he made the gods [only] one God? Indeed, this is a curious thing."
Maketh he the gods One God ? Lo! that is an astounding thing.
Waintalaqa almalao minhum ani imshoo waisbiroo AAala alihatikum inna hatha lashayon yuradu
And the eminent among them went forth, [saying], "Continue, and be patient over [the defense of] your gods. Indeed, this is a thing intended.
The chiefs among them go about, exhorting: Go and be staunch to your gods! Lo! this is a thing designed.
Ma samiAAna bihatha fee almillati alakhirati in hatha illa ikhtilaqun
We have not heard of this in the latest religion. This is not but a fabrication.
We have not heard of this in later religion. This is naught but an invention.
Aonzila AAalayhi alththikru min baynina bal hum fee shakkin min thikree bal lamma yathooqoo AAathabi
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.
Hath the reminder been unto him (alone) among us ? Nay, but they are in doubt concerning My reminder; nay but they have not yet tasted My doom.
Am AAindahum khazainu rahmati rabbika alAAazeezi alwahhabi
Or do they have the depositories of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?
Or are theirs the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower ?
Am lahum mulku alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma falyartaqoo fee alasbabi
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.
Or is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them theirs ? Then let them ascend by ropes!
Jundun ma hunalika mahzoomun mina alahzabi
[They are but] soldiers [who will be] defeated there among the companies [of disbelievers].
A defeated host are (all) the factions that are there.
Kaththabat qablahum qawmu noohin waAAadun wafirAAawnu thoo alawtadi
The people of Noah denied before them, and [the tribe of] 'Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes,
The folk of Noah before them denied (their messenger) and (so did the tribe of) A'ad, and Pharaoh firmly planted,
Wathamoodu waqawmu lootin waashabu alaykati olaika alahzabu
And [the tribe of] Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the thicket. Those are the companies.
And (the tribe of) Thamud, and the folk of Lot, and the dwellers in the wood: these were the factions.
In kullun illa kaththaba alrrusula fahaqqa AAiqabi
Each of them denied the messengers, so My penalty was justified.
Not one of them but did deny the messengers, therefor My doom was justified,
Wama yanthuru haolai illa sayhatan wahidatan ma laha min fawaqin
And these [disbelievers] await not but one blast [of the Horn]; for it there will be no delay.
These wait for but one Shout, there will be no second thereto.
Waqaloo rabbana AAajjil lana qittana qabla yawmi alhisabi
And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account"
They say: Our Lord! Hasten on for us our fate before the Day of Reckoning.
Isbir AAala ma yaqooloona waothkur AAabdana dawooda tha alaydi innahu awwabun
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].
Bear with what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).
Inna sakhkharna aljibala maAAahu yusabbihna bialAAashiyyi waalishraqi
Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Allah] in the [late] afternoon and [after] sunrise.
Lo! We subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and sunrise,
Waalttayra mahshooratan kullun lahu awwabun
And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises].
And the birds assembled; all were turning unto Him.
Washadadna mulkahu waataynahu alhikmata wafasla alkhitabi
And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech.
We made his kingdom strong and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.
Wahal ataka nabao alkhasmi ith tasawwaroo almihraba
And has there come to you the news of the adversaries, when they climbed over the wall of [his] prayer chamber -
And hath the story of the litigants come unto thee ? How they climbed the wall into the royal chamber;
Ith dakhaloo AAala dawooda fafaziAAa minhum qaloo la takhaf khasmani bagha baAAduna AAala baAAdin faohkum baynana bialhaqqi wala tushtit waihdina ila sawai alssirati
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.
How they burst in upon David, and he was afraid of them. They said: Be not afraid! (We are) two litigants, one of whom hath wronged the other, therefor judge aright between us; be not unjust; and show us the fair way.
Inna hatha akhee lahu tisAAun watisAAoona naAAjatan waliya naAAjatun wahidatun faqala akfilneeha waAAazzanee fee alkhitabi
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."
Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered me in speech.
Qala laqad thalamaka bisuali naAAjatika ila niAAajihi wainna katheeran mina alkhulatai layabghee baAAduhum AAala baAAdin illa allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati waqaleelun ma hum wathanna dawoodu annama fatannahu faistaghfara rabbahu wakharra rakiAAan waanaba
[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].
(David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented.
Faghafarna lahu thalika wainna lahu AAindana lazulfa wahusna maabin
So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.
So We forgave him that; and lo! he had access to Our presence and a happy journey's end.
Ya dawoodu inna jaAAalnaka khaleefatan fee alardi faohkum bayna alnnasi bialhaqqi wala tattabiAAi alhawa fayudillaka AAan sabeeli Allahi inna allatheena yadilloona AAan sabeeli Allahi lahum AAathabun shadeedun bima nasoo yawma alhisabi
[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.
(And it was said unto him): O David! Lo! We have set thee as a viceroy in the earth; therefor judge aright between mankind, and follow not desire that it beguile thee from the way of Allah. Lo! those who wander from the way of Allah have an awful doom, forasmuch as they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
Wama khalaqna alssamaa waalarda wama baynahuma batilan thalika thannu allatheena kafaroo fawaylun lillatheena kafaroo mina alnnari
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.
And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them in vain. That is the opinion of those who disbelieve. And woe unto those who disbelieve, from the Fire!
Am najAAalu allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati kaalmufsideena fee alardi am najAAalu almuttaqeena kaalfujjari
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?
Shall We treat those who believe and do good works as those who spread corruption in the earth; or shall We treat the pious as the wicked ?
Kitabun anzalnahu ilayka mubarakun liyaddabbaroo ayatihi waliyatathakkara oloo alalbabi
[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.
(This is) a Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect.
Wawahabna lidawooda sulaymana niAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun
And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].
And We bestowed on David, Solomon. How excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).
Ith AAurida AAalayhi bialAAashiyyi alssafinatu aljiyadu
[Mention] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the poised [standing] racehorses.
When there were shown to him at eventide lightfooted coursers
Faqala innee ahbabtu hubba alkhayri AAan thikri rabbee hatta tawarat bialhijabi
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]."
And he said: Lo! I have preferred the good things (of the world) to the remembrance of my Lord; till they were taken out of sight behind the curtain.
Ruddooha AAalayya fatafiqa mashan bialssooqi waalaAAnaqi
[He said], "Return them to me," and set about striking [their] legs and necks.
(Then he said): Bring them back to me, and fell to slashing (with his sword their) legs and necks.
Walaqad fatanna sulaymana waalqayna AAala kursiyyihi jasadan thumma anaba
And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned.
And verily We tried Solomon, and set upon his throne a (mere) body. Then did he repent.
Qala rabbi ighfir lee wahab lee mulkan la yanbaghee liahadin min baAAdee innaka anta alwahhabu
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."
He said: My Lord! Forgive me and bestow on me sovereignty such as shall not belong to any after me. Lo! Thou art the Bestower.
Fasakhkharna lahu alrreeha tajree biamrihi rukhaan haythu asaba
So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed,
So We made the wind subservient unto him, setting fair by his command whithersoever he intended.
Waalshshayateena kulla bannain waghawwasin
And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver
And the unruly, every builder and diver (made We subservient),
Waakhareena muqarraneena fee alasfadi
And others bound together in shackles.
And others linked together in chains,
Hatha AAataona faomnun aw amsik bighayri hisabin
[We said], "This is Our gift, so grant or withhold without account."
(Saying): This is Our gift, so bestow thou, or withhold, without reckoning.
Wainna lahu AAindana lazulfa wahusna maabin
And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.
And lo! he hath favour with Us, and a happy journey's end.
Waothkur AAabdana ayyooba ith nada rabbahu annee massaniya alshshaytanu binusbin waAAathabin
And remember Our servant Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, Satan has touched me with hardship and torment."
And make mention (O Muhammad) of Our bondman Job, when he cried unto his Lord (saying): Lo! the devil doth afflict me with distress and torment.
Orkud birijlika hatha mughtasalun baridun washarabun
[So he was told], "Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink."
(And it was said unto him): Strike the ground with thy foot. This (spring) is a cool bath and a refreshing drink.
Wawahabna lahu ahlahu wamithlahum maAAahum rahmatan minna wathikra liolee alalbabi
And We granted him his family and a like [number] with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for those of understanding.
And We bestowed on him (again) his household and therewith the like thereof, a mercy from Us, and a memorial for men of understanding.
Wakhuth biyadika dighthan faidrib bihi wala tahnath inna wajadnahu sabiran niAAma alAAabdu innahu awwabun
[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].
And (it was said unto him): Take in thine hand a branch and smite therewith, and break not thine oath. Lo! We found him steadfast, how excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (to his Lord).
Waothkur AAibadana ibraheema waishaqa wayaAAqooba olee alaydee waalabsari
And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - those of strength and [religious] vision.
And make mention of Our bondmen, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of parts and vision.
Inna akhlasnahum bikhalisatin thikra alddari
Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter].
Lo! We purified them with a pure thought, remembrance of the Home (of the Hereafter).
Wainnahum AAindana lamina almustafayna alakhyari
And indeed they are, to Us, among the chosen and outstanding.
Lo! in Our sight they are verily of the elect, the excellent.
Waothkur ismaAAeela wailyasaAAa watha alkifli wakullun mina alakhyari
And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul - Kifl, and all are among the outstanding.
And make mention of Ishmael and Elisha and Dhu'l - Kifl. All are of the chosen.
Hatha thikrun wainna lilmuttaqeena lahusna maabin
This is a reminder. And indeed, for the righteous is a good place of return
This is a reminder. And lo! for those who ward off (evil) is a happy journey's end,
Jannati AAadnin mufattahatan lahumu alabwabu
Gardens of perpetual residence, whose doors will be opened to them.
Gardens of Eden, whereof the gates are opened for them,
Muttakieena feeha yadAAoona feeha bifakihatin katheeratin washarabin
Reclining within them, they will call therein for abundant fruit and drink.
Wherein, reclining, they call for plenteous fruit and cool drink (that is) therein.
WaAAindahum qasiratu alttarfi atrabun
And with them will be women limiting [their] glances and of equal age.
And with them are those of modest gaze, companions.
Hatha ma tooAAadoona liyawmi alhisabi
This is what you, [the righteous], are promised for the Day of Account.
This it is that ye are promised for the Day of Reckoning.
Inna hatha larizquna ma lahu min nafadin
Indeed, this is Our provision; for it there is no depletion.
Lo! this in truth is Our provision, which will never waste away.
Hatha wainna lilttagheena lasharra maabin
This [is so]. But indeed, for the transgressors is an evil place of return -
This (is for the righteous). And lo! for the transgressors there with be an evil journey's end,
Jahannama yaslawnaha fabisa almihadu
Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the resting place.
Hell, where they will burn, an evil resting - place.
Hatha falyathooqoohu hameemun waghassaqun
This - so let them taste it - is scalding water and [foul] purulence.
Here is a boiling and an ice - cold draught, so let them taste it,
Waakharu min shaklihi azwajun
And other [punishments] of its type [in various] kinds.
And other (torment) of the kind in pairs (the two extremes)!
Hatha fawjun muqtahimun maAAakum la marhaban bihim innahum saloo alnnari
[Its inhabitants will say], "This is a company bursting in with you. No welcome for them. Indeed, they will burn in the Fire."
Here is an army rushing blindly with you. (Those who are already in the Fire say): No word of welcome for them. Lo! they will roast at the Fire.
Qaloo bal antum la marhaban bikum antum qaddamtumoohu lana fabisa alqararu
They will say, "Nor you! No welcome for you. You, [our leaders], brought this upon us, and wretched is the settlement."
They say: Nay, but you (misleaders), for you there is no word of welcome. Ye prepared this for us (by your misleading). Now hapless is the plight.
Qaloo rabbana man qaddama lana hatha fazidhu AAathaban diAAfan fee alnnari
They will say, "Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us - increase for him double punishment in the Fire."
They say: Our Lord! Whoever did prepare this for us, oh, give him double portion of the Fire!
Waqaloo ma lana la nara rijalan kunna naAAudduhum mina alashrari
And they will say, "Why do we not see men whom we used to count among the worst?
And they say: What aileth us that we behold not men whom we were wont to count among the wicked ?
Attakhathnahum sikhriyyan am zaghat AAanhumu alabsaru
Is it [because] we took them in ridicule, or has [our] vision turned away from them?"
Did we take them (wrongly) for a laughing - stock, or have our eyes missed them ?
Inna thalika lahaqqun takhasumu ahli alnnari
Indeed, that is truth - the quarreling of the people of the Fire.
Lo! that is very truth: the wrangling of the dwellers in the Fire.
Qul innama ana munthirun wama min ilahin illa Allahu alwahidu alqahharu
Say, [O Muhammad], "I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except Allah, the One, the Prevailing.
Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I am only a warner, and there is no God save Allah, the One, the Absolute,
Rabbu alssamawati waalardi wama baynahuma alAAazeezu alghaffaru
Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver."
Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Mighty, the Pardoning.
Qul huwa nabaon AAatheemun
Say, "It is great news
Say: It is tremendous tidings
Antum AAanhu muAAridoona
From which you turn away.
Whence ye turn away!
Ma kana liya min AAilmin bialmalai alaAAla ith yakhtasimoona
I had no knowledge of the exalted assembly [of angels] when they were disputing [the creation of Adam].
I had no knowledge of the Highest Chiefs when they disputed;
In yooha ilayya illa annama ana natheerun mubeenun
It has not been revealed to me except that I am a clear warner."
It is revealed unto me only that I may be a plain warner.
Ith qala rabbuka lilmalaikati innee khaliqun basharan min teenin
[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay.
When thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to create a mortal out of mire,
Faitha sawwaytuhu wanafakhtu feehi min roohee faqaAAoo lahu sajideena
So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration."
And when I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My Spirit, then fall down before him prostrate,
Fasajada almalaikatu kulluhum ajmaAAoona
So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely.
The angels fell down prostrate, every one,
Illa ibleesa istakbara wakana mina alkafireena
Except Iblees; he was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.
Saving Iblis; he was scornful and became one of the disbelievers.
Qala ya ibleesu ma manaAAaka an tasjuda lima khalaqtu biyadayya astakbarta am kunta mina alAAaleena
[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?"
He said: O Iblis! What hindereth thee from falling prostrate before that which I have created with both My hands ? Art thou too proud or art thou of the high exalted ?
Qala ana khayrun minhu khalaqtanee min narin wakhalaqtahu min teenin
He said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay."
He said: I am better than him. Thou createdst me of fire, whilst him Thou didst create of clay.
Qala faokhruj minha fainnaka rajeemun
[Allah] said, "Then get out of Paradise, for indeed, you are expelled.
He said: Go forth from hence, for lo! thou art outcast,
Wainna AAalayka laAAnatee ila yawmi alddeeni
And indeed, upon you is My curse until the Day of Recompense."
And lo! My curse is on thee till the Day of Judgment.
Qala rabbi faanthirnee ila yawmi yubAAathoona
He said, "My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected."
He said: My Lord! Reprieve me till the day when they are raised.
Qala fainnaka mina almunthareena
[Allah] said, "So indeed, you are of those reprieved
He said: Lo! thou art of those reprieved
Ila yawmi alwaqti almaAAloomi
Until the Day of the time well - known."
Until the day of the time appointed.
Qala fabiAAizzatika laoghwiyannahum ajmaAAeena
[Iblees] said, "By your might, I will surely mislead them all
He said: Then, by Thy might, I surely will beguile them every one,
Illa AAibadaka minhumu almukhlaseena
Except, among them, Your chosen servants."
Save Thy single - minded slaves among them.
Qala faalhaqqu waalhaqqa aqoolu
[Allah] said, "The truth [is My oath], and the truth I say -
He said: The Truth is, and the Truth I speak,
Laamlaanna jahannama minka wamimman tabiAAaka minhum ajmaAAeena
[That] I will surely fill Hell with you and those of them that follow you all together."
That I shall fill hell with thee and with such of them as follow thee, together.
Qul ma asalukum AAalayhi min ajrin wama ana mina almutakallifeena
Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for the Qur'an any payment, and I am not of the pretentious
Say (O Muhammad, unto mankind): I ask of you no fee for this, and I am no simulating.
In huwa illa thikrun lilAAalameena
It is but a reminder to the worlds.
Lo! it is naught else than a reminder for all peoples
WalataAAlamunna nabaahu baAAda heenin
And you will surely know [the truth of] its information after a time."
And ye will come in time to know the truth thereof.