Al Zukhruf

1 In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Ha. Mim.

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].

2 By the Scripture which maketh plain,

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

3 Lo! We have appointed it a Lecture, in Arabic that haply ye may understand.

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

4 And Lo! in the Source of Decrees, which We possess, it is indeed sublime, decisive.

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.

5 Shall We utterly ignore you because ye are a wanton folk ?

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

6 How many a prophet did We send among the men of old!

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

7 And never came there unto them a prophet but they used to mock him.

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

8 Then We destroyed men mightier than these in prowess; and the example of the men of old hath gone (before them).

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

9 And if thou (Muhammad) ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth, they will surely answer: The Mighty, the Knower created them;

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."

10 Who made the earth a resting - place for you, and placed roads for you therein, that haply ye may find your way;

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.

11 And Who sendeth down water from the sky in (due) measure, and We revive a dead land therewith. Even so will ye be brought forth;

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).

12 He Who created all the pairs, and appointed for you ships and cattle whereupon ye ride.

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

13 That ye may mount upon their backs, and may remember your Lord's favour when ye mount thereon, and may say: Glorified be He Who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not capable (of subduing them);

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).

14 And lo! unto our Lord we surely are returning.

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

15 And they allot to Him a portion of His bondmen! Lo! man is verily a mere ingrate.

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!

16 Or chooseth He daughters of all that He hath created, and honoureth He you with sons ?

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

17 And if one of them hath tidings of that which he likeneth to the Beneficent One, his countenance becometh black and he is full of inward rage.

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!

18 (Liken they then to Allah) that which is bred up in outward show, and in dispute cannot make itself plain ?

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?

19 And they make the angels, who are the slaves of the Beneficent, females. Did they witness their creation ? Their testimony will be recorded and they will be questioned.

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!

20 And they say: If the Beneficent One had (so) willed, we should not have worshipped them. They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do but guess.

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!

21 Or have We given them any scripture before (this Qur'an) so that they are holding fast thereto ?

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

22 Nay, for they say only: Lo! we found our fathers following a religion, and we are guided by their footprints.

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

23 And even so We sent not a warner before thee (Muhammad) into any township but its luxurious ones said: Lo! we found our fathers following a religion, and we are following their footprints.

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."

24 (And the warner) said: What! Even though I bring you better guidance than that ye found your fathers following ? They answered: Lo! in what ye bring we are disbelievers.

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."

25 So We requited them. Then see the nature of the consequence for the rejecters!

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

26 And when Abraham said unto his father and his folk: Lo! I am innocent of what ye worship

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

27 Save Him Who did create me, for He will surely guide me.

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

28 And he made it a word enduring among his seed, that haply they might return.

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).

29 Nay, but I let these and their fathers enjoy life (only) till there should come unto them the Truth and a messenger making plain.

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.

30 And now that the Truth hath come unto them they say: This is mere magic, and lo! we are disbelievers therein.

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."

31 And they say: If only this Qur'an had been revealed to some great man of the two towns ?

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

32 Is it they who apportion thy Lord's mercy ? We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world, and raised some of them above others in rank that some of them may take labour from others; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than (the wealth) that they amass.

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.

33 And were it not that mankind would have become one community, We might well have appointed, for those who disbelieve in the Beneficent, roofs of silver for their houses and stairs (of silver) whereby to mount,

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,

34 And for their houses doors (of silver) and couches of silver whereon to recline,

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

35 And ornaments of gold. Yet all that would have been but a provision of the life of the world. And the Hereafter with your Lord would have been for those who keep from evil.

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.

36 And he whose sight is dim to the remembrance of the Beneficent, We assign unto him a devil who becometh his comrade;

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.

37 And lo! they surely turn them from the way of Allah, and yet they deem that they are rightly guided;

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

38 Till, when he cometh unto Us, he saith (unto his comrade): Ah, would that between me and thee there were the distance of the two horizons - an evil comrade!

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)!

39 And it profiteth you not this day, because ye did wrong, that ye will be sharers in the doom.

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.

40 Canst thou (Muhammad) make the deaf to hear, or canst thou guide the blind or him who is in error manifest ?

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?

41 And if We take thee away, We surely shall take vengeance on them,

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

42 Or (if) We show thee that wherewith We threaten them; for lo! We have complete command of them.

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

43 So hold thou fast to that which is inspired in thee. Lo! thou art on a right path.

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.

44 And lo! it is in truth a Reminder for thee and for thy folk; and ye will be questioned.

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).

45 And ask those of Our messengers whom We sent before thee: Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped beside the Beneficent ?

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)?"

46 And verily We sent Moses with Our revelations unto Pharaoh and his chiefs, and he said: I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds.

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)."

47 But when he brought them Our tokens, behold! they laughed at them.

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

48 And every token that We showed them was greater than its sister (token), and We grasped them with the torment, that haply they might turn again.

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)].

49 And they said: O wizard! Entreat thy Lord for us by the pact that He hath made with thee. Lo! we verily will walk aright.

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)."

50 But when We eased them of the torment, behold! they broke their word.

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).

51 And Pharaoh caused a proclamation to be made among his people saying: O my people! Is not mine the sovereignty of Egypt and these rivers flowing under me ? Can ye not then discern ?

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?

52 I am surely better than this fellow, who is despicable and can hardly make (his meaning) plain!

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

53 Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him ?

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

54 Thus he persuaded his people to make light (of Moses), and they obeyed him. Lo! they were a wanton folk.

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).

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

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

56 And We made them a thing past, and an example for those after (them).

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

57 And when the son of Mary is quoted as an example, behold! the folk laugh out,

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).

58 And say: Are our gods better, or is he ? They raise not the objection save for argument. Nay! but they are a contentious folk.

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)

59 He is nothing but a slave on whom We bestowed favour, and We made him a pattern for the Children of Israel.

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).

60 And had We willed We could have set among you angels to be viceroys in the earth.

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].

61 And lo! verily there is knowledge of the Hour. So doubt ye not concerning it, but follow Me. This is the right path.

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).

62 And let not Satan turn you aside. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.

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.

63 When Jesus came with clear proofs (of Allah's Sovereignty), he said: I have come unto you with wisdom, and to make plain some of that concerning which ye differ. So keep your duty to Allah, and obey me.

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.

64 Lo! Allah, He is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him. This is a right path.

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)."

65 But the factions among them differed. Then woe unto those who do wrong from the doom of a painful day.

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)!

66 Await they aught save the Hour, that it shall come upon them suddenly, when they know not ?

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

67 Friends on that day will be foes one to another, save those who kept their duty (to Allah).

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

68 O My slaves! For you there is no fear this day, nor is it ye who grieve;

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,

69 (Ye) who believed Our revelations and were self - surrendered,

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).

70 Enter the Garden, ye and your wives, to be made glad.

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

71 Therein are brought round for them trays of gold and goblets, and therein is all that souls desire and eyes find sweet. And ye are immortal therein.

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.

72 This is the Garden which ye are made to inherit because of what ye used to do.

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).

73 Therein for you is fruit in plenty whence to eat.

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

74 Lo! the guilty are immortal in hell's torment.

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

75 It is not relaxed for them, and they despair therein.

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

76 We wronged them not, but they it was who did the wrong.

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

77 And they cry: O master! Let thy Lord make an end of us. He saith: Lo! here ye must remain.

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."

78 We verily brought the Truth unto you, but ye were, most of you, averse to the Truth.

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.

79 Or do they determine any thing (against the Prophet) ? Lo! We (also) are determining.

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

80 Or deem they that We cannot hear their secret thoughts and private confidences ? Nay, but Our envoys, present with them, do record.

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.

81 Say (O Muhammad): If the Beneficent One hath a son, then, I shall be first among the worshippers. (But there is no son).

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].

82 Glorified be the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Throne, from that which they ascribe (unto Him)!

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).

83 So let them flounder (in their talk) and play until they meet the Day which they are promised.

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

84 And He it is Who in the heaven is God, and in the earth God. He is the Wise, the Knower.

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.

85 And blessed be He unto Whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, and with Whom is knowledge of the Hour, and unto Whom ye will be returned.

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.

86 And those unto whom they cry instead of Him possess no power of intercession, saving him who beareth witness unto the Truth knowingly.

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).

87 And if thou ask them who created them, they will surely say: Allah. How then are they turned away ?

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)?

88 And he saith: O my Lord! Lo! these are a folk who believe not.

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

89 Then bear with them (O Muhammad) and say: Peace. But they will come to know.

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