27. An-Naml

Ṭā, Seen.1 These are the verses of the Qur’ān [i.e., recitation] and a clear Book

Ta Sin. These are verses from the Quran, a book that makes things clear

S. Toor-e-Sina, Mount Sinai. (The initiation of Revelation to Moses, and now), These are Messages of the Qur'an, the Book clear in itself and clearly showing the Truth

As guidance and good tidings for the believers

it is guidance and good news for the believers

A Guidance and a glad tiding for the believers (in it)

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

who pray regularly and pay obligatory alms and have firm faith in the Hereafter

Who establish and consolidate the Divine System and set up the Just Economic Order of Zakat. They have conviction in the life to come (that the human "Self" lives on after death, and that all actions meet a just requital)

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

We have made those who do not believe in the Hereafter feel their actions appear good to them, so they wander blindly

Those who do not believe in the eternity of the "Self", will obviously deny the continuation of life after death. Our Law makes their deeds of instant gratification pleasing in their eyes and so they keep stumbling blindly to and fro

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

they are the ones who will have the worst of punishment, and in the Hereafter they will be the greatest losers

It is they whom the worst suffering awaits, and they will be the greatest losers in the Hereafter

And indeed, [O Muḥammad], you receive the Qur’ān from one Wise and Knowing.

You have received this Quran from One who is all-wise, all-knowing

Surely, you are receiving the Qur'an from the Presence of One Wise, Aware

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

Tell of Moses who said to his family, "I have seen a fire. I will bring you news from there, or a burning brand for you to warm yourselves

(Moses was also given a clear book. When he and his family were in a cold and dark valley), Moses said, "Behold, I see a fire. I may bring you news from there (about our location). Or bring you a burning torch so that you might warm yourselves

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

When he came up to it, a voice called out, "Blessed be whoever is near this fire, and whoever is around it! Glory be to God, Lord of the Universe

But when he came close to it, he was called, "Blessed are all who are in and near the Light! And Exalted is Allah, Lord of the Worlds." (See (9:32) for the allegory of Fire + Light = Divine Guidance. (7:)

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

O Moses, I am God, the Powerful, the Wise

O Moses! It is I, Allah, the Almighty, the Wise

And [he was told], "Throw down your staff." But when he saw it writhing as if it were a snake, he turned in flight and did not return.1 [Allāh said], "O Moses, fear not. Indeed, in My presence the messengers do not fear.

Throw down your staff." But when he saw it moving like a snake, he turned and fled. "Moses, do not be afraid! The messengers need have no fear in My presence

Allah (revealed Guidance to Moses and) said, "Now rehearse the Truth." When Moses did that, he felt that he had the vibrant Force of Truth in hand. Yet he was awe-struck by the uphill task before him, like grabbing a huge dragon. God said, "O Moses! Fear not - behold, the Messengers fear not in My Presence." (Please note 'kaannaha jann' = as if it was a dragon, concerning the 'asa' or staff in (27:10). Additional Tasreef: (7:108), (20:17-24), (26:10-15), (26:32-33)

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

as for those who do wrong and then do good after evil, I am most forgiving, most merciful

Nor anyone who has replaced the wrong with good should have any fear. For, verily I am Forgiving, Merciful

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

Now put your hand inside your cloak next to your bosom and it will come out [shining] white, without any blemish. This will be one of the nine signs for Pharaoh and his people: for truly they are a rebellious people

Now, when you present the Light in your heart with forceful Logic, it will shine with unblemished Truth. Take the Nine of My Messages to Pharaoh and his people - for, verily they are a nation drifting away from the Right Path." ((28:32). Nine, and not ten Commandments

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

But when Our signs came to them in all their clarity they said, "This is clearly sorcery

But when they received Our Light-giving Messages, they said, "This is clearly a spellbinding deception

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

And they persisted in rejecting them wrongfully and arrogantly, while in their hearts they were convinced of their truth. Observe, then, how evil was the fate of the evil-doers

And they rejected the Messages wrongfully and out of pride, although they were convinced within themselves. And behold what happened in the end to the corrupters

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

We bestowed knowledge on David and Solomon and they both said, "Praise be to God who has exalted us above many of His believing servants

And indeed, We bestowed upon David and Solomon knowledge and they used to say, "Praise be to Allah Who has blessed us more than a great many of His believing servants

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

Solomon succeeded David. He said, "Know, my people, that we have been taught the speech of birds and endowed with all good things. Surely this is God's manifest grace

Solomon was David's heir in continuation of Allah's Revelation. He said, "O People! We have been given a great cavalry of ready horses with the best knowledge of training them, and given every blessing. This evidently is a great Bounty on our nation." ((21:79), (34:10). Solomon ruled as King from 965 to 926 B.C

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

Solomon's hosts of jinn and men and birds, were all gathered together in his presence and were ranged in battle order

Solomon's army included warrior tribes of the woods and the mountains, dwellers of townships, and great riders of the tribe of Taer. They were well disciplined, and dedicated to any appointed mission

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

and when they came to the Valley of the Ants, one ant said, "Ants! Go into your dwellings, in case Solomon and his hosts inadvertently crush you

Once (when Solomon was on an expedition to the South), they came upon the valley ruled by Queen An-Naml. The Queen, (realizing the power of Solomon), ordered her armies, "Go back in your barracks, lest Solomon and his armies crush you without knowing that we are a peaceful tribe

So [Solomon] smiled, amused at her speech, and said, "My Lord, enable me1 to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to do righteousness of which You approve. And admit me by Your mercy into [the ranks of] Your righteous servants."2

Solomon smiled broadly at its words and said, "Lord, inspire me to be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; and include me, by Your grace, among Your righteous servants

Solomon smiled joyously at her words and said, "My Lord! Enable me to be grateful for your blessings upon me and my parents. Enable me to work for the betterment of humanity and thus please You. Include me, by Your Grace, among your righteous servants

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

Then Solomon inspected the birds, and said, "How is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Is he absent then

(Leaving the peaceful tribe of An-Naml alone, Solomon marched forward.) As he examined the cavalry, he said, "How is it that I do not see the commander

I will surely punish him with a severe punishment or slaughter him unless he brings me clear authorization."1

I shall surely punish him severely or order him to be executed, unless he gives me a good reason for his absence

(Absconding from the marching army was a breach of discipline.) Solomon said, "Unless the commander presented a good reason I would punish him or demote him to a low rank

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

But he was not long in coming, and said, "I have learnt something you did not know. I have come to you from Sheba with reliable news

But before long

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

I found a woman ruling over them, who has been given everything and she has a mighty throne

Behold, the country is ruled by a Queen who has been given everything and she has a tremendous throne

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

I found her and her people worshipping the sun, instead of God. Satan has made their conduct appear good to them, and has thus diverted them from the right path, so that they might not be guided

I found her and her people worshiping the sun instead of Allah. Their ego makes them think that they are doing right. Satan (the priesthood of the Sun Temple) hinders them from the Right Path. So they cannot find the Right Way

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

Should they not worship God who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and earth and knows both what you conceal and what you make known

They do not understand that they must adore Allah Who brings forth from His Unseen treasures in the heavens and the earth, and Who knows all that you hide and declare

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

He is God: there is no deity but He, the Lord of the mighty throne

(They need to know that) there is no god but Allah, the Lord of the Supreme Control

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

Solomon said, "We shall soon see whether you have spoken the truth, or whether you are a liar

Solomon listened to the report and decided to carry out further investigation to ascertain the truth. Said he, "We shall see whether you have told the truth or are one of the liars

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

Go with this letter of mine and lay it before them, then withdraw from them and see how they respond

(He gave a letter to the Commander of the cavalry to take to the court of Sheba, and to watch their response), "Go with this letter of mine and make sure you convey it to them, and then come back with the answer they give

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

The Queen of Sheba said, "O Counsellors, an honourable letter has been delivered to me

The Queen said, "O Chiefs! Behold, a very noble letter has been conveyed to me

Indeed, it is from Solomon, and indeed, it is [i.e., reads]: 'In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,

It is from Solomon. It reads, "In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

It is from Solomon and it says, 'With the Name of Allah, the Instant and Sustaining Source of all Mercy and Kindness

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

do not exalt yourselves above me, but come to me in all submission

Exalt not yourselves against me, but come to me as those who surrender.'" (The Kingdom of Queen Bilqis Sheba of Yemen-Abyssinia had hostile plans towards the North)

She said, "O eminent ones, advise me in my affair. I would not decide a matter until you witness [for] me."1

Now advise me in this, Counsellors. I never decide any affair till I have conferred with you

She said, "O Chiefs! Advise me in this matter. (You know that) I take no decisions without you

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

They said, "We are strong and our prowess in battle is great, but the decision is in your hands, so consider what you will command

They said, "We have the power, we are tough in warfare, and the command is yours. Think about (other aspects of the situation) and order as you will

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

She said, "Surely, when mighty kings invade a country, they despoil it and humiliate its noblest inhabitants, these men will do the same

She said, "Behold, when kings invade a town, they ruin it and humiliate its dignitaries. This is what they shall do

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

but I shall send them a present and see with what reply my envoys will return

Hence, I am going to send a gift to them and see the response that our envoys bring." (The intelligent Queen made a prudent decision disregarding the advice of her loyal chiefs. She was cognizant of King Solomon's might, and she was impressed by the benevolent message in the letter)

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

So when [the envoy] came to Solomon he said, "What! Are you offering me wealth? But that which God has given me is better than that which He has given you. Yet you rejoice in your gift

The envoys reached Solomon with the gift and a letter from the Queen. Solomon said, "What! Do you want to please me with a gift of vanity? Allah has given me better than what He has given you (material wealth and Guidance). Nay, it is you who may exult in your gift." (Historically, the gift was studded with precious jewels and diamonds. Solomon, being a Prophet of God and a powerful emperor expected the Queen to denounce her hostile intentions in the region and to reflect about the One True God)

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

Go back to them: we shall most certainly come upon them with forces which they will never be able to withstand, and shall most certainly cause them to be driven from their lands, disgraced and humbled

Solomon said to the envoys, "Go back to them, (and tell them that) we verily will come to them with forces they cannot withstand. We shall drive the leaders out of power and humiliate them to shame." (Historically the Kingdom of Sheba flourished from 1100 to 115 B.C. At their zenith they were the richest nation in the world. Their economy was based on excellent agriculture and international trade. They had the most advanced irrigation systems of the times, with great water dams. Their Kingdom included today's whole of Yemen, Somalia and Ethiopia, and boasting a strong army, they frequently had expansive designs further south and up north. As the inevitable result of worshiping multiple false deities, including the sun, their society was not without inequities of caste and creed. Solomon, the King and the Prophet, planned to subdue the Sheba Empire to thwart their aggressive designs and to protect the region from oppression. And he succeeded magnificently. Queen Bilqis of Sheba and her nation embraced Solomon's Message and reverted to the worship and obedience of the One True God)

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

Solomon then said, "O Counsellors, which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me in submission

(When Solomon found out that the Queen was coming), he said, "O Chiefs! Which one of you can present the best plan to get her throne before they come to me surrendering?" (1500 miles between Ma'arib, the capital of Sheba to Jerusalem)

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

A demon from among the jinn said, "I will bring it to you before you get up from your seat. I am strong and trustworthy enough to do it

One of the strong commanders of the mountain division said, "My troops can accomplish this mission with lightening speed, before you rise up to think of and assign anyone else. Behold, I am competent and trustworthy for this job

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

But one of them who had some knowledge of the Book said, "I will bring it to you in the twinkling of an eye." When Solomon saw it placed before him, he exclaimed, "This is by the grace of my Lord, to test whether I am grateful or ungrateful. Whosoever is grateful, it is for the good of his own self; and whosoever is ungrateful, then surely my Lord is self-sufficient and generous

Another powerful commander, who had knowledge of the correspondence, said, "I can accomplish the mission even sooner, before your gaze returns to you (before you having to rethink)." (Solomon dispatched the forces, and the mission was smoothly accomplished. The Queen's throne was brought to Jerusalem before she arrived and) he saw it set in his presence. He said, "This success is a blessing from my Lord, that He may try me whether I am grateful or ungrateful. Whoever is grateful is grateful for his own good, and whoever is ungrateful, should know that my Lord is Self-Sufficient, Supremely Honorable

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

He said, "Disguise her throne. We shall see whether or not she will recognize it

Solomon then said, "Alter her throne for her that we may see whether she gets the point and comes to guidance or she remains unguided." (Solomon's workmen had erased the images of the sun god, inscribed sensible inscriptions and made the throne look even more gorgeous)

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

When she came to Solomon, she was asked, "Is your throne like this?" She replied, "It looks as though it were the same, and we had been given knowledge [of your power] before this, and we have already submitted

So, when she came, she was asked, "Is your throne like this?" She said, "It seems that this is it! We already knew that the Truth is on your side and my chiefs and I have surrendered to it." (The previous knowledge about Solomon's character and Kingdom, the distinguished letters he wrote to her and reports by her envoys, and now his superb court had convinced the intelligent and open-minded Queen)

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

And that which she used to worship beside God had stopped her [from believing]; for she came of a disbelieving people

King Solomon redirected her from worshiping others than Allah. She had been one of the disbelieving folk, before. (Solomon advised her that obeying the Laws of Allah could bring not only the best provision in the world but insure eternal success. Queen Sheba embraced the Message and stopped worshiping the sun, and other creations of Allah)

She was told, "Enter the palace." But when she saw it, she thought it was a body of water1 and uncovered her shins [to wade through]. He said, "Indeed, it is a palace [whose floor is] made smooth with glass." She said, "My Lord, indeed I have wronged myself, and I submit with Solomon to Allāh, Lord of the worlds."

Then she was bidden to enter the palace; but when she saw it, she thought it was a deep pool of water, and bared her legs. But Solomon explained, "It is just a palace paved with glass," and she said, "My Lord, I have wronged myself: now I submit myself along with Solomon, to God, the Lord of the Universe

She was escorted to the palace. It was said, "Enter the hall." When she saw the smooth polished glass floor, she thought that it was a pool of water and she was spellbound. ('Kashafat 'an saqaiha' idiomatically means that she was spellbound, and not that she bared her calves; a common error of many translators. For example, tying one's hand to the neck means miserliness). Solomon said, "This is a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass." She said, "I have been doing wrong to myself, and now I submit with Solomon to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds." (She realized that following the Divine Laws ensures the best bounties in this life as well. There are some historical accounts that Solomon and Bilqis got married. But the Rabbinical Talmudic traditions propose that they committed adultery then and there, out of which Nimrod Nebuchadnezzar, the tyrant emperor of Babylon was born! That is of course inconceivable of a Prophet of God)

And We had certainly sent to Thamūd their brother Ṣāliḥ, [saying], "Worship Allāh," and at once they were two parties conflicting.

To Thamud We sent their brother Salih. He said, "Serve none but God." But they divided themselves into two factions contending with one another

And, indeed, We sent to Thamud their brother Saleh saying, "Serve Allah alone." They had become divided into two contending classes (the rich and the poor)

He said, "O my people, why are you impatient for evil before [i.e., instead of] good?1 Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allāh that you may receive mercy?"

He urged them, "O my people, why do you wish to hasten on the evil rather than the good? Why do you not ask forgiveness of God, so that you may be shown mercy

Saleh said, "O My people! Why do you hasten to commit evil instead of doing good? Why do you not (mend your ways and) ask Allah to forgive you, so that you may become worthy of His Mercy

They said, "We consider you a bad omen, you and those with you." He said, "Your omen [i.e., fate] is with Allāh. Rather, you are a people being tested."1

They said, "We see you and your followers as an evil omen." He replied, "No, your evil omen is with God; the truth is that you are a people being put to the test

They answered, "We consider you, and your companions a bad omen for us." He said, "Your omen is determined by Allah's Laws. Nay, you are but a folk who are being tested

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

There were in the city nine men who spread corruption in the land, and would not reform

Now there was a gang of nine leaders in the city who spread disorder in the land, and blocked all reform

They said, "Take a mutual oath by Allāh that we will kill him by night, he and his family. Then we will say to his executor,1 'We did not witness the destruction of his family, and indeed, we are truthful.'"

They said, "Let us bind ourselves by an oath sworn in the name of God that we shall attack Salih and his family by night, and to his protector [who demands retribution], we shall say, "We were not present when they were slain. We are telling the truth

They called a meeting and after swearing to one another in the name of Allah, said, "Indeed, we shall ambush him and his family by night, and afterward we shall boldly say to his tribe, We know nothing about their death. And, behold, we are men of truth

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

Thus they devised a plan, and We also devised a plan, but they were not aware of it

And so they devised an evil scheme. But Our ever-vigilant Law of Requital invariably has counter designs. And they perceived it not

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

See, then, what the consequences of their plan were. We destroyed them and their people utterly, all together

Behold, then, how their scheme ended. Our Law annihilated them (the corrupt leaders) and their nation, all of them. (The excuse of the masses that their leaders had led them astray will be of no avail 14: 21-22, 34:31)

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

Because of their wrongdoing, their houses are in ruins, in that surely there is a sign for people who have knowledge

And now their dwellings are empty, ruined as an outcome of their violation of human rights. Herein, behold, is a sign for those who make use of what they learn

And We saved those who believed and used to fear Allāh.

and We saved those who believed in and feared God

And We saved those who believed in Our Laws and walked aright

And [mention] Lot, when he said to his people, "Do you commit immorality1 while you are seeing?2

And tell of Lot. He said to his people, "Will you commit evil knowingly

And Lot! (We saved likewise) as he said to his people, "Will you commit this abomination while you see and understand

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

Must you go lustfully to men instead of women? Indeed, you are a people who are deeply ignorant

You approach men with lust instead of women. Nay, you are people who disregard what you know

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

The only answer of his people was, "Drive out Lot and his family from the city. They are a people who make themselves out to be pure

But the answer of his people was nothing but, "Expel Lot's followers from your town! For, they are people who show off to be pure

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

So We delivered him and his family, except his wife: We ordained her to be one of those who stayed behind

Thereupon We saved Lot, his household and his followers but his wife - whom We knew was destined to remain behind for her disbelief

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

and We pelted them with torrential rain. How dreadful that rain was for those who had been warned

And We rained a rain upon them. Dreadful is the rain for those who have been warned

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

Say, "All praise be to God, and peace be upon those servants of His whom He has chosen. Is God better, or what they associate with Him

Say, "All Praise to Allah and salutation on His servants whom He has raised in ranks!" Is Allah Best or the 'partners' people ascribe to Him

[More precisely], is He [not best] who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you rain from the sky, causing to grow thereby gardens of joyful beauty which you could not [otherwise] have grown the trees thereof? Is there a deity with Allāh?1 [No], but they are a people who ascribe equals [to Him].

Who created the heavens and the earth and sends down water for you from the sky, by which We make luxuriant gardens grow, you could never make such trees grow in them, is it another deity besides God? No indeed, but they are a people who equate others with Him

Nay, who is it that has created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water from the sky? And with it We cause to spring forth beautiful orchards. It was never of your doing to make the trees in them grow - any god beside Allah? Nay, they who think so are people who are deviating (from reality)

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

Who is it that made the earth a stable place to live in? Who made rivers flow through it? Who set mountains upon it and placed a barrier between the two seas? Is there another deity besides God? Indeed, most of them have no knowledge

Nay, who is it that has made the earth habitable, and caused rivers to run through it, and has set upon it firm mountains, and has set a barrier between two great bodies of water - any god beside Allah? (25:53). Nay, most of them do not use their knowledge

Is He [not best] who responds to the desperate one when he calls upon Him and removes evil and makes you inheritors of the earth?1 Is there a deity with Allāh? Little do you remember.

Who responds to the oppressed when he calls out to Him, and relieves his suffering and who will make you inheritors of the earth? Then, is there a god besides God? How little you pay heed

Nay, who is it that responds to the distressed when he calls out to Him, and removes the distress, and made you mankind inheritors of the earth - any god beside Allah? (24:54-55). How seldom do you keep this in mind

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

Who guides you in the darkness of the land and sea? Who sends the breezes as heralds of His mercy? Then, is there a deity besides God? Exalted is God above what they associate with Him

Nay, who is it that shows you the way in the darkness of land and sea, and sends forth the winds as heralds of His Grace - any god beside Allah? Sublime, Exalted is Allah from all that they associate with Him

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

Who originates creation, then regenerates it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? Then, is there a deity besides God?" Say, "Bring forward your proofs, if you are telling the truth

Nay, who is it that initiates creation, then reproduces it? And who is that provides for you from the heaven and the earth - any god beside Allah? Say, "If you think so bring your evidence if you are men of truth

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

Say, "No one in the heavens and the earth has knowledge of the unseen except God." They do not know when they will be raised up again

Say, "None in the heavens and the earth knows the Unseen - none whatsoever but Allah. Nor do they perceive when they will be raised

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

Indeed, their knowledge of the life to come stops short of the truth: they are [often] in doubt as to its reality: in fact, they are blind to it

Nay, their knowledge of the Hereafter stops short of conviction. Nay, they are in doubt concerning it. Nay, they block their mind in blindness from realizing (the unwavering Law of Requital)

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

Those who deny the truth say, "When we have turned to dust like our fathers, shall we be brought back to life again

And so, they who are bent upon denial say, "What! After we have become dust, and our forefathers, shall we indeed be brought forth again

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

We and our fathers were promised this before; these are but old stories

Indeed we were promised this, and our forefathers. It is nothing but fables of ancient times

Say, [O Muḥammad], "Proceed [i.e., travel] through the land and observe how was the end of the criminals."

Say, "Roam across the earth and observe what was the end of the sinful ones

Say, "Travel in the land and see what has been the end of the guilty

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

Do not grieve over them, nor feel distressed at their schemes

And grieve not for them, nor distress yourself because of their plots

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

They ask, "When will this promise be fulfilled, if what you say be true

And they say, "When is this promise to be fulfilled, if you are men of truth

Say, "Perhaps it is close behind you [i.e., very near] - some of that for which you are impatient.

Say, "It may be that a part of what you would hasten on is close behind you

Say, "You are already going through some of the suffering you challenge

And indeed, your Lord is the possessor of bounty for the people, but most of them are not grateful."

Truly, your Lord is bountiful to mankind, but most of them are not grateful

Now verily, your Lord is indeed limitless in His bounty to mankind, but most of them do not give thanks (by sharing with others)

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

The Lord knows full well what they conceal in their hearts and what they disclose

But, verily, your Lord knows what their hearts conceal, and all that they proclaim

And there is nothing concealed1 within the heaven and the earth except that it is in a clear Register.2

there is nothing hidden in heaven and on earth, but is recorded in a clear Book

And there is nothing hidden in the heaven and the earth but it is in a clear Record

Indeed, this Qur’ān relates to the Children of Israel most of that over which they disagree.

This Quran explains to the children of Israel much of what they differ over

Behold, this Qur'an explains to the Children of Israel most of wherein they differ (such as the nature of Jesus)

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

certainly it is guidance and a blessing for the believers

And, verily, it is a Guidance and Grace for all who believe in it

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

Certainly your Lord will decide between them in His wisdom, He is the Almighty, the All Knowing

Verily, your Lord will judge between them in His Wisdom, for, He is the Mighty, the Knower

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

so put your trust in God. Surely you are on the path of manifest truth

Hence, put your trust in Allah alone, for, behold, you are taking stand on Truth self-evident

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

You cannot make the dead hear, nor can you make the deaf hear your call, when they turn their backs on it

But verily, you cannot make the dead (or the "living-dead") hear, nor can you make the deaf of heart to hear the call when they turn back to retreat

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

nor can you guide the blind out of their error. You can make only those hear you who believe in Our revelations and surrender themselves to Us

Nor can you lead the blind of reason out of their error. You can only make those hear who believe in Our Signs, so they submit

And when the word [i.e., decree] befalls them,1 We will bring forth for them a creature from the earth speaking to them, [saying] that the people were, of Our verses, not certain [in faith].

When God's word is justly carried out against them, We will produce a dabbah from the earth which will tell them that mankind had no real faith in Our signs

Now, when the Word stands fulfilled against them (humanity paying no heed) We bring forth from among the humbled ones who tell them (by way of rebellion) that mankind has not had conviction in Our Laws. ((6:65). 'Dabbatam-min

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

On that Day We shall assemble together a host from every community of those who cried lies to Our revelations and they will be grouped

And times shall come when defiance of Our Laws will cause forces from every nation to assemble in alliances and meet one another in combat

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

then, when they have arrived, He will say, "Did you deny My revelations, even though you did not have proper knowledge of them? Or what was it that you were doing

Till when they come worn out, (the Truth will become manifest to them, saying), "Did you deny My Messages because you failed to use your knowledge? Or what else was it that you were doing

And the decree will befall them1 for the wrong they did, and they will not [be able to] speak.

The verdict will be given against them, because they did wrong, and they will be speechless

And the Word shall be fulfilled about them since they had oppressed one another. And then, they will be dumbfounded

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

Do they not see that We have made the night for them to rest in and the day to give them light? There are certainly signs in that for people who believe

Do they not see that We have made the Night for them to rest in and the Day to give them light? Verily, in this are signs for any people who will believe. (The Divine Laws are as operational in the human society as they are in the Universe)

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

On the Day when the trumpet is blown, whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will be struck with terror, except for those whom God wishes to spare. All shall come to Him in utter humility

And on the Day when the Trumpet is sounded, everyone of the elite and of the humbled will be horrified, except such as Allah wills to exempt. And, all will present themselves to Him in humility. (6:74), (18:99), (20:102), (2)

And you see the mountains, thinking them motionless,1 while they will pass as the passing of clouds. [It is] the work of Allāh, who perfected all things. Indeed, He is Aware of that which you do.

You see the mountains and think them firmly fixed. But they shall pass away as the clouds pass away. Such is the work of God, who has ordered all things to perfection: He is fully aware of what you do

And the powerful elite that you deem firm as mountains, will float around like weightless clouds. Such is the Design of Allah Who disposes off all things in perfect order. Verily, He is fully Aware of what you do

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

Whoever does a good deed, shall be rewarded with what is better, and will be secure from fear of that Day

In those times nations that do good to humanity and make way for peace and security, will be best rewarded. (21)

And whoever comes with an evil deed1 - their faces will be overturned into the Fire, [and it will be said], "Are you recompensed except for what you used to do?"

and those who do evil will be flung down on their faces in the Fire. Are you not rewarded according to your deeds

But they who cause inequity in the world, will fall prone into the fire of humiliation. "Are you rewarded other than what you did

[Say, O Muḥammad], "I have only been commanded to worship the Lord of this city,1 who made it sacred and to whom [belongs] all things. And I am commanded to be of the Muslims [i.e., those who submit to Allāh].

Say, "I am commanded to serve the Lord of this town, which He has made inviolable and to whom everything belongs; I am commanded to be one of those devoted to Him

Say (O Prophet), "I am commanded to serve the Lord of this town (Makkah) - Him Who has made it sacred, and unto Whom all things belong. And I am commanded to be of those who surrender to Him

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

to recite the Quran." Whoever follows its guidance, follows it only for the good of his own soul; and as for him who goes astray, just say, "I am only a warner

And to convey this Qur'an (to mankind). Whoever, therefore, goes right, goes right only for the good of his own "Self". And as for him who goes astray, say, "I am only a Warner

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

Then say, "Praise be to God! He will show you His signs and you will recognize them. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do

And say, "All Praise is due to Allah! In time He will make you see the Truth of His Messages, and then you shall recognize them." And your Lord is not unmindful of whatever you all may do