Chapter 38, 88 verses
Sad. By the Qur'an containing reminder...
Suad, I swear by the Quran, full of admonition.
Sad: By the Qur'an, Full of Admonition: (This is the Truth).
But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension.
Nay! those who disbelieve are in self - exaltation and opposition.
But the Unbelievers (are steeped) in self - glory and Separatism.
How many a generation have We destroyed before them, and they [then] called out; but it was not a time for escape.
How many did We destroy before them of the generations, then they cried while the time of escaping had passed away.
How many generations before them did We destroy? In the end they cried (for mercy) - when there was no longer time for being saved!
And they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves. And the disbelievers say, "This is a magician and a liar.
And they wonder that there has come to them a warner from among themselves, and the disbelievers say: This is an enchanter, a liar.
So they wonder that a Warner has come to them from among themselves! and the Unbelievers say, "This is a sorcerer telling lies!
Has he made the gods [only] one God? Indeed, this is a curious thing."
What! makes he the gods a single Allah? A strange thing is this, to be sure!
"Has he made the gods (all) into one Allah? Truly this is a wonderful thing!"
And the eminent among them went forth, [saying], "Continue, and be patient over [the defense of] your gods. Indeed, this is a thing intended.
And the chief persons of them break forth, saying: Go and steadily adhere to your gods; this is most surely a thing sought after.
And the leader among them go away (impatiently), (saying), "Walk ye away, and remain constant to your gods! For this is truly a thing designed (against you)!
We have not heard of this in the latest religion. This is not but a fabrication.
We never heard of this in the former faith; this is nothing but a forgery:
"We never heard (the like) of this among the people of these latter days: this is nothing but a made - up tale!"
Has the message been revealed to him out of [all of] us?" Rather, they are in doubt about My message. Rather, they have not yet tasted My punishment.
Has the reminder been revealed to him from among us? Nay! they are in doubt as to My reminder. Nay! they have not yet tasted My chastisement!
"What! has the Message been sent to him - (Of all persons) among us?"... but they are in doubt concerning My (Own) Message! Nay, they have not yet tasted My Punishment!
Or do they have the depositories of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?
Or is it that they have the treasures of the mercy of your Lord, the Mighty, the great Giver?
Or have they the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, - the Exalted in Power, the Grantor of Bounties without measure?
Or is theirs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend through [any] ways of access.
Or is it that theirs is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them? Then let them ascend by any
Or have they the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all between? If so, let them mount up with the ropes and means (to reach that end)!
[They are but] soldiers [who will be] defeated there among the companies [of disbelievers].
A host of deserters of the allies shall be here put to flight.
But there - will be put to flight even a host of confederates.
The people of Noah denied before them, and [the tribe of] 'Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes,
The people of Nuh and Ad, and Firon, the lord of spikes, rejected (apostles) before them.
Before them (were many who) rejected messengers, - the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Pharaoh, the Lord of Stakes,
And [the tribe of] Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the thicket. Those are the companies.
And Samood and the people of Lut and the dwellers of the thicket; these were the parties.
And Thamud, and the people of Lut, and the Companions of the Wood; - such were the Confederates.
Each of them denied the messengers, so My penalty was justified.
There was none of them but called the apostles liars, so just was My retribution.
Not one (of them) but rejected the messengers, but My punishment came justly and inevitably (on them).
And these [disbelievers] await not but one blast [of the Horn]; for it there will be no delay.
Nor do these await aught but a single cry, there being no delay in it.
These (today) only wait for a single mighty Blast, which (when it comes) will brook no delay.
And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account"
And they say: O our Lord! hasten on to us our portion before the day of reckoning.
They say: "Our Lord! hasten to us our sentence (even) before the Day of Account!"
Be patient over what they say and remember Our servant, David, the possessor of strength; indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allah].
Bear patiently what they say, and remember Our servant Dawood, the possessor of power; surely he was frequent in returning (to Allah).
Have patience at what they say, and remember our servant David, the man of strength: for he ever turned (to Allah).
Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Allah] in the [late] afternoon and [after] sunrise.
Surely We made the mountains to sing the glory (of Allah) in unison with him at the evening and the sunrise,
It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide and at break of day,
And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises].
And the birds gathered together; all joined in singing with him.
And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah).
And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech.
And We strengthened his kingdom and We gave him wisdom and a clear judgment.
We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision.
And has there come to you the news of the adversaries, when they climbed over the wall of [his] prayer chamber -
And has there come to you the story of the litigants, when they made an entry into the private chamber by ascending over the walls?
Has the Story of the Disputants reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber;
When they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them? They said, "Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path.
When they entered in upon Dawood and he was frightened at them, they said: Fear not; two litigants, of whom one has acted wrongfully towards the other, therefore decide between us with justice, and do not act unjustly, and guide us to the right way.
When they entered the presence of David, and he was terrified of them, they said: "Fear not: we are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: Decide now between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, but guide us to the even Path..
Indeed this, my brother, has ninety - nine ewes, and I have one ewe; so he said, 'Entrust her to me,' and he overpowered me in speech."
Surely this is my brother; he has ninety - nine ewes and I have a single ewe; but he said: Make it over to me, and he has prevailed against me in discourse.
"This man is my brother: He has nine and ninety ewes, and I have (but) one: Yet he says, 'commit her to my care,' and is (moreover) harsh to me in speech."
[David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they." And David became certain that We had tried him, and he asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration] and turned in repentance [to Allah].
He said: Surely he has been unjust to you in demanding your ewe (to add) to his own ewes; and most surely most of the partners act wrongfully towards one another, save those who believe and do good, and very few are they; and Dawood was sure that We had tried him, so he sought the protection of his Lord and he fell down bowing and turned time after time (to Him).
(David) said: "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy (single) ewe to be added to his (flock of) ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each other: Not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how few are they?"... and David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to Allah in repentance).
So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.
Therefore We rectified for him this, and most surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent resort.
So We forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful place of (Final) Return.
[We said], "O David, indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people in truth and do not follow [your own] desire, as it will lead you astray from the way of Allah." Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.
o Dawood! surely We have made you a ruler in the land; so judge between men with justice and do not follow desire, lest it should lead you astray from the path of Allah; (as for) those who go astray from the path of Allah, they shall surely have a severe punishment because they forgot the day of reckoning.
O David! We did indeed make thee a vicegerent on earth: so judge thou between men in truth (and justice): Nor follow thou the lusts (of thy heart), for they will mislead thee from the Path of Allah: for those who wander astray from the Path of Allah, is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account.
And We did not create the heaven and the earth and that between them aimlessly. That is the assumption of those who disbelieve, so woe to those who disbelieve from the Fire.
And We did not create the heaven and the earth and what is between them in vain; that is the opinion of those who disbelieve then woe to those who disbelieve on account of the fire.
Not without purpose did We create heaven and earth and all between! that were the thought of Unbelievers! but woe to the Unbelievers because of the Fire (of Hell)!
Or should we treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like corrupters in the land? Or should We treat those who fear Allah like the wicked?
Shall We treat those who believe and do good like the mischief - makers in the earth? Or shall We make those who guard (against evil) like the wicked?
Shall We treat those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, the same as those who do mischief on earth? Shall We treat those who guard against evil, the same as those who turn aside from the right?
[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.
(It is) a Book We have revealed to you abounding in good that they may ponder over its verses, and that those endowed with understanding may be mindful.
(Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.
And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].
And We gave to Dawood Sulaiman, most excellent the servant! Surely he was frequent in returning (to Allah).
To David We gave Solomon (for a son), - How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn (to Us)!
[Mention] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the poised [standing] racehorses.
When there were brought to him in the evening (horses) still when standing, swift when running - -
Behold, there were brought before him, at eventide coursers of the highest breeding, and swift of foot;
And he said, "Indeed, I gave preference to the love of good [things] over the remembrance of my Lord until the sun disappeared into the curtain [of darkness]."
Then he said: Surely I preferred the good things to the remembrance of my Lord - - until the sun set and time for Asr prayer was over, (he said):
And he said, "Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord," - until (the sun) was hidden in the veil (of night):
[He said], "Return them to me," and set about striking [their] legs and necks.
Bring them back to me; so he began to slash (their) legs and necks.
"Bring them back to me." then began he to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks.
And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned.
And certainly We tried Sulaiman, and We put on his throne a (mere) body, so he turned (to Allah).
And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body (without life); but he did turn (to Us in true devotion):
He said, "My Lord, forgive me and grant me a kingdom such as will not belong to anyone after me. Indeed, You are the Bestower."
He said: My Lord! do Thou forgive me and grant me a kingdom which is not fit for (being inherited by) anyone after me;
He said, "O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a kingdom which, (it may be), suits not another after me: for Thou art the Grantor of Bounties (without measure).
So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed,
Then We made the wind subservient to him; it made his command to run gently wherever he desired,
Then We subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, Whithersoever he willed, -
And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver
And the shaitans, every builder and diver,
As also the evil ones, (including) every kind of builder and diver, -
And others bound together in shackles.
And others fettered in chains.
As also others bound together in fetters.
[We said], "This is Our gift, so grant or withhold without account."
This is Our free gift, therefore give freely or withhold, without reckoning.
"Such are Our Bounties: whether thou bestow them (on others) or withhold them, no account will be asked."
And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.
And most surely he had a nearness to Us and an excellent resort.
And he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of (Final) Return.
And remember Our servant Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, Satan has touched me with hardship and torment."
And remember Our servant Ayyub, when he called upon his Lord: The Shaitan has afflicted me with toil and torment.
Commemorate Our Servant Job. Behold he cried to his Lord: "The Evil One has afflicted me with distress and suffering!"
[So he was told], "Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink."
Urge with your foot; here is a cool washing - place and a drink.
(The command was given:) "Strike with thy foot: here is (water) wherein to wash, cool and refreshing, and (water) to drink."
And We granted him his family and a like [number] with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for those of understanding.
And We gave him his family and the like of them with them, as a mercy from Us, and as a reminder to those possessed of understanding.
And We gave him (back) his people, and doubled their number, - as a Grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who have Understanding.
[We said], "And take in your hand a bunch [of grass] and strike with it and do not break your oath." Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].
And take in your hand a green branch and beat her with It and do not break your oath; surely We found him patient; most excellent the servant! Surely he was frequent in returning (to Allah).
"And take in thy hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not (thy oath)." Truly We found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent in Our service! ever did he turn (to Us)!
And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - those of strength and [religious] vision.
And remember Our servants Ibrahim and Ishaq and Yaqoub, men of power and insight.
And commemorate Our Servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, possessors of Power and Vision.
Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter].
Surely We purified them by a pure quality, the keeping in mind of the (final) abode.
Verily We did choose them for a special (purpose) - proclaiming the Message of the Hereafter.
And indeed they are, to Us, among the chosen and outstanding.
And most surely they were with Us, of the elect, the best.
They were, in Our sight, truly, of the company of the Elect and the Good.
And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul - Kifl, and all are among the outstanding.
And remember Ismail and Al - Yasha and Zulkifl; and they were all of the best.
And commemorate Isma'il, Elisha, and Zul - Kifl: Each of them was of the Company of the Good.
This is a reminder. And indeed, for the righteous is a good place of return
This is a reminder; and most surely there is an excellent resort for those who guard (against evil),
This is a Message (of admonition): and verily, for the righteous, is a beautiful Place of (Final) Return, -
Gardens of perpetual residence, whose doors will be opened to them.
The gardens of perpetuity, the doors are opened for them.
Gardens of Eternity, whose doors will (ever) be open to them;
Reclining within them, they will call therein for abundant fruit and drink.
Reclining therein, calling therein for many fruits and drink.
Therein will they recline (at ease): Therein can they call (at pleasure) for fruit in abundance, and (delicious) drink;
And with them will be women limiting [their] glances and of equal age.
And with them shall be those restraining their eyes, equals in age.
And beside them will be chaste women restraining their glances, (companions) of equal age.
This is what you, [the righteous], are promised for the Day of Account.
This is what you are promised for the day of reckoning.
Such is the Promise made, to you for the Day of Account!
Indeed, this is Our provision; for it there is no depletion.
Most surely this is Our sustenance; it shall never come to an end;
Truly such will be Our Bounty (to you); it will never fail; -
This [is so]. But indeed, for the transgressors is an evil place of return -
This (shall be so); and most surely there is an evil resort for the inordinate ones;
Yea, such! but - for the wrong - doers will be an evil place of (Final) Return! -
Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the resting place.
Hell; they shall enter it, so evil is the resting - place.
Hell! - they will burn therein, - an evil bed (indeed, to lie on)! -
This - so let them taste it - is scalding water and [foul] purulence.
This (shall be so); so let them taste it, boiling and intensely cold (drink).
Yea, such! - then shall they taste it, - a boiling fluid, and a fluid dark, murky, intensely cold! -
And other [punishments] of its type [in various] kinds.
And other (punishment) of the same kind - - of various sorts.
And other Penalties of a similar kind, to match them!
[Its inhabitants will say], "This is a company bursting in with you. No welcome for them. Indeed, they will burn in the Fire."
This is an army plunging in without consideration along with you; no welcome for them, surely they shall enter fire.
Here is a troop rushing headlong with you! No welcome for them! truly, they shall burn in the Fire!
They will say, "Nor you! No welcome for you. You, [our leaders], brought this upon us, and wretched is the settlement."
They shall say: Nay! you - - no welcome to you: you did proffer it to us, so evil is the resting - place.
(The followers shall cry to the misleaders:) "Nay, ye (too)! No welcome for you! It is ye who have brought this upon us! Now evil is (this) place to stay in!"
They will say, "Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us - increase for him double punishment in the Fire."
They shall say: Our Lord! whoever prepared it first for us, add Thou to him a double chastisement in the fire.
They will say: "Our Lord! whoever brought this upon us, - Add to him a double Penalty in the Fire!"
And they will say, "Why do we not see men whom we used to count among the worst?
And they shall say: What is the matter with us that we do not see men whom we used to count among the vicious?
And they will say: "What has happened to us that we see not men whom we used to number among the bad ones?
Is it [because] we took them in ridicule, or has [our] vision turned away from them?"
Was it that we (only) took them in scorn, or have our eyes (now) turned aside from them?
"Did we treat them (as such) in ridicule, or have (our) eyes failed to perceive them?"
Indeed, that is truth - the quarreling of the people of the Fire.
That most surely is the truth: the contending one with another of the inmates of the fire.
Truly that is just and fitting, - the mutual recriminations of the People of the Fire!
Say, [O Muhammad], "I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except Allah, the One, the Prevailing.
Say: I am only a warner, and there is no god but Allah, the One, the Subduer (of all):
Say: "Truly am I a Warner: no god is there but the one Allah, Supreme and Irresistible, -
Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, the Exalted in Might, the Perpetual Forgiver."
The Lord of the heavens and the earth and what is between them, the Mighty, the most Forgiving.
"The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between, - Exalted in Might, able to enforce His Will, forgiving again and again."
Say, "It is great news
Say: It is a message of importance,
Say: "That is a Message Supreme (above all), -
From which you turn away.
(And) you are turning aside from it:
"From which ye do turn away!
I had no knowledge of the exalted assembly [of angels] when they were disputing [the creation of Adam].
I had no knowledge of the exalted chiefs when they contended:
"No knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when they discuss (matters) among themselves.
It has not been revealed to me except that I am a clear warner."
Naught is revealed to me save that I am a plain warner.
'Only this has been revealed to me: that I am to give warning plainly and publicly."
[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay.
When your Lord said to the angels; Surely I am going to create a mortal from dust:
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from clay:
So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration."
So when I have made him complete and breathed into him of My spirit, then fall down making obeisance to him.
"When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him."
So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely.
And the angels did obeisance, all of them,
So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together:
Except Iblees; he was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.
But not Iblis: he was proud and he was one of the unbelievers.
Not so Iblis: he was haughty, and became one of those who reject Faith.
[Allah] said, "O Iblees, what prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My hands? Were you arrogant [then], or were you [already] among the haughty?"
He said: O Iblis! what prevented you that you should do obeisance to him whom I created with My two hands? Are you proud or are you of the exalted ones?
(Allah) said: "O Iblis! What prevents thee from prostrating thyself to one whom I have created with my hands? Art thou haughty? Or art thou one of the high (and mighty) ones?"
He said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay."
He said: I am better than he; Thou hast created me of fire, and him Thou didst create of dust.
(Iblis) said: "I am better than he: thou createdst me from fire, and him thou createdst from clay."
[Allah] said, "Then get out of Paradise, for indeed, you are expelled.
He said: Then get out of it, for surely you are driven away:
(Allah) said: "Then get thee out from here: for thou art rejected, accursed.
And indeed, upon you is My curse until the Day of Recompense."
And surely My curse is on you to the day of judgment.
"And My curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment."
He said, "My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected."
He said: My Lord! then respite me to the day that they are raised.
(Iblis) said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised."
[Allah] said, "So indeed, you are of those reprieved
He said: Surely you are of the respited ones,
(Allah) said: "Respite then is granted thee -
Until the Day of the time well - known."
Till the period of the time made known.
"Till the Day of the Time Appointed."
[Iblees] said, "By your might, I will surely mislead them all
He said: Then by Thy Might I will surely make them live an evil life, all,
(Iblis) said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong, -
Except, among them, Your chosen servants."
Except Thy servants from among them, the purified ones.
"Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace)."
[Allah] said, "The truth [is My oath], and the truth I say -
He said: The truth then is and the truth do I speak:
(Allah) said: "Then it is just and fitting - and I say what is just and fitting -
[That] I will surely fill Hell with you and those of them that follow you all together."
That I will most certainly fill hell with you and with those among them who follow you, all.
"That I will certainly fill Hell with thee and those that follow thee, - every one."
Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for the Qur'an any payment, and I am not of the pretentious
Say: I do not ask you for any reward for it; nor am I of those who affect:
Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this (Qur'an), nor am I a pretender.
It is but a reminder to the worlds.
It is nothing but a reminder to the nations;
"This is no less than a Message to (all) the Worlds.
And you will surely know [the truth of] its information after a time."
And most certainly you will come to know about it after a time.
"And ye shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while."