The Pilgrimage

O people! If you are in doubt about being raised up (after death), then (contemplate your creation and evolution). We initiated your creation (i.e., chemical genesis) from (the extract of) clay,* then (your biological genesis) from a sperm drop (zygote), then from a hanging mass (clinging to the uterus like a leech—embryo) and then from a lump of flesh looking chewed, having manifest contours of elementary formation of some parts of the body and others yet to form (fetus), so that We might show you (Our power and the trueness of Our Revelations). So We cause whom We please to stay in the wombs till an appointed time. Then We bring you forth as an infant, then (nourish you) so that you may reach your youth. And of you are (also) some who die (early), and some are brought to the age of senility so that (he may see this state too that) having learnt so much knowledge, now he knows (just) nothing (once more). And you see the earth completely dry (i.e., dead) and, when We shower water on it, a stir of freshness and fertility runs through it. And it swells enriched, and puts forth in pairs every kind of blooming and beauteous vegetation.


Women

Allah commands you concerning (the inheritance of) your children: The share of a son is equal to that of two daughters; then if there are only daughters (two or) more, they are entitled to two-thirds of the inheritance; if there is only one daughter, her share will be one half; the mother and the father of the deceased will get one-sixth of the inheritance each if the deceased leaves children behind; but in case the deceased has no children and the heirs are only his mother and his father, the mother’s share is one-third (and the rest is the father’s); then, if he has brothers and sisters, the mother will have a sixth portion. This distribution will be (executed) after (the fulfilment of) the will he may have made or after (the payment of) the debt. You know not which of them, whether your parents or your sons, are closer to you in bringing you benefit. This (distribution) is a duty assigned (i.e., fixed) by Allah. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise.


Joseph

Until, when the Messengers despaired (of their disobedient people,) and those denying communities developed this scepticism that they were told a lie (i.e., they will not be tormented), Our help reached the Messengers. Then We delivered whom We willed. And Our torment is not averted from the people committed to do evil.


Light

And those who cannot afford marriage (for lack of financial means) should adopt chastity until Allah enriches them out of His bounty. And from amongst (the male and female slaves) under your control, those who seek to write out a deed (of manumission—freedom through earning and paying,) write it for them, and free them (under the given condition) if you see any good in them. Pay them (also yourselves) out of that wealth which Allah has given you (to help them get freedom). And do not force your maids into prostitution to obtain benefit of the worldly life if they desire to keep themselves chaste (or wish to safeguard their chastity through marriage). And whoever will compel them, then (even) after they are compelled, Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.


The Heights

Pharaoh said: ‘(Have) you believed in Him even before I permitted you? This is indeed a plot which you (all) have hatched (against me) in this city in order that you may expatriate from this (country) its (Coptic) inhabitants. So you will know (its consequences) very soon.


Joseph

And he said: ‘O my sons, do not enter (the city) all of you by one gate, but enter (dispersed) through different gates. And I cannot save you by any means from Allah’s (decree) because judgment (i.e., destiny) rests with Allah alone. In Him have I put my trust, and all those who trust must trust in Him alone.’


The City

And (have We not given him) a tongue and two lips?


The Reality

(It will be said to them:) ‘Eat and drink rejoicing, in recompense of (your deeds) that you had sent forward during the days of your past (life).’


The Cow

And establish Prayer and pay Zakat (the Alms-due) regularly and kneel down (together) with those who kneel down.


The Enshrouded One

Of course, there are many commitments for you during the day.


The Ranks

And, (O Beloved, recall) when Musa (Moses) said to his people: ‘O my people, why do you offend me whilst you know that I am (a Messenger) sent to you by Allah?’ So when they continued deviating, then Allah made their hearts deviate. And Allah does not guide the defiant.


She That is to be Examined

Indeed, in Ibrahim (Abraham) and his companions there is an excellent example for you (to follow), when they said to their people: ‘We are utterly weary of (and cut off from) you and the idols that you worship apart from Allah; we have openly rejected you all. The enmity, hatred and malice between us and you have become evident forever until you believe in Allah, the One.’ But Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) saying to his (foster) father: ‘I shall certainly pray for your forgiveness,’ (was just a promise made to him well before, which he fulfilled and gave him a reminder as well saying:) ‘I do not possess anything for you before Allah (owing to your disbelief and idol-worship.’ Then he separated from his people, praying:) ‘O our Lord, we put our trust in You alone, and we turn in repentance to You alone, and (all) have to return to You alone.


The Poets

Tell Me, if We provide them benefit for years,


The Believers

So did you think that We had created you in vain (without any purpose) and that you would not return to Us?


Jonah

(O Pharaoh!) We shall today preserve your (lifeless) body so that you may become a sign (of warning) for those who come after you. Indeed, most of the people are neglectful (in understanding) Our signs.’


The Cow

And (remember) when We made this House (the Ka‘ba) a central place for mankind to turn to (and assemble) and a sanctuary for peace and (commanded:) ‘Make the place, where Ibrahim (Abraham) stood, a place of Prayer.’ And We urged Ibrahim and Isma‘il (Abraham and Ishmael): ‘Purify (and cleanse) My House for those who circumambulate it and those who go into retreat and those who kneel down and prostrate themselves.’


Al-Hijr

And We indeed know that your (sacred) breast feels straitened by what they say.


The Believers

Until when We open to them the gate of an extremely harsh torment, (then,) at that time, taken aback, they will (stay) therein, stunned in despair.


Light

And (similarly) this can avert punishment from that (woman too) if she (herself) gives evidence, swearing four times by Allah that he (the husband) is a liar (in accusing her),


Small Kindnesses

And who refuse to lend a worthless small object of use even on demand!


Joseph

So when (Yusuf [Joseph]) had provided them with their material, he placed (the king’s) goblet into his brother’s (Benjamin’s) sack. Later a herald called out: ‘O you men of caravan, (halt;) surely, you (seem to be) thieves.’


The Prophets

And We taught Dawud (David) the art of making the coats of mail for you to protect you from injury in your battle. Are you then grateful?


The Table Spread

And (besides) they held the view that (killing or belying the Messengers) would not result in any torment. So they became blind and deaf. Allah, then, accepted their repentance. But most of them (again) turned blind and deaf (i.e., incapable of perceiving the truth by seeing and hearing). And Allah is Ever-Watchful of what they are doing.


The Ant

But when Our clear and sight-giving signs reached them, they said: ‘This is plain magic.’


The Heights

(Allah) said: ‘O Musa (Moses)! I have exalted you and chosen you above the people by My Messages and My speech. So hold fast to whatever I have bestowed upon you and be amongst the grateful.’


Women

And, (O Beloved,) had not Allah’s bounty and mercy been upon you, a party of these (treacherous) people would have resolved to lead you astray, whereas they are only leading themselves astray and can no way do any harm to you. And Allah has revealed to you the Book and Wisdom and has bestowed upon you all that knowledge which you did not possess. Mighty indeed is Allah’s bounty on you.


The Children of Israel

(It will be said to him:) ‘Read your book (of deeds). Today, you yourself are enough for examining your own account.’


Those Who Set The Ranks

And We delivered him and his family from the ordeal.


The Believers

They will say: ‘We might have stayed there a day or part of a day, but ask those who work out statistics.’


Joseph

They said: ‘We will solicit his father in connection with sending him and we will certainly do (it).’


The Family of 'Imrân

Surely, the example of ‘Isa (Jesus) in the sight of Allah is the same as that of Adam whom He formed from clay, then said (to him): ‘Be.’ And he became.


The Story

These are the Verses of the enlightening Book.


The Cow

And when it is said to them: ‘Believe in this (Book) which Allah has (now) revealed,’ they say: ‘We believe only in that (Book) which was revealed to us,’ and they deny all other than that, whereas this (Qur’an) is (also) the truth, (and) confirms that (Book as well) which they possess. Ask (them): ‘Then why have you been killing the Prophets of Allah before this if you (really) believe (but in your own Book)?’


Palm Fibre

And his (damned, wretched) wife (too) who carries (on her head) the burden of (thorny) twigs (and spreads them in the way of Our Beloved, to injure the holy soles of his feet).


The Heights

Verily, that whose (worship) they are (tangled in) is destined to ruin, and whatever they are doing is (utter) falsehood.’


The Children of Israel

And, indeed, We bestowed upon Musa (Moses) nine bright signs. And ask the Children of Israel, when (Musa [Moses]) came to them, Pharaoh said to him: ‘O Musa (Moses), in my opinion you are but a bewitched man (i.e., a spell has been cast upon you).’


Tâ Hâ

So he cast it down (on the ground), and suddenly it became a serpent slithering (here and there).


The Prophets

And indeed, We granted Musa (Moses) and Harun ([Aaron] the Book, the Torah) the criterion distinguishing (between right and wrong) and (the embodiment of) light and admonition for the Godfearing.


Sâd

Till the Day of the time which is appointed (and known).’


Jonah

Say: ‘I am no master of any loss or profit for my own self except what Allah may will. A term is (appointed) for every Umma (Community). When their (appointed) term comes, they can neither stay behind nor advance by a single moment.’


The Beneficent

So which of your Lord’s blessings will you both deny?


Crouching

And surely, We gave to the Children of Israel the Book, the reign and Prophethood, and provided them with sustenance of pure things. And We exalted them above (their contemporary) worlds (i.e., the nations and civilizations of that age).


Those Who Drag Forth

Then Musa (Moses) showed him the great sign.


The Morning Star

That proceeds from the middle of the sacrum (and pelvic girdle) and is ejected.


The Cow

(In the beginning) all the people agreed upon the same Din (Religion. And later, when differences emerged amongst them,) Allah sent His Messengers as Bearers of good news and Warners and sent down with them the Book based on truth, so that it might judge those matters amongst the people in which they had developed differences. Then, only those very people whom the Book was given differed about it, despite the fact that the clear signs had come to them. (And they differed also) because of mere jealousy and malice amongst themselves. Then Allah, by His command, made the believers understand that matter of truth about which they had differed. And Allah guides whom He pleases to the straight road.


The Children of Israel

(But, if supposedly you inclined, then) We would make you taste double of the torment in the worldly life and double of the torment in death. You would not then find (even) for yourself any helper against Us.


The Table Spread

They will desire to get out of Hell (somehow), whereas they will not be able to get out of it. And their torment will be eternal.


The Reality

We would have seized him with full force and might,


Light

And there is no sin on those elderly house-confined women who have no desire (now) for marriage if they lay aside their garments (i.e., additional outer coverings), provided they (too) do not show their adornment. And if they are (more) committed to self-restraint (i.e., do not remove additional outer coverings as well), that is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.


The Moon

And they have rejected (the truth even now) and followed their vain desires. And everything (that has been promised) is to take place at the appointed time.


Jonah

(This command is being communicated to the Umma [Community] through the Messenger:) ‘Nor worship those (idols) besides Allah, which can neither profit nor harm you. Then if you do it, you will surely be amongst the wrongdoers the same moment.’


Women

O believers! It is not lawful for you to become heirs to women by force. And do not retain them by force in order to take (back) from them a portion of what you gave them, unless they commit open indecency. And treat them honourably. Then if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah places in it abundant good.


The Event

It is they who will be the ones drawn near (to Allah).


The Reality

Nor is it the word of a fortune-teller (designed by skilful guesswork). You take but little advice.


Those Who Set The Ranks

And halt them (near the passage); they shall be interrogated.’


The Poets

They said: ‘(O Shu‘ayb,) you are but of the magic-stricken people.


Defrauding

And when they (themselves) give by measure or weigh to others, they give them less.


The Poets

They said: ‘Should we believe in you whilst the people of the lowest and most worthless (classes of society) are following you?’


The Cow

Your wives are for you like a harvest-producing field. So, go to your field as you may desire. And manage some provisions for yourselves for the next world. Inculcate in yourselves the fear of Allah, and be mindful that you shall appear before Him. And, (O Beloved,) give good news to the believers (that their appearance before Allah will be gainful for them).


The Winnowing Winds

And We made in that (town) a sign to subsist (as a lesson of warning) for those who fear the grievous torment.


Saba

And the disbelievers say: ‘The Last Hour will not come upon us.’ Say: ‘Why not? By my Lord, Who is the Knower of the unseen, that is bound to come upon you. Nothing can be out of His sight, not even a dust particle in the heavens or in the earth. Nor is there anything smaller or bigger than an atom but is (recorded) in the light-giving Book (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz),


The Jinn

Say: ‘I do not possess any power to do you harm (i.e., make you disbelieve) or to do you good (i.e., make you believe. So Allah is the real Lord. I am a mediator and means).’


Ornaments of Gold

So when he came to them with Our signs, there they began laughing at them (the signs).


The Bee

And if you want to count the favours of Allah, you will not be able to number them all. Surely, Allah is Most Forgiving, Ever-Merciful.


Jonah

Amongst them there is someone who will believe in it and some other who will not believe in it. And your Lord knows them full well who rouse mischief.


Hûd

He said: ‘(Instead of embarking on the Ark) I shall just now take shelter on some mountain. That will save me from the Deluge.’ Nuh (Noah) said: ‘None can save today from Allah’s punishment except someone to whom He (Allah) shows His mercy.’ In the meanwhile, a (violent) wave came between both (father and son). So he was one of the drowned.


Al-Hijr

Except Iblis. He refused to join those who prostrated themselves.


The Thunder

Do they not see that We are persistently reducing the land (under their control—most of the areas under their rule are gradually accepting the Islamic Rule)? And Allah is the One Who decrees; there is none who can undo His decree. And He is Swift in calling to account.


The Event

A large group (of those drawn near) will be from the earlier people.


Al-Hijr

And surely, We know those who lived before you, and We also know those who will come after you.


Women

And (also) because of their uttering (the boastful claim): ‘We (have) killed Allah’s Messenger, the Messiah, ‘Isa, the son of Maryam (Jesus, the son of Mary),’ whereas they neither killed nor crucified him. But (in truth) someone was made the like (of ‘Isa—Jesus) in their view. But those who disagree about him have surely fallen prey to doubt (concerning) this (murder). They know nothing (what the truth is) except (that they are) following fancy. And they certainly did not murder ‘Isa (Jesus).


The Jinn

And that when we listened to (the Book of) Guidance, we believed in it. Then he who believes in his Lord fears neither loss nor injustice.


The Ant

They said: ‘You have caused us misfortune, and so have your companions.’ (Salih) said: ‘(The cause of) your misfortune is (written) with Allah; you people have rather been put to trial.’


The Spider

And (We destroyed) ‘Ad and Thamud (as well). And indeed (ruins of) some of their houses stand out (i.e., have lived to tell the tale) for you (as a lesson of warning). And Satan made their evil deeds look charming to them, and turned them away from the path (of truth) though they were vigilant and wise.


The Heights

Then who can be a greater wrongdoer than the one who fabricates a lie against Allah or rejects His Revelations as false? The share of such people will reach them as has been written in the Book until, when the (angels) whom We send will come to them to take away their souls, they will say (to them): ‘Now where are those (false gods) whom you used to worship besides Allah?’ They will say (replying): ‘They are lost from us (i.e., how they can be seen now!),’ and they will bear witness (themselves) against their own souls that they were doubtlessly disbelievers.


The Cow

Allah! None is worthy of worship but He, the Ever-Living, the Self-Subsisting, the One Who sustains and protects (the entire universe with His strategy). He is seized by neither slumber nor sleep. Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth belongs to Him alone. Who can dare intercede with Him except by His permission? (He) knows all that is (happening or has happened) before the Creation, and all that is (about to happen) after them; and they cannot encompass anything of His knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne (of Empire and Power and Authority) encompasses the heavens and the earth, and the protection of both (the earth and the heavens) does not pose Him any difficulty. And He alone is Most High, Most Great.


Al-Hijr

And never have We destroyed any township, except that there was for them a known inscription (law, which they violated and met their fate).


The Most High

So keep admonishing, provided admonition benefits (the listeners).


Yâ Sîn

Surely, We have put iron collars round their necks reaching their chins. So they have raised their heads up.


The Prophets

Every community whom We destroyed before them disbelieved (in these signs). So, will these people believe?


Iron

Verily, We sent Our Messengers with clear signs, and We sent down with them the Book and the balance of justice so that people might grow firm and stable in justice. And (of minerals) We brought forth iron in which there is a fierce force (for weapons and defence) and which has (multiple other) benefits for people (in industrial development). And (the purpose is) that Allah may bring to light the one who helps Him and His Messengers (i.e., the Din [Religion of Islam]) without seeing. Surely, Allah is (Himself) the All-Powerful, the Almighty.


The Heights

Both of them submitted: ‘O our Lord! We have wronged our souls. And if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we shall certainly be amongst the losers.’


Fussilat ("They are Expounded")

Man does not tire of praying for good, and if an evil touches him, he loses all hope—becomes a pessimist.


The Believer

The revelation of this Book is from Allah, the Almighty, All-Knowing,


Spoils of War

But if they turn away (from obeying Allah), then know that surely Allah alone is your Excellent Protector (i.e., Patron); what an Excellent Protector (Patron) and what an Excellent Helper!


Al-Hijr

Surely, We suffice you for (taking them to task) who scoff,


Women

Have you not seen these (hypocrites) who claim (verbally) that they believe in this (Book, the Qur’an) which has been revealed to you and also in those (revealed Books) which were sent down before you? (But) they desire to take their disputes (for settlement) to Satan (i.e., the law based on defiance against Allah’s commandments) although they have been ordained to reject it (openly). And Satan only desires to lead them far astray.


The Story

On that Day, all information will become unknown to them, and they will not be able to ask (even) one another.


Al-Hijr

It has seven doors; for each one a fixed portion of them has been specified.’


The Pen

So, that (waving fruit-laden garden) became a harvested field in the morning.


Hûd

Shu‘ayb said: ‘O my people, tell me if I adhere to the clear proof from my Lord, and He has also granted me pure and fine means of living from His presence (then why should I not preach the truth)? I (also) do not want that, following you, I myself start doing (against the truth) the same that I am forbidding you. All I desire is to reform (you) as far as I can, and my capability comes only from Allah’s (help). So I have put my trust in Him alone and I turn towards Him alone.


The Beneficent

The residents of Paradise will be reclining on couches lined with fine and thick brocade (i.e., satin) and the fruits of both the Gardens will be hanging low (over them).


The Heights

And a party amongst the people of Musa ([Moses] comprises those) who guide to the path of truth and according to that (make judgments based on) justice.


Women

Then on account of injustice on the part of the Jews, We made unlawful for them (many) pure provisions that had been made lawful for them (before), and (also) for the reason that they hindered (people) at a large scale from the path of Allah.


The Cave

And there was (also) no party for him to come to his help against Allah, nor was he himself able to avenge (this destruction).


The Table Spread

O Messenger! Those who advance (fast) into disbelief should not grieve you. (Firstly) they include those (hypocrites) who utter from their mouths: ‘We believe,’ whilst their hearts have not accepted faith. (Secondly) amongst them are the Jews. They listen to (you) eagerly to fabricate lies. They (in fact) hear (to spy) for others who have not (yet) come to you. (They are the people) who change the Words (of Allah even) after their contexts (are fixed and) say: ‘If you are given this (command which they like), take it, and if you are not given this (command), then keep off (it).’ And if Allah adjudges someone to go astray, then you do not have any power for him (to hold up the command of) Allah. They are the ones whose hearts Allah has no intention whatsoever to purify. For them there is ignominy (of disbelief) in this world and mighty punishment in the Hereafter.


The Clot

Well, imagine! If he had been rightly guided;


Fussilat ("They are Expounded")

Whoever does pious work does it for (the benefit) of his own self, and whoever commits sin, its (resultant evil suffering) will fall back on him alone. And your Lord is not at all unjust to His servants.


Cattle

All praise belongs to Allah alone, Who created the heavens and the earth and produced darkness and light; yet the disbelievers set up (false gods as) equals to their Lord.


And We forbade the Jews every (beast) having claws, and We forbade them the fat of the cow and the goat, except that (fat) which coats their backs or lines their entrails, or which is attached to the bones. This We awarded them as a punishment for their rebellion. And assuredly, We are Truthful.


Time or Man

So (continue to) be patient for the sake of your Lord’s command and do not give your ear to any liar, sinner or disbeliever or thankless person from amongst them.


The Poets

And I do not demand of you any wages for this (preaching of the truth). My reward is only with the Lord of all the worlds.


The Reality

So, as for the people of Thamud, they were destroyed by the extremely violent, Deafening Blast.


Abraham

And We have not sent any Messenger but with the language of his people so that he may make (the message of the truth) more and more clear to them. Then Allah holds astray whom He wills and provides with guidance whom He wills. And He is Almighty, Most Wise.


The Angels

Surely, We have sent you with the truth and guidance as a Bearer of good news and a Warner (for the Hereafter). And there is not a single Umma (community) but amongst whom there came (some) Warner.


The Thunder

And the disbelievers say: ‘Why has any sign not been sent down to this (Messenger) from his Lord?’ (O My Glorious Messenger!) You are only a warner (to the disobedient of their evil consequences) and a provider of guidance to every community (of the world).


The Spider

And if you ask these (disbelievers): ‘Who created the heavens and the earth and made the sun and the moon law-abiding?’ they will certainly say: ‘Allah.’ Then where are they turning away?


The Heights

Say: ‘O mankind! I have (come) to all of you (as) the Messenger of Allah to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. There is no God except He. He is the One Who grants life and causes death.’ So believe in Allah and His Messenger, who is a Prophet crowned with the glory of being al-Ummi (i.e., he has not learnt anything from anyone except Allah, but knows far more than the entire creation, and is innocent and pure like a newborn baby, despite his upbringing in an infidel and polytheistic society), who believes in Allah and (all) His (revealed) Books and follow him alone so that you may take guidance.


Ornaments of Gold

Then will you make the deaf hear, or show the path of guidance to the blind and those who are in open error?


The Clans

If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is the disease (of malice and insolence against the Holy Prophet [blessings and peace be upon him]) and (likewise) those who spread false rumours in Medina do not desist, then We shall certainly make you overmaster them. Then they will not be able to stay in the neighbourhood of Medina but for a few (days).


Those Who Set The Ranks

And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.


Joseph

(Recall) when Yusuf (Joseph) said to his father: ‘O my venerable father! I have seen (in a dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon. I have seen them prostrating themselves before me.’


Women

But whoever will do that through transgression and injustice, We shall soon throw him into the Fire (of Hell) and that is very easy for Allah.


Jonah

Say: ‘(All this) is due to the bounty and mercy of Allah (bestowed upon you through raising Muhammad [blessings and peace be upon him] as the exalted Messenger). So the Muslims should rejoice over it. This is far better than (all that affluence and wealth) that they amass.’


Mary

And (the disbelievers) say: ‘The Most Kind (Lord) has taken (to Himself) a son.’


The Pilgrimage

And they seek from you torment in haste and Allah never goes against His promise. And (when the Hour of torment will come) then one day (of torment) with your Lord is like a thousand years according to your (scale of) counting.


The Ant

Or, Who made the earth a dwelling place and made rivers amid it and made for it huge mountains and put a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet waters)? Is there any (other) God besides Allah? But most of these (disbelievers) do not have knowledge.


Jonah

And there has been coming one Messenger for every Umma (Community). So, when their Messenger came (with clear signs, but they did not believe,) then judgment was made amongst them with justice (and exactly the same will happen on the Last Day). They will not be wronged.


The Children of Israel

And if We so will, We can erase this (Book) which We have revealed to you, (from people’s minds and from the written copies,) and you will not then find anyone who may plead your case before Us for the communication of this (Revelation),


Mary

Then the birth pangs drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree. She said (in anxiety): ‘Would that I had died before this and had become totally forgotten!’


The Beneficent

(It will be said to them:) ‘It is this Hell which the evildoers used to deny.’


The Prophets

And We admitted Lut (Lot) to the fold of Our Mercy. Truly, he was of the pious.


Repentance

O Muslims! They (the hypocrites) swear by Allah in your presence to keep you pleased, whereas Allah along with His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) has a greater right that they should please Him. If they are the believers, (they should have known this fact and should have pleased the Messenger [blessings and peace be upon him]. Allah is pleased only if the Messenger [blessings and peace be upon him] is pleased because their pleasure is but one and the same).


The Angels

Whatever of (the treasure of) His mercy Allah opens to mankind, there is none who can withhold it. And whatever He withholds, then after this there is none who may release it. And He alone is Almighty, Most Wise.


The Star

The imminent (Hour of Judgment) has drawn near.


The Thunder

And indeed the Messengers were mocked (by the disbelievers) before you (as well). So I granted the disbelievers respite and then seized them (with torment). (See) then how My torment was!


Those Who Set The Ranks

(Fair, charming complexion, they will look) as if they were eggs protected from dust.


The Poets

Then Pharaoh sent callers to the cities.


The Believers

No community can step ahead of its appointed time, nor can it step back.


Women

And then We too would have bestowed upon them a great reward from Our presence.


Cattle

Every news has a fixed time (to occur) and soon will you come to know.


The Private Apartments

O believers! Avoid most conjectures. Indeed, some conjectures are sins (liable to punishment in the Hereafter). And spy not (on someone’s unknown matters or secrets), nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it. And fear Allah (in all such matters). Indeed, Allah is Ever-Returning, Ever-Merciful.


The Cave

Musa (Moses) said: ‘You will certainly find me patient, if Allah so pleases, and I will not violate any of your instructions.’


Ornaments of Gold

In truth, I bestowed upon these people and their ancestors (worldly) provision (for the sake of and due to the mediation of Ibrahim [Abraham]) until there came to them the truth (the Qur’an) and the Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) with clear and illumining exposition.


Hûd

And incline not towards those who are engaged in oppression (and exploitation) lest the Fire (of Hell) should touch down at you, and there will be no protector for you apart from Allah; then help (too) will not be extended to you.


The Pilgrimage

And proclaim the ±ajj (Pilgrimage) aloud amongst the people. They will approach you on foot and (mounted) on all lean camels, coming by distant tracks—


The Table Spread

Allah has made the Ka‘ba, the sacred (and venerable) House, a means to keep (peace in the spiritual and worldly matters of) the people. And also the Sacred Month and the animals of offerings to the Holy Ka‘ba and the animals with collars symbolic of sacrifice around their necks (brought into the sacred confines of Mecca, all have been granted sanctity and veneration by virtue of the same affinity); that is to make you know that Allah has the best knowledge of whatever there is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and Allah is Well Aware of everything.


Women

O believers! Fit out for your safeguard, then set out as separate units or march off all together.


The Pilgrimage

(Satan) for whom it is written that whoever takes him for a friend, he will lead him astray, and show him the road to the torment of Hell.


Tâ Hâ

(O Esteemed Beloved!) Thus We communicate to you news about the (communities) who have passed away, and We have surely given you from Our exclusive presence the Reminder (i.e., an Admonishing Book).


Muhammad

He will soon put them on the straight path (of Paradise), and will greatly enhance their states of being (in the Hereafter).


The Hypocrites

They have made their oaths a shield. Then they hinder (the people) from the path of Allah. Surely, that is an extremely evil (work) which they are doing.


Palm Fibre

Around her neck will be (the same) palm-fibre rope (she uses to bind the bunch of thorny twigs).


Saba

The humble will then say to the conceited: ‘Nay, it was (your) deceptive scheming night and day (that hindered us) when you used to order us to disbelieve in Allah and assign equals to Him.’ And they will hide their pangs of guilt (from one another) when they will see the torment. And We will put iron collars round the necks of the disbelievers, and they will be recompensed only for their doings.


The Family of 'Imrân

(Ordained to forewarn the Umma [the Community]:) ‘This is the truth from your Lord, so be not of those who doubt.’


The Heights

And the people of Paradise will call out to the inmates of Hell: ‘We have really found true the promise that our Lord made to us. Have you (also) found true what your Lord promised (you)?’ They will answer: ‘Yes.’ Thereupon a herald will call out amongst them: ‘The curse of Allah is on the wrongdoers.


Spoils of War

O believers! Obey Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and do not turn away from him whilst you are hearing.


The Believers

To Pharaoh and the chiefs (of his people). They too behaved with arrogance and conceit. And they too were (extremely) wrongdoing and a disobedient people.


Jonah

Will you believe in it when this (torment) will have befallen? (Then it will be said to you: ‘You believe) now! (Now it is of no avail) whilst you (sarcastically) desired the same (torment) in haste.’


Saba

They will submit: ‘Glory be to You! You alone are our Protector, not they! In fact, they used to worship the jinn. It was in them that most of them believed.’


Mary

(He was) greatly righteous (and dutiful) to his parents, and was neither disobedient nor arrogant (like common boys).


The Bee

And when We substitute some Verse in place of another Verse, and Allah (alone) knows best whatever He sends down, (then) the disbelievers say: ‘You are but a forger!’ But most of them do not know (the rationale of sending down and substituting the Verses).


The Criterion

Do you think that most of them hear or understand? (Nay,) they have become like cattle, rather worse in error than they are.


The Heights

Pharaoh said: ‘Yes, of course; (what to talk of a simple reward! In that case) you will be amongst the privileged ones (of my court).’


The Believers

They say: ‘When we die and turn into dust and (decomposed) bones, then shall we be raised up (after given life again)?’


The Criterion

That Day, true sovereignty will belong to the Most Kind (Lord) and that will be very hard (i.e., tough) Day on the disbelievers.


Smoke

Taste it! Yes, you it is, the respectable and venerable (in your notion and claim).


Joseph

(O Glorious Beloved!) Say: ‘This is my way. I invite towards Allah. I am (firm and committed to) my vision and insight, I and also he who complies with me. And far Exalted is Allah, and I am not of the polytheists.’


The Bee

Our command for a thing is but only this much that when We intend (to bring) it (into existence), We say to it: ‘Be,’ and it becomes.


The Criterion

And on that Day, Allah will assemble them together with those they worshipped besides Allah. He will then say: ‘Was it you who led these My servants astray, or did they (themselves) go astray from the path?’


Mary

He submitted: ‘O my Lord, my bones have grown tender and (my) head has turned white like a flame due to old age and, O my Lord, I have never been unblessed when supplicating You.


Jonah

Are they waiting for (the evil days) similar to those of the people who have passed away before them? Say: ‘Wait (then); I am (also) with you amongst those who wait.’


He Frowned

The one who seeks may accept it (and learn by heart).


The Star

And assuredly, he saw Him (Allah Unveiled) the second time (again and you argue only about seeing Him once).*


The Bee

And, (O Glorious Beloved,) be patient and your patience is by Allah alone. And you should not grieve over their (defiance), nor distress (your gracious and benevolent heart) on account of their deceptive plots.


Hûd

And surely, We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people. (He said to them:) ‘I am (raised and appointed as) a plain Warner to you,


The Cow

This is so because Allah has revealed the Book with the truth. And indeed those who fabricate contradictions (and antinomies) in the Book are far (gone from the truth) in rivalry.


Mary

They will not hear in it any absurd talk but only greetings of peace (pouring in from every direction). And for them, their sustenance will be (available) in it morning and evening.


The Bee

Surely, Allah blesses them who live with Godwariness and who (also) live with spiritual excellence with His (special) companionship.


Cattle

They are just waiting for the angels (of torment) to reach them, or your Lord to come (Himself), or some (exclusive) signs of your Lord to come (perceptibly. Tell them:) ‘The Day when some signs of your Lord will come (in such an evident way, then accepting) the belief will not benefit someone who had not believed before, or did not earn any good (in the state of) having believed.’ Say: ‘Wait; we (too) are waiting.’


Joseph

Take this shirt of mine and cast it over my father’s face; he will recover his sight. (Then) bring me the whole of your family.’


The Overwhelming

(Forgetting Allah,) toiling (for worldly gains), sustaining (strenuous) rigours (for a fleeting luxury),


Women

And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) are the people who will be in the company of those (spiritual dignitaries on the Last Day) whom Allah has blessed with His (special) favour: the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs and the most pious. And how excellent these companions are!


Tâ Hâ

And enjoin Prayer on your family and strictly adhere to it. And We do not ask for provision from you, (rather) We provide for you. And it is the act of fearing God that brings about best results.


The Event

But (these people of peace will hear) only one thing (from all sides:) ‘Peace, Peace.’


The Table Spread

And had they established (their systems by enforcing) the Torah and the Injil (the Gospel), and whatever (more) was sent down to them from their Lord, they would have (been provided with the material resources so abundantly that they would have) received sustenance from above and from beneath their feet (as well, but the sustenance would never have exhausted). A section amongst them are moderate (i.e., they like the middle way), but what most of them are doing is extreme wickedness.


Al-Hijr

So set off with your family sometime during the night, and follow them in the rear, and none of you should (even) look back, and proceed to the place (where) you have been commanded.’


The Ascending Stairways

Certainly not! Surely, We have created them from a substance which they (also) know.


The Morning Star

And what do you know what the Nightly (discernable) Visitant is?


Al-Hijr

These people will not believe in this (Qur’an), and (this) is what has been the practice of the bygone people.


The Cow

(O Muslims!) Say: ‘We believe in Allah and in that (Book) which has been revealed to us and (also) that which was revealed to Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma‘il (Ishmael) and Ishaq (Isaac) and Ya‘qub (Jacob) and their children and those (Books) too which were given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus) and (likewise) which were given to other Prophets by their Lord. We do not make distinction between any of them (in the matter of faith), and we have submitted ourselves to Him alone (the Only, the One God).’


Defrauding

The truth is that they will be screened off (to deprive them of) the sight of their Lord.


The Thunder

Allah knows what every female bears in her womb, and how much the wombs contract and how much they distend, and with Him is everything in a fixed measure.


The Reality

Nor did he urge the feeding of the poor.


Hûd

And even if I resolve to counsel you, my counsel (too) will not benefit you if Allah wills to lead you astray. He is your Lord and you will be returned to Him alone.’


The Criterion

And these (polytheists) have taken besides Him other gods which cannot create anything and are themselves created and possess no power either to harm or to benefit themselves and control neither death nor life, nor (have they any authority) to raise up (after death) and assemble.


The Cave

And, surely, We shall reduce it to a barren land (perishing all) that is on (the surface of the earth).


The Overthrowing

Entitled to obligatory obedience (by all the worlds because obedience to him is obedience to Allah) and faithful to His trust (possesses Revelation and all divine secrets of the heavens and the earth).


Those Who Set The Ranks

It will be sparkling white and superbly delicious, a treat for those who drink.


Power

The angels and the Spirit of Peace (Gabriel) descend by their Lord’s command during this (night) with decrees concerning all matters (of blessings and bounties).


The Troops

So Allah made them taste disgrace and humiliation (here) in this world, and surely the torment of the Hereafter is far greater. Would that they knew!


Repentance

So they should laugh for a while and weep for long (because they will have to weep for long in the Hereafter) as a recompense for what they used to earn.


The Criterion

They will say: ‘Glory be to You. It did not become us (even) to take friends other than You (let alone asking them to worship others besides You). But, (O Lord,) You bestowed upon them and their fathers worldly riches to such an extent that they forgot (even) Your remembrance. And these were but the (doomed) people to be destroyed.’


Those Who Set The Ranks

And We gave both of them the clear and enlightening Book (the Torah).


Yâ Sîn

These idols are incapable of helping them. And these (disbelievers and polytheists) will be an army of these (idols) that will be brought (into Hell together).


The Poets

(The people of) Thamud (also) rejected the Messengers.


The Ant

So when he neared it, a call was given: ‘Blessed is He Who is (luminously unveiling His veil of Light) in this fire, and (also) he who is around it (in the reflection of the theophanies of Allah’s Light). And Allah is Holy (and Glorified, High above any resemblance and physical manifestation), the Lord of all the worlds.


Repentance

Allah has prepared for them Gardens beneath which streams flow. They are their permanent residents. This indeed is a colossal achievement.


The Cow

And the Jews and the Christians shall, by no means, be pleased with you until you follow their religion. Say: ‘Surely, the guidance (given) by Allah is the (only real) guidance.’ (Said for the education of the Umma [the community]:) ‘And, (supposing the impossible,) if you follow their desires after that knowledge which has come to you (from Allah), then there will not be any friend or helper for you to protect you from Allah.’


Tâ Hâ

Musa (Moses) said: ‘O Harun (Aaron), when you saw them erring, what stopped you,


Mary

And recite the account of Musa (Moses) in (this Holy) Book. Surely, (getting rid of the grip of self,) he had become exalted and was a Messenger and Prophet.


Victory

(All these favours are put together) so that He admits the believing men and women to the Gardens with streams flowing under them. They will live in them forever. And (moreover) He removes from them their evil actions (as He has forgiven them their mistakes)—and this is a great success (of the believers) in the sight of Allah—


Joseph

Yusuf (Joseph) said: ‘Do you remember what you did to Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother? Were you (then) ignorant?’


Abraham

Their garments will be of pitch (or some inflammable oil), and the Fire will be enveloping their faces,


The Clot

The servant (of Allah) when he prays? Or The (beloved and the exalted) servant of Allah (Muhammad [blessings and peace be upon him]) when he offers Prayers.


The Troops

So worship what you like besides Allah.’ Say: ‘Surely, losers are only those who will bring loss to their own souls and their families on the Day of Resurrection. Remember! That truly is the manifest loss.


Jonah

That is how the judgment of your Lord is proved true against the defiant that they will not believe.


Yâ Sîn

And, after him, We did not send any army (of angels) from the heaven to his people, nor were We to send down (angels to destroy them).


Noah

And truly, they have misled many people. So, (O my Lord,) do not increase these wrongdoers (in anything) except misguidance.’


The Cow

These are Allah’s Verses. (O Beloved!) We recite them to you with the truth and indeed you are of the Messengers.


The Night

Rather (he spends) seeking the pleasure of his Lord, Most High.