Chapter 43, 89 verses
Ha, Meem.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Ha. Mim.
Ha - Mim
By the clear Book,
By the Scripture which maketh plain,
By the Book that makes things clear, -
Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur'an that you might understand.
Lo! We have appointed it a Lecture, in Arabic that haply ye may understand.
We have made it a Qur'an in Arabic, that ye may be able to understand (and learn wisdom).
And indeed it is, in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom.
And Lo! in the Source of Decrees, which We possess, it is indeed sublime, decisive.
And verily, it is in the Mother of the Book, in Our Presence, high (in dignity), full of wisdom.
Then should We turn the message away, disregarding you, because you are a transgressing people?
Shall We utterly ignore you because ye are a wanton folk ?
Shall We then take away the Message from you and repel (you), for that ye are a people transgressing beyond bounds?
And how many a prophet We sent among the former peoples,
How many a prophet did We send among the men of old!
But how many were the prophets We sent amongst the peoples of old?
But there would not come to them a prophet except that they used to ridicule him.
And never came there unto them a prophet but they used to mock him.
And never came there a prophet to them but they mocked him.
And We destroyed greater than them in [striking] power, and the example of the former peoples has preceded.
Then We destroyed men mightier than these in prowess; and the example of the men of old hath gone (before them).
So We destroyed (them) - stronger in power than these; - and (thus) has passed on the Parable of the peoples of old.
And if you should ask them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" they would surely say, "They were created by the Exalted in Might, the Knowing."
And if thou (Muhammad) ask them: Who created the heavens and the earth, they will surely answer: The Mighty, the Knower created them;
If thou wert to question them, 'Who created the heavens and the earth?' They would be sure to reply, 'they were created by (Him), the Exalted in Power, Full of Knowledge'; -
[The one] who has made for you the earth a bed and made for you upon it roads that you might be guided
Who made the earth a resting - place for you, and placed roads for you therein, that haply ye may find your way;
(Yea, the same that) has made for you the earth (like a carpet) spread out, and has made for you roads (and channels) therein, in order that ye may find guidance (on the way);
And who sends down rain from the sky in measured amounts, and We revive thereby a dead land - thus will you be brought forth -
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;
That sends down (from time to time) rain from the sky in due measure; - and We raise to life therewith a land that is dead; even so will ye be raised (from the dead); -
And who created the species, all of them, and has made for you of ships and animals those which you mount.
He Who created all the pairs, and appointed for you ships and cattle whereupon ye ride.
That has created pairs in all things, and has made for you ships and cattle on which ye ride,
That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favor of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say. "Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it.
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);
In order that ye may sit firm and square on their backs, and when so seated, ye may celebrate the (kind) favour of your Lord, and say, "Glory to Him Who has subjected these to our (use), for we could never have accomplished this (by ourselves),
And indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return."
And lo! unto our Lord we surely are returning.
"And to our Lord, surely, must we turn back!"
But they have attributed to Him from His servants a portion. Indeed, man is clearly ungrateful.
And they allot to Him a portion of His bondmen! Lo! man is verily a mere ingrate.
Yet they attribute to some of His servants a share with Him (in his godhead)! truly is man a blasphemous ingrate avowed!
Or has He taken, out of what He has created, daughters and chosen you for [having] sons?
Or chooseth He daughters of all that He hath created, and honoureth He you with sons ?
What! has He taken daughters out of what He himself creates, and granted to you sons for choice?
And when one of them is given good tidings of that which he attributes to the Most Merciful in comparison, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief.
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.
When news is brought to one of them of (the birth of) what he sets up as a likeness to (Allah) Most Gracious, his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!
So is one brought up in ornaments while being during conflict unevident [attributed to Allah]?
(Liken they then to Allah) that which is bred up in outward show, and in dispute cannot make itself plain ?
Is then one brought up among trinkets, and unable to give a clear account in a dispute (to be associated with Allah)?
And they have made the angels, who are servants of the Most Merciful, females. Did they witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be questioned.
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.
And they make into females angels who themselves serve Allah. Did they witness their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account!
And they said, "If the Most Merciful had willed, we would not have worshipped them." They have of that no knowledge. They are not but falsifying.
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.
("Ah!") they say, "If it had been the will of (Allah) Most Gracious, we should not have worshipped such (deities)!" Of that they have no knowledge! they do nothing but lie!
Or have We given them a book before the Qur'an to which they are adhering?
Or have We given them any scripture before (this Qur'an) so that they are holding fast thereto ?
What! have We given them a Book before this, to which they are holding fast?
Rather, they say, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided."
Nay, for they say only: Lo! we found our fathers following a religion, and we are guided by their footprints.
Nay! they say: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we do guide ourselves by their footsteps."
And similarly, We did not send before you any warner into a city except that its affluent said, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are, in their footsteps, following."
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.
Just in the same way, whenever We sent a Warner before thee to any people, the wealthy ones among them said: "We found our fathers following a certain religion, and we will certainly follow in their footsteps."
[Each warner] said, "Even if I brought you better guidance than that [religion] upon which you found your fathers?" They said, "Indeed we, in that with which you were sent, are disbelievers."
(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.
He said: "What! Even if I brought you better guidance than that which ye found your fathers following?" They said: "For us, we deny that ye (prophets) are sent (on a mission at all)."
So we took retribution from them; then see how was the end of the deniers.
So We requited them. Then see the nature of the consequence for the rejecters!
So We exacted retribution from them: now see what was the end of those who rejected (Truth)!
And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship
And when Abraham said unto his father and his folk: Lo! I am innocent of what ye worship
Behold! Abraham said to his father and his people: "I do indeed clear myself of what ye worship:
Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me."
Save Him Who did create me, for He will surely guide me.
"(I worship) only Him Who made me, and He will certainly guide me."
And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it].
And he made it a word enduring among his seed, that haply they might return.
And he left it as a Word to endure among those who came after him, that they may turn back (to Allah).
However, I gave enjoyment to these [people of Makkah] and their fathers until there came to them the truth and a clear Messenger.
Nay, but I let these and their fathers enjoy life (only) till there should come unto them the Truth and a messenger making plain.
Yea, I have given the good things of this life to these (men) and their fathers, until the Truth has come to them, and a messenger making things clear.
But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers."
And now that the Truth hath come unto them they say: This is mere magic, and lo! we are disbelievers therein.
But when the Truth came to them, they said: "This is sorcery, and we do reject it."
And they said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?"
And they say: If only this Qur'an had been revealed to some great man of the two towns ?
Also, they say: "Why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in either of the two (chief) cities?"
Do they distribute the mercy of your Lord? It is We who have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of this world and have raised some of them above others in degrees [of rank] that they may make use of one another for service. But the mercy of your Lord is better than whatever they accumulate.
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.
Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of thy Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world: and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others. But the Mercy of thy Lord is better than the (wealth) which they amass.
And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers], We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful - for their houses - ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to mount
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,
And were it not that (all) men might become of one (evil) way of life, We would provide, for everyone that blasphemes against (Allah) Most Gracious, silver roofs for their houses and (silver) stair - ways on which to go up,
And for their houses - doors and couches [of silver] upon which to recline
And for their houses doors (of silver) and couches of silver whereon to recline,
And (silver) doors to their houses, and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline,
And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous.
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.
And also adornments of gold. But all this were nothing but conveniences of the present life: The Hereafter, in the sight of thy Lord is for the Righteous.
And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion.
And he whose sight is dim to the remembrance of the Beneficent, We assign unto him a devil who becometh his comrade;
If anyone withdraws himself from remembrance of (Allah) Most Gracious, We appoint for him an evil one, to be an intimate companion to him.
And indeed, the devils avert them from the way [of guidance] while they think that they are [rightly] guided
And lo! they surely turn them from the way of Allah, and yet they deem that they are rightly guided;
Such (evil ones) really hinder them from the Path, but they think that they are being guided aright!
Until, when he comes to Us [at Judgement], he says [to his companion], "Oh, I wish there was between me and you the distance between the east and west - how wretched a companion."
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!
At length, when (such a one) comes to Us, he says (to his evil companion): "Would that between me and thee were the distance of East and West!" Ah! evil is the companion (indeed)!
And never will it benefit you that Day, when you have wronged, that you are [all] sharing in the punishment.
And it profiteth you not this day, because ye did wrong, that ye will be sharers in the doom.
When ye have done wrong, it will avail you nothing, that Day, that ye shall be partners in Punishment!
Then will you make the deaf hear, [O Muhammad], or guide the blind or he who is in clear error?
Canst thou (Muhammad) make the deaf to hear, or canst thou guide the blind or him who is in error manifest ?
Canst thou then make the deaf to hear, or give direction to the blind or to such as (wander) in manifest error?
And whether [or not] We take you away [in death], indeed, We will take retribution upon them.
And if We take thee away, We surely shall take vengeance on them,
Even if We take thee away, We shall be sure to exact retribution from them,
Or whether [or not] We show you that which We have promised them, indeed, We are Perfect in Ability.
Or (if) We show thee that wherewith We threaten them; for lo! We have complete command of them.
Or We shall show thee that (accomplished) which We have promised them: for verily We shall prevail over them.
So adhere to that which is revealed to you. Indeed, you are on a straight path.
So hold thou fast to that which is inspired in thee. Lo! thou art on a right path.
So hold thou fast to the Revelation sent down to thee; verily thou art on a Straight Way.
And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you [all] are going to be questioned.
And lo! it is in truth a Reminder for thee and for thy folk; and ye will be questioned.
The (Qur'an) is indeed the message, for thee and for thy people; and soon shall ye (all) be brought to account.
And ask those We sent before you of Our messengers; have We made besides the Most Merciful deities to be worshipped?
And ask those of Our messengers whom We sent before thee: Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped beside the Beneficent ?
And question thou our messengers whom We sent before thee; did We appoint any deities other than (Allah) Most Gracious, to be worshipped?
And certainly did We send Moses with Our signs to Pharaoh and his establishment, and he said, "Indeed, I am the messenger of the Lord of the worlds."
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.
We did send Moses aforetime, with Our Signs, to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: He said, "I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds."
But when he brought them Our signs, at once they laughed at them.
But when he brought them Our tokens, behold! they laughed at them.
But when he came to them with Our Signs, behold they ridiculed them.
And We showed them not a sign except that it was greater than its sister, and We seized them with affliction that perhaps they might return [to faith].
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.
We showed them Sign after Sign, each greater than its fellow, and We seized them with Punishment, in order that they might turn (to Us).
And they said [to Moses], "O magician, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. Indeed, we will be guided."
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.
And they said, "O thou sorcerer! Invoke thy Lord for us according to His covenant with thee; for we shall truly accept guidance."
But when We removed from them the affliction, at once they broke their word.
But when We eased them of the torment, behold! they broke their word.
But when We removed the Penalty from them, behold, they broke their word.
And Pharaoh called out among his people; he said, "O my people, does not the kingdom of Egypt belong to me, and these rivers flowing beneath me; then do you not see?
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 ?
And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Does not the dominion of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my (palace)? What! see ye not then?
Or am I [not] better than this one who is insignificant and hardly makes himself clear?
I am surely better than this fellow, who is despicable and can hardly make (his meaning) plain!
"Am I not better than this (Moses), who is a contemptible wretch and can scarcely express himself clearly?
Then why have there not been placed upon him bracelets of gold or come with him the angels in conjunction?"
Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him ?
"Then why are not gold bracelets bestowed on him, or (why) come (not) with him angels accompanying him in procession?"
So he bluffed his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were [themselves] a people defiantly disobedient [of Allah].
Thus he persuaded his people to make light (of Moses), and they obeyed him. Lo! they were a wanton folk.
Thus did he make fools of his people, and they obeyed him: truly were they a people rebellious (against Allah).
And when they angered Us, We took retribution from them and drowned them all.
So, when they angered Us, We punished them and drowned them every one.
When at length they provoked Us, We exacted retribution from them, and We drowned them all.
And We made them a precedent and an example for the later peoples.
And We made them a thing past, and an example for those after (them).
And We made them (a people) of the Past and an Example to later ages.
And when the son of Mary was presented as an example, immediately your people laughed aloud.
And when the son of Mary is quoted as an example, behold! the folk laugh out,
When (Jesus) the son of Mary is held up as an example, behold, thy people raise a clamour thereat (in ridicule)!
And they said, "Are your gods better, or is he?" They did not present the comparison except for [mere] argument. But, [in fact], they are a people prone to dispute.
And say: Are our gods better, or is he ? They raise not the objection save for argument. Nay! but they are a contentious folk.
And they say, "Are our gods best, or he?" This they set forth to thee, only by way of disputation: yea, they are a contentious people.
Jesus was not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel.
He is nothing but a slave on whom We bestowed favour, and We made him a pattern for the Children of Israel.
He was no more than a servant: We granted Our favour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.
And if We willed, We could have made [instead] of you angels succeeding [one another] on the earth.
And had We willed We could have set among you angels to be viceroys in the earth.
And if it were Our Will, We could make angels from amongst you, succeeding each other on the earth.
And indeed, Jesus will be [a sign for] knowledge of the Hour, so be not in doubt of it, and follow Me. This is a straight path.
And lo! verily there is knowledge of the Hour. So doubt ye not concerning it, but follow Me. This is the right path.
And (Jesus) shall be a Sign (for the coming of) the Hour (of Judgment): therefore have no doubt about the (Hour), but follow ye Me: this is a Straight Way.
And never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.
And let not Satan turn you aside. Lo! he is an open enemy for you.
Let not the Evil One hinder you: for he is to you an enemy avowed.
And when Jesus brought clear proofs, he said, "I have come to you with wisdom and to make clear to you some of that over which you differ, so fear Allah and obey me.
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.
When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: "Now have I come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which ye dispute: therefore fear Allah and obey me.
Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight path."
Lo! Allah, He is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him. This is a right path.
"For Allah, He is my Lord and your Lord: so worship ye Him: this is a Straight Way."
But the denominations from among them differed [and separated], so woe to those who have wronged from the punishment of a painful Day.
But the factions among them differed. Then woe unto those who do wrong from the doom of a painful day.
But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement: then woe to the wrong - doers, from the Penalty of a Grievous Day!
Are they waiting except for the Hour to come upon them suddenly while they perceive not?
Await they aught save the Hour, that it shall come upon them suddenly, when they know not ?
Do they only wait for the Hour - that it should come on them all of a sudden, while they perceive not?
Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous
Friends on that day will be foes one to another, save those who kept their duty (to Allah).
Friends on that day will be foes, one to another, - except the Righteous.
[To whom Allah will say], "O My servants, no fear will there be concerning you this Day, nor will you grieve,
O My slaves! For you there is no fear this day, nor is it ye who grieve;
My devotees! no fear shall be on you that Day, nor shall ye grieve, -
[You] who believed in Our verses and were Muslims.
(Ye) who believed Our revelations and were self - surrendered,
(Being) those who have believed in Our Signs and bowed (their wills to Ours) in Islam.
Enter Paradise, you and your kinds, delighted."
Enter the Garden, ye and your wives, to be made glad.
Enter ye the Garden, ye and your wives, in (beauty and) rejoicing.
Circulated among them will be plates and vessels of gold. And therein is whatever the souls desire and [what] delights the eyes, and you will abide therein eternally.
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.
To them will be passed round, dishes and goblets of gold: there will be there all that the souls could desire, all that their eyes could delight in: and ye shall abide therein (for eye).
And that is Paradise which you are made to inherit for what you used to do.
This is the Garden which ye are made to inherit because of what ye used to do.
Such will be the Garden of which ye are made heirs for your (good) deeds (in life).
For you therein is much fruit from which you will eat.
Therein for you is fruit in plenty whence to eat.
Ye shall have therein abundance of fruit, from which ye shall have satisfaction.
Indeed, the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally.
Lo! the guilty are immortal in hell's torment.
The sinners will be in the Punishment of Hell, to dwell therein (for aye):
It will not be allowed to subside for them, and they, therein, are in despair.
It is not relaxed for them, and they despair therein.
Nowise will the (Punishment) be lightened for them, and in despair will they be there overwhelmed.
And We did not wrong them, but it was they who were the wrongdoers.
We wronged them not, but they it was who did the wrong.
Nowise shall We be unjust to them: but it is they who have been unjust themselves.
And they will call, "O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Indeed, you will remain."
And they cry: O master! Let thy Lord make an end of us. He saith: Lo! here ye must remain.
They will cry: "O Malik! would that thy Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Nay, but ye shall abide!"
We had certainly brought you the truth, but most of you, to the truth, were averse.
We verily brought the Truth unto you, but ye were, most of you, averse to the Truth.
Verily We have brought the Truth to you: but most of you have a hatred for Truth.
Or have they devised [some] affair? But indeed, We are devising [a plan].
Or do they determine any thing (against the Prophet) ? Lo! We (also) are determining.
What! have they settled some plan (among themselves)? But it is We Who settle things.
Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private conversations? Yes, [We do], and Our messengers are with them recording.
Or deem they that We cannot hear their secret thoughts and private confidences ? Nay, but Our envoys, present with them, do record.
Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private counsels? Indeed (We do), and Our messengers are by them, to record.
Say, [O Muhammad], "If the Most Merciful had a son, then I would be the first of [his] worshippers."
Say (O Muhammad): If the Beneficent One hath a son, then, I shall be first among the worshippers. (But there is no son).
Say: "If (Allah) Most Gracious had a son, I would be the first to worship."
Exalted is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.
Glorified be the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Throne, from that which they ascribe (unto Him)!
Glory to the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the Lord of the Throne (of Authority)! (He is free) from the things they attribute (to him)!
So leave them to converse vainly and amuse themselves until they meet their Day which they are promised.
So let them flounder (in their talk) and play until they meet the Day which they are promised.
So leave them to babble and play (with vanities) until they meet that Day of theirs, which they have been promised.
And it is Allah who is [the only] deity in the heaven, and on the earth [the only] deity. And He is the Wise, the Knowing.
And He it is Who in the heaven is God, and in the earth God. He is the Wise, the Knower.
It is He Who is Allah in heaven and Allah on earth; and He is full of Wisdom and Knowledge.
And blessed is He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them and with whom is knowledge of the Hour and to whom you will be returned.
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.
And blessed is He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all between them: with Him is the Knowledge of the Hour (of Judgment): and to Him shall ye be brought back.
And those they invoke besides Him do not possess [power of] intercession; but only those who testify to the truth [can benefit], and they know.
And those unto whom they cry instead of Him possess no power of intercession, saving him who beareth witness unto the Truth knowingly.
And those whom they invoke besides Allah have no power of intercession; - only he who bears witness to the Truth, and they know (him).
And if you asked them who created them, they would surely say, "Allah." So how are they deluded?
And if thou ask them who created them, they will surely say: Allah. How then are they turned away ?
If thou ask them, who created them, they will certainly say, Allah: How then are they deluded away (from the Truth)?
And [Allah acknowledges] his saying, "O my Lord, indeed these are a people who do not believe."
And he saith: O my Lord! Lo! these are a folk who believe not.
(Allah has knowledge) of the (Prophet's) cry, "O my Lord! Truly these are people who will not believe!"
So turn aside from them and say, "Peace." But they are going to know.
Then bear with them (O Muhammad) and say: Peace. But they will come to know.
But turn away from them, and say "Peace!" But soon shall they know!