As-Saffat

وَٱلصَّـٰٓفَّـٰتِ صَفًّۭا

By those (angels) ranged in ranks (or rows).

فَٱلزَّٰجِرَٰتِ زَجۡرًۭا

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

فَٱلتَّـٰلِيَـٰتِ ذِكۡرًا

By those (angels) who bring the Book and the Qur’ân from Allâh to mankind [Tafsir Ibn Kathîr].

إِنَّ إِلَـٰهَكُمۡ لَوَٰحِدٌۭ

Verily your Ilâh (God) is indeed One (i.e. Allâh):

رَّبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَا وَرَبُّ ٱلۡمَشَـٰرِقِ

Lord of the heavens and of the earth, and all that is between them, and Lord of every point of the sun’s risings.[1]

إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا ٱلسَّمَآءَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا بِزِينَةٍ ٱلۡكَوَاكِبِ

Verily We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty).[2]

وَحِفۡظًۭا مِّن كُلِّ شَيۡطَـٰنٍۢ مَّارِدٍۢ

And to guard against every rebellious devil.

لَّا يَسَّمَّعُونَ إِلَى ٱلۡمَلَإِ ٱلۡأَعۡلَىٰ وَيُقۡذَفُونَ مِن كُلِّ جَانِبٍۢ

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

دُحُورًۭا ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌۭ وَاصِبٌ

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

إِلَّا مَنۡ خَطِفَ ٱلۡخَطۡفَةَ فَأَتۡبَعَهُۥ شِهَابٌۭ ثَاقِبٌۭ

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

فَٱسۡتَفۡتِهِمۡ أَهُمۡ أَشَدُّ خَلۡقًا أَم مَّنۡ خَلَقۡنَآ ۚ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰهُم مِّن طِينٍۢ لَّازِبٍۭ

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

بَلۡ عَجِبۡتَ وَيَسۡخَرُونَ

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

وَإِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ لَا يَذۡكُرُونَ

And when they are reminded, they pay no attention.

وَإِذَا رَأَوۡا۟ ءَايَةًۭ يَسۡتَسۡخِرُونَ

And when they see an Ayâh (a sign, or an evidence) from Allâh, they mock at it.

وَقَالُوٓا۟ إِنۡ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا سِحۡرٌۭ مُّبِينٌ

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

أَءِذَا مِتۡنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًۭا وَعِظَـٰمًا أَءِنَّا لَمَبۡعُوثُونَ

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

أَوَءَابَآؤُنَا ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ

"And also our fathers of old?"

قُلۡ نَعَمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ دَٰخِرُونَ

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

فَإِنَّمَا هِىَ زَجۡرَةٌۭ وَٰحِدَةٌۭ فَإِذَا هُمۡ يَنظُرُونَ

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

وَقَالُوا۟ يَـٰوَيۡلَنَا هَـٰذَا يَوۡمُ ٱلدِّينِ

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

هَـٰذَا يَوۡمُ ٱلۡفَصۡلِ ٱلَّذِى كُنتُم بِهِۦ تُكَذِّبُونَ

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

۞ ٱحۡشُرُوا۟ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا۟ وَأَزۡوَٰجَهُمۡ وَمَا كَانُوا۟ يَعۡبُدُونَ

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

مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ فَٱهۡدُوهُمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطِ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ

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

وَقِفُوهُمۡ ۖ إِنَّهُم مَّسۡـُٔولُونَ

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

مَا لَكُمۡ لَا تَنَاصَرُونَ

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

بَلۡ هُمُ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ مُسۡتَسۡلِمُونَ

Nay, but that Day they shall surrender.

وَأَقۡبَلَ بَعۡضُهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍۢ يَتَسَآءَلُونَ

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

قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّكُمۡ كُنتُمۡ تَأۡتُونَنَا عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ

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

قَالُوا۟ بَل لَّمۡ تَكُونُوا۟ مُؤۡمِنِينَ

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

وَمَا كَانَ لَنَا عَلَيۡكُم مِّن سُلۡطَـٰنٍۭ ۖ بَلۡ كُنتُمۡ قَوۡمًۭا طَـٰغِينَ

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

فَحَقَّ عَلَيۡنَا قَوۡلُ رَبِّنَآ ۖ إِنَّا لَذَآئِقُونَ

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

فَأَغۡوَيۡنَـٰكُمۡ إِنَّا كُنَّا غَـٰوِينَ

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

فَإِنَّهُمۡ يَوۡمَئِذٍۢ فِى ٱلۡعَذَابِ مُشۡتَرِكُونَ

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

إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَفۡعَلُ بِٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ

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

إِنَّهُمۡ كَانُوٓا۟ إِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ يَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ

Truly, when it was said to them: Lâ ilâha illallâh "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh)," they puffed themselves up with pride[3] (i.e. denied it).

وَيَقُولُونَ أَئِنَّا لَتَارِكُوٓا۟ ءَالِهَتِنَا لِشَاعِرٍۢ مَّجۡنُونٍۭ

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

بَلۡ جَآءَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَصَدَّقَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ

Nay! he (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) has come with the truth (i.e. Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism and this Qur’ân) and he confirms the Messengers (before him who brought Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism).

إِنَّكُمۡ لَذَآئِقُوا۟ ٱلۡعَذَابِ ٱلۡأَلِيمِ

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

وَمَا تُجۡزَوۡنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ

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

إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

Save the chosen slaves of Allâh (i.e. the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism).

أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ لَهُمۡ رِزۡقٌۭ مَّعۡلُومٌۭ

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

فَوَٰكِهُ ۖ وَهُم مُّكۡرَمُونَ

Fruits; and they shall be honoured,

فِى جَنَّـٰتِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ

In the Gardens of delight (Paradise),

عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍۢ مُّتَقَـٰبِلِينَ

Facing one another on thrones.

يُطَافُ عَلَيۡهِم بِكَأۡسٍۢ مِّن مَّعِينٍۭ

Round them will be passed a cup of pure wine -

بَيۡضَآءَ لَذَّةٍۢ لِّلشَّـٰرِبِينَ

White, delicious to the drinkers.

لَا فِيهَا غَوۡلٌۭ وَلَا هُمۡ عَنۡهَا يُنزَفُونَ

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

وَعِندَهُمۡ قَـٰصِرَٰتُ ٱلطَّرۡفِ عِينٌۭ

And beside them will be Qâsirât-at-Tarf [chaste females (wives), restraining their glances (desiring none except their husbands)], with wide and beautiful eyes.[4]

كَأَنَّهُنَّ بَيۡضٌۭ مَّكۡنُونٌۭ

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

فَأَقۡبَلَ بَعۡضُهُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍۢ يَتَسَآءَلُونَ

Then they will turn to one another, mutually questioning.

قَالَ قَآئِلٌۭ مِّنۡهُمۡ إِنِّى كَانَ لِى قَرِينٌۭ

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

يَقُولُ أَءِنَّكَ لَمِنَ ٱلۡمُصَدِّقِينَ

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

أَءِذَا مِتۡنَا وَكُنَّا تُرَابًۭا وَعِظَـٰمًا أَءِنَّا لَمَدِينُونَ

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

قَالَ هَلۡ أَنتُم مُّطَّلِعُونَ

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

فَٱطَّلَعَ فَرَءَاهُ فِى سَوَآءِ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ

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

قَالَ تَٱللَّهِ إِن كِدتَّ لَتُرۡدِينِ

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

وَلَوۡلَا نِعۡمَةُ رَبِّى لَكُنتُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡضَرِينَ

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

أَفَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمَيِّتِينَ

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

إِلَّا مَوۡتَتَنَا ٱلۡأُولَىٰ وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ

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

إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلۡفَوۡزُ ٱلۡعَظِيمُ

Truly, this is the supreme success!

لِمِثۡلِ هَـٰذَا فَلۡيَعۡمَلِ ٱلۡعَـٰمِلُونَ

For the like of this let the workers work.

أَذَٰلِكَ خَيۡرٌۭ نُّزُلًا أَمۡ شَجَرَةُ ٱلزَّقُّومِ

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

إِنَّا جَعَلۡنَـٰهَا فِتۡنَةًۭ لِّلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

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

إِنَّهَا شَجَرَةٌۭ تَخۡرُجُ فِىٓ أَصۡلِ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ

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

طَلۡعُهَا كَأَنَّهُۥ رُءُوسُ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينِ

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

فَإِنَّهُمۡ لَـَٔاكِلُونَ مِنۡهَا فَمَالِـُٔونَ مِنۡهَا ٱلۡبُطُونَ

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

ثُمَّ إِنَّ لَهُمۡ عَلَيۡهَا لَشَوۡبًۭا مِّنۡ حَمِيمٍۢ

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

ثُمَّ إِنَّ مَرۡجِعَهُمۡ لَإِلَى ٱلۡجَحِيمِ

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

إِنَّهُمۡ أَلۡفَوۡا۟ ءَابَآءَهُمۡ ضَآلِّينَ

Verily, they found their fathers on the wrong path;

فَهُمۡ عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَـٰرِهِمۡ يُهۡرَعُونَ

So they (too) hastened in their footsteps!

وَلَقَدۡ ضَلَّ قَبۡلَهُمۡ أَكۡثَرُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ

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

وَلَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا فِيهِم مُّنذِرِينَ

And indeed We sent among them warners (Messengers);

فَٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُنذَرِينَ

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

إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

Except the chosen slaves of Allâh (faithful, obedient, and true believers of Islâmic Monotheism).

وَلَقَدۡ نَادَىٰنَا نُوحٌۭ فَلَنِعۡمَ ٱلۡمُجِيبُونَ

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

وَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُ وَأَهۡلَهُۥ مِنَ ٱلۡكَرۡبِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ

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

وَجَعَلۡنَا ذُرِّيَّتَهُۥ هُمُ ٱلۡبَاقِينَ

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

وَتَرَكۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ فِى ٱلۡـَٔاخِرِينَ

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

سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَىٰ نُوحٍۢ فِى ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

"Salâm (peace) be upon Nûh (Noah) (from Us) among the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!"

إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

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

إِنَّهُۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

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

ثُمَّ أَغۡرَقۡنَا ٱلۡـَٔاخَرِينَ

Then We drowned the others (disbelievers and polytheists).

۞ وَإِنَّ مِن شِيعَتِهِۦ لَإِبۡرَٰهِيمَ

And, verily, among those who followed his [Nûh’s (Noah)] way (Islâmic Monotheism) was Ibrâhîm (Abraham).

إِذۡ جَآءَ رَبَّهُۥ بِقَلۡبٍۢ سَلِيمٍ

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

إِذۡ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦ مَاذَا تَعۡبُدُونَ

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

أَئِفۡكًا ءَالِهَةًۭ دُونَ ٱللَّهِ تُرِيدُونَ

"Is it a falsehood - âlihah (gods) other than Allâh - that you desire?

فَمَا ظَنُّكُم بِرَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

"Then what think you about the Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)?"

فَنَظَرَ نَظۡرَةًۭ فِى ٱلنُّجُومِ

Then he cast a glance at the stars,

فَقَالَ إِنِّى سَقِيمٌۭ

And he said: "Verily, I am sick[5] (with plague). [He did this trick to remain in their temple of idols to destroy them and not to accompany them to the pagan feast)]."

فَتَوَلَّوۡا۟ عَنۡهُ مُدۡبِرِينَ

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

فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰٓ ءَالِهَتِهِمۡ فَقَالَ أَلَا تَأۡكُلُونَ

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

مَا لَكُمۡ لَا تَنطِقُونَ

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

فَرَاغَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ضَرۡبًۢا بِٱلۡيَمِينِ

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

فَأَقۡبَلُوٓا۟ إِلَيۡهِ يَزِفُّونَ

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

قَالَ أَتَعۡبُدُونَ مَا تَنۡحِتُونَ

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

وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمۡ وَمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ

"While Allâh has created you and what you make!"

قَالُوا۟ ٱبۡنُوا۟ لَهُۥ بُنۡيَـٰنًۭا فَأَلۡقُوهُ فِى ٱلۡجَحِيمِ

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

فَأَرَادُوا۟ بِهِۦ كَيۡدًۭا فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُمُ ٱلۡأَسۡفَلِينَ

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

وَقَالَ إِنِّى ذَاهِبٌ إِلَىٰ رَبِّى سَيَهۡدِينِ

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

رَبِّ هَبۡ لِى مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

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

فَبَشَّرۡنَـٰهُ بِغُلَـٰمٍ حَلِيمٍۢ

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

فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ ٱلسَّعۡىَ قَالَ يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنِّىٓ أَرَىٰ فِى ٱلۡمَنَامِ أَنِّىٓ أَذۡبَحُكَ فَٱنظُرۡ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفۡعَلۡ مَا تُؤۡمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ

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

فَلَمَّآ أَسۡلَمَا وَتَلَّهُۥ لِلۡجَبِينِ

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

وَنَـٰدَيۡنَـٰهُ أَن يَـٰٓإِبۡرَٰهِيمُ

We called out to him: "O Abraham!

قَدۡ صَدَّقۡتَ ٱلرُّءۡيَآ ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

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

إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلۡبَلَـٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلۡمُبِينُ

Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial.

وَفَدَيۡنَـٰهُ بِذِبۡحٍ عَظِيمٍۢ

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

وَتَرَكۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ فِى ٱلۡـَٔاخِرِينَ

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

سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٰهِيمَ

"Salâm (peace) be upon Ibrâhîm (Abraham)!"

كَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

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

إِنَّهُۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

وَبَشَّرۡنَـٰهُ بِإِسۡحَـٰقَ نَبِيًّۭا مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

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

وَبَـٰرَكۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ وَعَلَىٰٓ إِسۡحَـٰقَ ۚ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِمَا مُحۡسِنٌۭ وَظَالِمٌۭ لِّنَفۡسِهِۦ مُبِينٌۭ

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

وَلَقَدۡ مَنَنَّا عَلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ وَهَـٰرُونَ

And, indeed We gave Our Grace to Mûsâ (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron).

وَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُمَا وَقَوۡمَهُمَا مِنَ ٱلۡكَرۡبِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ

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

وَنَصَرۡنَـٰهُمۡ فَكَانُوا۟ هُمُ ٱلۡغَـٰلِبِينَ

And helped them, so that they became the victors;

وَءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُمَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَبِينَ

And We gave them the clear Scripture;

وَهَدَيۡنَـٰهُمَا ٱلصِّرَٰطَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ

And guided them to the Right Path.

وَتَرَكۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمَا فِى ٱلۡـَٔاخِرِينَ

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

سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَىٰ مُوسَىٰ وَهَـٰرُونَ

"Salâm (peace) be upon Mûsa (Moses) and Hârûn (Aaron)!"

إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

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

إِنَّهُمَا مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

Verily, they were two of Our believing slaves.

وَإِنَّ إِلۡيَاسَ لَمِنَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ

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

إِذۡ قَالَ لِقَوۡمِهِۦٓ أَلَا تَتَّقُونَ

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

أَتَدۡعُونَ بَعۡلًۭا وَتَذَرُونَ أَحۡسَنَ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقِينَ

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

ٱللَّهَ رَبَّكُمۡ وَرَبَّ ءَابَآئِكُمُ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ

"Allâh, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers?"

فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَإِنَّهُمۡ لَمُحۡضَرُونَ

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

إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

Except the chosen slaves of Allâh.

وَتَرَكۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ فِى ٱلۡـَٔاخِرِينَ

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

سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَىٰٓ إِلۡ يَاسِينَ

"Salâm (peace) be upon Ilyâsîn (Elias)!"

إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجۡزِى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

Verily, thus do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers, who perform good deeds totally for Allâh’s sake only - See V.2:112).

إِنَّهُۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves.

وَإِنَّ لُوطًۭا لَّمِنَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ

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

إِذۡ نَجَّيۡنَـٰهُ وَأَهۡلَهُۥٓ أَجۡمَعِينَ

When We saved him and his family, all,

إِلَّا عَجُوزًۭا فِى ٱلۡغَـٰبِرِينَ

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

ثُمَّ دَمَّرۡنَا ٱلۡـَٔاخَرِينَ

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

وَإِنَّكُمۡ لَتَمُرُّونَ عَلَيۡهِم مُّصۡبِحِينَ

Verily, you pass by them in the morning

وَبِٱلَّيۡلِ ۗ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ

And at night; will you not then reflect?

وَإِنَّ يُونُسَ لَمِنَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ

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

إِذۡ أَبَقَ إِلَى ٱلۡفُلۡكِ ٱلۡمَشۡحُونِ

When he ran to the laden ship:

فَسَاهَمَ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُدۡحَضِينَ

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

فَٱلۡتَقَمَهُ ٱلۡحُوتُ وَهُوَ مُلِيمٌۭ

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

فَلَوۡلَآ أَنَّهُۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُسَبِّحِينَ

Had he not been of them who glorify Allâh,

لَلَبِثَ فِى بَطۡنِهِۦٓ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ يُبۡعَثُونَ

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

۞ فَنَبَذۡنَـٰهُ بِٱلۡعَرَآءِ وَهُوَ سَقِيمٌۭ

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

وَأَنۢبَتۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ شَجَرَةًۭ مِّن يَقۡطِينٍۢ

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

وَأَرۡسَلۡنَـٰهُ إِلَىٰ مِا۟ئَةِ أَلۡفٍ أَوۡ يَزِيدُونَ

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

فَـَٔامَنُوا۟ فَمَتَّعۡنَـٰهُمۡ إِلَىٰ حِينٍۢ

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

فَٱسۡتَفۡتِهِمۡ أَلِرَبِّكَ ٱلۡبَنَاتُ وَلَهُمُ ٱلۡبَنُونَ

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

أَمۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓئِكَةَ إِنَـٰثًۭا وَهُمۡ شَـٰهِدُونَ

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

أَلَآ إِنَّهُم مِّنۡ إِفۡكِهِمۡ لَيَقُولُونَ

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

وَلَدَ ٱللَّهُ وَإِنَّهُمۡ لَكَـٰذِبُونَ

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

أَصۡطَفَى ٱلۡبَنَاتِ عَلَى ٱلۡبَنِينَ

Has He (then) chosen daughters rather than sons?

مَا لَكُمۡ كَيۡفَ تَحۡكُمُونَ

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

أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Will you not then remember?

أَمۡ لَكُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنٌۭ مُّبِينٌۭ

Or is there for you a plain authority?

فَأۡتُوا۟ بِكِتَـٰبِكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

Then bring your Book if you are truthful!

وَجَعَلُوا۟ بَيۡنَهُۥ وَبَيۡنَ ٱلۡجِنَّةِ نَسَبًۭا ۚ وَلَقَدۡ عَلِمَتِ ٱلۡجِنَّةُ إِنَّهُمۡ لَمُحۡضَرُونَ

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

سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

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

إِلَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

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

فَإِنَّكُمۡ وَمَا تَعۡبُدُونَ

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

مَآ أَنتُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ بِفَـٰتِنِينَ

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

إِلَّا مَنۡ هُوَ صَالِ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ

Except those who are predestined to burn in Hell!

وَمَا مِنَّآ إِلَّا لَهُۥ مَقَامٌۭ مَّعۡلُومٌۭ

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

وَإِنَّا لَنَحۡنُ ٱلصَّآفُّونَ

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

وَإِنَّا لَنَحۡنُ ٱلۡمُسَبِّحُونَ

And verily, we (angels), indeed are those who glorify (Allâh’s Praises i.e. perform prayers).

وَإِن كَانُوا۟ لَيَقُولُونَ

And indeed they (Arab pagans) used to say:

لَوۡ أَنَّ عِندَنَا ذِكۡرًۭا مِّنَ ٱلۡأَوَّلِينَ

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

لَكُنَّا عِبَادَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

"We would have indeed been the chosen slaves of Allâh (true believers of Islâmic Monotheism)!"

فَكَفَرُوا۟ بِهِۦ ۖ فَسَوۡفَ يَعۡلَمُونَ

But (now that the Qur’ân has come) they disbelieve therein (i.e. in the Qur’ân and in Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم , and all that he brought, - the Divine Revelation), so they will come to know![6]

وَلَقَدۡ سَبَقَتۡ كَلِمَتُنَا لِعِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ

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

إِنَّهُمۡ لَهُمُ ٱلۡمَنصُورُونَ

That they verily would be made triumphant,

وَإِنَّ جُندَنَا لَهُمُ ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ

And that Our hosts! they verily would be the victors.

فَتَوَلَّ عَنۡهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍۢ

So turn away (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) from them for a while,

وَأَبۡصِرۡهُمۡ فَسَوۡفَ يُبۡصِرُونَ

And watch them and they shall see (the punishment)!

أَفَبِعَذَابِنَا يَسۡتَعۡجِلُونَ

Do they seek to hasten on Our Torment?

فَإِذَا نَزَلَ بِسَاحَتِهِمۡ فَسَآءَ صَبَاحُ ٱلۡمُنذَرِينَ

Then, when it descends in their courtyard (i.e. near to them), evil will be the morning for those who had been warned!

وَتَوَلَّ عَنۡهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ حِينٍۢ

So turn (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) away from them for a while,

وَأَبۡصِرۡ فَسَوۡفَ يُبۡصِرُونَ

And watch and they shall see (the torment)!

سُبۡحَـٰنَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ ٱلۡعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him!

وَسَلَـٰمٌ عَلَى ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ

And peace be on the Messengers!

وَٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

And all the praises and thanks be to Allâh, Lord of the ‘Âlamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists).