Az-Zukhruf
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Hâ¬Mîm. [These letters are one
of the miracles of the Qur'ân, and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their
meanings]. (1) By the manifest Book (i.e. this Qur'ân that
makes things clear). (2) Verily, we have made it a Qur'ân
in Arabic, that you may be able to understand (its meanings and its
admonitions). (3) And Verily, it (this Qur'ân) is in the Mother of the Book (i.e.
Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz), with Us, indeed Exalted, full of
Wisdom. (4) Shall We then (warn you not and) take away the Reminder (this
Qur'ân) from you, because you are a people Musrifûn.[]
(5) And how many a
Prophet have We sent amongst the men of old. (6) And never came there
a Prophet to them but they used to mock at him. (7) Then We destroyed men
stronger (in power) than these,— and the example of
the ancients has passed away (before them) (8) And indeed if you ask
them, "Who has created the heavens and the earth?" They will surely
say: "The All-Mighty, the All-Knower created them." (9) Who has made for you
the earth like a bed, and has made for you roads therein, in order that you may
find your way, (10)And Who sends down water (rain) from the sky in due measure. then
We revive a dead land therewith, and even so you will be brought forth (from
the gaves), (11) And Who has created all the pairs and has appointed for you
ships and cattle on which you ride; (12) In order that you may mount on their backs,
and then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, and say:
"Glory to Him who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by
our efforts)." (13) And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return! (14) Yet they assign to
some of His slaves a share with Him (by pretending that He has children, and
considering them as equals or co-partners in worship with Him). Verily, man is
indeed a manifest ingrate! (15) Or has He taken daughters out of what He has
created, and He has selected for you sons? (16) And if one of them is
informed of the news of (the birth of a girl) that which he set forth as a
parable to the Most Gracious (Allâh) (i.e. of a girl), his face becomes dark,
gloomy, and he is filled with grief! (17) (Like they then for Allâh) a creature
who is brought up in adornments (wearing silk and gold ornaments, i.e. women),
and who in dispute cannot make herself clear? (18) And they make the
angels who themselves are slaves of the Most Gracious (Allâh) females. Did they
witness their creation? Their testimony will be recorded, and they will be
questioned! (19) And they said: "If it had been the Will of the Most
Gracious (Allâh), we should not have worshipped them (false deities)."
They have no knowledge whatsoever of that. They do nothing but lie! (20) Or have We given them any Book before this (the Qur'ân), to which
they are holding fast? (21) Nay! They say: "We found our fathers following a
certain way and religion, and we guide ourselves by their footsteps." (22)And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad SAW) to any town
(people) but the luxurious ones among them said: "We found our fathers
following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their
footsteps." (23) (The warner) said: "Even if I bring you better guidance
than that which you found your fathers following?" They said:
"Verily, We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent." (24) So We
took revenge of them, then see what was the end of those who denied (Islâmic
Monotheism). (25) And (remember) when Ibrahîm (Abraham) said to his father and his
people: "Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, (26) "Except Him
(i.e. but Allâh Alone I worship none) Who did create
me, and verily, He will guide me." (27) And he made it [i.e. Lâ ilâha
ill-allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh Alone)] a Word lasting
among his offspring, that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allâh or
receive admonition). (28) Nay, but I gave (the good things of this life) to these
(polytheists) and their fathers to enjoy, till there came to them the truth
(the Qur'ân), and a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) making things clear. (29) And when the truth
(this Qur'ân) came to them, they (the disbelievers in this Qur'ân) said:
"This is magic, and we disbelieve therein." (30) And they say:
"Why is not this Qur'ân sent down to some great
man of the two towns (Makkah and Tâ'if)?" (31) Is it they who would
portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who
portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of
them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But
the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad
SAW) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. (32) And were it not that
all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring
worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most
Gracious (Allâh), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators whereby they
ascend, (33)And for their houses,
doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, (34) And adornments of
gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators,
thrones of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this
world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is (only) for the Muttaqûn.[] (35) And whosoever turns away blindly from the remembrance of
the Most Gracious (Allâh) (i.e. this Qur'ân and worship of Allâh), We appoint
for him Shaitân (Satan devil) to be a Qarîn (a intimate companion) to him. (36) And verily, they
(Satans / devils) hinder them from the Path (of Allâh), but they think that
they are guided aright! (37) Till, when (such a one) comes to Us, he says [to his Qarîn (Satan / devil companion)]
"Would that between me and you were the distance of the two easts (or the
east and west)" a worst (type of) companion (indeed)! (38) It will profit you
not this Day (O you who turn away from Allâh's remembrance and His worship) as
you did wrong, (and) that you will be sharers (you and your Qarîn) in the
punishment. (39) Can you (O Muhammad SAW) make the deaf to hear, or can you guide
the blind or him who is in manifest error? (40) And even if We take you (O Muhammad SAW) away, We shall indeed take
vengeance on them. (41) Or (if) We show you that
wherewith We threaten them, then verily, We have perfect command over them. (42) So hold you (O
Muhammad SAW) fast to that which is revealed to you. Verily you are on the
Straight Path. (43) And verily, this (the Qur'ân) is indeed a Reminder for you (O
Muhammad SAW) and your people (Quraish people, or your followers), and you will
be questioned (about it). (44) And ask (O Muhammad SAW) those of Our
Messengers whom We sent before you: "Did We ever
appoint âlihah (gods) to be worshipped besides the Most Gracious (Allâh)?"
(45) And indeed We did send Mûsa (Moses) with Our Ayât (proofs, evidences,
verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs
(inviting them to Allâh's religion of Islâm) He said: "Verily, I am a
Messenger of the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)."
(46) But when he came to
them with Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations)
behold, they laughed at them. (47)And not an Ayâh (sign, etc.)
We showed them but it was greater than its fellow, and We
seized them with torment, in order that they might turn [from their polytheism
to Allâh's religion (Islâmic Monotheism)]. (48) And they said [to
Mûsa (Moses)]: "O you sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to what
He has covenanted with you. Verily, We shall guide
ourselves (aright)." (49) But when We removed
the torment from them, behold, they broke their covenant (that they will
believe if We remove the torment from them). (50) And Fir'aun (Pharaoh)
proclaimed among his people, (saying:) "O my
people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing
underneath me. See you not then? (51) "Am I not better than this one [Mûsa
(Moses)], who is despicable] and can scarcely express himself clearly? (52) "Why then are
not golden bracelets bestowed on him, or angels sent along with him?" (53) Thus he [Fir'aun
(Pharaoh)] befooled (and misled) his people, and they
obeyed him. Verily, they were ever a people who were Fâsiqûn (rebellious,
disobedient to Allâh). (54) So when they angered Us, We punished them, and drowned
them all. (55) And We made them a precedent (as a
lesson for those coming after them), and an example to later generations. (56) And when the son of
Maryam (Mary) is quoted as an example [i.e. 'Īsā (Jesus) is
worshipped like their idols), behold! Your people cry aloud (laugh out at the
example). (57) And say: "Are our âlihah (gods) better or is he
['Īsā (Jesus)]?" They quoted not the above example except for
argument. Nay! But they are a quarrelsome people. [(See VV. 21:97-101)] (58) He ['Īsā
(Jesus)] was not more than a slave. We granted Our Favour to him, and We made him an example for the Children of Israel (i.e. his creation without a
father). (59) And if it were Our Will, We would have [destroyed you (mankind)
all, and] made angels to replace you on the earth. [Tafsir At-Tabarî]. (60)And he ['Īsā
(Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)] shall be a known sign for (the coming of) the
Hour (Day of Resurrection) [i.e. 'Īsā's (Jesus) descent on the earth][] . Therefore have no doubt concerning it (i.e. the Day of
Resurrection). And follow Me (Allâh) (i.e. be obedient
to Allâh and do what He orders you to do, O mankind)! This is the Straight Path
(of Islâmic Monotheism, leading to Allâh and to His Paradise).
(61) And let not Shaitân
(Satan) hinder you (from the right religion, i.e. Islâmic Monotheism), Verily,
he (Satan) to you is a plain enemy. (62) And when 'Īsā (Jesus) came with
(Our) clear Proofs, he said: "I have come to you with Al-Hikmah
(Prophethood), and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) in which
you differ, Therefore fear Allâh and obey me, (63) "Verily, Allâh!
He is my Lord (God) and your Lord (God). So worship
Him (Alone). This is the (only) Straight Path (i.e. Allâh's religion of true
Islâmic Monotheism)." (64) But the sects from among themselves differed.
So woe to those who do wrong (by ascribing things to 'Īsā (Jesus)
that are not true) from the torment of a painful Day (i.e. the Day of
Resurrection)! (65) Do they only wait for the Hour that it shall come upon them
suddenly, while they perceive not? (66) Friends on that Day will be foes one to another
except Al-Muttaqûn (pious - see V.2:2) (67) It will be said to the true believers of
Islâmic Monotheism): My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor
shall you grieve, (68) (You) who believed in Our Ayât (proofs, verses, lessons,
signs, revelations, etc.) and were Muslims (i.e. who submit totally to Allâh's
Will, and believe in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) (69) Enter Paradise, you
and your wives, in happiness. (70) Trays of gold and cups will be passed round
them, (there will be) therein all that the inner-selves could desire, and all
that the eyes could delight in, and you will abide therein forever. (71) This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of
your deeds which you used to do (in the life of the world). (72) Therein for you will
be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (as you desire). (73)Verily, the Mujrimûn
(criminals, sinners, disbelievers) will be in the torment of Hell to abide
therein forever. (74) (The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be
plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair therein. (75) We wronged them not,
but they were the Zâlimûn (polytheists, wrong-doers). (76) And they will cry:
"O Malik (Keeper of Hell)! Let your Lord make an end of us." He will
say: "Verily you shall abide forever." (77) Indeed We have
brought the truth (Muhammad SAW with the Qur'ân), to you, but most of you have
a hatred for the truth.[] (78) Or have they plotted
some plan? Then We too are planning. (79) Or do they think that
We hear not their secrets and their private counsel?
(Yes We do) and Our Messengers (appointed angels in
charge of mankind) are by them, to record. (80) Say (O Muhammad SAW):
"If the Most Gracious (Allâh) had a son (or children as you pretend), then
I am the first of Allâh's worshippers [who deny and refute this claim of yours
(and the first to believe in Allâh Alone and testify that He has no
children)]." [Tafsir At-Tabarî]. (81) Glorified is the Lord of the heavens
and the earth, the Lord of the Throne! Exalted is He from all that they ascribe
(to Him). (82) So leave them (alone) to speak nonsense and play until they meet
the Day of theirs, which they have been promised. (83) It is He (Allâh) Who is the only Ilâh (God to be worshipped) in the heaven
and the only Ilâh (God to be worshipped) on the earth. And He is the All-Wise,
the All-Knower. (84) And Blessed is He to Whom belongs the
kingdom of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, and with
Whom is the knowledge of the Hour, and to Whom you (all) will be returned. (85) And those whom they
invoke instead of Him have no power of intercession — except for those who bear
witness to the truth knowingly (i.e. believed in the Oneness of Allâh, and
obeyed His Orders), and they know (the facts about the Oneness of Allâh)[] (86) And if you ask them
who created them, they will surely say: "Allâh". How then are they
turned away (from the worship of Allâh, Who created them)? (87) (And Allâh has
knowledge) of (Prophet Muhammad's) saying: "O my Lord! Verily, these are a
people who believe not!" (88) So turn away from them (O Muhammad SAW), and
say: Salâm (peace)! But they will come to know.[] (89)