Al Rome

1 Alif, Lam, Meem.

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].

2 The Byzantines have been defeated

2 The Romans have been defeated.

3 In the nearest land. But they, after their defeat, will overcome.

3 In the nearest land (Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine), and they, after their defeat, will be victorious.

4 Within three to nine years. To Allah belongs the command before and after. And that day the believers will rejoice

4 Within three to nine years. The decision of the matter, before and after (these events) is only with Allah, (before the defeat of the Romans by the Persians, and after the defeat of the Persians by the Romans). And on that Day, the believers (i.e. Muslims) will rejoice (at the victory given by Allah to the Romans against the Persians) -

5 In the victory of Allah. He gives victory to whom He wills, and He is the Exalted in Might, the Merciful.

5 With the help of Allah. He helps whom He wills, and He is the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful.

6 [It is] the promise of Allah. Allah does not fail in His promise, but most of the people do not know.

6 (It is) a Promise of Allah (i.e. Allah will give victory to the Romans against the Persians), and Allah fails not in His Promise, but most of men know not.

7 They know what is apparent of the worldly life, but they, of the Hereafter, are unaware.

7 They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter.

8 Do they not contemplate within themselves? Allah has not created the heavens and the earth and what is between them except in truth and for a specified term. And indeed, many of the people, in [the matter of] the meeting with their Lord, are disbelievers.

8 Do they not think deeply (in their ownselves) about themselves (how Allah created them from nothing, and similarly He will resurrect them)? Allah has created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, except with truth and for an appointed term. And indeed many of mankind deny the Meeting with their Lord. [Tafsir At-Tabari].

9 Have they not traveled through the earth and observed how was the end of those before them? They were greater than them in power, and they plowed the earth and built it up more than they have built it up, and their messengers came to them with clear evidences. And Allah would not ever have wronged them, but they were wronging themselves.

9 Do they not travel in the land, and see what was the end of those before them? They were superior to them in strength, and they tilled the earth and populated it in greater numbers than these (pagans) have done: and there came to them their Messengers with clear proofs. Surely, Allah wronged them not, but they used to wrong themselves.

10 Then the end of those who did evil was the worst [consequence] because they denied the signs of Allah and used to ridicule them.

10 Then evil was the end of those who did evil, because they belied the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, Messengers, etc.) of Allah and made a mockery of them.

11 Allah begins creation; then He will repeat it; then to Him you will be returned.

11 Allah (Alone) originates the creation, then He will repeat it, then to Him you will be returned.

12 And the Day the Hour appears the criminals will be in despair.

12 And on the Day when the Hour will be established, the Mujrimun (disbelievers, sinners, criminals, polytheists) will be plunged into destruction with (deep regrets, sorrows, and) despair.

13 And there will not be for them among their [alleged] partners any intercessors, and they will [then] be disbelievers in their partners.

13 No intercessors will they have from those whom they made equal with Allah (partners i.e. their so-called associate gods), and they will (themselves) reject and deny their partners.

14 And the Day the Hour appears - that Day they will become separated.

14 And on the Day when the Hour will be established - that Day shall (all men) be separated (i.e. the believers will be separated from the disbelievers).

15 And as for those who had believed and done righteous deeds, they will be in a garden [of Paradise], delighted.

15 Then as for those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and did righteous good deeds, such shall be honoured and made to enjoy luxurious life (forever) in a Garden of Delight (Paradise).

16 But as for those who disbelieved and denied Our verses and the meeting of the Hereafter, those will be brought into the punishment [to remain].

16 And as for those who disbelieved and belied Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, Allah's Messengers, Resurrection, etc.), and the Meeting of the Hereafter, such shall be brought forth to the torment (in the Hell-fire).

17 So exalted is Allah when you reach the evening and when you reach the morning.

17 So glorify Allah [above all that (evil) they associate with Him (O believers)] when you come up to the evening [i.e. offer the (Maghrib ) sunset and ('Isha') night prayers], and when you enter the morning [i.e. offer the (Fajr) morning prayer].

18 And to Him is [due all] praise throughout the heavens and the earth. And [exalted is He] at night and when you are at noon.

18 And His are all the praises and thanks in the heavens and the earth; and (glorify Him) in the afternoon (i.e. offer 'Asr prayer) and when you come up to the time, when the day begins to decline (i.e. offer Zuhr prayer). (Ibn 'Abbas said: "These are the five compulsory congregational prayers mentioned in the Qur'an)." [Tafsir At-Tabari]

19 He brings the living out of the dead and brings the dead out of the living and brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. And thus will you be brought out.

19 He brings out the living from the dead, and brings out the dead from the living. And He revives the earth after its death. And thus shall you be brought out (resurrected).

20 And of His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings dispersing [throughout the earth].

20 And among His Signs is this, that He created you (Adam) from dust, and then [Hawwa' (Eve) from Adam's rib, and then his offspring from the semen, and], - behold you are human beings scattered!

21 And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought.

21 And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect.

22 And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors. Indeed in that are signs for those of knowledge.

22 And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge.

23 And of His signs is your sleep by night and day and your seeking of His bounty. Indeed in that are signs for a people who listen.

23 And among His Signs is your sleep by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen.

24 And of His signs is [that] He shows you the lightning [causing] fear and aspiration, and He sends down rain from the sky by which He brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that are signs for a people who use reason.

24 And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, for fear and for hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand.

25 And of His signs is that the heaven and earth remain by His command. Then when He calls you with a [single] call from the earth, immediately you will come forth.

25 And among His Signs is that the heaven and the earth stand by His Command. Then afterwards when He will call you by a single call, behold, you will come out from the earth (i.e. from your graves for reckoning and recompense).

26 And to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and earth. All are to Him devoutly obedient.

26 To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and the earth. All are obedient to Him.

27 And it is He who begins creation; then He repeats it, and that is [even] easier for Him. To Him belongs the highest attribute in the heavens and earth. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

27 And He it is Who originates the creation, then He will repeat it (after it has been perished); and this is easier for Him. His is the highest description (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He, and there is nothing comparable unto Him) in the heavens and in the earth. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

28 He presents to you an example from yourselves. Do you have among those whom your right hands possess any partners in what We have provided for you so that you are equal therein [and] would fear them as your fear of one another [within a partnership]? Thus do We detail the verses for a people who use reason.

28 He sets forth for you a parable from your ownselves: Do you have partners among those whom your right hands possess (i.e. your slaves) to share as equals in the wealth We have bestowed on you whom you fear as you fear each other? Thus do We explain the signs in detail to a people who have sense.

29 But those who wrong follow their [own] desires without knowledge. Then who can guide one whom Allah has sent astray? And for them there are no helpers.

29 Nay, but those who do wrong follow their own lusts without knowledge. Then who will guide him whom Allah has sent astray? And for such there will be no helpers.

30 So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.

30 So set you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) your face towards the religion (of pure Islamic Monotheism) Hanif (worship none but Allah Alone). Allah's Fitrah (i.e. Allah's Islamic Monotheism) with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalq-illah (i.e. the religion of Allah - Islamic Monotheism): that is the straight religion, but most of men know not. [Tafsir At-Tabari]

31 [Adhere to it], turning in repentance to Him, and fear Him and establish prayer and do not be of those who associate others with Allah

31 (And remain always) turning in repentance to Him (only), and be afraid and dutiful to Him; and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and be not of Al-Mushrikun (the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah).

32 [Or] of those who have divided their religion and become sects, every faction rejoicing in what it has.

32 Of those who split up their religion (i.e. who left the true Islamic Monotheism), and became sects, [i.e. they invented new things in the religion (Bid'ah ), and followed their vain desires], each sect rejoicing in that which is with it.

33 And when adversity touches the people, they call upon their Lord, turning in repentance to Him. Then when He lets them taste mercy from Him, at once a party of them associate others with their Lord,

33 And when harm touches men, they cry sincerely only to their Lord (Allah), turning to Him in repentance; but when He gives them a taste of His Mercy, behold, a party of them associates partners in worship with their Lord.

34 So that they will deny what We have granted them. Then enjoy yourselves, for you are going to know.

34 So as to be ungrateful for the graces which We have bestowed on them. Then enjoy (your short life); but you will come to know.

35 Or have We sent down to them an authority, and it speaks of what they were associating with Him?

35 Or have We revealed to them an authority (a Scripture), which speaks of that which they have been associating with Him?

36 And when We let the people taste mercy, they rejoice therein, but if evil afflicts them for what their hands have put forth, immediately they despair.

36 And when We cause mankind to taste of mercy, they rejoice therein; but when some evil afflicts them because of (evil deeds and sins) that their (own) hands have sent forth, behold, they are in despair!

37 Do they not see that Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]? Indeed, in that are signs for a people who believe.

37 Do they not see that Allah enlarges the provision for whom He wills and straitens (it for whom He wills). Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who believe.

38 So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is best for those who desire the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will be the successful.

38 So give to the kindred his due, and to Al-Miskin (the poor) and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek Allah's Countenance; and it is they who will be successful.

39 And whatever you give for interest to increase within the wealth of people will not increase with Allah. But what you give in zakah, desiring the countenance of Allah - those are the multipliers.

39 And that which you give in gift (to others), in order that it may increase (your wealth by expecting to get a better one in return) from other people's property, has no increase with Allah; but that which you give in Zakat (sadaqa - charity etc.) seeking Allah's Countenance, then those, they shall have manifold increase.

40 Allah is the one who created you, then provided for you, then will cause you to die, and then will give you life. Are there any of your "partners" who does anything of that? Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.

40 Allah is He Who created you, then provided food for you, then will cause you to die, then (again) He will give you life (on the Day of Resurrection). Is there any of your (so-called) partners (of Allah) that do anything of that? Glory be to Him! And Exalted be He above all that (evil) they associate (with Him).

41 Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].

41 Evil (sins and disobedience to Allah) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds), that He (Allah) may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His Pardon).

42 Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how was the end of those before. Most of them were associators [of others with Allah].

42 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Travel in the land and see what was the end of those before (you)! Most of them were Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah)."

43 So direct your face toward the correct religion before a Day comes from Allah of which there is no repelling. That Day, they will be divided.

43 So set you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) your face (in obedience to Allah, your Lord) to the straight and right religion (Islamic Monotheism), before there comes from Allah a Day which none can avert. On that Day men shall be divided [(in two groups), a group in Paradise and a group in Hell].

44 Whoever disbelieves - upon him is [the consequence of] his disbelief. And whoever does righteousness - they are for themselves preparing,

44 Whosoever disbelieves will suffer from his disbelief, and whosoever does righteous good deeds (by practising Islamic Monotheism), then such will prepare a good place (in Paradise) for themselves (and will be saved by Allah from His Torment).

45 That He may reward those who have believed and done righteous deeds out of His bounty. Indeed, He does not like the disbelievers.

45 That He may reward those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous good deeds, out of His Bounty. Verily, He likes not the disbelievers.

46 And of His signs is that He sends the winds as bringers of good tidings and to let you taste His mercy and so the ships may sail at His command and so you may seek of His bounty, and perhaps you will be grateful.

46 And among His Signs is this, that He sends the winds as glad tidings, giving you a taste of His Mercy (i.e. rain), and that the ships may sail at His Command, and that you may seek of His Bounty, in order that you may be thankful.

47 And We have already sent messengers before you to their peoples, and they came to them with clear evidences; then We took retribution from those who committed crimes, and incumbent upon Us was support of the believers.

47 And indeed We did send Messengers before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to their own peoples. They came to them with clear proofs, then, We took vengeance on those who committed crimes (disbelief, setting partners in worship with Allah, sins); and (as for) the believers, it was incumbent upon Us to help (them).

48 It is Allah who sends the winds, and they stir the clouds and spread them in the sky however He wills, and He makes them fragments so you see the rain emerge from within them. And when He causes it to fall upon whom He wills of His servants, immediately they rejoice

48 Allah is He Who sends the winds, so that they raise clouds, and spread them along the sky as He wills, and then break them into fragments, until you see rain drops come forth from their midst! Then when He has made them fall on whom of His slaves as He wills, lo, they rejoice!

49 Although they were, before it was sent down upon them - before that, in despair.

49 And verily before that (rain) - just before it was sent down upon them - they were in despair!

50 So observe the effects of the mercy of Allah - how He gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed, that [same one] will give life to the dead, and He is over all things competent.

50 Look then at the effects (results) of Allah's Mercy: how He revives the earth after its death. Verily, that (Allah) (Who revived the earth after its death) shall indeed raise the dead (on the Day of Resurrection), and He is Able to do all things.

51 But if We should send a [bad] wind and they saw [their crops] turned yellow, they would remain thereafter disbelievers.

51 And if We send a wind [which would spoil the green growth (tilth) brought up by the previous rain], and they see (their tilth) turn yellow - behold, they then (after their being glad,) would become unthankful (to their Lord Allah as) disbelievers. [Tafsir At-Tabari]

52 So indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs, retreating.

52 So verily, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) cannot make the dead to hear (i.e. the disbelievers), nor can you make the deaf to hear the call, when they show their backs and turn away.

53 And you cannot guide the blind away from their error. You will only make hear those who believe in Our verses so they are Muslims [in submission to Allah].

53 And you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) cannot guide the blind from their straying; you can make to hear only those who believe in Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and have submitted to Allah in Islam (as Muslims).

54 Allah is the one who created you from weakness, then made after weakness strength, then made after strength weakness and white hair. He creates what He wills, and He is the Knowing, the Competent.

54 Allah is He Who created you in (a state of) weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength gave (you) weakness and grey hair. He creates what He wills. And it is He Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Powerful (i.e. Able to do all things).

55 And the Day the Hour appears the criminals will swear they had remained but an hour. Thus they were deluded.

55 And on the Day that the Hour will be established, the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) will swear that they stayed not but an hour - thus were they ever deluded [away from the truth (i.e. they used to tell lies and take false oaths, and turn away from the truth) in this life of the world)]

56 But those who were given knowledge and faith will say, "You remained the extent of Allah 's decree until the Day of Resurrection, and this is the Day of Resurrection, but you did not used to know."

56 And those who have been bestowed with knowledge and faith will say: "Indeed you have stayed according to the Decree of Allah, until the Day of Resurrection: so this is the Day of Resurrection, but you knew not."

57 So that Day, their excuse will not benefit those who wronged, nor will they be asked to appease [Allah].

57 So on that Day no excuse of theirs will avail those who did wrong (by associating partners in worship with Allah, and by denying the Day of Resurrection), nor will they be allowed (then) to return to seek Allah's Pleasure (by having Islamic Faith with righteous deeds and by giving up polytheism, sins and crimes with repentance).

58 And We have certainly presented to the people in this Qur'an from every [kind of] example. But, [O Muhammad], if you should bring them a sign, the disbelievers will surely say, "You [believers] are but falsifiers."

58 And indeed We have set forth for mankind, in this Qur'an every kind of parable. But if you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) bring to them any sign or proof (as an evidence for the truth of your Prophethood), the disbelievers are sure to say (to the believers): "You follow nothing but falsehood, and magic."

59 Thus does Allah seal the hearts of those who do not know.

59 Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who know not [the proofs and evidence of the Oneness of Allah i.e. those who try not to understand true facts that which you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) have brought to them].

60 So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And let them not disquiet you who are not certain [in faith].

60 So be patient (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم). Verily, the Promise of Allah is true; and let not those who have no certainty of faith, discourage you from conveying Allah's Message (which you are obliged to convey).