Al Zukhruf

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].

1 Ha, Meem.

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

2 By the clear Book,

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

3 Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand.

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.

4 And indeed it is, in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom.

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

5 Then should We turn the message away, disregarding you, because you are a transgressing people?

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

6 And how many a prophet We sent among the former peoples,

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

7 But there would not come to them a prophet except that they used to ridicule him.

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

8 And We destroyed greater than them in [striking] power, and the example of the former peoples has preceded.

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."

9 And if you should ask them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" they would surely say, "They were created by the Exalted in Might, the Knowing."

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.

10 [The one] who has made for you the earth a bed and made for you upon it roads that you might be guided

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).

11 And who sends down rain from the sky in measured amounts, and We revive thereby a dead land - thus will you be brought forth -

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

12 And who created the species, all of them, and has made for you of ships and animals those which you mount.

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).

13 That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favor of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say. "Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it.

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

14 And indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return."

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!

15 But they have attributed to Him from His servants a portion. Indeed, man is clearly ungrateful.

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

16 Or has He taken, out of what He has created, daughters and chosen you for [having] sons?

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!

17 And when one of them is given good tidings of that which he attributes to the Most Merciful in comparison, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.

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?

18 So is one brought up in ornaments while being during conflict unevident [attributed to Allah]?

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!

19 And they have made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned.

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!

20 And they said, "If the Most Merciful had willed, we would not have worshipped them." They have of that no knowledge. They are not but falsifying.

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

21 Or have We given them a book before the Qur'an to which they are adhering?

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

22 Rather, they say, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided."

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."

23 And similarly, We did not send before you any warner into a city except that its affluent said, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are, in their footsteps, following."

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."

24 [Each warner] said, "Even if I brought you better guidance than that [religion] upon which you found your fathers?" They said, "Indeed we, in that with which you were sent, are disbelievers."

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

25 So we took retribution from them; then see how was the end of the deniers.

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

26 And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship

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

27 Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me."

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).

28 And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it].

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.

29 However, I gave enjoyment to these [people of Makkah] and their fathers until there came to them the truth and a clear Messenger.

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."

30 But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers."

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

31 And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?"

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.

32 Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may make use of one another for service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate.

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,

33 And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers], We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful - for their houses - ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to mount

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

34 And for their houses - doors and couches [of silver] upon which to recline

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.

35 And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous.

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.

36 And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion.

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

37 And indeed, the devils avert them from the way [of guidance] while they think that they are [rightly] guided

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)!

38 Until, when he comes to Us [at Judgement], he says [to his companion], "Oh, I wish there was between me and you the distance between the east and west - how wretched a companion."

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.

39 And never will it benefit you that Day, when you have wronged, that you are [all] sharing in the punishment.

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?

40 Then will you make the deaf hear, [O Muhammad], or guide the blind or he who is in clear error?

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

41 And whether [or not] We take you away [in death], indeed, We will take retribution upon them.

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

42 Or whether [or not] We show you that which We have promised them, indeed, We are Perfect in Ability.

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.

43 So adhere to that which is revealed to you. Indeed, you are on a straight path.

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).

44 And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you [all] are going to be questioned.

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)?"

45 And ask those We sent before you of Our messengers; have We made besides the Most Merciful deities to be worshipped?

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)."

46 And certainly did We send Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, and he said, "Indeed, I am the messenger of the Lord of the worlds."

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

47 But when he brought them Our signs, at once they laughed at them.

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)].

48 And We showed them not a sign except that it was greater than its sister, and We seized them with affliction that perhaps they might return [to faith].

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)."

49 And they said [to Moses], "O magician, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. Indeed, we will be guided."

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).

50 But when We removed from them the affliction, at once they broke their word.

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?

51 And Pharaoh called out among his people; he said, "O my people, does not the kingdom of Egypt belong to me, and these rivers flowing beneath me; then do you not see?

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

52 Or am I [not] better than this one who is insignificant and hardly makes himself clear?

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

53 Then why have there not been placed upon him bracelets of gold or come with him the angels in conjunction?"

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).

54 So he bluffed his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were [themselves] a people defiantly disobedient [of Allah].

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

55 And when they angered Us, We took retribution from them and drowned them all.

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

56 And We made them a precedent and an example for the later peoples.

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).

57 And when the son of Mary was presented as an example, immediately your people laughed aloud.

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)

58 And they said, "Are your gods better, or is he?" They did not present the comparison except for [mere] argument. But, [in fact], they are a people prone to dispute.

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).

59 Jesus was not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel.

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].

60 And if We willed, We could have made [instead] of you angels succeeding [one another] on the earth.

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).

61 And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.

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.

62 And never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

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.

63 And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, "I have come to you with wisdom and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allah and obey me.

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)."

64 Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path."

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)!

65 But the denominations from among them differed [and separated], so woe to those who have wronged from the punishment of a painful Day.

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

66 Are they waiting except for the Hour to come upon them suddenly while they perceive not?

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

67 Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous

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,

68 [To whom Allah will say], "O My servants, no fear will there be concerning you this Day, nor will you grieve,

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).

69 [You] who believed in Our verses and were Muslims.

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

70 Enter Paradise, you and your kinds, delighted."

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.

71 Circulated among them will be plates and vessels of gold. And therein is whatever the souls desire and [what] delights the eyes, and you will abide therein eternally.

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).

72 And that is Paradise which you are made to inherit for what you used to do.

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

73 For you therein is much fruit from which you will eat.

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

74 Indeed, the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally.

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

75 It will not be allowed to subside for them, and they, therein, are in despair.

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

76 And We did not wrong them, but it was they who were the wrongdoers.

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."

77 And they will call, "O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Indeed, you will remain."

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.

78 We had certainly brought you the truth, but most of you, to the truth, were averse.

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

79 Or have they devised [some] affair? But indeed, We are devising [a plan].

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.

80 Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private conversations? Yes, [We do], and Our messengers are with them recording.

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].

81 Say, [O Muhammad], "If the Most Merciful had a son, then I would be the first of [his] worshippers."

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).

82 Exalted is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.

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

83 So leave them to converse vainly and amuse themselves until they meet their Day which they are promised.

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.

84 And it is Allah who is [the only] deity in the heaven, and on the earth [the only] deity. And He is the Wise, the Knowing.

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.

85 And blessed is He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them and with whom is knowledge of the Hour and to whom you will be returned.

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).

86 And those they invoke besides Him do not possess [power of] intercession; but only those who testify to the truth [can benefit], and they know.

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)?

87 And if you asked them who created them, they would surely say, "Allah." So how are they deluded?

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

88 And [Allah acknowledges] his saying, "O my Lord, indeed these are a people who do not believe."

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

89 So turn aside from them and say, "Peace." But they are going to know.