Al Alaq

1 Read in the name of your Lord Who created.

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists).

2 He created man from a clot.

2 He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).

3 Read and your Lord is Most Honorable,

3 Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.

4 Who taught (to write) with the pen

4 Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.

5 Taught man what he knew not.

5 He has taught man that which he knew not.

6 Nay! man is most surely inordinate,

6 Nay! Verily, man does transgress (in disbelief and evil deed).

7 Because he sees himself free from want.

7 Because he considers himself self-sufficient.

8 Surely to your Lord is the return.

8 Surely, unto your Lord is the return.

9 Have you seen him who forbids

9 Have you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) seen him (i.e. Abu Jahl) who prevents

10 A servant when he prays?

10 A slave (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) when he prays?

11 Have you considered if he were on the right way,

11 Tell me if he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is on the guidance (of Allah)

12 Or enjoined guarding (against evil)?

12 Or enjoins piety!

13 Have you considered if he gives the lie to the truth and turns (his) back?

13 Tell me if he (Abu Jahl) denies (the truth, i.e. this Qur'an) and turns away?

14 Does he not know that Allah does see?

14 Knows he not that Allah does see (what he does)?

15 Nay! if he desist not, We would certainly smite his forehead,

15 Nay! If he (Abu Jahl) ceases not, We will catch him by the forelock -

16 A lying, sinful forehead.

16 A lying, sinful forelock!

17 Then let him summon his council,

17 Then let him call upon his council (of helpers).

18 We too would summon the braves of the army.

18 We will call out the guards of Hell (to deal with him)!

19 Nay! obey him not, and make obeisance and draw nigh (to Allah).

19 Nay! (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)! Do not obey him (Abu Jahl). Fall prostrate and draw near to Allah!