The Prophets (Al-Anbya')The Prophets (Al-Anbya')

Fast approaching is the reckoning for the people, but they are oblivious, averse.

Fast approaching is the reckoning for the people, but they are oblivious, averse.

اقْتَرَبَ لِلنَّاسِ حِسَابُهُمْ وَهُمْ فِي غَفْلَةٍ مُعْرِضُونَ

When a proof comes to them from their Lord, that is new, they listen to it heedlessly.

When a proof comes to them from their Lord, that is new, they listen to it heedlessly.

مَا يَأْتِيهِمْ مِنْ ذِكْرٍ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ مُحْدَثٍ إِلَّا اسْتَمَعُوهُ وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُونَ

Their minds are heedless. And the transgressors confer secretly: "Is he not just a human being like you? Would you accept the magic that is presented to you?"*

Their minds are heedless. And the transgressors confer secretly: “Is he not just a human being like you? Would you accept the magic that is presented to you?” *

لَاهِيَةً قُلُوبُهُمْ وَأَسَرُّوا النَّجْوَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا هَلْ هَذَا إِلَّا بَشَرٌ مِثْلُكُمْ أَفَتَأْتُونَ السِّحْرَ وَأَنْتُمْ تُبْصِرُونَ

He said, "My Lord knows every thought in the heaven and the earth. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient."

He said, “My Lord knows every thought in the heaven and the earth. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.”

قَالَ رَبِّي يَعْلَمُ الْقَوْلَ فِي السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

They even said, "Hallucinations," "He made it up," and, "He is a poet. Let him show us a miracle like those of the previous messengers."

They even said, “Hallucinations, he made it up, he is a poet. Let him show us a miracle like those of the previous messengers.”

بَلْ قَالُوا أَضْغَثُ أَحْلَمٍ بَلْ افْتَرَهُ بَلْ هُوَ شَاعِرٌ فَلْيَأْتِنَا بِءايَةٍ كَمَا أُرْسِلَ الْأَوَّلُونَ

We never annihilated a believing community in the past. Are these people believers?

We never annihilated a believing community in the past. Are these people believers?

مَا ءامَنَتْ قَبْلَهُمْ مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَهَا أَفَهُمْ يُؤْمِنُونَ

We did not send before you except men whom we inspired. Ask those who know the scripture, if you do not know.

We did not send before you except men whom we inspired. Ask those who know the scripture, if you do not know.

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِمْ فَاسْءلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

We did not give them bodies that did not eat, nor were they immortal.

We did not give them bodies that did not eat, nor were they immortal.

وَمَا جَعَلْنَهُمْ جَسَدًا لَا يَأْكُلُونَ الطَّعَامَ وَمَا كَانُوا خَلِدِينَ

We fulfilled our promise to them; we saved them together with whomever we willed, and annihilated the transgressors.

We fulfilled our promise to them; we saved them together with whomever we willed, and annihilated the transgressors.

ثُمَّ صَدَقْنَهُمْ الْوَعْدَ فَأَنجَيْنَهُمْ وَمَنْ نَشَاءُ وَأَهْلَكْنَا الْمُسْرِفِينَ

We have sent down to you a scripture containing your message. Do you not understand?

We have sent down to you a scripture containing your message. Do you not understand?

لَقَدْ أَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكُمْ كِتَبًا فِيهِ ذِكْرُكُمْ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

Many a community we terminated because of their transgression, and we substituted other people in their place.

Many a community we terminated because of their transgression, and we substituted other people in their place.

وَكَمْ قَصَمْنَا مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ كَانَتْ ظَالِمَةً وَأَنشَأْنَا بَعْدَهَا قَوْمًا ءاخَرِينَ

When our requital came to pass, they started to run.

When our requital came to pass, they started to run.

فَلَمَّا أَحَسُّوا بَأْسَنَا إِذَا هُمْ مِنْهَا يَرْكُضُونَ

Do not run, and come back to your luxuries and your mansions, for you must be held accountable.

Do not run, and come back to your luxuries and your mansions, for you must be held accountable.

لَا تَرْكُضُوا وَارْجِعُوا إِلَى مَا أُتْرِفْتُمْ فِيهِ وَمَسَكِنِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُسْءلُونَ

They said, "Woe to us. We were really wicked."

They said, “Woe to us. We were really wicked.”

قَالُوا يَوَيْلَنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَلِمِينَ

This continued to be their proclamation, until we completely wiped them out.

This continued to be their proclamation, until we completely wiped them out.

فَمَا زَالَتْ تِلْكَ دَعْوَهُمْ حَتَّى جَعَلْنَهُمْ حَصِيدًا خَمِدِينَ

We did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them just for amusement.

We did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them just for amusement.

وَمَا خَلَقْنَا السَّمَاءَ وَالْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَعِبِينَ

If we needed amusement, we could have initiated it without any of this, if that is what we wanted to do.

If we needed amusement, we could have initiated it without any of this, if that is what we wanted to do.

لَوْ أَرَدْنَا أَنْ نَتَّخِذَ لَهْوًا لَاتَّخَذْنَهُ مِنْ لَدُنَّا إِنْ كُنَّا فَعِلِينَ

Instead, it is our plan to support the truth against falsehood, in order to defeat it. Woe to you for the utterances you utter.

Instead, it is our plan to support the truth against falsehood, in order to defeat it. Woe to you for the utterances you utter.

بَلْ نَقْذِفُ بِالْحَقِّ عَلَى الْبطِلِ فَيَدْمَغُهُ فَإِذَا هُوَ زَاهِقٌ وَلَكُمْ الْوَيْلُ مِمَّا تَصِفُونَ

To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth, and those at Him are never too arrogant to worship Him, nor do they ever waver.

To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth, and those at Him are never too arrogant to worship Him, nor do they ever waver.

وَلَهُ مَنْ فِي السَّمَوَتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَنْ عِنْدَهُ لَا يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِهِ وَلَا يَسْتَحْسِرُونَ

They glorify night and day, without ever tiring.

They glorify night and day, without ever tiring.

يُسَبِّحُونَ اليْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ لَا يَفْتُرُونَ

Have they found gods on earth who can create?

Have they found gods on earth who can create?

أَمْ اتَّخَذُوا ءالِهَةً مِنْ الْأَرْضِ هُمْ يُنشِرُونَ

If there were in them (the heavens and the earth) other gods beside GOD, there would have been chaos. Glory be to GOD; the Lord with absolute authority. He is high above their claims.

If there were in them (the heavens and the earth) other gods beside GOD, there would have been chaos. Glory be to GOD; the Lord with absolute authority. He is high above their claims.

لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَا ءالِهَةٌ إِلَّا اللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا فَسُبْحَنَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

He is never to be asked about anything He does, while all others are questioned.

He is never to be asked about anything He does, while all others are questioned.

لَا يُسْءلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْءلُونَ

Have they found other gods beside Him? Say, "Show me your proof. This is the message to my generation, consummating all previous messages." Indeed, most of them do not recognize the truth; this is why they are so hostile.

Have they found other gods beside Him? Say, “Show me your proof. This is the message to my generation, consummating all previous messages.” Indeed, most of them do not recognize the truth; this is why they are so hostile.

أَمْ اتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ ءالِهَةً قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَنَكُمْ هَذَا ذِكْرُ مَنْ مَعِي وَذِكْرُ مَنْ قَبْلِي بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ الْحَقَّ فَهُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ

We did not send any messenger before you except with the inspiration: "There is no god except Me; you shall worship Me alone."

We did not send any messenger before you except with the inspiration: “There is no god except Me; you shall worship Me alone.”

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُون

Yet, they said, "The Most Gracious has begotten a son!" Glory be to Him. All (messengers) are (His) honored servants.

Yet, they said, “The Most Gracious has begotten a son!” Glory be to Him. All (messengers) are (His) honored servants.

وَقَالُوا اتَّخَذَ الرَّحْمَنُ وَلَدًا سُبْحَنَهُ بَلْ عِبَادٌ مُكْرَمُونَ

They never speak on their own, and they strictly follow His commands.

They never speak on their own, and they strictly follow His commands.

لَا يَسْبِقُونَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ وَهُمْ بِأَمْرِهِ يَعْمَلُونَ

He knows their future and their past. They do not intercede, except for those already accepted by Him, and they are worried about their own necks.*

He knows their future and their past. They do not intercede, except for those already accepted by Him, and they are worried about their own necks.

يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنْ ارْتَضَى وَهُمْ مِنْ خَشْيَتِهِ مُشْفِقُونَ

If any of them claims to be a god beside Him, we requite him with Hell; we thus requite the wicked.

If any of them claims to be a god beside Him, we requite him with Hell; we thus requite the wicked.

وَمَنْ يَقُلْ مِنْهُمْ إِنِّي إِلَهٌ مِنْ دُونِهِ فَذَلِكَ نَجْزِيهِ جَهَنَّمَ كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الظَّلِمِينَ

Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe?

Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe?

أَوَلَمْ يَرَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا أَنَّ السَّمَوَتِ وَالْأَرْضَ كَانَتَا رَتْقًا فَفَتَقْنَهُمَا وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْ الْمَاءِ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ حَى أَفَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ

And we placed on earth stabilizers, lest it tumbles with them, and we placed straight roads therein, that they may be guided.

And we placed on earth stabilizers, lest it tumbles with them, and we placed straight roads therein, that they may be guided.

وَجَعَلْنَا فِي الْأَرْضِ رَوَسِيَ أَنْ تَمِيدَ بِهِمْ وَجَعَلْنَا فِيهَا فِجَاجًا سُبُلًا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَهْتَدُونَ

And we rendered the sky a guarded ceiling. Yet, they are totally oblivious to all the portents therein.

And we rendered the sky a guarded ceiling. Yet, they are totally oblivious to all the portents therein.

وَجَعَلْنَا السَّمَاءَ سَقْفًا مَحْفُوظًا وَهُمْ عَنْ ءايَتِهَا مُعْرِضُونَ

And He is the One who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in its own orbit.

And He is the One who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in its own orbit.

وَهُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ اليْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ وَالشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ فِي فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ

We never decreed immortality for anyone before you; should you die, are they immortal?

We never decreed immortality for anyone before you; should you die, are they immortal?

وَمَا جَعَلْنَا لِبَشَرٍ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ الْخُلْدَ أَفَإِيْنْ مِتَّ فَهُمْ الْخَلِدُونَ

Every person will taste death, after we put you to the test through adversity and prosperity, then to us you ultimately return.

Every person will taste death, after we put you to the test through adversity and prosperity, then to us you ultimately return.

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَنَبْلُوكُمْ بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ

When those who disbelieve see you, they ridicule you: "Is this the one who challenges your gods?" Meanwhile, they remain totally heedless of the message from the Most Gracious.

When those who disbelieve see you, they ridicule you: “Is this the one who challenges your gods?” Meanwhile, they remain totally heedless of the message from the Most Gracious.

وَإِذَا رَءاكَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا إِنْ يَتَّخِذُونَكَ إِلَّا هُزُوًا أَهَذَا الَّذِي يَذْكُرُ ءالِهَتَكُمْ وَهُمْ بِذِكْرِ الرَّحْمَنِ هُمْ كَفِرُونَ

The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry.

The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry.

خُلِقَ الْإِنسَنُ مِنْ عَجَلٍ سَأُورِيكُمْ ءايَتِي فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُون

They challenge: "Where is that (retribution), if you are truthful?"

They challenge: “Where is that (retribution), if you are truthful?”

وَيَقُولُونَ مَتَى هَذَا الْوَعْدُ إِنْ كُنتُمْ صَدِقِينَ

If only those who disbelieve could envision themselves when they try to ward off the fire; off their faces and their backs! No one will help them then.

If only those who disbelieve could envision themselves when they try to ward off the fire - off their faces and their backs! No one will help them then.

لَوْ يَعْلَمُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا حِينَ لَا يَكُفُّونَ عَنْ وُجُوهِهِمْ النَّارَ وَلَا عَنْ ظُهُورِهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يُنْصَرُونَ

Indeed, it will come to them suddenly, and they will be utterly stunned. They can neither avoid it, nor can they receive any respite.

Indeed, it will come to them suddenly, and they will be utterly stunned. They can neither avoid it, nor can they receive any respite.

بَلْ تَأْتِيهِمْ بَغْتَةً فَتَبْهَتُهُمْ فَلَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ رَدَّهَا وَلَا هُمْ يُنظَرُونَ

Messengers before you have been ridiculed, and, consequently, those who ridiculed them incurred the retribution for their ridiculing.

Messengers before you have been ridiculed, and, consequently, those who ridiculed them incurred the retribution for their ridiculing.

وَلَقَدْ اسْتُهْزِئَ بِرُسُلٍ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ فَحَاقَ بِالَّذِينَ سَخِرُوا مِنْهُمْ مَا كَانُوا بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِءون

Say, "Who can protect you from the Most Gracious during the night or during the day?" Indeed, they are totally oblivious to the message of their Lord.

Say, “Who can protect you from the Most Gracious during the night or during the day?” Indeed, they are totally oblivious to the message of their Lord.

قُلْ مَنْ يَكْلَؤُكُمْ بِاليْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ مِنْ الرَّحْمَنِ بَلْ هُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ رَبِّهِمْ مُعْرِضُونَ

Do they have gods who can protect them from us? They cannot even help themselves. Nor can they accompany one another when they are summoned to face us.

Do they have gods who can protect them from us? They cannot even help themselves. Nor can they accompany one another when they are summoned to face us.

أَمْ لَهُمْ ءالِهَةٌ تَمْنَعُهُمْ مِنْ دُونِنَا لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ نَصْرَ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ مِنَّا يُصْحَبُونَ

We have provided for these people and their ancestors, up until an old age. Do they not see that every day on earth brings them closer to the end? Can they reverse this process?

We have provided for these people and their ancestors, up until an old age. Do they not see that every day on earth brings them closer to the end? Can they reverse this process?

بَلْ مَتَّعْنَا هَؤُلَاءِ وَءابَاءَهُمْ حَتَّى طَالَ عَلَيْهِمْ الْعُمُرُ أَفَلَا يَرَوْنَ أَنَّا نَأْتِي الْأَرْضَ نَنقُصُهَا مِنْ أَطْرَافِهَا أَفَهُمْ الْغَلِبُونَ

Say, "I am warning you in accordance with divine inspiration." However, the deaf cannot hear the call, when they are warned.

Say, “I am warning you in accordance with divine inspiration.” However, the deaf cannot hear the call, when they are warned.

قُلْ إِنَّمَا أُنذِرُكُمْ بِالْوَحْيِ وَلَا يَسْمَعُ الصُّمُّ الدُّعَاءَ إِذَا مَا يُنذَرُونَ

When a sample of your Lord's retribution afflicts them, they readily say, "We were indeed wicked."

When a sample of your Lord's retribution afflicts them, they readily say, “We were indeed wicked.”

وَلَئِنْ مَسَّتْهُمْ نَفْحَةٌ مِنْ عَذَابِ رَبِّكَ لَيَقُولُنَّ يَوَيْلَنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا ظَلِمِينَ

We will establish the scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection. No soul will suffer the least injustice. Even the equivalent of a mustard seed will be accounted for. We are the most efficient reckoners.

We will establish the scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection. No soul will suffer the least injustice. Even the equivalent of a mustard seed will be accounted for. We are the most efficient reckoners.

وَنَضَعُ الْمَوَزِينَ الْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ الْقِيَمَةِ فَلَا تُظْلَمُ نَفْسٌ شَيْءا وَإِنْ كَانَ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍ مِنْ خَرْدَلٍ أَتَيْنَا بِهَا وَكَفَى بِنَا حَسِبِينَ

We gave Moses and Aaron the Statute Book, a beacon, and a reminder for the righteous.

We gave Moses and Aaron the Statute Book, a beacon, and a reminder for the righteous.

وَلَقَدْ ءاتَيْنَا مُوسَى وَهَرُونَ الْفُرْقَانَ وَضِيَاءً وَذِكْرًا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

The ones who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and they worry about the Hour.

The ones who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and they worry about the Hour.

الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ بِالْغَيْبِ وَهُمْ مِنْ السَّاعَةِ مُشْفِقُونَ

This too is a blessed reminder that we sent down. Are you denying it?

This too is a blessed reminder that we sent down. Are you denying it?

وَهَذَا ذِكْرٌ مُبَارَكٌ أَنزَلْنَهُ أَفَأَنْتُمْ لَهُ مُنكِرُونَ

Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him.*

Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him.

وَلَقَدْ ءاتَيْنَا إِبْرَهِيمَ رُشْدَهُ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَكُنَّا بِهِ عَلِمِينَ

He said to his father and his people, "What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?"

He said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?”

إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوْمِهِ مَا هَذِهِ التَّمَاثِيلُ الَّتِي أَنْتُمْ لَهَا عَكِفُونَ

They said, "We found our parents worshiping them."

They said, “We found our parents worshipping them.”

قَالُوا وَجَدْنَا ءابَاءَنَا لَهَا عَبِدِينَ

He said, "Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray."

He said, “Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray.”

قَالَ لَقَدْ كُنتُمْ أَنْتُمْ وَءابَاؤُكُمْ فِي ضَلَلٍ مُبِينٍ

They said, "Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?"

They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?”

قالُوا أَجِئْتَنَا بِالْحَقِّ أَمْ أَنْتَ مِنْ اللَّعِبِينَ

He said, "Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness.

He said, “Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness.

قَالَ بَل رَبُّكُمْ رَبُّ السَّمَوَتِ وَالْأَرْضِ الَّذِي فَطَرَهُنَّ وَأَنَا عَلَى ذَلِكُمْ مِنْ الشَّهِدِينَ

"I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave."

“I swear by GOD, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave.”

وَتَاللَّهِ لَأَكِيدَنَّ أَصْنَمَكُمْ بَعْدَ أَنْ تُوَلُّوا مُدْبِرِينَ

He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it.

He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it.

فَجَعَلَهُمْ جُذَذًا إِلَّا كَبِيرًا لَهُمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ إِلَيْهِ يَرْجِعُونَ

They said, "Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor."

They said, “Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor.”

قَالُوا مَنْ فَعَلَ هَذَا بِءالِهَتِنَا إِنَّهُ لَمِنْ الظَّلِمِينَ

They said, "We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham."

They said, “We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham.”

قَالُوا سَمِعْنَا فَتًى يَذْكُرُهُمْ يُقَالُ لَهُ إِبْرَهِيمُ

They said, "Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness."

They said, “Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness.”

قَالُوا فَأْتُوا بِهِ عَلَى أَعْيُنِ النَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَشْهَدُونَ

They said, "Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?"

They said, “Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?”

قَالُوا ءأَنْتَ فَعَلْتَ هَذَا بِءالِهَتِنَا يَإبْرَهِيمُ

He said, "It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak."

He said, “It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak.”

قَالَ بَلْ فَعَلَهُ كَبِيرُهُمْ هَذَا فَاسْءلُوهُمْ إِنْ كَانُوا يَنطِقُونَ

They were taken aback, and said to themselves, "Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing."

They were taken aback, and said to themselves, “Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing.”

فَرَجَعُوا إِلَى أَنفُسِهِمْ فَقَالُوا إِنَّكُمْ أَنْتُمْ الظَّلِمُونَ

Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: "You know full well that these cannot speak."

Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: “You know full well that these cannot speak.”

ثُمَّ نُكِسُوا عَلَى رُءُوسِهِمْ لَقَدْ عَلِمْتَ مَا هَؤُلَاءِ يَنطِقُونَ

He said, "Do you then worship besides GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you?

He said, “Do you then worship beside GOD what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you?

قَالَ أَفَتَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكُمْ شَيْءا وَلَا يَضُرُّكُمْ

"You have incurred shame by worshiping idols beside GOD. Do you not understand?"

“You have incurred shame by worshipping idols beside GOD. Do you not understand?”

أُفٍّ لَكُمْ وَلِمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

They said, "Burn him and support your gods, if this is what you decide to do."

They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if this is what you decide to do.”

قَالُوا حَرِّقُوهُ وَانصُرُوا ءالِهَتَكُمْ إِنْ كُنتُمْ فَعِلِينَ

We said, "O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham."*

We said, “O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.”

قُلْنَا يَنَارُ كُونِي بَرْدًا وَسَلَمًا عَلَى إِبْرَهِيمَ

Thus, they schemed against him, but we made them the losers.

Thus, they schemed against him, but we made them the losers.

وَأَرَادُوا بِهِ كَيْدًا فَجَعَلْنَهُمْ الْأَخْسَرِينَ

We saved him, and we saved Lot, to the land that we blessed for all the people.

We saved him, and we saved Lot, to the land that we blessed for all the people.

وَنَجَّيْنَهُ وَلُوطًا إِلَى الْأَرْضِ الَّتِي بَرَكْنَا فِيهَا لِلْعَلَمِينَ

And we granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift, and we made them both righteous.

And we granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift, and we made them both righteous.

وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ إِسْحَقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ نَافِلَةً وَكُلًّا جَعَلْنَا صَلِحِينَ

We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat).* To us, they were devoted worshipers.

We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers.

وَجَعَلْنَهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا وَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْهِمْ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَتِ وَإِقَامَ الصَّلَوةِ وَإِيتَاءَ الزَّكَوةِ وَكَانُوا لَنَا عَبِدِينَ

As for Lot, we granted him wisdom and knowledge, and we saved him from the community that practiced abominations; they were wicked and evil people.

As for Lot, we granted him wisdom and knowledge, and we saved him from the community that practiced abominations; they were wicked and evil people.

وَلُوطًا ءاتَيْنَهُ حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا وَنَجَّيْنَهُ مِنْ الْقَرْيَةِ الَّتِي كَانَتْ تَعْمَلُ الْخَبَئِثَ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمَ سَوْءٍ فَسِقِينَ

We admitted him into our mercy, for he was righteous.

We admitted him into our mercy, for he was righteous.

وَأَدْخَلْنَهُ فِي رَحْمَتِنَا إِنَّهُ مِنْ الصَّلِحِينَ

And, before that, Noah called and we responded to him. We saved him and his family from the great disaster.

And, before that, Noah called and we responded to him. We saved him and his family from the great disaster.

وَنُوحًا إِذْ نَادَى مِنْ قَبْلُ فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ فَنَجَّيْنَهُ وَأَهْلَهُ مِنْ الْكَرْبِ الْعَظِيمِ

We supported him against the people who rejected our revelations. They were evil people, so we drowned them all.

We supported him against the people who rejected our revelations. They were evil people, so we drowned them all.

وَنَصَرْنَهُ مِنْ الْقَوْمِ الَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِءايَتِنَا إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمَ سَوْءٍ فَأَغْرَقْنَهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ

And David and Solomon, when they once ruled with regard to someone's crop that was destroyed by another's sheep, we witnessed their judgment.

And David and Solomon, when they once ruled with regard to someone's crop that was destroyed by another's sheep, we witnessed their judgment.

وَدَاوُدَ وَسُلَيْمَنَ إِذْ يَحْكُمَانِ فِي الْحَرْثِ إِذْ نَفَشَتْ فِيهِ غَنَمُ الْقَوْمِ وَكُنَّا لِحُكْمِهِمْ شَهِدِينَ

We granted Solomon the correct understanding, though we endowed both of them with wisdom and knowledge. We committed the mountains to serve David in glorifying (God), as well as the birds. This is what we did.

We granted Solomon the correct understanding, though we endowed both of them with wisdom and knowledge. We committed the mountains to serve David in glorifying (God), as well as the birds. This is what we did.

فَفَهَّمْنَهَا سُلَيْمَنَ وَكُلًّا ءاتَيْنَا حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا وَسَخَّرْنَا مَعَ دَاوُدَ الْجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحْنَ وَالطَّيْرَ وَكُنَّا فَعِلِينَ

And we taught him the skill of making shields to protect you in war. Are you then thankful?

And we taught him the skill of making shields to protect you in war. Are you then thankful?

وَعَلَّمْنَهُ صَنْعَةَ لَبُوسٍ لَكُمْ لِتُحْصِنَكُمْ مِنْ بَأْسِكُمْ فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ شَكِرُونَ

For Solomon, we committed the wind gusting and blowing at his disposal. He could direct it as he wished, to whatever land he chose, and we blessed such land for him. We are fully aware of all things.

For Solomon, we committed the wind gusting and blowing at his disposal. He could direct it as he wished, to whatever land he chose, and we blessed such land for him. We are fully aware of all things.

وَلِسُلَيْمَنَ الرِّيحَ عَاصِفَةً تَجْرِي بِأَمْرِهِ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ الَّتِي بَرَكْنَا فِيهَا وَكُنَّا بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِمِينَ

And of the devils there were those who would dive for him (to harvest the sea), or do whatever else he commanded them to do. We committed them in his service.

And of the devils there were those who would dive for him (to harvest the sea), or do whatever else he commanded them to do. We committed them in his service.

وَمِنْ الشَّيَطِينِ مَنْ يَغُوصُونَ لَهُ وَيَعْمَلُونَ عَمَلًا دُونَ ذَلِكَ وَكُنَّا لَهُمْ حَفِظِينَ

And Job implored his Lord: "Adversity has befallen me, and, of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful."

And Job implored his Lord: “Adversity has befallen me, and, of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.”

وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِي الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّحِمِينَ

We responded to him, relieved his adversity, and restored his family for him, even twice as much. That was a mercy from us, and a reminder for the worshipers.

We responded to him, relieved his adversity, and restored his family for him, even twice as much. That was a mercy from us, and a reminder for the worshipers.

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِ مِنْ ضُرٍّ وَءاتَيْنَهُ أَهْلَهُ وَمِثْلَهُمْ مَعَهُمْ رَحْمَةً مِنْ عِنْدِنَا وَذِكْرَى لِلْعَبِدِينَ

Also, Ismail, Idris, Zal-Kifl; all were steadfast, patient.

Also, Ismail, Idris, Zal-Kifl; all were steadfast, patient.

وَإِسْمَعِيلَ وَإِدْرِيسَ وَذَا الْكِفْلِ كُلٌّ مِنْ الصَّبِرِينَ

We admitted them into our mercy, for they were righteous.

We admitted them into our mercy, for they were righteous.

وَأَدْخَلْنَهُمْ فِي رَحْمَتِنَا إِنَّهُمْ مِنْ الصلِحِينَ

And Zan-Noon (Jonah, "the one with an `N' in his name"), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish's belly): "There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin."

And Zan-Noon (Jonah, “the one with an ‘N’ in his name”), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish's belly): “There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin.”

وَذَا النُّونِ إِذْ ذَهَبَ مُغَضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَنْ لَنْ نَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَى فِي الظُّلُمَتِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَنَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنْ الظَّلِمِينَ

We responded to him, and saved him from the crisis; we thus save the believers.

We responded to him, and saved him from the crisis; we thus save the believers.

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَهُ مِنْ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And Zachariah implored his Lord: "My Lord, do not keep me without an heir, though You are the best inheritor."

And Zachariah implored his Lord: “My Lord, do not keep me without an heir, though You are the best inheritor.”

وَزَكَرِيَّا إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهُ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَرِثِينَ

We* responded to him and granted him John; we fixed his wife for him. That is because they used to hasten to work righteousness, and implored us in situations of joy, as well as fear. To us, they were reverent.

We responded to him and granted him John; we fixed his wife for him. That is because they used to hasten to work righteousness, and implored us in situations of joy, as well as fear. To us, they were reverent.

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ يَحْيَى وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُ زَوْجَهُ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يُسَرِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًا وَرَهَبًا وَكَانُوا لَنَا خَشِعِينَ

As for the one who maintained her virginity, we blew into her from our spirit, and thus, we made her and her son a portent for the whole world.

As for the one who maintained her virginity, we blew into her from our spirit, and thus, we made her and her son a portent for the whole world.

وَالَّتِي أَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِيهَا مِنْ رُوحِنَا وَجَعَلْنَهَا وَابْنَهَا ءايَةً لِلْعَلَمِينَ

Your congregation is but one congregation, and I alone am your Lord; you shall worship Me alone.

Your congregation is but one congregation, and I alone am your Lord; you shall worship Me alone.

إِنَّ هَذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُون

However, they divided themselves into disputing religions. All of them will come back to us (for judgment).

However, they divided themselves into disputing religions. All of them will come back to us (for judgment).

وَتَقَطَّعُوا أَمْرَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ كُلٌّ إِلَيْنَا رَجِعُونَ

As for those who work righteousness, while believing, their work will not go to waste; we are recording it.

As for those who work righteousness, while believing, their work will not go to waste; we are recording it.

فَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِنْ الصَّلِحَتِ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَا كُفْرَانَ لِسَعْيِهِ وَإِنَّا لَهُ كَتِبُونَ

It is forbidden for any community we had annihilated to return.

It is forbidden for any community we had annihilated to return.

وَحَرَمٌ عَلَى قَرْيَةٍ أَهْلَكْنَهَا أَنَّهُمْ لَا يَرْجِعُونَ

Not until Gog and Magog reappear, will they then return - they will come from every direction.

Not until Gog and Magog reappear, will they then return - they will come from every direction.

حَتَّى إِذَا فُتِحَتْ يَأْجُوجُ وَمَأْجُوجُ وَهُمْ مِنْ كُلِّ حَدَبٍ يَنسِلُونَ

That is when the inevitable prophecy will come to pass, and the disbelievers will stare in horror: "Woe to us; we have been oblivious. Indeed, we have been wicked."

That is when the inevitable prophecy will come to pass, and the disbelievers will stare in horror: “Woe to us; we have been oblivious. Indeed, we have been wicked.”

وَاقْتَرَبَ الْوَعْدُ الْحَقُّ فَإِذَا هِيَ شَخِصَةٌ أَبْصَرُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا يَوَيْلَنَا قَدْ كُنَّا فِي غَفْلَةٍ مِنْ هَذَا بَل كُنَّا ظَلِمِينَ

You and the idols you worship besides GOD will be fuel for Hell; this is your inevitable destiny.

You and the idols you worship besides GOD will be fuel for Hell; this is your inevitable destiny.

إِنَّكُمْ وَمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنْتُمْ لَهَا وَرِدُونَ

If those were gods, they would not have ended up in Hell. All its inhabitants abide in it forever.

If those were gods, they would not have ended up in Hell. All its inhabitants abide in it forever.

لَوْ كَانَ هَؤُلَاءِ ءالِهَةً مَا وَرَدُوهَا وَكُلٌّ فِيهَا خَلِدُونَ

They will sigh and groan therein, and they will have no access to any news.

They will sigh and groan therein, and they will have no access to any news.

لَهُمْ فِيهَا زَفِيرٌ وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يَسْمَعُونَ

As for those who deserved our magnificent rewards, they will be protected from it.

As for those who deserved our magnificent rewards, they will be protected from it.

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ سَبَقَتْ لَهُمْ مِنَّا الْحُسْنَى أُوْلَئِكَ عَنْهَا مُبْعَدُونَ

They will not hear its hissing. They will enjoy an abode where they can get everything they desire, forever.

They will not hear its hissing. They will enjoy an abode where they can get everything they desire, forever.

لَا يَسْمَعُونَ حَسِيسَهَا وَهُمْ فِي مَا اشْتَهَتْ أَنفُسُهُمْ خَلِدُونَ

The great horror will not worry them, and the angels will receive them joyfully: "This is your day, that has been promised to you."

The great horror will not worry them, and the angels will receive them joyfully: “This is your day, that has been promised to you.”

لَا يَحْزُنُهُمْ الْفَزَعُ الْأَكْبَرُ وَتَتَلَقَّهُمْ الْمَلَئِكَةُ هَذَا يَوْمُكُمْ الَّذِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ

On that day, we will fold the heaven, like the folding of a book. Just as we initiated the first creation, we will repeat it. This is our promise; we will certainly carry it out.

On that Day, we will fold the heaven, like the folding of a book. Just as we initiated the first creation, we will repeat it. This is our promise; we will certainly carry it out.

يَوْمَ نَطْوِي السَّمَاءَ كَطَيِّ السِّجِلِّ لِلْكُتُبِ كَمَا بَدَأْنَا أَوَّلَ خَلْقٍ نُعِيدُهُ وَعْدًا عَلَيْنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا فَعِلِينَ

We have decreed in the Psalms, as well as in other scriptures, that the earth shall be inherited by My righteous worshipers.

We have decreed in the Psalms, as well as in other scriptures, that the earth shall be inherited by My righteous worshipers.

وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِي الزَّبُورِ مِنْ بَعْدِ الذِّكْرِ أَنَّ الْأَرْضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِي الصَّلِحُونَ

This is a proclamation for people who are worshipers.

This is a proclamation for people who are worshipers.

إِنَّ فِي هَذَا لَبَلَغًا لِقَوْمٍ عَبِدِينَ

We have sent you out of mercy from us towards the whole world.

We have sent you out of mercy from us towards the whole world.

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَلَمِينَ

Proclaim, "I have been given divine inspiration that your god is one god. Will you then submit?"

Proclaim, “I have been given divine inspiration that your god is One god. Will you then submit?”

قُلْ إِنَّمَا يُوحَى إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَحِدٌ فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ

If they turn away, then say, "I have warned you sufficiently, and I have no idea how soon or late (the retribution) will come to you.

If they turn away, then say, “I have warned you sufficiently, and I have no idea how soon or late (the retribution) will come to you.

فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَقُلْ ءاذَنْتُكُمْ عَلَى سَوَاءٍ وَإِنْ أَدْرِي أَقَرِيبٌ أَمْ بَعِيدٌ مَا تُوعَدُونَ

"He is fully aware of your public utterances, and He is fully aware of everything you conceal.

“He is fully aware of your public utterances, and He is fully aware of everything you conceal.

إِنَّهُ يَعْلَمُ الْجَهْرَ مِنْ الْقَوْلِ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا تَكْتُمُونَ

"For all that I know, this world is a test for you, and a temporary enjoyment."

“For all that I know, this world is a test for you, and a temporary enjoyment.”

وَإِنْ أَدْرِي لَعَلَّهُ فِتْنَةٌ لَكُمْ وَمَتَعٌ إِلَى حِينٍ

Say, "My Lord, Your judgment is the absolute justice. Our Lord is the Most Gracious; only His help is sought in the face of your claims."

Say, “My Lord, Your judgment is the absolute justice. Our Lord is the Most Gracious; only His help is sought in the face of your claims.”

قَلَ رَبِّ احْكُمْ بِالْحَقِّ وَرَبُّنَا الرَّحْمَنُ الْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَى مَا تَصِفُونَ