Al Saffat

1 By those [angels] lined up in rows

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. By those (angels) ranged in ranks (or rows).

2 And those who drive [the clouds]

2 By those (angels) who drive the clouds in a good way.

3 And those who recite the message,

3 By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Qur'an from Allah to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathir].

4 Indeed, your God is One,

4 Verily your Ilah (God) is indeed One (i.e. Allah):

5 Lord of the heavens and the earth and that between them and Lord of the sunrises.

5 Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and all that is between them, and Lord of every point of the sun's risings.

6 Indeed, We have adorned the nearest heaven with an adornment of stars

6 Verily We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty).

7 And as protection against every rebellious devil

7 And to guard against every rebellious devil.

8 [So] they may not listen to the exalted assembly [of angels] and are pelted from every side,

8 They cannot listen to the higher group (angels) for they are pelted from every side.

9 Repelled; and for them is a constant punishment,

9 Outcast, and theirs is a constant (or painful) torment.

10 Except one who snatches [some words] by theft, but they are pursued by a burning flame, piercing [in brightness].

10 Except such as snatch away something by stealing, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness.

11 Then inquire of them, [O Muhammad], "Are they a stronger [or more difficult] creation or those [others] We have created?" Indeed, We created men from sticky clay.

11 Then ask them (i.e. these polytheists, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Are they stronger as creation, or those (others like the heavens and the earth and the mountains) whom We have created?" Verily, We created them of a sticky clay.

12 But you wonder, while they mock,

12 Nay, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) wondered (at their insolence) while they mock (at you and at the Qur'an).

13 And when they are reminded, they remember not.

13 And when they are reminded, they pay no attention.

14 And when they see a sign, they ridicule

14 And when they see an Ayah (a sign, or an evidence) from Allah, they mock at it.

15 And say, "This is not but obvious magic.

15 And they say: "This is nothing but evident magic!

16 When we have died and become dust and bones, are we indeed to be resurrected?

16 "When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we (then) verily be resurrected?

17 And our forefathers [as well]?"

17 "And also our fathers of old?"

18 Say, "Yes, and you will be [rendered] contemptible."

18 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Yes, and you shall then be humiliated."

19 It will be only one shout, and at once they will be observing.

19 It will be a single Zajrah [shout (i.e. the second blowing of the Trumpet)], and behold, they will be staring!

20 They will say, "O woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense."

20 They will say: "Woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense!"

21 [They will be told], "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny."

21 (It will be said): "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny."

22 [The angels will be ordered], "Gather those who committed wrong, their kinds, and what they used to worship

22 (It will be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship,

23 Other than Allah, and guide them to the path of Hellfire

23 "Instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell);

24 And stop them; indeed, they are to be questioned."

24 "But stop them, verily they are to be questioned.

25 [They will be asked], "What is [wrong] with you? Why do you not help each other?"

25 "What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?"

26 But they, that Day, are in surrender.

26 Nay, but that Day they shall surrender.

27 And they will approach one another blaming each other.

27 And they will turn to one another and question one another.

28 They will say, "Indeed, you used to come at us from the right."

28 They will say: "It was you who used to come to us from the right side [i.e. from the right side of one of us and beautify for us every evil, enjoin on us polytheism, and stop us from the truth i.e. Islamic Monotheism and from every good deed]."

29 The oppressors will say, "Rather, you [yourselves] were not believers,

29 They will reply: "Nay, you yourselves were not believers.

30 And we had over you no authority, but you were a transgressing people.

30 "And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were Taghun (transgressing) people (polytheists, and disbelievers).

31 So the word of our Lord has come into effect upon us; indeed, we will taste [punishment].

31 "So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment).

32 And we led you to deviation; indeed, we were deviators."

32 "So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray."

33 So indeed they, that Day, will be sharing in the punishment.

33 Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment.

34 Indeed, that is how We deal with the criminals.

34 Certainly, that is how We deal with Al-Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, disbelievers, criminals, the disobedient to Allah).

35 Indeed they, when it was said to them, "There is no deity but Allah," were arrogant

35 Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha illallah "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)," they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).

36 And were saying, "Are we to leave our gods for a mad poet?"

36 And (they) said: "Are we going to abandon our alihah (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?"

37 Rather, the Prophet has come with the truth and confirmed the [previous] messengers.

37 Nay! he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has come with the truth (i.e. Allah's religion - Islamic Monotheism and this Qur'an) and he confirms the Messengers (before him who brought Allah's religion - Islamic Monotheism).

38 Indeed, you [disbelievers] will be tasters of the painful punishment,

38 Verily, you (pagans of Makkah) are going to taste the painful torment;

39 And you will not be recompensed except for what you used to do -

39 And you will be requited nothing except for what you used to do (evil deeds, sins, and Allah's disobedience which you used to do in this world)

40 But not the chosen servants of Allah.

40 Save the chosen slaves of Allah (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism).

41 Those will have a provision determined -

41 For them there will be a known provision (in Paradise),

42 Fruits; and they will be honored

42 Fruits; and they shall be honoured,

43 In gardens of pleasure

43 In the Gardens of delight (Paradise),

44 On thrones facing one another.

44 Facing one another on thrones.

45 There will be circulated among them a cup [of wine] from a flowing spring,

45 Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine -

46 White and delicious to the drinkers;

46 White, delicious to the drinkers.

47 No bad effect is there in it, nor from it will they be intoxicated.

47 Neither will they have Ghoul (any kind of hurt, abdominal pain, headache, a sin) from that, nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.

48 And with them will be women limiting [their] glances, with large, [beautiful] eyes,

48 And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf [chaste females (wives), restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)], with wide and beautiful eyes.

49 As if they were [delicate] eggs, well - protected.

49 (Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved.

50 And they will approach one another, inquiring of each other.

50 Then they will turn to one another, mutually questioning.

51 A speaker among them will say, "Indeed, I had a companion [on earth]

51 A speaker of them will say: "Verily, I had a companion (in the world),

52 Who would say, 'Are you indeed of those who believe

52 Who used to say: "Are you among those who believe (in resurrection after death).

53 That when we have died and become dust and bones, we will indeed be recompensed?'"

53 "(That) when we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed (be raised up) to receive reward or punishment (according to our deeds)?"

54 He will say, "Would you [care to] look?"

54 (The speaker) said: "Will you look down?"

55 And he will look and see him in the midst of the Hellfire.

55 So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.

56 He will say, "By Allah, you almost ruined me.

56 He said: "By Allah! You have nearly ruined me.

57 If not for the favor of my Lord, I would have been of those brought in [to Hell].

57 "Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell)."

58 Then, are we not to die

58 (The dwellers of Paradise will say) "Are we then not to die (any more)?

59 Except for our first death, and we will not be punished?"

59 Except our first death, and we shall not be punished? (after we have entered Paradise)."

60 Indeed, this is the great attainment.

60 Truly, this is the supreme success!

61 For the like of this let the workers [on earth] work.

61 For the like of this let the workers work.

62 Is Paradise a better accommodation or the tree of zaqqum?

62 Is that (Paradise) better entertainment or the tree of Zaqqum (a horrible tree in Hell)?

63 Indeed, We have made it a torment for the wrongdoers.

63 Truly We have made it (as) a trail for the Zalimun (polytheists, disbelievers, wrong-doers).

64 Indeed, it is a tree issuing from the bottom of the Hellfire,

64 Verily, it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell-fire,

65 Its emerging fruit as if it was heads of the devils.

65 The shoots of its fruit-stalks are like the heads of Shayatin (devils);

66 And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies.

66 Truly, they will eat thereof and fill their bellies therewith.

67 Then indeed, they will have after it a mixture of scalding water.

67 Then on the top of that they will be given boiling water to drink so that it becomes a mixture (of boiling water and Zaqqum in their bellies).

68 Then indeed, their return will be to the Hellfire.

68 Then thereafter, verily, their return is to the flaming fire of Hell.

69 Indeed they found their fathers astray.

69 Verily, they found their fathers on the wrong path;

70 So they hastened [to follow] in their footsteps.

70 So they (too) hastened in their footsteps!

71 And there had already strayed before them most of the former peoples,

71 And indeed most of the men of old went astray before them;

72 And We had already sent among them warners.

72 And indeed We sent among them warners (Messengers);

73 Then look how was the end of those who were warned -

73 Then see what was the end of those who were warned (but heeded not).

74 But not the chosen servants of Allah.

74 Except the chosen slaves of Allah (faithful, obedient, and true believers of Islamic Monotheism).

75 And Noah had certainly called Us, and [We are] the best of responders.

75 And indeed Nuh (Noah) invoked Us, and We are the Best of those who answer (the request).

76 And We saved him and his family from the great affliction.

76 And We rescued him and his family from the great distress (i.e. drowning),

77 And We made his descendants those remaining [on the earth]

77 And, his progeny, them We made the survivors (i.e. Shem, Ham and Japheth).

78 And left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:

78 And left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations:

79 "Peace upon Noah among the worlds."

79 "Salam (peace) be upon Nuh (Noah) (from Us) among the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!"

80 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

80 Verily, thus We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).

81 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

81 Verily, he [Nuh (Noah)] was one of Our believing slaves.

82 Then We drowned the disbelievers.

82 Then We drowned the others (disbelievers and polytheists).

83 And indeed, among his kind was Abraham,

83 And, verily, among those who followed his [Nuh's (Noah)] way (Islamic Monotheism) was Ibrahim (Abraham).

84 When he came to his Lord with a sound heart

84 When he came to his Lord with a pure heart [attached to Allah Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allah Alone - true Islamic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism].

85 [And] when he said to his father and his people, "What do you worship?

85 When he said to his father and to his people: "What is it that which you worship?

86 Is it falsehood [as] gods other than Allah you desire?

86 "Is it a falsehood - alihah (gods) other than Allah - that you desire?

87 Then what is your thought about the Lord of the worlds?"

87 "Then what think you about the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)?"

88 And he cast a look at the stars

88 Then he cast a glance at the stars,

89 And said, "Indeed, I am [about to be] ill."

89 And he said: "Verily, I am sick (with plague). [He did this trick to remain in their temple of idols to destroy them and not to accompany them to the pagan feast)]."

90 So they turned away from him, departing.

90 So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease).

91 Then he turned to their gods and said, "Do you not eat?

91 Then he turned to their alihah (gods) and said: "Will you not eat (of the offering before you)?

92 What is [wrong] with you that you do not speak?"

92 "What is the matter with you that you speak not?"

93 And he turned upon them a blow with [his] right hand.

93 Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand.

94 Then the people came toward him, hastening.

94 Then they (the worshippers of idols) came, towards him, hastening.

95 He said, "Do you worship that which you [yourselves] carve,

95 He said: "Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve?

96 While Allah created you and that which you do?"

96 "While Allah has created you and what you make!"

97 They said, "Construct for him a furnace and throw him into the burning fire."

97 They said: "Build for him a building (it is said that the building was like a furnace) and throw him into the blazing fire!"

98 And they intended for him a plan, but We made them the most debased.

98 So they plotted a plot against him, but We made them the lowest.

99 And [then] he said, "Indeed, I will go to [where I am ordered by] my Lord; He will guide me.

99 And he said (after his rescue from the fire): "Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!"

100 My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous."

100 "My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous."

101 So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy.

101 So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.

102 And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, "O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think." He said, "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."

102 And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allah). So look what you think!" He said: "O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha' Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of As-Sabirun (the patient)."

103 And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead,

103 Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering);

104 We called to him, "O Abraham,

104 We called out to him: "O Abraham!

105 You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

105 You have fulfilled the dream!" Verily thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See 2:112).

106 Indeed, this was the clear trial.

106 Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.

107 And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,

107 And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. كبش - a ram);

108 And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:

108 And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.

109 "Peace upon Abraham."

109 "Salam (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)!"

110 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

110 Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).

111 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

111 Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

112 And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous.

112 And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishaq (Isaac) - a Prophet from the righteous.

113 And We blessed him and Isaac. But among their descendants is the doer of good and the clearly unjust to himself.

113 We blessed him and Ishaq (Isaac). And of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves.

114 And We did certainly confer favor upon Moses and Aaron.

114 And, indeed We gave Our Grace to Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron).

115 And We saved them and their people from the great affliction,

115 And We saved them and their people from the great distress,

116 And We supported them so it was they who overcame.

116 And helped them, so that they became the victors;

117 And We gave them the explicit Scripture,

117 And We gave them the clear Scripture;

118 And We guided them on the straight path.

118 And guided them to the Right Path.

119 And We left for them [favorable mention] among later generations:

119 And We left for them (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.

120 "Peace upon Moses and Aaron."

120 "Salam (peace) be upon Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)!"

121 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

121 Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers - See V.2:112).

122 Indeed, they were of Our believing servants.

122 Verily, they were two of Our believing slaves.

123 And indeed, Elias was from among the messengers,

123 And verily, Iliyas (Elias) was one of the Messengers.

124 When he said to his people, "Will you not fear Allah?

124 When he said to his people: "Will you not fear Allah?

125 Do you call upon Ba'l and leave the best of creators -

125 "Will you call upon Ba'l (a well known idol of his nation whom they used to worship) and forsake the Best of creators,

126 Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your first forefathers?"

126 "Allah, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?"

127 And they denied him, so indeed, they will be brought [for punishment],

127 But they denied him [Iliyas (Elias)], so they will certainly be brought forth (to the punishment),

128 Except the chosen servants of Allah.

128 Except the chosen slaves of Allah.

129 And We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations:

129 And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among the later generations.

130 "Peace upon Elias."

130 "Salam (peace) be upon Ilyasin (Elias)!"

131 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

131 Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers, who perform good deeds totally for Allah's sake only - See V.2:112).

132 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

132 Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

133 And indeed, Lot was among the messengers.

133 And verily, Lut (Lot) was one of the Messengers.

134 [So mention] when We saved him and his family, all,

134 When We saved him and his family, all,

135 Except his wife among those who remained [with the evildoers].

135 Except an old woman (his wife) who was among those who remained behind.

136 Then We destroyed the others.

136 Then We destroyed the rest (the town of Sodom at the place of the Dead Sea now in Palestine).

137 And indeed, you pass by them in the morning

137 Verily, you pass by them in the morning

138 And at night. Then will you not use reason?

138 And at night; will you not then reflect?

139 And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers.

139 And, verily, Yunus (Jonah) was one of the Messengers.

140 [Mention] when he ran away to the laden ship.

140 When he ran to the laden ship:

141 And he drew lots and was among the losers.

141 Then he (agreed to) cast lots, and he was among the losers.

142 Then the fish swallowed him, while he was blameworthy.

142 Then a (big) fish swallowed him as he had done an act worthy of blame.

143 And had he not been of those who exalt Allah,

143 Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,

144 He would have remained inside its belly until the Day they are resurrected.

144 He would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection.

145 But We threw him onto the open shore while he was ill.

145 But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick,

146 And We caused to grow over him a gourd vine.

146 And We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him.

147 And We sent him to [his people of] a hundred thousand or more.

147 And We sent him to a hundred thousand (people) or even more.

148 And they believed, so We gave them enjoyment [of life] for a time.

148 And they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while.

149 So inquire of them, [O Muhammad], "Does your Lord have daughters while they have sons?

149 Now ask them (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "Are there (only) daughters for your Lord and sons for them?"

150 Or did We create the angels as females while they were witnesses?"

150 Or did We create the angels female while they were witnesses?

151 Unquestionably, it is out of their [invented] falsehood that they say,

151 Verily, it is of their falsehood that they (Quraish pagans) say:

152 " Allah has begotten," and indeed, they are liars.

152 "Allah has begotten [offspring - the angels being the daughters of Allah)?" And, verily, they are liars!

153 Has He chosen daughters over sons?

153 Has He (then) chosen daughters rather than sons?

154 What is [wrong] with you? How do you make judgement?

154 What is the matter with you? How do you decide?

155 Then will you not be reminded?

155 Will you not then remember?

156 Or do you have a clear authority?

156 Or is there for you a plain authority?

157 Then produce your scripture, if you should be truthful.

157 Then bring your Book if you are truthful!

158 And they have claimed between Him and the jinn a lineage, but the jinn have already known that they [who made such claims] will be brought to [punishment].

158 And they have invented a kinship between Him and the jinn, but the jinn know well that they have indeed to appear (before Him) (i.e. they will be called to account).

159 Exalted is Allah above what they describe,

159 Glorified be Allah! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him!

160 Except the chosen servants of Allah [who do not share in that sin].

160 Except the slaves of Allah, whom He chooses (for His Mercy i.e. true believers of Islamic Monotheism who do not attribute false things unto Allah).

161 So indeed, you [disbelievers] and whatever you worship,

161 So, verily you (pagans) and those whom you worship (idols)

162 You cannot tempt [anyone] away from Him

162 Cannot lead astray [turn away from Him (Allah) anyone of the believers],

163 Except he who is to [enter and] burn in the Hellfire.

163 Except those who are predestined to burn in Hell!

164 [The angels say], "There is not among us any except that he has a known position.

164 And there is not one of us (angels) but has his known place (or position);

165 And indeed, we are those who line up [for prayer].

165 And verily, we (angels), we stand in rows (for the prayers as you Muslims stand in rows for your prayers);

166 And indeed, we are those who exalt Allah."

166 And verily, we (angels), indeed are those who glorify (Allah's Praises i.e. perform prayers).

167 And indeed, the disbelievers used to say,

167 And indeed they (Arab pagans) used to say:

168 "If we had a message from [those of] the former peoples,

168 "If we had a reminder as had the men of old (before the coming of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم as a Messenger of Allah),

169 We would have been the chosen servants of Allah."

169 "We would have indeed been the chosen slaves of Allah (true believers of Islamic Monotheism)!"

170 But they disbelieved in it, so they are going to know.

170 But (now that the Qur'an has come) they disbelieve therein (i.e. in the Qur'an and in Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , and all that he brought, - the Divine Revelation), so they will come to know!

171 And Our word has already preceded for Our servants, the messengers,

171 And, verily, Our Word has gone forth of old for Our slaves, the Messengers,

172 [That] indeed, they would be those given victory

172 That they verily would be made triumphant,

173 And [that] indeed, Our soldiers will be those who overcome.

173 And that Our hosts! they verily would be the victors.

174 So, [O Muhammad], leave them for a time.

174 So turn away (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from them for a while,

175 And see [what will befall] them, for they are going to see.

175 And watch them and they shall see (the punishment)!

176 Then for Our punishment are they impatient?

176 Do they seek to hasten on Our Torment?

177 But when it descends in their territory, then evil is the morning of those who were warned.

177 Then, when it descends in their courtyard (i.e. near to them), evil will be the morning for those who had been warned!

178 And leave them for a time.

178 So turn (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) away from them for a while,

179 And see, for they are going to see.

179 And watch and they shall see (the torment)!

180 Exalted is your Lord, the Lord of might, above what they describe.

180 Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him!

181 And peace upon the messengers.

181 And peace be on the Messengers!

182 And praise to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

182 And all the praises and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).