Al Saffat

1 By those [angels] lined up in rows

1 By those who range themselves in ranks,

2 And those who drive [the clouds]

2 And so are strong in repelling (evil),

3 And those who recite the message,

3 And thus proclaim the Message (of Allah)!

4 Indeed, your God is One,

4 Verily, verily, your Allah is one! -

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 between them, and Lord of every point at the rising of the sun!

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

6 We have indeed decked the lower heaven with beauty (in) the stars, -

7 And as protection against every rebellious devil

7 (For beauty) and for guard against all obstinate rebellious evil spirits,

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

8 (So) they should not strain their ears in the direction of the Exalted Assembly but be cast away from every side,

9 Repelled; and for them is a constant punishment,

9 Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,

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 stealth, 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 Just ask their opinion: are they the more difficult to create, or the (other) beings We have created? Them have We created out of a sticky clay!

12 But you wonder, while they mock,

12 Truly dost thou marvel, while they ridicule,

13 And when they are reminded, they remember not.

13 And, when they are admonished, pay no heed, -

14 And when they see a sign, they ridicule

14 And, when they see a Sign, turn it to mockery,

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

15 And say, "This is nothing but evident sorcery!

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

16 "What! when we die, and become dust and bones, shall we (then) be raised up (again)

17 And our forefathers [as well]?"

17 "And also our fathers of old?"

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

18 Say thou: "Yea, and ye shall then be humiliated (on account of your evil)."

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

19 Then it will be a single (compelling) cry; and behold, they will begin to see!

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

20 They will say, "Ah! Woe to us! This is the Day of Judgment!"

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

21 (A voice will say,) "This is the Day of Sorting Out, whose truth ye (once) denied!"

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

22 "Bring ye up", it shall be said, "The wrong - doers and their wives, and the things they worshipped -

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

23 "Besides Allah, and lead them to the Way to the (Fierce) Fire!

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

24 "But stop them, for they must be asked:

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

25 "'What is the matter with you that ye help not each other?'"

26 But they, that Day, are in surrender.

26 Nay, but that day they shall submit (to Judgment);

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 ye who used to come to us from the right hand (of power and authority)!"

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

29 They will reply: "Nay, ye yourselves had no Faith!

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

30 "Nor had we any authority over you. Nay, it was ye who were a people in obstinate rebellion!

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

31 "So now has been proved true, against us, the word of our Lord that we shall indeed (have to) taste (the punishment of our sins).

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

32 "We led you astray: for truly we were ourselves astray."

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

33 Truly, that Day, they will (all) share in the Penalty.

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

34 Verily that is how We shall deal with Sinners.

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

35 For they, when they were told that there is no god except Allah, would puff themselves up with Pride,

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

36 And say: "What! shall we give up our gods for the sake of a Poet possessed?"

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

37 Nay! he has come with the (very) Truth, and he confirms (the Message of) the messengers (before him).

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

38 Ye shall indeed taste of the Grievous Penalty; -

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

39 But it will be no more than the retribution of (the Evil) that ye have wrought; -

40 But not the chosen servants of Allah.

40 But the sincere (and devoted) Servants of Allah, -

41 Those will have a provision determined -

41 For them is a Sustenance determined,

42 Fruits; and they will be honored

42 Fruits (Delights); and they (shall enjoy) honour and dignity,

43 In gardens of pleasure

43 In Gardens of Felicity,

44 On thrones facing one another.

44 Facing each other on Thrones (of Dignity):

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

45 Round will be passed to them a Cup from a clear - flowing fountain,

46 White and delicious to the drinkers;

46 Crystal - white, of a taste delicious to those who drink (thereof),

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

47 Free from headiness; nor will they suffer intoxication therefrom.

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

48 And besides them will be chaste women, restraining their glances, with big eyes (of wonder and beauty).

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

49 As if they were (delicate) eggs closely guarded.

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

50 Then they will turn to one another and question one another.

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

51 One of them will start the talk and say: "I had an intimate companion (on the earth),

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

52 "Who used to say, 'what! art thou amongst those who bear witness to the Truth (of the Message)?

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

53 "'When we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed receive rewards and punishments?'"

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

54 (A voice) said: "Would ye like to look down?"

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

55 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! thou wast little short of bringing me to perdition!

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 should certainly have been among those brought (there)!

58 Then, are we not to die

58 "Is it (the case) that we shall not die,

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

59 "Except our first death, and that we shall not be punished?"

60 Indeed, this is the great attainment.

60 Verily this is the supreme achievement!

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

61 For the like of this let all strive, who wish to strive.

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

62 Is that the better entertainment or the Tree of Zaqqum?

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

63 For We have truly made it (as) a trial for the wrong - doers.

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

64 For 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 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 top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.

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

68 Then shall their return be to the (Blazing) Fire.

69 Indeed they found their fathers astray.

69 Truly they found their fathers on the wrong Path;

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

70 So they (too) were rushed down on their footsteps!

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

71 And truly before them, many of the ancients went astray; -

72 And We had already sent among them warners.

72 But We sent aforetime, among them, (messengers) to admonish them; -

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

73 Then see what was the end of those who were admonished (but heeded not), -

74 But not the chosen servants of Allah.

74 Except the sincere (and devoted) Servants of Allah.

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

75 (In the days of old), Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear prayer.

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

76 And We delivered him and his people from the Great Calamity,

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

77 And made his progeny to endure (on this earth);

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

78 And We left (this blessing) for him among generations to come in later times:

79 "Peace upon Noah among the worlds."

79 "Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!"

80 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

80 Thus indeed do we reward those who do right.

81 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

81 For he was one of our believing Servants.

82 Then We drowned the disbelievers.

82 Then the rest we overwhelmed in the Flood.

83 And indeed, among his kind was Abraham,

83 Verily among those who followed his Way was Abraham.

84 When he came to his Lord with a sound heart

84 Behold! he approached his Lord with a sound heart.

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

85 Behold! he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?

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

86 "Is it a falsehood - gods other than Allah - that ye desire?

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

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

88 And he cast a look at the stars

88 Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.

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

89 And he said, "I am indeed sick (at heart)!"

90 So they turned away from him, departing.

90 So they turned away from him, and departed.

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

91 Then did he turn to their gods and said, "will ye not eat (of the offerings before you)?...

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

92 "What is the matter with you that ye speak not (intelligently)?"

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

93 Then did he turn upon them, striking (them) with the right hand.

94 Then the people came toward him, hastening.

94 Then came (the worshippers) with hurried steps, and faced (him).

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

95 He said: "Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved?

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

96 "But Allah has created you and your handwork!"

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

97 They said, "Build him 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 (This failing), they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!

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

99 He said: "I will go to my Lord! He will surely guide me!

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

100 "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!"

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

101 So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.

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 Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one practising Patience and Constancy!"

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

103 So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),

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 "Thou hast already fulfilled the vision!" - thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

106 Indeed, this was the clear trial.

106 For this was obviously a trial -

107 And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,

107 And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:

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

108 And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:

109 "Peace upon Abraham."

109 "Peace and salutation to Abraham!"

110 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

110 Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

111 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

111 For he was one of our believing Servants.

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

112 And We gave him the good news of Isaac - a prophet, - one of 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 Isaac: but of their progeny are (some) that do right, and (some) that obviously do wrong, to their own souls.

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

114 Again (of old) We bestowed Our favour on Moses and Aaron,

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

115 And We delivered them and their people from (their) Great Calamity;

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

116 And We helped them, so they overcame (their troubles);

117 And We gave them the explicit Scripture,

117 And We gave them the Book which helps to make things clear;

118 And We guided them on the straight path.

118 And We guided them to the Straight Way.

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

119 And We left (this blessing) for them among generations (to come) in later times:

120 "Peace upon Moses and Aaron."

120 "Peace and salutation to Moses and Aaron!"

121 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

121 Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

122 Indeed, they were of Our believing servants.

122 For they were two of our believing Servants.

123 And indeed, Elias was from among the messengers,

123 So also was Elias among those sent (by Us).

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

124 Behold, he said to his people, "Will ye not fear (Allah)?

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

125 "Will ye call upon Baal and forsake the Best of Creators, -

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

126 "Allah, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?"

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

127 But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up (for punishment), -

128 Except the chosen servants of Allah.

128 Except the sincere and devoted Servants of Allah (among them).

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

129 And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:

130 "Peace upon Elias."

130 "Peace and salutation to such as Elias!"

131 Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.

131 Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

132 Indeed, he was of Our believing servants.

132 For he was one of our believing Servants.

133 And indeed, Lot was among the messengers.

133 So also was Lut among those sent (by Us).

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

134 Behold, We delivered him and his adherents, all

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

135 Except an old woman who was among those who lagged behind:

136 Then We destroyed the others.

136 Then We destroyed the rest.

137 And indeed, you pass by them in the morning

137 Verily, ye pass by their (sites), by day -

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

138 And by night: will ye not understand?

139 And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers.

139 So also was Jonah among those sent (by Us).

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

140 When he ran away (like a slave from captivity) to the ship (fully) laden,

141 And he drew lots and was among the losers.

141 He (agreed to) cast lots, and he was condemned:

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

142 Then the big Fish did swallow him, and he had done acts worthy of blame.

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

143 Had it not been that he (repented and) glorified Allah,

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

144 He would certainly have remained inside 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 in a state of sickness,

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

146 And We caused to grow, over him, a spreading plant of the gourd kind.

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

147 And We sent him (on a mission) to a hundred thousand (men) or more.

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

148 And they believed; so We permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.

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

149 Now ask them their opinion: Is it that thy Lord has (only) daughters, and they have sons? -

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

150 Or that We created the angels female, and they are witnesses (thereto)?

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

151 Is it not that they say, from their own invention,

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

152 "Allah has begotten children"? but they are liars!

153 Has He chosen daughters over sons?

153 Did He (then) choose daughters rather than sons?

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

154 What is the matter with you? How judge ye?

155 Then will you not be reminded?

155 Will ye not then receive admonition?

156 Or do you have a clear authority?

156 Or have ye an authority manifest?

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

157 Then bring ye your Book (of authority) if ye be 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 blood - relationship between Him and the Jinns: but the Jinns know (quite well) that they have indeed to appear (before his Judgment - Seat)!

159 Exalted is Allah above what they describe,

159 Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the things they ascribe (to Him)!

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

160 Not (so do) the Servants of Allah, sincere and devoted.

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

161 For, verily, neither ye nor those ye worship -

162 You cannot tempt [anyone] away from Him

162 Can lead (any) into temptation concerning Allah,

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

163 Except such as are (themselves) going to the blazing Fire!

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

164 (Those ranged in ranks say): "Not one of us but has a place appointed;

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

165 "And we are verily ranged in ranks (for service);

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

166 "And we are verily those who declare (Allah's) glory!"

167 And indeed, the disbelievers used to say,

167 And there were those who said,

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

168 "If only we had had before us a Message from those of old,

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

169 "We should certainly have been Servants of Allah, sincere (and devoted)!"

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

170 But (now that the Qur'an has come), they reject it: But soon will they know!

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

171 Already has Our Word been passed before (this) to our Servants sent (by Us),

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

172 That they would certainly be assisted,

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

173 And that Our forces, - they surely must conquer.