[24:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[24:1] A sura that we have sent down, and we have decreed as law. We have revealed in it clear revelations, that you may take heed.

Adultery

[24:2] The adulteress and the adulterer you shall whip each of them a hundred lashes. Do not be swayed by pity from carrying out God’s law, if you truly believe in God and the Last Day. And let a group of believers witness their penalty.

(Social pressure, i.e., public witnessing of the penalty, is the basic punishment (see also 5:38). The lashes today shall be symbolic, not severe.)

[24:3] The adulterer will end up marrying an adulteress or an idol worshiper, and the adulteress will end up marrying an adulterer or an idol worshiper. This is prohibited for the believers.

[24:4] Those who accuse married women of adultery, then fail to produce four witnesses, you shall whip them eighty lashes, and do not accept any testimony from them; they are wicked.

[24:5] If they repent afterwards and reform, then God is Forgiver, Merciful.

[24:6] As for those who accuse their own spouses, without any other witnesses, then the testimony may be accepted if he swears by God four times that he is telling the truth.

[24:7] The fifth oath shall be to incur God’s condemnation upon him, if he was lying.

[24:8] She shall be considered innocent if she swears by God four times that he is a liar.

[24:9] The fifth oath shall incur God’s wrath upon her if he was telling the truth.

[24:10] This is God’s grace and mercy towards you. God is Redeemer, Most Wise.

How to Deal With Rumors and Unproven Accusations

[24:11] A gang among you produced a big lie. Do not think that it was bad for you; instead, it was good for you. Meanwhile, each one of them has earned his share of the guilt. As for the one who initiated the whole incident, he has incurred a terrible retribution.

(This refers to a historical incident where the Prophet’s wife Aysha was left in the desert by mistake, and later found by a young man who helped her catch up with the Prophet’s caravan. This triggered the famous ‘Big Lie’ against Aysha.)

[24:12] When you heard it, the believing men and the believing women should have had better thoughts about themselves, and should have said, “This is obviously a big lie.”

[24:13] Only if they produced four witnesses (you may believe them). If they fail to produce the witnesses, then they are, according to God, liars.

[24:14] If it were not for God’s grace towards you, and His mercy in this world and in the Hereafter, you would have suffered a great retribution because of this incident.

[24:15] You fabricated it with your own tongues, and the rest of you repeated it with your mouths without proof. You thought it was simple, when it was, according to God, gross.

What to Do

[24:16] When you heard it, you should have said, “We will not repeat this. Glory be to You. This is a gross falsehood.”

[24:17] God admonishes you that you shall never do it again, if you are believers.

[24:18] God thus explains the revelations for you. God is Omniscient, Wise.

[24:19] Those who love to see immorality spread among the believers have incurred a painful retribution in this life and in the Hereafter. God knows, while you do not know.

[24:20] God showers you with His grace and mercy. God is Most Kind towards the believers, Most Merciful.

The Devil Encourages Baseless Accusations

[24:21] O you who believe, do not follow the steps of Satan. Anyone who follows the steps of Satan should know that he advocates evil and vice. If it were not for God’s grace towards you, and His mercy, none of you would have been purified. But God purifies whomever He wills. God is Hearer, Knower.

[24:22] Those among you who are blessed with resources and wealth shall be charitable towards their relatives, the poor, and those who have immigrated for the sake of God. They shall treat them with kindness and tolerance; do you not love to attain God’s forgiveness? God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Gross Sin

[24:23] Surely, those who falsely accuse married women who are pious believers have incurred condemnation in this life and in the Hereafter; they have incurred a horrendous retribution.

[24:24] The day will come when their own tongues, hands, and feet will bear witness to everything they had done.

[24:25] On that day, God will requite them fully for their works, and they will find out that God is the Truth.

[24:26] The bad women for the bad men, and the bad men for the bad women, and the good women for the good men, and the good men for the good women. The latter are innocent of such accusations. They have attained forgiveness and a generous reward.

Divine Etiquette

[24:27] O you who believe, do not enter homes other than yours without permission from their inhabitants, and without greeting them. This is better for you, that you may take heed.

[24:28] If you find no one in them, do not enter them until you obtain permission. If you are told, “Go back,” you must go back. This is purer for you. God is fully aware of everything you do.

[24:29] You commit no error by entering uninhabited homes wherein there is something that belongs to you. God knows everything you reveal, and everything you conceal.

Dress Code for Believers

[24:30] Tell the believing men that they shall subdue their eyes (and not stare at the women), and to maintain their chastity. This is purer for them. God is fully Cognizant of everything they do.

(Dressing modestly, therefore, is a trait of the believing men and women. The minimum requirements for a woman’s dress is to lengthen her garment (33:59) and to cover her chest. Tyrannical Arab traditions have given a false impression that a woman must be covered from head to toe; such is not a Quranic or Islamic dress.)

[24:31] And tell the believing women to subdue their eyes, and maintain their chastity. They shall not reveal any parts of their bodies, except that which is necessary. They shall cover their chests, and shall not relax this code in the presence of other than their husbands, their fathers, the fathers of their husbands, their sons, the sons of their husbands, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, other women, the male servants or employees whose sexual drive has been nullified, or the children who have not reached puberty. They shall not strike their feet when they walk in order to shake and reveal certain details of their bodies. All of you shall repent to God, O you believers, that you may succeed.

Encourage Marriage to Discourage Immorality

[24:32] You shall encourage those of you who are single to get married. They may marry the righteous among your male and female servants, if they are poor. God will enrich them from His grace. God is Bounteous, Knower.

[24:33] Those who cannot afford to get married shall maintain morality until God provides for them from His grace. Those among your servants who wish to be freed in order to marry, you shall grant them their wish, once you realize that they are honest. And give them from God’s money that He has bestowed upon you. You shall not force your girls to commit prostitution, seeking the materials of this world, if they wish to be chaste. If anyone forces them, then God, seeing that they are forced, is Forgiver, Merciful.

[24:34] We have revealed to you clarifying revelations, and examples from the past generations, and an enlightenment for the righteous.

God

[24:35] God is the light of the heavens and the earth. The allegory of His light is that of a concave mirror behind a lamp that is placed inside a glass container. The glass container is like a bright, pearl-like star. The fuel thereof is supplied from a blessed oil-producing tree, that is neither eastern, nor western. Its oil is almost self-radiating; needs no fire to ignite it. Light upon light. God guides to His light whoever wills (to be guided). God thus cites the parables for the people. God is fully aware of all things.

[24:36] (God’s guidance is found) in houses exalted by God, for His name is commemorated therein. Glorifying Him therein, day and night –

Those Who Frequent the Masjid

[24:37] People who are not distracted by business or trade from commemorating God; they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they are conscious of the day when the minds and the eyes will be horrified.

[24:38] God will certainly reward them for their good works, and will shower them with His grace. God provides for whomever He wills without limits.

Chasing A Mirage

[24:39] As for those who disbelieve, their works are like a mirage in the desert. A thirsty person thinks that it is water. But when he reaches it, he finds that it is nothing, and he finds God there instead, to requite him fully for his works. God is the most efficient reckoner.

Exile From God: Total Darkness

[24:40] Another allegory is that of being in total darkness in the midst of a violent ocean, with waves upon waves, in addition to thick fog. Darkness upon darkness – if he looked at his own hand, he could barely see it. Whomever God deprives of light, will have no light.

[24:41] Do you not realize that everyone in the heavens and the earth glorifies God, even the birds as they fly in a column? Each knows its prayer and its glorification. God is fully aware of everything they do.

[24:42] To God belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and to God is the final destiny.

[24:43] Do you not realize that God drives the clouds, then gathers them together, then piles them on each other, then you see the rain coming out of them? He sends down from the sky loads of snow to cover whomever He wills, while diverting it from whomever He wills. The brightness of the snow almost blinds the eyes.

[24:44] God controls the night and day. This should be a lesson for those who possess eyes.

[24:45] And God created every living creature from water. Some of them walk on their bellies, some walk on two legs, and some walk on four. God creates whatever He wills. God is Omnipotent.

[24:46] We have sent down to you clarifying revelations, then God guides whoever wills (to be guided) in a straight path.

God Sends Instructions Through His Messenger

[24:47] They say, “We believe in God and in the messenger, and we obey,” but then some of them slide back afterwards. These are not believers.

[24:48] When they are invited to God and His messenger to judge among them, some of them get upset.

[24:49] However, if the judgment is in their favor, they readily accept it!

[24:50] Is there a disease in their hearts? Are they doubtful? Are they afraid that God and His messenger may treat them unfairly? In fact, it is they who are unjust.

Believers Unhesitatingly Obey God and His Messenger

[24:51] The only utterance of the believers, whenever invited to God and His messenger to judge in their affairs, is to say, “We hear and we obey.” These are the winners.

[24:52] Those who obey God and His messenger, and reverence God and observe Him, these are the triumphant ones.

[24:53] They swear by God, solemnly, that if you commanded them to mobilize, they would mobilize. Say, “Do not swear. Obedience is an obligation. God is fully Cognizant of everything you do.”

[24:54] Say, “Obey God, and obey the messenger.” If they refuse, then he is responsible for his obligations, and you are responsible for your obligations. If you obey him, you will be guided. The sole duty of the messenger is to deliver (the message).

God’s Promise: Kings and Queens on Earth

[24:55] God promises those among you who believe and lead a righteous life, that He will make them sovereigns on earth, as He did for those before them, and will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will substitute peace and security for them in place of fear. All this because they worship Me alone; they never set up any idols beside Me. Those who disbelieve after this are the truly wicked.

Formula for Success

[24:56] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and obey the messenger, that you may attain mercy.

[24:57] Do not think that those who disbelieve will ever get away with it. Their final abode is Hell; what a miserable destiny.

Etiquette

[24:58] O you who believe, permission must be requested by your servants and the children who have not attained puberty (before entering your rooms). This is to be done in three instances – before the Dawn Prayer, at noon when you change your clothes to rest, and after the Night Prayer. These are three private times for you. At other times, it is not wrong for you or them to mingle with one another. God thus clarifies the revelations for you. God is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[24:59] Once the children reach puberty, they must ask permission (before entering) like those who became adults before them have asked permission (before entering). God thus clarifies His revelations for you. God is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[24:60] The elderly women who do not expect to get married commit nothing wrong by relaxing their dress code, provided they do not reveal too much of their bodies. To maintain modesty is better for them. God is Hearer, Knower.

[24:61] The blind is not to be blamed, the crippled is not to be blamed, nor is the handicapped to be blamed, just as you are not to be blamed for eating at your homes, or the homes of your fathers, or the homes of your mothers, or the homes of your brothers, or the homes of your sisters, or the homes of your fathers’ brothers, or the homes of your fathers’ sisters, or the homes of your mothers’ brothers, or the homes of your mothers’ sisters, or the homes that belong to you and you possess their keys, or the homes of your friends. You commit nothing wrong by eating together or as individuals. When you enter any home, you shall greet each other a greeting from God that is blessed and good. God thus explains the revelations for you, that you may understand.

[24:62] The true believers are those who believe in God and His messenger, and when they are with him in a community meeting, they do not leave him without permission. Those who ask permission are the ones who do believe in God and His messenger. If they ask your permission, in order to tend to some of their affairs, you may grant permission to whomever you wish, and ask God to forgive them. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[24:63] Do not treat the messenger’s requests as you treat each others’ requests. God is fully aware of those among you who sneak away using flimsy excuses. Let them beware – those who disobey his orders – for a disaster may strike them, or a severe retribution.

[24:64] Absolutely, to God belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. He fully knows every condition you may be in. The day you are returned to Him, He will inform them of everything they had done. God is fully aware of all things.

 

[23:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[23:1] Successful indeed are the believers;

[23:2] who are reverent during their Contact Prayers (Salat).

[23:3] And they avoid vain talk.

[23:4] And they give their obligatory charity (Zakat).

[23:5] And they maintain their chastity.

[23:6] Only with their spouses, or those who are rightfully theirs, do they have sexual relations; they are not to be blamed.

[23:7] Those who transgress these limits are the transgressors.

[23:8] When it comes to deposits entrusted to them, as well as any agreements they make, they are trustworthy.

[23:9] And they observe their Contact Prayers (Salat) regularly.

[23:10] Such are the inheritors.

[23:11] They will inherit Paradise, wherein they abide forever.

Accurate Embryology

[23:12] We created the human being from a certain kind of mud.

[23:13] Subsequently, we reproduced him from a tiny drop, that is placed into a well protected repository.

[23:14] Then we developed the drop into a hanging (embryo), then developed the hanging (embryo) into a bite-size (fetus), then created the bite-size (fetus) into bones, then covered the bones with flesh. We thus produce a new creature. Most blessed is God, the best Creator.

[23:15] Then, later on, you die.

[23:16] Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will be resurrected.

The Seven Universes

[23:17] We created above you seven universes in layers, and we are never unaware of a single creature in them.

Innumerable Blessings From God

[23:18] We send down from the sky water, in exact measure, then we store it in the ground. Certainly, we can let it escape.

[23:19] With it, we produce for you orchards of date palms, grapes, all kinds of fruits, and various foods.

[23:20] Also, a tree native to Sinai produces oil, as well as relish for the eaters.

[23:21] And the livestock should provide you with a lesson. We let you drink (milk) from their bellies, you derive other benefits from them, and some of them you use for food.

[23:22] On them, and on the ships, you ride.

Noah

[23:23] We sent Noah to his people, saying, “O my people, worship God. You have no other god beside Him. Would you not be righteous?”

[23:24] The leaders who disbelieved among his people said, “This is no more than a human like you, who wants to gain prominence among you. Had God willed, He could have sent down angels. We never heard of anything like this from our ancestors.

[23:25] “He is simply a man gone crazy. Just ignore him for awhile.”

[23:26] He said, “My Lord, grant me victory, for they have disbelieved me.”

[23:27] We then inspired him: “Make the watercraft under our watchful eyes, and in accordance with our inspiration. When our command comes, and the atmosphere boils up, put on it a pair of every kind (of your domesticated animals), and your family, except those condemned to be doomed. Do not speak to Me on behalf of those who transgressed; they will be drowned.

(The story tellers have created a mockery of Noah’s history. Noah’s ark was a flat watercraft made of logs, tied together with primitive ropes (54:13), the flood was local, around the Dead Sea area, and the animals were Noah’s domesticated animals.)

[23:28] “Once you are settled, together with those who are with you, on the watercraft, you shall say, `Praise God for saving us from the evil people.’

[23:29] “And say, `My Lord, let me disembark onto a blessed location; You are the best deliverer.’ “

[23:30] These should provide sufficient proofs for you. We will certainly put you to the test.

[23:31] Subsequently, we established another generation after them.

[23:32] We sent to them a messenger from among them, saying, “You shall worship God. You have no other god beside Him. Would you not be righteous?”

[23:33] The leaders among his people who disbelieved and rejected the idea of the Hereafter – although we provided for them generously in this life – said, “This is no more than a human being like you. He eats from what you eat, and drinks as you drink.

[23:34] “If you obey a human being like you, then you are really losers.

[23:35] “Does he promise you that, after you die and turn into dust and bones, you will come out again?

[23:36] “Impossible, impossible indeed is what is promised to you.

[23:37] “We only live this life – we live and die – and we will never be resurrected.

[23:38] “He is just a man who fabricated lies and attributed them to God. We will never believe him.”

[23:39] He said, “My Lord, grant me victory, for they have disbelieved me.”

[23:40] He said, “Soon they will be sorry.”

[23:41] The retribution struck them, equitably, and thus, we turned them into ruins. The wicked people perished.

[23:42] Subsequently, we established other generations after them.

[23:43] No community can advance its predetermined fate, nor delay it.

[23:44] Then we sent our messengers in succession. Every time a messenger went to his community, they disbelieved him. Consequently, we annihilated them, one after the other, and made them history. The people who disbelieved have perished.

Moses and Aaron

[23:45] Then we sent Moses and his brother Aaron with our revelations and a profound proof.

[23:46] To Pharaoh and his elders, but they turned arrogant. They were oppressive people.

[23:47] They said, “Shall we believe for two men whose people are our slaves?”

[23:48] They rejected the two, and consequently, they were annihilated.

[23:49] We gave Moses the scripture, that they may be guided.

[23:50] We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign, and we gave them refuge on a mesa with food and drink.

One God/One Religion

[23:51] O you messengers, eat from the good provisions, and work righteousness. I am fully aware of everything you do.

[23:52] Such is your congregation – one congregation – and I am your Lord; you shall reverence Me.

[23:53] But they tore themselves into disputing factions; each party happy with what they have.

[23:54] Therefore, just leave them in their confusion, for awhile.

[23:55] Do they think that, since we provided them with money and children,

[23:56] we must be showering them with blessings? Indeed, they have no idea.

[23:57] Surely, those who are reverently conscious of their Lord,

[23:58] And who believe in the revelations of their Lord,

[23:59] And who never set up any idols beside their Lord,

[23:60] As they give their charities, their hearts are fully reverent. For they recognize that they will be summoned before their Lord,

[23:61] They are eager to do righteous works; they compete in doing them.

The Disbelievers Unappreciative

[23:62] We never burden any soul beyond its means, and we keep a record that utters the truth. No one will suffer injustice.

[23:63] Because their minds are oblivious to this, they commit works that do not conform with this; their works are evil.

[23:64] Then, when we requite their leaders with retribution, they complain.

[23:65] Do not complain now; you have given up all help from us.

[23:66] My proofs have been presented to you, but you turned back on your heels.

[23:67] You were too arrogant to accept them, and you defiantly disregarded them.

[23:68] Why do they not reflect upon this scripture? Do they not realize that they have received something never attained by their ancestors?

[23:69] Have they failed to recognize their messenger? Is this why they are disregarding him?

[23:70] Have they decided that he is crazy? Indeed, he has brought the truth to them, but most of them hate the truth.

[23:71] Indeed, if the truth conformed to their wishes, there would be chaos in the heavens and the earth; everything in them would be corrupted. We have given them their proof, but they are disregarding their proof.

[23:72] Are you asking them for a wage? Your Lord’s wage is far better. He is the best Provider.

[23:73] Most assuredly, you are inviting them to a straight path.

[23:74] Those who disbelieve in the Hereafter will surely deviate from the right path.

[23:75] Even when we showered them with mercy, and relieved their problems, they plunged deeper into transgression, and continued to blunder.

[23:76] Even when we afflicted them with retribution, they never turned to their Lord imploring.

[23:77] Subsequently, when we requited them with the severe retribution they had incurred, they were shocked.

[23:78] He is the One who granted you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains. Rarely are you appreciative.

[23:79] He is the One who established you on earth, and before Him you will be summoned.

[23:80] He is the One who controls life and death, and He is the One who alternates the night and day. Do you not understand?

[23:81] They said what their ancestors said.

[23:82] They said, “After we die and become dust and bones, we get resurrected?

[23:83] “Such promises were given to us and to our parents in the past. These are no more than tales from the past.”

Most Believers are Destined for Hell

[23:84] Say, “To whom belongs the earth and everyone on it, if you know?”

[23:85] They will say, “To God.” Say, “Why then do you not take heed?”

[23:86] Say, “Who is the Lord of the seven universes; the Lord of the great dominion?”

[23:87] They will say, “God.” Say, “Why then do you not turn righteous?”

[23:88] Say, “In whose hand is all sovereignty over all things, and He is the only one who can provide help, but needs no help, if you know?”

[23:89] They will say, “God.” Say, “Where did you go wrong?”

(Belief in God is valid only if one recognizes God’s qualities, such as the fact that God controls everything (8:17). Believers who do not know God are not really believers. Most believers nullify their belief by idolizing such powerless idols as the prophets and saints (6:106).)

[23:90] We have given them the truth, while they are liars.

[23:91] God has never begotten a son. Nor was there ever any other god beside Him. Otherwise, each god would have declared independence with his creations, and they would have competed with each other for dominance. God be glorified; far above their claims.

[23:92] The Knower of all secrets and declarations; be He exalted, far above having a partner.

[23:93] Say, “My Lord, whether You show me (the retribution) they have incurred

[23:94] “My Lord, let me not be one of the transgressing people.”

[23:95] To show you (the retribution) we have reserved for them is something we can easily do.

[23:96] Therefore, counter their evil works with goodness; we are fully aware of their claims.

To Be Protected From Satan

[23:97] Say, “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the whispers of the devils.

[23:98] “And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they come near me.”

The Dead Never Come Back Until the Day of Resurrection

[23:99] When death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back.

[23:100] “I will then work righteousness in everything I left.” Not true. This is a false claim that he makes. A barrier will separate his soul from this world until resurrection.

[23:101] When the horn is blown, no relations among them will exist on that day, nor will they care about one another.

[23:102] As for those whose weights are heavy, they will be the winners.

[23:103] Those whose weights are light are the ones who lost their souls; they abide in Hell forever.

[23:104] Fire will overwhelm their faces, and they last miserably therein.

[23:105] Were not My revelations recited to you, and you kept on rejecting them?

[23:106] They will say, “Our Lord, our wickedness overwhelmed us, and we were people gone astray.

[23:107] “Our Lord, take us out of this; if we return (to our old behavior), then we are really wicked.”

[23:108] He will say, “Abide therein, humiliated, and do not speak to Me.

They Ridiculed the Believers

[23:109] “A group of My servants used to say, `Our Lord, we have believed, so forgive us and shower us with mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.’

[23:110] “But you mocked and ridiculed them, to the extent that you forgot Me. You used to laugh at them.

[23:111] “I have rewarded them today, in return for their steadfastness, by making them the winners.”

[23:112] He said, “How long have you lasted on earth? How many years?”

[23:113] They said, “We lasted a day or part of a day. Ask those who counted.”

[23:114] He said, “In fact, you stayed but a brief interim, if you only knew.

[23:115] “Did you think that we created you in vain; that you were not to be returned to us?”

[23:116] Most exalted is God, the true Sovereign. There is no other god beside Him; the Most Honorable Lord, possessor of all authority.

[23:117] Anyone who idolizes beside God any other god, and without any kind of proof, his reckoning rests with his Lord. The disbelievers never succeed.

[23:118] Say, “My Lord, shower us with forgiveness and mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.”

 

[22:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[22:1] O people, you shall reverence your Lord, for the quaking of the Hour is something horrendous.

[22:2] The day you witness it, even a nursing mother will discard her infant, and a pregnant woman will abort her fetus. You will see the people staggering, as if they are intoxicated, even though they are not intoxicated. This is because God’s retribution is so awesome.

[22:3] Among the people, there are those who argue about God without knowledge, and follow every rebellious devil.

[22:4] It is decreed that anyone who allies himself with him, he will mislead him and guide him to the agony of Hell.

Where Did We Come From?

[22:5] O people, if you have any doubt about resurrection, (remember that) we created you from dust, and subsequently from a tiny drop, which turns into a hanging (embryo), then it becomes a fetus that is given life or deemed lifeless. We thus clarify things for you. We settle in the wombs whatever we will for a predetermined period. We then bring you out as infants, then you reach maturity. While some of you die young, others live to the worst age, only to find out that no more knowledge can be attained beyond a certain limit. Also, you look at a land that is dead, then as soon as we shower it with water, it vibrates with life and grows all kinds of beautiful plants.

[22:6] This proves that God is the Truth, and that He revives the dead, and that He is Omnipotent.

A Common Occurrence

[22:7] And that the Hour is coming, no doubt about it, and that God resurrects those who are in the graves.

[22:8] Among the people there is the one who argues about God without knowledge, and without guidance, and without an enlightening scripture.

[22:9] Arrogantly he strives to divert the people from the path of God. He thus incurs humiliation in this life, and we commit him on the Day of Resurrection to the agony of burning.

[22:10] This is what your hands have sent ahead for you. God is never unjust towards the people.

Fair Weather Friends

[22:11] Among the people there is the one who worships God conditionally. If things go his way, he is content. But if some adversity befalls him, he makes an about-face. Thus, he loses both this life and the Hereafter. Such is the real loss.

[22:12] He idolizes beside God what possesses no power to harm him or benefit him; such is the real straying.

[22:13] He idolizes what is more apt to harm him than benefit him. What a miserable lord! What a miserable companion!

[22:14] God admits those who believe and lead a righteous life into gardens with flowing streams. Everything is in accordance with God’s will.

Happiness Now, and Forever

[22:15] If anyone thinks that God cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter, let him turn completely to (his creator in) heaven, and sever (his dependence on anyone else). He will then see that this plan eliminates anything that bothers him.

[22:16] We have thus revealed clear revelations herein, then God guides whoever wills (to be guided).

God: The Only Judge

[22:17] Those who believe, those who are Jewish, the converts, the Christians, the Zoroastrians, and the idol worshipers, God is the One who will judge among them on the Day of Resurrection. God witnesses all things.

[22:18] Do you not realize that to God prostrates everyone in the heavens and the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and the animals, and many people? Many others among the people are committed to doom. Whomever God shames, none will honor him. Everything is in accordance with God’s will.

How Terrible is Hell!

[22:19] Here are two parties feuding with regard to their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, they will have clothes of fire tailored for them. Hellish liquid will be poured on top of their heads.

[22:20] It will cause their insides to melt, as well as their skins.

[22:21] They will be confined in iron pots.

[22:22] Whenever they try to exit such misery, they will be forced back in: “Taste the agony of burning.”

The Bliss of Heaven

[22:23] God will admit those who believe and lead a righteous life into gardens with flowing streams. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and pearls, and their garments therein will be silk.

[22:24] They have been guided to the good words; they have been guided in the path of the Most Praised.

[22:25] Surely, those who disbelieve and repulse others from the path of God, and from the Sacred Masjid that we designated for all the people – be they natives or visitors – and seek to pollute it and corrupt it, we will afflict them with painful retribution.

Pilgrimage, Like All Duties in Islam, Decreed Through Abraham

[22:26] We appointed Abraham to establish the Shrine: “You shall not idolize any other god beside Me, and purify My shrine for those who visit it, those who live near it, and those who bow and prostrate.

[22:27] “And proclaim that the people shall observe Hajj pilgrimage. They will come to you walking or riding on various exhausted (means of transportation). They will come from the farthest locations.”

[22:28] They may seek commercial benefits, and they shall commemorate God’s name during the specified days for providing them with livestock. “Eat therefrom and feed the despondent and the poor.”

[22:29] They shall complete their obligations, fulfill their vows, and visit the ancient shrine.

[22:30] Those who reverence the rites decreed by God have deserved a good reward at their Lord. All livestock is made lawful for your food, except for those specifically prohibited for you. You shall avoid the abomination of idol worship, and avoid bearing false witness.

[22:31] You shall maintain your devotion absolutely to God alone. Anyone who sets up any idol beside God is like one who fell from the sky, then gets snatched up by vultures, or blown away by the wind into a deep ravine.

[22:32] Indeed, those who reverence the rites decreed by God demonstrate the righteousness of their hearts.

Livestock Offerings During Pilgrimage

[22:33] The (livestock) provide you with many benefits for a period, before being donated to the ancient shrine.

[22:34] For each congregation we have decreed rites whereby they commemorate the name of God for providing them with the livestock. Your god is one and the same god; you shall all submit to Him. Give good news to the obedient.

[22:35] They are the ones whose hearts tremble upon mentioning God, they steadfastly persevere during adversity, they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.

[22:36] The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by God for your own good. You shall mention God’s name on them while they are standing in line. Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation.

[22:37] Neither their meat, nor their blood reaches God. What reaches Him is your righteousness. He has subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation by glorifying God for guiding you. Give good news to the charitable.

God Defends the Believers

[22:38] God defends those who believe. God does not love any betrayer, unappreciative.

Synagogues, Churches, and Masjids

[22:39] Permission is granted to those who are being persecuted, since injustice has befallen them, and God is certainly able to support them.

[22:40] They were evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, “Our Lord is God.” If it were not for God’s supporting of some people against others, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and masjids – where the name of God is commemorated frequently – would have been destroyed. Absolutely, God supports those who support Him. God is Powerful, Almighty.

[22:41] They are those who, if we appointed them as rulers on earth, they would establish the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat), and would advocate righteousness and forbid evil. God is the ultimate ruler.

[22:42] If they reject you, the people of Noah, `Aad, and Thamoud have also disbelieved before them.

[22:43] Also the people of Abraham, and the people of Lot.

[22:44] And the dwellers of Midyan. Moses was also rejected. I led all those people on, then I called them to account; how (devastating) was My requital!

[22:45] Many a community we have annihilated because of their wickedness. They ended up in ruins, stilled wells, and great empty mansions.

[22:46] Did they not roam the earth, then use their minds to understand, and use their ears to hear? Indeed, the real blindness is not the blindness of the eyes, but the blindness of the hearts inside the chests.

[22:47] They challenge you to bring retribution, and God never fails to fulfill His prophecy. A day of your Lord is like a thousand of your years.

[22:48] Many a community in the past committed evil, and I led them on for awhile, then I punished them. To Me is the ultimate destiny.

The Clarifying Messenger

[22:49] Say, “O people, I have been sent to you as a clear warner.”

[22:50] Those who believe and lead a righteous life have deserved forgiveness and a generous recompense.

[22:51] As for those who strive to challenge our revelations, they incur Hell.

The System

[22:52] We did not send before you any messenger, nor a prophet, without having the devil interfere in his wishes. God then nullifies what the devil has done. God perfects His revelations. God is Omniscient, Most Wise.

(Throughout this worldly test, Satan is allowed to present his point of view (we are born with a representative of Satan in our bodies). This allows the people to make a choice between God’s evidence and Satan’s evidence. Satan’s evidence is invariably based on lies. This system explains the fact that the devil’s agents continuously come up with the most absurd lies, insults and accusations against every messenger (see 6:33-34, 8:30, 17:76-77, 27:70).)

The Hypocrites Drop Out

[22:53] He thus sets up the devil’s scheme as a test for those who harbor doubts in their hearts, and those whose hearts are hardened. The wicked must remain with the opposition.

[22:54] Those who are blessed with knowledge will recognize the truth from your Lord, then believe in it, and their hearts will readily accept it. Most assuredly, God guides the believers in the right path.

[22:55] As for those who disbelieve, they will continue to harbor doubts until the Hour comes to them suddenly, or until the retribution of a terrible day comes to them.

Satan’s Temporary Kingship

[22:56] All sovereignty on that day belongs to God, and He will judge among them. As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they have deserved the gardens of bliss.

[22:57] While those who disbelieved and rejected our revelations have incurred a shameful retribution.

Striving in the Cause of God

[22:58] Those who emigrate for the sake of God, then get killed, or die, God will surely shower them with good provisions. God is certainly the best Provider.

[22:59] Most assuredly, He will admit them an admittance that will please them. God is Omniscient, Clement.

Divine Help for the Oppressed

[22:60] It is decreed that if one avenges an injustice that was inflicted upon him, equitably, then he is persecuted because of this, God will surely support him. God is Pardoner, Forgiving.

God’s Omnipotence

[22:61] It is a fact that God merges the night into the day, and merges the day into the night, and that God is Hearer, Seer.

[22:62] It is a fact that God is the Truth, while the setting up of any idols beside Him constitutes a falsehood, and that God is the Most High, the Supreme.

[22:63] Do you not see that God sends down from the sky water that turns the land green? God is Sublime, Cognizant.

[22:64] To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. Absolutely, God is the Most Rich, Most Praiseworthy.

[22:65] Do you not see that God has committed in your service everything on earth? The ships run in the ocean by His command. He prevents the heavenly bodies from crashing onto the earth, except in accordance with His command. God is Most Kind towards the people, Most Merciful.

[22:66] He is the One who granted you life, then He puts you to death, then He brings you back to life. Surely, the human being is unappreciative.

[22:67] For each congregation, we have decreed a set of rites that they must uphold. Therefore, they should not dispute with you. You shall continue to invite everyone to your Lord. Most assuredly, you are on the right path.

[22:68] If they argue with you, then say, “God is fully aware of everything you do.”

[22:69] God will judge among you on the Day of Resurrection regarding all your disputes.

[22:70] Do you not realize that God knows everything in the heavens and everything on earth? All this is recorded in a record. This is easy for God to do.

[22:71] Yet, they idolize beside God idols wherein He placed no power, and they know nothing about them. The transgressors have no helper.

Violence & Belligerence: Signs of Disbelief

[22:72] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, you recognize wickedness on the faces of those who disbelieve. They almost attack those who recite our revelations to them. Say, “Shall I inform you of something much worse? Hell is promised by God for those who disbelieve; what a miserable destiny.”

Can They Create A Fly?

[22:73] O people, here is a parable that you must ponder carefully: the idols you set up beside God can never create a fly, even if they banded together to do so. Furthermore, if the fly steals anything from them, they cannot recover it; weak is the pursuer and the pursued.

[22:74] They do not value God as He should be valued. God is the Most Powerful, the Almighty.

[22:75] God chooses from among the angels messengers, as well as from among the people. God is Hearer, Seer.

[22:76] He knows their past and their future. To God belongs the ultimate control of all matters.

[22:77] O you who believe, you shall bow, prostrate, worship your Lord, and work righteousness, that you may succeed.

Abraham: Original Messenger of Islam

[22:78] You shall strive for the cause of God as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion – the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you “Submitters” originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to God; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.

(Although all messengers preached one and the same message, “Worship God alone,” Abraham was the first messenger to coin the terms “Submission” (Islam) and “Submitter” (Muslim) (2:128). What did Abraham contribute to Submission? We learn from 16:123 that all religious duties in Submission were revealed through Abraham.

 

[21:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[21:1] Fast approaching is the reckoning for the people, but they are oblivious, averse.

Opposition to the New Evidence

[21:2] When a proof comes to them from their Lord, that is new, they listen to it heedlessly.

[21:3] Their minds are heedless. And the transgressors confer secretly: “Is he not just a human being like you? Would you accept the magic that is presented to you?”

[21:4] He said, “My Lord knows every thought in the heaven and the earth. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.”

[21:5] They even said, “Hallucinations,” “He made it up,” and, “He is a poet. Let him show us a miracle like those of the previous messengers.”

[21:6] We never annihilated a believing community in the past. Are these people believers?

[21:7] We did not send before you except men whom we inspired. Ask those who know the scripture, if you do not know.

[21:8] We did not give them bodies that did not eat, nor were they immortal.

[21:9] We fulfilled our promise to them; we saved them together with whomever we willed, and annihilated the transgressors.

[21:10] We have sent down to you a scripture containing your message. Do you not understand?

[21:11] Many a community we terminated because of their transgression, and we substituted other people in their place.

[21:12] When our requital came to pass, they started to run.

[21:13] Do not run, and come back to your luxuries and your mansions, for you must be held accountable.

[21:14] They said, “Woe to us. We were really wicked.”

[21:15] This continued to be their proclamation, until we completely wiped them out.

[21:16] We did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them just for amusement.

[21:17] If we needed amusement, we could have initiated it without any of this, if that is what we wanted to do.

[21:18] Instead, it is our plan to support the truth against falsehood, in order to defeat it. Woe to you for the utterances you utter.

[21:19] To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth, and those at Him are never too arrogant to worship Him, nor do they ever waver.

[21:20] They glorify night and day, without ever tiring.

One God

[21:21] Have they found gods on earth who can create?

[21:22] If there were in them (the heavens and the earth) other gods beside God, there would have been chaos. Glory be to God; the Lord with absolute authority. He is high above their claims.

[21:23] He is never to be asked about anything He does, while all others are questioned.

[21:24] Have they found other gods beside Him? Say, “Show me your proof. This is the message to my generation, consummating all previous messages.” Indeed, most of them do not recognize the truth; this is why they are so hostile.

One God / One Message / One Religion

[21:25] We did not send any messenger before you except with the inspiration: “There is no god except Me; you shall worship Me alone.”

[21:26] Yet, they said, “The Most Gracious has begotten a son!” Glory be to Him. All (messengers) are (His) honored servants.

[21:27] They never speak on their own, and they strictly follow His commands.

The Myth of Intercession

[21:28] He knows their future and their past. They do not intercede, except for those already accepted by Him, and they are worried about their own necks.

(The myth of intercession is Satan’s most effective bait.)

[21:29] If any of them claims to be a god beside Him, we requite him with Hell; we thus requite the wicked.

The Big Bang Theory Confirmed

[21:30] Do the unbelievers not realize that the heaven and the earth used to be one solid mass that we exploded into existence? And from water we made all living things. Would they believe?

(The Big Bang Theory is now supported by the Creator’s infallible mathematical code. Thus, it is no longer a theory; it is a law, a proven fact.)

[21:31] And we placed on earth stabilizers, lest it tumbles with them, and we placed straight roads therein, that they may be guided.

[21:32] And we rendered the sky a guarded ceiling. Yet, they are totally oblivious to all the portents therein.

[21:33] And He is the One who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; each floating in its own orbit.

[21:34] We never decreed immortality for anyone before you; should you die, are they immortal?

[21:35] Every person will taste death, after we put you to the test through adversity and prosperity, then to us you ultimately return.

All Messengers Ridiculed

[21:36] When those who disbelieve see you, they ridicule you: “Is this the one who challenges your gods?” Meanwhile, they remain totally heedless of the message from the Most Gracious.

[21:37] The human being is impatient by nature. I will inevitably show you My signs; do not be in such a hurry.

[21:38] They challenge: “Where is that (retribution), if you are truthful?”

[21:39] If only those who disbelieve could envision themselves when they try to ward off the fire – off their faces and their backs! No one will help them then.

[21:40] Indeed, it will come to them suddenly, and they will be utterly stunned. They can neither avoid it, nor can they receive any respite.

[21:41] Messengers before you have been ridiculed, and, consequently, those who ridiculed them incurred the retribution for their ridiculing.

Priorities Confused

[21:42] Say, “Who can protect you from the Most Gracious during the night or during the day?” Indeed, they are totally oblivious to the message of their Lord.

[21:43] Do they have gods who can protect them from us? They cannot even help themselves. Nor can they accompany one another when they are summoned to face us.

[21:44] We have provided for these people and their ancestors, up until an old age. Do they not see that every day on earth brings them closer to the end? Can they reverse this process?

[21:45] Say, “I am warning you in accordance with divine inspiration.” However, the deaf cannot hear the call, when they are warned.

[21:46] When a sample of your Lord’s retribution afflicts them, they readily say, “We were indeed wicked.”

[21:47] We will establish the scales of justice on the Day of Resurrection. No soul will suffer the least injustice. Even the equivalent of a mustard seed will be accounted for. We are the most efficient reckoners.

Prophets Moses and Aaron

[21:48] We gave Moses and Aaron the Statute Book, a beacon, and a reminder for the righteous.

[21:49] The ones who reverence their Lord, even when alone in their privacy, and they worry about the Hour.

[21:50] This too is a blessed reminder that we sent down. Are you denying it?

Abraham

[21:51] Before that, we granted Abraham his guidance and understanding, for we were fully aware of him.

(Was Abraham so smart as to discover God, or, did God grant him the intelligence because He knew that he deserved to be saved? As it turns out, this whole world was created to redeem those among us who deserve redemption.)

[21:52] He said to his father and his people, “What are these statues to which you are devoting yourselves?”

[21:53] They said, “We found our parents worshiping them.”

[21:54] He said, “Indeed, you and your parents have gone totally astray.”

[21:55] They said, “Are you telling us the truth, or are you playing?”

[21:56] He said, “Your only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, who created them. This is the testimony to which I bear witness.

[21:57] “I swear by God, I have a plan to deal with your statues, as soon as you leave.”

[21:58] He broke them into pieces, except for a big one, that they may refer to it.

[21:59] They said, “Whoever did this to our gods is really a transgressor.”

[21:60] They said, “We heard a youth threaten them; he is called Abraham.”

[21:61] They said, “Bring him before the eyes of all the people, that they may bear witness.”

[21:62] They said, “Did you do this to our gods, O Abraham?”

Abraham Proves His Point

[21:63] He said, “It is that big one who did it. Go ask them, if they can speak.”

[21:64] They were taken aback, and said to themselves, “Indeed, you are the ones who have been transgressing.”

[21:65] Yet, they reverted to their old ideas: “You know full well that these cannot speak.”

[21:66] He said, “Do you then worship beside God what possesses no power to benefit you or harm you?

[21:67] “You have incurred shame by worshiping idols beside God. Do you not understand?”

Profound Miracle

[21:68] They said, “Burn him and support your gods, if this is what you decide to do.”

[21:69] We said, “O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.”

(“Cool,” without “and safe” would have caused Abraham to freeze.)

[21:70] Thus, they schemed against him, but we made them the losers.

[21:71] We saved him, and we saved Lot, to the land that we blessed for all the people.

[21:72] And we granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift, and we made them both righteous.

Abraham: Delivered All Religious Duties of Islam

[21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers.

(When the Quran was revealed, all religious duties were already established through Abraham (2:128, 16:123, 22:78).)

Lot

[21:74] As for Lot, we granted him wisdom and knowledge, and we saved him from the community that practiced abominations; they were wicked and evil people.

[21:75] We admitted him into our mercy, for he was righteous.

Noah

[21:76] And, before that, Noah called and we responded to him. We saved him and his family from the great disaster.

[21:77] We supported him against the people who rejected our revelations. They were evil people, so we drowned them all.

David and Solomon

[21:78] And David and Solomon, when they once ruled with regard to someone’s crop that was destroyed by another’s sheep, we witnessed their judgment.

[21:79] We granted Solomon the correct understanding, though we endowed both of them with wisdom and knowledge. We committed the mountains to serve David in glorifying (God), as well as the birds. This is what we did.

[21:80] And we taught him the skill of making shields to protect you in war. Are you then thankful?

[21:81] For Solomon, we committed the wind gusting and blowing at his disposal. He could direct it as he wished, to whatever land he chose, and we blessed such land for him. We are fully aware of all things.

[21:82] And of the devils there were those who would dive for him (to harvest the sea), or do whatever else he commanded them to do. We committed them in his service.

Job

[21:83] And Job implored his Lord: “Adversity has befallen me, and, of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.”

[21:84] We responded to him, relieved his adversity, and restored his family for him, even twice as much. That was a mercy from us, and a reminder for the worshipers.

[21:85] Also, Ismail, Idris, Zal-Kifl; all were steadfast, patient.

[21:86] We admitted them into our mercy, for they were righteous.

Jonah

[21:87] And Zan-Noon (Jonah, “the one with an `N’ in his name”), abandoned his mission in protest, thinking that we could not control him. He ended up imploring from the darkness (of the big fish’s belly): “There is no god other than You. Be You glorified. I have committed a gross sin.”

[21:88] We responded to him, and saved him from the crisis; we thus save the believers.

Zachariah and John

[21:89] And Zachariah implored his Lord: “My Lord, do not keep me without an heir, though You are the best inheritor.”

[21:90] We responded to him and granted him John; we fixed his wife for him. That is because they used to hasten to work righteousness, and implored us in situations of joy, as well as fear. To us, they were reverent.

(The use of the plural tense throughout the Quran indicates participation of the angels. It is clear from 3:39 and from the Bible that the angels dealt with Zachariah extensively, as they gave him the good news about John.)

Mary and Jesus

[21:91] As for the one who maintained her virginity, we blew into her from our spirit, and thus, we made her and her son a portent for the whole world.

One God / One Religion

[21:92] Your congregation is but one congregation, and I alone am your Lord; you shall worship Me alone.

[21:93] However, they divided themselves into disputing religions. All of them will come back to us (for judgment).

[21:94] As for those who work righteousness, while believing, their work will not go to waste; we are recording it.

[21:95] It is forbidden for any community we had annihilated to return.

The End of the World

[21:96] Not until Gog and Magog reappear, will they then return – they will come from every direction.

[21:97] That is when the inevitable prophecy will come to pass, and the disbelievers will stare in horror: “Woe to us; we have been oblivious. Indeed, we have been wicked.”

The Hereafter

[21:98] You and the idols you worship besides God will be fuel for Hell; this is your inevitable destiny.

[21:99] If those were gods, they would not have ended up in Hell. All its inhabitants abide in it forever.

[21:100] They will sigh and groan therein, and they will have no access to any news.

[21:101] As for those who deserved our magnificent rewards, they will be protected from it.

The Righteous

[21:102] They will not hear its hissing. They will enjoy an abode where they can get everything they desire, forever.

[21:103] The great horror will not worry them, and the angels will receive them joyfully: “This is your day, that has been promised to you.”

The Day of Resurrection

[21:104] On that day, we will fold the heaven, like the folding of a book. Just as we initiated the first creation, we will repeat it. This is our promise; we will certainly carry it out.

[21:105] We have decreed in the Psalms, as well as in other scriptures, that the earth shall be inherited by My righteous worshipers.

[21:106] This is a proclamation for people who are worshipers.

[21:107] We have sent you out of mercy from us towards the whole world.

[21:108] Proclaim, “I have been given divine inspiration that your god is one god. Will you then submit?”

[21:109] If they turn away, then say, “I have warned you sufficiently, and I have no idea how soon or late (the retribution) will come to you.

[21:110] “He is fully aware of your public utterances, and He is fully aware of everything you conceal.

[21:111] “For all that I know, this world is a test for you, and a temporary enjoyment.”

[21:112] Say, “My Lord, Your judgment is the absolute justice. Our Lord is the Most Gracious; only His help is sought in the face of your claims.”

 

[20:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[20:1] T. H.

(See the role of these Quranic Initials as components of Quran’s awesome future predictions and the mathematical miracle of the Quran.)

[20:2] We did not reveal the Quran to you, to cause you any hardship.

[20:3] Only to remind the reverent.

[20:4] A revelation from the Creator of the earth and the high heavens.

[20:5] The Most Gracious; He has assumed all authority.

[20:6] To Him belongs everything in the heavens, and the earth, and everything between them, and everything beneath the ground.

[20:7] Whether you declare your convictions (or not) He knows the secret, and what is even more hidden.

[20:8] God: there is no other god besides Him. To Him belong the most beautiful names.

[20:9] Have you noted the history of Moses?

[20:10] When he saw a fire, he said to his family, “Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring you some of it, or find some guidance at the fire.”

[20:11] When he came to it, he was called, “O, Moses.

[20:12] “I am your Lord; remove your sandals. You are in the sacred valley, Tuwaa.

[20:13] “I have chosen you, so listen to what is being revealed.

[20:14] “I am God; there is no other god beside Me. You shall worship Me alone, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) to remember Me.

End of the World is Not Hidden

[20:15] “The Hour (end of the world) is surely coming; I will keep it almost hidden, for each soul must be paid for its works.

(The end of the world is given in the Quran, God’s final message (15:87).)

[20:16] “Do not be diverted therefrom by those who do not believe in it – those who pursue their own opinions – lest you fall.

[20:17] “What is this in your right hand, Moses?”

[20:18] He said, “This is my staff. I lean on it, herd my sheep with it, and I use it for other purposes.”

[20:19] He said, “Throw it down, Moses.”

[20:20] He threw it down, whereupon it turned into a moving serpent.

[20:21] He said, “Pick it up; do not be afraid. We will return it to its original state.

[20:22] “And hold your hand under your wing; it will come out white without a blemish; another proof.

[20:23] “We thus show you some of our great portents.

[20:24] “Go to Pharaoh, for he has transgressed.”

[20:25] He said, “My Lord, cool my temper.

[20:26] “And make this matter easy for me.

[20:27] “And untie a knot from my tongue.

[20:28] “So they can understand my speech.

[20:29] “And appoint an assistant for me from my family.

[20:30] “My brother Aaron.

[20:31] “Strengthen me with him.

[20:32] “Let him be my partner in this matter.

[20:33] “That we may glorify You frequently.

[20:34] “And commemorate You frequently.

[20:35] “You are Seer of us.”

[20:36] He said, “Your request is granted, O Moses.

[20:37] “We have blessed you another time.

[20:38] “When we revealed to your mother what we revealed.

[20:39] “Saying: `Throw him into the box, then throw him into the river. The river will throw him onto the shore, to be picked up by an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his.’ I showered you with love from Me, and I had you made before My watchful eye.

[20:40] “Your sister walked to them and said, `I can tell you about a nursing mother who can take good care of him.’ We thus returned you to your mother, that she may be happy and stop worrying. And when you killed a person, we saved you from the grievous consequences; indeed we tested you thoroughly. You stayed years with the people of Midyan, and now you have come back in accordance with a precise plan.

[20:41] “I have made you just for Me.

[20:42] “Go with your brother, supported by My signs, and do not waver in remembering Me.

[20:43] “Go to Pharaoh, for he transgressed.

[20:44] “Speak to him nicely; he may take heed, or become reverent.”

[20:45] They said, “Our Lord, we fear lest he may attack us, or transgress.”

[20:46] He said, “Do not be afraid, for I will be with you, listening and watching.

[20:47] “Go to him and say, `We are two messengers from your Lord. Let the Children of Israel go. You must refrain from persecuting them. We bring a sign from your Lord, and peace is the lot of those who heed the guidance.

[20:48] “`We have been inspired that the retribution will inevitably afflict those who disbelieve and turn away.’ “

[20:49] He said, “Who is your Lord, O Moses.”

[20:50] He said, “Our Lord is the One who granted everything its existence, and its guidance.”

[20:51] He said, “What about the past generations?”

[20:52] He said, “The knowledge thereof is with my Lord in a record. My Lord never errs, nor does He forget.”

[20:53] He is the One who made the earth habitable for you, and paved in it roads for you. And He sends down from the sky water with which we produce many different kinds of plants.

[20:54] Eat and raise your livestock. These are sufficient proofs for those who possess intelligence.

( Those who possess intelligence appreciate the fact that we are astronauts who were launched into space on this ‘Spaceship Earth.’ God provided us with renewable food, water, pets, wildlife, and livestock, as we embark on this temporary space odyssey. Compare God’s provisions to ‘Spaceship Earth’ with the provisions we give to our astronauts.)

[20:55] From it we created you, into it we return you, and from it we bring you out once more.

[20:56] We showed him all our proofs, but he disbelieved and refused.

[20:57] He said, “Did you come here to take us out of our land with your magic, O Moses?

[20:58] “We will surely show you similar magic. Therefore, set an appointment that neither we, nor you will violate; in a neutral place.”

[20:59] He said, “Your appointed time shall be the day of festivities. Let us all meet in the forenoon.”

[20:60] Pharaoh summoned his forces, then came.

[20:61] Moses said to them, “Woe to you. Do you fabricate lies to fight God and thus incur His retribution? Such fabricators will surely fail.”

[20:62] They disputed among themselves, as they conferred privately.

[20:63] They said, “These two are no more than magicians who wish to take you out of your land with their magic, and to destroy your ideal way of life.

[20:64] “Let us agree upon one scheme and face them as a united front. The winner today will have the upper hand.”

[20:65] They said, “O Moses, either you throw, or we will be the first to throw.”

[20:66] He said, “You throw.” Whereupon, their ropes and sticks appeared to him, because of their magic, as if they were moving.

[20:67] Moses harbored some fear.

[20:68] We said, “Have no fear. You will prevail.

[20:69] “Throw what you hold in your right hand, and it will swallow what they fabricated. What they fabricated is no more than the scheming of a magician. The magician’s work will not succeed.”

The Experts Recognize The Truth

[20:70] The magicians fell prostrate, saying, “We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses.”

[20:71] He said, “Did you believe in him without my permission? He must be your chief; the one who taught you magic. I will surely sever your hands and feet on alternate sides. I will crucify you on the palm trunks. You will find out which of us can inflict the worst retribution, and who outlasts whom.”

[20:72] They said, “We will not prefer you over the clear proofs that came to us, and over the One who created us. Therefore, issue whatever judgment you wish to issue. You can only rule in this lowly life.

[20:73] “We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our sins, and the magic that you forced us to perform. God is far better and Everlasting.”

[20:74] Anyone who comes to his Lord guilty will incur Hell, wherein he never dies, nor stays alive.

[20:75] As for those who come to Him as believers who had led a righteous life, they attain the high ranks.

[20:76] The gardens of Eden, beneath which rivers flow, will be their abode forever. Such is the reward for those who purify themselves.

[20:77] We inspired Moses: “Lead My servants out, and strike for them a dry road across the sea. You shall not fear that you may get caught, nor shall you worry.”

[20:78] Pharaoh pursued them with his troops, but the sea overwhelmed them, as it was destined to overwhelm them.

[20:79] Thus, Pharaoh misled his people; he did not guide them.

[20:80] O Children of Israel, we delivered you from your enemy, summoned you to the right side of Mount Sinai, and we sent down to you manna and quails.

[20:81] Eat from the good things we provided for you, and do not transgress, lest you incur My wrath. Whoever incurs My wrath has fallen.

[20:82] I am surely Forgiving for those who repent, believe, lead a righteous life, and steadfastly remain guided.

The Children of Israel Rebel

[20:83] “Why did you rush away from your people, O Moses?”

[20:84] He said, “They are close behind me. I have rushed to You my Lord, that You may be pleased.”

[20:85] He said, “We have put your people to the test after you left, but the Samarian misled them.”

[20:86] Moses returned to his people, angry and disappointed, saying, “O my people, did your Lord not promise you a good promise? Could you not wait? Did you want to incur wrath from your Lord? Is this why you broke your agreement with me?”

[20:87] They said, “We did not break our agreement with you on purpose. But we were loaded down with jewelry, and decided to throw our loads in. This is what the Samarian suggested.”

[20:88] He produced for them a sculpted calf, complete with a calf’s sound. They said, “This is your god, and the god of Moses.” Thus, he forgot.

[20:89] Could they not see that it neither responded to them, nor possessed any power to harm them, or benefit them?

[20:90] And Aaron had told them, “O my people, this is a test for you. Your only Lord is the Most Gracious, so follow me, and obey my commands.”

[20:91] They said, “We will continue to worship it, until Moses comes back.”

[20:92] (Moses) said, “O Aaron, what is it that prevented you, when you saw them go astray,

[20:93] “from following my orders? Have you rebelled against me?”

[20:94] He said, “O son of my mother; do not pull me by my beard and my head. I was afraid that you might say, `You have divided the Children of Israel, and disobeyed my orders.’ “

[20:95] He said, “What is the matter with you, O Samarian?”

[20:96] He said, “I saw what they could not see. I grabbed a fistful (of dust) from the place where the messenger stood, and used it (to mix into the golden calf). This is what my mind inspired me to do.”

(The Samarian went to the spot where God spoke to Moses, and grabbed a fistful of dust upon which God’s voice had echoed. This dust, when mixed with the molten gold caused the golden statue to acquire the sound of a calf.)

[20:97] He said, “Then go, and, throughout your life, do not even come close. You have an appointed time (for your final judgment) that you can never evade. Look at your god that you used to worship; we will burn it and throw it into the sea, to stay down there forever.”

You Have But One God

[20:98] Your only god is God; the One beside whom there is no other god. His knowledge encompasses all things.

[20:99] We thus narrate to you some news from the past generations. We have revealed to you a message from us.

[20:100] Those who disregard it will bear a load (of sins) on the Day of Resurrection.

[20:101] Eternally they abide therein; what a miserable load on the Day of Resurrection!

[20:102] That is the day when the horn is blown, and we summon the guilty on that day blue.

[20:103] Whispering among themselves, they will say, “You have stayed (in the first life) no more than ten days!”

[20:104] We are fully aware of their utterances. The most accurate among them will say, “You stayed no more than a day.”

On the Day of Resurrection

[20:105] They ask you about the mountains. Say, “My Lord will wipe them out.

[20:106] “He will leave them like a barren, flat land.

[20:107] “Not even the slightest hill will you see therein, nor a dip.”

[20:108] On that day, everyone will follow the caller, without the slightest deviation. All sounds will be hushed before the Most Gracious; you will hear nothing but whispers.

[20:109] On that day, intercession will be useless, except for those permitted by the Most Gracious, and whose utterances conform to His will.

[20:110] He knows their past and their future, while none encompasses His knowledge.

[20:111] All faces will submit to the Living, the Eternal, and those who are burdened by their transgressions will fail.

[20:112] As for those who worked righteousness, while believing, they will have no fear of injustice or adversity.

[20:113] We thus revealed it, an Arabic Quran, and we cited in it all kinds of prophecies, that they may be saved, or it may cause them to take heed.

[20:114] Most Exalted is God, the only true King. Do not rush into uttering the Quran before it is revealed to you, and say, “My Lord, increase my knowledge.”

Humans Fail to Make a Firm Stand

[20:115] We tested Adam in the past, but he forgot, and we found him indecisive.

(When Satan challenged God’s absolute authority (38:69), you and I did not make a firm stand against Satan. God is giving us a chance, on this earth, to redeem ourselves by denouncing Satan and upholding God’s absolute authority.)

[20:116] Recall that we said to the angels, “Fall prostrate before Adam.” They fell prostrate, except Satan; he refused.

[20:117] We then said, “O Adam, this is an enemy of you and your wife. Do not let him evict you from Paradise, lest you become miserable.

[20:118] “You are guaranteed never to hunger therein, nor go unsheltered.

[20:119] “Nor will you thirst therein, nor suffer from any heat.”

[20:120] But the devil whispered to him, saying, “O Adam, let me show you the tree of eternity and unending kingship.”

[20:121] They ate from it, whereupon their bodies became visible to them, and they tried to cover themselves with the leaves of Paradise. Adam thus disobeyed his Lord, and fell.

[20:122] Subsequently, his Lord chose him, redeemed him, and guided him.

[20:123] He said, “Go down therefrom, all of you. You are enemies of one another. When guidance comes to you from Me, anyone who follows My guidance will not go astray, nor suffer any misery.

For the Disbelievers: Miserable Life Unavoidable

[20:124] “As for the one who disregards My message, he will have a miserable life, and we resurrect him, on the Day of Resurrection, blind.”

[20:125] He will say, “My Lord, why did you summon me blind, when I used to be a seer?”

[20:126] He will say, “Because you forgot our revelations when they came to you, you are now forgotten.”

[20:127] We thus requite those who transgress and refuse to believe in the revelations of their Lord. The retribution in the Hereafter is far worse and everlasting.

[20:128] Does it ever occur to them how many previous generations we have annihilated? They are now walking in the homes of those before them. These are signs for those who possess intelligence.

[20:129] If it were not for your Lord’s predetermined plan, they would have been judged immediately.

[20:130] Therefore, be patient in the face of their utterances, and praise and glorify your Lord before sunrise and before sunset. And during the night glorify Him, as well as at both ends of the day, that you may be happy.

[20:131] And do not covet what we bestowed upon any other people. Such are temporary ornaments of this life, whereby we put them to the test. What your Lord provides for you is far better, and everlasting.

The Parents’ Responsibility

[20:132] You shall enjoin your family to observe the contact prayers (Salat), and steadfastly persevere in doing so. We do not ask you for any provisions; we are the ones who provide for you. The ultimate triumph belongs to the righteous.

Why Messengers?

[20:133] They said, “If he could only show us a miracle from his Lord!” Did they not receive sufficient miracles with the previous messages?

[20:134] Had we annihilated them before this, they would have said, “Our Lord, had You sent a messenger to us, we would have followed Your revelations, and would have avoided this shame and humiliation.”

[20:135] Say, “All of us are waiting, so wait; you will surely find out who are on the correct path, and who are truly guided.”

 

[19:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[19:1] K. H. Y. `A. S. (Kaaf Haa Yaa `Ayn Saad)

Zachariah

[19:2] A narration about your Lord’s mercy towards His servant Zachariah.

[19:3] He called his Lord, a secret call.

[19:4] He said, “My Lord, the bones have turned brittle in my body, and my hair is aflame with gray. As I implore You, my Lord, I never despair.

[19:5] “I worry about my dependants after me, and my wife has been sterile. Grant me, from You, an heir.

[19:6] “Let him be my heir and the heir of Jacob’s clan, and make him, my Lord, acceptable.”

John

[19:7] “O Zachariah, we give you good news; a boy whose name shall be John (Yahya). We never created anyone like him before.”

[19:8] He said, “My Lord, will I have a son despite my wife’s sterility, and despite my old age?”

[19:9] He said, “Thus said your Lord: `It is easy for Me to do. I created you before that, and you were nothing.’ “

[19:10] He said, “My Lord, give me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three consecutive nights.”

[19:11] He came out to his family, from the sanctuary, and signaled to them: “Meditate (on God) day and night.”

[19:12] “O John, you shall uphold the scripture, strongly.” We endowed him with wisdom, even in his youth.

[19:13] And (we endowed him with) kindness from us and purity, for he was righteous.

[19:14] He honored his parents, and was never a disobedient tyrant.

[19:15] Peace be upon him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he is resurrected back to life.

Mary

[19:16] Mention in the scripture Mary. She isolated herself from her family, into an eastern location.

[19:17] While a barrier separated her from them, we sent to her our Spirit. He went to her in the form of a human being.

[19:18] She said, “I seek refuge in the Most Gracious, that you may be righteous.”

[19:19] He said, “I am the messenger of your Lord, to grant you a pure son.”

[19:20] She said, “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me; I have never been unchaste.”

[19:21] He said, “Thus said your Lord, `It is easy for Me. We will render him a sign for the people, and mercy from us. This is a predestined matter.’ “

The Birth of Jesus

[19:22] When she bore him, she isolated herself to a faraway place.

[19:23] The birth process came to her by the trunk of a palm tree. She said, “(I am so ashamed;) I wish I were dead before this happened, and completely forgotten.”

[19:24] (The infant) called her from beneath her, saying, “Do not grieve. Your Lord has provided you with a stream.

[19:25] “If you shake the trunk of this palm tree, it will drop ripe dates for you.

(Thus, Jesus was born in late September or early October. This is when dates ripen in the Middle East to the point of falling off the tree.)

[19:26] “Eat and drink, and be happy. When you see anyone, say, `I have made a vow of silence; I am not talking today to anyone.’ “

[19:27] She came to her family, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have committed something that is totally unexpected.

[19:28] “O descendant of Aaron, your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother unchaste.”

The Infant Makes a Statement

[19:29] She pointed to him. They said, “How can we talk with an infant in the crib?”

[19:30] (The infant spoke and) said, “I am a servant of God. He has given me the scripture, and has appointed me a prophet.

[19:31] “He made me blessed wherever I go, and enjoined me to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat) for as long as I live.

[19:32] “I am to honor my mother; He did not make me a disobedient rebel.

[19:33] And peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I get resurrected.”

The Proven Truth

[19:34] That was Jesus, the son of Mary, and this is the truth of this matter, about which they continue to doubt.

[19:35] It does not befit God that He begets a son, be He glorified. To have anything done, He simply says to it, “Be,” and it is.

[19:36] He also proclaimed, “God is my Lord and your Lord; you shall worship Him alone. This is the right path.”

(This is similar to the statement attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John 20:17.)

[19:37] The various parties disputed among themselves (regarding the identity of Jesus). Therefore, woe to those who disbelieve from the sight of a terrible day.

[19:38] Wait till you hear them and see them when they come to face us. The transgressors on that day will be totally lost.

[19:39] Warn them about the day of remorse, when judgment will be issued. They are totally oblivious; they do not believe.

[19:40] We are the ones who inherit the earth and everyone on it; to us everyone will be returned.

Abraham

[19:41] Mention in the scripture Abraham; he was a saint, a prophet.

[19:42] He said to his father, “O my father, why do you worship what can neither hear, nor see, nor help you in any way?

[19:43] “O my father, I have received certain knowledge that you did not receive. Follow me, and I will guide you in a straight path.

[19:44] “O my father, do not worship the devil. The devil has rebelled against the Most Gracious.

[19:45] “O my father, I fear lest you incur retribution from the Most Gracious, then become an ally of the devil.”

[19:46] He said, “Have you forsaken my gods, O Abraham? Unless you stop, I will stone you. Leave me alone.”

[19:47] He said, “Peace be upon you. I will implore my Lord to forgive you; He has been Most Kind to me.

[19:48] “I will abandon you and the gods you worship beside God. I will worship only my Lord. By imploring my Lord alone, I cannot go wrong.”

[19:49] Because he abandoned them and the gods they worshiped beside God, we granted him Isaac and Jacob, and we made each of them a prophet.

[19:50] We showered them with our mercy, and we granted them an honorable position in history.

Moses

[19:51] Mention in the scripture Moses. He was devoted, and he was a messenger prophet.

[19:52] We called him from the right side of Mount Sinai. We brought him close, to confer with him.

[19:53] And we granted him, out of our mercy, his brother Aaron as a prophet.

[19:54] And mention in the scripture Ismail. He was truthful when he made a promise, and he was a messenger prophet.

[19:55] He used to enjoin his family to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat); he was acceptable to his Lord.

[19:56] And mention in the scripture Idris. He was a saint, a prophet.

[19:57] We raised him to an honorable rank.

[19:58] These are some of the prophets whom God blessed. They were chosen from among the descendants of Adam, and the descendants of those whom we carried with Noah, and the descendants of Abraham and Israel, and from among those whom we guided and selected. When the revelations of the Most Gracious are recited to them, they fall prostrate, weeping.

Losing the Contact Prayers (Salat)

[19:59] After them, He substituted generations who lost the Contact Prayers (Salat), and pursued their lusts. They will suffer the consequences.

[19:60] Only those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life will enter Paradise, without the least injustice.

[19:61] The gardens of Eden await them, as promised by the Most Gracious for those who worship Him, even in privacy. Certainly, His promise must come to pass.

[19:62] They will not hear any nonsense therein; only peace. They receive their provisions therein, day and night.

[19:63] Such is Paradise; we grant it to those among our servants who are righteous.

[19:64] We do not come down except by the command of your Lord. To Him belongs our past, our future, and everything between them. Your Lord is never forgetful.

[19:65] The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them; you shall worship Him and steadfastly persevere in worshiping Him. Do you know of anyone who equals Him?

[19:66] The human being asks, “After I die, do I come back to life?”

[19:67] Did the human being forget that we created him already, and he was nothing?

Special Warning to the Leaders

[19:68] By your Lord, we will certainly summon them, together with the devils, and will gather them around Hell, humiliated.

[19:69] Then we will pick out from each group the most ardent opponent of the Most Gracious.

[19:70] We know full well those who are most deserving of burning therein.

Everyone Sees Hell

[19:71] Every single one of you must see it; this is an irrevocable decision of your Lord.

(See “The End Times” for more details of how this will happen.)

[19:72] Then we rescue the righteous, and leave the transgressors in it, humiliated.

The Majority

[19:73] When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Which of us is more prosperous? Which of us is in the majority?”

[19:74] Many a generation have we annihilated before them; they were more powerful, and more prosperous.

[19:75] Say, “Those who choose to go astray, the Most Gracious will lead them on, until they see what is promised for them – either the retribution or the Hour. That is when they find out who really is worse off, and weaker in power.”

[19:76] God augments the guidance of those who choose to be guided. For the good deeds are eternally rewarded by your Lord, and bring far better returns.

[19:77] Have you noted the one who rejected our revelations then said, “I will be given wealth and children”?!

[19:78] Has he seen the future? Has he taken such a pledge from the Most Gracious?

[19:79] Indeed, we will record what he utters, then commit him to ever-increasing retribution.

[19:80] Then we inherit everything he possessed, and he comes back to us all alone.

[19:81] They worship beside God other gods that (they think) may be of help to them.

The Idols Disown Their Worshipers

[19:82] On the contrary, they will reject their idolatry, and will be their enemies.

[19:83] Do you not see how we unleash the devils upon the disbelievers to stir them up?

[19:84] Do not be impatient; we are preparing for them some preparation.

[19:85] The day will come when we summon the righteous before the Most Gracious in a group.

[19:86] And we will herd the guilty to Hell, to be their eternal abode.

[19:87] No one will possess the power to intercede, except those who conform to the laws of the Most Gracious.

Gross Blasphemy

[19:88] They said, “The Most Gracious has begotten a son”!

[19:89] You have uttered a gross blasphemy.

[19:90] The heavens are about to shatter, the earth is about to tear asunder, and the mountains are about to crumble.

[19:91] Because they claim that the Most Gracious has begotten a son.

[19:92] It is not befitting the Most Gracious that He should beget a son.

[19:93] Every single one in the heavens and the earth is a servant of the Most Gracious.

[19:94] He has encompassed them, and has counted them one by one.

[19:95] All of them will come before Him on the Day of Resurrection as individuals.

[19:96] Surely, those who believe and lead a righteous life, the Most Gracious will shower them with love.

[19:97] We thus made this (Quran) elucidated in your tongue, in order to deliver good news to the righteous, and to warn with it the opponents.

[19:98] Many a generation before them we annihilated; can you perceive any of them, or hear from them any sound?

 

[18:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[18:1] Praise God, who revealed to His servant this scripture, and made it flawless.

[18:2] A perfect (scripture) to warn of severe retribution from Him, and to deliver good news to the believers who lead a righteous life, that they have earned a generous recompense.

[18:3] Wherein they abide forever.

[18:4] And to warn those who said, “God has begotten a son!”

[18:5] They possess no knowledge about this, nor did their parents. What a blasphemy coming out of their mouths! What they utter is a gross lie.

[18:6] You may blame yourself on account of their response to this narration, and their disbelieving in it; you may be saddened.

The End of the World

[18:7] We have adorned everything on earth, in order to test them, and thus distinguish those among them who work righteousness.

[18:8] Inevitably, we will wipe out everything on it, leaving it completely barren.

The Dwellers of the Cave

[18:9] Why else do you think we are telling you about the people of the cave, and the numbers connected with them? They are among our wondrous signs.

(As it turns out, the history of these Christian believers, the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, is directly connected with the end of the world as stated in 18:9 & 21. See “The End of the World“).

[18:10] When the youths took refuge in the cave, they said, “Our Lord, shower us with Your mercy, and bless our affairs with Your guidance.”

[18:11] We then sealed their ears in the cave for a predetermined number of years.

[18:12] Then we resurrected them to see which of the two parties could count the duration of their stay therein.

[18:13] We narrate to you their history, truthfully. They were youths who believed in their Lord, and we increased their guidance.

[18:14] We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and proclaimed: “Our only Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We will never worship any other god beside Him. Otherwise, we would be far astray.

[18:15] “Here are our people setting up gods beside Him. If only they could provide any proof to support their stand! Who is more evil than the one who fabricates lies and attributes them to God?

The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus

[18:16] “Since you wish to avoid them, and their worshiping of other than God, let us take refuge in the cave. May your Lord shower you with His mercy and direct you to the right decision.”

A Guiding Teacher is a Prerequisite

[18:17] You could see the sun when it rose coming from the right side of their cave, and when it set, it shone on them from the left, as they slept in the hollow thereof. This is one of God’s portents. Whomever God guides is the truly guided one, and whomever He sends astray, you will not find for him a guiding teacher.

[18:18] You would think that they were awake, when they were in fact asleep. We turned them to the right side and the left side, while their dog stretched his arms in their midst. Had you looked at them, you would have fled from them, stricken with terror.

[18:19] When we resurrected them, they asked each other, “How long have you been here?” “We have been here one day or part of the day,” they answered. “Your Lord knows best how long we stayed here, so let us send one of us with this money to the city. Let him fetch the cleanest food, and buy some for us. Let him keep a low profile, and attract no attention.

[18:20] “If they discover you, they will stone you, or force you to revert to their religion, then you can never succeed.”

(Ephesus is located about 200 miles south of ancient Nicene, and 30 miles south of today’s Izmir in Turkey. The dwellers of the cave were young Christians who wanted to follow the teachings of Jesus, and worship God alone. They were fleeing the persecution of neo-Christians who proclaimed a corrupted Christianity three centuries after Jesus, following the Nicene Conferences, when the Trinity doctrine was announced. In 1928, Franz Miltner, an Austrian archeologist discovered the tomb of the seven sleepers of Ephesus. Their history is well documented in several encyclopedias.)

Connection With the End of the World

[18:21] We caused them to be discovered, to let everyone know that God’s promise is true, and to remove all doubt concerning the end of the world. The people then disputed among themselves regarding them. Some said, “Let us build a building around them.” Their Lord is the best knower about them. Those who prevailed said, “We will build a place of worship around them.”

(As detailed in “The End of the World“, this story helped pinpoint it.)

[18:22] Some would say, “They were three; their dog being the fourth,” while others would say, “Five; the sixth being their dog,” as they guessed. Others said, “Seven,” and the eighth was their dog. Say, “My Lord is the best knower of their number.” Only a few knew the correct number. Therefore, do not argue with them; just go along with them. You need not consult anyone about this.

Remembering God Every Chance We Get

[18:23] You shall not say that you will do anything in the future,

[18:24] without saying, “God willing.” If you forget to do this, you must immediately remember your Lord and say, “May my Lord guide me to do better next time.”

(This important commandment gives us daily opportunities to remember God.)

[300 + 9]

[18:25] They stayed in their cave three hundred years, increased by nine.

(The difference between 300 solar years and 300 lunar years is nine years. Thus, discovering the end of the world was predetermined by the Almighty to take place in 1980 AD (1400 AH), 300 years (309 lunar years) before the end of the world (see 72:27 & “End of the World“).

[18:26] Say, “God is the best knower of how long they stayed there.” He knows all secrets in the heavens and the earth. By His grace you can see; by His grace you can hear. There is none beside Him as Lord and Master, and He never permits any partners to share in His kingship.

[18:27] You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord’s scripture. Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it.

Quranic Study Groups

[18:28] You shall force yourself to be with those who worship their Lord day and night, seeking Him alone. Do not turn your eyes away from them, seeking the vanities of this world. Nor shall you obey one whose heart we rendered oblivious to our message; one who pursues his own desires, and whose priorities are confused.

Absolute Freedom of Religion

[18:29] Proclaim: “This is the truth from your Lord,” then whoever wills let him believe, and whoever wills let him disbelieve. We have prepared for the transgressors a fire that will completely surround them. When they scream for help, they will be given a liquid like concentrated acid that scalds the faces. What a miserable drink! What a miserable destiny!

[18:30] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, we never fail to recompense those who work righteousness.

[18:31] They have deserved gardens of Eden wherein rivers flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold, and will wear clothes of green silk and velvet, and will rest on comfortable furnishings. What a wonderful reward; what a wonderful abode!

Property as an Idol

[18:32] Cite for them the example of two men: we gave one of them two gardens of grapes, surrounded by date palms, and placed other crops between them.

[18:33] Both gardens produced their crops on time, and generously, for we caused a river to run through them.

[18:34] Once, after harvesting, he boastfully told his friend: “I am far more prosperous than you, and I command more respect from the people.”

[18:35] When he entered his garden, he wronged his soul by saying, “I do not think that this will ever end.

[18:36] “Moreover, I think this is it; I do not think that the Hour (the Hereafter) will ever come to pass. Even if I am returned to my Lord, I will (be clever enough to) possess an even better one over there.”

[18:37] His friend said to him, as he debated with him, “Have you disbelieved in the One who created you from dust, then from a tiny drop, then perfected you into a man?

[18:38] “As for me, God is my Lord, and I will never set up any other god besides my Lord.

Important Commandment

[18:39] “When you entered your garden, you should have said, `This is what God has given me (Maa Shaa Allah). No one possesses power except God (La Quwwata Ellaa Bellaah).’ You may see that I possess less money and less children than you.

[18:40] “My Lord may grant me better than your garden. He may send a violent storm from the sky that wipes out your garden, leaving it completely barren.

[18:41] “Or, its water may sink deeper, out of your reach.”

[18:42] Indeed, his crops were wiped out, and he ended up sorrowful, lamenting what he had spent on it in vain, as his property lay barren. He finally said, “I wish I never set up my property as a god beside my Lord.”

(The Quran cites many examples of the different gods that people worship beside God; they include children (7:190), religious leaders and scholars (9:31), property (18:42), dead saints and prophets (16:20-21, 35:14, & 46:5-6), and the ego (25:43, 45:23).)

[18:43] No force on earth could have helped him against God, nor was it possible for him to receive any help.

[18:44] That is because the only true Lord and master is God; He provides the best recompense, and with Him is the best destiny.

[18:45] Cite for them the example of this life as water that we send down from the sky to produce plants of the earth, then they turn into hay that is blown away by the wind. God is able to do all things.

Rearranging Our Priorities

[18:46] Money and children are the joys of this life, but the righteous works provide an eternal recompense from your Lord, and a far better hope.

[18:47] The day will come when we wipe out the mountains, and you will see the earth barren. We will summon them all, not leaving out a single one of them.

[18:48] They will be presented before your Lord in a row. You have come to us as individuals, just as we created you initially. Indeed, this is what you claimed will never happen.

[18:49] The record will be shown, and you will see the guilty fearful of its contents. They will say, “Woe to us. How come this book leaves nothing, small or large, without counting it?” They will find everything they had done brought forth. Your Lord is never unjust towards anyone.

Classification of God’s Creatures

[18:50] We said to the angels, “Fall prostrate before Adam.” They fell prostrate, except Satan. He became a jinn, for he disobeyed the order of His Lord. Will you choose him and his descendants as lords instead of Me, even though they are your enemies? What a miserable substitute!

[18:51] I never permitted them to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth, nor the creation of themselves. Nor do I permit the wicked to work in My kingdom.

(God knew that Satan and his supporters (jinns and humans) were going to make the wrong decision. Hence their exclusion from witnessing the creation process.)

[18:52] The day will come when He says, “Call upon My partners, whom you claimed to be gods beside Me,” they will call on them, but they will not respond to them. An insurmountable barrier will separate them from each other.

[18:53] The guilty will see Hell, and will realize that they will fall into it. They will have no escape therefrom.

Disbelievers Refuse to Accept the Completeness of the Quran

[18:54] We have cited in this Quran every kind of example, but the human being is the most argumentative creature.

[18:55] Nothing prevented the people from believing, when the guidance came to them, and from seeking the forgiveness of their Lord, except that they demanded to see the same (kind of miracles) as the previous generations, or challenged to see the retribution beforehand.

[18:56] We only send the messengers as simply deliverers of good news, as well as warners. Those who disbelieve argue with falsehood to defeat the truth, and they take My proofs and warnings in vain.

Divine Intervention

[18:57] Who are more evil than those who are reminded of their Lord’s proofs, then disregard them, without realizing what they are doing. Consequently, we place shields on their hearts to prevent them from understanding it (the Quran), and deafness in their ears. Thus, no matter what you do to guide them, they can never ever be guided.

[18:58] Yet, your Lord is the Forgiver, full of mercy. If He called them to account for their deeds, He would annihilate them right there and then. Instead, He gives them a respite until a specific, predetermined time; then they can never escape.

[18:59] Many a community we annihilated because of their transgressions; we designated a specific time for their annihilation.

Valuable Lessons from Moses and His Teacher

[18:60] Moses said to his servant, “I will not rest until I reach the point where the two rivers meet, no matter how long it takes.”

[18:61] When they reached the point where they met, they forgot their fish, and it found its way back to the river, sneakily.

[18:62] After they passed that point, he said to his servant, “Let us have lunch. All this traveling has thoroughly exhausted us.”

[18:63] He said, “Remember when we sat by the rock back there? I paid no attention to the fish. It was the devil who made me forget it, and it found its way back to the river, strangely.”

[18:64] (Moses) said, “That was the place we were looking for.” They traced their steps back.

[18:65] They found one of our servants, whom we blessed with mercy, and bestowed upon him from our own knowledge.

[18:66] Moses said to him, “Can I follow you, that you may teach me some of the knowledge and the guidance bestowed upon you?”

[18:67] He said, “You cannot stand to be with me.

[18:68] “How can you stand that which you do not comprehend?”

[18:69] He said, “You will find me, God willing, patient. I will not disobey any command you give me.”

[18:70] He said, “If you follow me, then you shall not ask me about anything, unless I choose to tell you about it.”

[18:71] So they went. When they boarded a ship, he bore a hole in it. He said, “Did you bore a hole in it to drown its people? You have committed something terrible.”

[18:72] He said, “Did I not say that you cannot stand to be with me?”

[18:73] He said, “I am sorry. Do not punish me for my forgetfulness; do not be too harsh with me.”

[18:74] So they went. When they met a young boy, he killed him. He said, “Why did you kill such an innocent person, who did not kill another person? You have committed something horrendous.”

[18:75] He said, “Did I not tell you that you cannot stand to be with me?”

[18:76] He said, “If I ask you about anything else, then do not keep me with you. You have seen enough apologies from me.”

[18:77] So they went. When they reached a certain community, they asked the people for food, but they refused to host them. Soon, they found a wall about to collapse, and he fixed it. He said, “You could have demanded a wage for that!”

There is a Good Reason for Everything

[18:78] He said, “Now we have to part company. But I will explain to you everything you could not stand.

[18:79] “As for the ship, it belonged to poor fishermen, and I wanted to render it defective. There was a king coming after them, who was confiscating every ship, forcibly.

[18:80] “As for the boy, his parents were good believers, and we saw that he was going to burden them with his transgression and disbelief.

(Adolf Hitler was a cute and seemingly innocent child. Had he died as a child, many would have grieved, and many would have even questioned God’s wisdom. We learn from these profound lessons that there is a good reason behind everything.)

[18:81] “We willed that your Lord substitute in his place another son; one who is better in righteousness and kindness.

[18:82] “As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the city. Under it, there was a treasure that belonged to them. Because their father was a righteous man, your Lord wanted them to grow up and attain full strength, then extract their treasure. Such is mercy from your Lord. I did none of that of my own volition. This is the explanation of the things you could not stand.”

Zul-Qarnain: The One With the Two Horns or Two Generations

[18:83] They ask you about Zul-Qarnain. Say, “I will narrate to you some of his history.”

[18:84] We granted him authority on earth, and provided him with all kinds of means.

[18:85] Then, he pursued one way.

[18:86] When he reached the far west, he found the sun setting in a vast ocean, and found people there. We said, “O Zul-Qarnain, you can rule as you wish; either punish, or be kind to them.”

[18:87] He said, “As for those who transgress, we will punish them; then, when they return to their Lord, He will commit them to more retribution.

[18:88] “As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they receive a good reward; we will treat them kindly.”

[18:89] Then he pursued another way.

[18:90] When he reached the far east, he found the sun rising on people who had nothing to shelter them from it.

[18:91] Naturally, we were fully aware of everything he found out.

[18:92] He then pursued another way.

[18:93] When he reached the valley between two palisades, he found people whose language was barely understandable.

Gog and Magog

[18:94] They said, “O Zul-Qarnain, Gog and Magog are corruptors of the earth. Can we pay you to create a barrier between us and them?”

[18:95] He said, “My Lord has given me great bounties. If you cooperate with me, I will build a dam between you and them.

[18:96] “Bring to me masses of iron.” Once he filled the gap between the two palisades, he said, “Blow.” Once it was red hot, he said, “Help me pour tar on top of it.”

[18:97] Thus, they could not climb it, nor could they bore holes in it.

[18:98] He said, “This is mercy from my Lord. When the prophecy of my Lord comes to pass, He will cause the dam to crumble. The prophecy of my Lord is truth.”

[18:99] At that time, we will let them invade with one another, then the horn will be blown, and we will summon them all together.

[18:100] We will present Hell, on that day, to the disbelievers.

[18:101] They are the ones whose eyes were too veiled to see My message. Nor could they hear.

[18:102] Do those who disbelieve think that they can get away with setting up My servants as gods beside Me? We have prepared for the disbelievers Hell as an eternal abode.

Examine Yourself

[18:103] Say, “Shall I tell you who the worst losers are?

[18:104] “They are the ones whose works in this life are totally astray, but they think that they are doing good.”

[18:105] Such are the ones who disbelieved in the revelations of their Lord and in meeting Him. Therefore, their works are in vain; on the Day of Resurrection, they have no weight.

[18:106] Their just requital is Hell, in return for their disbelief, and for mocking My revelations and My messengers.

[18:107] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they have deserved a blissful Paradise as their abode.

[18:108] Forever they abide therein; they will never want any other substitute.

[18:109] Say, “If the ocean were ink for the words of my Lord, the ocean would run out, before the words of my Lord run out, even if we double the ink supply.”

[18:110] Say, “I am no more than a human like you, being inspired that your god is one god. Those who hope to meet their Lord shall work righteousness, and never worship any other god beside his Lord.”

 

[17:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[17:1] Most glorified is the One who summoned His servant (Muhammad) during the night, from the Sacred Masjid (of Mecca) to the farthest place of prostration, whose surroundings we have blessed, in order to show him some of our signs. He is the Hearer, the Seer.

[17:2] Similarly, we gave Moses the scripture, and rendered it a beacon for the Children of Israel that: “You shall not set up any idol as a Lord and Master beside Me.”

[17:3] They are descendants of those whom we carried with Noah; he was an appreciative servant.

[17:4] We addressed the Children of Israel in the scripture: “You will commit gross evil on earth, twice. You are destined to fall into great heights of arrogance.

[17:5] “When the first time comes to pass, we will send against you servants of ours who possess great might, and they will invade your homes. This is a prophecy that must come to pass.

[17:6] “Afterwards, we will give you a turn over them, and will supply you with a lot of wealth and children; we will give you the upper hand.

[17:7] “If you work righteousness, you work righteousness for your own good, but if you commit evil you do so to your own detriment. Thus, when the second time comes to pass, they will defeat you and enter the masjid, just as they did the first time. They will wipe out all the gains you had accomplished.”

[17:8] Your Lord showers you with His mercy. But if you revert to transgression, we will counter with retribution. We have designated Gehenna as a final abode for the disbelievers.

Quran: Our Means to Salvation

[17:9] This Quran guides to the best path, and brings good news to the believers who lead a righteous life, that they have deserved a great recompense.

[17:10] As for those who disbelieve in the Hereafter, we have prepared for them a painful retribution.

[17:11] The human being often prays for something that may hurt him, thinking that he is praying for something good. The human being is impatient.

[17:12] We rendered the night and the day two signs. We made the night dark, and the day lighted, that you may seek provisions from your Lord therein. This also establishes for you a timing system, and the means of calculation. We thus explain everything in detail.

The Video Tape

[17:13] We have recorded the fate of every human being; it is tied to his neck. On the Day of Resurrection we will hand him a record that is accessible.

(Your life is already recorded, as if on a video tape, from birth to death. This same record will be made accessible to us upon resurrection. See 57:22 & “Predestination”.)

[17:14] Read your own record. Today, you suffice as your own reckoner.

[17:15] Whoever is guided, is guided for his own good, and whoever goes astray does so to his own detriment. No sinner will bear the sins of anyone else. We never punish without first sending a messenger.

[17:16] If we are to annihilate any community, we let the leaders commit vast corruption therein. Once they deserve retribution, we annihilate it completely.

[17:17] Many a generation have we annihilated after Noah. Your Lord is most efficient in dealing with the sins of His servants; He is fully Cognizant, Seer.

Choose Your Priorities Carefully
This Life

[17:18] Anyone who chooses this fleeting life as his priority, we will rush to him what we decide to give him, then we commit him to Gehenna, where he suffers forever, despised and defeated.

The Hereafter

[17:19] As for those who choose the Hereafter as their priority, and work righteousness, while believing, their efforts will be appreciated.

[17:20] For each one of them we provide; we provide for those and these from your Lord’s bounties. Your Lord’s bounties are inexhaustible.

[17:21] Note how we preferred some people above others (in this life). The differences in the Hereafter are far greater and far more significant.

Major Commandments

[17:22] You shall not set up any other god beside God, lest you end up despised and disgraced.

[17:23] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, “Uff” (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably.

[17:24] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy.”

[17:25] Your Lord is fully aware of your innermost thoughts. If you maintain righteousness, He is Forgiver of those who repent.

[17:26] You shall give the due alms to the relatives, the needy, the poor, and the traveling alien, but do not be excessive, extravagant.

[17:27] The extravagant are brethren of the devils, and the devil is unappreciative of his Lord.

[17:28] Even if you have to turn away from them, as you pursue the mercy of your Lord, you shall treat them in the nicest manner.

Stinginess Condemned

[17:29] You shall not keep your hand stingily tied to your neck, nor shall you foolishly open it up, lest you end up blamed and sorry.

[17:30] For your Lord increases the provision for anyone He chooses, and reduces it. He is fully Cognizant of His creatures, Seer.

Abortion is Murder

[17:31] You shall not kill your children due to fear of poverty. We provide for them, as well as for you. Killing them is a gross offense.

[17:32] You shall not commit adultery; it is a gross sin, and an evil behavior.

[17:33] You shall not kill any person – for God has made life sacred – except in the course of justice. If one is killed unjustly, then we give his heir authority to enforce justice. Thus, he shall not exceed the limits in avenging the murder; he will be helped.

[17:34] You shall not touch the orphans’ money except for their own good, until they reach maturity. You shall fulfill your covenants, for a covenant is a great responsibility.

Crucial Advice

[17:35] You shall give full measure when you trade, and weigh equitably. This is better and more righteous.

[17:36] You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.

[17:37] You shall not walk proudly on earth – you cannot bore through the earth, nor can you be as tall as the mountains.

[17:38] All bad behavior is condemned by your Lord.

Quran Is Wisdom

[17:39] This is some of the wisdom inspired to you by your Lord. You shall not set up another god beside God, lest you end up in Gehenna, blamed and defeated.

[17:40] Has your Lord given you boys, while giving Himself the angels as daughters?! How could you utter such a blasphemy?

[17:41] We have cited in this Quran (all kinds of examples), that they may take heed. But it only augments their aversion.

[17:42] Say, “If there were any other gods beside Him, as they claim, they would have tried to overthrow the Possessor of the throne.”

[17:43] Be He glorified, He is much too exalted, far above their utterances.

Everything Glorifies God

[17:44] Glorifying Him are the seven universes, the earth, and everyone in them. There is nothing that does not glorify Him, but you do not understand their glorification. He is Clement, Forgiver.

Disbelievers Cannot Understand Quran

[17:45] When you read the Quran, we place between you and those who do not believe in the Hereafter an invisible barrier.

Quran: The ONLY Source

[17:46] We place shields around their minds, to prevent them from understanding it, and deafness in their ears. And when you preach your Lord, using the Quran alone, they run away in aversion.

(The Arabic word “alone” refers to God in 7:70, 39:45, 40:12 & 84, and 60:4. If you add these numbers, you get 361, 19×19. But if you include 17:46, which refers to the Quran, the product is not a multiple of 19. “Alone,” therefore refers to the Quran in 17:46.)

[17:47] We are fully aware of what they hear, when they listen to you, and when they conspire secretly – the disbelievers say,”You are following a crazy man.”

[17:48] Note how they describe you, and how this causes them to stray off the path.

[17:49] They said, “After we turn into bones and fragments, we get resurrected anew?!”

[17:50] Say, “Even if you turn into rocks or iron.

[17:51] “Even if you turn into any kind of creation that you deem impossible.” They will then say, “Who will bring us back?” Say, “The One who created you in the first place.” They will then shake their heads and say, “When will that be?” Say, “It may be closer than you think.”

[17:52] The day He summons you, you will respond by praising Him, and you will then realize that you had lasted in this life but a short while.

Treat Each Other Amicably

[17:53] Tell My servants to treat each other in the best possible manner, for the devil will always try to drive a wedge among them. Surely, the devil is man’s most ardent enemy.

[17:54] Your Lord knows you best. According to His knowledge, He may shower you with mercy, or He may requite you. We did not send you to be their advocate.

[17:55] Your Lord is the best knower of everyone in the heavens and the earth. In accordance with this knowledge, we preferred some prophets over others. For example, we gave David the Psalms.

[17:56] Say, “Implore whatever idols you have set up beside Him.” They have no power to relieve your afflictions, nor can they prevent them.

The Righteous Idols Worship God Alone

[17:57] Even the idols that they implore are seeking the ways and means towards their Lord. They pray for His mercy, and fear His retribution. Surely, the retribution of your Lord is dreadful.

[17:58] There is not a community that we will not annihilate before the Day of Resurrection, or inflict severe retribution upon them. This is already written down in the book.

[17:59] What stopped us from sending the miracles is that the previous generations have rejected them. For example, we showed Thamoud the camel, a profound (miracle), but they transgressed against it. We sent the miracles only to instill reverence.

[17:60] We informed you that your Lord fully controls the people, and we rendered the vision that we showed you a test for the people, and the tree that is accursed in the Quran. We showed them solid proofs to instill reverence in them, but this only augmented their defiance.

(Muhammad’s journey to the highest heaven to receive the Quran, as stated in 17:1 and 53:1-18, is a test because the people had to believe Muhammad on faith.)

Satan Dupes the People

[17:61] When we said to the angels, “Fall prostrate before Adam,” they fell prostrate, except Satan. He said, “Shall I prostrate to one You created from mud?”

[17:62] He said, “Since You have honored him over me, if You respite me till the Day of Resurrection, I will possess all his descendants, except a few.”

[17:63] He said, “Then go; you and those who follow you will end up in Hell as your requital; an equitable requital.

[17:64] “You may entice them with your voice, and mobilize all your forces and all your men against them, and share in their money and children, and promise them. Anything the devil promises is no more than an illusion.

[17:65] “As for My servants, you have no power over them.” Your Lord suffices as an advocate.

[17:66] Your Lord is the One who causes the ships to float on the ocean, that you may seek His bounties. He is Most Merciful towards you.

(We now learn from physics and physical chemistry that water possesses unique qualities that render it perfectly suitable for serving our various needs.)

Bad Weather Friends

[17:67] If you are afflicted in the middle of the sea, you forget your idols and sincerely implore Him alone. But as soon as He saves you to the shore, you revert. Indeed, the human being is unappreciative.

[17:68] Have you guaranteed that He will not cause the land, on shore, to swallow you? Or, that He will not send upon you a tempest, then you find no protector?

[17:69] Have you guaranteed that He will not return you to the sea another time, then send upon you a storm that drowns you because of your disbelief? Once this happens, we will not give you another chance.

[17:70] We have honored the children of Adam, and provided them with rides on land and in the sea. We provided for them good provisions, and we gave them greater advantages than many of our creatures.

[17:71] The day will come when we summon every people, together with their record. As for those who are given a record of righteousness, they will read their record and will not suffer the least injustice.

[17:72] As for those who are blind in this life, they will be blind in the Hereafter; even a lot worse.

God Strengthens the Messenger

[17:73] They almost diverted you from the revelations we have given you. They wanted you to fabricate something else, in order to consider you a friend.

[17:74] If it were not that we strengthened you, you almost leaned towards them just a little bit.

[17:75] Had you done that, we would have doubled the retribution for you in this life, and after death, and you would have found no one to help you against us.

[17:76] They almost banished you from the land to get rid of you, so they could revert as soon as you left.

[17:77] This has been consistently the case with all the messengers that we sent before you, and you will find that our system never changes.

The Noon Prayer

[17:78] You shall observe the Contact Prayer (Salat) when the sun declines from its highest point at noon, as it moves towards sunset. You shall also observe (the recitation of) the Quran at dawn. (Reciting) the Quran at dawn is witnessed.

Meditation

[17:79] During the night, you shall meditate for extra credit, that your Lord may raise you to an honorable rank.

[17:80] And say, “My Lord, admit me an honorable admittance, and let me depart an honorable departure, and grant me from You a powerful support.”

[17:81] Proclaim, “The truth has prevailed, and falsehood has vanished; falsehood will inevitably vanish.”

Healing and Mercy

[17:82] We send down in the Quran healing and mercy for the believers. At the same time, it only increases the wickedness of the transgressors.

[17:83] When we bless the human being, he becomes preoccupied and heedless. But when adversity strikes him, he turns despondent.

[17:84] Say, “Everyone works in accordance with his belief, and your Lord knows best which ones are guided in the right path.”

Divine Revelation: The Source of All Knowledge

[17:85] They ask you about the revelation. Say, “The revelation comes from my Lord. The knowledge given to you is minute.”

[17:86] If we will, we can take back what we revealed to you, then you will find no protector against us.

[17:87] This is but mercy from your Lord. His blessings upon you have been great.

Mathematical Composition of the Quran

[17:88] Say, “If all the humans and all the jinns banded together in order to produce a Quran like this, they could never produce anything like it, no matter how much assistance they lent one another.”

[17:89] We have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples, but most people insist upon disbelieving.

God’s Messengers Challenged

[17:90] They said, “We will not believe you unless you cause a spring to gush out of the ground.

[17:91] “Or unless you own a garden of date palms and grapes, with rivers running through it.

[17:92] “Or unless you cause masses from the sky, as you claimed, to fall on us. Or unless you bring God and the angels before our eyes.

[17:93] “Or unless you own a luxurious mansion, or unless you climb into the sky. Even if you do climb, we will not believe unless you bring a book that we can read.” Say, “Glory be to my Lord. Am I any more than a human messenger?”

Messengership: An Essential Test

[17:94] What prevented the people from believing when the guidance came to them is their saying, “Did God send a human being as a messenger?”

[17:95] Say, “If the earth were inhabited by angels, we would have sent down to them from the sky an angel messenger.”

[17:96] Say, “God suffices as a witness between me and you. He is fully Cognizant of His worshipers, Seer.”

[17:97] Whomever God guides is the truly guided one. And whomever He sends astray, you will never find for them any lords and masters beside Him. We will summon them on the Day of Resurrection forcibly; blind, dumb, and deaf. Their destination is Hell; whenever it cools down, we will increase their fire.

Their Innermost Thoughts

[17:98] Such is their just retribution, since they rejected our revelations. They said, “After we turn into bones and fragments, do we get resurrected into a new creation?”

[17:99] Could they not see that the God who created the heavens and the earth is able to create the same creations? (That) He has predetermined for them an irrevocable life span? Yet, the disbelievers insist upon disbelieving.

[17:100] Proclaim, “If you possessed my Lord’s treasures of mercy, you would have withheld them, fearing that you might exhaust them. The human being is stingy.”

Moses and Pharaoh

[17:101] We supported Moses with nine profound miracles – ask the Children of Israel. When he went to them, Pharaoh said to him, “I think that you, Moses, are bewitched.”

[17:102] He said, “You know full well that no one can manifest these except, obviously, the Lord of the heavens and the earth. I think that you, Pharaoh, are doomed.”

[17:103] When he pursued them, as he chased them out of the land, we drowned him, together with those who sided with him, all of them.

[17:104] And we said to the Children of Israel afterwards, “Go live into this land. When the final prophecy comes to pass, we will summon you all in one group.”

The Quran Released Slowly To Facilitate Memorization

[17:105] Truthfully, we sent it down, and with the truth it came down. We did not send you except as a bearer of good news, as well as a warner.

[17:106] A Quran that we have released slowly, in order for you to read it to the people over a long period, although we sent it down all at once.

[17:107] Proclaim, “Believe in it, or do not believe in it.” Those who possess knowledge from the previous scriptures, when it is recited to them, they fall down to their chins, prostrating.

[17:108] They say, “Glory be to our Lord. This fulfills our Lord’s prophecy.”

[17:109] They fall down on their chins, prostrating and weeping, for it augments their reverence.

Tone of the Contact Prayers (Salat)

[17:110] Say, “Call Him God, or call Him the Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names.” You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone.

[17:111] And proclaim: “Praise be to God, who has never begotten a son, nor does He have a partner in His kingship, nor does He need any ally out of weakness,” and magnify Him constantly.

 

[16:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[16:1] God’s command has already been issued (and everything has already been written), so do not rush it. Be He glorified; the Most High, far above any idols they set up.

(Everything is already recorded (57:22). See also “Predestination“)

[16:2] He sends down the angels with the revelations, carrying His commands, to whomever He chooses from among His servants: “You shall preach that there is no other god beside Me; You shall reverence Me.”

[16:3] He created the heavens and the earth for a specific purpose. He is much too High, far above any idols they set up.

[16:4] He created the human from a tiny drop, then he turns into an ardent opponent.

[16:5] And He created the livestock for you, to provide you with warmth, and many other benefits, as well as food.

[16:6] They also provide you with luxury during your leisure, and when you travel.

God’s Blessings

[16:7] And they carry your loads to lands that you could not reach without a great hardship. Surely, your Lord is Compassionate, Most Merciful.

[16:8] And (He created) the horses, the mules, and the donkeys for you to ride, and for luxury. Additionally, He creates what you do not know.

[16:9] God points out the paths, including the wrong ones. If He willed, He could have guided all of you.

[16:10] He sends down from the sky water for your drink, and to grow trees for your benefit.

[16:11] With it, He grows for you crops, olives, date palms, grapes, and all kinds of fruits. This is (sufficient) proof for people who think.

[16:12] And He commits, in your service, the night and the day, as well as the sun and the moon. Also, the stars are committed by His command. These are (sufficient) proofs for people who understand.

[16:13] And (He created) for you on earth things of various colors. This is a (sufficient) proof for people who take heed.

[16:14] And He committed the sea to serve you; you eat from it tender meat, and extract jewelry which you wear. And you see the ships roaming it for your commercial benefits, as you seek His bounties, that you may be appreciative.

[16:15] And He placed stabilizers (mountains) on earth, lest it tumbles with you, as well as rivers and roads, that you may be guided.

[16:16] And landmarks, as well as the stars; to be used for navigation.

[16:17] Is One who creates like one who does not create? Would you now take heed?

[16:18] If you count God’s blessings, you cannot possibly encompass them. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[16:19] And God knows whatever you conceal and whatever you declare.

The Dead Prophets and Saints

[16:20] As for the idols they set up beside God, they do not create anything; they themselves were created.

[16:21] They are dead, not alive, and they have no idea how or when they will be resurrected.

[16:22] Your god is one god. As for those who do not believe in the Hereafter, their hearts are denying, and they are arrogant.

[16:23] Absolutely, God knows everything they conceal and everything they declare. He does not love those who are arrogant.

[16:24] When they are asked, “What do you think of these revelations from your Lord,” they say, “Tales from the past.”

[16:25] They will be held responsible for their sins on the Day of Resurrection, all of them, in addition to sins of all those whom they misled by their ignorance. What a miserable load!

[16:26] Others like them have schemed in the past, and consequently, God destroyed their building at the foundation, causing the roof to fall on them. The retribution struck them when they least expected.

[16:27] Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and ask, “Where are My partners that you had set up beside Me, and had opposed Me for their sake?” Those blessed with knowledge will say, “Today, the shame and misery have befallen the disbelievers.”

Death for the Disbelievers

[16:28] The angels put them to death in a state of wronging their souls. That is when they finally submit, and say, “We did not do anything wrong!” Yes indeed. God is fully aware of everything you have done.

[16:29] Therefore, enter the gates of Hell, wherein you abide forever. What a miserable destiny for the arrogant ones.

The Believers Do Not Really Die

[16:30] As for the righteous, when they are asked, “What do you think of these revelations from your Lord,” they say, “Good.” For those who lead a righteous life, happiness; and the abode of the Hereafter is even better. What a blissful abode for the righteous.

[16:31] The gardens of Eden are reserved for them, wherein rivers flow. They have anything they wish therein. God thus rewards the righteous.

They Go Straight to Paradise

[16:32] The angels terminate their lives in a state of righteousness, saying, “Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise (now) as a reward for your works.”

(The righteous taste only the first death, which has been already experienced by all of us (see 44:56). At the end of their interim in this world, the angels of death simply invite them to move on to the Paradise where Adam and Eve once lived (2:154, 3:169, 8:24, 22:58, 36:27).

The Disbelievers

[16:33] Are they waiting for the angels to come to them, or until your Lord’s judgment comes to pass? Those before them did the same thing. God is not the One who wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls.

[16:34] They have incurred the consequences of their evil works, and the very things they ridiculed came back to haunt them.

Famous Excuse

[16:35] The idol worshipers say, “Had God willed, we would not worship any idols besides Him, nor would our parents. Nor would we prohibit anything besides His prohibitions.” Those before them have done the same. Can the messengers do anything but deliver the complete message?

[16:36] We have sent a messenger to every community, saying, “You shall worship God, and avoid idolatry.” Subsequently, some were guided by God, while others were committed to straying. Roam the earth and note the consequences for the rejectors.

[16:37] No matter how hard you try to guide them, God does not guide the ones He had committed to straying. Thus, no one can help them.

Deep In Their Minds

[16:38] They swore solemnly by God: “God will not resurrect the dead.” Absolutely, such is His inviolable promise, but most people do not know.

[16:39] He will then point out to everyone all the things they had disputed, and will let those who disbelieved know that they were liars.

To Resurrect the Dead

[16:40] To have anything done, we simply say to it, “Be,” and it is.

[16:41] Those who emigrated for the sake of God, because they were persecuted, we will surely make it up to them generously in this life, and the recompense of the Hereafter is even greater, if they only knew.

[16:42] This is because they steadfastly persevere, and in their Lord they trust.

[16:43] We did not send before you except men whom we inspired. Ask those who know the scripture, if you do not know.

[16:44] We provided them with the proofs and the scriptures. And we sent down to you this message, to proclaim for the people everything that is sent down to them, perhaps they will reflect.

[16:45] Did those who scheme evil schemes guarantee that God will not cause the earth to swallow them, or that the retribution will not come to them when they least expect it?

[16:46] It may strike them while they are asleep; they can never escape.

[16:47] Or it may strike them while they are fearfully expecting it. Your Lord is Compassionate, Most Merciful.

[16:48] Have they not seen all the things created by God? Their shadows surround them right and left, in total submission to God, and willingly.

[16:49] To God prostrates everything in the heavens and everything on earth – every creature – and so do the angels; without the least arrogance.

(The human body, whether it belongs to a believer or a disbeliever, submits to God; the heartbeats, the lungs’ movement, and peristalsis illustrate this submission.)

[16:50] They reverence their Lord, high above them, and they do what they are commanded to do.

[16:51] God has proclaimed: “Do not worship two gods; there is only one god. You shall reverence Me alone.”

[16:52] To Him belongs everything in the heavens and the earth and therefore, the religion shall be devoted absolutely to Him alone. Would you worship other than God?

[16:53] Any blessing you enjoy is from God. Yet, whenever you incur any adversity you immediately complain to Him.

[16:54] Yet, as soon as He relieves your affliction, some of you revert to idol worship.

[16:55] Let them disbelieve in what we have given them. Go ahead and enjoy temporarily; you will surely find out.

[16:56] They designate for the idols they set up out of ignorance, a share of the provisions we bestow upon them. By God, you will be held accountable for your innovations.

Bigoted Bias Against Baby Girls

[16:57] They even assign daughters to God, be He glorified, while they prefer for themselves what they like.

[16:58] When one of them gets a baby girl, his face becomes darkened with overwhelming grief.

[16:59] Ashamed, he hides from the people, because of the bad news given to him. He even ponders: should he keep the baby grudgingly, or bury her in the dust. Miserable indeed is their judgment.

[16:60] Those who do not believe in the Hereafter set the worst examples, while to God belongs the most sublime examples. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.

The Original Sin

[16:61] If God punished the people for their transgressions, He would have annihilated every creature on earth. But He respites them for a specific, predetermined time. Once their interim ends, they cannot delay it by one hour, nor advance it.

[16:62] They ascribe to God what they dislike for themselves, then utter the lie with their own tongues that they are righteous! Without any doubt, they have incurred Hell, for they have rebelled.

[16:63] By God, we have sent (messengers) to communities before you, but the devil adorned their works in their eyes. Consequently, he is now their lord, and they have incurred a painful retribution.

[16:64] We have revealed this scripture to you, to point out for them what they dispute, and to provide guidance and mercy for people who believe.

Additional Proofs From God

[16:65] God sends down from the sky water to revive the land after it had died. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who hear.

[16:66] And in the livestock there is a lesson for you: we provide you with a drink from their bellies. From the midst of digested food and blood, you get pure milk, delicious for the drinkers.

[16:67] And from the fruits of date palms and grapes you produce intoxicants, as well as good provisions. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who understand.

The Bee

[16:68] And your Lord inspired the bee: build homes in mountains and trees, and in (the hives) they build for you.

[16:69] Then eat from all the fruits, following the design of your Lord, precisely. From their bellies comes a drink of different colors, wherein there is healing for the people. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who reflect.

[16:70] God created you, then He terminates your lives. He lets some of you live to the oldest age, only to find out that there is a limit to the knowledge they can acquire. God is Omniscient, Omnipotent.

No Partners With God

[16:71] God has provided for some of you more than others. Those who are given plenty would never give their properties to their subordinates to the extent of making them partners. Would they give up God’s blessings?

(If the humans would not give up their power to that extent, why do they expect God to do this, and create partners for Himself?)

[16:72] And God made for you spouses from among yourselves, and produced for you from your spouses children and grandchildren, and provided you with good provisions. Should they believe in falsehood, and turn unappreciative of God’s blessings?

Idol Worship: Not Very Intelligent

[16:73] Yet, they worship beside God what possesses no provisions for them in the heavens, nor on earth, nor can provide them with anything.

[16:74] Therefore, do not cite the examples for God; God knows while you do not know.

The Rich Believer is Better than the Poor Believer

[16:75] God cites the example of a slave who is owned, and is totally powerless, compared to one whom we blessed with good provisions, from which he gives to charity secretly and publicly. Are they equal? Praise be to God, most of them do not know.

[16:76] And God cites the example of two men: one is dumb, lacks the ability to do anything, is totally dependent on his master – whichever way he directs him, he cannot produce anything good. Is he equal to one who rules with justice, and is guided in the right path?

This Life is Very Short

[16:77] To God belongs the future of the heavens and the earth. As far as He is concerned, the end of the world (the Hour) is a blink of an eye away, or even closer. God is Omnipotent.

[16:78] God brought you out of your mothers’ bellies knowing nothing, and He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains, that you may be appreciative.

[16:79] Do they not see the birds committed to fly in the atmosphere of the sky? None holds them up in the air except God. This should be (sufficient) proof for people who believe.

[16:80] And God provided for you stationary homes where you can live. And He provided for you portable homes made of the hides of livestock, so you can use them when you travel, and when you settle down. And from their wools, furs, and hair, you make furnishings and luxuries for awhile.

[16:81] And God provided for you shade through things which He created, and provided for you shelters in the mountains, and provided for you garments that protect you from heat, and garments that protect when you fight in wars. He thus perfects His blessings upon you, that you may submit.

[16:82] If they still turn away, then your sole mission is the clear delivery (of the message).

The Disbelievers Unappreciative

[16:83] They fully recognize God’s blessings, then deny them; the majority of them are disbelievers.

On The Day of Resurrection

[16:84] The day will come when we raise from every community a witness, then those who disbelieved will not be permitted (to speak), nor will they be excused.

[16:85] Once those who transgressed see the retribution, it will be too late; it will not be commuted for them, nor will they be respited.

The Idols Disown Their Idolizers

[16:86] And when those who committed idol worship see their idols, they will say, “Our Lord, these are the idols we had set up beside You.” The idols will then confront them and say, “You are liars.”

[16:87] They will totally submit to God on that day, and the idols they had invented will disown them.

[16:88] Those who disbelieve and repel from the path of God, we augment their retribution by adding more retribution, due to their transgressions.

[16:89] The day will come when we will raise from every community a witness from among them, and bring you as the witness of these people. We have revealed to you this book to provide explanations for everything, and guidance, and mercy, and good news for the submitters.

[16:90] God advocates justice, charity, and regarding the relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression. He enlightens you, that you may take heed.

You Shall Keep Your Word

[16:91] You shall fulfill your covenant with God when you make such a covenant. You shall not violate the oaths after swearing (by God) to carry them out, for you have made God a guarantor for you. God knows everything you do.

[16:92] Do not be like the knitter who unravels her strong knitting into piles of flimsy yarn. This is your example if you abuse the oaths to take advantage of one another. Whether one group is larger than the other, God thus puts you to the test. He will surely show you on the Day of Resurrection everything you had disputed.

[16:93] Had God willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He sends astray whoever chooses to go astray, and He guides whoever wishes to be guided. You will surely be asked about everything you have done.

(God knows the sincere believers among us who deserve to be redeemed. Accordingly, He guides them, while blocking out those who choose to disbelieve.)

Violating Your Oath: A Serious Offense

[16:94] Do not abuse the oaths among you, lest you slide back after having a strong foothold, then you incur misery. Such is the consequence of repelling from the path of God (by setting a bad example); you incur a terrible retribution.

[16:95] Do not sell your oaths short before God. What God possesses is far better for you, if you only knew.

[16:96] What you possess runs out, but what God possesses lasts forever. We will surely reward those who steadfastly persevere; we will recompense them for their righteous works.

Guaranteed Happiness Now and Forever

[16:97] Anyone who works righteousness, male or female, while believing, we will surely grant them a happy life in this world, and we will surely pay them their full recompense (on the Day of Judgment) for their righteous works.

An Important Commandment

[16:98] When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected.

(Our salvation is attained by knowing God’s message to us, the Quran, and Satan will do his utmost to keep us from being redeemed. Hence this commandment.)

[16:99] He has no power over those who believe and trust in their Lord.

[16:100] His power is limited to those who choose him as their master, those who choose him as their god.

[16:101] When we substitute one revelation in place of another, and God is fully aware of what He reveals, they say, “You made this up!” Indeed, most of them do not know.

[16:102] Say, “The Holy Spirit has brought it down from your Lord, truthfully, to assure those who believe, and to provide a beacon and good news for the submitters.”

The Quran Is Not Copied From The Bible

[16:103] We are fully aware that they say, “A human being is teaching him!” The tongue of the source they hint at is non-Arabic, and this is a perfect Arabic tongue.

[16:104] Surely, those who do not believe in God’s revelations, God does not guide them. They have incurred a painful retribution.

[16:105] The only ones who fabricate false doctrines are those who do not believe in God’s revelations; they are the real liars.

Lip Service Does Not Count

[16:106] Those who disbelieve in God, after having acquired faith, and become fully content with disbelief, have incurred wrath from God. The only ones to be excused are those who are forced to profess disbelief, while their hearts are full of faith.

(God’s wisdom decrees that if someone holds a gun to your head and orders you to declare that you disbelieve in God, you may grant him his wish. What the heart harbors is what counts.)

Preoccupation With This Life Leads to Exile From God

[16:107] This is because they have given priority to this life over the Hereafter, and God does not guide such disbelieving people.

[16:108] Those are the ones whom God has sealed their hearts, and their hearing, and their eyesight. Consequently, they remain unaware.

[16:109] Without a doubt, they will be the losers in the Hereafter.

[16:110] As for those who emigrate because of persecution, then continue to strive and steadfastly persevere, your Lord, because of all this, is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[16:111] The day will come when every soul will serve as its own advocate, and every soul will be paid fully for whatever it had done, without the least injustice.

Prohibiting Lawful Food Brings Deprivation

[16:112] God cites the example of a community that used to be secure and prosperous, with provisions coming to it from everywhere. But then, it turned unappreciative of God’s blessings. Consequently, God caused them to taste the hardships of starvation and insecurity. Such is the requital for what they did.

[16:113] A messenger had gone to them from among them, but they rejected him. Consequently, the retribution struck them for their transgression.

[16:114] Therefore, you shall eat from God’s provisions everything that is lawful and good, and be appreciative of God’s blessings, if you do worship Him alone.

Only Four Foods Prohibited

[16:115] He only prohibits for you dead animals, blood, the meat of pigs, and food which is dedicated to other than God. If one is forced (to eat these), without being deliberate or malicious, then God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

(The most devastating trichinosis parasite, Trichinella spiralis, (also the pork tapeworm Taenia solium) survives in the meat of pigs, not the fat. More than 150,000 people are infected annually in the United States. See 6:145-146, and “Dietary Prohibitions“.)

[16:116] You shall not utter lies with your own tongues stating: “This is lawful, and this is unlawful,” to fabricate lies and attribute them to God. Surely, those who fabricate lies and attribute them to God will never succeed.

[16:117] They enjoy briefly, then suffer painful retribution.

[16:118] For the Jews, we prohibited what we narrated to you previously. It was not us who wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls.

[16:119] Yet, as regards those who fall in sin out of ignorance then repent thereafter and reform, your Lord, after this is done, is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

Abraham

[16:120] Abraham was indeed an exemplary vanguard in his submission to God, a monotheist who never worshiped idols.

[16:121] Because he was appreciative of His Lord’s blessings, He chose him and guided him in a straight path.

[16:122] We granted him happiness in this life, and in the Hereafter he will be with the righteous.

Muhammad: A Follower of Abraham

[16:123] Then we inspired you (Muhammad) to follow the religion of Abraham, the monotheist; he never was an idol worshiper.

(This informs us that all religious practices, which came to us through Abraham, were intact at the time of Muhammad (22:78).)

The Sabbath Abrogated

[16:124] The Sabbath was decreed only for those who ended up disputing it (Jews & Christians). Your Lord is the One who will judge them on the Day of Resurrection regarding their disputes.

How to Spread God’s Message

[16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.

[16:126] And if you punish, you shall inflict an equivalent punishment. But if you resort to patience (instead of revenge), it would be better for the patient ones.

[16:127] You shall resort to patience – and your patience is attainable only with God’s help. Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their schemes.

[16:128] God is with those who lead a righteous life, and those who are charitable.

 

[15:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[15:1] A.L.R. These (letters) are proofs of this scripture; a profound Quran.

[15:2] Certainly, those who disbelieved will wish they were submitters.

[15:3] Let them eat, enjoy, and remain blinded by wishful thinking; they will find out.

[15:4] We never annihilated any community, except in accordance with a specific, predetermined time.

[15:5] The end of any community can never be advanced, nor delayed.

[15:6] They said, “O you who received this reminder, you are crazy.

[15:7] “Why do you not bring down the angels, if you are truthful?”

[15:8] We do not send down the angels except for specific functions. Otherwise, no one will be respited.

God’s Messenger of the Covenant

[15:9] Absolutely, we have revealed the reminder, and, absolutely, we will preserve it.

(The divine source and the perfect preservation of the Quran are proven by the Quran’s mathematical code (App. 1). God’s Messenger of the Covenant was destined to unveil this great miracle. The word “Dhikr” denotes the Quran’s code in several verses (15:6, 21:2, 26:5, 38:1, 38:8, 74:31). The value of “Rashad Khalifa” (1230) + 15 + 9= 1254, 19×66.) 

[15:10] We have sent (messengers) before you to the communities in the past.

[15:11] Every time a messenger went to them, they ridiculed him.

[15:12] We thus control the minds of the guilty.

[15:13] Consequently, they cannot believe in him. This has been the system since the past generations.

[15:14] Even if we opened for them a gate into the sky, through which they climb;

[15:15] they will say, “Our eyes have been deceived. We have been bewitched.”

[15:16] We placed galaxies in the sky, and adorned it for the beholders.

[15:17] And we guarded it against every rejected devil.

[15:18] If any of them sneaks around to listen, a mighty projectile will chase him back.

[15:19] As for the earth, we constructed it, and placed on it stabilizers (mountains), and we grew on it a perfect balance of everything.

[15:20] We made it habitable for you, and for creatures you do not provide for.

(When we send astronauts into space, we provide them with precisely measured quantities of food, water, and oxygen. God created the spaceship Earth with billions of astronauts who work and reproduce; He supplied them with a self-supporting system that generates oxygen, fresh water, and a great variety of delicious foods and drinks.)

[15:21] There is nothing that we do not own infinite amounts thereof. But we send it down in precise measure.

[15:22] And we send the winds as pollinators, and cause water to come down from the sky for you to drink. Otherwise, you could not keep it palatable.

[15:23] It is we who control life and death, and we are the ultimate inheritors.

[15:24] And we fully know those among you who advance, and we fully know those who regress.

[15:25] Your Lord will surely summon them. He is Most Wise, Omniscient.

The Human Race

[15:26] We created the human being from aged mud, like the potter’s clay.

[15:27] As for the jinns, we created them, before that, from blazing fire.

[15:28] Your Lord said to the angels, “I am creating a human being from aged mud, like the potter’s clay.

[15:29] “Once I perfect him, and blow into him from My spirit, you shall fall prostrate before him.”

[15:30] The angels fell prostrate; all of them,

[15:31] except Iblis (Satan). He refused to be with the prostrators.

[15:32] He said, “O Iblis (Satan), why are you not with the prostrators?”

[15:33] He said, “I am not to prostrate before a human being, whom You created from aged mud, like the potter’s clay.”

[15:34] He said, “Therefore, you must get out; you are banished.

[15:35] “You have incurred My condemnation until the Day of Judgment.”

[15:36] He said, “My Lord, respite me until the day they are resurrected.”

[15:37] He said, “You are respited.

[15:38] “Until the specified day and time.”

[15:39] He said, “My Lord, since You have willed that I go astray, I will surely entice them on earth; I will send them all astray.

[15:40] “Except those among Your worshipers who are devoted absolutely to You alone.”

[15:41] He said, “This is a law that is inviolable.

[15:42] “You have no power over My servants. You only have power over the strayers who follow you.

[15:43] “And Hell awaits them all.

[15:44] “It will have seven gates. Each gate will get a specific share of them.”

[15:45] As for the righteous, they will enjoy gardens and springs.

[15:46] Enter therein, peaceful and secure.

[15:47] We remove all jealousy from their hearts. Like one family, they will be on adjacent furnishings.

[15:48] Never will they suffer any fatigue therein; never will they be evicted therefrom.

[15:49] Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[15:50] And that My retribution is the most painful retribution.

Angels Visit Abraham

[15:51] Inform them about Abraham’s guests.

[15:52] When they entered his quarters, they said, “Peace.” He said, “We are apprehensive about you.”

[15:53] They said, “Do not be apprehensive. We have good news for you: an enlightened son.”

[15:54] He said, “How can you give me such good news, when I am so old? Do you still give me this good news?”

[15:55] They said, “The good news we give you is true; do not despair.”

[15:56] He said, “None despairs of his Lord’s mercy, except the strayers.”

[15:57] He said, “What is your mission, O messengers?”

[15:58] They said, “We are being dispatched to guilty people.

[15:59] “As for Lot’s family, we will save them all.

[15:60] “But not his wife; she is destined to be with the doomed.”

Lot

[15:61] The messengers went to Lot’s town.

[15:62] He said, “You are unknown people.”

[15:63] They said, “We bring to you what they have been doubting.

[15:64] “We bring to you the truth; we are truthful.

[15:65] “You shall take your family during the night. Stay behind them, and make sure that none of you looks back. Go straight as commanded.”

[15:66] We delivered to him this command: those people are to be annihilated in the morning.

[15:67] The people of the city came joyfully.

[15:68] He said, “These are my guests; do not embarrass me.

[15:69] “Fear God, and do not shame me.”

[15:70] They said, “Did we not enjoin you from contacting anyone?”

[15:71] He said, “Here are my daughters, if you must.”

[15:72] But, alas, they were totally blinded by their lust.

[15:73] Consequently, the disaster struck them in the morning.

[15:74] We turned it upside down, and showered them with devastating rocks.

[15:75] This is a lesson for those who possess intelligence.

[15:76] This will always be the system.

[15:77] This is a sign for the believers.

[15:78] The people of the woods also were transgressors.

[15:79] Consequently, we avenged from them, and both communities are fully documented.

[15:80] The people of Al-Hijr disbelieved the messengers.

[15:81] We gave them our revelations, but they disregarded them.

[15:82] They used to carve secure homes out of the mountains.

[15:83] The disaster hit them in the morning.

[15:84] What they hoarded did not help them.

End of the World Unveiled

[15:85] We did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, except for a specific purpose. The end of the world will come, so treat them with benign neglect.

[15:86] Your Lord is the Creator, the Omniscient.

[15:87] We have given you the seven pairs, and the great Quran.

[15:88] Do not be jealous of what we bestowed upon the other (messengers), and do not be saddened (by the disbelievers), and lower your wing for the believers.

[15:89] And proclaim: “I am the manifest warner.”

[15:90] We will deal with the dividers.

[15:91] They accept the Quran only partially.

[15:92] By your Lord, we will question them all,

[15:93] about everything they have done.

[15:94] Therefore, carry out the orders given to you, and disregard the idol worshipers.

[15:95] We will spare you the mockers,

[15:96] who set up another god beside God. They will surely find out.

[15:97] We know full well that you may be annoyed by their utterances.

[15:98] You shall sing the praises of your Lord, and be with the prostrators.

[15:99] And worship your Lord, in order to attain certainty.

(The practices of worship are our means of attaining certainty.)