Al Saffat

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. By those (angels) ranged in ranks (or rows).

1 By those [angels] lined up in rows

2 By those (angels) who drive the clouds in a good way.

2 And those who drive [the clouds]

3 By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Qur'an from Allah to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathir].

3 And those who recite the message,

4 Verily your Ilah (God) is indeed One (i.e. Allah):

4 Indeed, your God is One,

5 Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and all that is between them, and Lord of every point of the sun's risings.

5 Lord of the heavens and the earth and that between them and Lord of the sunrises.

6 Verily We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty).

6 Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars

7 And to guard against every rebellious devil.

7 And as protection against every rebellious devil

8 They cannot listen to the higher group (angels) for they are pelted from every side.

8 [So] they may not listen to the exalted assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side,

9 Outcast, and theirs is a constant (or painful) torment.

9 Repelled; and for them is a constant punishment,

10 Except such as snatch away something by stealing, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness.

10 Except one who snatches [some words] by theft, but they are pursued by a burning flame, piercing [in brightness].

11 Then ask them (i.e. these polytheists, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Are they stronger as creation, or those (others like the heavens and the earth and the mountains) whom We have created?" Verily, We created them of a sticky clay.

11 Then inquire of them, [O Muhammad], "Are they a stronger [or more difficult] creation or those [others] We have created?" Indeed, We created men from sticky clay.

12 Nay, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) wondered (at their insolence) while they mock (at you and at the Qur'an).

12 But you wonder, while they mock,

13 And when they are reminded, they pay no attention.

13 And when they are reminded, they remember not.

14 And when they see an Ayah (a sign, or an evidence) from Allah, they mock at it.

14 And when they see a sign, they ridicule

15 And they say: "This is nothing but evident magic!

15 And say, "This is not but obvious magic.

16 "When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we (then) verily be resurrected?

16 When we have died and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected?

17 "And also our fathers of old?"

17 And our forefathers [as well]?"

18 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Yes, and you shall then be humiliated."

18 Say, "Yes, and you will be [rendered] contemptible."

19 It will be a single Zajrah [shout (i.e. the second blowing of the Trumpet)], and behold, they will be staring!

19 It will be only one shout, and at once they will be observing.

20 They will say: "Woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense!"

20 They will say, "O woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense."

21 (It will be said): "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny."

21 [They will be told], "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny."

22 (It will be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship,

22 [The angels will be ordered], "Gather those who committed wrong, their kinds, and what they used to worship

23 "Instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell);

23 Other than Allah, and guide them to the path of Hellfire

24 "But stop them, verily they are to be questioned.

24 And stop them; indeed, they are to be questioned."

25 "What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?"

25 [They will be asked], "What is [wrong] with you? Why do you not help each other?"

26 Nay, but that Day they shall surrender.

26 But they, that Day, are in surrender.

27 And they will turn to one another and question one another.

27 And they will approach one another blaming each other.

28 They will say: "It was you who used to come to us from the right side [i.e. from the right side of one of us and beautify for us every evil, enjoin on us polytheism, and stop us from the truth i.e. Islamic Monotheism and from every good deed]."

28 They will say, "Indeed, you used to come at us from the right."

29 They will reply: "Nay, you yourselves were not believers.

29 The oppressors will say, "Rather, you [yourselves] were not believers,

30 "And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were Taghun (transgressing) people (polytheists, and disbelievers).

30 And we had over you no authority, but you were a transgressing people.

31 "So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment).

31 So the word of our Lord has come into effect upon us; indeed, we will taste [punishment].

32 "So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray."

32 And we led you to deviation; indeed, we were deviators."

33 Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment.

33 So indeed they, that Day, will be sharing in the punishment.

34 Certainly, that is how We deal with Al-Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, disbelievers, criminals, the disobedient to Allah).

34 Indeed, that is how We deal with the criminals.

35 Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha illallah "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)," they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).

35 Indeed they, when it was said to them, "There is no deity but Allah," were arrogant

36 And (they) said: "Are we going to abandon our alihah (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?"

36 And were saying, "Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?"

37 Nay! he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has come with the truth (i.e. Allah's religion - Islamic Monotheism and this Qur'an) and he confirms the Messengers (before him who brought Allah's religion - Islamic Monotheism).

37 Rather, the Prophet has come with the truth and confirmed the [previous] messengers.

38 Verily, you (pagans of Makkah) are going to taste the painful torment;

38 Indeed, you [disbelievers] will be tasters of the painful punishment,

39 And you will be requited nothing except for what you used to do (evil deeds, sins, and Allah's disobedience which you used to do in this world)

39 And you will not be recompensed except for what you used to do -

40 Save the chosen slaves of Allah (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism).

40 But not the chosen servants of Allah.

41 For them there will be a known provision (in Paradise),

41 Those will have a provision determined -

42 Fruits; and they shall be honoured,

42 Fruits; and they will be honored

43 In the Gardens of delight (Paradise),

43 In gardens of pleasure

44 Facing one another on thrones.

44 On thrones facing one another.

45 Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine -

45 There will be circulated among them a cup [of wine] from a flowing spring,

46 White, delicious to the drinkers.

46 White and delicious to the drinkers;

47 Neither will they have Ghoul (any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, a sin) from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.

47 No bad effect is there in it, nor from it will they be intoxicated.

48 And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf [chaste females (wives), restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)], with wide and beautiful eyes.

48 And with them will be women limiting [their] glances, with large, [beautiful] eyes,

49 (Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved.

49 As if they were [delicate] eggs, well - protected.

50 Then they will turn to one another, mutually questioning.

50 And they will approach one another, inquiring of each other.

51 A speaker of them will say: "Verily, I had a companion (in the world),

51 A speaker among them will say, "Indeed, I had a companion [on earth]

52 Who used to say: "Are you among those who believe (in resurrection after death).

52 Who would say, 'Are you indeed of those who believe

53 "(That) when we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed (be raised up) to receive reward or punishment (according to our deeds)?"

53 That when we have died and become dust and bones, we will indeed be recompensed?'"

54 (The speaker) said: "Will you look down?"

54 He will say, "Would you [care to] look?"

55 So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

55 And he will look and see him in the midst of the Hellfire.

56 He said: "By Allah! You have nearly ruined me.

56 He will say, "By Allah, you almost ruined me.

57 "Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell)."

57 If not for the favor of my Lord, I would have been of those brought in [to Hell].

58 (The dwellers of Paradise will say) "Are we then not to die (any more)?

58 Then, are we not to die

59 Except our first death, and we shall not be punished? (after we have entered Paradise)."

59 Except for our first death, and we will not be punished?"

60 Truly, this is the supreme success!

60 Indeed, this is the great attainment.

61 For the like of this let the workers work.

61 For the like of this let the workers [on earth] work.

62 Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (a horrible tree in Hell)?

62 Is Paradise a better accommodation or the tree of zaqqum?

63 Truly We have made it (as) a trail for the Zalimun (polytheists, disbelievers, wrong-doers).

63 Indeed, We have made it a torment for the wrongdoers.

64 Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire,

64 Indeed, it is a tree issuing from the bottom of the Hellfire,

65 The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of Shayatin (devils);

65 Its emerging fruit as if it was heads of the devils.

66 Truly, they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.

66 And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies.

67 Then on the top of that they will be given boiling water to drink so that it becomes a mixture (of boiling water and Zaqqum in their bellies).

67 Then indeed, they will have after it a mixture of scalding water.

68 Then thereafter, verily, their return is to the flaming fire of Hell.

68 Then indeed, their return will be to the Hellfire.

69 Verily, they found their fathers on the wrong path;

69 Indeed they found their fathers astray.

70 So they (too) hastened in their footsteps!

70 So they hastened [to follow] in their footsteps.

71 And indeed most of the men of old went astray before them;

71 And there had already strayed before them most of the former peoples,

72 And indeed We sent among them warners (Messengers);

72 And We had already sent among them warners.

73 Then see what was the end of those who were warned (but heeded not).

73 Then look how was the end of those who were warned -

74 Except the chosen slaves of Allah (faithful, obedient, and true believers of Islamic Monotheism).

74 But not the chosen servants of Allah.

75 And indeed Nuh (Noah) invoked Us, and We are the Best of those who answer (the request).

75 And Noah had certainly called Us, and [We are] the best of responders.

76 And We rescued him and his family from the great distress (i.e. drowning),

76 And We saved him and his family from the great affliction.

77 And, his progeny, them We made the survivors (i.e. Shem, Ham and Japheth).

77 And We made his descendants those remaining [on the earth]

78 And left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations:

78 And left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:

79 "Salam (peace) be upon Nuh (Noah) (from Us) among the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!"

79 "Peace upon Noah among the worlds."

80 Verily, thus We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).

80 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

81 Verily, he [Nuh (Noah)] was one of Our believing slaves.

81 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

82 Then We drowned the others (disbelievers and polytheists).

82 Then We drowned the disbelievers.

83 And, verily, among those who followed his [Nuh's (Noah)] way (Islamic Monotheism) was Ibrahim (Abraham).

83 And indeed, among his kind was Abraham,

84 When he came to his Lord with a pure heart [attached to Allah Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allah Alone - true Islamic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism].

84 When he came to his Lord with a sound heart

85 When he said to his father and to his people: "What is it that which you worship?

85 [And] when he said to his father and his people, "What do you worship?

86 "Is it a falsehood - alihah (gods) other than Allah - that you desire?

86 Is it falsehood [as] gods other than Allah you desire?

87 "Then what think you about the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)?"

87 Then what is your thought about the Lord of the worlds?"

88 Then he cast a glance at the stars,

88 And he cast a look at the stars

89 And he said: "Verily, I am sick (with plague). [He did this trick to remain in their temple of idols to destroy them and not to accompany them to the pagan feast)]."

89 And said, "Indeed, I am [about to be] ill."

90 So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease).

90 So they turned away from him, departing.

91 Then he turned to their alihah (gods) and said: "Will you not eat (of the offering before you)?

91 Then he turned to their gods and said, "Do you not eat?

92 "What is the matter with you that you speak not?"

92 What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?"

93 Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand.

93 And he turned upon them a blow with [his] right hand.

94 Then they (the worshippers of idols) came, towards him, hastening.

94 Then the people came toward him, hastening.

95 He said: "Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve?

95 He said, "Do you worship that which you [yourselves] carve,

96 "While Allah has created you and what you make!"

96 While Allah created you and that which you do?"

97 They said: "Build for him a building (it is said that the building was like a furnace) and throw him into the blazing fire!"

97 They said, "Construct for him a furnace and throw him into the burning fire."

98 So they plotted a plot against him, but We made them the lowest.

98 And they intended for him a plan, but We made them the most debased.

99 And he said (after his rescue from the fire): "Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!"

99 And [then] he said, "Indeed, I will go to [where I am ordered by] my Lord; He will guide me.

100 "My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous."

100 My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous."

101 So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.

101 So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy.

102 And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allah). So look what you think!" He said: "O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha' Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of As-Sabirun (the patient)."

102 And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."

103 Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering);

103 And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead,

104 We called out to him: "O Abraham!

104 We called to him, "O Abraham,

105 You have fulfilled the dream!" Verily thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See 2:112).

105 You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

106 Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.

106 Indeed, this was the clear trial.

107 And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. كبش - a ram);

107 And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,

108 And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.

108 And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:

109 "Salam (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!"

109 "Peace upon Abraham."

110 Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).

110 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

111 Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

111 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

112 And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaq (Isaac) - a Prophet from the righteous.

112 And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous.

113 We blessed him and Ishaq (Isaac). And of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves.

113 And We blessed him and Isaac. But among their descendants is the doer of good and the clearly unjust to himself.

114 And, indeed We gave Our Grace to Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron).

114 And We did certainly confer favor upon Moses and Aaron.

115 And We saved them and their people from the great distress,

115 And We saved them and their people from the great affliction,

116 And helped them, so that they became the victors;

116 And We supported them so it was they who overcame.

117 And We gave them the clear Scripture;

117 And We gave them the explicit Scripture,

118 And guided them to the Right Path.

118 And We guided them on the straight path.

119 And We left for them (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.

119 And We left for them [favorable mention] among later generations:

120 "Salam (peace) be upon Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)!"

120 "Peace upon Moses and Aaron."

121 Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).

121 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

122 Verily, they were two of Our believing slaves.

122 Indeed, they were of Our believing servants.

123 And verily, Iliyas (Elias) was one of the Messengers.

123 And indeed, Elias was from among the messengers,

124 When he said to his people: "Will you not fear Allah?

124 When he said to his people, "Will you not fear Allah?

125 "Will you call upon Ba'l (a well known idol of his nation whom they used to worship) and forsake the Best of creators,

125 Do you call upon Ba'l and leave the best of creators -

126 "Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?"

126 Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers?"

127 But they denied him [Iliyas (Elias)], so they will certainly be brought forth (to the punishment),

127 And they denied him, so indeed, they will be brought [for punishment],

128 Except the chosen slaves of Allah.

128 Except the chosen servants of Allah.

129 And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.

129 And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:

130 "Salam (peace) be upon Ilyasin (Elias)!"

130 "Peace upon Elias."

131 Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers, who perform good deeds totally for Allah's sake only - See V.2:112).

131 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

132 Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

132 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

133 And verily, Lut (Lot) was one of the Messengers.

133 And indeed, Lot was among the messengers.

134 When We saved him and his family, all,

134 [So mention] when We saved him and his family, all,

135 Except an old woman (his wife) who was among those who remained behind.

135 Except his wife among those who remained [with the evildoers].

136 Then We destroyed the rest (the town of Sodom at the place of the Dead Sea now in Palestine).

136 Then We destroyed the others.

137 Verily, you pass by them in the morning

137 And indeed, you pass by them in the morning

138 And at night; will you not then reflect?

138 And at night. Then will you not use reason?

139 And, verily, Yunus (Jonah) was one of the Messengers.

139 And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers.

140 When he ran to the laden ship:

140 [Mention] when he ran away to the laden ship.

141 Then he (agreed to) cast lots, and he was among the losers.

141 And he drew lots and was among the losers.

142 Then a (big) fish swallowed him as he had done an act worthy of blame.

142 Then the fish swallowed him, while he was blameworthy.

143 Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,

143 And had he not been of those who exalt Allah,

144 He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.

144 He would have remained inside its belly until the Day they are resurrected.

145 But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick,

145 But We threw him onto the open shore while he was ill.

146 And We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him.

146 And We caused to grow over him a gourd vine.

147 And We sent him to a hundred thousand (people) or even more.

147 And We sent him to [his people of] a hundred thousand or more.

148 And they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while.

148 And they believed, so We gave them enjoyment [of life] for a time.

149 Now ask them (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Are there (only) daughters for your Lord and sons for them?"

149 So inquire of them, [O Muhammad], "Does your Lord have daughters while they have sons?

150 Or did We create the angels female while they were witnesses?

150 Or did We create the angels as females while they were witnesses?"

151 Verily, it is of their falsehood that they (Quraish pagans) say:

151 Unquestionably, it is out of their [invented] falsehood that they say,

152 "Allah has begotten [offspring - the angels being the daughters of Allah)?" And, verily, they are liars!

152 " Allah has begotten," and indeed, they are liars.

153 Has He (then) chosen daughters rather than sons?

153 Has He chosen daughters over sons?

154 What is the matter with you? How do you decide?

154 What is [wrong] with you? How do you make judgement?

155 Will you not then remember?

155 Then will you not be reminded?

156 Or is there for you a plain authority?

156 Or do you have a clear authority?

157 Then bring your Book if you are truthful!

157 Then produce your scripture, if you should be truthful.

158 And they have invented a kinship between Him and the jinn, but the jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e. they will be called to account).

158 And they have claimed between Him and the jinn a lineage, but the jinn have already known that they [who made such claims] will be brought to [punishment].

159 Glorified be Allah! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him!

159 Exalted is Allah above what they describe,

160 Except the slaves of Allah, whom He chooses (for His Mercy i.e. true believers of Islamic Monotheism who do not attribute false things unto Allah).

160 Except the chosen servants of Allah [who do not share in that sin].

161 So, verily you (pagans) and those whom you worship (idols)

161 So indeed, you [disbelievers] and whatever you worship,

162 Cannot lead astray [turn away from Him (Allah) anyone of the believers],

162 You cannot tempt [anyone] away from Him

163 Except those who are predestined to burn in Hell!

163 Except he who is to [enter and] burn in the Hellfire.

164 And there is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position);

164 [The angels say], "There is not among us any except that he has a known position.

165 And verily, we (angels), we stand in rows (for the prayers as you Muslims stand in rows for your prayers);

165 And indeed, we are those who line up [for prayer].

166 And verily, we (angels), indeed are those who glorify (Allah's Praises i.e. perform prayers).

166 And indeed, we are those who exalt Allah."

167 And indeed they (Arab pagans) used to say:

167 And indeed, the disbelievers used to say,

168 "If we had a reminder as had the men of old (before the coming of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم as a Messenger of Allah),

168 "If we had a message from [those of] the former peoples,

169 "We would have indeed been the chosen slaves of Allah (true believers of Islamic Monotheism)!"

169 We would have been the chosen servants of Allah."

170 But (now that the Qur'an has come) they disbelieve therein (i.e. in the Qur'an and in Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , and all that he brought, - the Divine Revelation), so they will come to know!

170 But they disbelieved in it, so they are going to know.

171 And, verily, Our Word has gone forth of old for Our slaves, the Messengers,

171 And Our word has already preceded for Our servants, the messengers,

172 That they verily would be made triumphant,

172 [That] indeed, they would be those given victory

173 And that Our hosts! they verily would be the victors.