Part 12

[11.6] There is not a crawling (creature) on the earth whose provision is not by Allah. He knows its restingplace and its repository. All is in a Clear Book.

[11.7] It is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days and His Throne was upon the waters that He might try you, (and see) which of you excel in works. If you say: 'After death you shall be raised up, ' the unbelievers will say: 'This is nothing but clear sorcery. '

[11.8] And if We delay the punishment till an appointed time, they will ask: 'What has detained it? ' Indeed, the Day will come to them, it will not be turned away from them, and that they mocked at will encompass them.

[11.9] If We let a human taste Our Mercy and then withhold it from him, he becomes desperate and ungrateful.

[11.10] And if after adversity had come upon him, We let him taste prosperity, he says: 'Evil has left me! ' see, he is jubilant and boastful,

[11.11] except those who are patient and do good deeds, for them awaits forgiveness and a mighty wage.

[11.12] Perhaps you are leaving part of what has been sent down to you, and your chest is straitened by it, because they say: 'Why has no treasure been sent down to him, or an angel come with him? ' You are only a warner, and Allah is a Guardian over everything.

[11.13] Or do they say: 'He has forged it? ' Say (to them): 'Then produce ten forged chapters like it. Call, if you are able, upon other than Allah, if what you say is true. '

[11.14] But if they do not answer you, know that it has been sent down with the knowledge of Allah, and that there is no god except He. So, have you surrendered (become Muslims)?

[11.15] We shall pay those who desire the present life and its adornments in full for the work they have done therein, they shall not be defrauded;

[11.16] those are they who in the Everlasting Life will have only the Fire. There, their deeds will have failed and their works will be void.

[11.17] Then what of he who stands upon a clear proof from his Lord, recited by a witness from Him and before him is the Book of Moses for a guide and a mercy? Those believe in it. But as for those partisans who disbelieve in it, their promised land shall be the Fire. Therefore do not doubt it. It is the truth from your Lord, yet most people do not believe.

[11.18] And who is greater in evil than he who forges a lie against Allah? Those, they shall be brought before their Lord, and witnesses will say: 'Those are they who lied against their Lord. ' Indeed, the curse of Allah shall fall upon the evildoers,

[11.19] who bar others from the Path of Allah and seek to make it crooked, they disbelieve in the Everlasting Life.

[11.20] They are unable to frustrate Him on the earth; there is none to protect them, except Allah. Those, their punishment shall be doubled; they could neither hear nor see.

[11.21] Those are they that have lost their souls, and that which they forged has left them;

[11.22] without doubt they will be the greatest losers in the Everlasting Life.

[11.23] Whereas those who believe and do good deeds and humble themselves before their Lord, they are the companions of Paradise, and there they shall live for ever.

[11.24] The likeness of the two parties is as one who is blind and deaf, and one that sees and hears, are they equally alike, will you not remember?

[11.25] We sent Noah to his nation. (He said:) 'I am a warner for you, and a bearer of glad tidings.

[11.26] Worship none except Allah. I fear for you the punishment of a painful Day. '

[11.27] The unbelieving Council of his nation said: 'We do not see you other than a human like ourselves. We see your followers are none but the lowliest amongst us, and their opinion is not to be considered. We do not see you superior to us, rather, we consider you liars. '

[11.28] He said: 'What do you think my nation! If I have a clear proof from my Lord and He has given me mercy from Him, though it is hidden from you, can we compel you to accept it when you hate it?

[11.29] My nation, for this I do not ask you for your wealth for my wage is only with Allah. Nor will I drive away the believers, for they will surely meet their Lord. But, I can see that you are ignorant.

[11.30] Were I to drive you away my nation, who would help me from Allah? Will you not remember?

[11.31] I do not say to you that I possess the treasuries of Allah, and I do not know the unseen. I do not say I am an angel, nor do I say to those whom you despise, Allah will not give them any good. Allah knows best what is in their hearts. Indeed, if this were so then I would be amongst the harmdoers. '

[11.32] They said: 'O Noah, you have disputed, and disputed too much, with us. Bring (down) upon us that which you promised us, if what you say is true! '

[11.33] He replied: 'Allah will bring it (down) upon you if He will; you will never frustrate Him.

[11.34] Nor will my sincere counsel benefit you if I sincerely desire to counsel you if Allah desires to lead you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you shall return. '

[11.35] Or do they say: 'He has fabricated it (himself)? ' Say: 'If I had fabricated it, then the sin rests upon me. I reject the sins you do. '

[11.36] And it was revealed to Noah: 'None of your nation will believe except whosoever has already believed. Do not distress yourself with what they may do.

[11.37] Build the Ark with Our seeing (and protection), and as We reveal. Do not speak to Me concerning the evildoers; they shall be drowned. '

[11.38] Whenever an assembly of his nation passed by him as he was building the Ark, they mocked him. Whereupon he said: 'If you mock us, we shall indeed mock you, just as you mock.

[11.39] You shall know to whom a degrading punishment will come, and upon whom an everlasting punishment will fall. '

[11.40] And when Our command came and the oven gushed (forth with water), We said (to Noah): 'Take on board (the Ark) a pair from every species and your family, except he of whom the word has already been spoken, and those who believe. And none except a few believed with him.

[11.41] He (Noah) said: 'Embark. In the Name of Allah will be its course and berthing. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving, the Most Merciful. '

[11.42] And so it (the Ark) ran with them amidst the mountainous waves, and Noah cried out to his son, who was standing apart, 'Embark with us, my son, do not be with the unbelievers! '

[11.43] But he replied: 'I shall seek refuge on a mountain, which will protect me from the water. ' He (Noah) said: 'Today, there is no defender from the command of Allah, except those to whom He has mercy. ' And the waves came between them, and he was drowned.

[11.44] And it was said: 'Earth, swallow up your waters. Heaven, cease! ' The water subsided and the matter was accomplished. And the Ark came to rest upon (the mountain of) AlJudi, and it was said: 'Be gone, evildoing nation! '

[11.45] Noah called out to his Lord, saying: 'O Lord, my son was of my family, and Your promise is surely the truth. You are the most Just of judges. '

[11.46] He said: 'Noah, he is not of your family. It is not a good deed. Do not ask Me about things of which you have no knowledge. I reproach you lest you become among the ignorant. '

[11.47] He said: 'My Lord, I seek refuge with You from asking You of that which I have no knowledge. If You do not forgive me and have mercy on me, I shall be among the losers. '

[11.48] It was said: 'O Noah, descend with peace from Us and blessings on you and on the nations of those with you; and nations We shall give them enjoyment, and then from Us they shall be visited with a painful punishment. '

[11.49] That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you; neither you nor your nation knew this before now. Have patience; the outcome is for the cautious.

[11.50] To Aad (We sent) their brother Hood. He said: 'My nation, worship Allah; you have no god except He. You are only forgers.

[11.51] My nation, for this I ask of you no wage. My wage is only with He who created me. Will you not understand?

[11.52] My nation, ask your Lord to forgive you and turn to Him in repentance. From the sky He will loose an abundance (of rain) upon you; He will add strength to your strength. Do not turn away as sinners. '

[11.53] They replied: 'Hood, you have not brought us a clear sign. We will not forsake our gods because of what you say. We do not believe you.

[11.54] We say nothing except our gods have afflicted you with some kind of evil. ' He said: 'I call Allah to witness, and you to bear witness, that I reject what you associate,

[11.55] other than Him, so all of you, scheme against me, then you shall give me no respite.

[11.56] In truth, I have put my trust in Allah, (who is) my Lord and your Lord. There is no crawling creature that He does not take by the forelock. Indeed, my Lord is on a Straight Path.

[11.57] If you turn away, I have delivered to you that with which I was sent, and my Lord will cause people other than you to be your successors. You cannot harm Him a thing. My Lord is the Guardian over every thing. '

[11.58] And when Our command came, We saved Hood, together with those who believed with him through Our Mercy, and saved them from a harsh punishment.

[11.59] Such was Aad. They disbelieved the verses of their Lord, rebelled against His Messengers, and did the bidding of every rebellious tyrant .

[11.60] They were overtaken by a curse in this world, and (they shall be cursed) on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Aad disbelieved in their Lord. Gone are Aad, the nation of Hood.

[11.61] And to Thamood, (We sent) their brother Salih. He said: 'My nation, worship Allah; you have no god except He. It is He who made you from the earth and let you live upon it. Ask His forgiveness then repent to Him. Indeed, my Lord is near and answers (prayers). '

[11.62] They said: 'Salih, before this you were a source of hope to us. What, would you now forbid us to worship what our fathers worshipped? Indeed, we are disquieted, and doubt that to which you invite. '

[11.63] He said: 'My nation, think! If I have a clear proof from my Lord and He has given me His Mercy, who would help me against Allah if I rebel against Him? Indeed, you would do nothing for me except increase my loss. '

[11.64] 'My nation, this is the shecamel of Allah, a sign for you. Leave her to graze upon the earth of Allah and do not touch her with evil lest you be seized by a punishment that is near. '

[11.65] Yet they hamstrung her. He (Salih) said: 'Take your enjoyment in your homes for three days! This is a promise that cannot be belied! '

[11.66] And when Our command came, We saved Salih together with those who believed with him through Our Mercy, and from the ignominy of that day. Your Lord is Strong and Mighty.

[11.67] And the harmdoers were seized by the Shout (of the angel), and in the morning, they were found crouched in their dwellings, dead,

[11.68] as though they had never lived there. Indeed, Thamood disbelieved in their Lord. So, begone Thamood.

[11.69] Our Messengers came to Abraham with glad tidings. They said: 'Peace! ' He replied 'Peace! ' and in a while brought them a roasted calf.

[11.70] But when he saw that their hands did not reach towards it, he was wary and became fearful of them, but they said: 'Do not be afraid. We are sent to the nation of Lot. '

[11.71] His wife (Sarah), who was standing nearby, laughed. Thereupon, We gave her the good news of Isaac, and after Isaac of Jacob.

[11.72] She replied: 'Alas for me! Shall I bear (a child) when I am old woman and my husband is advanced in years? This is indeed a strange thing. '

[11.73] They said: 'What, do you marvel at the command of Allah? The Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be upon you, O people of the House. Indeed, He is Praised, Exalted. '

[11.74] And when the wonderment departed from Abraham and the glad tidings reached him, he pleaded with Us for the nation of Lot;

[11.75] indeed, Abraham was forbearing, tenderhearted and penitent.

[11.76] (It was said:) 'Abraham, turn away from this; your Lord's command has indeed come, and there is coming upon them a punishment that will not be turned back. '

[11.77] And when Our messengers came to Lot, he was troubled and distressed for them, and said: 'This is a harsh day. '

[11.78] His nation came running towards him; whilst they were doing evil deeds. 'My nation, ' he said: 'here are my daughters (take them in marriage), they are cleaner for you. Fear Allah and do not humiliate me by my guests. Is there not one man amongst you of right mind? '

[11.79] They replied: 'You know we have no right for your daughters. You know very well what we desire. '

[11.80] He said: 'Would that I were powerful over you, or might take refuge in a strong pillar! '

[11.81] They (the angels) said: 'Lot, we are the Messengers of your Lord, they shall not touch you. Depart with your family in the watch of the night and let none of you turn round, except your wife. She shall be struck by that which strikes them. Their appointed time is the morning. Is it not that the morning is near? '

[11.82] And when Our command came, We turned it upside down, and rained on it, stone after stone of baked clay,

[11.83] marked with your Lord, and never far from the evildoers.

[11.84] And to Midian, (We sent) their brother Shu'aib. He said: 'My nation, worship Allah; you have no god except He. Do not reduce the measure nor the scale. I see you are prosperous, and fear the punishment of an encompassing day for you.

[11.85] 'My nation, be just in filling the measure and the scale. Do not reduce people's goods and do not corrupt the land with mischief.

[11.86] What remains with Allah is better for you, if you are believers. I am not your guardian. '

[11.87] 'Shu'aib, ' they replied, 'does your prayer command you that we should abandon that which our fathers worshipped or do as we please with our goods? You are clement and rightminded! '

[11.88] He said: 'Think, my nation! If I have a clear sign from my Lord and He has provided me with good provision, I do not desire to go behind you, taking for myself that which I forbid you. I seek but to reform as much as I can, my help comes only from Allah. In Him I have put my trust and to Him I turn in penitence.

[11.89] And my nation, do not let your breaking with me bring upon you something similar to that which struck the nation of Noah, Hood, and Salih and it is not long since the people of Lot (were punished).

[11.90] Ask the forgiveness of your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. Indeed, my Lord is the Most Merciful, Loving. '

[11.91] They said 'Shu'aib, we do not understand much of what you say to us. Indeed, we see you weak among us. If it was not for your tribe we would have stoned you because you are not strong against us. '

[11.92] He said: 'My nation, is my tribe stronger against you than Allah? You have taken Him to be thrown behind you, my Lord encompasses all that you do.

[11.93] My nation, do according to your position; as I am doing; and certainly you will know to whom the degrading punishment will come and who is a liar. Be watchful; I shall be watching with you. '

[11.94] And when Our command came We saved Shu'aib through Our Mercy, together with those who believed. (Then) the evildoers were seized by a Shout, and when morning came they were crouched in their dwellings, dead,

[11.95] as if they had never have lived there. Begone, the nation of Midian, just as Thamood are gone.

[11.96] We sent Moses with Our signs and with clear authority

[11.97] to Pharaoh and his Council. But they followed the command of Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's command was not rightminded.

[11.98] He shall go before his nation on the Day of Resurrection and lead them into the Fire. Evil is the wateringplace to be led down to!

[11.99] A curse was sent to follow them in this world and then upon them on the Day of Resurrection. Evil is the offering to be offered.

[11.100] That, which We have related to you, is the news of the villages; some of them still stand, whereas others are stubble.

[11.101] We did not wrong them, rather, they wronged themselves. Their gods that they called upon, other than Allah, did not help them when your Lord's command came they did not increased them except in their destruction.

[11.102] Such is the seizing of your Lord, when He seizes the evildoing villages. His seizing is painful, stern.

[11.103] Indeed, for he who fears the punishment of the Everlasting Life that is a sign. That is a Day on which everyone shall be assembled. That shall be a witnessed Day.

[11.104] We shall not postpone it except until a counted term.

[11.105] When that Day arrives no soul shall speak except by His permission. Some shall be wretched, and others happy.

[11.106] The wretched shall be (cast) in the Fire where they will moan and sigh,

[11.107] and there they shall live for ever, as long as the heavens and the earth endure, and as your Lord wills. Indeed, your Lord accomplishes whatsoever He will.

[11.108] As for the happy, they shall live in Paradise for ever, so as long as the heavens and the earth endure, and as your Lord wills an unbroken gift.

[11.109] Therefore do no be doubtful as to what these worship. They worship only that which their fathers worshiped before them. We shall indeed pay them in full their undiminished measure.

[11.110] We gave Moses the Book, but they differed regarding it, but for a word that preceded from your Lord, it had been decided between them; and they are in disquieting doubt of it.

[11.111] Indeed, your Lord will pay each one of them in full for their deeds. He is aware of the things they do.

[11.112] So you and whosoever repents with you go straight as you have been commanded and do not be insolent, indeed, He sees what you do.

[11.113] And do not incline to the wrongdoers lest you are touched by the Fire, for then you shall not be helped. You have no guardians other than Allah.

[11.114] And establish your prayer at the two edges of the day and in part of the night. Good deeds will repel evil deeds. That is a remembrance for those who remember.

[11.115] Therefore have patience; Allah will not let the wage of the gooddoers go to waste.

[11.116] If (only) there had been except for a few among them whom We saved among the generations that have gone before you, some that remained forbidding corruption in the land, but the wrongdoers pursued the ease they had been given to delight in and became sinners.

[11.117] Your Lord would never destroy the villages unjustly, whilst their people were reforming.

[11.118] Had your Lord willed, He would have made mankind a single nation. But they continue in their differences

[11.119] except those on whom your Lord shows mercy. For this end He has created them. The Word of your Lord shall be perfectly completed: 'I shall fill Gehenna (Hell) with jinn and people, all together. '

[11.120] And all We relate to you of the tidings of the Messengers is that whereby We strengthen your heart and through these the truth has come to you, and an admonition and a reminder to the believers.

[11.121] Say to those who disbelieve: 'Do according to your station; we are doing according to our station. '

[11.122] Wait; we too are waiting. '

[11.123] To Allah belongs the unseen in the heavens and in the earth; to Him the matter, in its entirety, shall be returned. Worship Him, and put your trust in Him. Your Lord is not inattentive of the things you do.

12 The Prophet Joseph -Yusuf

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful

[12.1] AlifLaamRa. Those are the verses of the Clear Book.

[12.2] We have sent it down, an Arabic Koran, in order that you understand.

[12.3] In the sending down of this Koran, We will narrate to you (Prophet Muhammad) the best of narratives, of which you were previously unaware.

[12.4] When Joseph said to his father: 'Father, I saw eleven planets, and the sun and the moon; I saw them prostrating themselves before me. '

[12.5] He said: 'O my son, say nothing of this vision to your brothers lest they should cunningly plot against you indeed, satan is the clear enemy of the human,

[12.6] so your Lord will choose you and teach you the interpretation of visions, and perfect His Favor upon you and upon the House of Jacob, as He perfected it on your fathers Abraham and Isaac before you. Your Lord is Knowing, Wise.

[12.7] Indeed, in Joseph and his brothers there were signs for those who inquire.

[12.8] They said: 'Joseph and his brother are dearer to our father than ourselves, even though we are many. Truly, our father is obviously wrong.

[12.9] (Let us) kill Joseph, or cast him away in some (far off) land, so that your father's face will be left for you, and afterwards you will be a righteous nation. '

[12.10] One of them said: 'No, do not kill Joseph, if you do anything, cast him into a dark pit, a traveler will pick him up. '

[12.11] They said: 'Father, what is the matter with you, do you not trust us with Joseph? Indeed, we are sincere advisors.

[12.12] Send him with us tomorrow to frolic and play. We will look after him. '

[12.13] He said: 'It grieves me to let him go with you, for I fear lest the wolf should devour him when you are not paying attention to him. '

[12.14] They said: 'We are many, if a wolf devours him, then we are losers! '

[12.15] When they went with him, they agreed to put him in the bottom of a well. We revealed to him: 'You shall tell them of what they did when they are not aware (it is you). '

[12.16] At nightfall, they returned weeping to their father.

[12.17] They said: 'We went racing and left Joseph with our things. The wolf devoured him, but you will not believe us, though we speak the truth. '

[12.18] And they brought his shirt (stained) with blood, a lie. He said: 'No, your souls have tempted you to do something. But come sweet patience! The help of Allah is always there to seek against that which you describe. '

[12.19] Thereafter travelers came, and sent their waterman. And when he had let down his pail, (he cried:) 'Rejoice, a boy! ' Then they concealed him among their merchandise, but Allah knew what they did.

[12.20] Then, they sold him for a trifling price, a number of dirhams, because they considered him to be of little value.

[12.21] The Egyptian that bought him said to his wife: 'Make his stay honorable. He may benefit us, or take him for our son. ' As such We established Joseph in the land, so that We might teach him the interpretation of visions. Allah prevails in His affairs, though most people do not know.

[12.22] And when he reached maturity, We bestowed on him judgment and knowledge. As such We recompense those who do good.

[12.23] And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him and closed the doors saying: 'Come! ' 'In Allah is my refuge! ' he replied. 'My Lord has made my dwelling a good one. Harmdoers never prosper. '

[12.24] She desired him, had he not been shown the proof of his Lord he would have taken her. But We turned him away from evil and abomination, for he was one of Our sincere worshipers.

[12.25] They raced to the door and she tore his shirt from behind. And by the door, they met her husband whereupon she said: 'What is the recompense of one whose intent is evil against your people other than being imprisoned, or sternly punished! '

[12.26] He (Joseph) said: 'It was she who sought to seduce me, ' and a witness (an infant) of her people bore witness, saying: 'If his shirt is torn from the front, she is speaking the truth and he is one of the liars,

[12.27] but, if his shirt is torn from behind, she lied, and he is of the truthful. '

[12.28] And when he saw his shirt torn at the back, he said: 'This is one of your (women's) guiles. Your guile, (O woman), is great indeed!

[12.29] Joseph, turn away from this. And you, ask forgiveness for your sin. You are indeed one of the sinners. '

[12.30] Certain women in the city said: 'The Governor's wife has sought to seduce her servant. He has made her heart stricken with love for him. Clearly, we perceive her to be in error. '

[12.31] When she heard of their sly whispers, she sent for them and prepared a banquet. To each she gave a knife, (then called Joseph saying:) 'Come and attend to them. ' When they saw him, they were so taken with him that they cut their hands, and said: 'Allah save us! This is no mortal, he is no other but a noble angel! '

[12.32] Whereupon she said: 'Now you see, this is he on whose account you blamed me. Yes, I sought to seduce him, but he was unyielding. If he declines to do what I command, he shall be imprisoned and be one of the humiliated. '

[12.33] He supplicated: 'Lord, prison is dearer to me than that to which they invite me. Yet if You do not shield me from their guile I shall yield to them and be one of the ignorant. '

[12.34] His Lord answered him and He turned their guile away from him. Indeed, He is the Hearer, the Knower.

[12.35] Then it seemed good to them, even after they had seen the signs, that they should imprison him for some time.

[12.36] Two young men went to prison with him. One of them said: 'I saw (in a vision) that I was pressing grapes. ' And the other said: 'I saw (in a vision) that I was carrying bread upon my head, and that birds ate of it. Tell us its interpretation, for we can see you are among the good. '

[12.37] He said: 'Before any food comes to feed either of you, I will give you its interpretation. That which I will tell you has been taught to me by Allah. I reject the belief of a nation who do not believe in Allah and disbelieve in the Everlasting Life.

[12.38] I follow the creed of my fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is not for us to associate anything with Allah. Such is the favor of Allah to us, and to mankind. Yet most people do not give thanks.

[12.39] My fellowprisoners, say which is better, many gods at variance, or Allah the One, the Conqueror?

[12.40] That which you worship, other than Him, are nothing but names which you and your fathers have named and for which Allah has sent down no authority. Judgement rests with Allah alone. He has commanded you to worship none except Him. That is the right religion, yet most people do not know.

[12.41] My fellowprisoners, one of you will pour wine for his lord whereas the other will be crucified, and birds will peck at his head. The matter you inquired about has been decided.

[12.42] And he said to the one of the two who he knew would be saved: 'Mention me in the presence of your lord. ' But satan made him forget to mention him to his master, so that he remained in prison for a certain number years.

[12.43] The king said: 'I saw in a vision seven fatted cows being devoured by seven lean ones; and seven green ears of corn and seven others withered. My counselors, tell me the meaning of my vision, if you can interpret visions. '

[12.44] They said: 'They are confused nightmares, nor do we know anything of the interpretation of visions. '

[12.45] After all that time, the one of the two who had been saved remembered, he said: 'I will interpret it for you, so let me go. '

[12.46] (He said:) 'Joseph, the truthful, tell us of the seven fatted cows that were devoured by seven lean ones also of the seven green ears of corn and the other seven which were withered, so that I can go back to the people and then they will then know. '

[12.47] He replied: 'You shall sow for seven years as is your way. Leave in the ear (of corn) you reap, except a little which you eat.

[12.48] Thereafter, seven hard years will come upon you which will consume all but little of that which you have stored.

[12.49] Then, there will come a year in which people are helped, in which the people will press. '

[12.50] The king said: 'Bring him before me. ' But when the king's envoy came to him, he said: 'Go back to your lord and ask him: "What about the women who cut their hands. Indeed, my Lord knows their guile. '

[12.51] 'What was your business, women, ' he asked, 'when you solicited Joseph? ' 'Allah save us! ' they replied. 'We know no evil against him. ' The Governor's wife said: 'The truth has been discovered at last; I solicited him; he is among the truthful.

[12.52] This (I have done) so that he will know I did not secretly betray him, and that Allah does not guide the guile of the treacherous.