57. But verily the reward of the Hereafter is the best, for those who But verily the reward of the Hereafter is the best, for those who believe, and are constant in righteousness.
58. Then came Joseph"s brethren: they entered his presence, and he Then came Joseph"s brethren: they entered his presence, and he knew them, but they knew him not.
59. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (suitable) And when he had furnished them forth with provisions (suitable) for them, he said: "Bring unto me a brother ye have, of the same father as yourselves, (but a different mother): see ye not that I pay out full measure, and that I do provide the best hospitality?
60. "Now if ye bring him not to me, ye shall have no measure (of "Now if ye bring him not to me, ye shall have no measure (of corn) from me, nor shall ye (even) come near me."
61. They said: "We shall certainly seek to get our wish about him They said: "We shall certainly seek to get our wish about him from his father: Indeed we shall do it."
62. And (Joseph) told his servants to put their stock-in-trade (with And (Joseph) told his servants to put their stock-in-trade (with which they had bartered) into their saddle-bags, so they should know it only when they returned to their people, in order that they might come back.
63. Now when they returned to their father, they said: "O our father! Now when they returned to their father, they said: "O our father!
No more measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother): So send our brother with us, that we may get our measure; and we will indeed take every care of him."
64. He said: "Shall I trust you with him with any result other than He said: "Shall I trust you with him with any result other than when I trusted you with his brother aforetime? But Allah is the best to take care (of him), and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!"
65. Then when they opened their baggage, they found their stock-intrade had been returned to them. They said: "O our father! What (more) Then when they opened their baggage, they found their stock-intrade had been returned to them. They said: "O our father! What (more) can we desire? this our stock-in-trade has been returned to us: so we shall get (more) food for our family; We shall take care of our brother; and add (at the same time) a full camel"s load (of grain to our provisions).
This is but a small quant.i.ty.
66. (Jacob) said: "Never will I send him with you until ye swear a (Jacob) said: "Never will I send him with you until ye swear a solemn oath to me, in Allah"s name, that ye will be sure to bring him back to me unless ye are yourselves hemmed in (and made powerless). And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: "Over all that we say, be Allah the witness and guardian!"
67. Further he said: "O my sons! enter not all by one gate: enter ye Further he said: "O my sons! enter not all by one gate: enter ye by different gates. Not that I can profit you aught against Allah (with my advice): None can command except Allah. On Him do I put my trust: and let all that trust put their trust on Him."
[image]
68. And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined, And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined, it did not profit them in the least against (the plan of) Allah. It was but a necessity of Jacob"s soul, which he discharged. For he was, by our instruction, full of knowledge (and experience): but most men know not.
69. Now when they came into Joseph"s presence, he received his Now when they came into Joseph"s presence, he received his (full) brother to stay with him. He said (to him): "Behold! I am thy (own) brother; so grieve not at aught of their doings."
70. At length when he had furnished them forth with provisions At length when he had furnished them forth with provisions (suitable) for them, he put the drinking cup into his brother"s saddle-bag.
Then shouted out a crier: "O ye (in) the caravan! behold! ye are thieves, without doubt!"
71. They said, turning towards them: "What is it that ye miss?" They said, turning towards them: "What is it that ye miss?"
72. They said: "We miss the great beaker of the king; for him who They said: "We miss the great beaker of the king; for him who produces it, is (the reward of) a camel load; I will be bound by it."
73. (The brothers) said: "By Allah. well ye know that we came not to (The brothers) said: "By Allah. well ye know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!"
74. (The Egyptians) said: "What then shall be the penalty of this, if (The Egyptians) said: "What then shall be the penalty of this, if ye are (proved) to have lied?"
75. They said: "The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it They said: "The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found, should be held (as bondman) to atone for the (crime). Thus it is we punish the wrong-doers!"
76. So he began (the search) with their baggage, before (he came to) So he began (the search) with their baggage, before (he came to) the baggage of his brother: at length he brought it out of his brother"s baggage. Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king except that Allah willed it (so). We raise to degrees (of wisdom) whom We please: but over all endued with knowledge is one, the All-Knowing.
77. They said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his who did steal They said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his who did steal before (him)." But these things did Joseph keep locked in his heart, revealing not the secrets to them. He (simply) said (to himself): "Ye are the worse situated; and Allah knoweth best the truth of what ye a.s.sert!"
78. They said: "O exalted one! Behold! he has a father, aged and They said: "O exalted one! Behold! he has a father, aged and venerable, (who will grieve for him); so take one of us in his place; for we see that thou art (gracious) in doing good."
79. He said: "(Allah) forbid that we take other than him with whom He said: "(Allah) forbid that we take other than him with whom we found our property: indeed (if we did so), we should be acting wrongfully.
[image]
80. Now when they saw no hope of his (yielding), they held a Now when they saw no hope of his (yielding), they held a conference in private. The leader among them said: "Know ye not that your father did take an oath from you in Allah"s name, and how, before this, ye did fail in your duty with Joseph? Therefore will I not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah commands me; and He is the best to command.
81. "Turn ye back to your father, and say, "O our father! behold! thy "Turn ye back to your father, and say, "O our father! behold! thy son committed theft! we bear witness only to what we know, and we could not well guard against the unseen!
82. ""Ask at the town where we have been and the caravan in which ""Ask at the town where we have been and the caravan in which we returned, and (you will find) we are indeed telling the truth.""
83. Jacob said: "Nay, but ye have yourselves contrived a story (good Jacob said: "Nay, but ye have yourselves contrived a story (good enough) for you. So patience is most fitting (for me). Maybe Allah will bring them (back) all to me (in the end). For He is indeed full of knowledge and wisdom."
84. And he turned away from them, and said: "How great is my grief And he turned away from them, and said: "How great is my grief for Joseph!" And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy.
85. They said: "By Allah. (never) wilt thou cease to remember Joseph They said: "By Allah. (never) wilt thou cease to remember Joseph until thou reach the last extremity of illness, or until thou die!"
86. He said: "I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allah, He said: "I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allah, and I know from Allah that which ye know not...
87. "O my sons! go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and "O my sons! go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah"s Soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah"s Soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith."
88. Then, when they came (back) into (Joseph"s) presence they said: Then, when they came (back) into (Joseph"s) presence they said: "O exalted one! distress has seized us and our family: we have (now) brought but scanty capital: so pay us full measure, (we pray thee), and treat it as charity to us: for Allah doth reward the charitable."
89. He said: "Know ye how ye dealt with Joseph and his brother, not He said: "Know ye how ye dealt with Joseph and his brother, not knowing (what ye were doing)?"
90. They said: "Art thou indeed Joseph?" He said, "I am Joseph, and They said: "Art thou indeed Joseph?" He said, "I am Joseph, and this is my brother: Allah has indeed been gracious to us (all): behold, he that is righteous and patient,-never will Allah suffer the reward to be lost, of those who do right."
91. They said: "By Allah. indeed has Allah preferred thee above us, They said: "By Allah. indeed has Allah preferred thee above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!"
[image]
92. He said: "This day let no reproach be (cast) on you: Allah will He said: "This day let no reproach be (cast) on you: Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!
93. "Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father: he "Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father: he will come to see (clearly). Then come ye (here) to me together with all your family."
94. When the caravan left (Egypt), their father said: "I do indeed When the caravan left (Egypt), their father said: "I do indeed scent the presence of Joseph: Nay, think me not a dotard."
95. They said: "By Allah. truly thou art in thine old wandering mind." They said: "By Allah. truly thou art in thine old wandering mind."
96. Then when the bearer of the good news came, He cast (the shirt) Then when the bearer of the good news came, He cast (the shirt) over his face, and he forthwith regained clear sight. He said: "Did I not say to you, "I know from Allah that which ye know not?""
97. They said: "O our father! ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for They said: "O our father! ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault."
98. He said: "Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: for he He said: "Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: for he is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."
99. Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his parents with himself, and said: "Enter ye Egypt (all) in safety if it please Allah."
100. And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity), and And he raised his parents high on the throne (of dignity), and they fell down in prostration, (all) before him. He said: "O my father! this is the fulfilment of my vision of old! Allah hath made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you (all here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had sown enmity between me and my brothers. Verily my Lord understandeth best the mysteries of all that He planneth to do, for verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom.
101. "O my Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on me some power, "O my Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events,-O Thou Creator of the heavens and the earth! Thou art my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Take Thou my soul (at death) as one submitting to Thy will (as a Muslim), and unite me with the righteous."
102. Such is one of the stories of what happened unseen, which We Such is one of the stories of what happened unseen, which We reveal by inspiration unto thee; nor wast thou (present) with them then when they concerted their plans together in the process of weaving their plots.
103. Yet no faith will the greater part of mankind have, however Yet no faith will the greater part of mankind have, however ardently thou dost desire it.
[image]
104. And no reward dost thou ask of them for this: it is no less than And no reward dost thou ask of them for this: it is no less than a message for all creatures.
105. And how many Signs in the heavens and the earth do they pa.s.s And how many Signs in the heavens and the earth do they pa.s.s by? Yet they turn (their faces) away from them!
106. And most of them believe not in Allah without a.s.sociating (other And most of them believe not in Allah without a.s.sociating (other as partners) with Him!
107. Do they then feel secure from the coming against them of the Do they then feel secure from the coming against them of the covering veil of the wrath of Allah,-or of the coming against them of the (final) Hour all of a sudden while they perceive not?
108. Say thou: "This is my way: I do invite unto Allah,-on evidence Say thou: "This is my way: I do invite unto Allah,-on evidence clear as the seeing with one"s eyes,-I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah. and never will I join G.o.ds with Allah."
109. Nor did We send before thee (as apostles) any but men, whom Nor did We send before thee (as apostles) any but men, whom we did inspire,-(men) living in human habitations. Do they not travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those before them? But the home of the hereafter is best, for those who do right. Will ye not then understand?
110. (Respite will be granted) until, when the apostles give up hope (Respite will be granted) until, when the apostles give up hope (of their people) and (come to) think that they were treated as liars, there reaches them Our help, and those whom We will are delivered into safety.
But never will be warded off our punishment from those who are in sin.
111. There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with There is, in their stories, instruction for men endued with understanding. It is not a tale invented, but a confirmation of what went before it,-a detailed exposition of all things, and a guide and a mercy to any such as believe.
Surah 13. The Thunder
1. A.L.M.R. These are the signs (or verses) of the Book: that which A.L.M.R. These are the signs (or verses) of the Book: that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth; but most men believe not.
2. Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; is firmly established on the throne (of authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.
[image]
3. And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains And it is He who spread out the earth, and set thereon mountains standing firm and (flowing) rivers: and fruit of every kind He made in pairs, two and two: He draweth the night as a veil o"er the Day. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who consider!
4. And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand!
5. If thou dost marvel (at their want of faith), strange is their saying: If thou dost marvel (at their want of faith), strange is their saying: "When we are (actually) dust, shall we indeed then be in a creation renewed?" They are those who deny their Lord! They are those round whose necks will be yokes (of servitude): they will be Companions of the Fire, to dwell therein (for aye)!
6. They ask thee to hasten on the evil in preference to the good: Yet They ask thee to hasten on the evil in preference to the good: Yet have come to pa.s.s, before them, (many) exemplary punishments! But verily thy Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind for their wrong-doing, and verily thy Lord is (also) strict in punishment.
7. And the Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from And the Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" But thou art truly a warner, and to every people a guide.
8. Allah doth know what every female (womb) doth bear, by how Allah doth know what every female (womb) doth bear, by how much the wombs fall short (of their time or number) or do exceed. Every single thing is before His sight, in (due) proportion.
9. He knoweth the unseen and that which is open: He is the Great, He knoweth the unseen and that which is open: He is the Great, the Most High.
10. It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly; whether he lie hid by night or walk forth freely by day.
11. For each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before For each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by command of Allah. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). But when (once) Allah willeth a people"s punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect.
12. It is He Who doth show you the lightning, by way both of fear and It is He Who doth show you the lightning, by way both of fear and of hope: It is He Who doth raise up the clouds, heavy with (fertilising) rain!
13. Nay, thunder repeateth His praises, and so do the angels, with Nay, thunder repeateth His praises, and so do the angels, with awe: He flingeth the loud-voiced thunder-bolts, and therewith He striketh [image]
whomsoever He will..yet these (are the men) who (dare to) dispute about Allah, with the strength of His power (supreme)!
14. For Him (alone) is prayer in Truth: any others that they call upon For Him (alone) is prayer in Truth: any others that they call upon besides Him hear them no more than if they were to stretch forth their hands for water to reach their mouths but it reaches them not: for the prayer of those without Faith is nothing but (futile) wandering (in the mind).
15. Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do Whatever beings there are in the heavens and the earth do prostrate themselves to Allah (Acknowledging subjection),-with good-will or in spite of themselves: so do their shadows in the morning and evenings.
16. Say: "Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the Say: "Who is the Lord and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth?" Say: "(It is) Allah." Say: "Do ye then take (for worship) protectors other than Him, such as have no power either for good or for harm to themselves?" Say: "Are the blind equal with those who see? Or the depths of darkness equal with light?" Or do they a.s.sign to Allah partners who have created (anything) as He has created, so that the creation seemed to them similar? Say: "(Allah) is the Creator of all things: He is the One, the Supreme and Irresistible."
17. He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure: But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith, there is a sc.u.m likewise. Thus doth Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity. For the sc.u.m disappears like froth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth parables.
18. For those who respond to their Lord, are (all) good things. But For those who respond to their Lord, are (all) good things. But those who respond not to Him,-Even if they had all that is in the heavens and on earth, and as much more, (in vain) would they offer it for ransom.
For them will the reckoning be terrible: their abode will be h.e.l.l,-what a bed of misery!
19. Is then one who doth know that that which hath been revealed Is then one who doth know that that which hath been revealed unto thee from thy Lord is the Truth, like one who is blind? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition;-20. Those who fulfil the covenant of Allah and fail not in their plighted Those who fulfil the covenant of Allah and fail not in their plighted word; 21. Those who join together those things which Allah hath Those who join together those things which Allah hath commanded to be joined, hold their Lord in awe, and fear the terrible reckoning; [image]
22. Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; Establish regular prayers; spend, out of (the gifts) We have bestowed for their sustenance, secretly and openly; and turn off Evil with good: for such there is the final attainment of the (eternal) home,-23. Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the Gardens of perpetual bliss: they shall enter there, as well as the righteous among their fathers, their spouses, and their offspring: and angels shall enter unto them from every gate (with the salutation): 24. "Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how "Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final home!"
25. But those who break the Covenant of Allah, after having plighted But those who break the Covenant of Allah, after having plighted their word thereto, and cut asunder those things which Allah has commanded to be joined, and work mischief in the land;-on them is the curse; for them is the terrible home!
26. Allah doth enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance Allah doth enlarge, or grant by (strict) measure, the sustenance (which He giveth) to whomso He pleaseth. (The wordly) rejoice in the life of this world: But the life of this world is but little comfort in the Hereafter.
27. The Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from The Unbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" Say: "Truly Allah leaveth, to stray, whom He will; But He guideth to Himself those who turn to Him in penitence,-28. "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the "Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction.
29. "For those who believe and work righteousness, is (every) "For those who believe and work righteousness, is (every) blessedness, and a beautiful place of (final) return."
30. Thus have we sent thee amongst a People before whom (long Thus have we sent thee amongst a People before whom (long since) have (other) Peoples (gone and) pa.s.sed away; in order that thou mightest rehea.r.s.e unto them what We send down unto thee by inspiration; yet do they reject (Him), the Most Gracious! Say: "He is my Lord! There is no G.o.d but He! On Him is my trust, and to Him do I turn!"
31. If there were a Qur"an with which mountains were moved, or the If there were a Qur"an with which mountains were moved, or the earth were cloven asunder, or the dead were made to speak, (this would be the one!) But, truly, the command is with Allah in all things! Do not the Believers know, that, had Allah (so) willed, He could have guided all mankind (to the right)? But the Unbelievers,-never will disaster cease to seize them for their (ill) deeds, or to settle close to their homes, until the promise of Allah come to pa.s.s, for, verily, Allah will not fail in His promise.
[image]
32. Mocked were (many) apostles before thee: but I granted respite Mocked were (many) apostles before thee: but I granted respite to the unbelievers, and finally I punished them: Then how (terrible) was my requital!
33. Is then He who standeth over every soul (and knoweth) all that it Is then He who standeth over every soul (and knoweth) all that it doth, (like any others)? And yet they ascribe partners to Allah. Say: "But name them! is it that ye will inform Him of something he knoweth not on earth, or is it (just) a show of words?" Nay! to those who believe not, their pretence seems pleasing, but they are kept back (thereby) from the path.
And those whom Allah leaves to stray, no one can guide.
34. For them is a penalty in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is For them is a penalty in the life of this world, but harder, truly, is the penalty of the Hereafter: and defender have they none against Allah.