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

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

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

[18:3] Wherein they abide forever.

[18:4] And to warn those who said, "ALLAH has begotten a son!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[18:89] Then he pursued another way.

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

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

[18:92] He then pursued another way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[20:1] T. H.

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

[20:3] Only to remind the reverent.

[20:4] A revelation from the Creator of the Earth and the high Heavens.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[20:30] "My brother Aaron.

[20:31] "Strengthen me with him.

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

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

[20:34] "And commemorate You frequently.

[20:35] "You are Seer of us."

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

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

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

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

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

[20:41] "I have made you just for Me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[20:67] Moses harbored some fear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[21:53] They said, "We found our parents worshipping them."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[21:67] "You have incurred shame by worshipping idols beside ALLAH. Do you not understand?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[22:49] Say, "O people, I have been sent to you as a profound warner."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[22:64] To Him belongs everything in the Heavens and everything on Earth. Absolutely, ALLAH is the Most Rich, Most Praiseworthy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[23:1] Successful indeed are the believers;

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

[23:3] And they avoid vain talk.

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

[23:5] And they maintain their chastity.

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

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

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

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

[23:10] Such are the inheritors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[23:84] Say, "To whom belongs the Earth and everyone on it, if you know?"

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

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

[23:87] They will say, "ALLAH." Say, "Why then do you not turn righteous?"

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

[23:89] They will say, "ALLAH." Say, "Where did you go wrong?"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[23:112] He said, "How long have you lasted on Earth? How many years?"

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

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

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

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

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

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