Chapter 37, 182 verses
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. By those (angels) ranged in ranks (or rows).
By those who range themselves in ranks,
By those (angels) who drive the clouds in a good way.
And so are strong in repelling (evil),
By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Qur'an from Allah to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathir].
And thus proclaim the Message (of Allah)!
Verily your Ilah (God) is indeed One (i.e. Allah):
Verily, verily, your Allah is one! -
Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and all that is between them, and Lord of every point of the sun's risings.
Lord of the heavens and of the earth and all between them, and Lord of every point at the rising of the sun!
Verily We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty).
We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars, -
And to guard against every rebellious devil.
(For beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits,
They cannot listen to the higher group (angels) for they are pelted from every side.
(So) they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted Assembly but be cast away from every side,
Outcast, and theirs is a constant (or painful) torment.
Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,
Except such as snatch away something by stealing, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness.
Except such as snatch away something by stealth, and they are pursued by a flaming fire, of piercing brightness.
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.
Just ask their opinion: are they the more difficult to create, or the (other) beings We have created? Them have We created out of a sticky clay!
Nay, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) wondered (at their insolence) while they mock (at you and at the Qur'an).
Truly dost thou marvel, while they ridicule,
And when they are reminded, they pay no attention.
And, when they are admonished, pay no heed, -
And when they see an Ayah (a sign, or an evidence) from Allah, they mock at it.
And, when they see a Sign, turn it to mockery,
And they say: "This is nothing but evident magic!
And say, "This is nothing but evident sorcery!
"When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we (then) verily be resurrected?
"What! when we die, and become dust and bones, shall we (then) be raised up (again)
"And also our fathers of old?"
"And also our fathers of old?"
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Yes, and you shall then be humiliated."
Say thou: "Yea, and ye shall then be humiliated (on account of your evil)."
It will be a single Zajrah [shout (i.e. the second blowing of the Trumpet)], and behold, they will be staring!
Then it will be a single (compelling) cry; and behold, they will begin to see!
They will say: "Woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense!"
They will say, "Ah! Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!"
(It will be said): "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny."
(A voice will say,) "This is the Day of Sorting Out, whose truth ye (once) denied!"
(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,
"Bring ye up", it shall be said, "The wrong - doers and their wives, and the things they worshipped -
"Instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell);
"Besides Allah, and lead them to the Way to the (Fierce) Fire!
"But stop them, verily they are to be questioned.
"But stop them, for they must be asked:
"What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?"
"'What is the matter with you that ye help not each other?'"
Nay, but that Day they shall surrender.
Nay, but that day they shall submit (to Judgment);
And they will turn to one another and question one another.
And they will turn to one another, and question one another.
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]."
They will say: "It was ye who used to come to us from the right hand (of power and authority)!"
They will reply: "Nay, you yourselves were not believers.
They will reply: "Nay, ye yourselves had no Faith!
"And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were Taghun (transgressing) people (polytheists, and disbelievers).
"Nor had we any authority over you. Nay, it was ye who were a people in obstinate rebellion!
"So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment).
"So now has been proved true, against us, the word of our Lord that we shall indeed (have to) taste (the punishment of our sins).
"So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray."
"We led you astray: for truly we were ourselves astray."
Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment.
Truly, that Day, they will (all) share in the Penalty.
Certainly, that is how We deal with Al-Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, disbelievers, criminals, the disobedient to Allah).
Verily that is how We shall deal with Sinners.
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).
For they, when they were told that there is no god except Allah, would puff themselves up with Pride,
And (they) said: "Are we going to abandon our alihah (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?"
And say: "What! shall we give up our gods for the sake of a Poet possessed?"
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).
Nay! he has come with the (very) Truth, and he confirms (the Message of) the messengers (before him).
Verily, you (pagans of Makkah) are going to taste the painful torment;
Ye shall indeed taste of the Grievous Penalty; -
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)
But it will be no more than the retribution of (the Evil) that ye have wrought; -
Save the chosen slaves of Allah (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism).
But the sincere (and devoted) Servants of Allah, -
For them there will be a known provision (in Paradise),
For them is a Sustenance determined,
Fruits; and they shall be honoured,
Fruits (Delights); and they (shall enjoy) honour and dignity,
In the Gardens of delight (Paradise),
In Gardens of Felicity,
Facing one another on thrones.
Facing each other on Thrones (of Dignity):
Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine -
Round will be passed to them a Cup from a clear - flowing fountain,
White, delicious to the drinkers.
Crystal - white, of a taste delicious to those who drink (thereof),
Neither will they have Ghoul (any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, a sin) from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.
Free from headiness; nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.
And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf [chaste females (wives), restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)], with wide and beautiful eyes.
And besides them will be chaste women, restraining their glances, with big eyes (of wonder and beauty).
(Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved.
As if they were (delicate) eggs closely guarded.
Then they will turn to one another, mutually questioning.
Then they will turn to one another and question one another.
A speaker of them will say: "Verily, I had a companion (in the world),
One of them will start the talk and say: "I had an intimate companion (on the earth),
Who used to say: "Are you among those who believe (in resurrection after death).
"Who used to say, 'what! art thou amongst those who bear witness to the Truth (of the Message)?
"(That) when we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed (be raised up) to receive reward or punishment (according to our deeds)?"
"'When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?'"
(The speaker) said: "Will you look down?"
(A voice) said: "Would ye like to look down?"
So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.
He looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.
He said: "By Allah! You have nearly ruined me.
He said: "By Allah! thou wast little short of bringing me to perdition!
"Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell)."
"Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I should certainly have been among those brought (there)!
(The dwellers of Paradise will say) "Are we then not to die (any more)?
"Is it (the case) that we shall not die,
Except our first death, and we shall not be punished? (after we have entered Paradise)."
"Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?"
Truly, this is the supreme success!
Verily this is the supreme achievement!
For the like of this let the workers work.
For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive.
Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (a horrible tree in Hell)?
Is that the better entertainment or the Tree of Zaqqum?
Truly We have made it (as) a trail for the Zalimun (polytheists, disbelievers, wrong-doers).
For We have truly made it (as) a trial for the wrong - doers.
Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire,
For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell - Fire:
The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of Shayatin (devils);
The shoots of its fruit - stalks are like the heads of devils:
Truly, they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.
Truly they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.
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).
Then on top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.
Then thereafter, verily, their return is to the flaming fire of Hell.
Then shall their return be to the (Blazing) Fire.
Verily, they found their fathers on the wrong path;
Truly they found their fathers on the wrong Path;
So they (too) hastened in their footsteps!
So they (too) were rushed down on their footsteps!
And indeed most of the men of old went astray before them;
And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray; -
And indeed We sent among them warners (Messengers);
But We sent aforetime, among them, (messengers) to admonish them; -
Then see what was the end of those who were warned (but heeded not).
Then see what was the end of those who were admonished (but heeded not), -
Except the chosen slaves of Allah (faithful, obedient, and true believers of Islamic Monotheism).
Except the sincere (and devoted) Servants of Allah.
And indeed Nuh (Noah) invoked Us, and We are the Best of those who answer (the request).
(In the days of old), Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear prayer.
And We rescued him and his family from the great distress (i.e. drowning),
And We delivered him and his people from the Great Calamity,
And, his progeny, them We made the survivors (i.e. Shem, Ham and Japheth).
And made his progeny to endure (on this earth);
And left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations:
And We left (this blessing) for him among generations to come in later times:
"Salam (peace) be upon Nuh (Noah) (from Us) among the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!"
"Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!"
Verily, thus We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).
Thus indeed do we reward those who do right.
Verily, he [Nuh (Noah)] was one of Our believing slaves.
For he was one of our believing Servants.
Then We drowned the others (disbelievers and polytheists).
Then the rest we overwhelmed in the Flood.
And, verily, among those who followed his [Nuh's (Noah)] way (Islamic Monotheism) was Ibrahim (Abraham).
Verily among those who followed his Way was Abraham.
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].
Behold! he approached his Lord with a sound heart.
When he said to his father and to his people: "What is it that which you worship?
Behold! he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?
"Is it a falsehood - alihah (gods) other than Allah - that you desire?
"Is it a falsehood - gods other than Allah - that ye desire?
"Then what think you about the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)?"
"Then what is your idea about the Lord of the worlds?"
Then he cast a glance at the stars,
Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.
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)]."
And he said, "I am indeed sick (at heart)!"
So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease).
So they turned away from him, and departed.
Then he turned to their alihah (gods) and said: "Will you not eat (of the offering before you)?
Then did he turn to their gods and said, "will ye not eat (of the offerings before you)?...
"What is the matter with you that you speak not?"
"What is the matter with you that ye speak not (intelligently)?"
Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand.
Then did he turn upon them, striking (them) with the right hand.
Then they (the worshippers of idols) came, towards him, hastening.
Then came (the worshippers) with hurried steps, and faced (him).
He said: "Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve?
He said: "Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved?
"While Allah has created you and what you make!"
"But Allah has created you and your handwork!"
They said: "Build for him a building (it is said that the building was like a furnace) and throw him into the blazing fire!"
They said, "Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire!"
So they plotted a plot against him, but We made them the lowest.
(This failing), they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!
And he said (after his rescue from the fire): "Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!"
He said: "I will go to my Lord! He will surely guide me!
"My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous."
"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!"
So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.
So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.
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)."
Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!"
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);
So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),
We called out to him: "O Abraham!
We called out to him "O Abraham!
You have fulfilled the dream!" Verily thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See 2:112).
"Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" - thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.
For this was obviously a trial -
And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. كبش - a ram);
And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:
And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.
And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:
"Salam (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!"
"Peace and salutation to Abraham!"
Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).
Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.
For he was one of our believing Servants.
And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaq (Isaac) - a Prophet from the righteous.
And We gave him the good news of Isaac - a prophet, - one of the Righteous.
We blessed him and Ishaq (Isaac). And of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves.
We blessed him and Isaac: but of their progeny are (some) that do right, and (some) that obviously do wrong, to their own souls.
And, indeed We gave Our Grace to Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron).
Again (of old) We bestowed Our favour on Moses and Aaron,
And We saved them and their people from the great distress,
And We delivered them and their people from (their) Great Calamity;
And helped them, so that they became the victors;
And We helped them, so they overcame (their troubles);
And We gave them the clear Scripture;
And We gave them the Book which helps to make things clear;
And guided them to the Right Path.
And We guided them to the Straight Way.
And We left for them (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.
And We left (this blessing) for them among generations (to come) in later times:
"Salam (peace) be upon Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)!"
"Peace and salutation to Moses and Aaron!"
Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).
Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
Verily, they were two of Our believing slaves.
For they were two of our believing Servants.
And verily, Iliyas (Elias) was one of the Messengers.
So also was Elias among those sent (by Us).
When he said to his people: "Will you not fear Allah?
Behold, he said to his people, "Will ye not fear (Allah)?
"Will you call upon Ba'l (a well known idol of his nation whom they used to worship) and forsake the Best of creators,
"Will ye call upon Baal and forsake the Best of Creators, -
"Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?"
"Allah, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?"
But they denied him [Iliyas (Elias)], so they will certainly be brought forth (to the punishment),
But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up (for punishment), -
Except the chosen slaves of Allah.
Except the sincere and devoted Servants of Allah (among them).
And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.
And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:
"Salam (peace) be upon Ilyasin (Elias)!"
"Peace and salutation to such as Elias!"
Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers, who perform good deeds totally for Allah's sake only - See V.2:112).
Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.
For he was one of our believing Servants.
And verily, Lut (Lot) was one of the Messengers.
So also was Lut among those sent (by Us).
When We saved him and his family, all,
Behold, We delivered him and his adherents, all
Except an old woman (his wife) who was among those who remained behind.
Except an old woman who was among those who lagged behind:
Then We destroyed the rest (the town of Sodom at the place of the Dead Sea now in Palestine).
Then We destroyed the rest.
Verily, you pass by them in the morning
Verily, ye pass by their (sites), by day -
And at night; will you not then reflect?
And by night: will ye not understand?
And, verily, Yunus (Jonah) was one of the Messengers.
So also was Jonah among those sent (by Us).
When he ran to the laden ship:
When he ran away (like a slave from captivity) to the ship (fully) laden,
Then he (agreed to) cast lots, and he was among the losers.
He (agreed to) cast lots, and he was condemned:
Then a (big) fish swallowed him as he had done an act worthy of blame.
Then the big Fish did swallow him, and he had done acts worthy of blame.
Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,
Had it not been that he (repented and) glorified Allah,
He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.
He would certainly have remained inside the Fish till the Day of Resurrection.
But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick,
But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness,
And We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him.
And We caused to grow, over him, a spreading plant of the gourd kind.
And We sent him to a hundred thousand (people) or even more.
And We sent him (on a mission) to a hundred thousand (men) or more.
And they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while.
And they believed; so We permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.
Now ask them (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Are there (only) daughters for your Lord and sons for them?"
Now ask them their opinion: Is it that thy Lord has (only) daughters, and they have sons? -
Or did We create the angels female while they were witnesses?
Or that We created the angels female, and they are witnesses (thereto)?
Verily, it is of their falsehood that they (Quraish pagans) say:
Is it not that they say, from their own invention,
"Allah has begotten [offspring - the angels being the daughters of Allah)?" And, verily, they are liars!
"Allah has begotten children"? but they are liars!
Has He (then) chosen daughters rather than sons?
Did He (then) choose daughters rather than sons?
What is the matter with you? How do you decide?
What is the matter with you? How judge ye?
Will you not then remember?
Will ye not then receive admonition?
Or is there for you a plain authority?
Or have ye an authority manifest?
Then bring your Book if you are truthful!
Then bring ye your Book (of authority) if ye be truthful!
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).
And they have invented a blood - relationship between Him and the Jinns: but the Jinns know (quite well) that they have indeed to appear (before his Judgment - Seat)!
Glorified be Allah! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him!
Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the things they ascribe (to Him)!
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).
Not (so do) the Servants of Allah, sincere and devoted.
So, verily you (pagans) and those whom you worship (idols)
For, verily, neither ye nor those ye worship -
Cannot lead astray [turn away from Him (Allah) anyone of the believers],
Can lead (any) into temptation concerning Allah,
Except those who are predestined to burn in Hell!
Except such as are (themselves) going to the blazing Fire!
And there is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position);
(Those ranged in ranks say): "Not one of us but has a place appointed;
And verily, we (angels), we stand in rows (for the prayers as you Muslims stand in rows for your prayers);
"And we are verily ranged in ranks (for service);
And verily, we (angels), indeed are those who glorify (Allah's Praises i.e. perform prayers).
"And we are verily those who declare (Allah's) glory!"
And indeed they (Arab pagans) used to say:
And there were those who said,
"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),
"If only we had had before us a Message from those of old,
"We would have indeed been the chosen slaves of Allah (true believers of Islamic Monotheism)!"
"We should certainly have been Servants of Allah, sincere (and devoted)!"
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!
But (now that the Qur'an has come), they reject it: But soon will they know!
And, verily, Our Word has gone forth of old for Our slaves, the Messengers,
Already has Our Word been passed before (this) to our Servants sent (by Us),
That they verily would be made triumphant,
That they would certainly be assisted,
And that Our hosts! they verily would be the victors.
And that Our forces, - they surely must conquer.
So turn away (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from them for a while,
So turn thou away from them for a little while,
And watch them and they shall see (the punishment)!
And watch them (how they fare), and they soon shall see (how thou farest)!
Do they seek to hasten on Our Torment?
Do they wish (indeed) to hurry on our Punishment?
Then, when it descends in their courtyard (i.e. near to them), evil will be the morning for those who had been warned!
But when it descends into the open space before them, evil will be the morning for those who were warned (and heeded not)!
So turn (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) away from them for a while,
So turn thou away from them for a little while,
And watch and they shall see (the torment)!
And watch (how they fare) and they soon shall see (how thou farest)!
Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him!
Glory to thy Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)!
And peace be on the Messengers!
And Peace on the messengers!
And all the praises and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).
And Praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.