Al Saffat

1 By those who range themselves in ranks,

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

2 And so are strong in repelling (evil),

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

3 And thus proclaim the Message (of Allah)!

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

4 Verily, verily, your Allah is one! -

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

5 Lord of the heavens and of the earth and all between them, and Lord of every point at the rising of the sun!

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

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

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

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

7 And to guard against every rebellious devil.

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

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

9 Repulsed, for they are under a perpetual penalty,

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

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

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

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!

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

12 Truly dost thou marvel, while they ridicule,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17 "And also our fathers of old?"

17 "And also our fathers of old?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26 Nay, but that Day they shall surrender.

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

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

28 They will say: "It was ye who used to come to us from the right hand (of power and authority)!"

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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

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

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

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

34 Verily that is how We shall deal with Sinners.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

38 Ye shall indeed taste of the Grievous Penalty; -

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

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

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

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

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

41 For them is a Sustenance determined,

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

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

42 Fruits; and they shall be honoured,

43 In Gardens of Felicity,

43 In the Gardens of delight (Paradise),

44 Facing each other on Thrones (of Dignity):

44 Facing one another on thrones.

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

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

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

46 White, delicious to the drinkers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

56 He said: "By Allah! thou wast little short of bringing me to perdition!

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

57 "Had it not been for the Grace of my Lord, I should certainly have been among those brought (there)!

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

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

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

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

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

60 Verily this is the supreme achievement!

60 Truly, this is the supreme success!

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

61 For the like of this let the workers work.

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

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

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

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

64 For it is a tree that springs out of the bottom of Hell - Fire:

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

65 The shoots of its fruit - stalks are like the heads of devils:

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

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

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

67 Then on top of that they will be given a mixture made of boiling water.

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

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

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

69 Truly they found their fathers on the wrong Path;

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

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

70 So they (too) hastened in their footsteps!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

80 Thus indeed do we reward those who do right.

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

81 For he was one of our believing Servants.

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

82 Then the rest we overwhelmed in the Flood.

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

83 Verily among those who followed his Way was Abraham.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

88 Then did he cast a glance at the Stars.

88 Then he cast a glance at the stars,

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

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

90 So they turned away from him, and departed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

97 They said, "Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire!"

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

98 (This failing), they then sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!"

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

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

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

104 We called out to him "O Abraham!

104 We called out to him: "O Abraham!

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

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

106 For this was obviously a trial -

106 Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.

107 And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:

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

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

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

109 "Peace and salutation to Abraham!"

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

110 Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

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

111 For he was one of our believing Servants.

111 Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

112 And We gave him the good news of Isaac - a prophet, - one of the Righteous.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

117 And We gave them the clear Scripture;

118 And We guided them to the Straight Way.

118 And guided them to the Right Path.

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

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

120 "Peace and salutation to Moses and Aaron!"

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

121 Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

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

122 For they were two of our believing Servants.

122 Verily, they were two of Our believing slaves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

128 Except the chosen slaves of Allah.

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

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

130 "Peace and salutation to such as Elias!"

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

131 Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.

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

132 For he was one of our believing Servants.

132 Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

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

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

134 Behold, We delivered him and his adherents, all

134 When We saved him and his family, all,

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

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

136 Then We destroyed the rest.

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

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

137 Verily, you pass by them in the morning

138 And by night: will ye not understand?

138 And at night; will you not then reflect?

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

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

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

140 When he ran to the laden ship:

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

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

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

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

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

143 Had he not been of them who glorify Allah,

144 He would certainly have remained inside the Fish till the Day of Resurrection.

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

145 But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

155 Will ye not then receive admonition?

155 Will you not then remember?

156 Or have ye an authority manifest?

156 Or is there for you a plain authority?

157 Then bring ye your Book (of authority) if ye be truthful!

157 Then bring your Book if you are truthful!

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)!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

162 Can lead (any) into temptation concerning Allah,

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

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

163 Except those who are predestined to burn in Hell!

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

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

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

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

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

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

167 And there were those who said,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

172 That they would certainly be assisted,