THE EVENT, THE INEVITABLE, CHAPTER NO. 056
056.001 When the Event inevitable cometh to pass,
056.002 Then will no (soul) entertain falsehood concerning its coming.
056.003 (Many) will it bring low; (many) will it exalt;
056.004 When the earth shall be shaken to its depths,
056.005 And the mountains shall be crumbled to atoms,
056.006 Becoming dust scattered abroad,
056.007 And ye shall be sorted out into three classes.
056.008 Then (there will be) the Companions of the Right Hand;- What will be the
Companions of the Right Hand?
056.009 And the Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the
Left Hand?
056.010 And those Foremost (in Faith) will be Foremost (in the Hereafter).
056.011 These will be those Nearest to God:
056.012 In Gardens of Bliss:
056.013 A number of people from those of old,
056.014 And a few from those of later times.
056.015 (They will be) on Thrones encrusted (with gold and precious stones),
056.016 Reclining on them, facing each other.
056.017 Round about them will (serve) youths of perpetual (freshness),
056.018 With goblets, (shining) beakers, and cups (filled) out of clear-flowing
fountains:
056.019 No after-ache will they receive therefrom, nor will they suffer intoxication:
056.020 And with fruits, any that they may select:
056.021 And the flesh of fowls, any that they may desire.
056.022 And (there will be) Companions with beautiful, big, and lustrous eyes,-
056.023 Like unto Pearls well-guarded.
056.024 A Reward for the deeds of their past (life).
056.025 Not frivolity will they hear therein, nor any taint of ill,-
056.026 Only the saying, "Peace! Peace".
056.027 The Companions of the Right Hand,- what will be the Companions of the
Right Hand?
056.028 (They will be) among Lote-trees without thorns,
056.029 Among Talh trees with flowers (or fruits) piled one above another,-
056.030 In shade long-extended,
056.031 By water flowing constantly,
056.032 And fruit in abundance.
056.033 Whose season is not limited, nor (supply) forbidden,
056.034 And on Thrones (of Dignity), raised high.
056.035 We have created (their Companions) of special creation.
056.036 And made them virgin - pure (and undefiled), -
056.037 Beloved (by nature), equal in age,-
056.038 For the Companions of the Right Hand.
056.039 A (goodly) number from those of old,
056.040 And a (goodly) number from those of later times.
056.041 The Companions of the Left Hand,- what will be the Companions of the Left
Hand?
056.042 (They will be) in the midst of a Fierce Blast of Fire and in Boiling Water,
056.043 And in the shades of Black Smoke:
056.044 Nothing (will there be) to refresh, nor to please:
056.045 For that they were wont to be indulged, before that, in wealth (and luxury),
056.046 And persisted obstinately in wickedness supreme!
056.047 And they used to say, "What! when we die and become dust and bones, shall
we then indeed be raised up again?-
056.048 "(We) and our fathers of old?"
056.049 Say: "Yea, those of old and those of later times,
056.050 "All will certainly be gathered together for the meeting appointed for a Day
well-known.
056.051 "Then will ye truly,- O ye that go wrong, and treat (Truth) as Falsehood!-
056.052 "Ye will surely taste of the Tree of Zaqqum.
056.053 "Then will ye fill your insides therewith,
056.054 "And drink Boiling Water on top of it:
056.055 "Indeed ye shall drink like diseased camels raging with thirst!"
056.056 Such will be their entertainment on the Day of Requital!
056.057 It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?
056.058 Do ye then see?- The (human Seed) that ye throw out,-
056.059 Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?
056.060 We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be
frustrated
056.061 from changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (forms) that ye know
not.
056.062 And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not
celebrate His praises?
056.063 See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?
056.064 Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?
056.065 Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left
in wonderment,
056.066 (Saying), "We are indeed left with debts (for nothing):
056.067 "Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labour)"
056.068 See ye the water which ye drink?
056.069 Do ye bring it down (in rain) from the cloud or do We?
056.070 Were it Our Will, We could make it salt (and unpalatable): then why do ye
not give thanks?
056.071 See ye the Fire which ye kindle?
056.072 Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?
056.073 We have made it a memorial (of Our handiwork), and an article of comfort
and convenience for the denizens of deserts.
056.074 Then celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme!
056.075 Furthermore I call to witness the setting of the Stars,-
056.076 And that is indeed a mighty adjuration if ye but knew,-
056.077 That this is indeed a qur'an Most Honourable,
056.078 In Book well-guarded,
056.079 Which none shall touch but those who are clean:
056.080 A Revelation from the Lord of the Worlds.
056.081 Is it such a Message that ye would hold in light esteem?
056.082 And have ye made it your livelihood that ye should declare it false?
056.083 Then why do ye not (intervene) when (the soul of the dying man) reaches
the throat,-
056.084 And ye the while (sit) looking on,-
056.085 But We are nearer to him than ye, and yet see not,-
056.086 Then why do ye not,- If you are exempt from (future) account,-
056.087 Call back the soul, if ye are true (in the claim of independence)?
056.088 Thus, then, if he be of those Nearest to God,
056.089 (There is for him) Rest and Satisfaction, and a Garden of Delights.
056.090 And if he be of the Companions of the Right Hand,
056.091 (For him is the salutation), "Peace be unto thee", from the Companions of
the Right Hand.
056.092 And if he be of those who treat (Truth) as Falsehood, who go wrong,
056.093 For him is Entertainment with Boiling Water.
056.094 And burning in Hell-Fire.
056.095 Verily, this is the Very Truth and Certainly.
056.096 So celebrate with praises the name of thy Lord, the Supreme.
IRON, CHAPTER NO. 057
057.001 Whatever is in the heavens and on earth,- let it declare the Praises and Glory
of God: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
057.002 To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: It is He Who
gives Life and Death; and He has Power over all things.
057.003 He is the First and the Last, the Evident and the Immanent: and He has full
knowledge of all things.
057.004 He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and is moreover
firmly established on the Throne (of Authority). He knows what enters within the
earth and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven and what mounts
up to it. And He is with you wheresoever ye may be. And God sees well all that ye
do.
057.005 To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: and all affairs
are referred back to God.
057.006 He merges Night into Day, and He merges Day into Night; and He has full
knowledge of the secrets of (all) hearts.
057.007 Believe in God and His apostle, and spend (in charity) out of the (substance)
whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in
charity),- for them is a great Reward.
057.008 What cause have ye why ye should not believe in God?- and the Apostle
invites you to believe in your Lord, and has indeed taken your Covenant, if ye are
men of Faith.
057.009 He is the One Who sends to His Servant Manifest Signs, that He may lead
you from the depths of Darkness into the Light and verily God is to you most kind
and Merciful.
057.010 And what cause have ye why ye should not spend in the cause of God?- For
to God belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are
those who spent (freely) and fought, before the Victory, (with those who did so later).
Those are higher in rank than those who spent (freely) and fought afterwards. But to
all has God promised a goodly (reward). And God is well acquainted with all that ye
do.
057.011 Who is he that will Loan to God a beautiful loan? for (God) will increase it
manifold to his credit, and he will have (besides) a liberal Reward.
057.012 One Day shalt thou see the believing men and the believing women- how
their Light runs forward before them and by their right hands: (their greeting will be):
"Good News for you this Day! Gardens beneath which flow rivers! to dwell therein
for aye! This is indeed the highest Achievement!"
057.013 One Day will the Hypocrites- men and women - say to the Believers: "Wait
for us! Let us borrow (a Light) from your Light!" It will be said: "Turn ye back to
your rear! then seek a Light (where ye can)!" So a wall will be put up betwixt them,
with a gate therein. Within it will be Mercy throughout, and without it, all alongside,
will be (Wrath and) Punishment!
057.014 (Those without) will call out, "Were we not with you?" (The others) will
reply, "True! but ye led yourselves into temptation; ye looked forward (to our ruin);
ye doubted (God's Promise); and (your false) desires deceived you; until there issued
the Command of God. And the Deceiver deceived you in respect of God.
057.015 "This Day shall no ransom be accepted of you, nor of those who rejected
God." Your abode is the Fire: that is the proper place to claim you: and an evil refuge
it is!"
057.016 Has not the Time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility
should engage in the remembrance of God and of the Truth which has been revealed
(to them), and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation
aforetime, but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many
among them are rebellious transgressors.
057.017 Know ye (all) that God giveth life to the earth after its death! already have
We shown the Signs plainly to you, that ye may learn wisdom.
057.018 For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to God a Beautiful
Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a
liberal reward.
057.019 And those who believe in God and His apostles- they are the Sincere (lovers
of Truth), and the witnesses (who testify), in the eyes of their Lord: They shall have
their Reward and their Light. But those who reject God and deny Our Signs,- they are
the Companions of Hell-Fire.
057.020 Know ye (all), that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp
and mutual boasting and multiplying, (in rivalry) among yourselves, riches and
children. Here is a similitude: How rain and the growth which it brings forth, delight
(the hearts of) the tillers; soon it withers; thou wilt see it grow yellow; then it
becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe (for the
devotees of wrong). And Forgiveness from God and (His) Good Pleasure (for the
devotees of God). And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of
deception?
057.021 Be ye foremost (in seeking) Forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden (of
Bliss), the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who
believe in God and His apostles: that is the Grace of God, which He bestows on
whom he pleases: and God is the Lord of Grace abounding.
057.022 No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a
decree before We bring it into existence: That is truly easy for God:
057.023 In order that ye may not despair over matters that pass you by, nor exult
over favours bestowed upon you. For God loveth not any vainglorious boaster,-
057.024 Such persons as are covetous and commend covetousness to men. And if
any turn back (from God's Way), verily God is Free of all Needs, Worthy of all
Praise.
057.025 We sent aforetime our apostles with Clear Signs and sent down with them
the Book and the Balance (of Right and Wrong), that men may stand forth in justice;
and We sent down Iron, in which is (material for) mighty war, as well as many
benefits for mankind, that God may test who it is that will help, Unseen, Him and His
apostles: For God is Full of Strength, Exalted in Might (and able to enforce His Will).
057.026 And We sent Noah and Abraham, and established in their line Prophethood
and Revelation: and some of them were on right guidance. But many of them became
rebellious transgressors.
057.027 Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our apostles: We
sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him the Gospel; and We
ordained in the hearts of those who followed him Compassion and Mercy. But the
Monasticism which they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We
commanded) only the seeking for the Good Pleasure of God; but that they did not
foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who
believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious transgressors.
057.028 O ye that believe! Fear God, and believe in His Apostle, and He will bestow
on you a double portion of His Mercy: He will provide for you a Light by which ye
shall walk (straight in your path), and He will forgive you (your past): for God is Oft-
Forgiving, Most Merciful.
057.029 That the People of the Book may know that they have no power whatever
over the Grace of God, that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His Hand, to bestow it on
whomsoever He wills. For God is the Lord of Grace abounding.
SHE THAT DISPUTETH, THE PLEADING WOMAN, CHAPTER NO. 058
058.001 God has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who
pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to God:
and God (always) hears the arguments between both sides among you: for God hears
and sees (all things).
058.002 If any men among you divorce their wives by Zihar (calling them mothers),
they cannot be their mothers: None can be their mothers except those who gave them
birth. And in fact they use words (both) iniquitous and false: but truly God is one that
blots out (sins), and forgives (again and again).
058.003 But those who divorce their wives by Zihar, then wish to go back on the
words they uttered,- (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they
touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and God is well-acquainted
with (all) that ye do.
058.004 And if any has not (the wherewithal), he should fast for two months
consecutively before they touch each other. But if any is unable to do so, he should
feed sixty indigent ones, this, that ye may show your faith in God and His Apostle.
Those are limits (set by) God. For those who reject (Him), there is a grievous Penalty.
058.005 Those who resist God and His Apostle will be humbled to dust, as were
those before them: for We have already sent down Clear Signs. And the Unbelievers
(will have) a humiliating Penalty,-
058.006 On the Day that God will raise them all up (again) and show them the Truth
(and meaning) of their conduct. God has reckoned its (value), though they may have
forgotten it, for God is Witness to all things.
058.007 Seest thou not that God doth know (all) that is in the heavens and on earth?
There is not a secret consultation between three, but He makes the fourth among
them, - Nor between five but He makes the sixth,- nor between fewer nor more, but
He is in their midst, wheresoever they be: In the end will He tell them the truth of
their conduct, on the Day of Judgment. For God has full knowledge of all things.
058.008 Turnest thou not thy sight towards those who were forbidden secret counsels
yet revert to that which they were forbidden (to do)? And they hold secret counsels
among themselves for iniquity and hostility, and disobedience to the Apostle. And
when they come to thee, they salute thee, not as God salutes thee, (but in crooked
ways): And they say to themselves, "Why does not God punish us for our words?"
Enough for them is Hell: In it will they burn, and evil is that destination!
058.009 O ye who believe! When ye hold secret counsel, do it not for iniquity and
hostility, and disobedience to the Prophet; but do it for righteousness and self-
restraint; and fear God, to Whom ye shall be brought back.
058.010 Secret counsels are only (inspired) by the Evil One, in order that he may
cause grief to the Believers; but he cannot harm them in the least, except as God
permits; and on God let the Believers put their trust.
058.011 O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies,
(spread out and) make room: (ample) room will God provide for you. And when ye
are told to rise up, rise up God will rise up, to (suitable) ranks (and degrees), those of
you who believe and who have been granted (mystic) Knowledge. And God is well-
acquainted with all ye do.
058.012 O ye who believe! When ye consult the Apostle in private, spend something
in charity before your private consultation. That will be best for you, and most
conducive to purity (of conduct). But if ye find not (the wherewithal), God is Oft-
Forgiving, Most Merciful.
058.013 Is it that ye are afraid of spending sums in charity before your private
consultation (with him)? If, then, ye do not so, and God forgives you, then (at least)
establish regular prayer; practise regular charity; and obey God and His Apostle. And
God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.
058.014 Turnest thou not thy attention to those who turn (in friendship) to such as
have the Wrath of God upon them? They are neither of you nor of them, and they
swear to falsehood knowingly.
058.015 God has prepared for them a severe Penalty: evil indeed are their deeds.
058.016 They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): thus they obstruct
(men) from the Path of God: therefore shall they have a humiliating Penalty.
058.017 Of no profit whatever to them, against God, will be their riches nor their
sons: they will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (for aye)!
058.018 One day will God raise them all up (for Judgment): then will they swear to
Him as they swear to you: And they think that they have something (to stand upon).
No, indeed! they are but liars!
058.019 The Evil One has got the better of them: so he has made them lose the
remembrance of God. They are the Party of the Evil One. Truly, it is the Party of the
Evil One that will perish!
058.020 Those who resist God and His Apostle will be among those most humiliated.
058.021 God has decreed: "It is I and My apostles who must prevail": For God is
One full of strength, able to enforce His Will.
058.022 Thou wilt not find any people who believe in God and the Last Day, loving
those who resist God and His Apostle, even though they were their fathers or their
sons, or their brothers, or their kindred. For such He has written Faith in their hearts,
and strengthened them with a spirit from Himself. And He will admit them to
Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein (for ever). God will be well
pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the Party of God. Truly it is the
Party of God that will achieve Felicity.
EXILE, BANISHMENT, CHAPTER NO. 059
059.001 Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory
of God: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
059.002 It is He Who got out the Unbelievers among the People of the Book from
their homes at the first gathering (of the forces). Little did ye think that they would
get out: And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from God! But the
(Wrath of) God came to them from quarters from which they little expected (it), and
cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their dwellings by their own hands
and the hands of the Believers, take warning, then, O ye with eyes (to see)!
059.003 And had it not been that God had decreed banishment for them, He would
certainly have punished them in this world: And in the Hereafter they shall (certainly)
have the Punishment of the Fire.
059.004 That is because they resisted God and His Apostle: and if any one resists
God, verily God is severe in Punishment.
059.005 Whether ye cut down (O ye Muslim!) The tender palm-trees, or ye left them
standing on their roots, it was by leave of God, and in order that He might cover with
shame the rebellious transgresses.
059.006 What God has bestowed on His Apostle (and taken away) from them - for
this ye made no expedition with either cavalry or camelry: but God gives power to
His apostles over any He pleases: and God has power over all things.
059.007 What God has bestowed on His Apostle (and taken away) from the people
of the townships,- belongs to God,- to His Apostle and to kindred and orphans, the
needy and the wayfarer; In order that it may not (merely) make a circuit between the
wealthy among you. So take what the Apostle assigns to you, and deny yourselves
that which he withholds from you. And fear God; for God is strict in Punishment.
059.008 (Some part is due) to the indigent Muhajirs, those who were expelled from
their homes and their property, while seeking Grace from God and (His) Good
Pleasure, and aiding God and His Apostle: such are indeed the sincere ones:-
059.009 But those who before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the
Faith,- show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire
in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over
themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the
covetousness of their own souls,- they are the ones that achieve prosperity.
059.010 And those who came after them say: "Our Lord! Forgive us, and our
brethren who came before us into the Faith, and leave not, in our hearts, rancour (or
sense of injury) against those who have believed. Our Lord! Thou art indeed Full of
Kindness, Most Merciful."
059.011 Hast thou not observed the Hypocrites say to their misbelieving brethren
among the People of the Book? - "If ye are expelled, we too will go out with you, and
we will never hearken to any one in your affair; and if ye are attacked (in fight) we
will help you". But God is witness that they are indeed liars.
059.012 If they are expelled, never will they go out with them; and if they are
attacked (in fight), they will never help them; and if they do help them, they will turn
their backs; so they will receive no help.
059.013 Of a truth ye are stronger (than they) because of the terror in their hearts,
(sent) by God. This is because they are men devoid of understanding.
059.014 They will not fight you (even) together, except in fortified townships, or
from behind walls. Strong is their fighting (spirit) amongst themselves: thou wouldst
think they were united, but their hearts are divided: that is because they are a people
devoid of wisdom.
059.015 Like those who lately preceded them, they have tasted the evil result of their
conduct; and (in the Hereafter there is) for them a grievous Penalty;-
059.016 (Their allies deceived them), like the Evil One, when he says to man, "Deny
God": but when (man) denies God, (the Evil One) says, "I am free of thee: I do fear
God, the Lord of the Worlds!"
059.017 The end of both will be that they will go into the Fire, dwelling therein for
ever. Such is the reward of the wrong-doers.
059.018 O ye who believe! Fear God, and let every soul look to what (provision) He
has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear God: for God is well-acquainted with (all)
that ye do.
059.019 And be ye not like those who forgot God; and He made them forget their
own souls! Such are the rebellious transgressors!
059.020 Not equal are the Companions of the Fire and the Companions of the
Garden: it is the Companions of the Garden, that will achieve Felicity.
059.021 Had We sent down this Qur'an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have
seen it humble itself and cleave asunder for fear of God. Such are the similitudes
which We propound to men, that they may reflect.
059.022 God is He, than Whom there is no other god;- Who knows (all things) both
secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
059.023 God is He, than Whom there is no other god;- the Sovereign, the Holy One,
the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety,
the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to God! (High is He) above
the partners they attribute to Him.
059.024 He is God, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours). To
Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth
declare His Praises and Glory: and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
SHE THAT IS TO BE EXAMINED, EXAMINING HER, CHAPTER NO. 060
060.001 O ye who believe! Take not my enemies and yours as friends (or
protectors),- offering them (your) love, even though they have rejected the Truth that
has come to you, and have (on the contrary) driven out the Prophet and yourselves
(from your homes), (simply) because ye believe in God your Lord! If ye have come
out to strive in My Way and to seek My Good Pleasure, (take them not as friends),
holding secret converse of love (and friendship) with them: for I know full well all
that ye conceal and all that ye reveal. And any of you that does this has strayed from
the Straight Path.
060.002 If they were to get the better of you, they would behave to you as enemies,
and stretch forth their hands and their tongues against you for evil: and they desire
that ye should reject the Truth.
060.003 Of no profit to you will be your relatives and your children on the Day of
Judgment: He will judge between you: for God sees well all that ye do.
060.004 There is for you an excellent example (to follow) in Abraham and those with
him, when they said to their people: "We are clear of you and of whatever ye worship
besides God: we have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity
and hatred for ever,- unless ye believe in God and Him alone": But not when
Abraham said to his father: "I will pray for forgiveness for thee, though I have no
power (to get) aught on thy behalf from God." (They prayed): "Our Lord! in Thee do
we trust, and to Thee do we turn in repentance: to Thee is (our) Final Goal.
060.005 "Our Lord! Make us not a (test and) trial for the Unbelievers, but forgive us,
our Lord! for Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise."
060.006 There was indeed in them an excellent example for you to follow,- for those
whose hope is in God and in the Last Day. But if any turn away, truly God is Free of
all Wants, Worthy of all Praise.
060.007 It may be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those
whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For God has power (over all things); And God is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
060.008 God forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith
nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for God
loveth those who are just.
060.009 God only forbids you, with regard to those who fight you for (your) Faith,
and drive you out of your homes, and support (others) in driving you out, from
turning to them (for friendship and protection). It is such as turn to them (in these
circumstances), that do wrong.
060.010 O ye who believe! When there come to you believing women refugees,
examine (and test) them: God knows best as to their Faith: if ye ascertain that they
are Believers, then send them not back to the Unbelievers. They are not lawful
(wives) for the Unbelievers, nor are the (Unbelievers) lawful (husbands) for them. But
pay the Unbelievers what they have spent (on their dower), and there will be no blame
on you if ye marry them on payment of their dower to them. But hold not to the
guardianship of unbelieving women: ask for what ye have spent on their dowers, and
let the (Unbelievers) ask for what they have spent (on the dowers of women who
come over to you). Such is the command of God: He judges (with justice) between
you. And God is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
060.011 And if any of your wives deserts you to the Unbelievers, and ye have an
accession (by the coming over of a woman from the other side), then pay to those
whose wives have deserted the equivalent of what they had spent (on their dower).
And fear God, in Whom ye believe.
060.012 O Prophet! When believing women come to thee to take the oath of fealty to
thee, that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with God, that
they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery (or fornication), that they will
not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood,
and that they will not disobey thee in any just matter,- then do thou receive their
fealty, and pray to God for the forgiveness (of their sins): for God is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Merciful.
060.013 O ye who believe! Turn not (for friendship) to people on whom is the Wrath
of God, of the Hereafter they are already in despair, just as the Unbelievers are in
despair about those (buried) in graves.
THE RANKS, BATTLE ARRAY, CHAPTER NO. 061
061.001 Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, let it declare the Praises and Glory
of God: for He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
061.002 O ye who believe! Why say ye that which ye do not?
061.003 Grievously odious is it in the sight of God that ye say that which ye do not.
061.004 Truly God loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were
a solid cemented structure.
061.005 And remember, Moses said to his people: "O my people! why do ye vex and
insult me, though ye know that I am the apostle of God (sent) to you?" Then when
they went wrong, God let their hearts go wrong. For God guides not those who are
rebellious transgressors.
061.006 And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the
apostle of God (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving
Glad Tidings of an Apostle to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad." But
when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said, "this is evident sorcery!"
061.007 Who doth greater wrong than one who invents falsehood against God, even
as he is being invited to Islam? And God guides not those who do wrong.
061.008 Their intention is to extinguish God's Light (by blowing) with their mouths:
But God will complete (the revelation of) His Light, even though the Unbelievers
may detest (it).
061.009 It is He Who has sent His Apostle with Guidance and the Religion of Truth,
that he may proclaim it over all religion, even though the Pagans may detest (it).
061.010 O ye who believe! Shall I lead you to a bargain that will save you from a
grievous Penalty?-
061.011 That ye believe in God and His Apostle, and that ye strive (your utmost) in
the Cause of God, with your property and your persons: That will be best for you, if
ye but knew!
061.012 He will forgive you your sins, and admit you to Gardens beneath which
Rivers flow, and to beautiful mansions in Gardens of Eternity: that is indeed the
Supreme Achievement.
061.013 And another (favour will He bestow,) which ye do love,- help from God and
a speedy victory. So give the Glad Tidings to the Believers.
061.014 O ye who believe! Be ye helpers of God: As said Jesus the son of Mary to
the Disciples, "Who will be my helpers to (the work of) God?" Said the disciples,
"We are God's helpers!" then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a
portion disbelieved: But We gave power to those who believed, against their enemies,
and they became the ones that prevailed.
THE CONGREGATION, FRIDAY, CHAPTER NO. 062
062.001 Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory
of God,- the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
062.002 It is He Who has sent amongst the Unlettered an apostle from among
themselves, to rehearse to them His Signs, to sanctify them, and to instruct them in
Scripture and Wisdom,- although they had been, before, in manifest error;-
062.003 As well as (to confer all these benefits upon) others of them, who have not
already joined them: And He is exalted in Might, Wise.
062.004 Such is the Bounty of God, which He bestows on whom He will: and God is
the Lord of the highest bounty.
062.005 The similitude of those who were charged with the (obligations of the)
Mosaic Law, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is that of a donkey
which carries huge tomes (but understands them not). Evil is the similitude of people
who falsify the Signs of God: and God guides not people who do wrong.
062.006 Say: "O ye that stand on Judaism! If ye think that ye are friends to God, to
the exclusion of (other) men, then express your desire for Death, if ye are truthful!"
062.007 But never will they express their desire (for Death), because of the (deeds)
their hands have sent on before them! and God knows well those that do wrong!
062.008 Say: "The Death from which ye flee will truly overtake you: then will ye be
sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you (the truth of)
the things that ye did!"
062.009 O ye who believe! When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday (the Day
of Assembly), hasten earnestly to the Remembrance of God, and leave off business
(and traffic): That is best for you if ye but knew!
062.010 And when the Prayer is finished, then may ye disperse through the land, and
seek of the Bounty of God: and celebrate the Praises of God often (and without stint):
that ye may prosper.
062.011 But when they see some bargain or some amusement, they disperse
headlong to it, and leave thee standing. Say: "The (blessing) from the Presence of
God is better than any amusement or bargain! and God is the Best to provide (for all
needs)."
THE HYPOCRITES, CHAPTER NO. 063
063.001 When the Hypocrites come to thee, they say, "We bear witness that thou art
indeed the Apostle of God." Yea, God knoweth that thou art indeed His Apostle, and
God beareth witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars.
063.002 They have made their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): thus they obstruct
(men) from the Path of God: truly evil are their deeds.
063.003 That is because they believed, then they rejected Faith: So a seal was set on
their hearts: therefore they understand not.
063.004 When thou lookest at them, their exteriors please thee; and when they speak,
thou listenest to their words. They are as (worthless as hollow) pieces of timber
propped up, (unable to stand on their own). They think that every cry is against them.
They are the enemies; so beware of them. The curse of God be on them! How are they
deluded (away from the Truth)!
063.005 And when it is said to them, "Come, the Apostle of God will pray for your
forgiveness", they turn aside their heads, and thou wouldst see them turning away
their faces in arrogance.
063.006 It is equal to them whether thou pray for their forgiveness or not. God will
not forgive them. Truly God guides not rebellious transgressors.
063.007 They are the ones who say, "Spend nothing on those who are with God's
Apostle, to the end that they may disperse (and quit Medina)." But to God belong the
treasures of the heavens and the earth; but the Hypocrites understand not.
063.008 They say, "If we return to Medina, surely the more honourable (element)
will expel therefrom the meaner." But honour belongs to God and His Apostle, and to
the Believers; but the Hypocrites know not.
063.009 O ye who believe! Let not your riches or your children divert you from the
remembrance of God. If any act thus, the loss is their own.
063.010 and spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have
bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, "O my
Lord! why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given
(largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good".
063.011 But to no soul will God grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has
come; and God is well acquainted with (all) that ye do.
MUTUAL DISILLUSION, HAGGLING, CHAPTER NO. 064
064.001 Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the Praises and Glory
of God: to Him belongs dominion, and to Him belongs praise: and He has power over
all things.
064.002 It is He Who has created you; and of you are some that are Unbelievers, and
some that are Believers: and God sees well all that ye do.
064.003 He has created the heavens and the earth in just proportions, and has given
you shape, and made your shapes beautiful: and to Him is the final Goal.
064.004 He knows what is in the heavens and on earth; and He knows what ye
conceal and what ye reveal: yea, God knows well the (secrets) of (all) hearts.
064.005 Has not the story reached you, of those who rejected Faith aforetime? So
they tasted the evil result of their conduct; and they had a grievous Penalty.
064.006 That was because there came to them apostles with Clear Signs, but they
said: "Shall (mere) human beings direct us?" So they rejected (the Message) and
turned away. But God can do without (them): and God is free of all needs, worthy of
all praise.
064.007 The Unbelievers think that they will not be raised up (for Judgment). Say:
"Yea, By my Lord, Ye shall surely be raised up: then shall ye be told (the truth) of all
that ye did. And that is easy for God."
064.008 Believe, therefore, in God and His Apostle, and in the Light which we have
sent down. And God is well acquainted with all that ye do.
064.009 The Day that He assembles you (all) for a Day of Assembly,- that will be a
Day of mutual loss and gain (among you), and those who believe in God and work
righteousness,- He will remove from them their ills, and He will admit them to
Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever: that will be the
Supreme Achievement.
064.010 But those who reject Faith and treat Our Signs as falsehoods, they will be
Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein for aye: and evil is that Goal.
064.011 No kind of calamity can occur, except by the leave of God: and if any one
believes in God, (God) guides his heart (aright): for God knows all things.
064.012 So obey God, and obey His Apostle: but if ye turn back, the duty of Our
Apostle is but to proclaim (the Message) clearly and openly.
064.013 God! There is no god but He: and on God, therefore, let the Believers put
their trust.
064.014 O ye who believe! Truly, among your wives and your children are (some
that are) enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook,
and cover up (their faults), verily God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
064.015 Your riches and your children may be but a trial: but in the Presence of God,
is the highest, Reward.
064.016 So fear God as much as ye can; listen and obey and spend in charity for the
benefit of your own soul and those saved from the covetousness of their own souls,-
they are the ones that achieve prosperity.
064.017 If ye loan to God, a beautiful loan, He will double it to your (credit), and He
will grant you Forgiveness: for God is most Ready to appreciate (service), Most
Forbearing,-
064.018 Knower of what is open, Exalted in Might, Full of Wisdom.
DIVORCE, CHAPTER NO. 065
065.001 O Prophet! When ye do divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed
periods, and count (accurately), their prescribed periods: And fear God your Lord:
and turn them not out of their houses, nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in case
they are guilty of some open lewdness, those are limits set by God: and any who
transgresses the limits of God, does verily wrong his (own) soul: thou knowest not if
perchance God will bring about thereafter some new situation.
065.002 Thus when they fulfil their term appointed, either take them back on
equitable terms or part with them on equitable terms; and take for witness two
persons from among you, endued with justice, and establish the evidence (as) before
God. Such is the admonition given to him who believes in God and the Last Day. And
for those who fear God, He (ever) prepares a way out,
065.003 And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any
one puts his trust in God, sufficient is (God) for him. For God will surely accomplish
his purpose: verily, for all things has God appointed a due proportion.
065.004 Such of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them
the prescribed period, if ye have any doubts, is three months, and for those who have
no courses (it is the same): for those who carry (life within their wombs), their period
is until they deliver their burdens: and for those who fear God, He will make their
path easy.
065.005 That is the Command of God, which He has sent down to you: and if any
one fears God, He will remove his ills, from him, and will enlarge his reward.
065.006 Let the women live (in 'iddat) in the same style as ye live, according to your
means: Annoy them not, so as to restrict them. And if they carry (life in their wombs),
then spend (your substance) on them until they deliver their burden: and if they suckle
your (offspring), give them their recompense: and take mutual counsel together,
according to what is just and reasonable. And if ye find yourselves in difficulties, let
another woman suckle (the child) on the (father's) behalf.
065.007 Let the man of means spend according to his means: and the man whose
resources are restricted, let him spend according to what God has given him. God puts
no burden on any person beyond what He has given him. After a difficulty, God will
soon grant relief.
065.008 How many populations that insolently opposed the Command of their Lord
and of His apostles, did We not then call to account,- to severe account?- and We
imposed on them an exemplary Punishment.
065.009 Then did they taste the evil result of their conduct, and the End of their
conduct was Perdition.
065.010 God has prepared for them a severe Punishment (in the Hereafter).
Therefore fear God, O ye men of understanding - who have believed!- for God hath
indeed sent down to you a Message,-
065.011 An Apostle, who rehearses to you the Signs of God containing clear
explanations, that he may lead forth those who believe and do righteous deeds from
the depths of Darkness into Light. And those who believe in God and work
righteousness, He will admit to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein
for ever: God has indeed granted for them a most excellent Provision.
065.012 God is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number.
Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye may know that God
has power over all things, and that God comprehends, all things in (His) Knowledge.
BANNING, PROHIBITION, CHAPTER NO. 066
066.001 O Prophet! Why holdest thou to be forbidden that which God has made
lawful to thee? Thou seekest to please thy consorts. But God is Oft-Forgiving, Most
Merciful.
066.002 God has already ordained for you, (O men), the dissolution of your oaths (in
some cases): and God is your Protector, and He is Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.
066.003 When the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his consorts,
and she then divulged it (to another), and God made it known to him, he confirmed
part thereof and repudiated a part. Then when he told her thereof, she said, "Who told
thee this? "He said, "He told me Who knows and is well-acquainted (with all things)."
066.004 If ye two turn in repentance to Him, your hearts are indeed so inclined; But
if ye back up each other against him, truly God is his Protector, and Gabriel, and
(every) righteous one among those who believe,- and furthermore, the angels - will
back (him) up.
066.005 It may be, if he divorced you (all), that God will give him in exchange
consorts better than you,- who submit (their wills), who believe, who are devout, who
turn to God in repentance, who worship (in humility), who travel (for Faith) and fast,-
previously married or virgins.
066.006 O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel
is Men and Stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who flinch
not (from executing) the Commands they receive from God, but do (precisely) what
they are commanded.
066.007 (They will say), "O ye Unbelievers! Make no excuses this Day! Ye are
being but requited for all that ye did!"
066.008 O ye who believe! Turn to God with sincere repentance: In the hope that
your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which
Rivers flow,- the Day that God will not permit to be humiliated the Prophet and those
who believe with him. Their Light will run forward before them and by their right
hands, while they say, "Our Lord! Perfect our Light for us, and grant us Forgiveness:
for Thou hast power over all things."
066.009 O Prophet! Strive hard against the Unbelievers and the Hypocrites, and be
firm against them. Their abode is Hell,- an evil refuge (indeed).
066.010 God sets forth, for an example to the Unbelievers, the wife of Noah and the
wife of Lut: they were (respectively) under two of our righteous servants, but they
were false to their (husbands), and they profited nothing before God on their account,
but were told: "Enter ye the Fire along with (others) that enter!"
066.011 And God sets forth, as an example to those who believe the wife of Pharaoh:
Behold she said: "O my Lord! Build for me, in nearness to Thee, a mansion in the
Garden, and save me from Pharaoh and his doings, and save me from those that do
wrong";
066.012 And Mary the daughter of 'Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We
breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her
Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants).
THE SOVEREIGNTY, CONTROL, CHAPTER NO. 067
067.001 Blessed be He in Whose hands is Dominion; and He over all things hath
Power;-
067.002 He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in
deed: and He is the Exalted in Might, Oft-Forgiving;-
067.003 He Who created the seven heavens one above another: No want of
proportion wilt thou see in the Creation of (God) Most Gracious. So turn thy vision
again: seest thou any flaw?
067.004 Again turn thy vision a second time: (thy) vision will come back to thee dull
and discomfited, in a state worn out.
067.005 And we have, (from of old), adorned the lowest heaven with Lamps, and We
have made such (Lamps) (as) missiles to drive away the Evil Ones, and have prepared
for them the Penalty of the Blazing Fire.
067.006 For those who reject their Lord (and Cherisher) is the Penalty of Hell: and
evil is (such), Destination.
067.007 When they are cast therein, they will hear the (terrible) drawing in of its
breath even as it blazes forth,
067.008 Almost bursting with fury: Every time a Group is cast therein, its Keepers
will ask, "Did no Warner come to you?"
067.009 They will say: "Yes indeed; a Warner did come to us, but we rejected him
and said, 'God never sent down any (Message): ye are nothing but an egregious
delusion!'"
067.010 They will further say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we
should not (now) be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!"
067.011 They will then confess their sins: but far will be (Forgiveness) from the
Companions of the Blazing Fire!
067.012 As for those who fear their Lord unseen, for them is Forgiveness and a great
Reward.
067.013 And whether ye hide your word or publish it, He certainly has (full)
knowledge, of the secrets of (all) hearts.
067.014 Should He not know,- He that created? and He is the One that understands
the finest mysteries (and) is well-acquainted (with them).
067.015 It is He Who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse ye through
its tracts and enjoy of the Sustenance which He furnishes: but unto Him is the
Resurrection.
067.016 Do ye feel secure that He Who is in heaven will not cause you to be
swallowed up by the earth when it shakes (as in an earthquake)?
067.017 Or do ye feel secure that He Who is in Heaven will not send against you a
violent tornado (with showers of stones), so that ye shall know how (terrible) was My
warning?
067.018 But indeed men before them rejected (My warning): then how (terrible) was
My rejection (of them)?
067.019 Do they not observe the birds above them, spreading their wings and folding
them in? None can uphold them except (God) Most Gracious: Truly (God) Most
Gracious: Truly it is He that watches over all things.
067.020 Nay, who is there that can help you, (even as) an army, besides (God) Most
Merciful? In nothing but delusion are the Unbelievers.
067.021 Or who is there that can provide you with Sustenance if He were to withhold
His provision? Nay, they obstinately persist in insolent impiety and flight (from the
Truth).
067.022 Is then one who walks headlong, with his face grovelling, better guided,- or
one who walks evenly on a Straight Way?
067.023 Say: "It is He Who has created you (and made you grow), and made for you
the faculties of hearing, seeing, feeling and understanding: little thanks it is ye give.
067.024 Say: "It is He Who has multiplied you through the earth, and to Him shall ye
be gathered together."
067.025 They ask: When will this promise be (fulfilled)? - If ye are telling the truth.
067.026 Say: "As to the knowledge of the time, it is with God alone: I am (sent) only
to warn plainly in public."
067.027 At length, when they see it close at hand, grieved will be the faces of the
Unbelievers, and it will be said (to them): "This is (the promise fulfilled), which ye
were calling for!"
067.028 Say: "See ye?- If God were to destroy me, and those with me, or if He
bestows His Mercy on us,- yet who can deliver the Unbelievers from a grievous
Penalty?"
067.029 Say: "He is (God) Most Gracious: We have believed in Him, and on Him
have we put our trust: So, soon will ye know which (of us) it is that is in manifest
error."
067.030 Say: "See ye?- If your stream be some morning lost (in the underground
earth), who then can supply you with clear-flowing water?"
THE PEN, (THE LETTER) N, CHAPTER NO. 068
068.001 Nun. By the Pen and the (Record) which (men) write,-
068.002 Thou art not, by the Grace of thy Lord, mad or possessed.
068.003 Nay, verily for thee is a Reward unfailing:
068.004 And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character.
068.005 Soon wilt thou see, and they will see,
068.006 Which of you is afflicted with madness.
068.007 Verily it is thy Lord that knoweth best, which (among men) hath strayed
from His Path: and He knoweth best those who receive (true) Guidance.
068.008 So hearken not to those who deny (the Truth).
068.009 Their desire is that thou shouldst be pliant: so would they be pliant.
068.010 Heed not the type of despicable men,- ready with oaths,
068.011 A slanderer, going about with calumnies,
068.012 (Habitually) hindering (all) good, transgressing beyond bounds, deep in sin,
068.013 Violent (and cruel),- with all that, base-born,-
068.014 Because he possesses wealth and (numerous) sons.
068.015 When to him are rehearsed Our Signs, "Tales of the ancients", he cries!
068.016 Soon shall We brand (the beast) on the snout!
068.017 Verily We have tried them as We tried the People of the Garden, when they
resolved to gather the fruits of the (garden) in the morning.
068.018 But made no reservation, ("If it be God's Will").
068.019 Then there came on the (garden) a visitation from thy Lord, (which swept
away) all around, while they were asleep.
068.020 So the (garden) became, by the morning, like a dark and desolate spot,
(whose fruit had been gathered).
068.021 As the morning broke, they called out, one to another,-
068.022 "Go ye to your tilth (betimes) in the morning, if ye would gather the fruits."
068.023 So they departed, conversing in secret low tones, (saying)-
068.024 "Let not a single indigent person break in upon you into the (garden) this
day."
068.025 And they opened the morning, strong in an (unjust) resolve.
068.026 But when they saw the (garden), they said: "We have surely lost our way:
068.027 "Indeed we are shut out (of the fruits of our labour)!"
068.028 Said one of them, more just (than the rest): "Did I not say to you, 'Why not
glorify (God)?'"
068.029 They said: "Glory to our Lord! Verily we have been doing wrong!"
068.030 Then they turned, one against another, in reproach.
068.031 They said: "Alas for us! We have indeed transgressed!
068.032 "It may be that our Lord will give us in exchange a better (garden) than this:
for we do turn to Him (in repentance)!"
068.033 Such is the Punishment (in this life); but greater is the Punishment in the
Hereafter,- if only they knew!
068.034 Verily, for the Righteous, are Gardens of Delight, in the Presence of their
Lord.
068.035 Shall We then treat the People of Faith like the People of Sin?
068.036 What is the matter with you? How judge ye?
068.037 Or have ye a book through which ye learn-
068.038 That ye shall have, through it whatever ye choose?
068.039 Or have ye Covenants with Us to oath, reaching to the Day of Judgment,
(providing) that ye shall have whatever ye shall demand?
068.040 Ask thou of them, which of them will stand surety for that!
068.041 Or have they some "Partners" (in Godhead)? Then let them produce their
"partners", if they are truthful!
068.042 The Day that the shin shall be laid bare, and they shall be summoned to bow
in adoration, but they shall not be able,-
068.043 Their eyes will be cast down,- ignominy will cover them; seeing that they
had been summoned aforetime to bow in adoration, while they were whole, (and had
refused).
068.044 Then leave Me alone with such as reject this Message: by degrees shall We
punish them from directions they perceive not.
068.045 A (long) respite will I grant them: truly powerful is My Plan.
068.046 Or is it that thou dost ask them for a reward, so that they are burdened with a
load of debt?-
068.047 Or that the Unseen is in their hands, so that they can write it down?
068.048 So wait with patience for the Command of thy Lord, and be not like the
Companion of the Fish,- when he cried out in agony.
068.049 Had not Grace from his Lord reached him, he would indeed have been cast
off on the naked shore, in disgrace.
068.050 Thus did his Lord choose him and make him of the Company of the
Righteous.
068.051 And the Unbelievers would almost trip thee up with their eyes when they
hear the Message; and they say: "Surely he is possessed!"
068.052 But it is nothing less than a Message to all the worlds.
THE REALITY, CHAPTER NO. 069
069.001 The Sure Reality!
069.002 What is the Sure Reality?
069.003 And what will make thee realise what the Sure Reality is?
069.004 The Thamud and the 'Ad People (branded) as false the Stunning Calamity!
069.005 But the Thamud,- they were destroyed by a terrible Storm of thunder and
lightning!
069.006 And the 'Ad, they were destroyed by a furious Wind, exceedingly violent;
069.007 He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so
that thou couldst see the (whole) people lying prostrate in its (path), as they had been
roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled down!
069.008 Then seest thou any of them left surviving?
069.009 And Pharaoh, and those before him, and the Cities Overthrown, committed
habitual Sin.
069.010 And disobeyed (each) the apostle of their Lord; so He punished them with
an abundant Penalty.
069.011 We, when the water (of Noah's Flood) overflowed beyond its limits, carried
you (mankind), in the floating (Ark),
069.012 That We might make it a Message unto you, and that ears (that should hear
the tale and) retain its memory should bear its (lessons) in remembrance.
069.013 Then, when one blast is sounded on the Trumpet,
069.014 And the earth is moved, and its mountains, and they are crushed to powder
at one stroke,-
069.015 On that Day shall the (Great) Event come to pass.
069.016 And the sky will be rent asunder, for it will that Day be flimsy,
069.017 And the angels will be on its sides, and eight will, that Day, bear the Throne
of thy Lord above them.
069.018 That Day shall ye be brought to Judgment: not an act of yours that ye hide
will be hidden.
069.019 Then he that will be given his Record in his right hand will say: "Ah here!
Read ye my Record!
069.020 "I did really understand that my Account would (One Day) reach me!"
069.021 And he will be in a life of Bliss,
069.022 In a Garden on high,
069.023 The Fruits whereof (will hang in bunches) low and near.
069.024 "Eat ye and drink ye, with full satisfaction; because of the (good) that ye
sent before you, in the days that are gone!"
069.025 And he that will be given his Record in his left hand, will say: "Ah! Would
that my Record had not been given to me!
069.026 "And that I had never realised how my account (stood)!
069.027 "Ah! Would that (Death) had made an end of me!
069.028 "Of no profit to me has been my wealth!
069.029 "My power has perished from me!"...
069.030 (The stern command will say): "Seize ye him, and bind ye him,
069.031 "And burn ye him in the Blazing Fire.
069.032 "Further, make him march in a chain, whereof the length is seventy cubits!
069.033 "This was he that would not believe in God Most High.
069.034 "And would not encourage the feeding of the indigent!
069.035 "So no friend hath he here this Day.
069.036 "Nor hath he any food except the corruption from the washing of wounds,
069.037 "Which none do eat but those in sin."
069.038 So I do call to witness what ye see,
069.039 And what ye see not,
069.040 That this is verily the word of an honoured apostle;
069.041 It is not the word of a poet: little it is ye believe!
069.042 Nor is it the word of a soothsayer: little admonition it is ye receive.
069.043 (This is) a Message sent down from the Lord of the Worlds.
069.044 And if the apostle were to invent any sayings in Our name,
069.045 We should certainly seize him by his right hand,
069.046 And We should certainly then cut off the artery of his heart:
069.047 Nor could any of you withhold him (from Our wrath).
069.048 But verily this is a Message for the God-fearing.
069.049 And We certainly know that there are amongst you those that reject (it).
069.050 But truly (Revelation) is a cause of sorrow for the Unbelievers.
069.051 But verily it is Truth of assured certainty.
069.052 So glorify the name of thy Lord Most High.
THE ASCENDING STAIRWAYS, STAIRCASES UPWARD, SCKEPTIC,
CHAPTER NO. 070
070.001 A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall-
070.002 The Unbelievers, the which there is none to ward off,-
070.003 (A Penalty) from God, Lord of the Ways of Ascent.
070.004 The angels and the spirit ascend unto him in a Day the measure whereof is
(as) fifty thousand years:
070.005 Therefore do thou hold Patience,- a Patience of beautiful (contentment).
070.006 They see the (Day) indeed as a far-off (event):
070.007 But We see it (quite) near.
070.008 The Day that the sky will be like molten brass,
070.009 And the mountains will be like wool,
070.010 And no friend will ask after a friend,
070.011 Though they will be put in sight of each other,- the sinner's desire will be:
Would that he could redeem himself from the Penalty of that Day by (sacrificing) his
children,
070.012 His wife and his brother,
070.013 His kindred who sheltered him,
070.014 And all, all that is on earth,- so it could deliver him:
070.015 By no means! for it would be the Fire of Hell!-
070.016 Plucking out (his being) right to the skull!-
070.017 Inviting (all) such as turn their backs and turn away their faces (from the
Right).
070.018 And collect (wealth) and hide it (from use)!
070.019 Truly man was created very impatient;-
070.020 Fretful when evil touches him;
070.021 And niggardly when good reaches him;-
070.022 Not so those devoted to Prayer;-
070.023 Those who remain steadfast to their prayer;
070.024 And those in whose wealth is a recognised right.
070.025 For the (needy) who asks and him who is prevented (for some reason from
asking);
070.026 And those who hold to the truth of the Day of Judgment;
070.027 And those who fear the displeasure of their Lord,-
070.028 For their Lord's displeasure is the opposite of Peace and Tranquillity;-
070.029 And those who guard their chastity,
070.030 Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,-
for (then) they are not to be blamed,
070.031 But those who trespass beyond this are transgressors;-
070.032 And those who respect their trusts and covenants;
070.033 And those who stand firm in their testimonies;
070.034 And those who guard (the sacredness) of their worship;-
070.035 Such will be the honoured ones in the Gardens (of Bliss).
070.036 Now what is the matter with the Unbelievers that they rush madly before
thee-
070.037 From the right and from the left, in crowds?
070.038 Does every man of them long to enter the Garden of Bliss?
070.039 By no means! For We have created them out of the (base matter) they know!
070.040 Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West that
We can certainly-
070.041 Substitute for them better (men) than they; And We are not to be defeated
(in Our Plan).
070.042 So leave them to plunge in vain talk and play about, until they encounter
that Day of theirs which they have been promised!-
070.043 The Day whereon they will issue from their sepulchres in sudden haste as if
they were rushing to a goal-post (fixed for them),-
070.044 Their eyes lowered in dejection,- ignominy covering them (all over)! such is
the Day the which they are promised!