Al Ankabut

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

1 A. L. M.

2 Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: "We believe," and will not be tested.

2 Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, "We believe", and that they will not be tested?

3 And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).

3 We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.

4 Or think those who do evil deeds that they can outstrip Us (i.e. escape Our punishment)? Evil is that which they judge!

4 Do those who practise evil think that they will get the better of Us? Evil is their judgment!

5 Whoever hopes for the Meeting with Allah, then Allah's Term is surely coming and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

5 For those whose hopes are in the meeting with Allah (in the Hereafter, let them strive); for the term (appointed) by Allah is surely coming and He hears and knows (all things).

6 And whosoever strives, he strives only for himself. Verily, Allah stands not in need of any of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).

6 And if any strive (with might and main), they do so for their own souls: for Allah is free of all needs from all creation.

7 Those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah (Monotheism) and in Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , and do not give up their faith because of the harm they receive from the polytheists], and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall expiate from them their evil deeds and shall reward them according to the best of that which they used to do.

7 Those who believe and work righteous deeds, - from them shall We blot out all evil (that may be) in them, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.

8 And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents; but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what you used to do.

8 We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (to force) thee to join with Me (in worship) anything of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not. Ye have (all) to return to me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that ye did.

9 And for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and the other articles of Faith) and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall make them enter with (in the entrance of) the righteous (in Paradise).

9 And those who believe and work righteous deeds, - them shall We admit to the company of the Righteous.

10 Of mankind are some who say: "We believe in Allah." But if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allah, they consider the trial of mankind as Allah's punishment; and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: "Verily we were with you (helping you)." Is not Allah Best Aware of what is in the breasts of the 'Alamin (mankind and jinn).

10 Then there are among men such as say, "We believe in Allah"; but when they suffer affliction in (the cause of) Allah, they treat men's oppression as if it were the Wrath of Allah! And if help comes (to thee) from thy Lord, they are sure to say, "We have (always) been with you!" Does not Allah know best all that is in the hearts of all creation?

11 Verily, Allah knows those who believe, and verily, He knows the hypocrites [i.e. Allah will test the people with good and hard days to discriminate the good from the wicked, although Allah knows all that before putting them to test].

11 And Allah most certainly knows those who believe, and as certainly those who are Hypocrites.

12 And those who disbelieve say to those who believe: "Follow our way and we will verily bear your sins." Never will they bear anything of their sins. Surely, they are liars.

12 And the Unbelievers say to those who believe: "Follow our path, and we will bear (the consequences) of your faults." Never in the least will they bear their faults: in fact they are liars!

13 And verily, they shall bear their own loads, and other loads besides their own; and verily, they shall be questioned on the Day of Resurrection about that which they used to fabricate.

13 They will bear their own burdens, and (other) burdens along with their own, and on the Day of Judgments they will be called to account for their falsehoods.

14 And indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people, and he stayed among them a thousand years less fifty years [inviting them to believe in the Oneness of Allah (Monotheism), and discard the false gods and other deities]; and the Deluge overtook them while they were Zalimun (wrong-doers, polytheists, disbelievers).

14 We (once) sent Noah to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty: but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin.

15 Then We saved him and those with him in the ship, and made it (the ship) an Ayah (a lesson, a warning) for the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

15 But We saved him and the companions of the Ark, and We made the (Ark) a Sign for all peoples!

16 And (remember) Ibrahim (Abraham) when he said to his people: "Worship Allah (Alone), and fear Him: that is better for you if you did but know.

16 And (We also saved) Abraham: behold, he said to his people, "Serve Allah and fear Him: that will be best for you - If ye understand!

17 "You worship besides Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you provision: so seek your provision from Allah (Alone), and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back.

17 "For ye do worship idols besides Allah, and ye invent falsehood. The things that ye worship besides Allah have no power to give you sustenance: then seek ye sustenance from Allah, serve Him, and be grateful to Him: to Him will be your return.

18 "And if you deny, then nations before you have denied (their Messengers). And the duty of the Messenger is only to convey (the Message) plainly."

18 "And if ye reject (the Message), so did generations before you: and the duty of the messenger is only to preach publicly (and clearly)."

19 See they not how Allah originates the creation, then repeats it. Verily, that is easy for Allah.

19 See they not how Allah originates creation, then repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah.

20 Say: "Travel in the land and see how (Allah) originated the creation, and then Allah will bring forth the creation of the Hereafter (i.e. resurrection after death). Verily, Allah is Able to do all things."

20 Say: "Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has power over all things.

21 He punishes whom He wills, and shows mercy to whom He wills; and to Him you will be returned.

21 "He punishes whom He pleases, and He grants Mercy to whom He pleases, and towards Him are ye turned.

22 And you cannot escape in the earth or in the heaven (from Allah). And besides Allah you have neither any Wali (Protector or Guardian) nor any Helper.

22 "Not on earth nor in heaven will ye be able (fleeing) to frustrate (his Plan), nor have ye, besides Allah, any protector or helper."

23 And those who disbelieve in the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and the Meeting with Him, it is they who have no hope of My Mercy: and it is they who will have a painful torment.

23 Those who reject the Signs of Allah and the Meeting with Him (in the Hereafter), - it is they who shall despair of My Mercy: it is they who will (suffer) a most grievous Penalty.

24 So nothing was the answer of [Ibrahim's (Abraham)] people except that they said: "Kill him or burn him." Then Allah saved him from the fire. Verily, in this are indeed signs for a people who believe.

24 So naught was the answer of (Abraham's) people except that they said: "Slay him or burn him." But Allah did save him from the Fire. Verily in this are Signs for people who believe.

25 And [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allah. The love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper."

25 And he said: "For you, ye have taken (for worship) idols besides Allah, out of mutual love and regard between yourselves in this life; but on the Day of Judgment ye shall disown each other and curse each other: and your abode will be the Fire, and ye shall have none to help."

26 So Lut (Lot) believed in him [Ibrahim's (Abraham) Message of Islamic Monotheism]. He [Ibrahim (Abraham)] said: "I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. "

26 But Lut had faith in Him: He said: "I will leave home for the sake of my Lord: for He is Exalted in Might, and Wise."

27 And We bestowed on him [Ibrahim (Abraham)], Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya'qub (Jacob), and We ordained among his offspring Prophethood and the Book [i.e. the Taurat (Torah) (to Musa - Moses), the Injeel (Gospel) (to 'Îsa - Jesus), and the Qur'an (to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), all from the offspring of Ibrahim (Abraham)], and We granted him his reward in this world; and verily, in the Hereafter he is indeed among the righteous.

27 And We gave (Abraham) Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life; and he was in the Hereafter (of the company) of the Righteous.

28 And (remember) Lut (Lot), when he said to his people: "You commit Al-Fahishah (sodomy - the worst sin) which none has preceded you in (committing) it in the 'Alamin (mankind and jinn)."

28 And (remember) Lut: behold, he said to his people: "Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you.

29 "Verily, you practise sodomy with men, and rob the wayfarer (travellers)! And practise Al-Munkar (disbelief and polytheism and every kind of evil wicked deed) in your meetings." But his people gave no answer except that they said: "Bring Allah's Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful."

29 "Do ye indeed approach men, and cut off the highway? - and practise wickedness (even) in your councils?" But his people gave no answer but this: they said: "Bring us the Wrath of Allah if thou tellest the truth."

30 He said: "My Lord! Give me victory over the people who are Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters).

30 He said: "O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!"

31 And when Our Messengers came to Ibrahim (Abraham) with the glad tidings they said: "Verily, we are going to destroy the people of this [Lut (Lot's)] town (i.e. the town of Sodom in Palestine); truly, its people have been Zalimun [wrong-doers, polytheists disobedient to Allah, and who belied their Messenger Lut (Lot)]."

31 When Our Messengers came to Abraham with the good news, they said: "We are indeed going to destroy the people of this township: for truly they are (addicted to) crime."

32 Ibrahim (Abraham) said: "But there is Lut (Lot) in it." They said: "We know better who is there. We will verily save him [Lut (Lot)] and his family except his wife: she will be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed along with those who will be destroyed from her folk)."

32 He said: "But there is Lut there." They said: "Well do we know who is there: we will certainly save him and his following, - except his wife: she is of those who lag behind!"

33 And when Our Messengers came to Lut (Lot), he was grieved because of them, and felt straitened on their account. They said: "Have no fear, and do not grieve! Truly, we shall save you and your family, except your wife: she will be of those who remain behind (i.e. she will be destroyed along with those who will be destroyed from her folk).

33 And when Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account, and felt himself powerless (to protect) them: but they said: "Fear thou not, nor grieve: we are (here) to save thee and thy following, except thy wife: she is of those who lag behind.

34 "Verily, we are about to bring down on the people of this town a great torment from the sky, because they have been rebellious (against Allah's Command)."

34 "For we are going to bring down on the people of this township a Punishment from heaven, because they have been wickedly rebellious."

35 And indeed We have left thereof an evident Ayah (a lesson and a warning and a sign - the place where the Dead Sea is now in Palestine) for a folk who understand.

35 And We have left thereof an evident Sign, for any people who (care to) understand.

36 And to (the people of) Madyan (Midian), We sent their brother Shu'aib. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah (Alone) and hope for (the reward of good deeds by worshipping Allah Alone, on) the last Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection), and commit no mischief on the earth as Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters). [Tafsir At-Tabari]

36 To the Madyan (people) (We sent) their brother Shu'aib. Then he said: "O my people! serve Allah, and fear the Last Day: nor commit evil on the earth, with intent to do mischief."

37 And they belied him [Shu'aib]: so the earthquake seized them, and they lay (dead), prostrate in their dwellings.

37 But they rejected him: Then the mighty Blast seized them, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morning.

38 And 'Ad and Thamud (people)! And indeed (their destruction) is clearly apparent to you from their (ruined) dwellings. Shaitan (Satan) made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and turned them away from the (Right) Path, though they were intelligent.

38 (Remember also) the 'Ad and the Thamud (people): clearly will appear to you from (the traces) of their buildings (their fate): the Evil One made their deeds alluring to them, and kept them back from the Path, though they were gifted with intelligence and skill.

39 And (We destroyed also) Qarun (Korah), Fir'aun (Pharaoh), and Haman. And indeed Musa (Moses) came to them with clear Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but they were arrogant in the land, yet they could not outstrip Us (escape Our punishment).

39 (Remember also) Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman: there came to them Moses with Clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on the earth; yet they could not overreach (Us).

40 So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as on the people of Lut (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment - awful cry. (as Thamud or Shu'aib's people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qarun (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.

40 Each one of them We seized for his crime: of them, against some We sent a violent tornado (with showers of stones); some were caught by a (mighty) Blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; and some We drowned (in the waters): It was not Allah Who injured (or oppressed) them:" They injured (and oppressed) their own souls.

41 The likeness of those who take (false deities as) Auliya' (protectors, helpers) other than Allah is the likeness of a spider who builds (for itself) a house; but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider's house - if they but knew.

41 The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of the spider, who builds (to itself) a house; but truly the flimsiest of houses is the spider's house; - if they but knew.

42 Verily, Allah knows what things they invoke instead of Him. He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

42 Verily Allah doth know of (every thing) whatever that they call upon besides Him: and He is Exalted (in power), Wise.

43 And these similitudes We put forward for mankind; but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allah and His Signs).

43 And such are the Parables We set forth for mankind, but only those understand them who have knowledge.

44 (Allah says to His Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Allah (Alone) created the heavens and the earth with truth (and none shared Him in their creation)." Verily! Therein is surely a sign for those who believe.

44 Allah created the heavens and the earth in true (proportions): verily in that is a Sign for those who believe.

45 Recite (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur'an), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat). Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha' (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed) and the remembering (praising) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising) of Allah in prayers. And Allah knows what you do.

45 Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do.

46 And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong; and say (to them): "We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you; our Ilah (God) and your Ilah (God) is One (i.e. Allah), and to Him we have submitted (as Muslims)."

46 And dispute ye not with the People of the Book, except with means better (than mere disputation), unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong (and injury): but say, "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our Allah and your Allah is one; and it is to Him we bow (in Islam)."

47 And thus We have sent down the Book (i.e. this Qur'an) to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and those whom We gave the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) aforetime] believe therein as also do some of these (who are present with you now like 'Abdullah bin Salam) and none but the disbelievers reject Our Ayat [(proofs, signs, verses, lessons, etc.,) and deny Our Oneness of Lordship and Our Oneness of worship and Our Oneness of Our Names and Qualities: i.e. Islamic Monotheism].

47 And thus (it is) that We have sent down the Book to thee. So the People of the Book believe therein, as also do some of these (pagan Arabs): and none but Unbelievers reject our signs.

48 Neither did you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) read any book before it (this Qur'an), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. In that case, indeed, the followers of falsehood might have doubted.

48 And thou wast not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted.

49 Nay, but they, the clear Ayat [i.e. the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم written in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge (among the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).

49 Nay, here are Signs self - evident in the hearts of those endowed with knowledge: and none but the unjust reject Our Signs.

50 And they say: "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord? Say: "The signs are only with Allah, and I am only a plain warner."

50 Ye they say: "Why are not Signs sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "The signs are indeed with Allah: and I am indeed a clear Warner."

51 Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur'an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe .

51 And is it not enough for them that we have sent down to thee the Book which is rehearsed to them? Verily, in it is Mercy and a Reminder to those who believe.

52 Say (to them O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Sufficient is Allah for a witness between me and you. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth." And those who believe in Batil (all false deities other than Allah), and disbelieve in Allah and (in His Oneness), it is they who are the losers.

52 Say: "Enough is Allah for a witness between me and you: He knows what is in the heavens and on earth. And it is those who believe in vanities and reject Allah, that will perish (in the end).

53 And they ask you to hasten on the torment (for them): and had it not been for a term appointed, the torment would certainly have come to them. And surely, it will come upon them suddenly while they perceive not!

53 They ask thee to hasten on the Punishment (for them): had it not been for a term (of respite) appointed, the Punishment would certainly have come to them: and it will certainly reach them, - of a sudden, while they perceive not!

54 They ask you to hasten on the torment. And verily, Hell, of a surety, will encompass the disbelievers.

54 They ask thee to hasten on the Punishment: but, of a surety, Hell will encompass the Rejecters of Faith! -

55 On the Day when the torment (Hell-fire) shall cover them from above them and from underneath their feet, and it will be said: "Taste what you used to do."

55 On the Day that the Punishment shall cover them from above them and from below them, and (a Voice) shall say: "Taste ye (the fruits) of your deeds!"

56 O My slaves who believe! Certainly, spacious is My earth. Therefore worship Me." (Alone) .

56 O My servants who believe! truly, spacious is My Earth: therefore serve ye Me - (and Me alone)!

57 Everyone shall taste death. Then unto Us you shall be returned.

57 Every soul shall have a taste of death in the end to Us shall ye be brought back.

58 And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, to them We shall surely give lofty dwellings in Paradise, underneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever. Excellent is the reward for the workers.

58 But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness - to them shall We give a Home in Heaven, - lofty mansions beneath which flow rivers, - to dwell therein for aye; - an excellent reward for those who do (good)! -

59 Those who are patient, and put their trust (only) in their Lord (Allah).

59 Those who persevere in patience, and put their trust, in their Lord and Cherisher.

60 And so many a moving (living) creature carries not its own provision! Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.

60 How many are the creatures that carry not their own sustenance? It is Allah who feeds (both) them and you: for He hears and knows (all things).

61 And if you were to ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon?" they will surely reply: "Allah." How then are they deviating (as polytheists and disbelievers)?

61 If indeed thou ask them who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law), they will certainly reply, "Allah". How are they then deluded away (from the truth)?

62 Allah enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and straitens it for whom (He wills). Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything.

62 Allah enlarges the sustenance (which He gives) to whichever of His servants He pleases; and He (similarly) grants by (strict) measure, (as He pleases): for Allah has full knowledge of all things.

63 And if you were to ask them: "Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death?" they will surely reply: "Allah." Say: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah!" Nay, most of them have no sense.

63 And if indeed thou ask them who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, "Allah!" Say, "Praise be to Allah!" But most of them understand not.

64 And this life of the world is only an amusement and a play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter - that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew .

64 What is the life of this world but amusement and play? but verily the Home in the Hereafter, - that is life indeed, if they but knew.

65 And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others .

65 Now, if they embark on a boat, they call on Allah, making their devotion sincerely (and exclusively) to Him; but when He has delivered them safely to (dry) land, behold, they give a share (of their worship to others)! -

66 So that they become ingrate for that which We have given them, and that they take their enjoyment (as a warning and a threat), but they will come to know.

66 Disdaining ungratefully Our gifts, and giving themselves up to (worldly) enjoyment! But soon will they know.

67 Have they not seen that We have made (Makkah) a secure sanctuary, while men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in Batil (falsehood - polytheism, idols and all deities other than Allah), and deny (become ingrate for) the Graces of Allah?

67 Do they not then see that We have made a sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then, do they believe in that which is vain, and reject the Grace of Allah?

68 And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or denies the truth (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and his doctrine of Islamic Monotheism and this Qur'an), when it comes to him? Is there not a dwelling in Hell for disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)?

68 And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah or rejects the Truth when it reaches him? Is there not a home in Hell for those who reject Faith?

69 As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah's religion - Islamic Monotheism). And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinun (good doers)."

69 And those who strive in Our (cause), - We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right.