Al Furqan

1 Blessed is He who sent down the criterion to His servant, that it may be an admonition to all creatures; -

1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Blessed be He Who sent down the criterion (of right and wrong, i.e. this Qur'an) to His slave (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) that he may be a warner to the 'Alamin (mankind and jinn).

2 He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: no son has He begotten, nor has He a partner in His dominion: it is He who created all things, and ordered them in due proportions.

2 He to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Who has begotten no son (children or offspring) and for Whom there is no partner in the dominion. He has created everything, and has measured it exactly according to its due measurements.

3 Yet have they taken, besides him, gods that can create nothing but are themselves created; that have no control of hurt or good to themselves; nor can they control death nor life nor resurrection.

3 Yet they have taken besides Him other alihah (gods) who created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither harm nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, nor (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead.

4 But the misbelievers say: "Naught is this but a lie which he has forged, and others have helped him at it." In truth it is they who have put forward an iniquity and a falsehood.

4 Those who disbelieve say: "This (the Qur'an) is nothing but a lie that he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has invented, and others have helped him at it. In fact they have produced an unjust wrong (thing) and a lie."

5 And they say: "Tales of the ancients, which he has caused to be written: and they are dictated before him morning and evening."

5 And they say: "Tales of the ancients, which he has written down: and they are dictated to him morning and afternoon."

6 Say: "The (Qur'an) was sent down by Him who knows the mystery (that is) in the heavens and the earth: verily He is Oft - Forgiving, Most Merciful."

6 Say: "It (this Qur'an) has been sent down by Him (Allah) (the Real Lord of the heavens and earth) Who knows the secret of the heavens and the earth. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."

7 And they say: "What sort of a messenger is this, who eats food, and walks through the streets? Why has not an angel been sent down to him to give admonition with him?

7 And they say: "Why does this Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) eat food, and walk about in the markets (as we). Why is not an angel sent down to him to be a warner with him?

8 "Or (Why) has not a treasure been bestowed on him, or why has he (not) a garden for enjoyment?" The wicked say: "Ye follow none other than a man bewitched."

8 "Or (why) has not a treasure been granted to him, or why has he not a garden whereof he may eat?" And the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) say: "You follow none but a man bewitched."

9 See what kinds of comparisons they make for thee! But they have gone astray, and never a way will they be able to find!

9 See how they coin similitudes for you, so they have gone astray, and they cannot find a (Right) Path.

10 Blessed is He who, if that were His will, could give thee better (things) than those, - Gardens beneath which rivers flow; and He could give thee palaces (secure to dwell in).

10 Blessed be He Who, if He wills will assign you better than (all) that - Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) and will assign you palaces (i.e. in Paradise).

11 Nay they deny the hour (of the judgment to come): but We have prepared a blazing fire for such as deny the hour:

11 Nay, they deny the Hour (the Day of Resurrection), and for those who deny the Hour, We have prepared a flaming Fire (i.e. Hell).

12 When it sees them from a place far off, they will hear its fury and its ranging sigh.

12 When it (Hell) sees them from a far place, they will hear its raging and its roaring.

13 And when they are cast, bound together into a constricted place therein, they will plead for destruction there and then!

13 And when they shall be thrown into a narrow place thereof, chained together, they will exclaim therein for destruction.

14 "This day plead not for a single destruction: plead for destruction oft - repeated!"

14 Exclaim not today for one destruction, but exclaim for many destructions.

15 Say: "Is that best, or the eternal garden, promised to the righteous? for them, that is a reward as well as a goal (of attainment).

15 Say: (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) "Is that (torment) better or the Paradise of Ete - nity which is promised to the Muttaqun (the pious - See V.2:2)?" It will be theirs as a reward and as a final destination.

16 "For them there will be therein all that they wish for: they will dwell (there) for aye: A promise to be prayed for from thy Lord."

16 For them there will be therein all that they desire, and they will abide (there forever). It is a promise binding upon your Lord that must be fulfilled.

17 The day He will gather them together as well as those whom they worship besides Allah, He will ask: "Was it ye who let these My servants astray, or did they stray from the Path themselves?"

17 And on the Day when He will gather them together and that which they worship besides Allah [idols, angels, pious men, saints] . He will say: "Was it you who misled these My slaves or did they (themselves) stray from the (Right) Path?"

18 They will say: "Glory to Thee! not meet was it for us that we should take for protectors others besides Thee: But Thou didst bestow, on them and their fathers, good things (in life), until they forgot the Message: for they were a people (worthless and) lost."

18 They will say: "Glorified be You! It was not for us to take any Auliya' (Protectors, Helpers) besides You, but You gave them and their fathers comfort till they forgot the warning, and became a lost people (doomed to total loss).

19 (Allah will say): "Now have they proved you liars in what ye say: so ye cannot avert (your penalty) nor (get) help." And whoever among you does wrong, him shall We cause to taste of a grievous Penalty.

19 Thus they (false gods - all deities other than Allah) will belie you (polytheists) regarding what you say (that they are gods besides Allah): then you can neither avert (the punishment), nor get help. And whoever among you does wrong (i.e. sets up rivals to Allah), We shall make him taste a great torment.

20 And the messengers whom We sent before thee were all (men) who ate food and walked through the streets: We have made some of you as a trial for others: will ye have patience? for Allah is One Who sees (all things).

20 And We never sent before you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) any of the Messengers but verily, they ate food and walked in the markets. And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of everything).

21 Such as fear not the meeting with Us (for Judgment) say: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or (why) do we not see our Lord?" Indeed they have an arrogant conceit of themselves, and mighty is the insolence of their impiety!

21 And those who expect not a Meeting with Us (i.e. those who deny the Day of Resurrection and the life of the Hereafter) said: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?" Indeed they think too highly of themselves, and are scornful with great pride.

22 The Day they see the angels, - no joy will there be to the sinners that Day: The (angels) will say: "There is a barrier forbidden (to you) altogether!"

22 On the Day they will see the angels - no glad tidings will there be for the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) that day. And they (angels) will say: "All kinds of glad tidings are forbidden to you," [none will be allowed to enter Paradise except the one who said: La ilaha illallah, "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and acted practically on its legal orders and obligations. See the footnote of V.2:193)].

23 And We shall turn to whatever deeds they did (in this life), and We shall make such deeds as floating dust scattered about.

23 And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.

24 The Companions of the Garden will be well, that Day, in their abode, and have the fairest of places for repose.

24 The dwellers of Paradise (i.e. those who deserved it through their Islamic Monotheistic Faith and their deeds of righteousness) will, on that Day, have the best abode, and have the fairest of places for repose.

25 The Day the heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and angels shall be sent down, descending (in ranks), -

25 And (remember) the Day when the heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and the angels will be sent down, with a grand descending.

26 That Day, the dominion as of right and truth, shall be (wholly) for (Allah) Most Merciful: it will be a Day of dire difficulty for the misbelievers.

26 The sovereignty on that Day will be the true (sovereignty), belonging to the Most Gracious (Allah), and it will be a hard Day for the disbelievers (those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism).

27 The Day that the wrong - doer will bite at his hands, he will say, "Oh! would that I had taken a (straight) path with the Messenger!

27 And (remember) the Day when the Zalim (wrong-doer, oppressor, polytheist) will bite at his hands, he will say: "Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم).

28 "Ah! woe is me! Would that I had never taken such a one for a friend!

28 "Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a Khalil (an intimate friend)!

29 "He did lead me astray from the Message (of Allah) after it had come to me! Ah! the Evil One is but a traitor to man!"

29 "He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (this Qur'an) after it had come to me. And Shaitan (Satan) is to man ever a deserter in the hour of need." [Tafsir Al-Qurtubi]

30 Then the Messenger will say: "O my Lord! Truly my people took this Qur'an for just foolish nonsense."

30 And the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will say: "O my Lord! Verily, my people deserted this Qur'an (neither listened to it, nor acted on its laws and teachings).

31 Thus have We made for every prophet an enemy among the sinners: but enough is thy Lord to guide and to help.

31 Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, criminals). But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.

32 Those who reject Faith say: "Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him all at once? Thus (is it revealed), that We may strengthen thy heart thereby, and We have rehearsed it to thee in slow, well - arranged stages, gradually.

32 And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not the Qur'an revealed to him all at once?" Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. (It was revealed to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in 23 years.).

33 And no question do they bring to thee but We reveal to thee the truth and the best explanation (thereof).

33 And no example or similitude do they bring (to oppose or to find fault in you or in this Qur'an), but We reveal to you the truth (against that similitude or example), and the better explanation thereof.

34 Those who will be gathered to Hell (prone) on their faces, - they will be in an evil plight, and, as to Path, most astray.

34 Those who will be gathered to Hell (prone) on their faces, such will be in an evil state, and most astray from the (Straight) Path.

35 (Before this,) We sent Moses The Book, and appointed his brother Aaron with him as minister;

35 And indeed We gave Musa (Moses) the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)], and placed his brother Harun (Aaron) with him as a helper;

36 And We command: "Go ye both, to the people who have rejected our Signs:" And those (people) We destroyed with utter destruction.

36 And We said: "Go you both to the people who have denied Our Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)." Then We destroyed them with utter destruction.

37 And the people of Noah, - when they rejected the messengers, We drowned them, and We made them as a Sign for mankind; and We have prepared for (all) wrong - doers a grievous Penalty; -

37 And Nuh's (Noah) people, when they denied the Messengers, We drowned them, and We made them as a sign for mankind. And We have prepared a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers).

38 As also 'Ad and Thamud, and the Companions of the Rass, and many a generation between them.

38 And (also) 'Ad and Thamud, and the Dwellers of Ar-Rass, and many generations in between.

39 To each one We set forth Parables and examples; and each one We broke to utter annihilation (for their sins).

39 And for each (of them) We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons), and each (of them) We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds).

40 And the (Unbelievers) must indeed have passed by the town on which was rained a shower of evil: did they not then see it (with their own eyes)? But they fear not the Resurrection.

40 And indeed they have passed by the town [of Prophet Lut (Lot)] on which was rained the evil rain. Did they (disbelievers) not then see it (with their own eyes)? Nay! But they used not to expect any resurrection.

41 When they see thee, they treat thee no otherwise than in mockery: "Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a messenger?"

41 And when they see you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), they treat you only in mockery (saying): "Is this the one whom Allah has sent as a Messenger?

42 "He indeed would well - nigh have misled us from our gods, had it not been that we were constant to them!" - Soon will they know, when they see the Penalty, who it is that is most misled in Path!

42 "He would have nearly misled us from our alihah (gods), had it not been that we were patient and constant in their worship!" And they will know when they see the torment, who it is that is most astray from the (Right) Path!

43 Seest thou such a one as taketh for his god his own passion (or impulse)? Couldst thou be a disposer of affairs for him?

43 Have you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) seen him who has taken as his ilah (god) his own vain desire? Would you then be a Wakil (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him?

44 Or thinkest thou that most of them listen or understand? They are only like cattle; - nay, they are worse astray in Path.

44 Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle - nay, they are even farther astray from the Path (i.e. even worse than cattle).

45 Hast thou not turned thy vision to thy Lord? - How He doth prolong the shadow! If He willed, He could make it stationary! then do We make the sun its guide;

45 Have you not seen how your Lord spread the shadow. If He willed, He could have made it still - But We have made the sun its guide (i.e. after the sunrise, the shadow shrinks and vanishes at midnoon and then again appears in the afternoon with the decline of the sun, and had there been no sunlight, there would have been no shadow).

46 Then We draw it in towards Ourselves, - a contraction by easy stages.

46 Then We withdraw it to Us a gradual concealed withdrawal.

47 And He it is Who makes the Night as a Robe for you, and Sleep as Repose, and makes the Day (as it were) a Resurrection.

47 And it is He Who makes the night a covering for you, and the sleep (as) a repose, and makes the day Nushur (i.e. getting up and going about here and there for daily work, after one's sleep at night, or like resurrection after one's death).

48 And He it is Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His mercy, and We send down pure water from the sky, -

48 And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain); and We send down pure water from the sky.

49 That with it We may give life to a dead land, and slake the thirst of things We have created, - cattle and men in great numbers.

49 That We may give life thereby to a dead land, and We give to drink thereof many of the cattle and men that We had created.

50 And We have distributed the (water) amongst them, in order that they may celebrate (our) praises, but most men are averse (to aught) but (rank) ingratitude.

50 And indeed We have distributed it (rain or water) amongst them in order that they may remember (the Grace of Allah,) but most men (refuse to accept the Truth or Faith and) accept nothing but disbelief or ingratitude.

51 Had it been Our Will, We could have sent a warner to every centre of population.

51 And had We willed, We would have raised a warner in every town.

52 Therefore listen not to the Unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost strenuousness, with the (Qur'an).

52 So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them (by preaching) with the utmost endeavour with it (the Qur'an).

53 It is He Who has let free the two bodies of flowing water: One palatable and sweet, and the other salt and bitter; yet has He made a barrier between them, a partition that is forbidden to be passed.

53 And it is He Who has let free the two seas (kinds of water): this is palatable and sweet, and that is salt and bitter; and He has set a barrier and a complete partition between them.

54 It is He Who has created man from water: then has He established relationships of lineage and marriage: for thy Lord has power (over all things).

54 And it is He Who has created man from water, and has appointed for him kindred by blood, and kindred by marriage. And your Lord is Ever All-Powerful to do what He wills.

55 Yet do they worship, besides Allah, things that can neither profit them nor harm them: and the Misbeliever is a helper (of Evil), against his own Lord!

55 And they (disbelievers, polytheists) worship besides Allah that which can neither profit them nor harm them; and the disbeliever is ever a helper (of the Satan) against his Lord.

56 But thee We only sent to give glad tidings and admonition.

56 And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) only as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner.

57 Say: "No reward do I ask of you for it but this: that each one who will may take a (straight) Path to his Lord."

57 Say: "No reward do I ask of you for this (that which I have brought from my Lord and its preaching), save that whosoever wills may take a Path to his Lord.

58 And put thy trust in Him Who lives and dies not; and celebrate his praise; and enough is He to be acquainted with the faults of His servants; -

58 And put your trust (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) in the Ever Living One Who dies not, and glorify His Praises, and Sufficient is He as the All-Knower of the sins of His slaves,

59 He Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between, in six days, and is firmly established on the Throne (of Authority): Allah Most Gracious: ask thou, then, about Him of any acquainted (with such things).

59 Who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six Days. Then He (Istawa ) rose over the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). The Most Gracious (Allah)! Ask Him (O Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , concerning His Qualities: His rising over His Throne, His creations, etc.), as He is Al-Khabir (The All-Knower of everything i.e. Allah).

60 When it is said to them, "Prostrate to (Allah) Most Gracious!", they say, "And what is (Allah) Most Gracious? Shall we prostrate to that which thou commandest us?" And it increases their flight (from the Truth).

60 And when it is said to them: "Prostrate yourselves to the Most Gracious (Allah)! they say: "And what is the Most Gracious? Shall we fall down in prostration to that which you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) command us?" And it increases in them only aversion.

61 Blessed is He Who made constellations in the skies, and placed therein a Lamp and a Moon giving light;

61 Blessed be He Who has placed in the heaven big stars, and has placed therein a great lamp (sun), and a moon giving light.

62 And it is He Who made the Night and the Day to follow each other: for such as have the will to celebrate His praises or to show their gratitude.

62 And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude.

63 And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, "Peace!";

63 And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.

64 Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrate and standing;

64 And those who spend the night in worship of their Lord, prostrate and standing.

65 Those who say, "Our Lord! avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous, -

65 And those who say: "Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment."

66 "Evil indeed is it as an abode, and as a place to rest in";

66 Evil indeed it (Hell) is as an abode and as a place to rest in.

67 Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes);

67 And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).

68 Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred except for just cause, nor commit fornication; - and any that does this (not only) meets punishment.

68 And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such person as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse - and whoever does this shall receive the punishment.

69 (But) the Penalty on the Day of Judgment will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy, -

69 The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace;

70 Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft - Forgiving, Most Merciful,

70 Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

71 And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah with an (acceptable) conversion; -

71 And whosoever repents and does righteous good deeds; then verily, he repents towards Allah with true repentance.

72 Those who witness no falsehood, and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honourable (avoidance);

72 And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.

73 Those who, when they are admonished with the Signs of their Lord, droop not down at them as if they were deaf or blind;

73 And those who, when they are reminded of the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat.

74 And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."

74 And those who say: "Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders of the Muttaqun(the pious. See V.2:2)."

75 Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy: therein shall they be met with salutations and peace,

75 Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.

76 Dwelling therein; - how beautiful an abode and place of rest!

76 Abiding therein - excellent it is as an abode, and as a place to rest in.

77 Say (to the Rejecters): "My Lord is not uneasy because of you if ye call not on Him: But ye have indeed rejected (Him), and soon will come the inevitable (punishment)!"

77 Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to the disbelievers): "My Lord pays attention to you only because of your invocation to Him. But now you have indeed denied (Him). So the torment will be yours for ever (inseparable, permanent punishment)."