Al Zukhruf

1 Ha, Meem.

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 clear Book,

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

3 Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur'an that you might 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 indeed it is, in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom.

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 Then should We turn the message away, disregarding you, because you are a transgressing people?

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

6 And how many a prophet We sent among the former peoples,

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

7 But there would not come to them a prophet except that they used to ridicule him.

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

8 And We destroyed greater than them in [striking] power, and the example of the former peoples has preceded.

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

9 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."

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 [The one] who has made for you the earth a bed and made for you upon it roads that you might be guided

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 sends down rain from the sky in measured amounts, and We revive thereby a dead land - thus will you 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 And who created the species, all of them, and has made for you of ships and animals those which you mount.

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

13 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.

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 indeed we, to our Lord, will [surely] return."

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

15 But they have attributed to Him from His servants a portion. Indeed, man is clearly ungrateful.

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 has He taken, out of what He has created, daughters and chosen you for [having] sons?

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

17 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.

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 So is one brought up in ornaments while being during conflict unevident [attributed to Allah]?

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 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.

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 said, "If the Most Merciful had willed, we would not have worshipped them." They have of that no knowledge. They are not but falsifying.

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 a book before the Qur'an to which they are adhering?

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

22 Rather, they say, "Indeed, we found our fathers upon a religion, and we are in their footsteps [rightly] guided."

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

23 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."

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 [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."

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 took retribution from them; then see how was the end of the deniers.

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

26 And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father and his people, "Indeed, I am disassociated from that which you worship

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

27 Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will 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 remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it].

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 However, I gave enjoyment to these [people of Makkah] and their fathers until there came to them the truth and a clear Messenger.

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 But when the truth came to them, they said, "This is magic, and indeed we are, concerning it, disbelievers."

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 said, "Why was this Qur'an not sent down upon a great man from [one of] the two cities?"

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 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.

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 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

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 and couches [of silver] upon which to recline

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

35 And gold ornament. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous.

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 whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion.

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 indeed, the devils avert them from the way [of guidance] while they think 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 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."

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 never will it benefit you that Day, when you have wronged, that you are [all] sharing in the punishment.

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 Then will you make the deaf hear, [O Muhammad], or guide the blind or he who is in clear error?

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 whether [or not] We take you away [in death], indeed, We will take retribution upon 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 whether [or not] We show you that which We have promised them, indeed, We are Perfect in Ability.

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

43 So adhere to that which is revealed to you. Indeed, you are on a straight 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 indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you [all] are going to 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 We sent before you of Our messengers; have We made besides the Most Merciful deities to be worshipped?

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 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."

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 signs, at once 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 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].

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 [to Moses], "O magician, invoke for us your Lord by what He has promised you. Indeed, we will be guided."

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 removed from them the affliction, at once 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 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?

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 Or am I [not] better than this one who is insignificant and hardly makes himself clear?

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

53 Then why have there not been placed upon him bracelets of gold or come with him the angels in conjunction?"

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

54 So he bluffed his people, and they obeyed him. Indeed, they were [themselves] a people defiantly disobedient [of Allah].

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 And when they angered Us, We took retribution from them and drowned them all.

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

56 And We made them a precedent and an example for the later peoples.

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 was presented as an example, immediately your people laughed aloud.

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 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.

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 Jesus was not but a servant upon whom We bestowed favor, and We made him an example 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 if We willed, We could have made [instead] of you angels succeeding [one another] on 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 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.

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 never let Satan avert you. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.

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 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.

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 Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. This is a straight 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 denominations from among them differed [and separated], so woe to those who have wronged from the punishment 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 Are they waiting except for the Hour to come upon them suddenly while they perceive not?

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

67 Close friends, that Day, will be enemies to each other, except for the righteous

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

68 [To whom Allah will say], "O My servants, no fear will there be concerning you this Day, nor will you 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 [You] who believed in Our verses and were Muslims.

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 Paradise, you and your kinds, delighted."

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

71 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.

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 And that is Paradise which you are made to inherit for what you 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 For you therein is much fruit from which you will eat.

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

74 Indeed, the criminals will be in the punishment of Hell, abiding eternally.

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

75 It will not be allowed to subside for them, and they, therein, are in despair.

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 And We did not wrong them, but it was they who were the wrongdoers.

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

77 And they will call, "O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!" He will say, "Indeed, you will 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 had certainly brought you the truth, but most of you, to the truth, were averse.

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 have they devised [some] affair? But indeed, We are devising [a plan].

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

80 Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private conversations? Yes, [We do], and Our messengers are with them recording.

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 Most Merciful had a son, then I would be the first of [his] worshippers."

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 Exalted is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Lord of the Throne, above what they describe.

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 leave them to converse vainly and amuse themselves until they meet their 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 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.

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 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.

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 they invoke besides Him do not possess [power of] intercession; but only those who testify to the truth [can benefit], and they know.

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 you asked them who created them, they would surely say, "Allah." So how are they deluded?

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 [Allah acknowledges] his saying, "O my Lord, indeed these are a people who do not believe."

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

89 So turn aside from them and say, "Peace." But they are going 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.