[34:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[34:1] Praise be to God – to whom belongs everything in the heavens and the earth; all praise is also due to Him in the Hereafter. He is the Most Wise, the Cognizant.

[34:2] He knows everything that goes into the earth, and everything that comes out of it, and everything that comes down from the sky, and everything that climbs into it. He is the Most Merciful, the Forgiving.

[34:3] Those who disbelieve have said, “The Hour will never come to pass!” Say, “Absolutely – by my Lord – it will most certainly come to you. He is the Knower of the future. Not even the equivalent of an atom’s weight is hidden from Him, be it in the heavens or the earth. Not even smaller than that, or larger (is hidden). All are in a profound record.”

[34:4] Most certainly, He will reward those who believe and lead a righteous life. These have deserved forgiveness and a generous provision.

[34:5] As for those who constantly challenge our revelations, they have incurred a retribution of painful humiliation.

[34:6] It is evident to those who are blessed with knowledge that this revelation from your Lord to you is the truth, and that it guides to the path of the Almighty, the Most Praiseworthy.

[34:7] Those who disbelieve have said, “Let us show you a man who tells you that after you are torn apart you will be created anew.

[34:8] “Either he fabricated lies about God, or he is crazy.” Indeed, those who disbelieve in the Hereafter have incurred the worst retribution; they have gone far astray.

[34:9] Have they not seen all the things in front of them and behind them, in the heaven and the earth? If we willed, we could have caused the earth to swallow them, or caused masses to fall on them from the sky. This should be a sufficient proof for every obedient servant.

David and Solomon

[34:10] We endowed David with blessings from us: “O mountains, submit with him, and you too, O birds.” We softened the iron for him.

[34:11] “You may make shields that fit perfectly, and work righteousness. Whatever you do, I am Seer thereof.”

The First Oil Field

[34:12] To Solomon we committed the wind at his disposal, traveling one month coming and one month going. And we caused a spring of oil to gush out for him. Also, the jinns worked for him, by his Lord’s leave. Any one of them who disregarded our commands, we subjected him to a severe retribution.

[34:13] They made for him anything he wanted – niches, statues, deep pools, and heavy cooking pots. O family of David, work (righteousness) to show your appreciation. Only a few of My servants are appreciative.

Jinns’ Knowledge is Limited

[34:14] When the appointed time for his death came, they had no clue that he had died. Not until one of the animals tried to eat his staff, and he fell down, did the jinns realized that he was dead. They thus realized that if they really knew the unseen, they would have stopped working so hard as soon as he died.

[34:15] Sheba’s homeland used to be a marvel, with two gardens on the right and the left. Eat from your Lord’s provisions, and be appreciative of Him – good land, and a forgiving Lord.

[34:16] They turned away and, consequently, we poured upon them a disastrous flood, and we substituted their two gardens into two gardens of badtasting fruits, thorny plants, and a skimpy harvest.

[34:17] We thus requited them for their disbelief. Do we not requite only the disbelievers?

[34:18] We placed between them and the communites that we blessed other oases, and we secured the journey between them: “Travel therein days and nights in complete security.”

[34:19] But they (turned unappreciative and) challenged: “Our Lord, we do not care if You increase the distance of our journeys (without any stations).” They thus wronged their own souls. Consequently, we made them history, and scattered them into small communities throughout the land. This should provide lessons for those who are steadfast, appreciative.

Satan Claims the Majority

[34:20] Satan found them readily fulfilling his expectations. They followed him, except a few believers.

The Objective: Do We Believe in the Hereafter?

[34:21] He never had any power over them. But we thus distinguish those who believe in the Hereafter from those who are doubtful about it. Your Lord is in full control of all things.

(The criteria that inform us whether we believe in the Hereafter or not are in 6:113, 17:45, & 39:45. These three criteria bring out our true convictions, regardless of our oral statements.) 

[34:22] Say, “Implore the idols you have set up beside God. They do not possess as much as a single atom in the heavens, or the earth. They possess no partnership therein, nor does He permit them to be His assistants.”

No Intercession

[34:23] Intercession with Him will be in vain, unless it coincides with His will. When their minds are finally settled down, and they ask, “What did your Lord say,” they will say, “The truth.” He is the Most High, the Most Great.

[34:24] Say, “Who provides for you, from the heavens and the earth?” Say, “God,” and “Either we or you are guided, or have gone far astray.”

[34:25] Say, “You are not responsible for our crimes, nor are we responsible for what you do.”

[34:26] Say, “Our Lord will gather us all together before Him, then He will judge between us equitably. He is the Judge, the Omniscient.”

[34:27] Say, “Show me the idols you have set up as partners with Him!” Say, “No; He is the one God, the Almighty, Most Wise.”

[34:28] We have sent you to all the people, a bearer of good news, as well as a warner, but most people do not know.

[34:29] They challenge, “When will this promise come to pass, if you are truthful?”

[34:30] Say, “You have a specific time, on a specific day, that you cannot delay by one hour, nor advance.”

[34:31] Those who disbelieve have said, “We will not believe in this Quran, nor in the previous scriptures.” If you could only envision these transgressors when they stand before their Lord! They will argue with one another back and forth. The followers will tell their leaders, “If it were not for you, we would have been believers.”

On the Day of Resurrection

[34:32] The leaders will say to those who followed them, “Are we the ones who diverted you from the guidance after it came to you? No; it is you who were wicked.”

[34:33] The followers will say to their leaders, “It was you who schemed night and day, then commanded us to be unappreciative of God, and to set up idols to rank with Him.” They will be ridden with remorse, when they see the retribution, for we will place shackles around the necks of those who disbelieved. Are they not justly requited for what they did?

Every Time!

[34:34] Every time we sent a warner to a community, the leaders of that community said, “We reject the message you are sent with.”

[34:35] They also said, “We are more powerful, with more money and children, and we will not be punished.”

[34:36] Say, “My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He grants the provisions to whomever He wills, or reduces them, but most people do not know.”

[34:37] It is not your money or your children that bring you closer to us. Only those who believe and lead a righteous life will receive the reward for their works, multiplied manifold. In the abode of Paradise they will live in perfect peace.

[34:38] As for those who consistently challenge our revelations, they will abide in retribution.

[34:39] Say, “My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He increases the provisions for whomever He chooses from among His servants, or reduces them. Anything you spend (in the cause of God), He will reward you for it; He is the Best Provider.”

[34:40] On the day when He summons them all, He will say to the angels, “Did these people worship you?”

[34:41] They will answer, “Be You glorified. You are our Lord and Master, not them. Instead, they were worshiping the jinns; most of them were believers therein.”

[34:42] On that day, you possess no power to help or harm one another, and we will say to the transgressors, “Taste the retribution of the Hell that you used to deny.”

Mathematical Miracle of the Quran

[34:43] When our proofs were recited to them, perfectly clear, they said, “This is simply a man who wants to divert you from the way your parents are worshiping.” They also said, “These are fabricated lies.” Those who disbelieved also said about the truth that came to them, “This is obviously magic.”

[34:44] We did not give them any other books to study, nor did we send to them before you another warner.

[34:45] Those before them disbelieved, and even though they did not see one-tenth of (the miracle) we have given to this generation, when they disbelieved My messengers, how severe was My retribution!

The Clarifying Messenger

[34:46] Say, “I ask you to do one thing: Devote yourselves to God, in pairs or as individuals, then reflect. Your friend (Alban) is not crazy. He is a clear warner to you, just before the advent of a terrible retribution.”

[34:47] Say, “I do not ask you for any wage; you can keep it. My wage comes only from God. He witnesses all things.”

[34:48] Say, “My Lord causes the truth to prevail. He is the Knower of all secrets.”

[34:49] Say, “The truth has come; while falsehood can neither initiate anything, nor repeat it.”

[34:50] Say, “If I go astray, I go astray because of my own shortcomings. And if I am guided, it is because of my Lord’s inspiration. He is Hearer, Near.”

[34:51] If you could only see them when the great terror strikes them; they cannot escape then, and they will be taken away forcibly.

[34:52] They will then say, “We now believe in it,” but it will be far too late.

[34:53] They have rejected it in the past; they have decided instead to uphold conjecture and guesswork.

(People of all religions tend to forsake the word of God and uphold the words of men. The Jews and the Muslims uphold the Mishnah (Hadith) and Gemarrah (Sunna), while the Christians uphold a trinity invented by the Nicene Conference, 325 years after Jesus.)

[34:54] Consequently, they were deprived of everything they longed for. This is the same fate as their counterparts in the previous generations. They harbored too many doubts.

 

[33:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[33:1] O you prophet, you shall reverence God and do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites. God is Omniscient, Most Wise.

[33:2] Follow what is revealed to you from your Lord. God is fully Cognizant of everything you all do.

[33:3] And put your trust in God. God suffices as an advocate.

Devotion to God Is Indivisible

[33:4] God did not give any man two hearts in his chest. Nor did He turn your wives whom you estrange (according to your custom) into your mothers. Nor did He turn your adopted children into genetic offspring. All these are mere utterances that you have invented. God speaks the truth, and He guides in the (right) path.

(It was a custom in Arabia to estrange the wife by declaring that she was like the husband’s mother. Such an unfair practice is abrogated herein.)

Do Not Change Your Names

[33:5] You shall give your adopted children names that preserve their relationship to their genetic parents. This is more equitable in the sight of God. If you do not know their parents, then, as your brethren in religion, you shall treat them as members of your family. You do not commit a sin if you make a mistake in this respect; you are responsible for your purposeful intentions. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[33:6] The prophet is closer to the believers than they are to each other, and his wives are like mothers to them. The relatives ought to take care of one another in accordance with God’s scripture. Thus, the believers shall take care of their relatives who immigrate to them, provided they have taken care of their own families first. These are commandments of this scripture.

Muhammad Pledges to Support God’s Messenger of the Covenant

[33:7] Recall that we took from the prophets their covenant, including you (O Muhammad), Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary. We took from them a solemn pledge.

(The covenant is detailed in 3:81. God took a covenant from the prophets that they shall support His Messenger of the Covenant who would come after Muhammad to purify and unify their messages. The Covenant was made before the earth’s creation, and was fulfilled in Mecca, in Zul-Hijja, in 1972. Overwhelming proof identifying God’s Messenger of the Covenant as Rashad Khalifa is provided throughout
the Quran.)

[33:8] Subsequently, He will surely question the truthful about their truthfulness, and has prepared for the disbelievers (in this Quranic fact) a painful retribution.

The Battle of the Parties

[33:9] O you who believe, remember God’s blessing upon you; when soldiers attacked you, we sent upon them violent wind and invisible soldiers. God is Seer of everything you do.

[33:10] When they came from above you, and from beneath you, your eyes were terrified, your hearts ran out of patience, and you harbored unbefitting thoughts about God.

[33:11] That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up.

[33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, “What God and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!”

[33:13] A group of them said, “O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back.” Others made up excuses to the prophet: “Our homes are vulnerable,” when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee.

[33:14] Had the enemy invaded and asked them to join, they would have joined the enemy without hesitation.

[33:15] They had pledged to God in the past that they would not turn around and flee; making a pledge with God involves a great responsibility.

[33:16] Say, “If you flee, you can never flee from death or from being killed. No matter what happens, you only live a short while longer.”

[33:17] Say, “Who would protect you from God if He willed any adversity, or willed any blessing for you?” They can never find, beside God, any other Lord and Master.

[33:18] God is fully aware of the hinderers among you, and those who say to their comrades, “Let us all stay behind.” Rarely do they mobilize for defense.

[33:19] Also, they are too stingy when dealing with you. If anything threatens the community, you see their eyes rolling with fear, as if death had already come to them. Once the crisis is over, they whip you with sharp tongues. They are too stingy with their wealth. These are not believers, and, consequently, God has nullified their works. This is easy for God to do.

[33:20] They thought that the parties might come back. In that case, they would wish that they were lost in the desert, asking about your news from afar. Had the parties attacked you while they were with you, they would rarely support you.

The Prophet’s Courage

[33:21] The messenger of God has set up a good example for those among you who seek God and the Last Day, and constantly think about God.

(Satan took this verse out of context, and relied on the people’s idolization of the prophet Muhammad to innovate a whole set of unauthorized and unreasonable regulations called “Sunna of the Prophet.” This created a totally different religion from non-Quranic sources).

[33:22] When the true believers saw the parties (ready to attack), they said, “This is what God and His messenger have promised us, and God and His messenger are truthful.” This (dangerous situation) only strengthened their faith and augmented their submission.

[33:23] Among the believers there are people who fulfill their pledges with God. Some of them died, while others stand ready, never wavering.

[33:24] God will surely recompense the truthful for their truthfulness, and will punish the hypocrites, if He so wills, or redeem them. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

During Muhammad’s Time

[33:25] God repulsed those who disbelieved with their rage, and they left emptyhanded. God thus spared the believers any fighting. God is Powerful, Almighty.

[33:26] He also brought down their allies among the people of the scripture from their secure positions, and threw terror into their hearts. Some of them you killed, and some you took captive.

[33:27] He made you inherit their land, their homes, their money, and lands you had never stepped on. God is in full control of all things.

Special Responsibility For Being Close

[33:28] O prophet, say to your wives, “If you are seeking this life and its vanities, then let me compensate you and allow you to go amicably.

[33:29] “But if you are seeking God and His messenger, and the abode of the Hereafter, then God has prepared for the righteous among you a great recompense.”

Special Responsibility

[33:30] O wives of the prophet, if any of you commits a gross sin, the retribution will be doubled for her. This is easy for God to do.

[33:31] Any one of you who obeys God and His messenger, and leads a righteous life, we will grant her double the recompense, and we have prepared for her a generous provision.

Setting the Example

[33:32] O wives of the prophet, you are not the same as any other women, if you observe righteousness. (You have a greater responsibility.) Therefore, you shall not speak too softly, lest those with disease in their hearts may get the wrong ideas; you shall speak only righteousness.

[33:33] You shall settle down in your homes, and do not mingle with the people excessively, like you used to do in the old days of ignorance. You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and obey God and His messenger. God wishes to remove all unholiness from you, O you who live around the Sacred Shrine, and to purify you completely.

[33:34] Remember what is being recited in your homes of God’s revelations and the wisdom inherent therein. God is Sublime, Cognizant.

Equality of Men and Women

[33:35] The submitting men, the submitting women, the believing men, the believing women, the obedient men, the obedient women, the truthful men, the truthful women, the steadfast men, the steadfast women, the reverent men, the reverent women, the charitable men, the charitable women, the fasting men, the fasting women, the chaste men, the chaste women, and the men who commemorate God frequently, and the commemorating women; God has prepared for them forgiveness and a great recompense.

Major Error Committed by Muhammad: Muhammad the Man Disobeys Muhammad the Messenger

[33:36] No believing man or believing woman, if God and His messenger issue any command, has any choice regarding that command. Anyone who disobeys God and His messenger has gone far astray.

[33:37] Recall that you said to the one who was blessed by God, and blessed by you, “Keep your wife and reverence God,” and you hid inside yourself what God wished to proclaim. Thus, you feared the people, when you were supposed to fear only God. When Zeid was completely through with his wife, we had you marry her, in order to establish the precedent that a man may marry the divorced wife of his adopted son. God’s commands shall be done.

[33:38] The prophet is not committing an error by doing anything that is made lawful by God. Such is God’s system since the early generations. God’s command is a sacred duty.

[33:39] Those who deliver God’s messages, and who reverence Him alone, shall never fear anyone but God. God is the most efficient reckoner.

Not The Final Messenger

[33:40] Muhammad was not the father of any man among you. He was a messenger of God and the final prophet. God is fully aware of all things.

(Despite this clear definition of Muhammad, most Muslims insist that he was the last prophet and also the last messenger. This is a tragic human trait as we see in 40:34. Those who readily believe God realize that God sends four more messengers after the final prophet Muhammad).

[33:41] O you who believe, you shall remember God frequently.

[33:42] You shall glorify Him day and night.

(Your god is whatever occupies your thoughts most of the time. Hence the commandment to commemorate God and glorify Him day and night.)

[33:43] He is the One who helps you, together with His angels, to lead you out of darkness into the light. He is Most Merciful towards the believers.

[33:44] Their greeting the day they meet Him is, “Peace,” and He has prepared for them a generous recompense.

[33:45] O prophet, we have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good news, as well as a warner.

[33:46] Inviting to God, in accordance with His will, and a guiding beacon.

[33:47] Deliver good news to the believers, that they have deserved from God a great blessing.

[33:48] Do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites, disregard their insults, and put your trust in God; God suffices as an advocate.

Marriage Laws

[33:49] O you who believe, if you married believing women, then divorced them before having intercourse with them, they do not owe you any waiting interim (before marrying another man). You shall compensate them equitably, and let them go amicably.

[33:50] O prophet, we made lawful for you your wives to whom you have paid their due dowry, or what you already have, as granted to you by God. Also lawful for you in marriage are the daughters of your father’s brothers, the daughters of your father’s sisters, the daughters of your mother’s brothers, the daughters of your mother’s sisters, who have emigrated with you. Also, if a believing woman gave herself to the prophet – by forfeiting the dowry – the prophet may marry her without a dowry, if he so wishes. However, her forfeiting of the dowry applies only to the prophet, and not to the other believers. We have already decreed their rights in regard to their spouses or what they already have. This is to spare you any embarrassment. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[33:51] You may gently shun any one of them, and you may bring closer to you any one of them. If you reconcile with any one you had estranged, you commit no error. In this way, they will be pleased, will have no grief, and will be content with what you equitably offer to all of them. God knows what is in your hearts. God is Omniscient, Clement.

[33:52] Beyond the categories described to you, you are enjoined from marrying any other women, nor can you substitute a new wife (from the prohibited categories), no matter how much you admire their beauty. You must be content with those already made lawful to you. God is watchful over all things.

Etiquette

[33:53] O you who believe, do not enter the prophet’s homes unless you are given permission to eat, nor shall you force such an invitation in any manner. If you are invited, you may enter. When you finish eating, you shall leave; do not engage him in lengthy conversations. This used to hurt the prophet, and he was too shy to tell you. But God does not shy away from the truth. If you have to ask his wives for something, ask them from behind a barrier. This is purer for your hearts and their hearts. You are not to hurt the messenger of God. You shall not marry his wives after him, for this would be a gross offense in the sight of God.

(We are enjoined in 4:22 from marrying women who were previously married to our fathers. Nor can the father marry the divorced wife of his son (4:23). This divine commandment preserves our respect for our fathers and their most private affairs. Similarly, the prophet was a father figure to the believers of his time. For the good of those believers, God enjoined them from marrying women who were previously married to the prophet. Marriage is a sacred and very private relationship, and the prophet’s private life was better kept private.)

[33:54] Whether you declare anything, or hide it, God is fully aware of all things.

[33:55] The women may relax (their dress code) around their fathers, their sons, their brothers, the sons of their brothers, the sons of their sisters, the other women, and their (female) servants. They shall reverence God. God witnesses all things.

During the Prophet’s Life

[33:56] God and His angels help and support the prophet. O you who believe, you shall help and support him, and regard him as he should be regarded.

(The word “prophet” (Nabi) consistently refers to Muhammad only when he was alive. Satan used this verse to entice the Muslims into commemorating Muhammad, constantly, instead of commemorating God as enjoined in 33:41-42.)

[33:57] Surely, those who oppose God and His messenger, God afflicts them with a curse in this life, and in the Hereafter; He has prepared for them a shameful retribution.

[33:58] Those who persecute the believing men and the believing women, who did not do anything wrong, have committed not only a falsehood, but also a gross sin.

Dress Code for Women

[33:59] O prophet, tell your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they shall lengthen their garments. Thus, they will be recognized (as righteous women) and avoid being insulted. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[33:60] Unless the hypocrites, and those with disease in their hearts, and the vicious liars of the city refrain (from persecuting you), we will surely grant you the upper hand, then they will be forced to leave within a short while.

[33:61] They have incurred condemnation wherever they go; (unless they stop attacking you,) they may be taken and killed.

[33:62] This is God’s eternal system, and you will find that God’s system is unchangeable.

End of the World Revealed

[33:63] The people ask you about the Hour (end of the world). Say, “The knowledge thereof is only with God. For all that you know, the Hour may be close.”

(Less than a century ago, only God possessed knowledge about television and space satellites, for example. He revealed this knowledge at the predetermined time. Similarly, God has revealed the time appointed for the end of this world.)

The Followers Turn On Their Leaders

[33:64] God has condemned the disbelievers, and has prepared for them Hell.

[33:65] Eternally they abide therein. They will find no lord, nor a supporter.

[33:66] The day they are thrown into Hell, they will say, “Oh, we wish we obeyed God, and obeyed the messenger.”

[33:67] They will also say, “Our Lord, we have obeyed our masters and leaders, but they led us astray.

[33:68] “Our Lord, give them double the retribution, and curse them a tremendous curse.”

[33:69] O you who believe, do not be like those who hurt Moses, then God absolved him of what they said. He was, in the sight of God, honorable.

[33:70] O you who believe, reverence God and utter only the correct utterances.

[33:71] He will then fix your works, and forgive your sins. Those who obey God and His messenger have triumphed a great triumph.

Freedom of Choice

[33:72] We have offered the responsibility (freedom of choice) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, and were afraid of it. But the human being accepted it; he was transgressing, ignorant.

[33:73] For God will inevitably punish the hypocrite men and the hypocrite women, and the idol worshiping men and the idol worshiping women. God redeems the believing men and the believing women. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

 

[32:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[32:1] A. L. M.

(See the meaning and the significance of these previously mysterious initials.)

[32:2] The book is, without a doubt, a revelation from the Lord of the universe.

[32:3] They said, “He fabricated it.” Indeed, this is the truth from your Lord, to warn people who never received a warner before you, that they may be guided.

No Mediator Between God and You

[32:4] God is the One who created the heavens and the earth, and everything between them in six days, then assumed all authority. You have none beside Him as Lord, nor do you have an intercessor. Would you not take heed?

[32:5] All matters are controlled by Him from the heaven to the earth. To Him, the day is equivalent to one thousand of your years.

[32:6] Knower of all secrets and declarations; the Almighty, Most Merciful.

The Origin of Man

[32:7] He is the One who perfected everything He created, and started the creation of the human from clay.

[32:8] Then He continued his reproduction through a certain lowly liquid.

[32:9] He shaped him and blew into him from His spirit. And He gave you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brains; rarely are you thankful.

[32:10] They wonder, “After we vanish into the earth, do we get created anew?” Thus, as regards meeting their Lord, they are disbelievers.

[32:11] Say, “You will be put to death by the angel in whose charge you are placed, then to your Lord you will be returned.”

Too Late

[32:12] If only you could see the guilty when they bow down their heads before their Lord: “Our Lord, now we have seen and we have heard. Send us back and we will be righteous. Now we have attained certainty.”

(If sent back, they would commit the same transgressions. See comment below verse 6:28)

[32:13] Had we willed, we could have given every soul its guidance, but it is already predetermined that I will fill Hell with jinns and humans, all together.

(The majority of humans “insist” upon going to Hell, by choosing to ignore God’s invitations to redeem them. God will not put a single person in Hell. Those who fail to redeem themselves by denouncing idolatry and devoting themselves to God ALONE, and fail to develop their souls through the practices prescribed by our Creator, will have to run to Hell on their own volition. They will be too weak to stand the physical presence of God’s energy.)

[32:14] Taste the consequences of your forgetting this day; now we forget you. You have incurred eternal retribution in return for your own works.

[32:15] The only people who truly believe in our revelations are those who fall prostrate upon hearing them. They glorify and praise their Lord, without any arrogance.

[32:16] Their sides readily forsake their beds, in order to worship their Lord, out of reverence and hope, and from our provisions to them, they give.

Heaven: Indescribably Beautiful

[32:17] You have no idea how much joy and happiness are waiting for you as a reward for your (righteous) works.

[32:18] Is one who is a believer the same as one who is wicked? They are not equal.

[32:19] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they have deserved the eternal Paradise. Such is their abode, in return for their works.

[32:20] As for the wicked, their destiny is Hell. Every time they try to leave it, they will be forced back. They will be told, “Taste the agony of Hell which you used to disbelieve in.”

Take A Hint

[32:21] We let them taste the smaller retribution (of this world), before they incur the greater retribution (of the Hereafter), that they may (take a hint and) reform.

[32:22] Who is more evil than one who is reminded of these revelations of his Lord, then insists upon disregarding them? We will certainly punish the guilty.

[32:23] We have given Moses the scripture – do not harbor any doubt about meeting Him – and we made it a guide for the Children of Israel.

[32:24] We appointed from among them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, because they steadfastly persevered and attained certainty about our revelations.

[32:25] Your Lord is the One who will judge them on the Day of Resurrection, regarding everything they disputed.

[32:26] Does it ever occur to them how many generations we have annihilated before them? They now live and walk in their ancestors’ homes. This should provide sufficient proofs. Do they not hear?

[32:27] Do they not realize that we drive the water to barren lands, and produce with it crops to feed their livestock, as well as themselves? Do they not see?

[32:28] They challenge: “Where is that victory, if you are truthful?”

[32:29] Say, “The day such a victory comes, believing will not benefit those who did not believe before that, nor will they be given another chance.”

[32:30] Therefore, disregard them and wait, they too are waiting.

 

[31:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[31:1] A. L. M.

(See the meaning and the significance of these previously mysterious initials.)

[31:2] These (letters) constitute proofs of this book of wisdom.

[31:3] A beacon and a mercy for the righteous.

[31:4] Who observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and as regards the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain.

[31:5] They are following the guidance from their Lord, and they are the winners.

[31:6] Among the people, there are those who uphold baseless Hadith, and thus divert others from the path of God without knowledge, and take it in vain. These have incurred a shameful retribution.

[31:7] And when our revelations are recited to the one of them, he turns away in arrogance as if he never heard them, as if his ears are deaf. Promise him a painful retribution.

[31:8] Surely, those who believe and lead a righteous life have deserved the gardens of bliss.

[31:9] Eternally they abide therein. This is the truthful promise of God. He is the Almighty, Most Wise.

[31:10] He created the heavens without pillars that you can see. He established on earth stabilizers (mountains) lest it tumbles with you, and He spread on it all kinds of creatures. We send down from the sky water to grow all kinds of beautiful plants.

[31:11] Such is the creation of God; show me what the idols you set up beside Him have created. Indeed, the transgressors are far astray.

Luqmãn’s Wisdom

[31:12] We have endowed Luqmaan with wisdom: “You shall be appreciative of God.” Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good. As for those who turn unappreciative, God is in no need, Praiseworthy.

[31:13] Recall that Luqmaan said to his son, as he enlightened him, “O my son, do not set up any idols beside God; idolatry is a gross injustice.”

(How will you feel if you take care of a child, give him the best education, and prepare him for life, only to see him thank someone else? Thus is idolatry; injustice.)

The Second Commandment

[31:14] We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. His mother bore him, and the load got heavier and heavier. It takes two years (of intensive care) until weaning. You shall be appreciative of Me, and of your parents. To Me is the ultimate destiny.

[31:15] If they try to force you to set up any idols beside Me, do not obey them. But continue to treat them amicably in this world. You shall follow only the path of those who have submitted to Me. Ultimately, you all return to Me, then I will inform you of everything you have done.

Luqmãn’s Advice

[31:16] “O my son, know that even something as tiny as a mustard seed, deep inside a rock, be it in the heavens or the earth, God will bring it. God is Sublime, Cognizant.

[31:17] “O my son, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). You shall advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. These are the most honorable traits.

[31:18] “You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. God does not like the arrogant showoffs.

[31:19] “Walk humbly and lower your voice – the ugliest voice is the donkey’s voice.”

[31:20] Do you not see that God has committed in your service everything in the heavens and the earth, and has showered you with His blessings – obvious and hidden? Yet, some people argue about God without knowledge, without guidance, and without the enlightening scripture.

Following the Parents Blindly: A Common Tragedy

[31:21] When they are told, “Follow these revelations of God,” they say, “No, we follow only what we found our parents doing.” What if the devil is leading them to the agony of Hell?

The Strongest Bond

[31:22] Those who submit completely to God, while leading a righteous life, have gotten hold of the strongest bond. For God is in full control of all things.

[31:23] As for those who disbelieve, do not be saddened by their disbelief. To us is their ultimate return, then we will inform them of everything they had done. God is fully aware of the innermost thoughts.

[31:24] We let them enjoy temporarily, then commit them to severe retribution.

They Believe in God

[31:25] If you ask them, “Who created the heavens and the earth,” they will say, “God.” Say, “Praise be to God.” Yet, most of them do not know.

[31:26] To God belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. God is the Most Rich, Most Praiseworthy.

These Are All the Words We Need

[31:27] If all the trees on earth were made into pens, and the ocean supplied the ink, augmented by seven more oceans, the words of God would not run out. God is Almighty, Most Wise.

[31:28] The creation and resurrection of all of you is the same as that of one person. God is Hearer, Seer.

God ALONE Worthy of Worship

[31:29] Do you not realize that God merges the night into the day and merges the day into the night, and that He has committed the sun and the moon in your service, each running in its orbit for a specific life span, and that God is fully Cognizant of everything you do?

[31:30] This proves that God is the truth, while any idol they set up beside Him is falsehood, and that God is the Most High, Most Great.

[31:31] Do you not see that the ships roam the sea, carrying God’s provisions, to show you some of His proofs? Indeed, these should be sufficient proofs for everyone who is steadfast, appreciative.

[31:32] When violent waves surround them, they implore God, sincerely devoting their prayers to Him alone. But as soon as He saves them to the shore, some of them revert. None discards our revelations except those who are betrayers, unappreciative.

[31:33] O people, you shall reverence your Lord, and fear a day when a father cannot help his own child, nor can a child help his father. Certainly, God’s promise is truth. Therefore, do not be distracted by this life; do not be distracted from God by mere illusions.

Things We May and May Not Know

[31:34] With God is the knowledge about the Hour (end of the world). He is the One who sends down the rain, and He knows the contents of the womb. No soul knows what will happen to it tomorrow, and no one knows in which land he or she will die. God is Omniscient, Cognizant.

(God reveals His knowledge whenever He wills. We learn from this verse that we may be able to predict the rain, and the gender of the fetus. But we can never know the time or place of death. In accordance with 72:27, God has revealed the end of the world through His Messenger of the Covenant, and He has revealed all the important global future events of the end times through the Clarifying Messenger.)

 

[30:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[30:1] A. L. M.

(See the meaning and the significance of these previously mysterious initials.)

[30:2] Certainly, the Romans will be defeated.

[30:3] In the nearest land. After their defeat, they will rise again and win.

[30:4] Within several years. Such is God’s decision, both in the first prophecy, and the second. On that day, the believers shall rejoice.

[30:5] In God’s victory. He grants victory to whomever He wills. He is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

[30:6] Such is God’s promise – and God never breaks His promise – but most people do not know.

[30:7] They care only about things of this world that are visible to them, while being totally oblivious to the Hereafter.

[30:8] Why do they not reflect on themselves? God did not create the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, except for a specific purpose, and for a specific life span. However, most people, with regard to meeting their Lord, are disbelievers.

[30:9] Have they not roamed the earth and noted the consequences for those who preceded them? They used to be more powerful, more prosperous, and more productive on earth. Their messengers went to them with clear signs. Consequently, God was not the One who wronged them; they are the ones who wronged their own souls.

[30:10] The consequences for those who committed evil had to be evil. That is because they rejected God’s revelations, and ridiculed them.

[30:11] God is the One who initiates the creation and repeats it. Ultimately, you will be returned to Him.

[30:12] On the Day when the Hour comes to pass, the guilty will be shocked.

[30:13] Their idols will have no power to intercede on their behalf; on the contrary, they will disown their idols.

[30:14] On the day when the Hour comes to pass, they will part company.

[30:15] As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, they will be in Paradise, rejoicing.

[30:16] As for those who disbelieve, and reject our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, they will last in the retribution forever.

Remember God, Always

[30:17] Therefore, you shall glorify God when you retire at night, and when you rise in the morning.

[30:18] All praise is due to Him in the heavens and the earth, throughout the evening, as well as in the middle of your day.

[30:19] He produces the live from the dead, and produces the dead from the live, and He revives the land after it had died; you are similarly resurrected.

Marriage: A Divine Institution

[30:20] Among His proofs is that He created you from dust, then you became reproducing humans.

[30:21] Among His proofs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, in order to have tranquility and contentment with each other, and He placed in your hearts love and care towards your spouses. In this, there are sufficient proofs for people who think.

More Proof

[30:22] Among His proofs are the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colors. In these, there are signs for the knowledgeable.

[30:23] Among His proofs is your sleeping during the night or the day, and your working in pursuit of His provisions. In this, there are sufficient proofs for people who can hear.

[30:24] Among His proofs is that He shows you the lightning as a source of fear, as well as hope, then He sends down from the sky water to revive a land that has been dead. In these, there are sufficient proofs for people who understand.

[30:25] Among His proofs is that the heaven and the earth are standing at His disposal. Finally, when He calls you out of the earth, one call, you will immediately come out.

[30:26] To Him belongs everyone in the heavens and the earth; all are subservient to Him.

[30:27] And He is the One who initiates the creation, then repeats it; this is even easier for Him. To Him belongs the most sublime similitude, in the heavens and the earth, and He is the Almighty, Most Wise.

Absurdity of Idol Worship

[30:28] He cites for you herein an example from among yourselves: Do you ever elevate your servants or subordinates to the level where they rival you, and to the point that you pay them as much allegiance as is being paid to you? We thus explain the revelations for people who understand.

[30:29] Indeed, the transgressors have followed their own opinions, without knowledge. Who then can guide those who have been sent astray by God? No one can ever help them.

Monotheism: Natural Instinct

[30:30] Therefore, you shall devote yourself to the religion of strict monotheism. Such is the natural instinct placed into the people by God. Such creation of God will never change. This is the perfect religion, but most people do not know.

(Recognizing God ALONE as our Lord and Master is a natural instinct. We are born into this world with such an instinct. See 7:172-173.)

[30:31] You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and – whatever you do – do not ever fall into idol worship.

Sectarianism Condemned

[30:32] (Do not fall in idol worship,) like those who divide their religion into sects; each party rejoicing with what they have.

Bad Weather Friends

[30:33] When adversity afflicts the people, they turn to their Lord, totally devoting themselves to Him. But then, as soon as He showers them with mercy, some of them revert to idol worship.

(For example, some people before undergoing surgery sincerely implore God to heal them, but as soon as the surgery succeeds, they thank St. Jude!!!)

[30:34] Let them be unappreciative of what we have given them. Enjoy temporarily; you will surely find out.

[30:35] Have we given them authorization that justifies their idolatry?

[30:36] When we bestow mercy upon the people, they rejoice therein. But when adversity befalls them, as a consequence of their own works, they become despondent.

[30:37] Do they not realize that God increases the provision for whomever He wills, or reduces it? These should be lessons for people who believe.

[30:38] Therefore, you shall give the relatives their rightful share (of charity), as well as the poor, and the traveling alien. This is better for those who sincerely seek God’s pleasure; they are the winners.

[30:39] The usury that is practiced to increase some people’s wealth, does not gain anything at God. But if you give to charity, seeking God’s pleasure, these are the ones who receive their reward manifold.

Who Is Worthy of Worship?

[30:40] God is the One who created you. He is the One who provides for you. He is the One who puts you to death. He is the One who resurrects you. Can any of your idols do any of these things? Be He glorified. He is much too exalted to have any partners.

[30:41] Disasters have spread throughout the land and sea, because of what the people have committed. He thus lets them taste the consequences of some of their works, that they may return (to the right works).

Learning From History

[30:42] Say, “Roam the earth and note the consequences for those before you.” Most of them were idol worshipers.

[30:43] Therefore, you shall devote yourself completely to this perfect religion, before a day comes which is made inevitable by God. On that day, they will be shocked.

[30:44] Whoever disbelieves, disbelieves to the detriment of his own soul, while those who lead a righteous life, do so to strengthen and develop their own souls.

[30:45] For He will generously recompense those who believe and lead a righteous life from His bounties. He does not love the disbelievers.

[30:46] Among His proofs is that He sends the winds with good omen, to shower you with His mercy, and to allow the ships to run in the sea in accordance with His rules, and for you to seek His bounties (through commerce), that you may be appreciative.

Guaranteed Victory for the Believers

[30:47] We have sent messengers before you to their people, with profound signs. Subsequently, we punished those who transgressed. It is our duty that we grant victory to the believers.

[30:48] God is the One who sends the winds, to stir up clouds, to be spread throughout the sky in accordance with His will. He then piles the clouds up, then you see the rain coming down therefrom. When it falls on whomever He chooses from among His servants, they rejoice.

[30:49] Before it fell on them, they had resorted to despair.

[30:50] You shall appreciate God’s continuous mercy, and how He revives the land that has been dead. He will just as certainly resurrect the dead. He is Omnipotent.

[30:51] Had we sent upon them instead a yellow sandstorm, they would have continued to disbelieve.

[30:52] You cannot make the dead, nor the deaf, hear the call, once they turn away.

[30:53] Nor can you guide the blind out of their straying. You can only be heard by those who believe in our revelations, and decide to become submitters.

This Life is Very Short

[30:54] God is the One who created you weak, then granted you after the weakness strength, then substituted after the strength weakness and gray hair. He creates whatever He wills. He is the Omniscient, the Omnipotent.

[30:55] On the day when the Hour comes to pass, the guilty will swear that they lasted (in this world) only one hour. That is how wrong they were.

[30:56] Those who are blessed with knowledge and faith will say, “You have lasted, according to God’s decree, until the Day of Resurrection. Now, this is the Day of Resurrection, but you failed to recognize it.”

[30:57] Therefore, no apology, on that day, will benefit the transgressors, nor will they be excused.

[30:58] Thus, we have cited for the people in this Quran all kinds of examples. Yet, no matter what kind of proof you present to the disbelievers, they say, “You are falsifiers.”

Divine Intervention

[30:59] God thus seals the hearts of those who do not know.

[30:60] Therefore, you shall steadfastly persevere – for God’s promise is the truth – and do not be intimidated by those who have not attained certainty.

 

[29:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[29:1] A. L. M.

(See the meaning and the significance of these Quranic initials.)

The Test is Mandatory

[29:2] Do the people think that they will be left to say, “We believe,” without being put to the test?

[29:3] We have tested those before them, for God must distinguish those who are truthful, and He must expose the liars.

[29:4] Do those who commit sins think that they can ever fool us? Wrong indeed is their judgment.

[29:5] Anyone hoping to meet God, (should know that) such a meeting with God will most assuredly come to pass. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.

[29:6] Those who strive, strive for their own good. God is in no need of anyone.

[29:7] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will certainly remit their sins, and will certainly reward them generously for their righteous works.

You Shall Honor Your Parents

[29:8] We enjoined the human being to honor his parents. But if they try to force you to set up idols beside Me, do not obey them. To Me is your ultimate return, then I will inform you of everything you had done.

[29:9] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will certainly admit them with the righteous.

Fair Weather Friends

[29:10] Among the people there are those who say, “We believe in God,” but as soon as they suffer any hardship because of God, they equate the people’s persecution with God’s retribution. But if blessings from your Lord come your way, they say, “We were with you.” Is God not fully aware of the people’s innermost thoughts?

[29:11] God will most certainly distinguish those who believe, and He will most certainly expose the hypocrites.

[29:12] Those who disbelieved said to those who believed, “If you follow our way, we will be responsible for your sins.” Not true; they cannot bear any of their sins. They are liars.

[29:13] In fact, they will carry their own sins, in addition to loads of other people’s sins for which they were responsible. Most certainly, they will be asked on the Day of Resurrection about their false claims.

Noah

[29:14] We sent Noah to his people, and he stayed with them one thousand years, less fifty. Subsequently, they incurred the flood because of their transgressions.

[29:15] We saved him and those who accompanied him in the ark, and we set it up as a lesson for all the people.

Abraham

[29:16] Abraham said to his people, “You shall worship God, and reverence Him. This is better for you, if you only knew.

God: The Only Source of Provisions

[29:17] “What you worship instead of God are powerless idols; you have invented a lie.” The idols you worship beside God do not possess any provisions for you. Therefore, you shall seek provisions only from God. You shall worship Him alone, and be appreciative of Him; to Him is your ultimate return.

[29:18] If you disbelieve, generations before you have also disbelieved. The sole function of the messenger is to deliver (the message).

Study the Origin of Life

[29:19] Have they not seen how God initiates the creation, then repeats it? This is easy for God to do.

[29:20] Say, “Roam the earth and find out the origin of life.” For God will thus initiate the creation in the Hereafter. God is Omnipotent.

[29:21] He condemns to retribution whomever He wills, and showers His mercy upon whomever He wills. Ultimately, to Him you will be turned over.

[29:22] None of you can escape from these facts, on earth or in the heaven, and you have none beside God as a Lord and Master.

[29:23] Those who disbelieve in God’s revelations, and in meeting Him, have despaired from My mercy. They have incurred a painful retribution.

Back to Abraham

[29:24] The only response from his people was their saying, “Kill him, or burn him.” But God saved him from the fire. This should provide lessons for people who believe.

Social Pressure: A Profound Disaster

[29:25] He said, “You worship beside God powerless idols due to peer pressure, just to preserve some friendship among you in this worldly life. But then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will disown one another, and curse one another. Your destiny is Hell, wherein you cannot help one another.”

[29:26] Lot believed with him and said, “I am emigrating to my Lord. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.”

[29:27] We granted him Isaac and Jacob, we assigned to his descendants prophethood and the scriptures, we endowed him with his due recompense in this life, and in the Hereafter he will surely be with the righteous.

Lot

[29:28] Lot said to his people, “You commit such an abomination, no one in the world has ever done it before you.

[29:29] “You practice sex with the men, you commit highway robbery, and you allow all kinds of vice in your society.” The only response from his people was to say, “Bring to us God’s retribution, if you are truthful.”

[29:30] He said, “My Lord, grant me victory over these wicked people.”

Angels Visit Abraham and Lot

[29:31] When our messengers went to Abraham with good news (about Isaac’s birth), they also said, “We are on our way to annihilate the people of that town (Sodom), for its people have been wicked.”

[29:32] He said, “But Lot is living there.” They said, “We are fully aware of everyone who lives in it. We will of course save him and his family, except his wife; she is doomed.”

[29:33] When our messengers arrived at Lot’s place, they were mistreated, and he was embarrassed by their presence. But they said, “Have no fear, and do not worry. We will save you and your family, except your wife; she is doomed.

[29:34] “We will pour upon the people of this town a disaster from the sky, as a consequence of their wickedness.”

[29:35] We left standing some of their ruins, to serve as a profound lesson for people who understand.

Shu‘aib

[29:36] To Midyan we sent their brother Shu`aib. He said, “O my people, you shall worship God and seek the Last Day, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.”

[29:37] They disbelieved him and, consequently, the earthquake annihilated them; they were left dead in their homes by morning.

[29:38] Similarly, ‘Aad and Thamoud (were annihilated). This is made manifest to you through their ruins. The devil had adorned their works in their eyes, and had diverted them from the path, even though they had eyes.

God’s Immutable System

[29:39] Also Qaaroon, Pharaoh, and Hamaan; Moses went to them with clear signs. But they continued to commit tyranny on earth. Consequently, they could not evade (the retribution).

[29:40] All those disbelievers were doomed as a consequence of their sins. Some of them we annihilated by violent winds, some were annihilated by the quake, some we caused the earth to swallow, and some we drowned. God is not the One who wronged them; it is they who wronged their own souls.

The Spider

[29:41] The allegory of those who accept other masters beside God is that of the spider and her home; the flimsiest of all homes is the home of the spider, if they only knew.

(It takes a knowledgeable person to know that the Black Widow spider kills her mate. The use of the feminine reference to the spider in 29:41 is thus significant. This is in addition to the fact that the spider web is physically very flimsy.)

[29:42] God knows full well that whatever they worship beside Him are really nothing. He is the Almighty, the Most Wise.

[29:43] We cite these examples for the people, and none appreciate them except the knowledgeable.

[29:44] God created the heavens and the earth, truthfully. This provides a sufficient proof for the believers.

The Contact Prayers (Salat)

[29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of God (through Salat) is the most important objective. God knows everything you do.

One God/One Religion

[29:46] Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner – unless they transgress – and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.”

[29:47] We have revealed to you this scripture, and those whom we blessed with the previous scripture will believe in it. Also, some of your people will believe in it. Indeed, those who disregard our revelations are the real disbelievers.

Quran: Muhammad’s Miracle

[29:48] You did not read the previous scriptures, nor did you write them with your hand. In that case, the rejectors would have had reason to harbor doubts.

[29:49] In fact, these revelations are clear in the chests of those who possess knowledge. Only the wicked will disregard our revelations.

[29:50] They said, “If only miracles could come down to him from his Lord!” Say, “All miracles come only from God; I am no more than a clear warner.”

[29:51] Is it not enough of a miracle that we sent down to you this book, being recited to them? This is indeed a mercy and a reminder for people who believe.

[29:52] Say, “God suffices as a witness between me and you. He knows everything in the heavens and the earth. Surely, those who believe in falsehood and disbelieve in God are the real losers.”

They Are in Hell

[29:53] They challenge you to bring the retribution! If it were not for a predetermined appointment, the retribution would have come to them immediately. Certainly, it will come to them suddenly, when they least expect it.

(Anyone who dies before the age of 40 goes to Heaven, and not everyone deserves this. People sometimes lament the slowness of justice when a vicious criminal is not executed promptly. God knows who deserves Heaven. See also 46:15.)

[29:54] They challenge you to bring retribution! Hell already surrounds the disbelievers.

[29:55] The day will come when the retribution overwhelms them, from above them and from beneath their feet; He will say, “Taste the consequences of your works.”

Immigrate in the Cause of God

[29:56] O My servants who believed, My earth is spacious, so worship Me.

[29:57] Everyone will taste death, then to us you will be ultimately returned.

[29:58] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will surely settle them in Paradise, with mansions and flowing streams. Eternally they abide therein. What a beautiful reward for the workers.

[29:59] They are the ones who steadfastly persevere, and trust in their Lord.

[29:60] Many a creature that does not carry its provision, God provides for it, as well as for you. He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.

Most Believers Destined for Hell

[29:61] If you ask them, “Who created the heavens and the earth, and put the sun and the moon in your service,” they will say, “God.” Why then did they deviate?

[29:62] God is the One who increases the provision for whomever He chooses from among His creatures, and withholds it. God is fully aware of all things.

[29:63] If you ask them, “Who sends down from the sky water, to revive dead land,” they will say, “God.” Say, “Praise God.” Most of them do not understand.

Re-arrange Your Priorities

[29:64] This worldly life is no more than vanity and play, while the abode of the Hereafter is the real life, if they only knew.

[29:65] When they ride on a ship, they implore God, devoting their prayers to Him. But as soon as He saves them to the shore, they revert to idolatry.

[29:66] Let them disbelieve in what we have given them, and let them enjoy temporarily; they will surely find out.

[29:67] Have they not seen that we have established a Sacred Sanctuary that we made secure, while all around them the people are in constant danger? Would they still believe in falsehood, and reject God’s blessings?

[29:68] Who is more evil than one who fabricates lies and attributes them to God, or rejects the truth when it comes to him? Is Hell not a just retribution for the disbelievers?

[29:69] As for those who strive in our cause, we will surely guide them in our paths. Most assuredly, God is with the pious.

 

[28:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[28:1] T. S. M.

(See the meaning and the significance of these Quranic initials.)

[28:2] These (letters) constitute proofs of this profound book.

[28:3] We recite to you herein some history of Moses and Pharaoh, truthfully, for the benefit of people who believe.

[28:4] Pharaoh turned into a tyrant on earth, and discriminated against some people. He persecuted a helpless group of them, slaughtering their sons, while sparing their daughters. He was indeed wicked.

God Compensates the Oppressed

[28:5] We willed to compensate those who were oppressed on earth, and to turn them into leaders, and make them the inheritors.

[28:6] And to establish them on earth, and to give Pharaoh, Hamaan, and their troops a taste of their own medicine.

Confidence in God

[28:7] We inspired Moses’ mother: “Nurse him, and when you fear for his life, throw him into the river without fear or grief. We will return him to you, and will make him one of the messengers.”

[28:8] Pharaoh’s family picked him up, only to have him lead the opposition and to be a source of grief for them. That is because Pharaoh, Hamaan, and their troops were transgressors.

Inside the Lion’s Den

[28:9] Pharaoh’s wife said, “This can be a joyous find for me and you. Do not kill him, for he may be of some benefit for us, or we may adopt him to be our son.” They had no idea.

[28:10] The mind of Moses’ mother was growing so anxious that she almost gave away his identity. But we strengthened her heart, to make her a believer.

[28:11] She said to his sister, “Trace his path.” She watched him from afar, while they did not perceive.

The Infant Returned to His Mother

[28:12] We forbade him from accepting all the nursing mothers. (His sister) then said, “I can show you a family that can raise him for you, and take good care of him.”

[28:13] Thus, we restored him to his mother, in order to please her, remove her worries, and to let her know that God’s promise is the truth. However, most of them do not know.

[28:14] When he reached maturity and strength, we endowed him with wisdom and knowledge. We thus reward the righteous.

Moses Commits Manslaughter

[28:15] Once he entered the city unexpectedly, without being recognized by the people. He found two men fighting; one was (a Hebrew) from his people, and the other was (an Egyptian) from his enemies. The one from his people called on him for help against his enemy. Moses punched him, killing him. He said, “This is the work of the devil; he is a real enemy, and a profound misleader.”

[28:16] He said, “My Lord, I have wronged my soul. Please forgive me,” and He forgave him. He is the Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[28:17] He said, “My Lord, in return for Your blessings upon me, I will never be a supporter of the guilty ones.”

[28:18] In the morning, he was in the city, afraid and watchful. The one who sought his help yesterday, asked for his help again. Moses said to him, “You are really a trouble maker.”

Moses’ Crime Exposed

[28:19] Before he attempted to strike their common enemy, he said, “O Moses, do you want to kill me, as you killed the other man yesterday? Obviously, you wish to be a tyrant on earth; you do not wish to be righteous.”

[28:20] A man came running from the other side of the city, saying, “O Moses, the people are plotting to kill you. You better leave immediately. I am giving you good advice.”

[28:21] He fled the city, afraid and watchful. He said, “My Lord, save me from the oppressive people.”

In Midyan

[28:22] As he traveled towards Midyan, he said, “May my Lord guide me in the right path.”

[28:23] When he reached Midyan’s water, he found a crowd of people watering, and noticed two women waiting on the side. He said, “What is it that you need?” They said, “We are not able to water, until the crowd disperses, and our father is an old man.”

[28:24] He watered for them, then turned to the shade, saying, “My Lord, whatever provision you send to me, I am in dire need for it.”

[28:25] Soon, one of the two women approached him, shyly, and said, “My father invites you to pay you for watering for us.” When he met him, and told him his story, he said, “Have no fear. You have been saved from the oppressive people.”

Moses Marries

[28:26] One of the two women said, “O my father, hire him. He is the best one to hire, for he is strong and honest.”

[28:27] He said, “I wish to offer one of my two daughters for you to marry, in return for working for me for eight pilgrimages; if you make them ten, it will be voluntary on your part. I do not wish to make this matter too difficult for you. You will find me, God willing, righteous.”

[28:28] He said, “It is an agreement between me and you. Whichever period I fulfill, you will not be averse to either one. God is the guarantor of what we said.”

Back to Egypt

[28:29] When he had fulfilled his obligation, he traveled with his family (towards Egypt). He saw from the slope of Mount Sinai a fire. He said to his family, “Stay here. I have seen a fire. Maybe I can bring to you news, or a portion of the fire to warm you.”

Moses Appointed

[28:30] When he reached it, he was called from the edge of the right side of the valley, in the blessed spot where the burning bush was located: “O Moses, this is Me. God; Lord of the universe.

[28:31] “Throw down your staff.” When he saw it moving like a demon, he turned around and fled. “O Moses, come back; do not be afraid. You are perfectly safe.

[28:32] “Put your hand into your pocket; it will come out white without a blemish. Fold your wings and settle down from your fear. These are two proofs from your Lord, to be shown to Pharaoh and his elders; they have been wicked people.”

[28:33] He said, “My Lord, I killed one of them, and I fear lest they kill me.

[28:34] “Also, my brother Aaron is more eloquent than I. Send him with me as a helper to confirm and strengthen me. I fear lest they disbelieve me.”

[28:35] He said, “We will strengthen you with your brother, and we will provide you both with manifest authority. Thus, they will not be able to touch either one of you. With our miracles, the two of you, together with those who follow you, will be the victors.”

Pharaoh’s Arrogance

[28:36] When Moses went to them with our proofs, clear and profound, they said, “This is fabricated magic. We have never heard of this from our ancient ancestors.”

[28:37] Moses said, “My Lord knows best who brought the guidance from Him, and who will be the ultimate victors. Surely, the transgressors never succeed.”

[28:38] Pharaoh said, “O you elders, I have not known of any god for you other than me. Therefore, fire the adobe, O Hamaan, in order to build a tower, that I may take a look at the god of Moses. I am sure that he is a liar.”

[28:39] Thus, he and his troops continued to commit arrogance on earth, without any right, and thought that they would not be returned to us.

[28:40] Consequently, we punished him and his troops, by throwing them into the sea. Note the consequences for the transgressors.

[28:41] We made them imams who led their people to Hell. Furthermore, on the Day of Resurrection, they will have no help.

[28:42] They incurred in this life condemnation, and on the Day of Resurrection they will be despised.

The Book of Moses

[28:43] We gave Moses the scripture – after having annihilated the previous generations, and after setting the examples through them – to provide enlightenment for the people, and guidance, and mercy, that they may take heed.

Addressing God’s Messenger of the Covenant

[28:44] You were not present on the slope of the western mount, when we issued the command to Moses; you were not a witness.

[28:45] But we established many generations, and, because of the length of time, (they deviated). Nor were you among the people of Midyan, reciting our revelations to them. But we did send messengers.

[28:46] Nor were you on the slope of Mount Sinai when we called (Moses). But it is mercy from your Lord, (towards the people,) in order to warn people who received no warner before you, that they may take heed.

No Excuse

[28:47] Thus, they cannot say, when a disaster strikes them as a consequence of their own deeds, “Our Lord, had You sent a messenger to us, we would have followed Your revelations, and would have been believers.”

The Torah and The Quran

[28:48] Now that the truth has come to them from us, they said, “If only we could be given what was given to Moses!” Did they not disbelieve in what was given to Moses in the past? They said, “Both (scriptures) are works of magic that copied one another.” They also said, “We are disbelievers in both of them.”

[28:49] Say, “Then produce a scripture from God with better guidance than the two, so I can follow it, if you are truthful.”

God Sends His Teachings to us Through His Messengers

[28:50] If they fail to respond to you, then know that they follow only their own opinions. Who is farther astray than those who follow their own opinions, without guidance from God? God does not guide such wicked people.

All True Believers Accept the Quran

[28:51] We have delivered the message to them, that they may take heed.

[28:52] Those whom we blessed with the previous scriptures will believe in this.

[28:53] When it is recited to them, they will say, “We believe in it. This is the truth from our Lord. Even before we heard of it, we were submitters.”

Twice the Reward for Christians & Jews Who Recognize the Truth

[28:54] To these we grant twice the reward, because they steadfastly persevere. They counter evil works with good works, and from our provisions to them, they give.

[28:55] When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, “We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.”

Only God Guides

[28:56] You cannot guide the ones you love. God is the only One who guides in accordance with His will, and in accordance with His knowledge of those who deserve the guidance.

[28:57] They said, “If we follow your guidance, we will suffer persecution.” Did we not establish for them a Sacred Sanctuary, to which all kinds of fruits are offered, as a provision from us? Indeed, most of them do not know.

[28:58] Many a community we annihilated for turning unappreciative of their lives. Consequently, here are their homes, nothing but uninhabited ruins after them, except a few. We were the inheritors.

[28:59] For your Lord never annihilates any community without sending a messenger in the midst thereof, to recite our revelations to them. We never annihilate any community, unless its people are wicked.

[28:60] Everything that is given to you is only the material of this life, and its vanity. What is with God is far better, and everlasting. Do you not understand?

[28:61] Is one whom we promised a good promise that will surely come to pass, equal to one whom we provide with the temporary materials of this life, then suffers eternal doom on the Day of Resurrection?

The Idols Disown Their Idolizers

[28:62] The day will come when He calls upon them, saying, “Where are those idols you had set up beside Me?”

[28:63] Those who incurred the judgment will say, “Our Lord, these are the ones we misled; we misled them only because we ourselves had gone astray. We now devote ourselves totally to You. They were not really worshiping us.”

[28:64] It will be said, “Call upon your idols (to help you).” They will call upon them, but they will not respond. They will suffer the retribution, and wish that they were guided!

Our Response to the Messengers

[28:65] On that day, He will ask everyone, “How did you respond to the messengers?”

[28:66] They will be so stunned by the facts on that day, they will be speechless.

[28:67] As for those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life, they will end up with the winners.

[28:68] Your Lord is the One who creates whatever He wills, and chooses; no one else does any choosing. Glory be to God, the Most Exalted. He is far above needing partners.

[28:69] Your Lord knows the innermost thoughts hidden in their chests, as well as everything they declare.

[28:70] He is the one God; there is no other god beside Him. To Him belongs all praise in this first life, and in the Hereafter. All judgment belongs with Him, and to Him you will be returned.

God’s Blessings

[28:71] Say, “What if God made the night perpetual, until the Day of Resurrection? Which god, other than God, can provide you with light? Do you not hear?”

[28:72] Say, “What if God made the daylight perpetual, until the Day of Resurrection? Which god, other than God, can provide you with a night for your rest? Do you not see?”

[28:73] It is mercy from Him that He created for you the night and the day in order to rest (during the night), then seek His provisions (during the day), that you may be appreciative.

Idols Possess No Power

[28:74] The day will come when He asks them, “Where are the idols you had fabricated to rank with Me?”

[28:75] We will select from every community a witness, then say, “Present your proof.” They will realize then that all truth belongs with God, while the idols they had fabricated will abandon them.

Qãroon

[28:76] Qaaroon (the slave driver) was one of Moses’ people who betrayed them and oppressed them. We gave him so many treasures that the keys thereof were almost too heavy for the strongest band. His people said to him, “Do not be so arrogant; God does not love those who are arrogant.

[28:77] “Use the provisions bestowed upon you by God to seek the abode of the Hereafter, without neglecting your share in this world. Be charitable, as God has been charitable towards you. Do not keep on corrupting the earth. God does not love the corruptors.”

[28:78] He said, “I attained all this because of my own cleverness.” Did he not realize that God had annihilated before him generations that were much stronger than he, and greater in number? The (annihilated) transgressors were not asked about their crimes.

[28:79] One day, he came out to his people in full splendor. Those who preferred this worldly life said, “Oh, we wish that we possessed what Qaaroon has attained. Indeed, he is very fortunate.”

The Real Wealth

[28:80] As for those who were blessed with knowledge, they said, “Woe to you, God’s recompense is far better for those who believe and lead a righteous life.” None attains this except the steadfast.

The Tyrants’ Inevitable Fate

[28:81] We then caused the earth to swallow him and his mansion. No army could have helped him against God; he was not destined to be a winner.

[28:82] Those who were envious of him the day before said, “Now we realize that God is the One who provides for whomever He chooses from among His servants, and withholds. If it were not for God’s grace towards us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us too. We now realize that the disbelievers never succeed.”

The Ultimate Winners

[28:83] We reserve the abode of the Hereafter for those who do not seek exaltation on earth, nor corruption. The ultimate victory belongs to the righteous.

[28:84] Whoever works righteousness receives a far better reward. As for those who commit sins, the retribution for their sins is precisely equivalent to their works.

[28:85] Surely, the One who decreed the Quran for you will summon you to a predetermined appointment. Say, “My Lord is fully aware of those who uphold the guidance, and those who have gone astray.”

[28:86] You never expected this scripture to come your way; but this is a mercy from your Lord. Therefore, you shall not side with the disbelievers.

[28:87] Nor shall you be diverted from God’s revelations, after they have come to you, and invite the others to your Lord. And do not ever fall into idol worship.

[28:88] You shall not worship beside God any other god. There is no other god beside Him. Everything perishes except His presence. To Him belongs all sovereignty, and to Him you will be returned.

 

[27:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[27:1] T. S. These (letters) constitute proofs of the Quran; a profound scripture.

(See the meaning and the significance of these Quranic initials.)

[27:2] A beacon, and good news, for the believers.

[27:3] Who observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they are, with regard to the Hereafter, absolutely certain.

[27:4] Those who do not believe in the Hereafter, we adorn their works in their eyes. Thus, they continue to blunder.

[27:5] It is these who incur the worst retribution, and in the Hereafter, they will be the worst losers.

[27:6] Surely, you are receiving the Quran from a Most Wise, Omniscient.

Moses

[27:7] Recall that Moses said to his family, “I see a fire; let me bring you news therefrom, or a torch to warm you.”

[27:8] When he came to it, he was called: “Blessed is the One (who is speaking from) within the fire, and those around it.” Glory be to God, Lord of the universe.

[27:9] “O Moses, this is Me, God, the Almighty, Most Wise.

[27:10] “Throw down your staff.” When he saw it moving like a demon, he turned around and fled. “O Moses, do not be afraid. My messengers shall not fear.

[27:11] “Except those who commit a transgression, then substitute righteousness after sinning; I am Forgiving, Most Merciful.

[27:12] “Put your hand in your pocket; it will come out white, without a blemish. These are among nine miracles to Pharaoh and his people, for they are wicked people.”

[27:13] When our miracles were presented to them, clear and profound, they said, “This is obviously magic.”

[27:14] They rejected them and were utterly convinced of their wrong ways, due to their arrogance. Note the consequences for the evildoers.

David and Solomon

[27:15] We endowed David and Solomon with knowledge, and they said, “Praise God for blessing us more than many of His believing servants.”

[27:16] Solomon was David’s heir. He said, “O people, we have been endowed with understanding the language of the birds, and all kinds of things have been bestowed upon us. This is indeed a real blessing.”

[27:17] Mobilized in the service of Solomon were his obedient soldiers of jinns and humans, as well as the birds; all at his disposal.

[27:18] When they approached the valley of the ants, one ant said, “O you ants, go into your homes, lest you get crushed by Solomon and his soldiers, without perceiving.”

[27:19] He smiled and laughed at her statement, and said, “My Lord, direct me to be appreciative of the blessings You have bestowed upon me and my parents, and to do the righteous works that please You. Admit me by Your mercy into the company of Your righteous servants.”

[27:20] He inspected the birds, and noted: “Why do I not see the hoopoe? Why is he missing?

[27:21] “I will punish him severely or sacrifice him, unless he gives me a good excuse.”

[27:22] He did not wait for long. (The hoopoe) said, “I have news that you do not have. I brought to you from Sheba, some important information.

[27:23] “I found a woman ruling them, who is blessed with everything, and possesses a tremendous palace.

[27:24] “I found her and her people prostrating before the sun, instead of God. The devil has adorned their works in their eyes, and has repulsed them from the path; consequently, they are not guided.”

[27:25] They should have been prostrating before God, the One who manifests all the mysteries in the heavens and the earth, and the One who knows everything you conceal and everything you declare.

[27:26] God: there is no other god beside Him; the Lord with the great dominion.

[27:27] (Solomon) said, “We will see if you told the truth, or if you are a liar.

[27:28] “Take this letter from me, give it to them, then watch for their response.”

Back in Sheba

[27:29] She said, “O my advisers, I have received an honorable letter.

[27:30] “It is from Solomon, and it is, `In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.’

[27:31] “Proclaiming: `Do not be arrogant; come to me as submitters.’ “

[27:32] She said, “O my advisers, counsel me in this matter. I am not deciding anything until you advise me.”

[27:33] They said, “We possess the power, we possess the fighting skills, and the ultimate command is in your hand. You decide what to do.”

[27:34] She said, “The kings corrupt any land they invade, and subjugate its dignified people. This is what they usually do.

[27:35] “I am sending a gift to them; let us see what the messengers come back with.”

[27:36] When the hoopoe returned to Solomon (he told him the news), and he responded (to Sheba’s people): “Are you giving me money? What God has given me is far better than what He has given you. You are the ones to rejoice in such gifts.”

[27:37] (To the hoopoe, he said,) “Go back to them (and let them know that) we will come to them with forces they cannot imagine. We will evict them, humiliated and debased.”

[27:38] He said, “O you elders, which of you can bring me her mansion, before they arrive here as submitters?”

[27:39] One afrit from the jinns said, “I can bring it to you before you stand up. I am powerful enough to do this.”

[27:40] The one who possessed knowledge from the book said, “I can bring it to you in the blink of your eye.” When he saw it settled in front of him, he said, “This is a blessing from my Lord, whereby He tests me, to show whether I am appreciative or unappreciative. Whoever is appreciative is appreciative for his own good, and if one turns unappreciative, then my Lord is in no need for him, Most Honorable.”

[27:41] He said, “Remodel her mansion for her. Let us see if she will be guided, or continue with the misguided.”

[27:42] When she arrived, she was asked, “Does your mansion look like this?” She said, “It seems that this is it.” (Solomon said,) “We knew beforehand what she was going to do, and we were already submitters.”

[27:43] She had been diverted by worshiping idols instead of God; she belonged to disbelieving people.

[27:44] She was told, “Go inside the palace.” When she saw its interior, she thought it was a pool of water, and she (pulled up her dress,) exposing her legs. He said, “This interior is now paved with crystal.” She said, “My Lord, I have wronged my soul. I now submit with Solomon to God, Lord of the universe.”

Sãleh

[27:45] We have sent to Thamoud their brother Saaleh, saying, “You shall worship God.” But they turned into two feuding factions.

[27:46] He said, “O my people, why do you hasten to commit evil instead of good works? If only you implore God for forgiveness, you may attain mercy.”

[27:47] They said, “We consider you a bad omen for us, you and those who joined you.” He said, “Your omen is fully controlled by God. Indeed, you are deviant people.”

[27:48] There were nine gangsters in the city who were wicked, and never did anything good.

[27:49] They said, “Let us swear by God that we kill him and his people, then tell his tribe, `We know nothing about their death. We are truthful.’ “

God Protects The Believers

[27:50] They plotted and schemed, but we also plotted and schemed, while they did not perceive.

[27:51] Note the consequences of their plotting; we annihilated them and all their people.

[27:52] Here are their homes utterly ruined, because of their transgression. This should be a lesson for people who know.

[27:53] We save those who believe and lead a righteous life.

Lot

[27:54] Lot said to his people, “How could you commit such an abomination, publicly, while you see?

[27:55] “You practice sex with the men, lustfully, instead of the women. Indeed, you are ignorant people.”

[27:56] The only response from his people was their saying, “Banish Lot’s family from your town; they are people who wish to be pure.”

[27:57] Consequently, we saved him and his family, except his wife; we counted her among the doomed.

[27:58] We showered them with a certain shower. It was a miserable shower upon people who had been warned.

Make No Distinction Among God’s Messengers

[27:59] Say, “Praise be to God and peace be upon His servants whom He chose. Is God better, or the idols some people set up?”

God ALONE Worthy of Worship

[27:60] Who is the One who created the heavens and the earth? Who is the One who sends down to you from the sky water, whereby we produce gardens full of beauty – you could not possibly manufacture its trees? Is it another god with God? Indeed, they are people who have deviated.

Jesus, Mary, Muhammad, the Saints, etc. Never Participated

[27:61] Who is the One who made the earth habitable, caused rivers to run through it, placed on it mountains, and created a barrier between the two waters? Is it another god with God? Indeed, most of them do not know.

[27:62] Who is the One who rescues those who become desperate and call upon Him, relieves adversity, and makes you inheritors of the earth? Is it another god with God? Rarely do you take heed.

[27:63] Who is the One who guides you in the darkness of land and sea? Who is the One who sends the winds with good news, signaling His mercy? Is it another god with God? Most exalted is God, above having any partner.

[27:64] Who is the One who initiates the creation, then repeats it? Who is the One who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? Is it another god with God? Say, “Show me your proof, if you are truthful.”

[27:65] Say, “No one in the heavens and the earth knows the future except God. They do not even perceive how or when they will be resurrected.”

Believing in the Hereafter: Great Obstacle for Most People

[27:66] In fact, their knowledge concerning the Hereafter is confused. In fact, they harbor doubts about it. In fact, they are totally heedless thereof.

[27:67] Those who disbelieved said, “After we turn into dust, and also our parents, do we get brought out?

[27:68] “We have been given the same promise in the past. These are nothing but tales from the past.”

[27:69] Say, “Roam the earth and note the consequences for the guilty.”

[27:70] Do not grieve over them, and do not be annoyed by their scheming.

[27:71] They say, “When will that promise come to pass, if you are truthful?”

[27:72] Say, “You are already suffering some of the retribution you challenge.”

[27:73] Your Lord is full of grace towards the people, but most of them are unappreciative.

[27:74] Your Lord fully knows what their chests hide, and what they declare.

[27:75] There is nothing in the heavens and the earth that is hidden (from God); everything is in a profound record.

[27:76] This Quran settles many issues for the Children of Israel; issues that they are still disputing.

[27:77] And most assuredly, it is a guide and mercy for the believers.

[27:78] Your Lord is the One who judges among them in accordance with His rules. He is the Almighty, the Omniscient.

[27:79] Therefore, put your trust in God; you are following the manifest truth.

[27:80] You cannot make the dead, nor the deaf, hear the call, if they turn away.

[27:81] Nor can you guide the blind out of their straying. The only ones who will hear you are those who believe in our revelations, and decide to be submitters.

[27:82] At the right time, we will produce for them a creature, made of earthly materials, declaring that the people are not certain about our revelations.

[27:83] The day will come when we summon from every community some of those who did not believe in our proofs, forcibly.

Study the Quran’s Mathematical Code

[27:84] When they arrive, He will say, “You have rejected My revelations, before acquiring knowledge about them. Is this not what you did?”

[27:85] They will incur the requital for their wickedness; they will say nothing.

[27:86] Have they not seen that we made the night for their rest, and the day lighted? These should be sufficient proofs for people who believe.

[27:87] On the day when the horn is blown, everyone in the heavens and the earth will be horrified, except those chosen by God. All will come before Him, forcibly.

Earth’s Movement: A Scientific Miracle

[27:88] When you look at the mountains, you think that they are standing still. But they are moving, like the clouds. Such is the manufacture of God, who perfected everything. He is fully Cognizant of everything you do.

The Day of Judgment

[27:89] Those who bring good works (in their records) will receive far better rewards, and they will be perfectly secure from the horrors of that day.

[27:90] As for those who bring evil works, they will be forced into Hell. Do you not get requited for what you did?

[27:91] I am simply commanded to worship the Lord of this town – He has made it a safe sanctuary – and He possesses all things. I am commanded to be a submitter.

[27:92] And to recite the Quran. Whoever is guided is guided for his own good, and if they go astray, then say, “I am simply a warner.”

[27:93] And say, “Praise be to God; He will show you His proofs, until you recognize them. Your Lord is never unaware of anything you do.”

 

[26:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[26:1] T. S. M. (Ta, Seen, Mim)

[26:2] These (letters) constitute proofs of this clarifying scripture.

[26:3] You may blame yourself that they are not believers.

[26:4] If we will, we can send from the sky a sign that forces their necks to bow.

The Quran’s Mathematical Code

[26:5] Whenever a reminder from the Most Gracious comes to them, that is new, they turn away in aversion.

[26:6] Since they disbelieved, they have incurred the consequences of their heedlessness.

[26:7] Have they not seen the earth, and how many kinds of beautiful plants we have grown thereon?

[26:8] This should be a sufficient proof for them, but most of them are not believers.

[26:9] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

Moses

[26:10] Recall that your Lord called Moses: “Go to the transgressing people.

[26:11] “Pharaoh’s people; perhaps they reform.”

[26:12] He said, “My Lord, I fear lest they disbelieve me.

[26:13] “I may lose my temper. My tongue gets tied; send for my brother Aaron.

[26:14] “Also, they consider me a fugitive; I fear lest they kill me.”

[26:15] He said, “No, (they will not). Go with My proofs. We will be with you, listening.

[26:16] “Go to Pharaoh and say, `We are messengers from the Lord of the universe.’

[26:17] ” `Let the Children of Israel go.’ “

[26:18] He said, “Did we not raise you from infancy, and you spent many years with us?

[26:19] “Then you committed the crime that you committed, and you were ungrateful.”

[26:20] He said, “Indeed, I did it when I was astray.

[26:21] “Then I fled, when I feared you, and my Lord endowed me with wisdom and made me one of the messengers.

[26:22] “You are boasting that you did me a favor, while enslaving the Children of Israel!”

[26:23] Pharaoh said, “What is the Lord of the universe?”

[26:24] He said, “The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them. You should be certain about this.”

[26:25] He said to those around him, “Did you hear this?”

[26:26] He said, “Your Lord and the Lord of your ancestors.”

[26:27] He said, “Your messenger who is sent to you is crazy.”

[26:28] He said, “The Lord of the east and the west, and everything between them, if you understand.”

[26:29] He said, “If you accept any god, other than me, I will throw you in the prison.”

[26:30] He said, “What if I show you something profound?”

[26:31] He said, “Then produce it, if you are truthful.”

[26:32] He then threw his staff, whereupon it became a profound snake.

[26:33] And he took out his hand, and it was white to the beholders.

[26:34] He said to the elders around him, “This is an experienced magician.

[26:35] “He wants to take you out of your land, with his magic. What do you suggest?”

[26:36] They said, “Respite him and his brother, and send summoners to every town.

[26:37] “Let them summon every experienced magician.”

[26:38] The magicians were gathered at the appointed time, on the appointed day.

[26:39] The people were told: “Come one and all; let us gather together here.

[26:40] “Maybe we will follow the magicians, if they are the winners.”

[26:41] When the magicians came, they said to Pharaoh, “Do we get paid, if we are the winners?”

[26:42] He said, “Yes indeed; you will even be close to me.”

[26:43] Moses said to them “Throw what you are going to throw.”

[26:44] They threw their ropes and sticks, and said, “By Pharaoh’s majesty, we will be the victors.”

[26:45] Moses threw his staff, whereupon it swallowed what they fabricated.

The Experts See the Truth

[26:46] The magicians fell prostrate.

[26:47] They said, “We believe in the Lord of the universe.

[26:48] “The Lord of Moses and Aaron.”

[26:49] He said, “Did you believe with him before I give you permission? He must be your teacher, who taught you magic. You will surely find out. I will sever your hands and feet on alternate sides. I will crucify you all.”

[26:50] They said, “This will not change our decision; to our Lord we will return.

[26:51] “We hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, especially that we are the first believers.”

[26:52] We inspired Moses: “Travel with My servants; you will be pursued.”

[26:53] Pharaoh sent to the cities callers.

[26:54] (Proclaiming,) “This is a small gang.

[26:55] “They are now opposing us.

[26:56] “Let us all beware of them.”

The Inevitable Retribution

[26:57] Consequently, we deprived them of gardens and springs.

[26:58] And treasures and an honorable position.

[26:59] Then we made it an inheritance for the Children of Israel.

[26:60] They pursued them towards the east.

[26:61] When both parties saw each other, Moses’ people said, “We will be caught.”

[26:62] He said, “No way. My Lord is with me; He will guide me.”

[26:63] We then inspired Moses: “Strike the sea with your staff,” whereupon it parted. Each part was like a great hill.

[26:64] We then delivered them all.

[26:65] We thus saved Moses and all those who were with him.

[26:66] And we drowned the others.

[26:67] This should be a sufficient proof, but most people are not believers.

[26:68] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

Abraham

[26:69] Narrate to them Abraham’s history.

[26:70] He said to his father and his people, “What is this you are worshiping?”

[26:71] They said, “We worship statues; we are totally devoted to them.”

[26:72] He said, “Can they hear you when you implore?

[26:73] “Can they benefit you, or harm you?”

[26:74] They said, “No; but we found our parents doing this.”

[26:75] He said, “Do you see these idols that you worship.

[26:76] “You and your ancestors.

[26:77] “I am against them, for I am devoted only to the Lord of the universe.

[26:78] “The One who created me, and guided me.

[26:79] “The One who feeds me and waters me.

[26:80] “And when I get sick, He heals me.

[26:81] “The One who puts me to death, then brings me back to life.

[26:82] “The One who hopefully will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment.

[26:83] “My Lord, grant me wisdom, and include me with the righteous.

[26:84] “Let the example I set for the future generations be a good one.

[26:85] “Make me one of the inheritors of the blissful Paradise.

[26:86] “And forgive my father, for he has gone astray.

[26:87] “And do not forsake me on the Day of Resurrection.”

[26:88] That is the day when neither money, nor children, can help.

[26:89] Only those who come to God with their whole heart (will be saved).

[26:90] Paradise will be presented to the righteous.

[26:91] Hell will be set up for the strayers.

They Will Disown Their Idols

[26:92] They will be asked, “Where are the idols you had worshiped

[26:93] “beside God? Can they help you now? Can they help themselves?”

[26:94] They will be thrown therein, together with the strayers.

[26:95] And all of Satan’s soldiers.

[26:96] They will say as they feud therein,

[26:97] “By God, we were far astray.

[26:98] “How could we set you up to rank with the Lord of the universe?

[26:99] “Those who misled us were wicked.

[26:100] “Now we have no intercessors.

[26:101] “Nor a single close friend.

[26:102] “If only we could get another chance, we would then believe.”

[26:103] This should be a good lesson. But most people are not believers.

[26:104] Your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

Noah

[26:105] The people of Noah disbelieved the messengers.

[26:106] Their brother Noah said to them, “Would you not be righteous?

[26:107] “I am an honest messenger to you.

[26:108] “You shall reverence God and obey me.

[26:109] “I do not ask you for any wage. My wage comes from the Lord of the universe.

[26:110] “You shall reverence God and obey me.”

[26:111] They said, “How can we believe with you, when the worst among us have followed you?”

[26:112] He said, “How do I know what they did?

[26:113] “Their judgment rests only with my Lord, if you could perceive.

[26:114] “I will never dismiss the believers.

[26:115] “I am no more than a clarifying warner.”

[26:116] They said, “Unless you refrain, O Noah, you will be stoned.”

[26:117] He said, “My Lord, my people have disbelieved me.

[26:118] “Grant me victory against them, and deliver me and my company of believers.”

[26:119] We delivered him and those who accompanied him in the loaded ark.

[26:120] Then we drowned the others.

[26:121] This should be a lesson, but most people are not believers.

[26:122] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

Hûd

[26:123] `Aad disbelieved the messengers.

[26:124] Their brother Hood said to them, “Would you not be righteous?

[26:125] “I am an honest messenger to you.

[26:126] “You shall reverence God, and obey me.

[26:127] “I do not ask you for any wage; my wage comes from the Lord of the universe.

[26:128] “You build on every hill a mansion for vanity’s sake.

[26:129] “You set up buildings as if you last forever.

[26:130] “And when you strike, you strike mercilessly.

[26:131] “You shall reverence God and obey me.

[26:132] “Reverence the One who provided you with all the things you know.

[26:133] “He provided you with livestock and children.

[26:134] “And gardens and springs.

[26:135] “I fear for you the retribution of an awesome day.”

[26:136] They said, “It is the same whether you preach, or do not preach.

[26:137] “That affliction was limited to our ancestors.

[26:138] “No retribution will ever befall us.”

[26:139] They thus disbelieved and, consequently, we annihilated them. This should be a lesson, but most people are not believers.

[26:140] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

Sãleh

[26:141] Thamoud disbelieved the messengers.

[26:142] Their brother Saaleh said to them, “Would you not be righteous?

[26:143] “I am an honest messenger to you.

[26:144] “You shall reverence God, and obey me.

[26:145] “I do not ask you for any wage; my wage comes only from the Lord of the universe.

[26:146] “Do you suppose you will be left forever, secure in this state?

[26:147] “You enjoy gardens and springs.

[26:148] “And crops and date palms with delicious fruits.

[26:149] “You carve out of the mountains luxurious mansions.

[26:150] “You shall reverence God, and obey me.

[26:151] “Do not obey the transgressors.

[26:152] “Who commit evil, not good works.”

[26:153] They said, “You are bewitched.

[26:154] “You are no more than a human like us. Produce a miracle, if you are truthful.”

[26:155] He said, “Here is a camel that will drink only on a day that is assigned to her; a day that is different from your specified days of drinking.

[26:156] “Do not touch her with any harm, lest you incur retribution on an awesome day.”

[26:157] They slaughtered her, and thus incurred sorrow.

[26:158] The retribution overwhelmed them. This should be a lesson, but most people are not believers.

[26:159] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

Lot

[26:160] The people of Lot disbelieved the messengers.

[26:161] Their brother Lot said to them, “Would you not be righteous?

[26:162] “I am an honest messenger to you.

[26:163] “You shall reverence God, and obey me.

[26:164] “I do not ask you for any wage; my wage comes only from the Lord of the universe.

[26:165] “Do you have sex with the males, of all the people?

[26:166] “You forsake the wives that your Lord has created for you! Indeed, you are transgressing people.”

[26:167] They said, “Unless you refrain, O Lot, you will be banished.”

[26:168] He said, “I deplore your actions.”

[26:169] “My Lord, save me and my family from their works.”

[26:170] We saved him and all his family.

[26:171] But not the old woman; she was doomed.

[26:172] We then destroyed the others.

[26:173] We showered them with a miserable shower; what a terrible shower for those who had been warned!

[26:174] This should be a lesson, but most people are not believers.

[26:175] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

Shu‘aib

[26:176] The People of the Woods disbelieved the messengers.

[26:177] Shu`aib said to them, “Would you not be righteous?

[26:178] “I am an honest messenger to you.

[26:179] “You shall reverence God, and obey me.

[26:180] “I do not ask you for any wage; my wage comes only from the Lord of the universe.

[26:181] “You shall give full measure when you trade; do not cheat.

[26:182] “You shall weigh with an equitable scale.

[26:183] “Do not cheat the people out of their rights, and do not roam the earth corruptingly.

[26:184] “Reverence the One who created you and the previous generations.”

[26:185] They said, “You are bewitched.

[26:186] “You are no more than a human being like us. In fact, we think you are a liar.

[26:187] “Let masses from the sky fall on us, if you are truthful.”

[26:188] He said, “My Lord is the One who knows everything you do.”

[26:189] They disbelieved him and, consequently, they incurred the retribution of the Day of the Canopy. It was the retribution of an awesome day.

[26:190] This should be a lesson, but most people are not believers.

[26:191] Most assuredly, your Lord is the Almighty, Most Merciful.

The Quran

[26:192] This is a revelation from the Lord of the universe.

[26:193] The Honest Spirit (Gabriel) came down with it.

[26:194] To reveal it into your heart, that you may be one of the warners.

[26:195] In a perfect Arabic tongue.

[26:196] It has been prophesied in the books of previous generations.

[26:197] Is it not a sufficient sign for them that it was known to the scholars among the Children of Israel?

The Quran Must Be Translated

[26:198] If we revealed this to people who do not know Arabic.

[26:199] And had him recite it (in Arabic), they could not possibly believe in it.

[26:200] We thus render it (like a foreign language) in the hearts of the guilty.

[26:201] Thus, they cannot believe in it; not until they see the painful retribution.

[26:202] It will come to them suddenly, when they least expect it.

[26:203] They will then say, “Can we have a respite?”

[26:204] Did they not challenge our retribution?

[26:205] As you see, we allowed them to enjoy for years.

[26:206] Then the retribution came to them, just as promised.

[26:207] Their vast resources did not help them in the least.

[26:208] We never annihilate any community without sending warners.

[26:209] Therefore, this is a reminder, for we are never unjust.

False Messengers Incapable of Preaching the Worship of God ALONE

[26:210] The devils can never reveal this.

(A false messenger is a messenger of Satan, for he is the fabricator of the most horrendous lie. Such a messenger can never denounce idolatry, or preach the worship of God ALONE.)

[26:211] They neither would, nor could.

[26:212] For they are prevented from hearing.

[26:213] Therefore, do not idolize beside God any other god, lest you incur the retribution.

[26:214] You shall preach to the people who are closest to you.

[26:215] And lower your wing for the believers who follow you.

[26:216] If they disobey you, then say, “I disown what you do.”

[26:217] And put your trust in the Almighty, Most Merciful.

[26:218] Who sees you when you meditate during the night.

[26:219] And your frequent prostrations.

[26:220] He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.

[26:221] Shall I inform you upon whom the devils descend?

[26:222] They descend upon every guilty fabricator.

[26:223] They pretend to listen, but most of them are liars.

[26:224] As for the poets, they are followed only by the strayers.

[26:225] Do you not see that their loyalty shifts according to the situation?

[26:226] And that they say what they do not do?

[26:227] Exempted are those who believe, lead a righteous life, commemorate God frequently, and stand up for their rights. Surely, the transgressors will find out what their ultimate destiny is.

 

[25:0] In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

[25:1] Most blessed is the One who revealed the Statute Book to His servant, so he can serve as a warner to the whole world.

[25:2] The One to whom belongs all sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. He never had a son, nor does He have any partners in sovereignty. He created everything in exact measure; He precisely designed everything.

(When we launch astronauts into space, we measure precisely the amount of food, water, oxygen, and other needs throughout the journey. Similarly, God has launched us into space—on board spaceship Earth—and He has designed all kinds of renewable provisions for us and other creatures, a perfect design. Think, for example, of the symbiotic relationship between us and the plants; we use the oxygen they produce in photosynthesis, while they use the carbon dioxide we produce in respiration.)

[25:3] Yet, they set up beside Him gods who do not create anything – they themselves are created – and who possess no power to even harm or benefit themselves, nor do they possess any power to control life, or death, or resurrection.

The Disbelievers Rebutted by the Quran’s Mathematical Code

[25:4] Those who disbelieved said, “This is a fabrication that he produced, with the help of some other people.” They have uttered a blasphemy and a falsehood.

[25:5] They also said, “Tales from the past that he wrote down; they were dictated to him day and night.”

[25:6] Say, “This was revealed by the One who knows the Secret in the heavens and the earth. He is Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

(The Quran’s miraculous mathematical code, the incontrovertible answer to the disbelievers’ claims, remained a divinely guarded secret for 1400 years. God’s Messenger of the Covenant was destined to unveil it by God’s leave.)

Typical Utterances of Disbelievers

[25:7] And they said, “How come this messenger eats the food and walks in the markets? If only an angel could come down with him, to serve with him as a preacher!”

[25:8] Or, “If only a treasure could be given to him!” Or, “If only he could possess an orchard from which he eats!” The transgressors also said, “You are following a bewitched man.”

[25:9] Note how they called you all kinds of names, and how this led them astray, never to find their way back.

[25:10] Most blessed is the One who can, if He wills, give you much better than their demands – gardens with flowing streams, and many mansions.

The Real Reason

[25:11] In fact, they have disbelieved in the Hour (Day of Resurrection), and we have prepared for those who disbelieve in the Hour a flaming Hell.

Retribution for the Disbelievers

[25:12] When it sees them from afar, they will hear its rage and fuming.

[25:13] And when they are thrown into it, through a narrow place, all shackled, they will declare their remorse.

[25:14] You will not declare just a single remorse, on that day; you will suffer through a great number of remorses.

Reward for the Righteous

[25:15] Say, “Is this better or the eternal Paradise that is promised for the righteous? It is their well deserved reward; a well deserved destiny.”

[25:16] They get anything they wish therein, forever. This is your Lord’s irrevocable promise.

[25:17] On the day when He summons them, together with the idols they had set up beside God, He will say, “Have you misled these servants of Mine, or did they go astray on their own?”

[25:18] They will say, “Be You glorified, it was not right for us to set up any lords beside You. But You allowed them to enjoy, together with their parents. Consequently, they disregarded the message and thus became wicked people.”

[25:19] They have disbelieved in the message you have given them, and, consequently, you can neither protect them from the retribution they have incurred, nor can you help them in any way. Anyone among you who commits evil, we will commit him to severe retribution.

Messengers Are Just Human Beings

[25:20] We did not send any messengers before you who did not eat food and walk in the markets. We thus test you by each other; will you steadfastly persevere? Your Lord is Seer.

[25:21] Those who do not expect to meet us said, “If only the angels could come down to us, or we could see our Lord (we would then believe)!” Indeed, they have committed a gross arrogance, and have produced a gross blasphemy.

[25:22] The day they see the angels, it will not be good news for the guilty; they will say, “Now, we are irreversibly confined.”

[25:23] We will look at all the works they have done, and render them null and void.

[25:24] The dwellers of Paradise are far better on that day; they will hear better news.

[25:25] The heaven will break apart, into masses of clouds, and the angels will descend in multitudes.

[25:26] All sovereignty on that day belongs to the Most Gracious. For the disbelievers, it will be a difficult day.

God’s Messenger of the Covenant

[25:27] The day will come when the transgressor will bite his hands (in anguish) and say, “Alas, I wish I had followed the path with the messenger.

[25:28] “Alas, woe to me, I wish I did not take that person as a friend.

[25:29] “He has led me away from the message after it came to me. Indeed, the devil lets down his human victims.”

[25:30] The messenger said, “My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran.”

[25:31] We also set up against every prophet enemies from among the guilty. Your Lord suffices as a guide, a master.

[25:32] Those who disbelieved said, “Why did not the Quran come through him all at once?” We have released it to you gradually, in order to fix it in your memory. We have recited it in a specific sequence.

God’s Evidence is Overwhelming

[25:33] Whatever argument they come up with, we provide you with the truth, and a better understanding.

[25:34] Those who are forcibly summoned to Hell are in the worst position; they are the farthest from the right path.

[25:35] We have given Moses the scripture, and appointed his brother Aaron to be his assistant.

[25:36] We said, “Go, both of you, to the people who rejected our revelations,” and subsequently, we utterly annihilated the rejectors.

[25:37] Similarly, when the people of Noah disbelieved the messengers, we drowned them, and we set them up as a sign for the people. We have prepared for the transgressors a painful retribution.

[25:38] Also `Aad, Thamoud, the inhabitants of Al-Russ, and many generations between them.

[25:39] To each of these groups, we delivered sufficient examples, before we annihilated them.

[25:40] They have passed by the community that was showered with a miserable shower (Sodom). Did they not see it? The fact is, they never believed in resurrection.

Messengers Ridiculed

[25:41] When they saw you, they always ridiculed you: “Is this the one chosen by God to be a messenger?

[25:42] “He almost diverted us from our gods, if it were not that we steadfastly persevered with them.” They will certainly find out, when they see the retribution, who are the real strayers from the path.

The Ego as a god

[25:43] Have you seen the one whose god is his own ego? Will you be his advocate?

[25:44] Do you think that most of them hear, or understand? They are just like animals; no, they are far worse.

Infinite Blessings From God

[25:45] Have you not seen how your Lord designed the shadow? If He willed, He could have made it fixed, then we would have designed the sun accordingly.

[25:46] But we designed it to move slowly.

[25:47] He is the One who designed the night to be a cover, and for you to sleep and rest. And He made the day a resurrection.

[25:48] He is the One who sends the winds with good omens of His mercy, and we send down from the sky pure water.

[25:49] With it, we revive dead lands and provide drink for our creations – multitudes of animals and humans.

[25:50] We have distributed it among them in exact measure, that they may take heed. But most people insist upon disbelieving.

[25:51] If we willed, we could have sent to every community a warner.

[25:52] Therefore, do not obey the disbelievers, and strive against them with this, a great striving.

[25:53] He is the One who merges the two seas; one is fresh and palatable, while the other is salty and undrinkable. And He separated them with a formidable, inviolable barrier (evaporation).

[25:54] He is the One who created from water a human being, then made him reproduce through marriage and mating. Your Lord is Omnipotent.

[25:55] Yet, they still set up beside God idols that cannot benefit them, nor harm them. Indeed, the disbeliever is an enemy of his Lord.

[25:56] We have sent you (Rashad) as a deliverer of good news, as well as a warner.

[25:57] Say, “I do not ask you for any money. All I seek is to help you find the right path to your Lord, if this is what you choose.”

The Prophets and the Saints Are Dead

[25:58] You shall put your trust in the One who is Alive – the One who never dies – and praise Him and glorify Him. He is fully Cognizant of His creatures’ sins.

[25:59] He is the One who created the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, in six days, then assumed all authority. The Most Gracious; ask about Him those who are well founded in knowledge.

The Unappreciative Human

[25:60] When they are told, “Fall prostrate before the Most Gracious,” they say, “What is the Most Gracious? Shall we prostrate before what you advocate?” Thus, it only augments their aversion.

[25:61] Most blessed is the One who placed constellations in the sky, and placed in it a lamp, and a shining moon.

[25:62] He is the One who designed the night and the day to alternate: a sufficient proof for those who wish to take heed, or to be appreciative.

Traits of the Righteous

[25:63] The worshipers of the Most Gracious are those who tread the earth gently, and when the ignorant speak to them, they only utter peace.

[25:64] In the privacy of the night, they meditate on their Lord, and fall prostrate.

[25:65] And they say, “Our Lord, spare us the agony of Hell; its retribution is horrendous.

[25:66] “It is the worst abode; the worst destiny.”

[25:67] When they give, they are neither extravagant nor stingy; they give in moderation.

[25:68] They never implore beside God any other god, nor do they kill anyone – for God has made life sacred – except in the course of justice. Nor do they commit adultery. Those who commit these offenses will have to pay.

[25:69] Retribution is doubled for them on the Day of Resurrection, and they abide therein humiliated.

[25:70] Exempted are those who repent, believe, and lead a righteous life. God transforms their sins into credits. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful.

[25:71] Those who repent and lead a righteous life, God redeems them; a complete redemption.

[25:72] They do not bear false witness. When they encounter vain talk, they ignore it.

[25:73] When reminded of their Lord’s revelations, they never react to them as if they were deaf and blind.

[25:74] And they say, “Our Lord, let our spouses and children be a source of joy for us, and keep us in the forefront of the righteous.”

[25:75] These are the ones who attain Paradise in return for their steadfastness; they are received therein with joyous greetings and peace.

[25:76] Eternally they abide therein; what a beautiful destiny; what a beautiful abode.

[25:77] Say, “You attain value at my Lord only through your worship. But if you disbelieve, you incur the inevitable consequences.”