Al Naml

1 These are verses of the Qur'an, - a book that makes (things) clear;

1 Ta, Seen. These are the verses of the Qur'an and a clear Book

2 A guide: and glad tidings for the believers, -

2 As guidance and good tidings for the believers

3 Those who establish regular prayers and give in regular charity, and also have (full) assurance of the hereafter.

3 Who establish prayer and give zakah, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].

4 As to those who believe not in the Hereafter, We have made their deeds pleasing in their eyes; and so they wander about in distraction.

4 Indeed, for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, We have made pleasing to them their deeds, so they wander blindly.

5 Such are they for whom a grievous Penalty is (waiting); and in the Hereafter theirs will be the greatest loss.

5 Those are the ones for whom there will be the worst of punishment, and in the Hereafter they are the greatest losers.

6 As to thee, the Qur'an is bestowed upon thee from the presence of one who is wise and all - knowing.

6 And indeed, [O Muhammad], you receive the Qur'an from one Wise and Knowing.

7 Behold! Moses said to his family: "I perceive a fire; soon will I bring you from there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand to light our fuel, that ye may warm yourselves.

7 [Mention] when Moses said to his family, "Indeed, I have perceived a fire. I will bring you from there information or will bring you a burning torch that you may warm yourselves."

8 But when he came to the (fire), a voice was heard: "Blessed are those in the fire and those around: and glory to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

8 But when he came to it, he was called, "Blessed is whoever is at the fire and whoever is around it. And exalted is Allah, Lord of the worlds.

9 "O Moses! verily, I am Allah, the exalted in might, the wise!....

9 O Moses, indeed it is I - Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise."

10 "Now do thou throw thy rod!" But when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!" (it was said), "Fear not: truly, in My presence, those called as messengers have no fear, -

10 And [he was told], "Throw down your staff." But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return. [Allah said], "O Moses, fear not. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear.

11 "But if any have done wrong and have thereafter substituted good to take the place of evil, truly, I am Oft - Forgiving, Most Merciful.

11 Otherwise, he who wrongs, then substitutes good after evil - indeed, I am Forgiving and Merciful.

12 "Now put thy hand into thy bosom, and it will come forth white without stain (or harm): (these are) among the nine Signs (thou wilt take) to Pharaoh and his people: for they are a people rebellious in transgression."

12 And put your hand into the opening of your garment [at the breast]; it will come out white without disease. [These are] among the nine signs [you will take] to Pharaoh and his people. Indeed, they have been a people defiantly disobedient."

13 But when Our Signs came to them, that should have opened their eyes, they said: "This is sorcery manifest!"

13 But when there came to them Our visible signs, they said, "This is obvious magic."

14 And they rejected those Signs in iniquity and arrogance, though their souls were convinced thereof: so see what was the end of those who acted corruptly!

14 And they rejected them, while their [inner] selves were convinced thereof, out of injustice and haughtiness. So see how was the end of the corrupters.

15 We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon: And they both said: "Praise be to Allah, Who has favoured us above many of his servants who believe!"

15 And We had certainly given to David and Solomon knowledge, and they said, "Praise [is due] to Allah, who has favored us over many of His believing servants."

16 And Solomon was David's heir. He said: "O ye people! We have been taught the speech of birds, and on us has been bestowed (a little) of all things: this is indeed Grace manifest (from Allah.)"

16 And Solomon inherited David. He said, "O people, we have been taught the language of birds, and we have been given from all things. Indeed, this is evident bounty."

17 And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts, - of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks.

17 And gathered for Solomon were his soldiers of the jinn and men and birds, and they were [marching] in rows.

18 At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it."

18 Until, when they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, "O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not."

19 So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants."

19 So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants."

20 And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?

20 And he took attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent?

21 "I will certainly punish him with a severe penalty, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence)."

21 I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization."

22 But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.

22 But the hoopoe stayed not long and said, "I have encompassed [in knowledge] that which you have not encompassed, and I have come to you from Sheba with certain news.

23 "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne.

23 Indeed, I found [there] a woman ruling them, and she has been given of all things, and she has a great throne.

24 "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path, - so they receive no guidance, -

24 I found her and her people prostrating to the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds pleasing to them and averted them from [His] way, so they are not guided,

25 "(Kept them away from the Path), that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal.

25 [And] so they do not prostrate to Allah, who brings forth what is hidden within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare -

26 "Allah! - there is no god but He! - Lord of the Throne Supreme!"

26 Allah - there is no deity except Him, Lord of the Great Throne."

27 (Solomon) said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!

27 [Solomon] said, "We will see whether you were truthful or were of the liars.

28 "Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return"...

28 Take this letter of mine and deliver it to them. Then leave them and see what [answer] they will return."

29 (The queen) said: "Ye chiefs! here is delivered to me - a letter worthy of respect.

29 She said, "O eminent ones, indeed, to me has been delivered a noble letter.

30 "It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): 'In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful:

30 Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it reads: 'In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

31 "'Be ye not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission (to the true Religion).'"

31 Be not haughty with me but come to me in submission [as Muslims].' "

32 She said: "Ye chiefs! advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have I decided except in your presence."

32 She said, "O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me."

33 They said: "We are endued with strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt command."

33 They said, "We are men of strength and of great military might, but the command is yours, so see what you will command."

34 She said: "Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make the noblest of its people its meanest thus do they behave.

34 She said, "Indeed kings - when they enter a city, they ruin it and render the honored of its people humbled. And thus do they do.

35 "But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) return (my) ambassadors."

35 But indeed, I will send to them a gift and see with what [reply] the messengers will return."

36 Now when (the embassy) came to Solomon, he said: "Will ye give me abundance in wealth? But that which Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is ye who rejoice in your gift!

36 So when they came to Solomon, he said, "Do you provide me with wealth? But what Allah has given me is better than what He has given you. Rather, it is you who rejoice in your gift.

37 "Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: We shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed)."

37 Return to them, for we will surely come to them with soldiers that they will be powerless to encounter, and we will surely expel them therefrom in humiliation, and they will be debased."

38 He said (to his own men): "Ye chiefs! which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?"

38 [Solomon] said, "O assembly [of jinn], which of you will bring me her throne before they come to me in submission?"

39 Said an 'Ifrit, of the Jinns: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted."

39 A powerful one from among the jinn said, "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am for this [task] strong and trustworthy."

40 Said one who had knowledge of the Book: "I will bring it to thee within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord! - to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! and if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honour!"

40 Said one who had knowledge from the Scripture, "I will bring it to you before your glance returns to you." And when [Solomon] saw it placed before him, he said, "This is from the favor of my Lord to test me whether I will be grateful or ungrateful. And whoever is grateful - his gratitude is only for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful - then indeed, my Lord is Free of need and Generous."

41 He said: "Transform her throne out of all recognition by her: let us see whether she is guided (to the truth) or is one of those who receive no guidance."

41 He said, "Disguise for her her throne; we will see whether she will be guided [to truth] or will be of those who is not guided."

42 So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this thy throne?" She said, "It was just like this; and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah (in Islam)."

42 So when she arrived, it was said [to her], "Is your throne like this?" She said, "[It is] as though it was it." [Solomon said], "And we were given knowledge before her, and we have been Muslims [in submission to Allah].

43 And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah: for she was (sprung) of a people that had no faith.

43 And that which she was worshipping other than Allah had averted her [from submission to Him]. Indeed, she was from a disbelieving people."

44 She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass." She said: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds."

44 She was told, "Enter the palace." But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water and uncovered her shins [to wade through]. He said, "Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass." She said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allah, Lord of the worlds."

45 We sent (aforetime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": But behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other.

45 And We had certainly sent to Thamud their brother Salih, [saying], "Worship Allah," and at once they were two parties conflicting.

46 He said: "O my people! why ask ye to hasten on the evil in preference to the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness, ye may hope to receive mercy.

46 He said, "O my people, why are you impatient for evil instead of good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allah that you may receive mercy?"

47 They said: "Ill omen do we augur from thee and those that are with thee". He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; yea, ye are a people under trial."

47 They said, "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you." He said, "Your omen is with Allah. Rather, you are a people being tested."

48 There were in the city nine men of a family, who made mischief in the land, and would not reform.

48 And there were in the city nine family heads causing corruption in the land and not amending [its affairs].

49 They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance): 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the truth.'"

49 They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allah that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor, 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.' "

50 They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not.

50 And they planned a plan, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.

51 Then see what was the end of their plot! - this, that We destroyed them and their people, all (of them).

51 Then look how was the outcome of their plan - that We destroyed them and their people, all.

52 Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong - doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge.

52 So those are their houses, desolate because of the wrong they had done. Indeed in that is a sign for people who know.

53 And We saved those who believed and practised righteousness.

53 And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allah.

54 (We also sent) Lut (as a messenger): behold, He said to his people, "Do ye do what is shameful though ye see (its iniquity)?

54 And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Do you commit immorality while you are seeing?

55 Would ye really approach men in your lusts rather than women? Nay, ye are a people (grossly) ignorant!

55 Do you indeed approach men with desire instead of women? Rather, you are a people behaving ignorantly."

56 But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!"

56 But the answer of his people was not except that they said, "Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure."

57 But We saved him and his family, except his wife; her We destined to be of those who lagged behind.

57 So We saved him and his family, except for his wife; We destined her to be of those who remained behind.

58 And We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)!

58 And We rained upon them a rain [of stones], and evil was the rain of those who were warned.

59 Say: Praise be to Allah, and Peace on his servants whom He has chosen (for his Message). (Who) is better? - Allah or the false gods they associate (with Him)?

59 Say, [O Muhammad], "Praise be to Allah, and peace upon His servants whom He has chosen. Is Allah better or what they associate with Him?"

60 Or, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yea, with it We cause to grow well - planted orchards full of beauty of delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, they are a people who swerve from justice.

60 [More precisely], is He [not best] who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you rain from the sky, causing to grow thereby gardens of joyful beauty which you could not [otherwise] have grown the trees thereof? Is there a deity with Allah? [No], but they are a people who ascribe equals [to Him].

61 Or, Who has made the earth firm to live in; made rivers in its midst; set thereon mountains immovable; and made a separating bar between the two bodies of flowing water? (can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, most of them know not.

61 Is He [not best] who made the earth a stable ground and placed within it rivers and made for it firmly set mountains and placed between the two seas a barrier? Is there a deity with Allah? [No], but most of them do not know.

62 Or, Who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and Who relieves its suffering, and makes you (mankind) inheritors of the earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Little it is that ye heed!

62 Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Little do you remember.

63 Or, Who guides you through the depths of darkness on land and sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? - High is Allah above what they associate with Him!

63 Is He [not best] who guides you through the darknesses of the land and sea and who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy? Is there a deity with Allah? High is Allah above whatever they associate with Him.

64 Or, Who originates creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Say, "Bring forth your argument, if ye are telling the truth!"

64 Is He [not best] who begins creation and then repeats it and who provides for you from the heaven and earth? Is there a deity with Allah? Say, "Produce your proof, if you should be truthful."

65 Say: None in the heavens or on earth, except Allah, knows what is hidden: nor can they perceive when they shall be raised up (for Judgment).

65 Say, "None in the heavens and earth knows the unseen except Allah, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected."

66 Still less can their knowledge comprehend the Hereafter: Nay, they are in doubt and uncertainty thereanent; nay, they are blind thereunto!

66 Rather, their knowledge is arrested concerning the Hereafter. Rather, they are in doubt about it. Rather, they are, concerning it, blind.

67 The Unbelievers say: "What! when we become dust, - we and our fathers, - shall we really be raised (from the dead)?

67 And those who disbelieve say, "When we have become dust as well as our forefathers, will we indeed be brought out [of the graves]?

68 "It is true we were promised this, - we and our fathers before (us): these are nothing but tales of the ancients."

68 We have been promised this, we and our forefathers, before. This is not but legends of the former peoples."

69 Say: "Go ye through the earth and see what has been the end of those guilty (of sin)."

69 Say, [O Muhammad], "Travel through the land and observe how was the end of the criminals."

70 But grieve not over them, nor distress thyself because of their plots.

70 And grieve not over them or be in distress from what they conspire.

71 They also say: "When will this promise (come to pass)? (Say) if ye are truthful."

71 And they say, "When is [the fulfillment of] this promise, if you should be truthful?"

72 Say: "It may be that some of the events which ye wish to hasten on may be (close) in your pursuit!"

72 Say, "Perhaps it is close behind you - some of that for which you are impatient.

73 But verily thy Lord is full of grace to mankind: Yet most of them are ungrateful.

73 And indeed, your Lord is full of bounty for the people, but most of them do not show gratitude."

74 And verily thy Lord knoweth all that their hearts do hide. As well as all that they reveal.

74 And indeed, your Lord knows what their breasts conceal and what they declare.

75 Nor is there aught of the unseen, in heaven or earth, but is (recorded) in a clear record.

75 And there is nothing concealed within the heaven and the earth except that it is in a clear Register.

76 Verily this Qur'an doth explain to the Children of Israel most of the matters in which they disagree.

76 Indeed, this Qur'an relates to the Children of Israel most of that over which they disagree.

77 And it certainly is a Guide and a Mercy to those who believe.

77 And indeed, it is guidance and mercy for the believers.

78 Verily thy Lord will decide between them by His Decree: and He is Exalted in Might, All - Knowing.

78 Indeed, your Lord will judge between them by His [wise] judgement. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

79 So put thy trust in Allah: for thou art on (the path of) manifest Truth.

79 So rely upon Allah; indeed, you are upon the clear truth.

80 Truly thou canst not cause the dead to listen, nor canst thou cause the deaf to hear the call, (especially) when they turn back in retreat.

80 Indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they have turned their backs retreating.

81 Nor canst thou be a guide to the blind, (to prevent them) from straying: only those wilt thou get to listen who believe in Our Signs, and they will bow in Islam.

81 And you cannot guide the blind away from their error. You will only make hear those who believe in Our verses so they are Muslims [submitting to Allah].

82 And when the Word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), we shall produce from the earth a beast to (face) them: He will speak to them, for that mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs.

82 And when the word befalls them, We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth speaking to them, [saying] that the people were, of Our verses, not certain [in faith].

83 One day We shall gather together from every people a troop of those who reject our Signs, and they shall be kept in ranks, -

83 And [warn of] the Day when We will gather from every nation a company of those who deny Our signs, and they will be [driven] in rows

84 Until, when they come (before the Judgment - seat), (Allah) will say: "Did ye reject My Signs, though ye comprehended them not in knowledge, or what was it ye did?"

84 Until, when they arrive [at the place of Judgement], He will say, "Did you deny My signs while you encompassed them not in knowledge, or what [was it that] you were doing?"

85 And the Word will be fulfilled against them, because of their wrong - doing, and they will be unable to speak (in plea).

85 And the decree will befall them for the wrong they did, and they will not [be able to] speak.

86 See they not that We have made the Night for them to rest in and the Day to give them light? Verily in this are Signs for any people that believe!

86 Do they not see that We made the night that they may rest therein and the day giving sight? Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.

87 And the Day that the Trumpet will be sounded - then will be smitten with terror those who are in the heavens, and those who are on earth, except such as Allah will please (to exempt): and all shall come to His (Presence) as beings conscious of their lowliness.

87 And [warn of] the Day the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will be terrified except whom Allah wills. And all will come to Him humbled.

88 Thou seest the mountains and thinkest them firmly fixed: but they shall pass away as the clouds pass away: (such is) the artistry of Allah, who disposes of all things in perfect order: for he is well acquainted with all that ye do.

88 And you see the mountains, thinking them rigid, while they will pass as the passing of clouds. [It is] the work of Allah, who perfected all things. Indeed, He is Acquainted with that which you do.

89 If any do good, good will (accrue) to them therefrom; and they will be secure from terror that Day.

89 Whoever comes [at Judgement] with a good deed will have better than it, and they, from the terror of that Day, will be safe.

90 And if any do evil, their faces will be thrown headlong into the Fire: "Do ye receive a reward other than that which ye have earned by your deeds?"

90 And whoever comes with an evil deed - their faces will be overturned into the Fire, [and it will be said], "Are you recompensed except for what you used to do?"

91 For me, I have been commanded to serve the Lord of this city, Him Who has sanctified it and to Whom (belong) all things: and I am commanded to be of those who bow in Islam to Allah's Will, -

91 [Say, O Muhammad], "I have only been commanded to worship the Lord of this city, who made it sacred and to whom [belongs] all things. And I am commanded to be of the Muslims [those who submit to Allah]

92 And to rehearse the Qur'an: and if any accept guidance, they do it for the good of their own souls, and if any stray, say: "I am only a Warner".

92 And to recite the Qur'an." And whoever is guided is only guided for [the benefit of] himself; and whoever strays - say, "I am only [one] of the warners."

93 And say: "Praise be to Allah, Who will soon show you His Signs, so that ye shall know them"; and thy Lord is not unmindful of all that ye do.

93 And say, "[All] praise is [due] to Allah. He will show you His signs, and you will recognize them. And your Lord is not unaware of what you do."