Chapter 38, 88 verses
Sad. By the Qur'an containing reminder...
Sad: By the Qur'an, Full of Admonition: (This is the Truth).
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Sad. By the renowned Qur'an,
But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension.
But the Unbelievers (are steeped) in self - glory and Separatism.
Nay, but those who disbelieve are in false pride and schism.
How many a generation have We destroyed before them, and they [then] called out; but it was not a time for escape.
How many generations before them did We destroy? In the end they cried (for mercy) - when there was no longer time for being saved!
How many a generation We destroyed before them, and they cried out when it was no longer the time for escape!
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.
So they wonder that a Warner has come to them from among themselves! and the Unbelievers say, "This is a sorcerer telling lies!
And they marvel that a warner from among themselves hath come unto them, and the disbelievers say: This is a wizard, a charlatan.
Has he made the gods [only] one God? Indeed, this is a curious thing."
"Has he made the gods (all) into one Allah? Truly this is a wonderful thing!"
Maketh he the gods One God ? Lo! that is an astounding 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 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)!
The chiefs among them go about, exhorting: Go and be staunch to your gods! Lo! this is a thing designed.
We have not heard of this in the latest religion. This is not but a fabrication.
"We never heard (the like) of this among the people of these latter days: this is nothing but a made - up tale!"
We have not heard of this in later religion. This is naught but an invention.
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.
"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!
Hath the reminder been unto him (alone) among us ? Nay, but they are in doubt concerning My reminder; nay but they have not yet tasted My doom.
Or do they have the depositories of the mercy of your Lord, the Exalted in Might, the Bestower?
Or have they the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, - the Exalted in Power, the Grantor of Bounties without measure?
Or are theirs the treasures of the mercy of thy Lord, the Mighty, the Bestower ?
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 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)!
Or is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them theirs ? Then let them ascend by ropes!
[They are but] soldiers [who will be] defeated there among the companies [of disbelievers].
But there - will be put to flight even a host of confederates.
A defeated host are (all) the factions that are there.
The people of Noah denied before them, and [the tribe of] 'Aad and Pharaoh, the owner of stakes,
Before them (were many who) rejected messengers, - the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Pharaoh, the Lord of Stakes,
The folk of Noah before them denied (their messenger) and (so did the tribe of) A'ad, and Pharaoh firmly planted,
And [the tribe of] Thamud and the people of Lot and the companions of the thicket. Those are the companies.
And Thamud, and the people of Lut, and the Companions of the Wood; - such were the Confederates.
And (the tribe of) Thamud, and the folk of Lot, and the dwellers in the wood: these were the factions.
Each of them denied the messengers, so My penalty was justified.
Not one (of them) but rejected the messengers, but My punishment came justly and inevitably (on them).
Not one of them but did deny the messengers, therefor My doom was justified,
And these [disbelievers] await not but one blast [of the Horn]; for it there will be no delay.
These (today) only wait for a single mighty Blast, which (when it comes) will brook no delay.
These wait for but one Shout, there will be no second thereto.
And they say, "Our Lord, hasten for us our share [of the punishment] before the Day of Account"
They say: "Our Lord! hasten to us our sentence (even) before the Day of Account!"
They say: Our Lord! Hasten on for us our fate before the Day of Reckoning.
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].
Have patience at what they say, and remember our servant David, the man of strength: for he ever turned (to Allah).
Bear with what they say, and remember Our bondman David, lord of might, Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).
Indeed, We subjected the mountains [to praise] with him, exalting [Allah] in the [late] afternoon and [after] sunrise.
It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide and at break of day,
Lo! We subdued the hills to hymn the praises (of their Lord) with him at nightfall and sunrise,
And the birds were assembled, all with him repeating [praises].
And the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn (to Allah).
And the birds assembled; all were turning unto Him.
And We strengthened his kingdom and gave him wisdom and discernment in speech.
We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision.
We made his kingdom strong and gave him wisdom and decisive speech.
And has there come to you the news of the adversaries, when they climbed over the wall of [his] prayer chamber -
Has the Story of the Disputants reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber;
And hath the story of the litigants come unto thee ? How they climbed the wall into the royal 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 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..
How they burst in upon David, and he was afraid of them. They said: Be not afraid! (We are) two litigants, one of whom hath wronged the other, therefor judge aright between us; be not unjust; and show us the fair way.
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."
"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."
Lo! this my brother hath ninety and nine ewes while I had one ewe; and he said: Entrust it to me, and he conquered 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].
(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).
(David) said: He hath wronged thee in demanding thine ewe in addition to his ewes, and lo! many partners oppress one another, save such as believe and do good works, and they are few. And David guessed that We had tried him, and he sought forgiveness of his Lord, and he bowed himself and fell down prostrate and repented.
So We forgave him that; and indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.
So We forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful place of (Final) Return.
So We forgave him that; and lo! he had access to Our presence and a happy journey's end.
[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 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 it was said unto him): O David! Lo! We have set thee as a viceroy in the earth; therefor judge aright between mankind, and follow not desire that it beguile thee from the way of Allah. Lo! those who wander from the way of Allah have an awful doom, forasmuch as they forgot the Day of Reckoning.
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.
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)!
And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them in vain. That is the opinion of those who disbelieve. And woe unto those who disbelieve, from the Fire!
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 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?
Shall We treat those who believe and do good works as those who spread corruption in the earth; or shall We treat the pious as the wicked ?
[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.
(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.
(This is) a Scripture that We have revealed unto thee, full of blessing, that they may ponder its revelations, and that men of understanding may reflect.
And to David We gave Solomon. An excellent servant, indeed he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].
To David We gave Solomon (for a son), - How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn (to Us)!
And We bestowed on David, Solomon. How excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (toward Allah).
[Mention] when there were exhibited before him in the afternoon the poised [standing] racehorses.
Behold, there were brought before him, at eventide coursers of the highest breeding, and swift of foot;
When there were shown to him at eventide lightfooted coursers
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]."
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):
And he said: Lo! I have preferred the good things (of the world) to the remembrance of my Lord; till they were taken out of sight behind the curtain.
[He said], "Return them to me," and set about striking [their] legs and necks.
"Bring them back to me." then began he to pass his hand over (their) legs and their necks.
(Then he said): Bring them back to me, and fell to slashing (with his sword their) legs and necks.
And We certainly tried Solomon and placed on his throne a body; then he returned.
And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body (without life); but he did turn (to Us in true devotion):
And verily We tried Solomon, and set upon his throne a (mere) body. Then did he repent.
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, "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).
He said: My Lord! Forgive me and bestow on me sovereignty such as shall not belong to any after me. Lo! Thou art the Bestower.
So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed,
Then We subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, Whithersoever he willed, -
So We made the wind subservient unto him, setting fair by his command whithersoever he intended.
And [also] the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver
As also the evil ones, (including) every kind of builder and diver, -
And the unruly, every builder and diver (made We subservient),
And others bound together in shackles.
As also others bound together in fetters.
And others linked together in chains,
[We said], "This is Our gift, so grant or withhold without account."
"Such are Our Bounties: whether thou bestow them (on others) or withhold them, no account will be asked."
(Saying): This is Our gift, so bestow thou, or withhold, without reckoning.
And indeed, for him is nearness to Us and a good place of return.
And he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of (Final) Return.
And lo! he hath favour with Us, and a happy journey's end.
And remember Our servant Job, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, Satan has touched me with hardship and torment."
Commemorate Our Servant Job. Behold he cried to his Lord: "The Evil One has afflicted me with distress and suffering!"
And make mention (O Muhammad) of Our bondman Job, when he cried unto his Lord (saying): Lo! the devil doth afflict me with distress and torment.
[So he was told], "Strike [the ground] with your foot; this is a [spring for] a cool bath and drink."
(The command was given:) "Strike with thy foot: here is (water) wherein to wash, cool and refreshing, and (water) to drink."
(And it was said unto him): Strike the ground with thy foot. This (spring) is a cool bath and a refreshing 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 (back) his people, and doubled their number, - as a Grace from Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration, for all who have Understanding.
And We bestowed on him (again) his household and therewith the like thereof, a mercy from Us, and a memorial for men of 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 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 (it was said unto him): Take in thine hand a branch and smite therewith, and break not thine oath. Lo! We found him steadfast, how excellent a slave! Lo! he was ever turning in repentance (to his Lord).
And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - those of strength and [religious] vision.
And commemorate Our Servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, possessors of Power and Vision.
And make mention of Our bondmen, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, men of parts and vision.
Indeed, We chose them for an exclusive quality: remembrance of the home [of the Hereafter].
Verily We did choose them for a special (purpose) - proclaiming the Message of the Hereafter.
Lo! We purified them with a pure thought, remembrance of the Home (of the Hereafter).
And indeed they are, to Us, among the chosen and outstanding.
They were, in Our sight, truly, of the company of the Elect and the Good.
Lo! in Our sight they are verily of the elect, the excellent.
And remember Ishmael, Elisha and Dhul - Kifl, and all are among the outstanding.
And commemorate Isma'il, Elisha, and Zul - Kifl: Each of them was of the Company of the Good.
And make mention of Ishmael and Elisha and Dhu'l - Kifl. All are of the chosen.
This is a reminder. And indeed, for the righteous is a good place of return
This is a Message (of admonition): and verily, for the righteous, is a beautiful Place of (Final) Return, -
This is a reminder. And lo! for those who ward off (evil) is a happy journey's end,
Gardens of perpetual residence, whose doors will be opened to them.
Gardens of Eternity, whose doors will (ever) be open to them;
Gardens of Eden, whereof the gates are opened for them,
Reclining within them, they will call therein for abundant fruit and drink.
Therein will they recline (at ease): Therein can they call (at pleasure) for fruit in abundance, and (delicious) drink;
Wherein, reclining, they call for plenteous fruit and cool drink (that is) therein.
And with them will be women limiting [their] glances and of equal age.
And beside them will be chaste women restraining their glances, (companions) of equal age.
And with them are those of modest gaze, companions.
This is what you, [the righteous], are promised for the Day of Account.
Such is the Promise made, to you for the Day of Account!
This it is that ye are promised for the Day of Reckoning.
Indeed, this is Our provision; for it there is no depletion.
Truly such will be Our Bounty (to you); it will never fail; -
Lo! this in truth is Our provision, which will never waste away.
This [is so]. But indeed, for the transgressors is an evil place of return -
Yea, such! but - for the wrong - doers will be an evil place of (Final) Return! -
This (is for the righteous). And lo! for the transgressors there with be an evil journey's end,
Hell, which they will [enter to] burn, and wretched is the resting place.
Hell! - they will burn therein, - an evil bed (indeed, to lie on)! -
Hell, where they will burn, an evil resting - place.
This - so let them taste it - is scalding water and [foul] purulence.
Yea, such! - then shall they taste it, - a boiling fluid, and a fluid dark, murky, intensely cold! -
Here is a boiling and an ice - cold draught, so let them taste it,
And other [punishments] of its type [in various] kinds.
And other Penalties of a similar kind, to match them!
And other (torment) of the kind in pairs (the two extremes)!
[Its inhabitants will say], "This is a company bursting in with you. No welcome for them. Indeed, they will burn in the Fire."
Here is a troop rushing headlong with you! No welcome for them! truly, they shall burn in the Fire!
Here is an army rushing blindly with you. (Those who are already in the Fire say): No word of welcome for them. Lo! they will roast at the Fire.
They will say, "Nor you! No welcome for you. You, [our leaders], brought this upon us, and wretched is the settlement."
(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 say: Nay, but you (misleaders), for you there is no word of welcome. Ye prepared this for us (by your misleading). Now hapless is the plight.
They will say, "Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us - increase for him double punishment in the Fire."
They will say: "Our Lord! whoever brought this upon us, - Add to him a double Penalty in the Fire!"
They say: Our Lord! Whoever did prepare this for us, oh, give him double portion of the Fire!
And they will say, "Why do we not see men whom we used to count among the worst?
And they will say: "What has happened to us that we see not men whom we used to number among the bad ones?
And they say: What aileth us that we behold not men whom we were wont to count among the wicked ?
Is it [because] we took them in ridicule, or has [our] vision turned away from them?"
"Did we treat them (as such) in ridicule, or have (our) eyes failed to perceive them?"
Did we take them (wrongly) for a laughing - stock, or have our eyes missed them ?
Indeed, that is truth - the quarreling of the people of the Fire.
Truly that is just and fitting, - the mutual recriminations of the People of the Fire!
Lo! that is very truth: the wrangling of the dwellers in the Fire.
Say, [O Muhammad], "I am only a warner, and there is not any deity except Allah, the One, the Prevailing.
Say: "Truly am I a Warner: no god is there but the one Allah, Supreme and Irresistible, -
Say (unto them, O Muhammad): I am only a warner, and there is no God save Allah, the One, the Absolute,
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 all between, - Exalted in Might, able to enforce His Will, forgiving again and again."
Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Mighty, the Pardoning.
Say, "It is great news
Say: "That is a Message Supreme (above all), -
Say: It is tremendous tidings
From which you turn away.
"From which ye do turn away!
Whence ye turn away!
I had no knowledge of the exalted assembly [of angels] when they were disputing [the creation of Adam].
"No knowledge have I of the Chiefs on high, when they discuss (matters) among themselves.
I had no knowledge of the Highest Chiefs when they disputed;
It has not been revealed to me except that I am a clear warner."
'Only this has been revealed to me: that I am to give warning plainly and publicly."
It is revealed unto me only that I may be a plain warner.
[So mention] when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I am going to create a human being from clay.
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from clay:
When thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to create a mortal out of mire,
So when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration."
"When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him."
And when I have fashioned him and breathed into him of My Spirit, then fall down before him prostrate,
So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely.
So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together:
The angels fell down prostrate, every one,
Except Iblees; he was arrogant and became among the disbelievers.
Not so Iblis: he was haughty, and became one of those who reject Faith.
Saving Iblis; he was scornful and became one of the disbelievers.
[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?"
(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: O Iblis! What hindereth thee from falling prostrate before that which I have created with both My hands ? Art thou too proud or art thou of the high exalted ?
He said, "I am better than him. You created me from fire and created him from clay."
(Iblis) said: "I am better than he: thou createdst me from fire, and him thou createdst from clay."
He said: I am better than him. Thou createdst me of fire, whilst him Thou didst create of clay.
[Allah] said, "Then get out of Paradise, for indeed, you are expelled.
(Allah) said: "Then get thee out from here: for thou art rejected, accursed.
He said: Go forth from hence, for lo! thou art outcast,
And indeed, upon you is My curse until the Day of Recompense."
"And My curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgment."
And lo! My curse is on thee till the Day of Judgment.
He said, "My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected."
(Iblis) said: "O my Lord! Give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised."
He said: My Lord! Reprieve me till the day when they are raised.
[Allah] said, "So indeed, you are of those reprieved
(Allah) said: "Respite then is granted thee -
He said: Lo! thou art of those reprieved
Until the Day of the time well - known."
"Till the Day of the Time Appointed."
Until the day of the time appointed.
[Iblees] said, "By your might, I will surely mislead them all
(Iblis) said: "Then, by Thy power, I will put them all in the wrong, -
He said: Then, by Thy might, I surely will beguile them every one,
Except, among them, Your chosen servants."
"Except Thy Servants amongst them, sincere and purified (by Thy Grace)."
Save Thy single - minded slaves among them.
[Allah] said, "The truth [is My oath], and the truth I say -
(Allah) said: "Then it is just and fitting - and I say what is just and fitting -
He said: The Truth is, and the Truth I speak,
[That] I will surely fill Hell with you and those of them that follow you all together."
"That I will certainly fill Hell with thee and those that follow thee, - every one."
That I shall fill hell with thee and with such of them as follow thee, together.
Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for the Qur'an any payment, and I am not of the pretentious
Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this (Qur'an), nor am I a pretender.
Say (O Muhammad, unto mankind): I ask of you no fee for this, and I am no simulating.
It is but a reminder to the worlds.
"This is no less than a Message to (all) the Worlds.
Lo! it is naught else than a reminder for all peoples
And you will surely know [the truth of] its information after a time."
"And ye shall certainly know the truth of it (all) after a while."
And ye will come in time to know the truth thereof.